Tanzania is the quintessential, definitive Africa of your dreams. And who wouldn’t want to visit a place where the names of its legendary travel destinations roll off the tongue like an incantation: Zanzibar, Serengeti, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Lake Tanganyika, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Olduvai Gorge, “the Cradle of Humankind.”
With an estimated one third of the country protected by National Parks & Game Reserves, Tanzania provides a wealth of wildlife experiences. From the more well trodden paths of the ‘northern circuit’, to the remote and off the beaten track parks on the ‘Southern circuit’, not to mention the Marine reserves around the ‘spice islands’ – Tanzania is a naturalists dream.
One of the major draw cards is undoubtedly the Serengeti. This iconic park, which forms part of the ‘northern circuit’, plays host to the annual migration as they move seasonally from South to North each year, and with it of course follows the predators. Nine times the size of the Masai Mara, this vast landscape is so wonderfully varied that one can happily combine two different areas as part of your safari. As well as luxury lodges, seasonal tented camps are the way forward here, ensuring you are always staying in the heart of the action.
For those really looking to press that adventure button, why not weave in a few nights ‘Adventure Fly Camping’ which offers great walking safari opportunities.
Other Northern parks complementing the Serengeti, are the famed Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara and when combined together, form a wonderful and varied itinerary.
For those seeking a wilder, more remote safari experience, than you really cannot beat the Southern parks of Ruaha and Selous. Africa’s largest game reserve, but with only a handful of camps and lodges, the Selous Game Reserve offers adventure and authenticity in spades.
The spice islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia are the main coastal attractions. Old Arab towns, beautiful sun-kissed beaches, incredible diving and snorkelling, and a variety of accommodation styles to suit all tastes.
Time difference: + 3hrs GMT
Visa: You must have a tourist or business visa to enter Tanzania. You can apply for an ‘e-visa’ before you travel. It is no longer possible to get a visa from the Tanzanian High Commission in your country of origin.
You can also get a tourist visa for a single entry on arrival at the main ports of entry of Tanzania, subject to meeting all immigration requirements. You may be asked to provide proof of your return journey. You will not be able to get a multiple entry visa on arrival.
Health: You are advised to take anti-malaria pills for your trip. No specific vaccinations are required to enter. If you are combining with Kenya or Rwanda, then you will be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate We do recommend you visit a travel health clinic prior to departure to make sure your standard travel vaccinations are up to date.
Language: Mainly Swahili and English, but English is widely spoken everywhere.
How to get around: We recommend a combination of flying in shared or scheduled flights. If doing the northern circuit, then it is popular to be driven through the various areas by your driver/ guide. We do not recommend self driving.
How to get there: There are flights via Amsterdam or Zurich. Alternatively, Qatar offers a good connection via Doha into Kilimanjaro. Or you can fly via Nairobi, Kenya. Alternatively, you can fly via Johannesburg.
Who does it suit? It suits those wanting to see the migration in the north, or for adventurous types head south. Great for those that want to combine a bush & beach experience in one country. Ideal for honeymoons, older families, couples, keen divers.
The best time to visit Tanzania for a safari is during the dry season from late June to October. This is also the best time to see the wildebeest migration in the northern part of Serengeti National Park.
However, the migration continues to move all year round in the Serengeti, and the most reliable time to see the wildebeest calving in the southern part of the Serengeti is January to March.
The coastal areas tend to be great all year round. If you don’t mind the heat and humidity with the days being sunny and hot, January to March offer some of the best diving conditions.
Tanzania has two distinct rainy seasons: April to May (the ‘long rains’) and November to December (the ‘short rains’).
Tanzania is a great destination on its own as it offers both fantastic safari and beach options. However, if you are wanting to extend your safari experience, then it combines very easily with Rwanda (gorillas) and also Kenya. For an alternative coastal add-on to your safari, Tanzania also works well with Kenya.
Get in touch and let us start planning your special trip… info@sarahjamestravel.com
