Tanzania: Overview

Why go?

With one of the largest wild animal populations in the world, Tanzania is the ultimate safari destination. The most overwhelming examples of this - and they count among life's must-sees - are the Serengeti, where 1-2 million wildebeest migrate en masse every June-July and Oct-Nov to find water; and the Ngorongoro crater, where 30,000 animals congregate in an area smaller than the Isle of Wight. It's difficult to describe parts of Tanzania without using all the African clichés, but you can choose from the vast yellow plains of the Serengeti, dotted with acacia trees, the guaranteed sightings and incredible views of the Ngorongoro Crater, or the wild and endless Selous game reserve - the size of Ireland, but without an inch of tarmac.

But it's not all about animals. There are awe-inspiring and ever-changing landscapes, including the equatorial ice-caps of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain; and colourful local tribes, including the fierce and nomadic Maasai. Plus there's the attraction of relaxing afterwards on the white-sand beaches and turquoise seas of Zanzibar (which we've listed as a separate destination) and Mafia island. After seeing so many animals and such vast landscapes, you might need a little easy living!

Any downsides?

Transport and logistics are not easy - you're best off booking an all-inclusive safari package through a recommended operator such as Tailormade Safaris (for northern circuits) or Foxes (for southern Tanzania). Be prepared for some long, hot journeys - Tanzanian roads are not the most comfortable. As always, game-viewing involves early starts and is unpredictable (though Tanzania has some of the biggest concentrations of wildlife in Africa). Tsetse flies do bite but rarely (if ever) transmit sleeping sickness to humans. Don't underestimate the difficulty of ascending Mt. Kilimanjaro. Touting can be a problem in larger towns, and the poverty around you might make you feel uncomfortable.

Current weather/time:

In Dar es Salaam:

Activities

Game viewing is what you come for - and you won't be disappointed: there's some of the biggest concentrations of wild animals in the world. Most parks have the 'big five' - rhinoceros, leopard, lion, buffalo and elephant - but you can also expect to see a huge array of antelopes, zebras, monkeys, crocodiles, hippos, vultures, giraffes, jackals, hyenas, eagles... all against stunning backdrops that change throughout the country.

Game drives are the usual option, using 4WD vehicles with hatches or open sides. Most camps offer early morning and late afternoon drives of 2-3 hours; if you book a safari package, your driver and vehicle are at your disposal throughout.

Walking or horseback safaris are more authentic, following spoor with the help of guides to meet basking elephants, a lion asleep in a tree or even a chase and kill; no guarantees - but also no vehicles or groups to disturb you.

Fly camping will get you even closer to nature, sleeping in a simple tent (or under the stars) in the middle of nowhere, with a guide and/or porter to carry food and equipment, and make sure you are safe.

Boat or canoe trips on the Rufiji (Selous) or Ruaha rivers will reveal riverine forest, gorges, kingfishers and plenty of animals coming to drink

Bird watching is not just for serious twitchers, thanks to the profusion of brightly coloured birds (rollers, sunbirds, bee-eaters) and vast raptors, not to mention waterbirds (pelicans, flamingos, herons, egrets) and walking bustards. Many parks number over 500 species.

Swimming and snorkelling on the coast or Lake Tanganyika reveals hundreds of beautiful tropical fish; better still, hop across to the islands of Zanzibar or Mafia, with white sand beaches and world-class diving.

Balloon flights offer a sensational high: birds-eye game viewing followed by champagne breakfast in the bush.

Plane transfers between camps are exciting in themselves, with tiny Cessnas swooping down over game-filled plains onto dusty landing strips.

Trekking and climbing opportunities include much-trekked Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895m) and smaller Mt. Meru (4566m), vast volcanic humps with phenomenal views, tropical flora, wildlife viewing, craggy peaks and (dwindling) icepack.

	Overview
	Places to Stay
	What's Where
	Lake Tanganyika
	Northern Circuit
	Southern Circuit
	East Coast & Dar
	Mafia islands
	Background Info
	Travel Tips
	Getting There
	Getting Around
	When to Go