Tanzania – Overlooked by the soaring Mount Kilimanjaro and enveloped by the Indian Ocean, Tanzania is home to astounding wildlife, resplendent forests and fine sandy beaches. This is a country to become immersed in true geographic splendour – you have to feel it to really believe it. We’ve travelled this ancient land full of incredible appeal to craft extraordinary tours and hand pick the best safari lodges and beach resorts for your trip.
The cradle of human civilisation, hominid fossils from six million years ago have been discovered in Tanzania. There’s nowhere else quite like it in the world to appreciate humankind, and the country’s rich cultural heritage is kept alive today by indigenous people such as the Maasai and the Chaga. While you’ll be wowed by Tanzania’s ancient roots, you’ll discover a country of modern day radiance too. A country characterised by volcanic craters and vast plains, limitless lakes and lofty rocky outcrops, the scenery is something else. The Serengeti is part of nature’s finery in Tanzania too, where the herds of the Great Migration call ‘home’. Off the coastline, Tanzania has another jewel for you to explore – the archipelago of powder sand islands, Zanzibar.
The geographic diversity of Tanzania should not be underestimated, and you’ll quickly understand this after visiting just one of its national parks. The Serengeti is the most famous, filmed by all the major wildlife documentary makers, where the two million animals who travel on the Great Migration spend most of their year. You’ll have a chance of spotting everything from large prides of lions to elusive leopards and black rhinos here. Elsewhere, the Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest volcanic caldera that encases the densest concentration of wildlife on the globe. You won’t be surprised to discover that this is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Africa.
You might be surprised to learn that the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Tanzania’s allure. Lake Manyara is home to tree-climbing lions and dazzling pink flamingos, while Tarangire is where a huge population of elephants – sometimes up to 10,000 strong – live in a landscape of striking baobab trees. Ruaha is home to a tenth of the world’s lions and another huge population of elephants, and Selous brings an off-the-beaten-track safari experience, where even boating safaris are possible. And Zanzibar in the glinting Indian Ocean is a place to soak up a relaxed island lifestyle, snorkel in clear waters and explore charming cobbled streets.
Food on safari adventures in Tanzania incorporates vibrant bush breakfasts, game-drive picnics and home-cooked fire-side evening meals, incorporating more than a little culinary flair. Grilled game is a favourite and is sourced locally, and you can expect pillowy chapatti bread to be served with most meals, while tropical fruit is always available in abundance. On Zanzibar, the style is more about spice-infused fresh fish and seafood, as well as a wide variety of international influences.
When to visit Tanzania
The variety Tanzania offers means there is always a good time of year to go. The warmest months are between January and March, while the rainier months of April and May hold the appeal of dramatic skies and more exclusive wildlife viewing.
Zanzibar – The birthplace of rock icon Freddie Mercury, Zanzibar is a jewel in the Indian Ocean. It is not just one island but an archipelago of over forty, scattered off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. With powdery white beaches, tracts of forest and a distinctive culture, this is the place to come for a holiday with a difference.
The largest island, Zanzibar Island, is the most developed with lively beaches lined with hotels. But there are quieter spots too, where you can simply lie on the sands and relax. Urguja, the capital, is a cultural melting pot of Arab, Moorish, Persian, European and Indian influences. Stone Town, its old quarter, makes a fascinating spot for a stroll, its maze of streets dotted with fine palaces, mosques and houses from the colonial era.
Zanzibar was once known as the Spice Island and farmers still grow fragrant vanilla, nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon. A guided spice tour is a real must; a delightful way to explore the hidden corners of this fascinating place.
These two destinations make for a wonderful pairing for adventure and relaxation. Our recommendation is to spend 8 days on a safari followed by 5-7 nights at a beautiful resort in Zanzibar. Why you’ll love this trip
• Encounter roaring lions and magnificent zebra in the famous Serengeti National Park as our small safari vehicles get you close to the action in this spectacular wildlife arena.
• Experience the thrill of camping among nature and drift off to sleep to the sounds of the African night.
• Meet some Maasai Mamas (the name for women artisans in Tanzania) and learn about their village life, including how to prepare a local Swahili dish.
• Take a mind-blowing safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater for a chance to see the endangered black rhinoceros.
• Accompanied by a local crew – a leader, driver and cook – you and your family are in excellent hands for the duration of your adventure.
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