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Tanzania
Why holiday in Tanzania?
We think Tanzania is a real bucket-list destination; the ‘Northern Circuit’ includes the contrasting Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire, yet it’s the sight of the Great Migration crossing the plains of the Serengeti that will stay with you forever.
In the more remote southern areas you’ll find beautiful Ruaha and the vast Nyerere, both are stunning. Further west and you’ll encounter wild and raw Katavi and chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is rewarded well with unforgettable views over Africa. And then relax on the intriguing islands of the Zanzibar archipelago.
Discover Tanzania
Explore Tanzania
The Serengeti National Park stages one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world, the Great Migration where millions of wildebeest and zebra follow the rains. But that isn’t all – the Serengeti delivers exceptional wildlife encounters year-round, the plains and rocky outcrops are prime territory for lions, leopards and cheetahs on the prowl.
Tarangire is a gem of a park. Naturally beautiful, the stunning landscapes are dotted with ancient baobab trees and the river, the lifeblood of the park, lined with acacias and palms. The park is home to a variety of wildlife but is particularly known for its large herds of elephants.
Flamingos, storks and herons flock to the lake at the heart of Lake Manyara National Park. You might also see the famed tree-climbing lions in the mahogany and acacia trees and we’ve always found the numerous baboons very entertaining to watch.
Often referred to as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ the Ngorongoro Crater’s unique eco system is home to a wide variety of African wildlife, which makes for an excellent safari experience. The views from the crater’s rim are spectacular and the drive down to the crater floor is an unforgettable experience.
The snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro are recognised across the world. Reaching the summit is a huge achievement for many, and the mountain’s proximity to some of Tanzania’s finest national parks and islands means there are plenty of wonderful places to relax in after the climb.
In the south of the country, are two scenically beautiful national parks – Nyerere (formerly known as Selous) with its river, lakes, wide open plains and palm forests, and Ruaha, wild and untamed, its landscapes punctuated by hills, duma palms and giant baobabs. Both parks are vast and with fewer visitors than the Serengeti, a more exclusive experience is assured.
To the west, colonies of chimpanzees inhabit the forested slopes of the Mahale Mountains and Gombe National Park. At the foot of the mountains, the cooling waters of Lake Tanganyika await. Katavi National Park may be trickier to reach, but all the more rewarding, with its unspoiled wilderness, abundant wildlife and large pods of hippos, it feels wonderfully authentic.
Tanzania’s idyllic islands invite relaxation. Zanzibar, the Spice Island, has a rich cultural heritage and a wide range of resorts while smaller islands such as Pemba, Mafia and Fanjove feel far from civilisation and beautifully close to nature.
Experience Tanzania
Safari. Wherever you go in Tanzania, you are assured of an incredible wildlife experience, but with our knowledge and expertise, we will ensure you are in the right place at the right time. The safari experience varies greatly from area to area – the parks of the ‘northern circuit’ (Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater) have amazing wildlife and are consequently extremely popular. To escape the crowds, head south to the less-visited parts of Nyerere and Ruaha or west to remote Katavi – your guide may have to work harder to see wildlife, but the encounters are more rewarding and authentic as a result.
Natural Wonders. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest intact caldera in the world, is a truly unique setting for a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience while Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa.
Unique wildlife encounters. When it comes to wildlife, Tanzania delivers. The sheer volume of zebra and wildebeest roaming the vast open plains is an unforgettable sight, but so are the playful chimpanzees romping through the forest, tree-climbing lions, the endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkeys and migrating whale sharks. Pink flamingos, storks and herons flock to Lake Manyara during the rainy season. The trick is knowing where and when to go – speak to our experts for advice.
Stunning scenery. Tanzania is an incredibly scenic country. From sparkling lakes, spectacular mountains and sandy beaches to wide open plains interspersed with little hills or kopjes, rocky outcrops, rivers and ancient baobabs, there are photo opportunities at every turn.
Islands. With a beautiful coastline and laid-back vibes, the islands of the Zanzibar archipelago are a haven for water sports including snorkelling or diving among colourful marine life, dolphin watching or taking a sunset cruise on a traditional dhow.
Cultural interactions. Encounters with the semi-nomadic Maasai or the Hadza, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes in the world, will give glimpses into a unique way of life. Stay on a coffee plantation or a working farm, visit a bustling local market or experience the Swahili culture and Arabic influences of the Spice Island.
Travel Tanzania Your Way
The options to travel to and around Tanzania are varied, the Northern Circuit is an easily accessible collection of parks, whilst access to those more remote parks and islands takes a little more planning. We’re here at African Pride to help plan and advise how to do this in a way that meets your wishes as effortlessly as possible.
Small Group Tours
Travelling in a small group with a driver/guide works well when combining the northern parks of Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. Distances are easy and the scenery and wildlife along the way are captivating. Our small group tours are designed to showcase the best of Tanzania’s northern circuit.
Private Guided Trip
If you prefer to travel independently, then a private guided trip is the perfect way to go. Your own private driver/guide will collect you and drive you along your pre-planned route, sharing snippets of knowledge to enhance the journey as you go. Ideal for a couple but for a family or group of friends it’s a memorable experience.
Flying in Tanzania
Tanzania is well serviced by many of the world’s leading carriers. For onward connections we have access to competitive fares to link with neighbouring destinations. Access to the safari areas and islands can be done by taking one of the scheduled light aircraft transfers that fly a daily circuit around the reserves. The African Pride team can advise on the best routes and fares to ensure an effortless journey.
Rail
Travelling by train through the ever-changing African countryside is a great way to see the country and a popular alternative to travelling by road. Rovos Rail operates an epic train journey across five countries from Cape Town and Dar-es-Salaam. Speak to one of the African Pride team for details.
Cruise
Cruise companies use Dar-es-Salaam or Zanzibar as a start or end point for some or their voyages around the Indian Ocean and onwards around the African continent. Voyages are planned well in advance and working with the cruise companies we can incorporate a cruise into a pre or post Africa itinerary to help plan the trip of a lifetime.
Multi-Country Combinations
If the holiday of lifetime would be to combine the mighty Victoria Falls, with views of Kilimanjaro across the plains of Amboseli, gorilla trekking in Rwanda, or seeing the Great Migration crossing the Serengeti before ending on an idyllic beach in the Seychelles, then no problem, the African Pride team relish and excel at making such dreams come true.
Tanzania’s Accommodation
The choice is yours! Choose from a five-star resort or colonial style retreat, a family run beach escape, or a private beach villa. On safari, options range from beautiful lodges to authentic simple tented camps. Discuss with us the accommodation styles preferred and we can suggest properties to suit from the wide selection of hotels, camps and lodges we know, first hand.
When to travel to Tanzania
For a general safari experience, the best months are usually January to early March and June through to December. In November it’s the turn of the ‘short rains’ so expect short, sharp bursts of rain which, in our experience, are not enough to spoil the game viewing, and the dramatic skies make a great backdrop.
If you are visiting to see the Great Migration, the huge herds are usually in the Serengeti from October to June, please speak to our team for further advice. On the islands, the best weather is from July to October when you can expect hot, sunny days and little rainfall.
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Tanzania
Tanzania is home to the highest point on the African continent - Mount Kilimanjaro, some of the finest National Parks in which to see wildlife and breath-takingly beautiful Indian Ocean islands.
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