The Wilderness & Natural Paradise of Tanzania

With uninterrupted golden grasslands, continuous sunshine, and an abundance of animals in every shape and size, it’s no surprise this wilderness paradise was the inspiration behind the film, The Lion King. Home to a roaring 10,000 lions, Tanzania is home to nearly half the lion population in the world - over a third of which live within Serengeti National Park. But while the wildlife is fantastic, it certainly isn’t all that this nation in Africa has to offer. With glorious powdery beaches, soaring mountains, and sleepy villages filled with friendly people, you’ll soon find your Hakuna Matata on a Tanzania vacation.

Scenery and Safaris

Tanzania is home to some of the most diverse scenery on earth. Dewdrops glisten on billions of blades of grass in the open plains and flowers erupt into an incredible display of colour. Zebras graze in the fields, chimpanzees swing through the trees, and the sweet sound of birdsong fills the air.

With such a large array of wildlife, Tanzania is the perfect safari destination for beginners and the experienced. Enjoy spectacular game viewing where fascinating animals lurk around every corner. Hippos wallow in the mud, wildebeest stampede through the grasslands, and the beady eyes of crocodiles eye you from beneath the surface of the water. Some of the world’s very best safari routes are found along Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, where game reserves, national parks, and private concessions come together to offer incredible game viewing. Must-see destinations include the Rift Valley Lakes of Eyasi and Natron, which is known for Hadzabe tribes and one of the world’s largest breeding areas of flamingo, and the wildlife-infused plains of Serengeti National Park.

Serengeti National Park: Fierce & Fabulous

You'll discover, on your Tanzania vacation, that the open plains of the Serengeti are the most famous in the country. Animals from all ends of the food chain graze the vast grasslands and you’ll half expect to spot Simba and Zazu peeking out from the tall grass as you head off in your game vehicle in search of the fierce and famous Big Five. Known for its incredible Great Migration of hundreds of roaming wildebeest and zebra, Serengeti National Park also offers the chance to enjoy a safari walk... if you’re brave enough to climb out of your car.

The Greatest Migration

The Great Migration is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders on earth, and experiencing it is something you won’t ever forget. Every year, the land is transformed by millions of wildebeest, gazelle, zebra, and eland who storm through the grasslands in search of water, leaving a sky permeated with dust clouds in their wake. Rain is the main factor that determines where the herd will be at certain times of the year, but you can usually catch it in the Serengeti between May and October.

Mount Kilimanjaro: Africa’s Everest

As Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s toughest challenge, offering hikers the chance to scale its 5,895 metres of misty forested slopes for astonishing views of Tanzania from above. Those who dare to climb this snow-capped dormant volcano will surely test their endurance, but since as many as 75,000 people hike this mountain annually, it can be done with a little determination.

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater, once the tallest mountain in Africa, was formed when an enormous volcano erupted over three million years ago. Since then, this crater, with its two lakes and forested grassland, has become one of the greatest places to watch the interaction of animals. Watch sly packs of hyenas hunting, elephants having a refreshing lakeside shower, buffalo grazing in the grassland, and lions sunning themselves on pride rock.

Culture Shock: From Swahili to Maasai Warriors

There are over 120 different tribes within Tanzania, offering a melting pot of culture, language, and tradition. But while each tribe is individual, they identify as Tazmanian first and foremost, and you can greet anyone with a handshake, as long as it’s done with your right hand. While on your Tanzania vacation, you’ll have the chance to meet some of the last great nomadic warriors: the Maasai tribe. Keep an eye out for their intricate artwork, from paintings to woodcarvings.

Bountiful Beaches

Blessed with fantastic year-round sunshine, Zanzibar and the islands off Tanzania are a no-brainer for ending off your action-packed Tanzania vacation. Spend your days relaxing on the powder-white beaches of Zanzibar with a cocktail in hand. Surrounded by colourful coral reefs, these beaches are literally postcard-perfect. If you’re looking to do a little snorkelling or diving, head to Vamizi, just south of the Mozambique border.

Fast Facts

• The best months for game viewing are June to October when you will also enjoy the best weather.
• Visit from January to February to experience wildebeest calving season.
• Low season runs from April to May
• High season runs from July to March (but even during high season, Tanzania is not crowded).
• A wide variety of lodges and parks are available for all budgets, but generally, the more you pay, the better your Tanzania safari experience will be.

With so much on offer, a Tanzania vacation forms the perfect Africa holiday package!

By Kirsty Perring