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.
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: British and North American passport holders will require a visa to enter. This can easily be purchased on arrival or prior to departure from your nearest embassy.
Health: You are advised to take anti-malaria pills for your trip. No specific shots are required to enter. 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: You
There are flights via Amsterdam or Zurich. Or direct flights to Nairobi and then connect onto Kilimanjaro (if doing the northern circuit). 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.
Zimbabwe can be a year round destination and has its advantages/disadvantages depending on how you look at it. The best months for safari are generally between April – October, when it is cooler and less chance of rain. The wildlife viewing gets increasingly better the later you go, as the bush continues to dry up forcing much of the game around the water sources. But be warned, October can be very hot. The months from November – March can be hot and steamy, broken up with occasional heavy afternoon thunderstorm. The bush is very lush and green, excellent for birders and lots of animals dropping their young. It is often a more affordable time of year to visit. Mana Pools is closed during this time. Victoria Falls is year round, but they are at their most spectacular April/May/June when there is a lot of water going over the falls. White water rafting is from August – December when the water is at its lowest.
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 and Mozambique.
Get in touch and let us start planning your special trip… info@sarahjamestravel.com
