A remarkable experience in Africa
Home to some of Africa’s most iconic sights, Tanzania is a must-visit on the African safari list. This East African country is famed for the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. However, these are only some of the reasons to plan a safari experience in Tanzania. With extraordinary wildlife and birdlife, natural phenomena like the Great Migration, as well as a rich culture that captivates visitors and offers an intriguing insight into an unbelievable way of life, visitors are guaranteed a diverse safari experience.
Here are our top 10 reasons to visit Tanzania.
1. The Great Migration
This natural phenomenon has been dubbed “the greatest wildlife show on earth.” Listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, the Great Migration attracts thousands of tourists each year. Over two million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and antelope, make their way from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Maasai Mara in Kenya, covering close to 3,000 kilometres. This treacherous journey across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is rarely the same from year to year as the seasons dictate the timing and direction.
2. Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is often overlooked and severely underrated. But we think it deserves a spot among the top 10 reasons to visit Tanzania. Tarangire boasts unrivalled landscapes defined by granite kopjes, ancient baobab trees, and grassy plains, home to astounding wildlife, as well as over 550 bird species. Among the wildlife, visitors can expect to spot Big Cats, including tree-climbing lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Furthermore, hot air balloon rides are a drawcard provide unsurpassed views of the African plains and herds of elephants at sunset.
3. Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti National Park is a must on the African bucket list. As Tanzania’s oldest and most popular park, the Serengeti has been a drawcard for years and offers a unique opportunity to experience the African wilderness at its finest. Home to the starting point of the Great Migration, and vast open plains that extend far and wide, the Serengeti offers something beyond any safari experience, with guided game drives, the Big Five, the Little Five, over 540 bird species, and luxurious accommodation options.
4. Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a world-class tourist destination and home to the largest unbroken caldera in the world—Ngorongoro Crater. Known as ‘Africa’s Garden of Eden’, the Ngorongoro Crater provides an unforgettable outdoor experience for safari-goers and is home to the Big Five—the rhino, the lion, the leopard, the African elephant, and the Cape Buffalo. Among the amazing experiences that visitors can enjoy are walking safaris, guided game drives, and the iconic Great Migration—one of the most spectacular natural phenomena to occur in the world.
5. Zanzibar
This Tanzanian archipelago, nestled just off the coast of East Africa, needs no introduction. Zanzibar offers a year-round vacation destination in Africa, with balmy weather, tropical seascapes, and a powerhouse of outdoor recreation for any discerning traveller. The coral reefs and diverse marine life are the drawcards for avid diving enthusiasts and snorkelling-lovers, while the tantalizing cuisine and intriguing history have satisfied many a foodie and history buff.
6. The Maasai Culture
For the curious travellers, Northern Tanzania and parts of Kenya are home to the Maasai—a semi-nomadic group of people who live by raising cattle and goat, and who were once fearsome warriors and hunters. The Maasai people move around based on a seasonal rotation and are well-known for their red and blue clothing, their colourful beads, and unforgettable dancing. Visitors to Tanzania can immerse themselves in an incredible way of life and learn about the Maasai’s intriguing history and impending future.
7. The Wonderful Wildlife & Birdlife
Tanzania boasts a powerhouse of conservation areas, reserves, 17 national parks, and marine parks, all of which are home to diverse wildlife and birdlife. The country is most famous for its iconic natural phenomenon—the Great Migration—where two million wildebeest and zebras traverse the vast plains from the Serengeti to Maasai Mara in Kenya. Safari-goers can expect to see the Big 5, Big Cats, reptiles, water-loving mammals like hippos, and of course, chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park. Furthermore, bird-watching enthusiasts are in luck. With over 1,100 bird species, binoculars are a must on the packing list.
8. Mount Kilimanjaro
Thrill-seekers visiting Tanzania come for one reason—Mount Kilimanjaro. Not only is it the tallest peak in Africa, but it is part of the top seven summits across the globe, and is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. This snow-covered dormant volcano is located in northeast Tanzania and can be seen from as far as Amboseli National Park in Kenya. Additionally, the Serengeti National Park, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro neighbour this majestic giant.
9. Gombe Stream National Park
At the heart of Tanzania’s smallest national park—Gombe Stream National Park—is the world’s longest-running study of any wild animal population. Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking research started over 50 years ago, is still going strong and provides a fascinating insight into the behaviour of these incredible primates. Wildlife enthusiasts pay a conservation fee to enter, which helps support and conserve the wildlife within the Gombe Stream National Park.
10. Wilderness Camping
For outdoor enthusiasts, there is no place like Africa—and Tanzania is a world-class safari destination. The country offers countless accommodation options, including camping and glamping in the African wilderness—providing an authentic experience in nature. Some of the camps boast luxury amenities and facilities, including swimming pools and restaurants, as well as those creature comforts of home to make a stay in nature more comfortable. A safari escape, away from the concrete jungle, allows travellers to disconnect from the nuances of life and reconnect with the wilderness.
Looking for more? Check out our Safari Parks in Tanzania for some inspiration for the upcoming Great Migration.
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