TANZANIA

Tanzania is the most complete Africa destination. the country is known for its fantastic game parks, tropical beaches and the continent's highest mountain Kilimanjaro. Tanzania is known for its varied landscapes with vistas, rich culture, volcanic lakes and wildlife-rich areas as well as the great migration. In the north, the Serengeti and Ngorongo Crater are world-famous. For a slightly less touristy, but still with the guarantee of plenty of wildlife in the south of Tanzania, you have the Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park. You can easily combine these safari areas through local flights. For those who wish to climb Kilimanjaro have specific itineraries accompanied by highly specialised and experienced guides. If you prefer to relax, you can do so on the pearly white beaches of the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia and Fanjove. Experience Tanzania with Africa Inside Out and discover the country's highlights. highly recommended for an unforgettable trip.

KILIMANJARO
THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN OF AFRICA

Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain (5,895 m) and Tanzania's most iconic image. Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, unlike other parks in northern Tanzania, is visited not for the nature, but for the chance to be in awe of this beautiful snow-capped mountain and, for many, to climb to the summit. Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time, although the best period is from late June to October, during the dry season.

Kilimanjaro, a World Heritage Site, was formed more than 1 million years ago by volcanic movements along the Rift Valley. Three volcanic cones - Shira, Kibo and Mawenzi - formed about 750,000 years ago. The highest point is Uhuru Peak on Kibo, one of the seven peaks of the world.

SERENGETI NZATIONAL PARK
EXPERENCE THE BIG MIGRATION

Serengeti National Park is a vast treeless plain with millions of animals living here or migrating through it in search of fresh grasslands. It is best known for the annual migration of wildebeest, but you can also see the Big Five here and nearly 500 species of birds have been recorded on the Serengeti. As Tanzania's second-largest national park, the Serengeti attracts tens of thousands of tourists every year. The best months for wildlife spotting in Serengeti National Park are between June and September. The wet season is from March to May, with the coldest period from June to October. The annual migration of more than 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle takes place in May or early June. This migration is one of the most impressive natural events and the main attraction for many tourists.

NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA
NGORONGORO-CRATER,WORLD'S LARGEST INTACT ANCIENT CALDERA.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, located between the Serengeti and Lake Manyara, is home to the famous volcanic Ngorongoro Crater and is one of Tanzania's most popular wildlife viewing areas. This huge volcanic crater has a permanent supply of water, which attracts thousands of animals that stay in this area instead of migrating. Visitors come here mainly to view large animals and spot birds. Thousands of animals can be seen on the crater floor, including lion, elephant, rhino, Thomson's gazelle and buffalo, but wildebeest and zebra account for more than half of the animals that call Ngorongoro Crater home. Bird-watching is fantastic, especially around Lake Migadi, which attracts swarms of flamingos to its shallow waters. Hippos are content to submerge during the day and graze in the nearby grass at night. Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact ancient caldera in the world, nearly three million years old. The Ngorongoro volcano was one of the world's highest mountains before it exploded and collapsed.

LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
ADMIRE THE THOUSANDS OF FLAMINGOS

Lake Manyara National Park consists of forests, woodlands, grasslands and swamps. Two-thirds of the park is covered by water and Lake Manyara is home to thousands of flamingos at certain times of the year, as well as other diverse birds. The highlight of Lake Manyara Park is its large population of elephants, tree-climbing lions and hippos, which can be observed from much closer than in other parks. This park is also home to the largest concentration of baboons in the world. Game drives, canoeing (when water levels are high enough), mountain bike rides and bird watching are the most popular activities in Lake Manyara National Park.

TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
ONE OF THE HIGHEST CONCENTRATIONS OF MIGRATORY WILDLIFE

Tarangire National Park, established in 1970, is a fantastic area for spotting wildlife. It is best visited during the dry season from July to September, when animals gather along the river. During the dry season, Tarangire National Park has one of the highest concentrations of migratory wildlife. Wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland crowd the lagoons. The park is also known for its large population of elephants and the baobab trees that are everywhere in the grassy landscape. The park is excellent for bird watching, with more than 300 species recorded in Tarangire. These species include buzzards, vultures, herons, storks, kites, falcons and eagles.

OLDUVAI GORGE
ARCHAEOLOGICAL REVELATION OF EARLY HUMANITY

Also of interest in the protected area is Olduvai Gorge. This important archaeological site has revealed ancient skull and bone fragments that have provided crucial information about early humanity. The Olduvai Gorge is an archaeological site on a series of fault lines, where centuries of erosion have exposed fossils and remains of early humanity. As early as 1911, a German professor found fossil bones while searching for butterflies in the Olduvai Gorge. During a later expedition, the Leakeys collected skull fragments, a skull and bones determined to be about 2 million years old. Tools and hunting weapons dating back 1 to 1.5 million years were also discovered in Olduvai Gorge. Another exciting find were the famous footprints of a man, woman and child at Laetoli, near Olduvai. These and other discoveries provide more evidence for the theory that there were at least three humanoid species in this region more than two million years ago.

SELOUS GAME RESERVE
THE LARGEST GAME RESERVE IN AFRICA

Selous is Africa's largest game reserve. Established in 1922, it covers 5% of Tanzania's total area. The southern area is a forbidden zone that is undeveloped, heavily forested and contains a series of steep cliffs. Travellers are restricted to the area north of the Rufiji River. This area of the Selous Game Reserve has large open grasslands, forests, rivers, hills and plains. The best time to visit is from July to October. The Rufiji River cuts through the Selous Game Reserve and has the largest catchment area of any river in East Africa. The river is an important feature of the reserve and provides an opportunity to view a variety of wildlife on the water. A wide range of wildlife can be found, including elephants, hippos and rhinos, as well as buffalo, antelope, giraffe, warthog, wildebeest, lion, leopard and cheetah. Bird diversity in Selous includes more than 350 recorded species.

ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
SPOT THE BLACK AND WHITE COLOBUS MONKEYS

Arusha National Park, although smaller than most in Tanzania, has a range of habitats comprising the forest of Mount Meru, Ngurdoto Crater in the south-eastern part of the park, and Momella Lakes, a series of seven crater lakes. Black-and-white Colobus monkeys are easy to spot in the forested area, while the crater's swampy floor is dotted with herds of buffalo, zebra and warthog. Momella Lakes is home to a large selection of resident and migratory waterbirds. People come here to see wildlife and also to climb Mount Meru. Mount Meru is one of Africa's most beautiful volcanoes and Tanzania's second highest mountain. The summit is reached via a narrow ridge, which offers stunning views of the volcanic cone that lies several thousand metres below in the crater. The climb is steep, but the route passes through parks, forests, a giant heathland and moorlands.

RUAHA NATIONAL PARK
THE GREAT RUAHA RIVER

In 2008, Ruaha National Park became Tanzania's largest park. It is home to large herds of buffalo and gazelles and has one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Tanzania. The Great Ruaha River is the main feature of Ruaha National Park, offering stunning views of the wildlife on its banks. The river also supplies much of Tanzania's electricity through a hydroelectric dam at Kidatu. Ruaha National Park is the least accessible park in Tanzania and therefore the landscape remains relatively pristine. Birdwatchers can enjoy over 400 species of birds not found in northern Tanzania, and the river, spectacular gorges and majestic trees are especially attractive to photographers.

GOMBE (STREAM) NATIONAL PARK
OFF BEATEN TRACK - IN SEARCH OF CHIMPANZEES

Gombe National Park, also called Gombe Stream National Park, is primarily for those who want to go a little off the beaten track and see chimpanzees. This is one of the smallest national parks in Tanzania and is known for the work of Jane Goodall. This British researcher arrived in 1960 to study wild chimpanzees and her work turned into what would become the longest-running behavioural research programme of its kind in the world. Guided walks take visitors into the forest to observe chimpanzees in the wild. The park is home to many species of primates and mammals. More than 200 bird species have been observed in the tropical forest, including bearded birds, starlings, sunbirds, crowned eagle, kingfishers and the palm vulture. Hiking and swimming are other popular activities; a trail leads into the forest to a waterfall in the valley.

KATAVI NATIONAL PARK
WATCH THE SPECTACLE THE MASS OF HIPPOS WRIGGLING IN A PUDDLE

Katavi National Park is located in a remote area of untouched wilderness. A dominant feature in Katavi is the vast floodplain, split by the Katuma River and several seasonal lakes. The lakes are home to huge groups of hippos, crocodiles and more than 400 species of birds. One of the spectacles in Katavi are the hippos at the end of the dry season, when as many as 200 try to squeeze into a pool of water. Male rivalry runs high and causes territorial fights. The dry season brings Katavi National Park to life, herds of impala, reedbuck, lion, zebra and giraffe can be seen at the remaining pools and streams. Thousands of elephants and buffalo also congregate in the park when the flood waters recede.

LAKE VICTORIA
THE LARGEST FRESHWATER LAKE IN AFRICA

Lake Victoria is Africa's largest freshwater lake and is bordered by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. This lake is the source of the White Nile and provides income to millions of inhabitants along its shores. The Tanzanian part of Lake Victoria is one of the least visited regions of the country, but the towns of Bukoba, Musoma and Mwanza have a number of attractions. Near Mwanza and Musoma are many islands, some of which have become wildlife sanctuaries. Birdwatching and fishing are popular excursions, and boat trips or walks can be arranged around Lake Victoria. Rubondo Island National Park, which includes several other smaller islands, lies on the southwestern shores of Lake Victoria

ZANZIBAR
DISCOVER THE ISLANDS

The island of Zanzibar, also known as Unguja, is a major holiday destination in Tanzania and is known for its beautiful beaches. Part of the Zanzibar archipelago, which consists of the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, this island has some of the best beaches in the world. The surf varies depending on which side of the island you are on, but visitors will find soft white sand and clear shallow waters, along with traditional boats along the shore. The historic town of Stone Town, known for its old Arab mansions, narrow alleys and a busy harbour, lies at the heart of Zanzibar.

PUGU HILLS
EST PLACE FOR HIKING & MEDITATION

Pugu hills are located about 22. 7 km from Julius Nyerere Airport and are one of the most unique places to visit in Dar es Salaam.

The beauty of this place is characterized by a lovely forest and bushes, lake, secret chambers for either solo time alone, meditation, or reflection moments. The forest is filled with 100+ species of trees, and a number of steep and gentle hills. Has a viewpoint that will enable you to see the breathtaking view of Dar es Salaam City. This is an ideal place to get in tune with Nature. The place has ancient caves that are used for local prayers by the residents around this locality.

SANJE WATERFALL
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Udzungwa National Park In This Tanzania

Udzungwa Mountains National Park is the tropical Rainforest Mountains in Tanzania. Udzungwa Mountain is the part of the Eastern Arc Mountains with a size of 1,990 sq km and was established as National Park in 1992. The highest peak of the mountain is 2576 meters above sea level (Rumemo peak). Six primate species have been recorded, five of which are endemic. The Iringa red colobus and Sanje crested manage are only found in the Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Hiking and trekking is the popular Tourism activities in the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, as the park has no roads and is accessible only on foot. 

KIKULETWA HOT SPRINGS
A LITTLE OASIS WITH CRISTAL CLEAR WATER

The hot springs of Kikuletwa, also known as Chemka Hot Springs, are close to the village of Rundugai and are one of the most beautiful places in Tanzania to relax. The small pond is surrounded by palm and fig trees with winding roots. In the morning, Blue Monkeys can often be observed in the trees, whilst the crystal clear, turquoise water invites you to a refreshing bath. Although they are called hot springs, the water in Kikuletwa is not truly ‘hot’ but refreshing, as the water source is fed by Kilimanjaro itself.  It’s astonishing natural-springs! And it’s about 70km away from Arusha City, a distance that takes about 1 hour 30 minutes drive through Bomang’ombe Town.
It is a remote area where locals come to relax and take a swim. You can jump from the trees or swinging on a rope and dive into the refreshing crystal clear water. It is like a little oasis.

MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK
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SAADANI NATIONAL PARK
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Saadani is a national park that is often overlooked. Its location is special because it lies on the coast, making it the only national park where you can combine an adventurous safari with a relaxing stay on beautiful white beaches lined with palm trees. Here you can observe wild animals in a unique environment.

Saadani is the only coastal national park in East Africa. Saadani is where the beach meets the bush. This is the only nature reserve in East Africa located on a beach on the Indian Ocean. It also possesses all the features that make tropical coastline and islands during a Tanzania vacation very popular with European sunbathers. It is the only place where hours of sunbathing can be interrupted by an elephant strolling by or a lion coming to drink at a nearby well!

It offers a variety of landscapes: mangroves, large coral reefs, sea and beach with many palm trees, savannahs and cotton fields

THE GREAT MIGRATION

ONE OF THE SEVEN WONDERS OF AFRICA

 All the information for Africa's great migration

One of the most important considerations when planning an African safari and determining the time of year are the migration patterns of animals. Although migration occurs year-round in a clockwise circle between Tanzania and Kenya, through the Serengeti National Park (nine months/year) and through Kenya's Masai Mara (three months/year), there are certain stages of East Africa's Great Migration that some safari goers choose to plan their trips around.

Below, we explain exactly what the Great Migration is, how to see it and more.

What is the Great Migration?

Also known as the wildebeest migration, the Great Migration is when nearly two million wildebeest and more than 700,000 gazelles, zebras and other antelope species cross the Masai Mari and Serengeti in search of food. It is a notoriously treacherous journey for the animals as they also give birth during this time to keep the migration alive for generations to come. There is a reason why it is called the "greatest nature show on earth" and is listed as one of Africa's seven natural wonders. Nowhere else in the world can you witness a similar display of "survival of the fittest" in its raw form with some of the continent's most majestic creatures.

Where and when does the Great Migration take place?

The migration generally takes place between May and December in a circuitous form between the plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania (south) and the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya (north). The total distance fluctuates around 2,900 kilometres between the southern grassland and the northern forest area, and back again in an endless loop.

How can I plan the best chance of seeing the Great Migration?

Below is info by month to help you plan in advance and ensure you have the best chance to experience this bucket list natural wonder.

BEST TIME TO VISIT TANZANIA

Tanzania is a country with diverse weather patterns and a rich wildlife spectacle. To make the most of your visit, it’s important to consider the best times to experience both the wildlife and the favorable weather conditions. Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater offer good wildlife viewing throughout the year. But June and July are the best months for seeing the migration, and February is the best month for the wildebeest calving.

The southern and western circuit parks (including Katavi, Selous, and Ruaha) are best visited during the Dry season (June to October), unlike the more popular northern circuit parks that can be visited year-round except Tarangire which is also better in the dry season.

  • Best Time & Best Weather- June to October (All parks)
  • Wildebeest Migration – January & February and June & July its time for the wildebeest migration and calving).
  • High Season – July to March these times northern circuit parks, get more crowded than southern and western circuit parks.
  • Low Season – April and May northern circuit parks still get quite a few visitors unlike the southern and western circuit parks, where many lodges close down.
  • Worst Weather – March and April (Peak of Wet season)

June to October

Dry Season

  • June and July are ideal for witnessing the impressive wildebeest migration.
  • August to September is the best time for wildebeest river crossings in northern Serengeti.
  • Animals are easier to spot as they gather around waterholes and rivers, and there is less vegetation.
  • Fewer mosquitoes due to little to no rain, and the skies are clear with mostly sunny days.
  • The parks are still not crowded during the Dry season, except for Seronera in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.
  • Mornings and nights can get cold, so bring warm clothing for morning game drives in open vehicles.

November to May

Wet Season

  • Late January to February is perfect for seeing the wildebeest calving in southern Serengeti and experiencing predator action.
  • The landscape is green and beautiful, and it’s considered the low season with fewer crowds and lower rates.
  • Wildlife is still abundant in most northern circuit parks during this time.
  • Migratory birds are present, making it an excellent period for bird watching.
  • Rainfall is mostly short afternoon showers, except for the peak of the Wet season in March to May.
  • Tarangire National Park is best visited during the Dry season, and wildlife viewing in Katavi, Selous, and Ruaha is better during that time as well.

Africa Tanzania

Weather and Climatic Condition

Tanzania’s climate varies significantly based on factors such as altitude and geographical location. The coastal areas are the hottest and most humid, while the interior experiences milder temperatures that cool down significantly at night. Tanzania doesn’t have distinct winter and summer seasons due to its proximity to the equator. Instead, the country experiences a Dry season and a Wet season. Temperatures can drop by about 6.5°C for every 1,000m you climb (or 3.5°F per 1,000ft). 

Arusha’s climate compared to Tanzania’s parks

Arusha is the town closest to the most popular northern parks and has a comparably mild climate. The peak amount of rainfall in April is considerably less in most parks than in Arusha. The altitude in the Serengeti ranges greatly, so there are wide climatic variations even within the park. The Ngorongoro Crater rim receives quite a lot of rain and is very cold during evenings and mornings due to its high altitude (about 2,300m/7,545ft). Lower-lying parks, such as Manyara, Selous, Mikumi, Ruaha, Gombe, Mahale Mountains and Katavi, are slightly warmer than Arusha – especially at night.

TANZANIA SAFARI AND COSTS

HOW MUCH DOES A SAFRI IN TANZANIA COST

Tanzania safari costs and prices.

Safari costs in Tanzania are fairly expensive due to a number of unique destinations found in Tanzania.

How much does a safari in Tanzania cost?

Tanzania safari costs are fairly expensive, why?

Tanzania has the most unique safari destinations found in Africa and the world at large, there is a range of activity and the game drive is exceptional.

Tanzania safari price ranges from $200 up to $1,500 per person per day with the price majority going into your park fees, accomodation and meals, transport and operators costs.

Tanzania safari categories and prices.

The finall prices of Tanzania safari is also dependent on the type of safari you will be taking or booking.

Budget (camping) safari.

Tanzania budget safari is about $200 per person per day in many famous Tanzania safari parks like Ngorongoro.

Midrange (classic) safari.

Tanzania classic or midrange safari cost a handsome $500 per person per day in famous Tanzania park like Serengei.

Luxury safari

For a luxury safari experience it cost a handsome $1,500 per person per day in famous park like Ngorongoro

Prices and cost factors for Tanzania safari

Tanzania safari cost are slightly higher than neighbouring countries but bare in mind that Tanzania has a big landmass and large population in wildlife as well as diversity in the parks.

The park fees, accomodation and meals, transport and vehicle maintanance and duration of the safari are among many factors for overall higher price.

We are going to take a closer look at some of these factors

1. Park fees and taxes.

The fact is Tanzania park fees are the highest but another common fact is Tanzania park fees are the best in Africa and the world.

Park fees differ from one park to another in Tanzania for instance Serengeti park fees are higher than every other park.

Since Ngorongoro and Serengeti are UNESCO heritage sites they fees are high so they help to cover costs.

2. Type of safari or package

Mainly budgeted group safari lower the cost a little due to sharing of many services such as safari vehicle and accomodation is camping site which are slightly lower.

Unlike private which you will have to carry all those cost on your own from accomodation to transport, meals and fees.

3. Accomodation and meals.

A good safari is accompanied with nice sanitary and well planned accomodation and meal plan.

Be it lodges or camping site this cost cover meals also hence the high price, in camping safari we mainly recommend travel with a proffesional chef.

4. Duration of your safari.

Mainly the cost experienced in 4 days Tanzania safari can never be the same with that of 6 to 7 days Tanzania safari.

Though during lower season hotels and lodges provide a special discounts for those who stays many days.

5. Transport vehicle

Land cruiser four wheels with pop up roofs are essential for Tanzania safari due to the nature of roads in many Tanzania national parks.

The cost for maintanance of these hardened motor vehicle and fuel is very high here in Tanzania since all spare part are imported so the price ought to be high.