Although Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, we have listed it separately as it offers such a different experience.
Tanzania boasts the highest mountain in Africa; Kilimanjaro. Mount Kilimanjaro stands nearly 6km high and is in the Kilimanjaro National Park.
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Where to go for a safari in Tanzania
A country that boasts the largest unbroken caldera in the world, Ngorongoro Crater plus the ‘greatest show on earth’, the annual Wildebeest Migration; it is no wonder Tanzania is high on everyone’s bucket lists!
With over 25% of the country’s total landmass dedicated to wildlife parks and conservation areas; Tanzania offers tourists some of the best safaris in Africa and on top of that has beautiful beaches; making it the ideal combination of safari and beach vacation destination.
When to vacation in Tanzania
The climate is mainly tropical with little fluctuation in temperatures between summer and winter; due to it being near the equator. The coastal areas are hot and humid with average daytime temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius. The central plateau experiences hot days and cool nights. The hottest months are October until February. The coolest months are from June until August. In high altitude areas such as Kilimanjaro and the Ngorongoro Highlands; temperatures can fall below freezing. The main, long rainy season is from the middle of March to late May; when it can rain for hours, even days.
There are 4 safari circuits in Tanzania; Northern, Southern, Western, or Coastal.
Northern Safari Circuit
A safari in Northern Tanzania is most frequented by tourists. Most of the attractions are fairly close to each other and several of Tanzania’s most famous sights. Such as Ngorongoro Crater / Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Most Tanzania northern circuit safaris depart from Arusha.
For hikers; climbing the highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro; or the crater of Mt. Meru is an adventurous break from game viewing. Mount Kilimanjaro’s highest peak is 5,895m. Kibo, is covered in snow throughout the year despite it being so close to the equator. Conquering this peak promises to be an adventure of a lifetime. A longer trek through the Crater Highlands is also a beautiful way to explore northern Tanzania. At a more leisurely pace.
Day trips from Arusha also offer short forest hikes and canoeing trips. Visit Mt. Meru and the Momela Lakes, in Arusha National Park.
Serengeti hot air balloon
Tanzania Southern Safari Circuit
A Southern Tanzania Safari covers the largest game reserves in Tanzania; such as Ruaha National Park, Nyerere National Park, and the Udzungwa Mountains National Park. These game reserves are enormous. With some of the highest concentrations and diversity of wildlife anywhere in Africa. Including roan antelope, sable antelope, Cape hunting dogs, and also a multitude of colorful bird life.
Tanzania Western Safari Circuit
The Western Safari Circuit covers the Mahale Mountains National Park; which is home to some of the last remaining wild chimpanzees in Africa. And the Katavi National Park where you will find the rare roan and sable antelope species.
Lying in the Great Rift Valley are the inland lakes; Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika. The habitats of these areas are a merger between Western Africa and East Africa. Therefore; the cultures, rainfall, and flora are unique to this small area.
Rarely experienced on its own; the western safari circuit is more often an addition to either the southern or northern safari circuits. Or both.
Tanzania Coastal Circuit
One of the great attractions of Tanzania is its fantastic 800 km coastline. With palm fringed beaches of white sand and the historic towns of Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyo, Kilwa, Lindi, Mikindani, and Mtwara. Along with the exotic islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia. Tanzania’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world. Where diving, fishing, and cultural experiences are fantastic.
We have covered Zanzibar separately as it is such a popular destination on its own. Or as a combination of safari and beach vacation or honeymoon.
Zuri Zanzibar beach
Information on Tanzania Activities, Conference and Incentives ↓
Hot Air Balloon flights
Flights by hot air balloon take off as dawn breaks over the Serengeti National Park, the perfect silence of the early morning plains broken only by the soft roar of the balloon. Far below, wildebeest scatter, looking everywhere but up at the silent visitor that floats over their world. Giraffe stand next to acacia trees, untroubled by the airborne visitors. After the thrill of landing, a champagne breakfast awaits, the air becoming warmer as the sun climbs in the sky and curious zebra look up from their grazing at the chink of cutlery in the still, warm bush.
Deep sea and inland fishing
The water around Zanzibar and Pemba islands is considered by experts to offer some of the best fishing in the world, especially the Pemba Channel, between Zanzibar and Pemba, and around Mafia Island, south of Zanzibar. Big game fish include barracuda, kingfish, sailfish, billfish, wahoo, dorado and blue marlin. Rivers are stocked with trout around Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru. Large rivers such as the Kilombero and Great Ruaha offer fabulous sport fishing for tiger fish, and large Nile perch can be caught in the great lakes, especially Lake Victoria.
Diving and snorkeling
The coral reefs off Tanzania’s coast around Zanzibar and Mafia Island offer some of the world’s finest scuba diving and snorkeling. Diving is possible all year round, although the Kusi Monsoon (strongest June-Sept) is accompanied by choppy seas and strong currents that make the more exposed reefs inaccessible. There can also be strong winds in December and January. Visibility is best from November to March, before the long rains set in.
Horse riding safari
Horse riding safaris are available from a few camps in Tanzania, for all standards of rider. Wild animals are not afraid of horses in the same way that they are of cars or pedestrians, allowing visitors to approach the wildlife much more closely than usual.
Mountain biking
For the fit and adventurous, mountain biking through the African landscape is truly an exciting experience. Avoid roads and traffic and ride through deserts and forests, up mountains and down valleys, through tiny villages and bustling market towns, then into the true wilderness past herds of antelope, giraffe and zebra.
Mountain climbing and hiking
For most climbers who visit Tanzania, the 5,869m Kilimanjaro is the top prize. Mt Meru, another of Tanzania’s volcanic peaks, is also popular, with the varied animal and plant life to be found on its slopes a major draw. Meru is Africa’s fifth highest peak, with fabulous views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Momela Lakes from the summit. The challenging ascent to the crater of Ol Donyo Lengai passes through some fantastic scenery, with panoramic views of the Rift Valley. The track to the top of Lengai is very steep, and a true challenge attempted only by hikers with a good level of fitness.
Paragliding and microlight flights
There are some fabulous areas to paraglide. Very few people paraglide in Tanzania, therefore it is a novelty. Always seek permission from the local village, explain what you are doing and where you think you will land (it is illegal to fly over national parks). Just some of the areas to fly are the Usambaras, the Rift Valley and numerous hills around Mt Meru. Microlight flights are now also available over Lake Manyara National Park and the Great Rift Valley.
Boat safaris
The soft chug of an outboard engine, or the whispering flap of a canvas sail; boat safaris in Tanzania are a tranquil and relaxing way to watch wildlife. This is one of the best ways to see the Nyerere National Park (ex Selous Game Reserve). Up the huge muddy brown sweep of the Rufiji River, leopard whisking away from rocks at the boat’s approach. Sail into chimpanzee territory on a dhow, skimming over the fresh, crystal waters of Lake Tanganyika, or travel up the Wami River in Saadani, surrounded by amazing bird life, hippos and alligators.
Walking Safaris
A walk through the African bush is a wonderful way to experience Africa intimately. Smells and sounds become distinct and varied, and smaller creatures gain significance. They are no longer simply rushed past in the race for the bigger game. When larger animals do appear, they are met at eye level; the land is truly shared between humans and animals. Safety is not an issue – all walks are accompanied by armed, experienced guides and game rangers. Walks can be from a few hours to a full day with picnic lunch. Many hotels and camps will offer guided walks in the national parks or community areas.
Cultural Tourism
In Tanzania, a land of superb landscapes and spectacular wildlife, another attraction stands equally tall – the people. Tanzania’s people are among the most welcoming and approachable on earth. With a range of fascinating cultures ready to be shared with visitors. A cultural excursion or a longer stay among local people is likely to become one of the most rewarding experiences of any holiday in Tanzania.
In addition, many local areas run their own cultural programs for visitors. Bringing income directly to the community and giving the people the chance to show their lifestyle to the outside world on their own terms. Primary schools can be improved through a tour of the fascinating slopes of Mt Meru. A health clinic is improved through a guided tour of the luscious green Usambara Mountains. Or a kindergarten funded by a stroll through the tropical vegetation of the Rift Valley.
Cultural tourism programs are beneficial to everyone. The tourists get a unique, unforgettable experience. While the local people generate income and improve their standard of living. Both parties gain a valuable understanding of another culture which will last long after the visitors have returned home. Most cultural tourism programs are located near the main thoroughfares of the principal tourist destinations. Making a cultural addition to a safari easy to arrange. Guides are local people born and raised in the area, well trained in their jobs and proficient in English. Cultural tours can be half day events or incorporated into a longer safari. Whether you spend the morning in a Maasai boma. Or trek by camel up a local summit, stopping to learn about traditional plants and tribal stories. A cultural tour is a must do for anyone wanting to see the rich life of the Tanzanian people.
Tanzania Conference & Incentive Tourism
Conference and incentive tourism is a booming industry in Tanzania. With groups wanting to take advantage of the full range of facilities on offer and to tour the country’s spectacular sites once their work is done. From safaris in the Serengeti National Park to days spent lounging on a tropical beach in Zanzibar, conferences and incentives take on a whole new meaning in Tanzania.
Luxury hotels in Dar es Salaam and Arusha offer state of the art facilities in central locations. Conference facilities are available at all of the major hotels. With special bookings and tour packages available all year round.
Day excursions to local markets and workshops offer shopping opportunities for colleagues, family, and friends back home. And if the delegates want a change of scene, both Arusha and Dar es Salaam have a wide range of local restaurants and evening spots. Where they can sample the best in international cuisine, dine on the waterfront, or sample regional specialties while looking out towards Kilimanjaro.
Of course, incentives are always part of a conference package, and here Tanzania truly outshines the rest. We can offer an option of incentive packages to suit every itinerary, schedule and budget. Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park are right on Arusha’s doorstep, Short safari packages for small or large groups are an essential part of conference hosting in northern Tanzania. In Dar es Salaam, day trips to the beaches and ruins of Bagamoyo, short safaris to Mikumi National Park, and longer trips to Zanzibar ensure delegates see the very best the country has to offer.
Getting to your Tanzania Safari
There are 3 International Airports in Tanzania & Zanzibar. Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International Airport, and Zanzibar International Airport. There are many airstrips for easy access to your Tanzania safari destinations. Tanzania is a safe country to travel to with warmhearted people who are always eager to help visitors get the most out of their stay.
To begin a safari in Northern Tanzania visitors are advised to book with airlines whose arrivals & departures are at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). This is a 45 minutes drive from Arusha town. It is also possible to get flights arriving at Nairobi (Kenya). From where you can make arrangements to transfer to Arusha / Kilimanjaro.
Dar Es Salaam is the gateway to the Southern and Western safari circuits. However; you can also connect from Arusha after doing the northern reserves via Dar.
The Western safari circuit access: To get to Gombe Stream National Park; travel by air or road from Arusha or Dar es Salaam. Or by train from Dar to Kigoma and then a 1-hour boat trip. The Mahale Mountains National Park is between a 3 and a 9 hour boat trip from Kigoma. Or a 2-hour flight from Arusha or Dar es Salaam. Katavi National Park is either a flight from Arusha or Dar es Salaam or a day’s drive from Mbeya. Or in the dry season, Kigoma.
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