ON SAFARI
- Tanzania
Wildlife Highlights
Wildlife Highlights of Tanzania
Tanzania offers wonderful big cat viewing (lion, leopard and cheetah), especially in the renowned Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Other regions such as the Tarangire, Ruaha and Katavi are also excellent for lion and leopard (cheetah are harder to find outside the Serengeti and Ngorongoro eco-system).
Elephant viewing is excellent in Lake Manyara, Selous, and Ruaha, though the stand out park is Tarangire, particularly during the dry months from June through to October. Towards the end of the dry season (October), spectacular elephant viewing can also be enjoyed on the open plains of Katavi, with elephants usually coming together in huge numbers.
Whilst rhino are found in a few areas, the best place to see them is in the Ngorongoro Crater, where there is a good population of black rhino.
The rare African wild dog can be seen in small numbers throughout much of the country, but sightings are not common. In recent years, dog sightings in the Selous have become more regular and there are several packs thriving in the reserve. The packs travel huge distances which makes sightings difficult to predict.
The best ‘wild’ chimpanzee viewing in Africa can be enjoyed in western Tanzania where the forested mountains of Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains national parks tumble down to the shores of Lake Tanganyika. In addition to chimpanzee viewing, other primates include red-tailed monkey, red colobus, black and white colobus and blue monkey.
However, the main wildlife highlight in Tanzania is the annual wildebeest and zebra migration which can be seen in the Serengeti year round. The herds tend to settle on the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti in December, after the November short rains have created fresh grass and filled seasonal drinking spots. The wildebeest calve in late January/early February on the open plains. Between late April and June they drift westwards and north through the central and western Serengeti, before arriving in the northern Serengeti in late July. Many wildebeest will spend August to October across the border in Kenya’s Masai Mara, but those who do not feel the need to travel that far can be seen along the Mara River region in the northern Serengeti. In November the herds start to move south through the park to reach the southern plains in time for Christmas! River crossings, when the herds ‘swim the gauntlet’ across the croc-filled Mara and Grumeti rivers, can be seen from June to early November.
Birding in Tanzania is superb, with over 1100 species found through a variety of different habitats. Specialist regions such as the Usambaro and Udzungwa Mountains, Mikumi and Lake Natron can be considered in addition to all the key safari regions. Migrant species are most likely to be seen from September to March. Greater and lesser flamingo populations migrate between the Rift Valley lakes throughout the year, but not to a set pattern, though Lake Natron is home to one of the world’s most important lesser flamingo breeding grounds.
Please see our ‘regions’ section for more detailed information on Tanzania’s different wildlife areas. Please contact us to discuss specialist trips as well as general game-viewing safaris.
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Beach Extensions
Beach extensions to a Tanzania Safari
Tanzania has an extensive coastline with the beautiful Indian Ocean, though much of the mainland coast is undeveloped. Tanzania’s main beach destination is the idyllic island of Zanzibar, which offers a wide variety of exclusive and mainstream beach options, as well as sight-seeing and cultural experiences in and around the capital, Stone Town.
Mainstream resort hotels offer excellent facilities, reasonable value for money and are very suitable for families seeking an active beach holiday, or couples seeking a resort hotel experience.
Quieter and more escapist beach lodges are available for anyone seeking a more relaxed, exclusive beach experience, and these vary from very expensive to extremely good value for money.
For the ultimate escape, there are several more remote islands to consider. Just off Zanzibar are the tiny and exclusive Chumbe and Mnemba islands. Pemba Island (technically the northern half of the Zanzibar archipelago) and Mafia Island (to the south) are of significant size but are far less developed than Zanzibar itself . The mainland coast does offers a few exclusive beach retreats, but is generally not developed for tourism. Please visit our ‘accommodation’ page for examples of beach properties in Tanzania.
The Tanzania coast can be easily reached from most safari regions in Tanzania. There are daily scheduled flights from Selous, Ruaha, Serengeti, Manyara and Ngorongoro to Zanzibar, and daily access to the more remote islands from either Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.
However, should the Tanzania coast not be ideal for you, or you are travelling at the wrong time of year, there are a variety of alternative destinations to consider including northern Mozambique, Mauritius and The Seychelles. Please go to the individual country pages for more information on these destinations.
- Tanzania
Honeymoons & Weddings
‘Bush & Beach’ Honeymoons in Tanzania
Tanzania is a very popular honeymoon destination as it offers amazing game-viewing in iconic safari destinations such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Selous, and beautiful beaches on a variety of idyllic islands such as Zanzibar. Crucially, the different safari regions can easily be combined with the coast, with excellent scheduled flight connections, making Tanzania an excellent ‘safari and beach’ destination. There are also some very affordable safari options and beach hotels, so Tanzania is able to offer a wide price range, though of course the higher quality options are still expensive.
Tanzania does offer great variety in terms of safari regions and beach properties, so we can really tailor-make your honeymoon to suit your personal tastes, interests and budget. The Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti in the north, and the Selous and Ruaha in the south, are all such fantastic safari regions (especially for first-timers on safari) that even if the Tanzania coast does not appeal, you may wish to consider a Tanzania safari in conjunction with a beach extension further afield, such as northern Mozambique.
There are many safari options to choose from in Tanzania. If you’re looking for romance, exclusivity and pampering, consider Beho Beho in the Selous, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge at the Ngorongoro Crater, Faru Faru in the western Serengeti, and Sayari in the northern Serengeti
For a more adventurous and down to earth safari experience but still with a big ‘wow’ factor in terms of setting and service, try a tented camp such as Serengeti Under Canvas or Serengeti Safari Camp in the Serengeti.
For those looking for a great wildlife experience at a more affordable level, consider Selous Impala and Lake Manze in the Selous, and Mdonya Old River Camp and Kwihala in Ruaha.
It is always possible to combine a more adventurous tented safari with a more luxurious lodge safari to create the perfect balance between romance, pampering, game-viewing and adventure. Tented safaris may require a more adventurous pioneering spirit, but the whole experience is so much more personal and intimate than you might experience in larger, seemingly more comfortable, lodges.
For the beach, the range of properties is huge. On Zanzibar there are a range of excellent resort-style hotels like Breezes and the slightly more boutique Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel. At a five star level, try Baraza Resort.
There are also intimate beach lodges such as five star Palms Resort and Kilindi, four star Matemwe Lodge and the more affordable Shooting Star.
For a more remote and escapist stay, look at some of the islands off Zanzibar, such as the stunning Mnemba Island, or more adventurous Chumbe Island or Fanjove.
SAFARI WEDDINGS IN TANZANIA
We have arranged numerous romantic weddings in such iconic locations as the rolling plains of the Serengeti and the white sand beaches of Zanzibar. Your wedding can be tailored to suit your requirements – either with all the frills, or just romantic simplicity. There is a little more paper work involved and you will need a few days in Tanzania before the wedding, but overall, it is relatively straight forward. Obviously your wedding can be incorporated into a longer safari and beach itinerary.
For information on Tanzania honeymoons and weddings please call us on 01787 888590 or contact us to discuss your ideas and requirements.
Please see our general ‘Accommodation on Safari‘ page for more information on different styles of accommodation on safari. If you are looking into your first ever trip to Africa, you may wish to visit our ‘Planning a Safari‘ section.
- Tanzania
Private & Specialist Guiding
Private & Specialist Guiding
Whilst sharing your safari experiences with a few other guests is normal and often great fun, it is usually possible to pay extra for ‘exclusive use’ of a vehicle for all or part of your safari. A private vehicle naturally comes with a private guide and tends to be very appealing to more experienced travellers who have very specific interests such as birding or photography.
Northern Tanzania is one of the few destinations in Africa where it is quite normal, and appropriate, for you to take a private safari vehicle for the duration of your safari, hosted by a private driver guide. This is because the distances between the main areas are relatively small and there are many lodges which operate as hotels, providing accommodation but not any activities or guiding services.
However, if you would prefer to fly between the areas, there is a range of upmarket safari camps and lodges which offer a fully hosted experience with guided activities. Game drives will usually be shared with other guests (usually between 4 and 7 guests on a vehicle) unless you decide to take exclusive use, which is usually possible.
The southern and western safari areas of Tanzania are more normally accessed by air and camps are set up to fully host and offer shared guided activities. Most of the time it is possible to pay extra for ‘exclusive use’ of a vehicle, but sometimes logistical factors make this impossible.
Taking things one step further, it is possible to hire specialist ‘private guides’ in Tanzania. Historically, the safari industry in East Africa developed from privately guided safaris, and today there are several good companies offering luxury mobile tented safaris which are hosted by recognised private guides. Of course, even if you do not wish to stay in a mobile tented camp, you can still hire these guides to host you in various permanent camps and lodges.
With many years experience as a leading Africa specialist we know personally and have worked with a wide range of specialist and professional guides. Whilst we do not often promote ‘hand holding’ just for the sake of it, the benefits of travelling with a top quality private guide are not limited to just their guiding qualities, but extend to encompass your whole safari experience. Hosting at meal times, smoothing your way through transfer arrangements and telling entertaining stories of Africa around the camp fire all fall under the remit of a top private guide.
If you feel that you would appreciate a private vehicle and/or a specialist private guide for all or part of your safari, please advise us when you speak to us. We are very flexible and different regions present different opportunities, so we will simply work with you to include the level of exclusivity and guiding that you desire.
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Family Holidays
Family holidays in Tanzania
Tanzania is a very good family holiday destination for a number of reasons:
- It is easily accessible from Europe with little time difference (no jet lag)
- There are a good variety of family-friendly safari camps and lodges, often with specific family accommodation options
- It is usual in the north of the country to travel with a private vehicle and guide, which is not only cost effective for a family of 4 – 6 but also allows maximum flexibility and privacy
- There is wonderful game-viewing with high concentrations of game (kids don’t get bored)
- There are convenient beach options for combination holidays
In the north of the country, families can enjoy an amazing all round adventure, combining brilliant game-viewing, wonderful scenery and cultural experiences. Accommodation varies from very comfortable safari hotels and lodges to more authentic tented camps. Although distances between areas are relatively small, if travelling with younger children, you may wish to consider the amount of time spent on the road that such a safari is likely to entail.
In the more remote south and west of the country, lengthy road travel is not a consideration and the parks are usually accessed by air. The experiences in the south and west tend to be a little more wilderness and wildlife orientated, without large ‘safari lodge’ accommodation options, making these regions less suitable for very young children. Teenagers will however enjoy the variety of activities on offer (walking, boating, fishing etc) and as a family you can enjoy a truly wild bush experience.
Many family holidays in Africa will combine a wildlife safari with some beach relaxation, and Tanzania’s main beach destination, Zanzibar, has a wide range of beach hotels to choose from, together with lovely beaches. Larger resort-style hotels are ideal if travelling with younger kids who will thrive on being kept busy and meeting other children, whilst smaller, more boutique-style retreats can offer more exclusive family relaxation. Please see our ‘Beach Extensions’ page for further information, or call us on 01787 888590 to speak to one of our specialists who would be very happy to talk through the different Tanzania family safari options.
You may also wish to visit our general ‘family safaris’ page for more general information on travelling to Africa with children.
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Regions
Wildlife regions and attractions in Tanzania
Generally, when planning a safari through Tanzania it is important to remember a couple of points relating to the ‘status’ of land protection. In Tanzania, ‘National Park’ status demands the highest protection to an area, and although there are odd instances where different rules may apply, in the main you will be restricted to on-road driving during the day. Walking will be limited and night drives will not be available. Game Reserves offer slightly less protection to the environment and, historically, were the areas in which hunting safaris took place. Today, some game reserves such as the Selous, have non-hunting designated areas where photographic safaris take place. Walking will be available and, in some instances, so too will night drives or river safaris. Conservation Areas offer the least protection and it is normal for there to be human settlement within the area, here the Conservation status is in place purely to restrict ‘mass development’.
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Tanzania Introduction
Introduction to the beautiful and diverse country of Tanzania
Tanzania is a diverse and beautiful country blessed with a host of wonderful natural attractions, from the famous Serengeti plains to idyllic Zanzibar.
Northern Regions
The north is dominated by vast open plains and weathered volcanic mountains, including Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest. Scenic splendours such as the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti appeal to a wide range of travellers and never fail to impress, with prolific game-viewing all year round. In particular, the Serengeti plays host to the famous zebra and wildebeest migration, one of East Africa’s great wildlife attractions.
These iconic ‘northern’ regions tend to be busy (with both tourists and locals), however it is possible to get ‘off the beaten track’ and enjoy an exclusive experience, if you know where to go. It is also quite usual to travel overland with a private guide and safari vehicle, which offers superb flexibility and privacy when game-viewing.
Southern Regions
Far fewer visitors (and locals) are generally encountered in the more remote southern part of the country, where the Selous and Ruaha regions offer a wonderful bush experience. They are more in character with southern Africa landscapes of vast wilderness areas intersected by mighty rivers. In particular the Selous offers lovely boat cruises on the Rufiji River system which cannot be repeated anywhere else in East Africa. The west of the country is home to three very remote and amazing parks, Katavi, Gombe Stream and Mahale. The latter two, found on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, are known for being the best places in Africa to see chimps in the wild. The southern and western regions of the country are accessed almost entirely by air.
Types of Safari in Tanzania
Walking safaris and mountain trekking will appeal to the more adventurous, and cultural interaction with the charismatic local people is highly likely on many safaris, especially in the north of the country. For those looking for relaxation, the glistening white sands of Zanzibar and the Indian Ocean coastline beckon.
Whilst Tanzania safaris can be expensive, there are some excellent value for money options to consider as well, especially where shorter safaris are combined with beach holidays. This ability to easily combine incredible game-viewing with beautiful beaches has always made Tanzania a wonderful family holiday or honeymoon destination.
So whether you’re looking for a specialist wildlife experience, a ‘bush & beach’ special celebration holiday, a Kilimanjaro expedition or perhaps simply a wonderful African adventure as a family, Tanzania is the perfect destination to consider.
For further information on Tanzania safari options please call us on 01787 888590 or contact us to speak to one of our safari specialists.
More information on seasons and when to travel »
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Michael & Belinda travelled to Tanzania
We just wanted to thank you all for arranging such a fantastic holiday for us. We enjoyed every minute of it. The guide, game drives, safari lodges, food etc were so good but the highlight of our holiday was relaxing at Pongwe Beach. It’s such a beautiful place and we were looked after so well there. Your advice about spending the last two days in Stone Town was also excellent – we certainly experienced sights & smells that we’d never come across before! We are certainly keen to travel to Africa again and would appreciate your expertise in organising another trip, possibly to Zambia next time.
- Kenya
- TanzaniaKim & family travelled to Kenya & Tanzania
To relax, I still close my eyes and in my mind wander through our wonderful itinerary in Africa.