One of the major attractions to Eastern Africa and Tanzania is the stunning African wildlife. And, tourists have the opportunity to see these stunning creatures in their natural element.
This country with an area of 934,000 sq km boasts of snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro at a height of 5,896m that towers majestically over the horizon, flamingos standing sentinel in the salt pans of Ngorongoro Crater, and the hoof beats of thousands of wildebeests that echo over the Serengeti plains. Few areas of the continent captivate the imagination as does Tanzania. Often referred to as ‘the Africa of legend’, where hot dusty afternoons end abruptly in glorious blazes of sunset, and velvet-black star studded skies enfold the hills.
Tanzania is one of the best safari destinations in Africa. With Wildebeest, monkey, antelope, lion, cheetah, crocodile, gazelle, and flamingo, Tanzania offers some of the best wildlife spotting opportunities on the continent, as it should with the largest animal populations in the world. Famous parks such as the Serengeti and Mt Kilimanjaro, or the magestic crater of Ngorongoro, put the world in a perspective that makes you feel very small, but in a very beautiful way.
We have the unique opportunity to provide adventures into the African bush. Tanzania is the land of the safari superlative‹the quintessential African experience that Hemingway knew and loved. His initials remain in the great banyan tree that shades our tented bush camp at Lobo. Your adventure begins with a transfer from Arusha to your first safari camp, situated amid shade trees away from the crowded tourist haunts. You depart each day in search of excitement as lions stir from their slumber and large groups of elephants, buffalo and zebra move peacefully toward a gleam of water.
Evening game viewing in the comfort and safety of a blind, thatched from the tall grass, is an option, or you may prefer to stalk a waterhole at dawn. There is much to be said for the quality 0f that first light, and we can only speculate on what to expect
At the end of the day, your camp staff welcomes you back. You relax with a cool drink and hot shower. You may enjoy your favorite cocktail as the campfire crackles and the Southern Cross highlights the heavens. The wistful bird calls of the African night begin‹a wonderful prelude to the bountiful dinner served in traditional style. Far off, a hyena clan fills the night with excited whooping; nearby a lion roars. Sleep gives way to the wide‹eyed wonder of the few who have the opportunity to witness a day in the African bush.
Country information
Climate
March – May is considered the “winter period” in Tanzania with a considerable amount of rain. June – October is the dry season. June, July and August can be very cold on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater. October – December is when the short rains occur. These are usually in the form of daily thunderstorms. December – March are the summer months in Tanzania. During this period it is dry and very warm.
Weather Map
Game reserves
Lake Manyara National Park
This park has been described as one of the most beautiful places in Africa. As you progress into the park, the tall forest gives way to woodlands, then grasslands, swamps, and finally the alkaline lake itself. The bird life is prolific with over 350 species. The park is also known for its tree-climbing lions.
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti is undoubtedly the best known wildlife reserver in the world. Within its boundaries are more than three million large animals living in total freedom on the “endless plains”. The savanna plains are broken up with small rock outcrops called “kopjes” and small rivers. The park comprises some 5,700 square miles. It is most famous for the annual migration that takes place every year beginning in early June. Huge herds of wildebeest, estimated at over a million, wind their way north in search of life-sustaining permanent water. Tarangire National Park
Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park
About a 2 1/2 hour drive from Arusha and close to the Kenya border, the park is a World Heritage Site.
Only 70 miles south of Arusha, this park is known for its huge herds of elephant and numerous baobab trees. Apart from elephants, the park also has large herds of buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, rhino, leopard, eland, and an incredible variety of birdlife.
Ruaha National Park
The park is huge at 5,000 square miles but only 14% has been developed for visitors. The park is rich in all forms of wildlife and is Tanzania’s largest sanctuary for elephants that congregate on the flood plains of the great Ruaha River.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Located between Serengeti and Lake Manyara, the crater is a microcosm of East African scenery and wildlife. There are over 25,000 large animals within the crater itself. It is the best place to see black rhino and the magnificent black-maned lions. The crater itself covers 105 square miles, and is 12 miles wide. The area has been proclaimed a World Heritage Site.
Language
In Tanzania, the official language is Swahili (Kiswahili), although English is commonly spoken and is taught in secondary schools and higher education. Arabic is widely spoken in the coastal areas, particularly in Zanzibar.
Here are a few common KiSwahili greetings:
Greeting (to locals)
habari gani / Greeting (to foreigner)
jambo, shikamuu / Thank you (correct reply to greeting)
asante / You are welcome, come in
karibu / Thank you
Sala sentle / Goodbye / We will see you / tutaonana
Currency
The unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling. All lodges and hotels will accept foreign currency.
Travel information
What to expect
Packing and preparation
Transportation
visa requirements
Accommodations
Safari
Introduction
The Best Time to Go
January and February are the driest months, and it goes again from July to September. However, the season becomes cool from September. The popular period is between July and September. The school holidays in North America and Europe falls within this period. Rainy season comes in two phases; the extensive rainy period that falls between match and mid-June, while the shorter rainy seasons are ushered in from October through December.
The migration of the wildebeests across the Serengeti National Park starts from December and lingers through July and continues. If you plan your Tanzania Safari tours trip accordingly, you may likely witness the migration.
Private or Group Safari?
As you plan your Tanzania safari tours trip, one of the decisions you would probably have to make is whether to join a group safari or opt for a lone safari tour. Group safari saves a lot of cost. If you are a budget traveler, the group safari tour will be the best option.
Accommodation: Camping or Lodging?
This is another major decision you need to make while planning your Tanzania safari trip. If you choose the camping option, you will stay in tents right inside the camp grounds. This will definitely cost less. However, you will enjoy more comfort but will pay more by opting for a lodge/hotel.