Serengeti National Park
Enjoy game drives across the vast grassy plains seeking out resident wildebeest which can be seen year-round . The park is also renowned for its predators including lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena, jackal and wild dog.

Ngorongoro Crater
The world’s so called largest “living zoo” is home to 30,000 animals including the big five, you will be treated to an abundance of wildlife year round. Atop the crater rim, the Masai tend to their herds as they have done for centuries alongside the wildlife.

Mount Kilimanjaro
At a height of 5,895m, Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain and the highest “free standing” mountain in the world.  The climb is considered a “hike” rather than a mountain climb with several different routes to choose to the top depending on your level of fitness – all offering spectacular views and the satifaction of conquering this might peak.

Tarangire National Park
Tarangire has a dramatically beautiful and diverse eco system, and also boasts one of the largest concentrations of elephant in East Africa. The swamps, tinged green year round, are the focus for 550 bird varieties, the most breeding species in one habitat anywhere in the world.

Zanzibar
The very name conjures up images of exotic people, flavours, scents and stunning beaches. Cuisine on the “Spice Islands” is coconut, curries, spices and seafood making up the mouth-watering dishes! Spend a few nights in historic Stone Town before transferring to one of the many beach resorts – the perfect way to unwind after a safari! 

Low season is March to May which is the rainy season and can put a damper on afternoon game drives, however it does mean it is a cheaper time to visit. The prime time to visit for safari is July through September when it is dry season and massive herds of wildebeest and other plains game are moving in their thousands within the enormous expanse of the Serengeti and between the Masai Mara in Kenya.

If ascending Mt Kilimanjaro is your aim, then January to March, or between June and October are the best times.

The Great Migration is a nine-month cycle of movement where wildebeest accompanied by zebras, gazelles and impalas are on the move, crossing rivers with hungry crocodiles lurking in the waters, all in search of fresh grazing. Between late June and October the river crossings take place but it is also good to know that there is wonderful wildlife viewing year-round. World Journeys recommend ‘mobile’ luxury camps which enable you to move with the migration, depending on the month of travel.

My second visit to Tanzania has been long awaited…and finally this year I returned. I have vowed not to leave it that long for the next visit. First off I visited the Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, where the wildlife is abundant with lots of plains game and a variety of birdlife. The rooms have extra large beds, well appointed, stunning bathroom and outdoor shower of course! What I loved about Manyara is the scenery – it’s ever changing and the Rift Valley escarpment is breathtaking.

From Manyara, you head to the world famous ‘living zoo’ Ngorongoro Crater a couple of hours drive away. On the first game drive we saw hyena, jackal, wildebeest, zebra, elephants and lions. The crater is a beautiful place and the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge was all I expected and more – quirky but not over the top – stunning rooms – the bubble bath awaiting my return from the game drive was the icing on the cake!

My last stop in this Tanzania itinerary was to &Beyond’s Serengeti Under Canvas, a fantastic concept in safari for it follows the migrating herds around the huge Serengeti area, moving camp every six weeks or so to get the best position. On arrival at Seronella Airstrip we embarked on a 3 hour game drive /transfer to camp and not only did we see tree climbing lions but also two leopards – a great start! Arrived at the camp for a late lunch which was superb and decided to forgo the late afternoon game drive to relax at camp. The living tent houses comfy sofas and the bar, and there is a separate dining tent. All of the staff are Tanzanians and their super friendliness is such a pleasure. Each tent has a butler – brilliant idea! Until the next visit…

Brett Barclay, Director

Currency Tanzanian Shilling

Language English and Swahili are the official languages of Tanzania

Why we love it Tanzania boasts (as it should!) three of the major highlights of Africa within its scenic borders – Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro and Ngorongoro Crater. Of course one of its biggest attractions is the great migration in which you can view the largest mass movement of wildlife on the planet. Your chances of viewing a possibly deadly chase is very high on safari in Tanzania! The Serengeti is also one of the best places to enjoy a hot air balloon ride in all of Africa.

Weather Tanzania’s most pleasant season for travelling is during June through September when the days are warm and mild on the safari circuit, though July and August are the height of the peak season.

The main rainy season is March to May when it does rain daily and this can hamper the roads if you are travelling distances on safari. The shorter and less eventful rainy season is November/December with short, light showers.

Social customs & quirks Two of the most well known cultures of Tanzania are the Masai tribe and the Swahili of the Zanzibar archipelago. The Masai inhabit the northern part of the country, live off the land and very traditional to their culture still to this day. Cultural tourism is certainly very popular and visits to Masai villages can be incorporated into your safari in Tanzania. The male elder is the boss of the Masai society and once young warriors become elders they may then take on a wife and begin a family of his own.

The Swahili people are a great deal different to the Masai – a heady mix of backgrounds including Arab, Indian and Bantu with the Indian Ocean as their work and playground.

Festivals & events A lot of the festivities in Tanzania are centred in Zanzibar, with its middle eastern influences such as the Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan) and Eid al-Haj (pilgrimage to Mecca). Also taking place there is the Mwaka Kogwa which is the Persian New Year celebration around 23rd or 24th of July. Singing, dancing, jousting and feasting all take place mainly in and around the village of Makunduchi.

Health* There are no compulsory health requirements on entering Tanzania, although if you are travelling from a Yellow Fever infected country you will be required to have a vaccination certificate. Malaria precautions are highly recommended, particularly during and after the rainy season and you should consult your health practitioner for the best advice on which precautions to take.

Notes *Please be aware that Health information is subject to change at any time and you should always double check these requirements at the time of booking and before travel.