Tanzania Travel Guide
Tanzania is home to a host of natural wonders, vibrant culture, and, of course, wildlife. Visitors will be met with unparalleled safaris, the opportunity to witness the Great Migration, and stunning landscapes. From the wildlife of the Serengeti and chimpanzee tracking in lush forests to pristine beaches in Zanzibar and walking safaris, Tanzania is a bucket list destination that should not be missed.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Tanzania during the dry season, from late June to October. This time of year offers milder weather with low chances of rain. The Great Migration also takes place during these months.
Top regions to visit
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Tanzania's most remarkable wildlife areas. It’s also the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera, where visitors can witness an abundance of wildlife including the Big Five.
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is renowned for its vast plains and the spectacular Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the savannah. Here, visitors can enjoy game drives where they’ll see predators like lions and cheetahs in action. The park itself boasts a memorable landscape that comes alive at sunrise and sunset.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar offers a blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches. From the historic UNESCO World Heritage site of Stone Town to pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters with plentiful marine life, Zanzibar is a fantastic addition to any trip to Tanzania.
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is Tanzania's largest national park and a hidden gem for safari enthusiasts. The park's remote location means fewer tourists and a more intimate wildlife experience, with vast herds of elephants and diverse predator populations. The rugged landscapes offer excellent opportunities for game drives and walking safaris.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Visitors can enjoy game drives along the Tarangire River, where wildlife congregates, especially during the dry season.
Top activities in Tanzania
Witness the Great Migration
The Great Migration in Tanzania is an epic journey of over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, across the Serengeti Plains and into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This annual cycle, driven by the search for fresh grass for grazing and water, offers heart-stopping river crossings and intense predator-prey interactions. Expect to see massive herds on the move and plenty of wildlife including lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles.
Diving and snorkeling in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is the perfect place for diving and snorkeling. Here, beneath the crystal-clear waters, visitors will find coral reefs, tropical dolphins, and even dolphins or sea turtles.
Hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti
A hot air balloon ride is a great way to experience the Serengeti’s vast plains and wildlife from a different perspective. Most hot air balloons happen during sunrise, when you’ll spot animals roaming and enjoy panoramic views of the savannah.
Visit the Olduvai Museum
Located near the Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, the Olduvai Museum showcases fossil remains, ancient tools, and artifacts unearthed from the region. Visitors can explore exhibits that trace the evolution of early humans over millions of years, along with the work of well-known anthropologists.
Visit Marangu Waterfalls
Located in Northern Tanzania, Marangu Waterfalls are set in lush tropical surroundings. Visitors to the area can hike trails to reach cascading waterfalls that vary in height and intensity. There are natural pools, places to swim, and plenty of spots to stop and take in the nature around you.
Track chimpanzees at Mahale Mountains National Park
Many visitors flock to Mahale Mountains National Park to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The area is home to a dense population of chimpanzees, and visitors can partake in guided treks through dense forests and rugged terrain where experienced guides will track the animals’ movements.
Best hotels in Tanzania
Singita Mara River Tented Camp—Located in the remote Lamai triangle of the Serengeti, Singita Mara River Tented Camp offers luxurious, eco-friendly accommodations with front-row seats to the Great Migration.
Siringit Migration Camp—Siringit Migration Camp provides an exclusive safari experience with mobile luxury tents that follow the Great Migration, ensuring prime wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the Serengeti.
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