The 2019 wish-list (continued): Tanzania’s time to shine

‘Beests, beaches & natural bounty

Tanzania epitomises ‘safari’ Africa. Whether it’s a herd of elephant crossing in front of you, a stampede of wildebeest or a perfectly framed giraffe and acacia in the sunset, the scale of the place,  and the sheer beauty of its natural bounty cannot fail to impress.

For a holiday, Tanzania is a smart option – there is very little time change (GMT+3hrs) so you don’t spend all your time off feeling scrambled,  it’s accessible for much of the year, depending on what you want to do and where you want to visit, and there’s great variety – you can climb a mountain, enjoy safari on foot, bicycle and by 4WD, spend nights under canvas or in luxury lodges,  head for the beaches or escape to the hills.

The Northern Circuit parks (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara and Tarangire) are a great destination for families  and first-time visitors. Your journey includes descending steep crater walls to the floor of the iconic Ngorongoro Crater. Our tip – don’t try to do too much if short on time and if budget allows – fly back from the Serengeti (…and on to the beaches of Zanzibar!)  The south offers vast reserves (Selous and Ruaha) where traffic density is very low and wildlife encounters are hugely rewarding. We also organise fly-in safaris to the remote western area of Tanzania (Mahale and Gombe) for adventurous chimp trekking  or if adventure is what you seek – how about  climbing Kilimanjaro?

Tanzania has been out of the spotlight for the last couple of years –  the governments decision to impose 18% tourism tax on services previously exempt from tax, with only a few weeks notice back in July 2016,  was undoubtedly damaging to visitor numbers.

However, a couple of years on and things have settled. Tanzania has seen new camps/lodges open, there are some competitive airfares, with airlines like Qatar flying into Kilimanjaro (Arusha) and Zanzibar, there’s a new online visa system and efforts continue to safeguard migration corridors and protect wildlife.

25% of Tanzania’s land is protected and the growth and success of eco-tourism is hugely important to not only the wildlife, but to local communities.

With such an undeniable bounty of natural riches, we see Tanzania coming back strong in 2019.

Here are five reasons to include this spectacular country on your travel radar:

1.The Wildlife Tanzania has the largest concentration of animals in Africa – we’re talking 4 million wild animals. The Serengeti is a must-visit for a dizzying diversity of species, including an impressive list of predators. Rhino remain hard to see but they are there – you may be lucky and get a glimpse in the  Moro Kopjes area, or in the neighbouring Ngorongoro.

Tarangire is the best place for huge impressive herds of elephants while the west of the country is where you can search for primates in the beautiful Mahale Mountains or world-famous Gombe National Park, where Dr Jane Goodall has been so influential in the conservation of chimpanzees.

Marine reserves around the Spice Islands offer safe haven for turtles, rays, dolphins, whales and other species. Whether you want a Robinson Crusoe meets Jacques Cousteau experience at somewhere like Pemba or Mafia Island, or to relax on the soft sands of Zanzibar watching the dhows sail by plus a night or two in atmospheric Stone Town, Tanzania offers plenty of opportunity to dip your toes in the Indian Ocean.

2.The Great Migration

For 75% of the year, the annual Wildebeest Migration roams the Serengeti and Greater Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is the world’s longest overland migration and involves 1.5 million animals. The river crossings in the northern Serengeti mark the pinnacle of the migration rewarding visitors with dramatic scenes akin to television documentaries. This experience is sure to get the heart thumping. Find out more>>>

3.The Roof of Africa – Kilimanjaro

Majestic Kili at 5,895m is Africa’s highest peak and the world’s highest walkable mountain. Gaze in awe at its snow-capped peak or become one of the 25,000 trekkers scaling its slippery slopes annually.

4.The Spice Islands 

Safari and beach is a dream holiday combo and in Tanzania you are truly spoilt for choice. For those exploring the northern circuit safari parks (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara, Tarangire), a few days on Zanzibar or Pemba pre or post safari works a dream. For those further south in the Selous or Ruaha, opt for Mafia Island, or stay on the beautiful mainland coast at somewhere like Ras Kutani. Find out more>>>

5.The People

There are over 160 different tribes living in Tanzania. Getting to know a bit about the local customs and culture is a major part of a trip to Tanzania – you’ll find the people warm and incredibly hospitable. The best way to get to grips with the Northern Circuit parks is to head off in your own private 4WD with a driver/guide. All our guides are local and take great pride in introducing you to their country.

Thinking of a holiday to Tanzania? It couldn’t be easier – just give us a ring on 01603 964 730 or email your enquiry to paul@realafrica.co.uk

To find out more about holidays to Tanzania you may like to browse the information pages on our website.

The Northern Circuit Three Ways:

On a Shoestring ?  See Small Group Escorted Safari here.

Looking for luxury? See sample Tanzania in Luxury Safari here.

For the Ultimate Tanzania Safari please click here.

Easy-peasey-visa

Tanzania now offers an easy online visa application service – single entry visas are $50USD and can be paid online with a credit card.

Find out more here.

• New for 2019

There has been a crop of new camps and lodges open in Tanzania, strengthening the offering and increasing choice for visitors. You may be interested in the following:

Tarangire

Kati Kati Mara/Ndutu camps are solar-powered stripped back ‘explorer style’ mobile camps complete with safari bucket showers. The camps are positioned to get you to the heart of the action and move seasonally for the Great Migration. Kati Kati Mara is located in northern Serengeti for the river crossings (Jun – Oct/Nov) and Ndutu is in the southern Serengeti for wildebeest calving season (Dec – Mar). There are 11 tents plus one family tent.

Zanzibar

Sara

With 30 years in long-haul travel and conservation, as well as spells working as a freelance writer, editor and photographer, Sara has explored six continents and lived and worked in three.

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