Tanzania Safaris: All you need to know about Tanzanian safaris and your interest in African safaris, then today choose to visit Tanzania, an East African country full of beautiful natural wonders and national parks with thousands of wildlife, including the Big Five.
Visiting Tanzania while on holiday is an assured way of viewing wild cats, climbing Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, watching the Great Migration of the wildebeests, and also having a great time chilling on the beaches along the coast or on the islands.
Due to the country’s vastness, you can choose to take a holiday in one of the four distinct areas, which have different attractions. They include; the parks in the northern circuit, the ones in southern Tanzania, the islands and beaches along the coast, and the distant safaris in western Tanzania.
A safari to any of these areas is worth going for, as the experiences you get from each are different and unforgettable.
The Northern Circuit is one of the most famous safari destinations in Tanzania, and it is made up of four national parks located in the north of the country. They include; the Serengeti, which is home to an overwhelming number of games and is one of the busiest parks with many visitors.
It’s where you can watch the migration of wildebeests, especially between the months of June and September. Spotting the Big 5 is guaranteed, as are other animals like cheetahs, zebras, buffaloes, and antelopes, as well as birds like fish eagles, ostriches, vultures, and many more.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is also a great area for game viewing, as it is where you find the Ngorongoro crater, which accommodates over 7,000 wildebeests, 3,000 gazelles, 4,000 zebras, over 3,000 elands, and about 500 bird species. Game viewing is best enjoyed between May and October, but at any time of the year, you can visit the area.
Tarangire is an extraordinary park with diverse birdlife (over 550 species) and abundant wildlife, famously known for huge numbers of elephants. Also, other animals like rhinos, hartebeests, and gazelles can be spotted.
Lake Manyara national parks a small park but rewarding and most of its area is covered by the alkaline huge lake where its name is derived, it is not far from Arusha Town and harbors a lot of pink flamingos, storks, and animals like impalas, giraffes, wildebeests buffaloes, elephants among others. Southern Tanzania's parks in this part are the best since most of them are good for wildlife viewing. They include; the Selous Game Reserve, which is Africa’s biggest reserve; and is home to big game and small mammals.
Also, other parks like Ruaha, Udzungwa, and Mikumi National Parks provide a unique game viewing experience.
Western Tanzania parks here are a bit remote and hence have lesser visitors but all that does not fade away the unique wilderness experiences got by those that visit them. The main parks are Katavi, which is great for game viewing, and the Mahale Mountains, which carry a unique variety of hikes and nature walks done through the forested areas and mountains. You can also watch chimpanzees there.
The coast and Islands After a great time of game viewing in the different national parks, you could crown your trip with a visit to the coast or the islands. There you will find amazing sand beaches. The islands include; Zanzibar, the Mafia Archipelago, Pemba, and Ras Kutani; they are easily accessible since they are located a few kilometers from Es Salaam.
They have facilities that are comfortable and affordable for tourists. Also, the culture and great history behind each is something you wouldn’t want to miss out Traveling to the parks in the Northern Circuit gives you an open invitation, as you can visit all of them on one safari because they are not far from each other and not far from Arusha town.
You can access them by air or on the road. The road can be slower since the roads are dusty, long, and bumpy, but it is also an experience of its own. Therefore, you are advised to use a 4x4 vehicle with a pop-up roof to enable you to see animals clearly.
Whereas the parks in the west and south of Tanzania are easily accessed by flying in because they are in distant areas. So you can make flight bookings on the daily scheduled aircraft that fly in and be picked up in 4X4 vehicles as you drive through the parks.
What to pack: ensure that you pack a camera with its batteries and film, and also enough clothes that are washable, lightweight, and warm.
Because during early morning or evening game drives you might need a warm sweater, endeavor to pack sunglasses, hats, long-sleeved trousers, and shirts, plus insect repellents. In case you would like to take photos, especially of the local people, ask for their permission because some might not want it.
Those going hiking and mountain climbing should pack lighter bags, wear sturdy shoes, good socks, rain jackets, sweaters, long-sleeved trousers, and enough drinking water, among other things.