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To the land of origin: Tanzania

Why Tanzania? Known as one of the most intriguing destinations on earth, home to humanity, evolution that comes to our existence and touches its soul. Immense in nature, the land feels alive with the sounds of wildlife, vibrant culture and its charming features.

Official name United Republic of Tanzania
Official language Swahili and English
Capital city Dodoma
Religion Islam, Christianity, traditional religion.
Time Zone GMT+3
Currency TZS（Tanzanian shilling）

  • Tanzania is home to the world’s most incredible natural wonders, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, annual wildebeest, zebra and Zanzibar migration.

  • Lake Tanganyika, known as the deepest lake on the continent, is very unique for its fish species. Wildlife reserves work together with national parks to help preserve the country’s endemic species. Conservation is at the forefront of protecting our wildlife and balancing human conflicts.

  • In Tanzania there are several endangered species such as the black rhino and wild dog and now with the lion population under threat.

  • Kiswahili and English are the two official languages spoken, however, there are more than 100 different languages that make linguistically a very diverse country. The Masai Nomads, is the tribe that is distinguished by its clothing and to this day continue the ancient traditions. A basic diet of ugali and nyama, mayai chips, chai and chapatis are definitely a local must for adventurers.

Weather

The savannah and mountain occupy half of Tanzania, and the rest is a semi-arid desert, steep mountains and coastline.

The climate is tropical and warm and humid in the coastal area, and the northwest plateau is refreshing. The central plateau is dry all year round. Tanzania is a popular tourist destination all year round, but it is the best season, except in the rainy season, where you can observe a lot of wildlife. Because it varies from place to place, it can be difficult to determine when each person has an ideal climate.

In the coastal area, a northerly wind called Kaskizi from the northeast between November and March blows along the coast a southerly wind called Kuzi between April and September. Kaskazi relieves the summer heat and Kuzi usually brings long rains from April to early June. Diving and snorkeling is the best season from November to March.

Seasons to travel

The dry short season begins and the wildebeest move towards the southern plains of the Serengeti. The short grass is full of nutrients while they wait in preparation for their offspring.

The herds of the wildebeest extend sespeciallyalled to the southern plains of Serengeti and Ndutu with the patro season en route. The predators follow the herds and are silent in advance.

The plains of Ndutu and the south are now dotted with large amounts of wildebeest and zebras, wildebeest pups are when they are strengthened more and more every day.

The rains fall over the south of Serengeti, facilitating the start of the migration of herds to the north through Moru Kopjes. Heading to the west side of Seronera towards grumeti house reserve.

The herds feed on the grass happily between the southern plains and the center of Serengeti, moving slowly west towards the Western Corridor.

To the center of Serengeti lies Seronera with an abundant herd of wildebeest and zebras as they head in a northwesterly direction. The herds are concentrated around, Grumeti River in preparation for the first crossings of the rivers.

Migratory herds tend to separate and spread across a vast area. Some of the herd will reach further north through the Grumeti game reserve, while the others head northwest through the park.

The herds migrate and cross over the Mara River, reversing and advancing in large quantities while looking for the most nutritious food.

Most of the herd has moved north to Masai Mara, where they spend their time grazing on the Mara’s nutritious grass. At the end of September begins its journey back to the southwest of the Serengeti.

The rains begin to accumulate in the southern parts of the Serengeti, the herd makes its way back through the Mara River to the north of the Serengeti. You will be able to see the spectacular crossroads of the rivers.

After intermittent rain, the herd returns to the northeast side of Serengeti National Park and along the Loliondo Concession area.

Wet storms in the afternoon from the short rains. The wildebeest migration is on the east side of the Serengeti, moving through the loliondo concession area, reaching the short grass plains southwest of Seronera.

Photo Gallery

Highlights of Tanzania

A quiet, unspoiled and untold nature, Tanzania is very diverse with something new and different, day by night, month by month.

Many of Tanzania’s most impressive aspects are best described, such as Masai warriors illuminating the night sky with a ceremonial buzz of singing and traditional dancing. The migratory herds of wildebeest make their way through the Serengeti, chasing the rains in search of greener grass. Lake Tanganyika, one of the great lakes of Africa on the western side of Tanzania, you will find here the remote Mahale Mountains and Katavi National Parks.

Richard Burton and John Speke were the first explorers to discover the great Rift Valley lake in 1858, while searching for the Source of the Nile. The spice island of Zanzibar, known locally as Ungjuja, is well known for its Persian, Arabic and Omani descent. Stone Town, as we know it today, is famous for its fascinating variety of spices, historical culture and narrow streets, which bear an intriguing resemblance to the centuries-old cities of Oman.

Northern Tanzania

The wonders of the north.

Wildlife, evolution and fascination are just some of the words that describe the northern part of Tanzania. From wildebeest migrations moving across the plains of the Serengeti to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Two hours north of Arusha, on the east side of Lake Manyara, with 2850 square kilometers national park is an ecosystem covering an area of 20,000 square kilometers. Bordering both Kenya and Tanzania to the Masai Steppe, acacia forests and open grasslands attract wildlife migrations to phosphorus-rich areas during the wet season. Tarangire has a low concentration of the mineral needed for young zebras, elephants, buffaloes and wildebeest to survive. Simanjiro create the perfect environment for the delivery of animals. The Tarangire Elephant project is educating villages on wildlife and to help control poachers.

Magically, when the baobabs begin to lose their leaves, the final rainy season ends in mid-May. As the dry season approaches, the habitat of the green grass is replaced by a more golden grass where lions and leopards lose their distinct edge over unsuspecting shepherds. Seasonal watering plants will begin to dry up and most wildlife will begin to descend to the Tarangire River.

The fauna in Tarangire consists of herds of elephants, herds of wildebeest, zebras, buffaloes, impalas, antelopes and eland more than 550 species of birds, such as kori bustards, African grays and crowned cassaos, lovebirds, black-headed herons and rufus, roller crossed lilas, black-faced white face, warbler launswoman and white-faced owl.

Near Ol Doinyo Lengai Crater, the lowest point of the Rift Valley is Lake Natron. Named after its compound consisting of sodium carbonate, the combination of volcanic ash and the lake’s sodium calcifies any fauna that should be submerged in its waters. Temperatures can rise to 60 degrees and a very important habitat for minor flamingos, due to blue-green algae. The alkaline Tilapias is the endemic of the lake that thrive in the inflows of hot springs.

The lake ecosystem is a great breeding ground for smaller flamingos, as the conditions are perfect for the cyan bacteria that survive in this hostile environment. The Masai gather their cattle on the dry meadows and the few strong zebras what’s left.

The walking safaris, climbing the slopes of Ol Doinyo Lengai are definitely for the most curious and adventurous.

Between the highlands of Ngorongoro and the Serengeti National Park, you will find Lake Eyasi, a soda lake and home of the Hadzabe tribe. Traditional Bushmen, who are among the last hunter-gatherers in Tanzania. Approximately 300 to 400 of which are still nomadic.

Today they are known to hunt dik-dik, impala and piggy with a bow and arrow. Desert rose bush sap is used as poison for hunting purposes. The Hadzabe have very few possessions and are obliged to share whether they have more than is needed with the rest of the tribe.

Wild honey is an essential part of Hadzabe’s diet and will generally follow a honey guide to its wild honey nest. They have a very close relationship with the bird, calling the hunters and then they will whistle again. The hunter climbs with a flame to expel the bees, before removing the honeycomb. Women spend the day collecting roots, berries and fruits from baobab, grewia and saving trees. Both men and women have autonomy in the tribe and decisions are made equally.

The lake Eyasi ecosystem is part of the great rift valley and the soda lake is a migration stop for minor flamingos. Enjoy a cultural day of Hadzabe, interacting with the local Bushmen and their traditions.

The route north to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is Lake Manyara National Park. The entrance to the park is located in the small local village of Mto wa Mbu, which means Mosquito River in Kiswahili.

The park, located at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment, is home to the migration of pink flamingos, pelicans and more than 400 species of birds. The contrast in the vegetation consists of a lush jungle forest that opens the grassy plains. On the water’s edge, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests and elephants are located on the plains. Hippos scramble at the edge of the lake like a pool of hippos and noisy earthly kalaos greet you upon arrival.

Baboons spend their time hanging on the road near the park entrance happy to watch the world pass by. Lake Manyara is also known for the famous tree-climbing lions, which are often seen in the acacia forest, just inside the floodplains.

The park has 330 square km and when the water level is high the soda lake extends up to 200 km. From the top of the Rift Valley escarpment, the view is breathtaking. The lake stretches for miles and a pink blanket of flamingos covers the landscape.

The route north to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is Lake Manyara National Park. The entrance to the park is located in the small local village of Mto wa Mbu, which means Mosquito River in Kiswahili.

The park, located at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment, is home to the migration of pink flamingos, pelicans and more than 400 species of birds. The contrast in the vegetation consists of a lush jungle forest that opens the grassy plains. On the water’s edge, the game of the plains is giraffe, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and elephant. Hippos scramble at the edge of the lake in the hippo pool, and noisy earthly kalaos will greet you upon arrival.

Baboons spend their time hanging on the road near the park entrance happy to watch the world pass by. Lake Manyara is also known for the famous tree-climbing lions, which are often seen in the acacia forest, just inside the floodplains.

The park has 330 square km and the soda lake extends up to 200 km, when water levels are high. From the top of the rift valley escarpment, the view is breathtaking. The lake stretches for miles and the mantle of flamingo roses covers the landscape.

The most populous species of Tanzania after the national park and known as the «endless plains». The famous hunter Stewart Edward White described it as paradise and for the nomad Masai was Siringitu – «the place where the earth moves forever»

One of the oldest ecosystems and covering more than 30,000 square kms, it has inspired writers and photographers alike. The late Hugo Van Lawick filmed many documentaries to show this natural phenomenon to the world. Oldupai, known for his «cradle of humanity’s fossil remains,» has intrigued archaeologists and historians. Richard Leakey, for his excavations and knowledge of how our ancestors lived more than 2 million years ago.

The region extends so far north to Masai Mara, Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, Maswa Conservation Reserve and the wildlife management areas of Loliondo, Grumeti and Ikorongo. The UNESO Serengeti World Heritage Site is famous for annual migration with more than 1.5 to 2 million wildebeest moving clockwise throughout the national park. Around 90,000 visitors visit the park each year.

Serengeti will never die is an impressive documentary, filmed by Michael Grzimek who died in a plane crash during filming in 1959.

Southern Tanzania

Beauty intact.

Southern Tanzania is full of unspoiled landscapes and varied wildlife. Ruaha’s red soil and magnificent baobab trees create a great contrast to the horizon seen in the distance.

It is the largest of the national parks in southern Tanzania, and has as many visitors as parks in the north, but has a special experience. Ruaha comes from Ruvaha, which means a river in the Hehe language, and is part of the Muhesi ecosystem. An area of 45,000 square kilometers is home to endangered elephants, richpeople and kudus. There are many characteristic sausage trees and sometimes there is a leopard on the trees.

Although no one lives, the 55,000-square-kilometre Selous Game Reserve is one of the largest reserves in East Africa.

It is divided into upper and lower areas by the Rufiji River. The river flows through the center of Selous and is the source of water for lakes and lagoons. Rikaon walks through the savannah and forest in search of food, and in the dry season the animals gather around the river. Elephants, hippos, crocodiles and antelopes can mainly be seen. The riverside forest is home to wolf monkeys, and in the dry season, herds of elephants move between Selous and Mozambique.

Western Tanzania

The charm of the highlands.

Dense forests are home to chimpanzees, and many of the hippos live in Katabi National Park.

Catabi National Park and Mahale Massif National Park are fascinating places full of unspoiled nature. These two parks are located on the west side of Tanzania and can only be visited by airplanes or boats. To stay in Greystoke Mahale, travel with an hour and a half Dow boat. The wonderful beach on the edge of Greystoke and the turquoise water of Lake Tanganyika shine on the bottom of Mount Mahale.

There are interesting experiences like life like Robinson Crusoe and interacting with chimpanzees. Most of the wildlife that lives in the jungle is the mountain and the river boars, and other primates such as the colobus angora, the red-tailed monkeys and the blue monkeys. Birds such as black hats and African reeds can also be seen.

In contrast to Mahale, there are few tourists to Catabi, but next to Serengeti and Ruaha, there is the third largest national park. It is very different from the main tourist routes in the north, which gives you the feeling of going into the unknown. There are large rivers, lakes, trees and mammals in the 4,500 square kilometer park. In the late dry season, we can observe many hippos on the water’s edge, and lions, buffaloes and elephants gather in rivers, such as katoma, turnip and kappa. In the rainy season, you can see different views, also called the small Okavango Delta. The floodplain is transformed into a wetland by the overflowing river. In Katabi, everything is great, and tamarinds are one of them. Its leaves, fruits and flowers are the food of humans and elephants. It is also one of the places where many buffalo herds and the largest number of individuals can be seen in Africa.

Swahili Coast

A beautiful historical area full of history, natural beauty, art and culture.

Located on the coast of Tanzania, the exotic island of spices is full of mystery. Stonetown’s narrow trails and paved paths, inspired by Oman’s history, invite you to learn about the city’s culture. The Marine Park is located next to Mafia Island and is ideal for diving.

The varied history and culture of Zanzibar and Pemba dates back to the beginning of the century. The Swahili culture developed with the arrival of Muslims, Arabs and Persian traders.

A cloves and spice farm was developed by the Sultan of Oman. The slave trade peaked in the 18th century, and Unjuja was one of the largest slave trade ports. Germany and the United Kingdom abolished slavery in the 19th century, and the culture and features that make up this fascinating island flowed. Stonetown, the historic capital of Zanzibar, has colorful markets, spice shops, a history museum and is a World Heritage Site. The northern beaches glow white and are surrounded by coral reefs. The beaches in the south are quite different, with mangroves.

The island of Pemba is relatively underdeveloped, like the island of Zanzibar 20 years ago. This quiet and quiet place is perfect for travelers who want to forget everything, and diving can also be enjoyed here. It is important to protect reefs that are already depleted by overfishing.

The mafia islands are some distance from the coast of southern Tanzania. Mafia Island and Chore Island are in remote areas and there are not many paths. Since German possession in the 1890s, it has become a safe harbor for all ships. Dating back to the 11th century, the ancient ruins are next to Chole Mjini Lodge. Mafia Island Marine Park was established in 1995 to protect coral reefs and prevent overfishing.

The Ruffiji Delta and Mafia waterways form one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world. An area of 1,500 square kilometers is home to dugong and sea turtles. Five of the seven species found worldwide: green turtles, loggerhead turtles, lute turtles, turtles and turtles, are found off the coast of Tanzania.

You can swim with whale sharks from October to March. The Society for the Conservation of the Whale Shark aims to sensitize people to conserve this special animal. CholeMinji ecotourism is excellent and is recommended for those looking for a rustic adventure. Return to nature, dive, snorkel, swim with whale sharks or just relax.

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