Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar… The names roll off the tongue like a roster call of Africa’s most alluring destinations, all packed into one country. Resonating with hints of the wild and exotic these four alone are reason enough to justify packing your bag and heading off to Tanzania.
Within the space of several hours, it’s possible to go from lazing on idyllic beaches to exploring moss-covered ruins of ancient Swahili city states; from climbing mist-covered slopes in the Southern Highlands to trekking through the barren landscapes around Ol Doinyo Lengai, Tanzania has managed for the most part to remain unassuming and low-key. It has also remained enviably untouched by the tribal rivalries and political upheavals that plague many of its neighbors, and this – combined with a booming tourism industry – makes it an ideal choice for both first-time visitors and Africa old hands.
Cruise watching the Sunset over the Indian Ocean
Tanzania is an incredible country, with a quarter of its surface given over to national parks and conservation areas, over 1400 km of pristine coastline and the culturally and historically significant islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia.
Zanzibar The Spice Island
You can follow the Great Migration in Serengeti, track the chimpanzees in Gombe or Mahale Mountains and take a boat safari on the Rufiji river.
Serengeti Sunset
Serengeti Migration
You can also see majestic baobab trees and huge herds of elephants in Tarangire, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Ngorongoro Crater or spend some time in the relatively unknown Lake Natron area, a soda lake that is the only breeding ground for millions of flamingos.
Flamingos in Lake Natron
Elephants at Ngorongoro Crater
If you like to trek, not only you have the choice between the highest, the 5th and 9th highest mountains of Africa in Tanzania -Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and Mount Hanang.
Biking tour in Tanzania
You could also reach the summit of Ol Doinyo Lengai, the only active volcano in Tanzania and a sacred mountain for the Maasai, or spend a few days walking in the Pare, the Usambara and Udzungwa Mountain ranges, incredible rainforests that host endemic species not seen elsewhere in the world.
Ol Doinyo Lengai
But there is so much more to see in Tanzania, and different ways to do so!
An incredible way to admire nature from a different perspective is with a hot air balloon!
Hot air Balloon Safari in Serengeti
Your adventure starts in the early morning, when you depart your lodge or camp. As it is still dark, you may be fortunate to see nocturnal animals on the way to the launch site. There you will meet your pilot and witness your balloon being inflated and prepared for launch.
Rising as the sun rises, your balloon floats in whatever direction the winds of the day are heading over this wonderful area and after landing, you will celebrate in the traditional way with a toast, before heading off to a special ‘Out of Africa’ bush breakfast.
Instead of driving without stopping through the villages on your way to the parks, you can take some time to see how Tanzanians live and work in Mto wa Mbu, a unique village that is home to over 120 different tribes. You can easily move around the houses, visit the farms, schools, churches and the local market with a Tuk Tuk, a small vehicle with open sides that will allow you to connect with people and enjoy the colorful environment of the area.
Tuk Tuk tou
Village Life
Village Life
From the rainforest between Kidia and Marangu to Lake Chala and the Masaai lands on the north side -with game viewing opportunities- to the vast open agricultural spaces of West Kilimanjaro region, a 6 days biking tour will give you the excellent opportunity to explore all the different landscapes, people and animals at the base of Africa’s highest mountain Kilimanjaro.
Mountain Kilimanjaro: Africa’s highest and most iconic mountain
To find out how you can see Tanzania from a different point of view, contact us: www.tanzaniajourneys.com
White Sand Beach
