TANZANIA TRAVEL GUIDE
All animal lovers know of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and it is here where there are lions and wildebeest galore as well as all manner of birds. In addition to Serengeti National Park, a plethora of animals, including big cats and huge elephants, can also be seen in the unique environment of the Ngorongoro Crater, while the snow-covered peak of Mount Kilimanjaro rises out of the plains of northern Tanzania and offers steady climbing. Tanzania also boasts thriving cities like capital Dar es Salaam, idyllic islands and beaches in the Zanzibar chain, and warm and friendly people.
* * * * * * * *
TANZANIA WEATHER - When To Go
Tanzania enjoys a tropical climate and the best time to visit is during the winter months between June and September, when rainfall is at a minimum and temperatures aren’t too stifling. Whatever you do, avoid visiting during the rainy season from March to May (especially on the coast). After the cooler season, the rain kicks in with a mini rainy season from November to January.
Shoulder seasons are just before winter, when the chance of rain is much less, and at the end of the year between November and January, when it also rains but not to excess. Those coming for the great wildebeest migration in the Serengeti need to be here in October and November, at the end of the dry season.
* * * * * * * *
TANZANIA HIGHLIGHTS - Places to Visit
- Serengeti National Park: is THE place to go on safari - the big attraction in Tanzania - and one of the finest wildlife areas on the continent, if not in the world. All the interesting animals are here, including big cats, huge elephants, wildebeest and giant crocodiles, as well as millions of migratory birds. The huge savannah and forested plains themselves are also really impressive, yet it is the mass migration of a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle to Masai Mara in Kenya every October and November that is the main attraction.
- Kilimanjaro National Park: the world’s highest solitary mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, resides within the park and is the main highlight here. At over 19,300 feet above sea level, and with a reach of 15,000 feet from its base in northern Tanzania, the volcanic massif is truly impressive and boasts three peaks and relatively straightforward (guided) climbing. Views over the surrounding plains from the top are breathtaking while surrounding the snowy looming peak are forests containing numerous animals. You’ll need to put aside several days to climb and descend the mountain.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area: encompasses a huge crater in northwest Tanzania (near Serengeti) containing a large amount of animals enclosed by the crater walls. The crater measures 11 miles in diameter and features the highest density of lions in the world, while rare black rhinos and a huge amount of game birds also reside here. There are some quality lodges and although expensive, you could easily kick back and spend three or four days relaxing here.
- Zanzibar: lies off Tanzania’s north coast not far from the capital Dar es Salaam and features fine tropical beaches that could warrant a week’s vacation. It is actually an archipelago of islands and as such there are many off-the-beaten-track islands to explore, including the island of Pemba in the north. Also known as Spice Island, Zanzibar is a big producer of saffron and is home to beautiful buildings in Stone Town, including Arab Fort and the House of Wonders. The market here is famous, while Jozani Forest is perfect for lovers of nature with its established nature trails and abundance of wildlife.
- Dar es Salaam: the Tanzanian capital lies mid-way along Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coast and is a pleasant enough city to spend a few days in. The downtown area is the most interesting with its Arab and Indian ambience and friendly locals. Sights of note include the impressive National Museum, the Zoological Gardens, and nearby Bongoyo Island, which makes for a great daytrip. The bustling Kariokoo Market is also worth a look, where anything and everything is traded.
- Selous Game Reserve: many people forego this fantastic area of Tanzania in favour of the Serengeti, but if you have the time, spending a couple of days in the reserve is very rewarding. It is a vast land of untamed bush filled with all sorts of animals, although you can only access the northern section above the Rufiji River, where lions, hippos, elephants and zebras roam.
* * * * * * * *
TANZANIA HOSPITALITY - Eat, Drink, Sleep
- Food and Eating Out: Tanzania offers international variety in the big cities and major tourist areas. Local dishes worth a mention include ugali, a corn flour concoction that usually goes with meat stew but is often eaten by itself in the bush; mtori (cooked beef and bananas); and mchicha (vegetable stew, usually eaten with fish). The Tanzanian national dish is mayai, French fries cooked in an omelet fast food style. Dar es Salaam has the best food, especially in its Indian curry houses.
- Entertainment and Nightlife: Tanzania doesn’t offer much in the way of pubbing and clubbing as there are limited options, apart from in the larger cities where expat bars cater to foreign workers. Banana beer is the local tipple while Kilimanjaro, Serengeti and Safari beers are perhaps aimed more for Western palettes. Imports, like Stella Artois, are also common. Safari lodges and city hotels have a range of beers and entertainment options.
- Accommodation: Tanzania has basic room-only digs while a selection of five-star international establishments can be found in the cities. Hostel accommodation can also be easily found in all destinations favoured by backpackers. Safari lodge accommodation can vary widely.
* * * * * * * *
TANZANIA FLIGHTS - Flying from the UK
Direct flights to Dar es Salaam from London are available with British Airways.
You could also fly with KLM, switching planes in Amsterdam, or fly to Nairobi with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic. From there you can get connecting flights to Mount Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, or even travel overland to Serengeti National Park, just over the border (several hours drive).
Also try travel websites such as Expedia.co.uk for UK flight deals to Tanzania.
|
