|
Located in the heart of central East Africa, Tanzania offers travelers a glimpse of Africa at its best, from the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, to the animal-filled lands of the Serengeti, and the luxurious resorts and sandy beaches of beautiful Zanzibar. Whether you’re looking to climb, dive, hunt, conserve, or simply observe the country in all its wonder, there’s something for everyone in this, one of Africa’s top tourist destinations.
History & Culture
Tanzania proper was established in 1964, when the British-controlled UN trust territory of Tanganyika, and the British protectorate of Zanzibar, gained independence. The two nascent states joined together to form one united country, and Tanzanians have lived peacefully together ever since.
Still, Tanzania’s history began much earlier than its statehood. Known to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the entire world, Tanzania bursts with history and culture far beyond its natural beauty. Sultans, Germans and British have all taken turns at ruling the nation, and walking the streets of Tanzania’s more urban centers, one will see the unique architecture and language that comes with such a distinct history.
Now home to more than 100 ethnic groups, Tanzania has been able to avoid some of the ethnic and political struggles experienced in its neighboring countries, and visitors will note its welcoming and laid-back attitude. The country is divided fairly evenly among Muslim, Christian and indigenous people, with a slight predominance of Muslim communities in the coastal areas, and Zanzibar.
The Land
Tanzania’s topography is as diverse as its many cultures, and its wildlife. In the northeast, the country has mountainous terrain, with the most famous peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, capped with snow the entire year. In the north and west, visitors will find some of the deepest and largest lakes in Africa, Tanganyika and Victoria. In the center, large plateaus and plains are the norm, while the East, which borders the Indian Ocean, is largely hot and humid.
With 25 percent of the country made up of national parks and other conservation areas, Tanzania has protected more of its land and wildlife than any country in all of Africa. In fact, one of its reserves, Sealous Game Reserve, is larger than the entire country of Denmark and actually covers some 5 percent of the entire country. Though the area is teaming with wildlife (elephants and rhinos), it’s not teaming with crowds. The park is so remote that it is most easily accessed by aircraft, allowing you to explore Africa’s impressive wildlife in the most intimate of settings.
Because conserving the wildlife is so important, most national parks in Tanzania do not allow visitors to explore the parks by foot. Exceptions include Mahale Mountains, Gombe Stream National Parks, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Arusha and Kilimanjaro, though you may need to plan the walking portion of your trip in advance. Visitors will find that gaming reserves tend to offer more access, as they are governed by fewer rules than the national parks within the country.
Industry
Tourism is an increasingly important part of the Tanzania economy, with more than 600,000 visitors entering the country in 2009. Still, the country is working hard to market some of its less popular and less developed attractions. These include wildlife parks in the south and west; some of the countries amazing mountain ranges; and arts and culture in smaller villages throughout the country. The country’s goal is to reach 1 million visitors in 2010.
Tanzania is still a primarily agricultural economy; agriculture employs some 80 percent of the country’s workforce. Still, nascent industries like textiles and telecommunications are emerging, as is a small but increasingly popular wine industry, the only in East Africa.
When to go
Though there are specific rainy and dry seasons in Tanzania, temperatures throughout the country tend to stay fairly moderate throughout the year. In addition, both wet and dry seasons offer certain advantages, depending on your planned itinerary. For instance, crowds (and prices) tend to be lower during the rainy season, so if you’re short on budget (or on patience), this might be a great time to visit. Still, wet weather means that some roads may be washed out and some parks may be closed; keep this in mind if you plan on seeing the country by car. In general, consider the following when planning your trip:
• Best time to climb Kilimanjaro: January, February or September (when the weather is warm and dry)
• Best time to safari: June to November (animals begin to gather around watering holes formed in rainy months)
• Best time to go to the beaches: Between July and October (less rain and fewer crowds)
• Best time to view a mass migration: February to March, when millions of wildebeest and zebras begin to make their annual trek, the largest known mass movement of land mammals in the world
Essentials (800 words)
Currency and Money Handling
The Tanzanian shilling is the official currency of Tanzania, though some hotels in major cities may accept U.S. dollars. Banks and foreign exchange bureaus will usually offer the best exchange rate. Whatever the case, to avoid scams, never exchange money on the street.
Credit cards (American Express, MasterCard, Visa, etc.) are only accepted at more upscale locations, so carry at least some cash with you at all times. ATMs are fairly common in major cities, but it has been warned that some machines will “eat” user cards, so use them with caution. Also beware of the steep $2-4 service charge for each transaction.
Language
Swahili is the official language of the social and political sphere in Tanzania, and is the primary language used in primary education. Still, English is used in secondary schools and universities; though less prevalent than it used to be, you may find that English is fairly wide spoken. Indian, Portuguese and French are also commonly heard throughout the country.
Water
While in Tanzania, drink only bottled water, or purified water, to avoid infection.
Vaccinations
The following vaccinations are recommended when traveling in Tanzania:
• Yellow fever
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A and B
• Diptheria
• Rabies
• Malaria
Visitors may also consider getting a booster for tetanus, polio, and measles. Talk to your travel doctor before going on your trip to ensure you have all of the shots you need, and always check your home country’s Center for Disease Control website for any last-minute outbreaks or updates.
Staying healthy
Though public hospitals in Tanzania tend to be under-sourced, private hospitals do offer quality care if you should become sick during your trip. To be on the safe side, talk to your insurance carrier before your trip to make sure you fully understand your coverage while overseas, and always take preventative measures to stay safe and healthy throughout your stay. For instance, always wear insect repellent, always wash your hands before eating, stay hydrated, and carry a first aid kit if traveling to remote areas. These simple measures will go a long way in helping you avoid common ailments throughout your journey.
Malaria is a common concern in Tanzania. In addition to wearing repellent, always take special cautions, such as sleeping under a tent, and wearing long pants and closed shoes. You might also consider taking anti-malarial medicine, before, during or after your trip, just to be safe.
Also worth noting is that HIV/AIDS infection is prevalent in Tanzania, as in other countries throughout Africa. Do not have unprotected sex or share needles during your trip.
Staying safe
As you travel through Tanzania, you’ll likely come to love the friendly and generally laid-back personality of most Tanzanian people. Still, keep the following precautions in mind when traveling.
• Carry as few valuables and cash with you as possible, and try to dress conservatively so as not to attract too much attention.
• Never walk alone at night, especially in unlit areas, or beaches that cannot be seen from the roadway.
• Beware that some thieves will pose as official Tanzanian police in order to steal your passport of money. Make a copy of your passport in case it gets stolen. Better yet, don’t carry it with you unless you need to.
• Be careful when using taxi service at night; use a registered taxi driver you trust or one recommended by a trusted source.
• Note that the Tanzanian police themselves may be susceptible to corruption. Always be alert and stay on the right side of the law to avoid altercations.
• Always request a receipt if storing luggage or other belongings.
• Take special consideration when traveling on buses, as theft is common.
Telephone
Public telephones are available in most major cities, and can usually be accessed at the local post office in more rural areas. The country code in Tanzania is 255. Pay-as-you-go cell service might also be available if you are staying in an urban area.
Tipping
In general, gratuities are expected in Tanzania, especially for safari, hotel, and restaurant staff. In high-end hotels, you might find a tip box at the main reception desk. You can tip the staff individually, via tip box, or both if you’re feeling generous. For trekking tips, it’s generally recommended that you budget 10-15 percent of your climb cost for tips. Sample tips would be $5-10 per day for a personal driver or guide; $5 to $20 per day for a personal chef or cook; and $5 to $10 per day for a porter. In general, tips are per day, not per person.
If taking pictures of locals, you might also consider paying them for the opportunity.
Driving
Tanzanians drive on the left side of the road, and car rentals can be organized through some hotels. Be aware of aggressive taxi drivers, potholes and uncovered man holes. Though car-jacking is not a common problem, thievery is. Beware that thieves may stop your car when at traffic lights. Keep your windows closed and doors locked at all times.
Clothing
Especially in the primarily Muslim island of Zanzibar, wear conservative or modest attire. “Kangas,” or wrapping cloths, are available throughout the region and can help travelers stay discreet during their journey.
Arrival (500 words)
Visitors traveling to Tanzania have a variety of options for making their way into the country, including plane, bus, train and ferry/boat. Many will find that traveling via plane offers the most expeditious (and often, the only available) method of travel, especially when reaching some of the country’s remote parks and reserves. The following is a break-down of some of the more popular options for arriving into the country.
By plane
Most international visitors to Tanzania will fly into either Julius K. Nyerere International Airport (for access to Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or points south and west) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (for access to points in the northern circuit). Consider your complete itinerary to determine which option is right for you.
If you’re traveling from within Africa, you may consider regional flights, which fly regularly from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, the Comoros Islands, and South Africa. For those flying within Tanzania, Precision Air, Air Tanzania, ZanAir, and Regional Air Services offer reliable service between major Tanzanian towns and attractions.
In any case, most hotels will arrange airport pickup upon request; taxis are also available.
By bus
If you have some time on your hands (or a hole in your budget), you might consider arriving to Tanzania via bus from Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda, Zambia or Rwanda. Numerous operators offer service, but journeys can last up to 36 hours depending on your final destination, as noted below:
Mombasa (Kenya) to Dar es Salaam: 12 hours
Nairobi (Kenya) to Dar es Salaam: 13 hours
Nairobi to (Kenya) Arusha: 5 hours
Lilongwe (Malawi) to Dar es Salaam: 27 hours
Kampala (Uganda) to Dar es Salaamvia Nairobi: 25 hours (obtain Kenya visa before transit)
Kigali (Rwanda) to Dar es Salaam: 36 hours
Lusaka (Zambia) to Dar es Salaam: 30 hours
As always, practice caution when traveling on buses, as you may be a prime target for pick-pocketing.
By Train
Train service is available between Kapiri Mposhi, Zambia, and Dar es Salaam. Though interesting, the trip takes two nights.
By Boat
Those looking to take a boat to Tanzania will need to be a bit flexible in their travel schedules. The ferry between Nkhata Bay (Malawi) and Mbamba Bay (Tanzania) runs just twice per month. A weekly ferry between Kigoma (Burundi) and Bujubura takes 14 hours. Ferries to various points in Kenya run once per week.
If you’re looking for adventure, you might consider taking the ferry from Mpulungu (Zambia) to Kigoma, which stops at small and quaint villages along the coast, including Lagosa, the main point for traveling to Tanzania’s Mahale Mountains National Park, a spot known for its chimpanzee population.
Visas
Business or tourist visas are required for most foreign nationals visiting Tanzania. Though it’s possible to obtain a visa at the airport or other border crossing stations in the country, it’s advised to obtain one before your trip from your local Tanzanian High Commission or embassy. To find your local office, visit www.tz.embassyinformation.com. Visas are valid for three to six months and do not service as a permit to work while in the country.
Dar es Salaam (500 words)
Though most visitors to Tanzania only stop in Dar es Salaam en transit to some of the country’s more popular destinations, the city itself, bursting with African, Muslim and Asian culture, is worth a visit in its own right. Dubbed the “Haven of Piece” (in Arabic), Dar, as it is affectionately known, was founded as a fishing village in 1862. Since then it’s become the country’s largest city with a population of nearly 3 million, and one of the most important ports in all of Africa’s eastern coast.
While Dar has not been the capital of Tanzania since 1973, it’s still the center of much of Tanzania’s business and political life. What’s more, a prevalence of diplomatic missions and other nonprofit organizations makes it a great place to settle if you’re looking to do some voluntary work during your stay.
Getting there
Visitors flying in to Dar will likely arrive via Julius K. Nyerere International Airport, located 10 km west of city. Most hotels offer pick-up and drop-off service to the airport on request. Taxi service is also available.
Getting around
One of the first things you’ll notice about Dar is the lack of sidewalks throughout the city. Thus, though Dar is a great place to explore by foot, you’ll most likely find it a bit difficult (if not dangerous) to use walking as your primary method of transportation.
“Daladalas,” which are shared minivans that travel a specific route throughout the day, are the most popular way of getting around the city. Check the front of the vehicle for its route, and get on or off at any of the listed stops. If you have trouble finding them, simply ask a local vendor; they should be able to direct you to the nearest stop.
Taxis are also readily available, but if you use them, be sure to use only trusted or recommended vendors, and determine a price before jumping in.
Rental cars can be arranged via most hotels, but beware that driving in Tanzania is more difficult than other parts of the West. Potholes, traffic, and aggressive taxi-drivers make driving an adventure all in its own; because of a lack of lights, driving at night should be avoided.
Communication (Internet and Phone)
As a political and business hub, Dar offers some of the best connectivity in the entire country. By 2009, there were more than 20 internet cafes in the central business area alone, and phone booths are available at local post offices.
What to see
The National Museum, Makumbusho Village Museum, Askari Monument, State House, Zoological Gardens, Karimjee Hall, and Azania Front Lutheran Church are all great places to explore Tanzanian culture and history. If you’re looking for some bargains (or at least the chance to practice your bargaining skills), head to the Kariakoo Market, just west of the city’s center.
For relaxation, simply try some of the city’s beaches, which can be accessed via various hotels and resorts along the coast. Popular locations include South Beach Resort, Ras Kutani, and Amani. Note that some hotels may charge for beach access if you are not a hotel guest. Some may also have rules regarding children, so check ahead if you’re traveling with family.
Where to eat
Visitors will find that Dar es Salaam offers a diverse range of food options, from Indian and Chinese, to local Tanzanian stews, buffet-style meals, and deep-fried fish and chicken. Street vendors are a popular and economical choice for those on the run, while Western hotels will offer more traditional Western fare.
Where to stay
With the burgeoning finance and business development in Dar, there are also a growing number of modern hotels and boutique guesthouses that would satisfy even the savviest traveler. Still, the most extravagant don’t come cheap. Royal Palm (popular among businessmen), Kilimanjaro Hotel Kempinski, and Oyster Bay are some of the nicest, but all will cost you more than $200/night.
Day Trips
Dar es Salaam is a great base for exploring the surrounding region, including Bagmoyo, Bongoyo Island Marine Reserve, and Mbudja Island, where you’ll find numerous opportunities for scuba-diving and deep-sea fishing.
The Kigamboni ferry leaves for beaches south of the city at the corner of Ocean Road and Kivukoni Street. A ferry to Zanzibar leaves four times per day. Still, be careful of ticket scams. Purchase your tickets only from verified dealers, and always check the date of your ticket to make sure it’s accurate.
If you’re up for a hike, take a short trip (45 minutes) to the tropical forest of Puga Hills.
Numerous safari and travel operators can also help those interested in organizing a longer trip on one of the country’s safari circuits.
Getting around (600 words)
Because most of Tanzania’s main tourist attractions are located outside of its main urban centers, you’ll likely need to determine which kind of in-country transportation you’ll use to reach your final destination. Your hotel or tour operator may be able to assist you in your planning.
By plane
Many find that air travel provides the quickest and safest way of traveling around the country, especially to some of the more remote park areas, which are only accessible via small aircraft. Air Tanzania and Precision air operate local and regional flights within the country.
While there are 129 airports in Tanzania, only 11 of them are paved. Small planes and bush airstrips are the norm in the more remote locations.
By train
Two train services operate in Tanzania, offering service between Dar es Salaam and Kigoma, and Dar es Salaam and Mwanza. Service, however, can be sporadic or slow. Unless you’re traveling a fairly short distance, or your schedule is flexible, you might consider another method.
By bus
When traveling long distances via bus in Tanzania, it’s recommended to use private/first-class companies like Scandinavia Express and Royal Coach, which tend to be much faster, more comfortable, and air conditioned (unlike their local counterparts). When planning your schedule, however, beware that buses are not permitted to travel at night in Tanzania. Most buses depart in the morning hours and may require stopovers depending on the length of the journey.
As with all tickets, when purchasing your bus ticket, beware of scams; check the date and purchase the ticket only from the bus driver or an authorized dealer.
By Boat
Numerous ferries and boats connect cities surrounding Lake Victoria, along the coast, and among the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia. The comfort, frequency, and speed of the boats may vary, so be sure to check with your carrier in advance, and as always check your ticket to avoid scams.
By Dalladalla
One of the most popular ways to travel throughout Tanzania’s urban centers is the dalladalla, or shared taxi. Simply check the front of the vehicle for its route.
By Taxi
Private taxis are plentiful in more urban areas of Tanzania, but be sure to negotiate a price before jumping in. Though some areas, such as the Dar es Salaam Airport, may most fixed prices to certain locations, many fares are simply up for debate. Be sure to use caution when using taxi service at night, and only use those drivers you trust, or those highly recommended by others.
By car
Driving in Tanzania is on the left side of the road.
Though there are nearly 90,000 km of highway in Tanzania, less than 4,000 km of those roadways are actually tarred. While some are in good condition, most are fairly hazardous. In fact, road accidents are the highest cause of death in Tanzania, and driving should always be done with utmost care and caution. Even outside of the poor road condition, poor nighttime lighting and aggressive driving among taxi-drivers also make the roads quite dangerous.
Roads within reserves and national parks are incredibly rough, and some may be impassable during the rainy season. Most safaris will require that vehicles are driven only by a hired and trained driver; it is not recommended that you attempt to self-drive during your safari circuits.
Though car-jackings are rare, car thievery is not. Be careful when parked at stop lights or parking your care throughout town.
National Parks (800 words)
It’s no wonder that most visitors to Tanzania enter the country hoping to see wildlife; Tanzania has more land devoted to national parks and reserves than any other wildlife destination in the entire world, and visitors rarely leave disappointed, whether they’re hoping to see the “big five” (lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos and leopards) or simply to learn more about one of the most diverse ecosystems on the continent. Whatever the case, if animals are what you’re looking to see, Tanzania is a great place to find them. In fact, the question isn’t which animals you’ll see, it’s what part of the country you’d like to see them in.
The national parks and reserves of Tanzania are divided into “circuits,” according to their topography and geography. Many seeking a safari adventure will choose a certain circuit and plan their stops around that itinerary. Some parks may have age restrictions for young children; call ahead if you are traveling with family.
Northern circuit
The most popular among tourists, Tanzania’s northern circuit features some of the country’s most famous destinations, including the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. It also features some of the most Western accommodations; those looking for an African safari as big on comfort as it is on adventure should consider the northern route.
Parks featured in the northern circuit include:
• Serengeti: The most famous park in Tanzania, the Serengeti boasts some 15,000 square kilometers of protected land. Visitors will see large prides of lions, elephants, giraffes, gazelles, monkeys and more roaming through the vast open space.
Though travel in most of Tanzania’s national parks is heavily controlled, hot air balloon safaris have become popular in the Serengeti, allowing visitors to absorb not just the beauty of the area, but the absolute size, as well. Schedule your trip between December and April to witness the annual wildebeest migration, the largest mass movement of land mammals on the entire planet.
• Arusha National Park: Those looking for a hike should consider Arusha National Park, which is rich with lakes and forest, and features great views of Mt. Meru. Monkey-watching is popular at this spot, where ambitious visitors can make the three-day climb to Mt. Meru’s summit, and others can opt to take it easy on one of the many less-intense paths in the park.
• Lake Manyara National Park: En route to the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti, visitors will find the bush plains, cliffs and hot springs of Lake Manyara National Park, an area filled with birds and other wildlife that thrive on its brackish waters, including the pink flamingo and yellow-billed storks. Also popular are the area’s tree-climbing lions, and one of the largest concentrations of baboons in the entire world.
• Tarangire National Park: Elephant lovers will enjoy Tarangire, which boasts the highest density of elephants in the country, as well as numerous gazelles, wildebeests, zebras and giraffes.
Located just a few hours from Arusha, many safari companies will stop in both Lake Manyara and Tanargire en route to larger venues.
Southern Circuit
In southern Tanzania visitors will find some of the wildest and most remote reserves in the entire country. The largest of these, Sealous Game Reserve, is actually larger than the entire country of Denmark and covers some 5 percent of Tanzania’s total land area.
Because it is a game reserve, and not a national park, Sealous allows visitors to engage in more activities than they’d be able to at other locations in the country, including boating safaris, hiking safaris and fly camping. Still, despite the wealth of rivers, hills, plains, elephants, wild dogs, and rhinos roaming the area, there is a dearth of transportation to the region. Visitors will find that it is most easily accessible via aircraft.
Western Circuit
Though not one of the most popular tourist circuits, the Western circuit in Tanzania is spectacular in its own right. Full of rugged terrain, and bordering the shore of Lake Victoria, visitors can spend time tracking chimpanzees, boating, hiking, and fishing in one of the most remote areas of the country.
Parks featured in the Western circuit include:
• Gombe Stream National Park: On Tanzania’s western border with Congo, Gombe Stream National Park is one of Tanzania’s most famous, largely due to famed researcher Jane Goodall, who studied endangered chimpanzees in the forest. Visitors can take guided walks to view and sit with the chimpanzees in the park for an entire morning, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up-close to these amazing creatures. Other animals sure to be seen in Gombe include monkeys, baboons, forest pigs and antelope. Note: Children under 7 not permitted.
• Katavi: The third largest park in the country and one of the most pristine, Katavi is full of varied wildlife, bush and views, from flood plains full of hippos and birds to woodlands full of buffalo and elephants. The area also features numerous seasonal lakes where all types of animals gather to drink, offering an unforgettable spectacle at certain times of the year.
• Mahale Mountains National Park: Also only accessible via small aircraft or lake taxi, Mahale Mountains National Park is located in one of most remote parts of Tanzania, bordering Congo. Though Gombe is more famous, Mahale actually boasts more chimpanzee sightings, and its hikes to chimp habitation areas are reasonably accessible for the average visitor. Note: Children under 7 not permitted.
Eastern Circuit
Even if you’re staying in the urban center of Dar es Salaam, you will still have a chance to check out the wildlife in Tanzania’s Eastern Circuit. Parks featured in the circuit include:
• Mikumi: Just a few hours from Dar via paved road, Mikumi National Park is the fourth largest park in Tanzania, and offers amazing wildlife viewing opportunities, including large hippo pools, cheetahs, elephants, buffalos and rhino. The park borders Selous Game Reserve and Udzungwa National Park and is a perfect day-trip from Dar.
• Saadani: Part beach, part bush, you may actually find elephants running in the sand at this unique park location. Located just 70 km north of Bagamoyo and accessible by road from Dar, Saadani is a great day trip from beach resorts along the northern coast. The park’s Wami River offers numerous opportunities for viewing hippos, crocs, flamingos and birds.
Though there are a range of safari packages or budget, moderate and high-end travelers, as with most things in life, you’ll get what you pay for in planning your park or safari adventure. Do your research in finding a reputable tour company.
Choosing a Tour Operator
Tanzania’s abundant wildlife makes it one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations. Still, safaris can range from basic (using tents and self-catering) to high-end (featuring luxury lodging and tented camp sites). In fact, some lodges in the Serengeti can cost up to US$1500/person per night. Even “budget” trips can cost up to $300/night when accounting for park entry fees and guides. Long story short, expect to spend a considerable amount of money on your African adventure.
When choosing a tour operator and safari package, be sure to consider both the company’s reputation and the type of safari you’re looking for. Types of safaris include:
• Luxury lodge: If you prefer to have the luxuries of home (en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, pools, dining) throughout your safari journey, these top-dollar tours are for you. Luxury trips are usually all-inclusive, with hotel staff planning transportation within the country, meaning limited stress and maximum comfort.
• Bush camp safari: If simple (and affordable) is your style, you may enjoy bush camping, which allows you to stay in tents the heart of nature.
• Walking safari: If you like to get up close to the wildlife, consider a walking safari, where a guide will take you on foot through parts of the park, teaching you how to use your senses to locate different animals. You may choose a long walk (three to four days) or a one-day trip based at a luxury hotel.
• Safari and beach combination: If you love nature but also love lounging beach-side, a beach safari combination might be right for you. It allows you to end your trip at a beautiful beach on the Indian Ocean along the Tanzanian coast.
• Small-group safaris: If you’re looking for an adventure but don’t have the time or resources to plan an entire trip yourself, consider a small group (12-16 person) safari, where you can travel as a single or couple, getting to know other adventures during your trip.
Wilderness safari: If you’re looking to experience the most remote areas of the African wilderness, consider this type of trip. Though more difficult to get to (often requiring small plane transportation), they can be an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing you to see nature in its purest form.
• Cultural safari: If you’d like to learn more about Tanzania’s many cultures, as well as its animals, a cultural safari would be a great choice, as it has a larger emphasis on meeting local people, and learning about their customs.
• Conservation/volunteer trip: If you want to make a difference during your stay, consider a volunteer trip, which allows you to spend time with local organizations helping to maintain Tanzania’s rich ecosystems.
• Family safari: If you’re traveling with children, you will want to make sure your safari is family-friendly. Though numerous operators offer this type of package, many also stipulate that children must be at least 5 years old to attend. In addition, some parks do not admit children under age 7.
Because they can be very difficult to get around, self-drive safaris aren’t recommended in Tanzania, although they are popular in other parts of Africa.
Popular safari providers include:
Deluxe:
Access2Tanzania
Africa Dream Safaris
Thomson Safaris
Mid-range:
Another Land
Across Tanzania Expeditions
Flash Safaris
Budget (primarily camping)
Good Earth Tours
Into Africa
Fay Safaris
In general, deluxe and luxury resorts will be found in the more heavily-visited Northern Circuit.
Before selecting a provider, be sure to check reviews and ratings from other travelers; doing your due diligence early will prevent any disappointments later on in your trip.
Other Points of Interest
Lake Victoria
Sharing a border with Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, Lake Victoria is the second largest fresh-water lake in the entire world, with 70,000 square km of surface. Though an ideal spot for bird watching, hiking, and nature-watching in general (the lake borders the western Serengeti), Lake Victoria is actually one of the least visited areas in all of Tanzania. If you’re looking for a quiet African retreat, this might be the spot for you, even as a short excursion from the Serengeti or Masai Mara (Kenya).
Rubondo Island National Park (in the southern area of the lake), one of the area’s major attraction, is an area rife with precious tropical fish, birds, crocodiles, hippos, vervet monkeys, chimpanzees, elephants and giraffes, not to mention jasmine, orchids, remote beaches, pristine forest and bush. It’s the perfect spot for getting lost in one of Africa’s most valuable resources: nature.
Still, despite the fact that it’s remained off the beaten path of most tourists, Lake Victoria remains an important part of Tanzania’s economy and industry. Fishing, coffee, and cotton are all incredibly important, as is trade, with convenient cross-lake access to both Kenya and Uganda. Perhaps for this reason, the lake itself has changed considerably since it was discovered in 1858. No longer clear, the waters are now murky from development and over-fishing.
Lake Victoria is accessible via air, train, bus, and car via its main port cities of Mwanza, Musoma and Bukoba. The popular Tanzanian attractions of Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crator and Serengeti National Park are all within just 400 km of Bukoba on the western shore of the lake.
Popular spots to stay include Speke Bay Lodge, Lukuba Island Resort, Rusinga Island Lodge and Mfangano Island Camp. Camping is also possible at Rubondo Island National Park.
Dodoma
Though Dar es Salaam is arguably the business and financial capital of Tanzania, Dodoma is the official political capital of the country, having taken the title from Dar in the 1970s when Dar was seen as too “geographically peripheral.” Today, though Tanzania’s parliament meets in Dodoma, many ministers and government officers still spend much of their time in Dar es Salaam.
Though not necessarily a highlight of most itineraries, Dodoma is gaining popularity for its growing wine industry. In fact, it’s one of the few places in all of East Africa where wine is made. Still, located in the middle of Tanzania’s center, near the eastern part of the southern highland area, Dodoma cannot be reached by flight, making access somewhat difficult.
If you’re set on visiting, both Dodoma Hotel and the Kilimanjaro Villa Guesthouse are recommended accommodations.
Arusha
If you plan on traveling on the northern safari circuit, you’ll likely find yourself in Arusha, if only for a short time. Located at the bottom of Mt. Meru, Arusha is a virtual tourist mecca by African standards, with streets full of safari vehicles, markets, guides, crafts, and Europeans. Still, it’s by no means a small town. The city boasts some 400,000 residents, and is home to the International Conference Centre, where numerous peace agreements have been signed. The Rwanda War Crimes Tribunes are also housed there.
If you’ll be spending a few days in Arusha, consider climbing Mt. Meru, which takes about three days and is a nice alternative to the more famous Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Transportation throughout the city is mainly by daladala. A wide range of accommodation is available.
Snorkeling & Diving
While it’s true that many of Tanzania’s most impressive sites can be seen on land, the waters off its Eastern coast also hold endless adventure for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts alike. Outside of Zanzibar, the following are a few of Tanzania’s most beautiful islands, which lie just off shore in the Indian Ocean.
Mafia Island Archipelago (South of Zanzibar)
If you’re looking for amazing diving and snorkeling opportunities, without the crowds of Zanzibar, consider Mafia Island. This small group of islands, part of the Tanzanian Spice Islands, lies south of Zanzibar near the mouth of Rufiji River Delta. Home to small rural farm and fishing communities, Mafia Island has more than 40,000 residents. Though an island like Zanzibar, Mafia is actually governed from the Tanzanian mainland and has always been considered separate from Zanzibar.
Mafia includes one large island and many smaller islands. Though relatively small (the archipelago is about half the size of Zanzibar), the islands have a rich history dating back to the 8th century when it played a key role in trade between East Africa and the Far East.
Today, Mafia is host to Tanzania’s first ever marine park, which covers the southern half of the island. It was funded in part by the World Wildlife Federation in 1995, and it’s become so important that a number of universities now study there.
Though the name is a bit menacing, the island is anything but. Surrounded by warm clear water, coral and flat sandy beaches, it’s home to more than 120 species of birds (including five different kinds of sunbird), while the channels surrounding the area are home to two endangered species: the manatee/sea cow and the giant and green turtle. Explore the area by boat to get the most of the experience.
Visitors can get to Mafia year-round via road or air from both Arusha and Dar es Salaam. From October through March, whale sharks are extremely prevalent, and it may be possible to organize tours to swim alongside them.
Pemba Island (North of Zanzibar)
Located north of Zanzibar, some 80 km off the coast of Tanzania, is another small group of islands known as Pemba. Surrounded by warm, clear waters, visitors will find schools of dolphins, mangos and coral reefs, among which swim some of the most beautiful marine life in the world.
Unlike the flat island of Zanzibar, Pemba is full of beautiful hills and valleys, and the area has also become popular with mountain bikers, who enjoy the island’s peaks and trails.
The island is also popular for its voodoo doctors and healers, and people from throughout East Africa visit the island simply to seek cures for their ailments.
Pemba Island is full of vegetation, including coconuts and mangos. It is also one of the largest clove producers in the world.
To access Pemba, visitors can travel by air from Zanzibar, or Dar es Salaam or Tanga on the mainland. Ships between Zanzibar and Pemba run regularly and last between 3 and 6 hours. A ship from Dar es Salaam travels to Pemba via Zanzibar three times per week.
Hunting
With so much wildlife and big game, it’s no wonder that Tanzania has become a popular spot for not just viewing wildlife, but hunting it, as well. Some 70 percent of the country is still completely wild, with leopard, lions, elephants, antelopes, and a range of other trophy animals up for the taking. Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve, located on Tanzania’s Southern Circuit, is the largest game reserve in the entire world and has become a popular spot for big-game hunters looking for their crown prize. Other reserves include Rungwa, Lukwika, Kilombero Mlimba and Kilombero Mgeta.
Hunting of birds and big game is legal in Tanzania during the official hunting season, which lasts from July to December. Numerous companies offer big-game hunting safaris in Tanzania, with costs ranging close to US$20,000 per person for a 10-day trip (government and trophy fees separate). Longer tours, up to a number of months, can also be arranged.
There are no fences, and no restrictions on weight or size in terms of trophies killed during one’s hunting trip. However, transportation of trophies is generally not included in package rates.
All hunting safari companies in Tanzania are required to follow strict anti-poaching guidelines, and to support and educate the community regarding the importance of wildlife conservation. When choosing an operator, always be sure you are choosing one committed to the full ethical support of Tanzania’s wildlife.
Popular Tanzanian hunting safari providers include Legendary Adventures, Hunting Legends, and Miombo Safaris,
Mt Kilamanjaro
Mt Meru
Lake Tanganyika
Ngorongoro
Tanga region
Kondoa
Kalambo
Zanzibar
Australia
All about Australia
|
