When you
mentioned Safari, most people have the imagination of a jungle filled with all
kind of wildlife as they see in wildlife documentaries- a jungle where the BIG
5 reign supreme. Well, that’s what you get from a Tanzania safari. As safari to
this East African country is, without doubt, an adventure filled with lifetime
memories. From some of the world’s top ranking wildlife viewing game reserves,
scenic landscape, warm climate to beautiful beaches, Tanzania is a country of
startling contrast.
What To Expect On Safari in Tanzania
If you are planning a safari in Tanzania, you have plenty of options to select. The country is endowed with breathtaking natural attractions that are second to none. Although its prolific wildlife is the major reason why people come for safaris, there are tons of natural attractions you can add to your Tanzania safari tours.
- Wildlife Safari Experience
So are
you a wildlife enthusiast? If yes, then Tanzania boasts of prolific wildlife
with almost a third of its landmass secured for the game reserves. From
the iconic Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Selous to Ruaha game reserves, you have
plenty of options to pick from. However, Serengeti is the most popular due to
its thrilling wildlife experience. But if you have enough time, we recommend
that you visit all of them as each has its unique safari experience. But you
need to get the timing correct.
Best Time to Do a Wildlife Safari in Tanzania
One of the
reasons why Tanzania is popular as a safari destination is due to its
incredible experience year round. You can pick various times of the year
depending on what you want to get out of your safari. As mentioned, Serengeti
National Park is the best safari destination. The iconic game reserve is best known
for its prolific wildlife including the ‘Big 5’ game. Serengeti ecosystem has
earned international recognition due to its vast population of African
elephants and other members of the BIG FIVE family. However, the best safari
experience that attracts millions of tourists every year is the phenomenal
wildebeest and zebra migration. There is a reason why it is the 8th
Wonder of the World.
Serengeti Cheetah
When Is Serengeti’s Best Migration
Season?
For wildlife
enthusiasts, wildebeests, gazelles and zebras’ migration around Serengeti is a
spectacle you can’t miss. From December to March is the best time to be
in the Serengeti ecosystem since it is the peak season. That is the season
millions of wildebeests, Zebras and Gazelles migration is in full swing as in
the lush Serengeti fields after the short rains. The season also serves as the
calving time for the wildebeest. It is also the perfect time to see the Lion, King
of the Jungle hunting. It is definitely a spectacular sight to behold. During
this peak season, almost all safari lodges are fully booked in advance. So you
need to play your cards well.
Off-peak Serengeti Safari
If you can’t
make it during the peak season, you can take up a May or June to October
safari. Although it is an off-peak season, Serengeti’s exotic glamour has not
faded away as the game reserve still provides a breathtaking game viewing
experience. Although the lush fields and The Great Migration are fading away
during this time, the resident wildlife is still roaming around including the
BIG 5.
A June to
October safari to Serengeti is perfect for those looking forward to the beauty
of the resident game. It is a dry season, and thus most of the resident game is
around water sources. This is the perfect time to view all the BIG FIVE in
Serengeti as the lush fields have faded away.
Therefore,
you see them clearly even from a distance.
Herd of
Elephants in Serengeti
Other Game Reserves you can Visit in Tanzania
Apart from
Serengeti, there are other a couple of game reserves that will wow you. They
include a safari in Tarangire National Park best known for its herds of
elephants. Ngorongoro Conservancy has also grown in popularity as a home to the
Big 5 game. Apart from its vast BIG FIVE game, the volcanic Ngorongoro crater a
major attraction. Selous and Ruaha game reserves are also great places to be,
especially during the June – October season when the land is dry.
Ngorongoro
Crater
Other Tanzania’s Attractions
Apart from
wildlife safari, there are many attractions you can enjoy from your Tanzania
safari tours. If you love adventures, then a safari in Tanzania will never be a
disappointing experience. The mainland Tanzania has some of the best natural
attraction in East Africa. How about climbing to Africa’s summit? Well, that is
what Mt Kilimanjaro on the border of Tanzania and Kenya is offering. It is the
highest point in Africa and the second in the world. Armed with your powerful
microscope at the peak, you will be able to see the vast magnificent African
land spreading from the foot of the mountain.
Mt. Kilimanjaro
The Great
Rift Valley passes through Tanzania and hosts some of the world’s spectacular
natural beauties. Most iconic are its lakes including Lake Tanganyika, Lake
Nyasa, Lake Natron, Lake Chala amongst others. It is also important to note
that World’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Victoria is also in Tanzania. These
are just of the natural beauties that you can add to your Tanzania safari tours
for a more fulfilling experience.
Tanzania’s Vibrant Beach Life
Zanzibar White Beach
Although
most of the safaris are in mainland Tanzania, we recommend that you wind up
your safari with a beach experience in Tanzania’s exotic Indian Ocean Islands.
There are many options that you can pick from including, but Zanzibar
archipelago is the real deal. The Indian island provides an incredible beach
experience like no other. The archipelago is made up of two large islands
namely Unguja and Pemba, but there are about ten islands which are part of
Zanzibar. The island also boasts of astounding white beaches and turquoise
coral waters which is a sight to behold. If you love snorkeling, boat riding,
sea diving, and hiking, Tanzania’s Indian Ocean islands provide a perfect place
wind up you Tanzania Safari.
A safari in
Tanzania is definitely an adventure filled with lifetime memories. From the
wildlife to the vibrant beach life, the country has everything you need for a
once in a lifetime Safari. Get a safari package that gives you all this
experience.