Perched on the eastern edge of Africa, Tanzania is rich in culture and traditions. This sun-drenched destination hosts a number of people and tribes whose traditions define the Tanzanian culture that exists today. Tanzania is geographically diverse too. It boasts verdant mountains, scrubland plains and the famous Swahili coast where the country’s economy is strongest. Known for having some of the best safari locations in all of Africa, you are sure to see animals that you will spot nowhere else.
Destination Must-See's
Ngorongoro Crater:
Known as one of the seven natural wonders of Africa, Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most beautiful wildlife safari sites in the world. Since it has some of the most fertile and richest grazing grounds, it’s the best place in Tanzania to see the big five: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros.
Mt. Kilimanjaro:
Africa’s highest peak and the tallest free standing mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s most accessible high summits, making it a popular destination in Africa. When climbing the mountain, travelers experience climates from the tropics to the Arctic and everything in between by the time they reach the top.
Wildebeest:
The Wildebeest habitat is in the grassy plains and open woodlands of the Serengeti, Tanzania and Kenya. They travel in large herds and graze night and day, joining up with zebra and gazelle to move on to greener pastures in May or June. It is a giant migration that is considered one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth.
Serengeti:
A vast ecosystem in east-central Africa, Serengeti means “endless plains.” It’s known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and one of the ten natural travel wonders of the world because it is home to the largest mammal migration on the planet. Wildebeests, gazelles, zebras and buffalos migrate there along with predators like lions and hyenas in an incredible spectacle. The Serengeti also has a national park with protected game reserves and conservation areas.
Destination Must-Do's
Search for the “Big 5”:
Go on safari to catch a glimpse of the big 5 (lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos) while traveling through the African bush. This area is known for its large lion population and is one of the best places to observe them in their natural environment.
Visit the Datoga tribe:
Go on an adventure to Lake Eyasi just south of the Serengeti. This is a wild and scenically stunning place where you can gain a real understanding of Tanzania’s tribes. Meet the Datoga tribe which consists of skilled farmers, craftsman and blacksmiths. See their homes and experience their culture firsthand.
See the Hadzabe tribe:
These are more people of the lake region who will share how they hunt and live off the land with you. They are some of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes left on Earth and even have their own unique language, unrelated to any other. Be prepared for a “real deal” experience.
Have Lunch at Gibb’s Farm:
Enjoy a farm fresh lunch at this scenic farm overlooking the Great Rift Valley and Ngorongoro Crater. Take a walk with an expert to learn about the coffee fields, vegetable farm and trace the history of cultivation from the farm’s very beginning to modern methods used today.
Expert Advice
If you have some free time to explore Arusha before your tour begins, you'll find plenty to do! There are two museums within the city of Arusha. This is a great place for the traveler looking to bring home local art.
As you safari through Tanzania, enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. It is recommended to bring lightweight fabrics that may be worn in layers which may be added or removed; it tends to be cool in the morning and warmer in the afternoon.
Tanzania is the only country in Africa whose cuisine shows influence from countries all over the world. Sample some of the traditional Tanzanian dishes such as Vitumbua, Ndizi Kaanga, and the ever popular Nayama – minced beef, garlic, coconut, lime and tomatoes.