Having just returned from a safari in Tanzania, I was once again astounding by the incredible experiences we enjoyed. It really is the one stop safari shop, with pretty much every desire being fulfilled.
Nine Reasons to Safari in Tanzania.
- Quintessential Africa – the open plains, the silhouette of a giraffe standing under a solitary tree. When you close your eyes and imagine Africa – it’s Tanzania that comes into your mind’s eye.
2. The visibility – the short grass and open savannahs are conducive to great views, wonderful photo opportunities, and incredible filming potential. Most of the wildlife documentaries we enjoy were filmed here.
3. The variety of terrain – from forest to Savannah – Tanzania is not just open grasslands, packed with animals (although you do see plenty of this!) There are also soda lakes, packed to the brim with the pink tinged flamingos.
4. The Great Migration – it’s not called The Greatest Show on Earth for nothing. No picture or video footage does justice. Highlights are the river crossings of the Mara River, usually in June to August. However, you can catch the migration year-round. You just need to know where to go.
5. The culture – learn all about Swahili and the ancestors of both the Nilotic and Bantu peoples, emerging from North Africa and West Africa respectively. Once again, it’s essential safari – the Maasai warrior, standing in the late afternoon sun, tending his cattle and goats, wrapped in a bright red shuka, spear glinting in the sun.
6. The sunrises and sunsets – quite simply spectacular, especially out on the open plains.
7. Add on a Kilimanjaro trek – up to the highest freestanding mountain on earth.
8. Relax along the coast, Zanzibar being one of the most beautiful destinations along the Swahili coast.
9. The history – lots to see and learn about. Ancient civilisations with some of the earliest hominid remains anywhere in Africa. The slave trade which reared its ugly head on the East Coast of Africa. The great explorers, names like Livingstone, Stanley, Courtney-Selous roll off the tongue in Tanzania.
All in all – it’s a country that ticks all the safari boxes in fine style – really hard to beat, especially for first timers!