Tanzania Safaris

Tanzania Safaris - Travel Tips

• The annual wildebeest and zebra migration crosses the plains of the Serengeti and areas of the Ngorongoro Crater from November to May.
• See the Chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains all year-round.
• Tarangire is at its best during its dry season between July and September, but the southern parks of Katavi, Ruaha and Selous are best explored between July and March.
• Tanzanian safaris connect well with the island of Zanzibar for a beach add-on.

Tanzania Safaris - A Personal View

One of the perks of being a tour operator is the travel and having just returned from a safari in Tanzania I am already itching to get back out there. I was amazed at how quite diverse a country could be in terms of its landscape, people and animals.

My travels took me through Southern Tanzania, starting in the Ruaha National Park, where occasionally rustic accommodations were more than compensated by teeming wildlife. Next was the Selous Game Reserve with its up-market accommodations and wide variety of wonderful activities. I ended on the coast at Ras Kutani, a stunning spot just ten minutes’ flight over azure seas from Dar es Salaam, and the perfect place to relax at the start or finish of a safari in Tanzania.

Among my personal highlights on this Tanzanian safari was one incredible afternoon game drive when I saw three cheetahs, a pride of lions with tiny cubs, and a leopard – not to mention giraffe and elephants. I also loved Sand Rivers in Selous with its stunning rooms, wonderful views, friendly staff and outstanding food. I enjoyed a boating expedition on the Rufiji River where we watched wildlife on the banks beside us – a great alternative to game viewing from a vehicle. In Ruaha I was stunned by Jongomero with its opulent, luxurious accommodations and by Mwagusi with its amazing location and superb owner run atmosphere.

Jo Gordon - One of Aardvark Safaris' Tanzania safari specialists

Tanzania Safaris - Ideas You Might Not Have Thought About

		Mahale Mountains – Shores and Chimpanzees. Here a chimp might brush past as you trek through the mountains during a visit to Greystoke Camp on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The crescent beach in front of this beautiful camp has the finest powder-white sand, and the backdrop is the imposing 8,000 feet high Mahale Mountain range. This camp must be among the most spectacular and dramatic locations of any property in East Africa. From the camp guests can relax with a gentle evening sail on board the camp's dhow, snorkel in the clear water, or just enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
		Katavi – A Wilderness Beyond Belief Experience a vast wilderness all of your own at Chada Camp in the Katavi National Park. This is Tanzania's third largest national park and is one of the remotest parts of East Africa - the closest road is almost fifty miles away. The isolation of the camp means that this area has remained untamed and extremely wild. The knee-high golden grass of two enormous plains is filled with huge numbers of zebra and game in the dry season. The solitude of this destination means that time spent at Katavi is a unique safari experience.
		Mafia Island - Scuba Diving and Snorkelling Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Mafia Island is one of a cluster of five small, sleepy tropical Indian Ocean islands just off the Tanzania coast. At Kinasi Lodge, the emphasis is on relaxed barefoot luxury and the secluded accommodations nestle into an old cashew and coconut plantation overlooking Chole Bay. Mafia is a coral island offering superb diving and snorkeling. With over 50 types of coral and more than 400 fish species, it is a well-known destination for experienced divers, at the same time, the pristine shallow reefs are perfect for snorkeling or for those learning to dive.
		Stone Town - a Sensory Experience Stone Town is the largest town on the island of Zanzibar. Wander around a maze of narrow alleys complete with mosques, palaces and tiny shops. This ancient spice trading port is bordered by the sea on two sides, and has an exotic, vibrant air. Visitors should wander around the noisy early morning markets as the smell of spices fills the air; browse the busy bazaars; explore the labyrinth of alleyways admiring intricately carved wooden doors and, at sunset, watch fully laden dhows sail in and out of port from one of Stone Town's atmospheric roof-top restaurants.
		Sand Rivers – Camp Beneath The African Skies Spend a day in the bush traveling by boat or walking from Sand Rivers before arriving at your overnight fly-camp, perhaps pitched near a busy water hole or on a sand bank. Large tents with comfortable bed rolls, bucket showers, and mosquito nets are waiting when you arrive. Combine this with a lavish bush dinner to immerse yourself in the sounds and smells of the African bush; an unforgettable outdoor experience.