Tanzanian wildlife is commonly described as “without parallel in Africa” and “Africa’s prime game viewing country”. A private Tanzania safari retains an evocative style, considered the quintessential deluxe camping safari which harks back to a nobler era.
When the long rains come to East Africa in late March, the verdant plains reverberate with the thunder of hooves as millions of migrating zebra, wildebeest and plains game move across the Serengeti in search of new pastures. Predators eager to pounce on their migrating prey are never far behind. Tanzania is also home to the iconic Big Five in abundance—the lion, the leopard, the elephant, the rhino and the buffalo. Experience Tanzania from an individual perspective, far off the beaten track.
The natural beauty of Tanzania enchants and captivates with its wild, untouched expanses, diversity of wildlife and vibrant culture. The equatorial climate of the savannah grasslands and invigorating cool climate of the highlands attract wildlife of all shapes and sizes, creating an ever-changing Eden.
Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro is found in Tanzania. This majestic peak is a dormant volcanic mountain rising to 19,341 feet. Meanwhile, Tanzania’s National Parks and Reserves shelter some of the largest populations of wildlife on earth. Tanzania contains some 20 percent of the species of Africa’s large mammal population, found across its 15 national parks, reserves, conservation areas and marine parks, forming more than one-third of the country’s territory. Serengeti National Park, in northern Tanzania is the largest of all it’s National Parks (5,700 sq. mi) and is known as one of the great natural wonders of the world. There are many other expansive and alluring parks to choose from including Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park in the north and the Selous Game Reserve in the south. To the west are the Ruaha and Katavi National Parks, which offer delightful walking safaris and game viewing opportunities.
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest, inactive volcanic caldera. It is 2,000 feet deep and the crater floor covers 100 square miles. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, established in 1959 (3,125 square miles) is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It acts as a natural enclosure for almost every species of wildlife found in East Africa including black rhinoceros, African wild dog, lion, leopard and several of Africa’s big tuskers. You can witness some of the densest populations of wildlife in the world here. It is home to Olduvai Gorge, also known as the “Cradle of Mankind” as some of the earliest known human footprints, estimated to be 3.5 million years old, were found here by Dr. Mary Leakey.
Zanzibar, the exotic spice island is situated 22 miles east of mainland Tanzania. Its primary industries are spice and raffia trade and tourism. Its temperate climate offers year-round travel with temperatures of 70-80°s Fahrenheit (20°s C). A visit to the island can offer a relaxing, low-key beach getaway, which is a superb complement to the safari experience and a great way to overcome jetlag on your arrival to Africa but can also provide a cultural adventure like no other.
Climate in Tanzania
Just south of the equator, Tanzania’s sheer size means that the climate varies considerably within it. Generally, the rainy season lasts from March to May when afternoon tropical downpours are the norm. The humidity is high and daily temperatures reach the low to mid 30°s Celsius (80 – 90°s F). The long dry season lasts from June to October when rainfall is unusual. Temperatures vary with altitude and location, but it’s usually a fine, clear sky and sunny weather, and is a great time to visit Tanzania. The short rains come in November and December.
