A Tanzania safari and Zanzibar island vacation

Tanzania is a top African safari destination thanks to its famous Serengeti National Park, which is home to the Big Five. Shrouded in vast wilderness and untamed wildlife, this country is also the gateway to Africa’s highest mountain: Mount Kilimanjaro. With so many legendary sights and attractions on offer, it’s no surprise that Tanzania has a firm place on our ever-expanding list of destinations around the world! In this Tanzania travel guide, we present the highlights of this classic African adventure destination, to fuel some travel inspiration: quick yet insightful safari advice, followed by tips for a Zanzibar island vacation – the perfect combination for an unforgettable trip.

Tanzania travel guide: top 5 things to add to your itinerary

Not sure what to add to your Zanzibar and Tanzania trip itinerary yet? Kicking off our Tanzania travel guide, we share some of the top activities and attractions you simply cannot skip.

1. Go on the ultimate African safari in the Serengeti

The best Tanzania safari itinerary includes a trip to the world-famous Serengeti National Park. The northern areas of this park are a riot of wildlife, and it’s a prime destination to experience nature’s mysteries first-hand, as you witness the spectacle of the Great Migration.

In fact, the migration of zebras and wildebeest in the Serengeti is considered one of the world’s Seven Natural Wonders. Covered in vast grasslands, it’s Tanzania’s oldest national park. Here, you can spend the whole day spotting and photographing elephants, wildebeest, lions, cheetahs, zebras, and more on epic game drives. You can even get an early start and enjoy a balloon ride above the sun-kissed savanna before anyone else.

You can spot wildebeest (all 1.5 million of them), zebras, Thomson’s gazelles, elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and many other species.

2. See herds of elephants in Tarangire National Park

Another iconic Tanzanian park is Tarangire National Park, known for its huge herds of African elephants. These giant beauties gather around the Tarangire River every year, and there is where you’ll find the highest concentration of elephants in northern Tanzania.

Besides spotting elephants, you can spend your time marveling at huge ancient baobab trees that make for stunning nature photography. As well, excellent birding opportunities await, and other wildlife viewing experiences away from the crowds.

3. Spot the Big Five at the Ngorongoro Crater

Want to visit a place that almost always guarantees spotting the Big Five? Then, add the Ngorongoro Crater to your itinerary. It’s the world’s largest intact and unfilled volcanic caldera and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Furthermore, this crater is also known for its high concentration of wildlife, which of course includes the Big Five: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo.

You’ll spot other species like wildebeest, zebras, hyenas, and cheetahs. You’ve also a chance to interact with and learn all about the Maasai people who graze their livestock in the crater.

4. Climb the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro

Seeking an adrenaline-pumping adventure during your trip? Climbing the tallest mountain in Africa is exactly what you need. Reaching 19,340.5ft at its highest summit, Mount Kilimanjaro is no easy beast to conquer, and a trek is often done over several days to give your body time to adjust to all the altitude changes.

For beginners, consider the Marangu Route (Coca-Cola Route), the easiest and most accessible trail. More experienced mountain climbers can take on the Machame, Rongai, or Umbwe Routes. Whichever you decide to go for, it’s important to be well prepared and to train before you go.

5. Go chimpanzee tracking along Lake Tanganyika

Lake Tanganyika is the world’s second-largest freshwater lake by volume and even the second deepest. This means the lake boasts a rich ecosystem with roughly 2,000 species of fish, plants, crustaceans, and birds – so you’ll have plenty of diverse wildlife to observe while you’re there.

To make things more interesting, try out chimpanzee tracking at Lake Tanganyika. These great apes are usually spotted on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, within the Mahale Mountains National Park. The park itself is renowned for its chimpanzee population, however, trekking along the river allows you to see other species as well.

Tanzania travel guide: best time to visit for a safari experience

The Serengeti National Park is teeming with animals year-round. However, if you time your trip right, you can experience one of the planet’s most epic natural events: the annual migration of two million wildebeests and two hundred thousand zebras thundering across the plains.

The great wildebeest migration is best seen from June to October, a time when the weather is cooler and drier, with little rainfall to cause cancellations. Wildlife is easier to spot since animals concentrate around water sources. That said, this period is also Tanzania’s peak season, which means higher prices and more crowds.

What to pack for a safari trip to Tanzania

With chilly mornings and the sweltering midday sun, you’d want to be well-prepared with lightweight layers to adapt to the varying temperatures. And, no Tanzania travel guide would be complete without mentioning a few more packing essentials:

• Insect repellent: Keep mosquitoes and flies at bay while exploring the wilderness by rubbing insect repellent on your skin.
• Earth-toned clothing: Blend in with your environment by wearing natural browns, beiges, and khaki.
• Comfortable shoes: Many tours include hiking and walking safaris, so wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.
• Swimsuit: Your accommodation or tour might include access to beaches or swimming pools, so you’ll want to be prepared.
• Sun protection: Bring high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect your skin.
• Binoculars: These are absolutely essential if you want to get a closer look at wildlife.
• Travel adaptor: Ensure you’re traveling with the correct adaptor to keep all your electronics charged. Tanzanians use Type D and Type G electrical sockets (outlets).
• Camera: Bring the finest camera you can get your hands on to capture the wildlife and scenery like a pro.
• Toiletries: Your hotel and lodge may not have all the essential toiletries for your stay. So, pack toothpaste, a toothbrush, soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer, wipes, and other basics.
• Headlamp or flashlight: These will come in handy around campsites and lodges at night.
• First-aid kit: Anything could happen while you’re out exploring the wilderness. It’s best to be prepared by packing a kit that includes personal medications, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.

Tips for going on an African safari

Did you know that Tanzania is one of the safest African countries to visit? Still, you’ll want to exercise caution in busy areas like Dar es Salaam, which are prone to petty theft and other serious crimes like armed robbery or terrorism.

As well, be sure to keep these safari tips in mind when you go to Tanzania:

• Book your flight in advance: While organized tours include accommodation, transport, and entry tickets, they do not cover international flights. You’d want to book your flights well in advance to ensure they line up with your trip.
• Be flexible: Safaris are often unpredictable. For example, the weather might switch up, so it’s best to be prepared to adjust your plans as needed.
• Plan ahead with travel insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and potential trip cancellations.
• Respect the wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from wild animals and only leave your vehicle when instructed by your guide.
• Learn about the local tipping culture: It’s customary and a good gesture to tip your guide and other staff at the end of your safari.

Top reasons to add Zanzibar to your Tanzanian itinerary

It’s time to swap out the safari vehicles and khaki shorts for bikinis and sun loungers. Zanzibar is one of the top island getaway destinations in the world. Get ready for palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters, enchanting sunsets, endless cocktails, and a melting pot of exotic cultures. Here are some of the highlights of Zanzibar that you won’t want to miss…

Relax on Jambiani Beach

While beach-hopping is on top of the to-do list in Zanzibar, Jambiani Beach is one of the best spots you simply cannot miss. It’s one of those magazine-worthy beaches with powdery white sands that stretch for miles and vivid blue waters to contrast it. It’s utterly gorgeous and amazing for beach photography. Visit during sunset for those perfect golden hour moments.

You’ll find locals foraging in the sand, playing pick-up football, and the occasional friendly sales pitch trying to sell you scarves or peanuts. Overall, it’s great for swimming, relaxing, and wind sports like kiteboarding.

Wander through Stone Town

Also known as Mji Mkongwe, Stone Town is a historical area in Zanzibar and its main city. Offering a maze of narrow, twisting streets, every corner oozes rich history and diverse culture. This is evident in attractions like the Old Fort, a 17th-century Arab building, or the striking Christ Church Cathedral, showcasing European architecture.

Also, stop by the Darajani Bazaar, a local market filled with colors and aromas, from spices to fresh fruit and fish. Also well worth a visit, the Forodhani neighborhood of Zanzibar is a lovely seafront park with well-kept gardens and a centuries-old fort.

Explore the Kuza Cave

Explore a bit of a “hidden gem”, an ancient limestone jungle cave with crystal clear fresh water to swim in. Apparently, the mineral-rich water in the cave has healing properties. Whether that’s true or not, the cave is definitely worth visiting for how stunning and peaceful it looks.

The cave is also a few minutes away from Jambiani Beach if you want to combine the two activities. You’ll have to pay $10 to visit and swim in the cave, so make sure you carry cash on you.

Taste the unique flavors of Zanzibar

If you want to eat like a Zanzibari, there are authentic street food experiences all around Stone Town. We will help you include foodie tours in your itinerary to sample unforgettable flavors while learning about the local cultures. Zanzibari cuisine blends Swahili, Arabic, and Indian influences to create vibrant dishes that leave you with a deeper appreciation for the island.

Best time to visit Zanzibar, Tanzania

Want to visit Tanzania for an island getaway instead of a safari? Well, you’ll be pleased to know that you can do both at the same time. Zanzibar is also at its best from June to October, thanks to the drier, sunnier weather.

It’s the perfect time to relax on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches, with minimal rainfall, warmer temperatures, and plenty of sunshine. You’ll enjoy an endless amount of swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and diving.

What to pack for a vacation to Zanzibar

You might want to pack a bit differently for a Zanzibar-focused trip.

• Breathable clothing: Zanzibar has a hot and humid tropical climate, which means that light, breathable clothing is a must.
• Swimwear: You won’t be able to resist the crystal-clear waters, so make sure you have swimwear for the beaches.
• Sun protection: This one is a no-brainer. Pack your sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat, and SPF.
• Mosquito repellent: Zanzibar has a high risk of mosquito activity that can transmit diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika. Besides getting the appropriate medication, it’s also recommended to bring mosquito repellent.
• Cover-ups: Pack items like long dresses, scarves, and other modest clothing to cover your knees and shoulders when visiting urban areas like Stone Town.
• Light jacket or sweater: It can get chilly in the evenings, and Zanzibar is no stranger to occasional downpours.
• Cash: Carry notes when exploring around town, as most smaller businesses, local markets, and tours only accept cash.
• Water bottle: Stay hydrated in the Zanzibar heat by carrying a refillable bottle. Plus, it’s not recommended to drink directly from taps or even for brushing your teeth.
• Small backpack: Bring a small backpack to keep all your essentials safely on you as you roam about.

Tanzania travel guide: tips for an island getaway to Zanzibar

Traveling to the Zanzibar islands is safe, even for solo female travelers. However, as with any travel destination, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind for a safe and enjoyable journey.

• Stay safe at night: Don’t walk alone after dark, as the risk of petty theft and robberies increases at night.
• Don’t bring your valuables to the beach: You can easily lose your valuables (keys, phones, and wallets) in the sand or water while visiting the beach.
• Lock up your valuables: When leaving a hotel, lock up all your valuables, such as passports, jewelry, and credit cards, in the hotel’s safe.
• Be alert in Stone Town: Pick-pocketers and bag snatchers frequent this area, so stay alert and keep your belongings close.
• Respect local customs: Zanzibar is a Muslim-majority archipelago, meaning you should dress appropriately when visiting certain areas or attractions and respect Islamic cultural norms.

FAQs about the best safaris in Tanzania

For a last bit of guidance, have a look at some common FAQs below.

Is Serengeti better than Kruger?

While the Serengeti is home to larger herds, the Kruger National Park in Southern Africa wins first place for incredible diversity. At the end of the day, both parks are worth visiting, especially for your first-ever safari experience.

How many days is enough for a Tanzania safari?

The ideal time frame for a Tanzanian safari is anywhere between seven and 10 days. That said, you can extend this to include more activities and attractions, such as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or beach-hopping in Zanzibar.

Which is the best safari in Tanzania?

Ngorongoro Crater is a haven for the Big Five and is a renowned spot for wildlife viewing for a reason. It offers the easiest and most reliable Big Five sightings in East Africa.

Make it happen

A hotbed of variety and diversity, this fantastic African destination is sure to surprise even the most seasoned traveler. If our Tanzania travel guide has you feeling inspired, get in touch with our local experts today, and start planning your next adventure.