Tanzania Holidays

What can you find in Tanzania that you won’t find elsewhere?

Tanzania holidays are a celebration of diversity, particularly when it comes to landscapes. The Serengeti’s wide-open plains host one of earth’s greatest spectacles. Witness the legendary wildebeest migration, where you can get close to tens of thousands of wildebeest as well as the eager predators who follow in their wake. Equally extraordinary is the Selous Game Reserve, the largest game reserve in Africa (four times the size of the Serengeti). Its status as a game reserve, rather than a national park, allows a wider range of activities, including boating and walking safaris. Travel to the south during your trip and combine Selous with Ruaha National Park for the ultimate wildlife-filled holiday. Or for a taste of city life, include Dar es Salaam as a destination on your tailor-made itinerary, Tanzania’s former capital and a hub of bustling markets, modern buildings and authentic restaurants.

The country is a biodiverse hotspot where wildlife practically falls into your lap, from lions lazing in trees (unlike anywhere else) to huge herds of elephants – all best explored with Masai tribesmen guides who know the territory like the backs of their hands. Discover landscapes of epic proportions like the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest unbroken caldera in the world, or Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, a beacon for anyone wanting a serious challenge. Over in the west, in the shade of the Mahale mountains, the shores of Lake Tanganyika have crystal clear water for snorkelling. In the forested mountains themselves, rising steeply behind, you can sit with habituated chimpanzees. Meanwhile the largest herds of buffalo on the continent roam Katavi’s wide plains. On the coast, the spice islands, and in particular Zanzibar, offer a beach paradise like no other, woven through with a fascinating local culture. Our travel experts will help craft a tailor-made itinerary for your holiday which includes the perfect blend of bush and beach, complete with the best luxury hotels.

Who is Tanzania best for?

For those who want to be blown away by quintessential African beauty and for wildlife fanatics looking to play David Attenborough in a real-time wildlife documentary, getting up close (safely, mind) to some of the world’s most remarkable creatures. Tanzania holidays tick the box, whether you’re travelling as a family who want to replay the Lion King, or honeymooners looking for the perfect bush and beach experience. Hikers of all levels can summit Mount Kilimanjaro (there are a plethora of routes to the top and our travel experts can help you choose one perfectly suited to you) or the more intrepid can climb the slopes of the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai during the trip.

What are the best ways to discover Tanzania?

Take a fortnight to tick off the country’s main hinterland highlights, rounding off with a stint on Zanzibar or one of the other islands in the Indian Ocean, home to white sand beaches and intriguing culture. Back on the mainland, Tanzania is no ordinary safari destination. If the great wildebeest migration is on your bucket list, you can follow the herds from a mobile camp dedicated to this natural phenomenon. In the Ngorongoro Crater, we can create three course lunches with unforgettable views, or you could try your hand at trekking to see a habituated troop of chimps in the Mahale Mountains to the north west. While the Serengeti is an obvious starting point, should you want to veer off-the-beaten-track we’ll fly you to the lesser-known tropical lowlands of Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve in the south, with their beguiling selections of unspoiled wildlife. Whether you stay in a swanky lodge, cosy hotel or bed down in traditional tents, the wildlife is plentiful year round.

Special things to do in Tanzania

As the ultimate wildlife destination, there’s no better way to plunge yourself into Tanzania’s iconic national parks experience than when camping in the Serengeti. Whether you stay in stilted lodgings with panoramic views, spend nights under traditional canvas, frontier-style, or witness the wildebeest migration from a mobile tented camp, our adventurous outposts are designed to open up this iconic national park like never before, as well as offering the most exclusive experiences imaginable.

Hiking aficionados have the chance to climb Ol Doinyo Lengai in the north, also known as ‘The Mountain of God.’ Not only is this Tanzania’s third highest peak, but the country’s last active volcano, and the only volcano in the world to erupt black lava. One of the most scenic ways of experiencing its beauty is at night, travelling in a 4x4 to the foot of the volcano. Accompanied by Masai tribesmen as guides, climb four to five hours to the summit in time for sunrise, where you can gaze in awe at Lake Natron, the Ngorongoro crater, Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti illuminated in the morning light.

Wake up in the early morning for a special experience. As the dawn breaks, step out into the waking wilderness and limber up for an unforgettable fitness test – running with a Masai warrior. Jog across the savannah plains enjoying a sense of complete freedom. Pause to watch herds of wildebeest grazing or elephants lumbering through the grasslands. Back at camp you can cool off in the outdoor pool, where you may even see a giraffe passing by.

Every year, over a million wildebeest sweep through Tanzania’s fertile plains. Drive out in a 4x4 to race alongside the galloping mass of herds, immersing yourself completely in one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles during your tailor made trip. Being surrounded by Mother Nature, no two migrations are the same. You may even witness gripping but gruesome river crossings and see predators stalking close by.

Located near the equator, there’s little variation in temperature throughout the country, meaning it’s suitable to visit at most times of the year. The highest temperatures tend to occur during December, January and February. In general, the dry season (winter) runs from June to October, with summer running from November to March. The greatest amount of rainfall takes place during April and May, so we’d recommend avoiding travelling during these months. Visit our guide on the best time to visit Tanzania for more information.

FAQs

Culture

What is Tanzania known for?

Tanzania is best known for its natural landmarks and landscapes that have global recognition. Peaking at over 19,000 feet above sea level, Mount Kilimanjaro is the continent's tallest mountain and is emblematic of Tanzania’s boundless beauty.

Other iconic natural wonders for which the country is best known include Serengeti National Park, which remains one of the world’s most important ecosystems. More than 500 bird species have been sighted in the park, which is also home to Africa’s ‘Big Five’ animals. Protected national parks account for nearly 30% of Tanzania’s land area, highlighting the value of these delicate regions. Tanzania also has the largest concentration of animals per square mile in the world.

What food should I try in Tanzania?

Ugali is Tanzania’s national dish and is well worth sampling during your stay. It’s a polenta-like side dish made from maize or corn flour and is often served with vegetables. The dish is synonymous with this part of the world, so is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

To start your day, seek out a street food stall serving up mandazi. It’s a type of fried bread – akin to a doughnut – which is slightly sweet and can be elevated with the addition of different ingredients like nuts or cinnamon for flavouring.

Planning your trip

What is the best way to get around Tanzania?

In the main cities and towns, buses and tuk-tuks are an economical way to get around. When exploring the country’s wilderness, you can hire your own 4x4 vehicle, but only a small percentage of roads outside of the main urban areas are tarmacked, and poor conditions can make for uncomfortable drives. That’s why, when heading on safari, it’s recommended to book a guided tour and benefit from having access to the knowledge of a local expert. Not only will they be more familiar with the roads, but organised tours are also a safer option than finding your own way through the bush.

Since it’s the largest country in East Africa, it’s often more convenient to travel by air within Tanzania if you’re planning to cover long distances. It’s always worth planning your travel in advance if this is part of your itinerary.

What is the weather like in Tanzania?

Tanzania is situated just south of the equator, and its tropical climate dictates that there are distinct wet and dry seasons. Owing to the vast land area and altitude differences, the climate and conditions can vary significantly across the country. For instance, central Tanzania – in and around the capital – typically sees arid conditions with high temperatures and little rainfall year round. Meanwhile, the southwestern green highland regions receive the majority of the country’s annual rainfall.

When is the Great Migration in Tanzania?

The Great Migration is one of the country’s principal tourist attractions and has been identified as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. This natural phenomenon sees more than a million mammals make their way from the Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara. Herd movements tend to follow similar patterns year after year, but there’s unfortunately no guarantee you’ll get to witness the large herds on their migration.

The Great Migration is a year-round cycle. The wildebeests and other animals will start to prepare for the journey between May and July. Once the migration begins, the travelling herd can measure around 25 miles in length. The river crossings along the way create some of the most spectacular imagery of the migration –?the herd usually reaches the Mara River in July or August.

Where is Mount Kilimanjaro?

Africa’s tallest peak is located in Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania. It’s around 200 miles south of the equator and close to the Kenyan border.

Local information

What is the capital of Tanzania?

Dodoma is the capital city of Tanzania. Designated as the country’s capital in 1974, this modern city is rapidly developing new infrastructure, which is making it increasingly easy to explore different parts of Dodoma and its suburbs.

What language do they speak in Tanzania?

While Swahili is the national language, Tanzania is a multilingual society and many languages are spoken within different ethnic communities. English is widely spoken, second only to Swahili.

Can you drink the tap water in Tanzania?

Tap water in Tanzania is generally unsafe to drink, so visitors should instead buy bottled water. Also, be wary of ice in your drinks, and be sure to use bottled water when cleaning your teeth.

What is the time difference between Tanzania and the UK?

Tanzania observes East Africa Time (EAT) throughout the year. EAT is three hours ahead of GMT.

Travel information

What currency does Tanzania use?

The currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Most hotels and lodges accept credit cards and can exchange other currencies for you. However, it can be difficult to pay by credit card, and a commission of 5-10% may be added to your payment if you do. So, if possible, we would recommend paying with cash.

What countries border Tanzania?

Tanzania shares a border with eight other countries: Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia. It also borders the Indian Ocean along the east coast.

Do I need a visa for Tanzania?

British citizens need a tourist or business visa to enter Tanzania; the best way is to apply online before you travel at https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa. You can also get a single-entry tourist visa upon arrival in Tanzania. It’s advisable to carry identification, such as a copy of your passport and visa, with you at all times.