Why Tanzania could be the best safari destination!

Showcasing some of the most breathtaking natural scenery on Earth, we have few qualms recommending Tanzania as a must-see destination. If you’re looking for wildlife – especially the Big Five – Tanzania is the king of the safari.

Moreover, it does ecotourism right – encouraging visitors to engage with the local cultures and communities, immerse themselves in the lifestyle and operate responsibly throughout, all the while maintaining a reverence for the sacredness of the land.

Wildlife

                     

Tanzania is one of the best countries in the world to experience the Big Five in its entirety. Seldom will 30 seconds pass without witnessing an animal. Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, where most safari treks are held, contain some of the most striking scenes in Africa.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered the eighth wonder of the world. The ancient volcano crater located within this Eden-like reserve contains the greatest concentration of animals on Earth!

The national parks of Tarangire and Lake Manyara provide a very rich and enjoyable introduction to the safari experience, so don’t forget to pack your camera!

Hiking

                      

The highest free-standing mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro (affectionately known as ‘Kili’) is a titan of the landscape. The roof of Africa is an irresistible prospect for many hikers, and while the hike isn’t massively challenging in and of itself (with more comfortable detours available), the experience and the view from the top is unlike any other! Climbing Kili is at the top of many an adventurous traveller’s bucket lists, and we can arrange a guided hike to help you reach your goals!

There is also a multitude of alternative yet still exhilarating hikes available such as Mt. Meru – a shorter, less daunting excursion that many use to acclimatise for Kili, as well as the crater of Empaakai and the volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai, both of which are comparatively more palatable than the roof of Africa.

Beaches

                      

Tanzania may be home to incredible displays of wildlife and the colossal bearing of stately mountains, but these features can be contrasted acutely with the palm tree-lined paradise of Zanzibar.

The name itself is virtually synonymous with a beach so picturesque it doesn’t look real – conjuring up images of unspoiled white, sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and a fascinating blend of cultures that can be found in few places on earth.

While it may be the most famous, there are other beaches of great beauty that line the coast, most notably Nungwi Beach, Kendwa and Mnemba Island.

Culture

                       

The iconic colourful attire and jumping dance of the Maasai people is a universal symbol of Africa’s diversity. More than anything, it is the people and new ways of life that make countries worth visiting. Whether you simply want to observe the tribe – a group of people whose culture has permeated the land for millennia, or delve in and immerse yourself first-hand, the opportunity to interact with Tanzania’s vibrant traditions should not be missed!

If you want to see even more, you could encounter the semi-nomadic Barabaig people near Mt Hanang! The sense of culture shock is an experience that won’t leave you – witnessing a society whose customs are so far removed from our own is the perfect catalyst for opening our minds to new possibilities!

Here at Odyssey World, we cater a whole range of Tanzanian itineraries – from hikes ascending Mt. Kilimanjaro to luxury safaris and beach trips, all the while ensuring you travel responsibly and sustainably. Click here to find out more!