WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE VISITING TANZANIA

My experience visiting Tanzania……

The very first time I visited Africa, I flew straight into Nairobi, Kenya. I had booked myself on an all inclusive safari adventure with a big adventure company. Here I was alone flying solo across the globe for the very reason I booked this adventure in the first place - to spot the incredible lion that i've longed to see for years and to be somewhere far away from normal life, from worklife and from my everyday routine.

We drove in a small mini-bus from our hotel in Nairobi across the border to Arusha in Tanzania. I will say Tanzania is a much prettier place than the bustling city of Nairobi. Visiting Tanzania for the first time was welcoming and exciting, for we had a jam-packed itinerary of many Tanzania excursions and destinations to look forward to.

On our very first day we bundled into the safari van and set on our journey. We were ecstatic to see zebras and giraffes for the first time. Little did we know by the end of the trip Zebra and Giraffe were an everyday occurrence as by then we had seen the most beautifully exotic wild animals and were yearning to see more lions, more leopards, more elephants. We spent every day spending numerous hours sitting, sleeping and looking out for that ever elusive animal. I yearned to see lions, lions are amazing to me. We definitely heard many lions at night. Their roars seem so near but are yet so far, thankfully! We camped three nights in the Serengeti, in what seemed like the middle of nowhere. Nothing surrounding us apart from wide stretched savannahs and more importantly, nothing protecting us from the wild animals. I couldn't sleep. Our guide told stories of encounters with lions that filled us with excitement and dread at the same time. Hyena’s loved our campsite, more so they loved the outside kitchen area that was made out of steel and situated right near our camps. They spent nearly all night scavenging for food LOUDLY. I didn’t manage to get an hour's sleep or a minute's peace but our Tanzania excursions were incredible! From exploring the Ngorongoro Crater to riding through the Serengeti and witnessing the Great Migration. Lake Manyara was fascinating too, especially as we got to see the flock of flamingos. Hot air ballooning across the Serengeti was unbelievable - memories that I shall never forget.

Visiting Tanzania has always been special to me, the place, the feeling. You cannot replica it anywhere else in Africa. Tanzania is filled with good souls, friendly acquaintances, peaceful ways, incredible views, stunning landscapes and memories of wild animals running wild and free will stay with me forever.

Founder of BornWild - Kate K.F

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INSIDE THIS GUIDE

Visiting Tanzania / Image: @keyursphotography

WHERE IS TANZANIA AND HOW TO GET THERE?

The country of Tanzania is located on the eastern side of the continent of Africa. If you look at Tanzania on the map below, you will see that it borders on many other African countries. Tanzania lies below Kenya and Uganda. To the right of Tanzania, there is the Democratic Republic of Congo, to the south of Tanzania lies Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique. Like the Tanzania map states, Tanzania is really well situated and greatly connected to other beautiful countries that are also worth visiting. Tanzania is accessible via most modes of transport - airplane or car being the most common. Tanzania’s most connected airport to the northern circuit of national parks is Kilimanjaro International Airport and even though it is small, it is one of the most recommended airports to fly into to access those well-known Tanzania destinations. If you are unable to get a direct flight to Tanzania, then flying into Nairobi Kenya is also a great option. It takes around 6 hours to drive from Nairobi to Arusha in Tanzania. Arusha is just across the border from Kenya and is known to be the gateway for safaris. It is also only an hour away from Kilimanjaro Airport.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TANZANIA?

If you are thinking of visiting Tanzania - it's essential to take into consideration the varied weather conditions, which influences what type of adventure you can expect to experience. Visiting Tanzania during the rainy seasons or dry seasons have both advantages and disadvantages when spotting wild animals in Tanzania. It's important to research before you book your trip.

Here is a brief rundown of the seasons: During the months of July and September are peak months as this is when the weather is dry and warm, and if you are located in the Serengeti - you will have a good chance to witness the Great Migration too. This is why visiting Tanzania during these months is very popular. I visited Tanzania in September and the weather was perfect - it wasn't too hot nor too cold and the skies were blue and the weather dry but cool - perfect for game drives. I do recommend traveling here during these months, however If you want to avoid the big crowds then the Green Season which occurs between November and March is a great alternative. It's much quieter tourist wise and even though there are chances of rain showers, the weather is still pretty good.

It's suggested to avoid visiting Tanzania during April and May as this is when the rainy season occurs. Because the rains are heavy, there will be difficulty spotting wild animals as many will be hiding or taking shelter from the wet weather. We have a great article about WEATHER IN TANZANIA to read for a full guide to the varied climates.

WHAT TO PACK FOR TANZANIA SAFARI?

What to pack for a Tanzania safari is greatly determined on the time of year that you go. We have two great articles that will help you pack and decide what to wear which you might find interesting to read - What to wear on a safari in Tanzania and What To Pack For An African Safari. These guides are informative and helpful for anyone who is planning on going on safari throughout any of the wonderful Tanzania destinations this country has to offer.

In short, I would advise on bringing the following items:

A selection of casual but comfortable clothing for game drives and relaxing back at camp.
Remember to bring personal toiletries and hygiene items as there is nowhere to buy them throughout the remote regions on safari.
A camera to capture those all encompassing moments.
Insect repellant.
medication for sickness (check with your doctor which to take)
A portable phone charger as electricity outlets are seldom on safari.
Lastly - A first aid kit, blanket if you get cold, sunscreen and hat, sanitizer and plug adaptors are all ideal things to pack for a Tanzania safari.

Visiting Tanzania / Image: @dariuszsankowski

TOP TANZANIA EXCURSIONS

Visiting Tanzania comes with an array of incredible attractions to see as well as experience. Tanzania is filled with endless opportunities to enjoy its rich culture and breathtaking landscapes. From hot air balloon rides that offer mesmerizing views from atop the trees, snorkeling with dolphins on the coast of Tanzania, immersing yourself in the culture of dancing with the Masai Mara Tribe, trekking Tanzania’s most famous mountains or even Mount Kilimanjaro if you feel extra adventurous - there is something for everyone who visit this spectacular country.

If a slower pace of life is your preference, why not enjoy Tanzania’s numerous waterfalls like the gorgeous Olmoti Crater Waterfall. We hike Olmoti Crater which is one of our trip highlights on our groundbreaking African Lion Safari. Alternatively, you could try a relaxing saunter on the Tree Top Walkway in Lake Manyara. Here you will walk sky high amongst the trees in Lake Manyara’s breath-taking forest, where the sounds and sights of nature will envelop you.

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MUST SEE ATTRACTIONS IN TANZANIA

There are plenty of fascinating attractions in Tanzania, all of which are waiting for you to explore. I have devised a perfect route for you to take that allows you to see most of the well known attractions and national parks in Tanzania that are worth seeing. This route is exploring the northern circuit only.

I recommend starting your journey in Arusha. The reason why I suggest Arusha is because it is super easy to get to from either Kilimanjaro Airport or Nairobi Airport - both of which have international flights, flying in from most countries around the world. The following day, head to Lake Manyara which should take around 2 hours by car. I always urge Lake Manyara as there are some really interesting things to do here, aside from game drives. If you go during November to April then you will see the flock of Flamingos gathering on the lake which is truly mesmerizing to observe. There is also Lake Manyara’s tree-top walkway which allows you to walk above the treetops for a birds eye view of the park below - no other park has this so it's definitely worth experiencing. You will also encounter your first sightings of wild animals here which is a great introduction for your safari to come. From Lake Manyara, make your way to Ngorongoro Crater. On route, you could always stop at Tarangire National Park to snag a game drive to see the wild animals roam in these breathtaking landscapes. Tarangire is a less visited park but a wonderful place, as the baobab trees are a fabulous sighting as well as Tarangire being the best place in Tanzania to see herds of elephants.

Visiting Tanzania / Tarangire National Park. Image: @teammfinaphotography

Once you make your way to Ngorongoro Crater, you will see why it's one of Africa’s 7 Natural Wonders. The crater will captivate you by its sheer expanse with stunning landscapes, soaring crater walls as well as views to take your breath away and not to mention the concentrated number of exotic wild animals and bird species. Ngorongoro Crater is worth venturing to when visiting Tanzania as it is not only perfectly situated next to the Serengeti but also to so many other natural regions and parks too.

The Serengeti is next on my list of suggestions. This national park is one of my favorite places in the whole of Africa. It is enchanting as it is captivating for so many reasons. From wild animals to expansive savannahs to the Great Migration and the Kopjes rock formations - it’s undeniably one of the best places to visit on your journey. I would suggest a minimum of 3 days as it is so vast in size that one day will not cover much ground. If you are really feeling adventurous, why not add a few extra days onto your trip and tackle Mount Kilimanjaro? It would be a perfect way to end your Tanzania experience as well as add an abundance of memories and achievements to your wild adventure.

We cover all of these locations on our African Lion Safari adventure. There are plenty of other fascinating and exciting locations to explore in Tanzania too which we can always customize into your trip if you wish.

MUST SEE WILD ANIMALS IN TANZANIA

Tanzania offers a variety of incredible wild animals to observe. Throughout most of the 22 national parks in Tanzania you will get to encounter all of the legendary Big 5 - lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and cape buffalos. However, there is an abundance of other amazing species and bird life you will get to see too. Some of the wild animals that live within these natural wild habitats are swift cheetahs, colorful red-billed hornbills, the endangered wild dog, intelligent chimpanzees and vibrant pink flamingos to name a few. If these famous wild animals that roam Tanzania aren’t your cup of tea, then we have a fantastic article about the 7 Amazing African Wild Animals That Aren't The Big 5. This guide will allow you to explore the lesser known animals that pad throughout the country.

Visiting Tanzania / Red Billed Hornbill. Image: @jcotten

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What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Tanzania