Bush Telegraph: Why a Tanzania Trip Should Be on Your Client’s Bucket List
21 June 2024
Introduction
A trip to Tanzania promises a unique blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for any travel enthusiast to create lifelong memories. Visiting Tanzania offers a myriad of experiences that appeal to diverse interests. Our group head of Marketing and Product – Lisa – recently visited Tanzania for 7 glorious days and is providing first hand recent feedback on why a Tanzania trip should be on your client’s bucket list. From exciting game drives to the most amazing experiences – Tanzania has it all!
Below are 5 of Lisa’s top reasons to visit Tanzania for a safari:
Unparalleled Wildlife Experiences
Tanzania is home to some of the most famous national parks and wildlife reserves in the world. We visited Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park.
Tarangire National Park: Renowned for its large herds of elephants, which can often be seen congregating around the Tarangire River, especially during the dry season. In addition to elephants, Tarangire is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and numerous antelope species. With over 500 bird species recorded, Tarangire is a paradise for bird watchers. Notable species include the yellow-collared lovebird, great white pelican, and the Kori bustard, which is the world’s heaviest flying bird. It is also known for its ancient baobab trees, some of which are hundreds of years old. These trees add to the park’s distinctive landscape. I have never seen such huge trees in my life and we were in awe of these gigantic trees that can live for over a thousand years.
Ngorongoro Crater: Explore the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera, home to a high density of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo). This area offers a unique landscape teeming with wildlife. We saw the Big Five animals in the Crater within less than 4 hours.
Serengeti National Park: Witness the Great Migration, one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains. We were in the middle of the Migration in the central Serengeti and could hear wildebeest in the evening from our camp – Nimali Central Serengeti. I can honestly say that I have seen many images and reels of the migration, but to actually see it in person gave me goosebumps and I will never forget seeing this. The Great Migration is definitely one of the most compelling attractions! But you need to ensure you book your client with a specialist East Africa DMC like African Safari Excellence as our staff are on the ground and our travel experts are able to advise where the Migration is and the best places to stay.
Breathtaking Landscapes
From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the lush forests of the Mahale Mountains and the remote wilderness of Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s landscapes are incredibly varied. Each region offers unique flora and fauna, making every visit a new adventure. These landscapes not only showcase Tanzania’s natural beauty but also provide habitats for a wide variety of wildlife, making the country a premier destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Here are some other highlights:
Mount Kilimanjaro: Conquer Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, offering diverse ecosystems and stunning views.The mountain features diverse ecosystems, from tropical rainforest to alpine desert and glaciers.
Zanzibar Archipelago: Relax on pristine beaches including Nungwi and Kendwa, the historic Stone Town, and vibrant coral reefs, snorkel in turquoise waters, and explore the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lake Victoria: Africa’s largest lake, shared by Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. The Tanzanian shores are known for picturesque fishing villages and lush landscapes.
Mahale Mountains National Park: Located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, this park is known for its chimpanzee population. Features stunning forested mountains that cascade down to the lake’s clear waters.
Ruaha National Park: Known for its dramatic landscapes, including rugged mountains, large open plains, and the Great Ruaha River. Less crowded than other parks, offering a more exclusive safari experience.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Engaging with the Maasai people was a sure highlight. Our knowledgeable guide Ronald, took us to a village, just before we exited the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. We met the chief’s son and they kindly greeted us with a traditional Maasai welcome which included a vibrant display of singing and dancing. This showcases the tribe’s musical heritage and the famous jumping dance, known as the “adumu”. Then we had a tour of the village and managed to get a closer look at the daily lives and we were also invited to see the inside of their distinctive homes called manyattas and we learnt about the construction methods. We all then had the opportunity to purchase some of the local beadwork and left in the knowledge that the funds from our purchases go directly to the local village.
Swahili Coast: Discover the fusion of African, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences in the architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
Safari Lodges and Camps
Experience mobile, elevated tree houses or permanent style accommodation in the heart of the wilderness. Visiting these lodges and camps in Tanzania offers a perfect blend of adventure, luxury, and cultural immersion, making it a top destination for safari enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Mobile tented camps follow the migration, offering fabulous amenities while maintaining an authentic safari experience. Staying in a mobile camp while on a Tanzania trip offers a unique and authentic safari experience that combines the thrill of being close to wildlife with the flexibility to follow animal movements and seasonal changes.
Elevated tree houses provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Imagine your client waking up to the sight of elephants wandering the savannah or watching the sunset from a private balcony high in the trees.
Permanent camps are established in strategic locations within national parks and game reserves, offering consistent access to wildlife and scenic landscapes. They provide consistent excellent services, including daily housekeeping and laundry services. Because they do not move, these camps are accessible throughout the year, allowing guests to experience the changing seasons and the varied wildlife behavior in each. Each permanent camp often has its own unique design and atmosphere, reflecting the local culture and natural environment, enhancing the overall safari experience.
During our Tanzania trip we visited:
- Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge
- Legendary Lodge
- Nasikia Tarangire
- Lemala Mpingo Ridge
- Nyikani Tarangire Camp
- Gibbs Farm
- Acacia Farm Lodge
- Melia Ngorongoro
- Nimali Central Serengeti
- Nomad Lamai Serengeti
- Asilia Sayari
- Aurari Camp
- Lemala Kuria Hills
- Nasikia KasKaz Mara
Each and every property had something special, but it was also the staff that were so friendly and gave out of their way to ensure you have a memorable stay. Tanzanians are known for their hospitality and friendliness, making visitors feel welcome and at home and I felt this from the moment I arrived in Arusha.
The properties also provide some great activities and we all enjoyed the coffee tour at Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge.
Adventure and Activities
Beyond wildlife safaris and mountain trekking, Tanzania offers a range of adventure activities such as hot air ballooning over the Serengeti, diving and snorkeling in the Indian Ocean.
Diverse Safari Options: Enjoy game drives, walking safaris, hot air balloon rides, and boat safaris in parks like Tarangire and Lake Manyara.
Marine Life Exploration: Dive and snorkel in the rich coral reefs of Mafia Island and Pemba Island.
There were so many highlights of my trip but one of the standouts was experiencing a hot air ballooning safari over the Serengeti. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!
What we experienced:
- The night prior to our experience, the friendly and professional staff from the hot air ballooning company came to our lodge (we were staying at Lemala Kuria Hills) and gave us all a safety briefing and advised us the time of collection.
- The next morning, watching the sunrise from a hot air balloon is an awe-inspiring experience.
- We had a 360-degree view of the Serengeti’s vast plains. The flight usually lasts about an hour, and the route is determined by the wind, ensuring a unique experience each time.
- We had unparalleled views over the Serengeti and we were lucky enough to see 2 prides of lions from above – our pilot Nathan told us that they had not seen lions in the previous 15 flights.
- After about an hour of flight, our pilot found a suitable landing spot. The landing was gentle, and the crew was on hand to assist us with disembarking.
- Upon landing, we were treated to a celebratory champagne breakfast in the bush. This tradition dates back to the early days of hot air ballooning and adds a touch of elegance to your client’s adventure. We enjoyed a full English breakfast with fresh fruits, pastries, and coffee or tea, surrounded by the Serengeti’s stunning scenery. I must say there was an abundance of food and the staff kept coming around and offering more food, your client will definitely not go hungry.
- As a memento of our experience, we received a certificate of flight signed by the pilot Nathan. This is a wonderful keepsake for us to remember our hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti. I am sure that your client will be equally as appreciative to receive this!
Conservation Efforts
Support sustainable tourism and conservation projects that protect wildlife and benefit local communities, ensuring a positive impact on the environment. Tanzania National Parks Authority conducts anti-poaching patrols and initiatives to protect endangered species like elephants and rhinos. These efforts, among others, contribute to the preservation of Tanzania’s incredible natural heritage, supporting both biodiversity and the well-being of local communities.
Conservation is extremely important to African Safari Excellence for any Tanzania trip, so we have even published our own responsible travel logo for any products we feel that align with these values. A lot of lodges provide an eco-conscious design, solar power, and strong emphasis on sustainable tourism practices.
Contact African Safari Excellence to start planning your client’s Tanzania trip. With the expertise of African Safari Excellence, clients can enjoy tailor-made itineraries that cater to their specific interests and preferences, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience. We are East Africa.