Safaris
in Tanzania

Our experts, know and love Tanzania with a passion. With their first-hand knowledge, real-life stories and personal touch, you'll know your precious holiday is in great hands.

Overview

Here at HA, we don’t believe in off-the-shelf holidays. Every trip we design is completely tailor-made, shaped around your interests, desires and travel style. Whether you’re after adventure, wildlife, authentic culture or a bit of everything, our experts know exactly how to bring it all together. With first-hand insight and brilliant local contacts, we’re here to help you experience Tanzania beyond the highlights, in the most meaningful and memorable way.

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Meet our Tanzania expert

We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our expert Catherine is dedicated to all things Tanzania and is here to help you plan your perfect trip.

Catherine Williams
Catherine Williams
Destination Manager

With Catherine's love of wildlife, continued trips to Africa have always been a massive part of her life. Tanzania, being one of her many African destinations she has fallen in love with, which is not surprising considering the expansive African savannas and large amount of wildlife you can encounter.

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24 July 2025

World's Best Mountains

Introducing: The International Mountain Awards  Things may have gotten a bit complicated again with travel recently, but we’re here to raise you up with the awards you never knew you needed. So, if you’re looking for summit to read this International Mountain Day… (sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves)… Look no further. From elusive peaks through to iconic ones just waiting to be explored, our wonderful world is bursting to the brim with ranges.   1. The Award for the most Elusive Mountain goes to… Mount Fuji, Japan If ever a mountain was to be labelled ‘shy’, it’s Japan’s iconic, cone-shaped Mount Fuji. Keep an eye on the weather when planning your visit, but don’t hedge your bets too much. Even on a sunny day, Mount Fuji has been known to sneak behind cloud or the summer haze that rises off the lakes, often leaving visitors wanting more. There are some public webcams available though, so you can check just how elusive the mountain is feeling before making your day trip to catch a glimpse of this iconic Japanese symbol. Try your luck at seeing it for yourself on this Japan getaway that gives you two nights in nearby Hakone   2. The Award for the most Lively Mountain goes to… Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica Although it’s currently snoozing, Arenal volcano is Costa Rica’s most active mountain. Up until 2010 it was erupting daily offering up an impressive show of bright red lava bubbling over the side of its cone-like crater. Despite being dormant though, Arenal is still Costa Rica’s adventure capital, with countless activities, stunning hiking trails and many natural hot springs to rest your weary adventure limbs in (it has its lively resident to thank for that!) Experience Costa Rica’s adventure capital on this Costa Rica family holiday   3. The Award for the Most Remarkable Mountain goes to… The Remarkables, New Zealand Towering over the lakeside city of Queenstown in New Zealand, these remarkable mountains really do live up to their name. Regardless if you venture up them, they will provide a beautiful backdrop to your time in this part of the country. If you do choose to take a closer look, from the south-side of the mountains you’ll be treated to a staggering view of Queenstown. If you’re visiting New Zealand during the winter, and are a fan of the powdery white stuff, this mountain range is one of the best spots for skiing in the region. Take in the beauty of New Zealand’s South Island on this South Island Scenic adventure   4. The Award for the Most Adventurous Mountain goes to… Torres Del Paine – Chile / Argentina – Andes mountain Wrap up warm when you visit Torres Del Paine, that place is Chile… (We’re not even sorry). The three impressive and towering granite peaks of Torres Del Paine alone are worth a visit to Chile’s most famous national park. But, a hike around this stunning display of natural beauty will see you uncovering lakes the colour of spearmint, This Patagonia holiday will see you taking in the very best of Chile and Argentina   5. The Award for the Most Challenging Mountain goes to… Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania If challenging yourself is top of your travel wish list for 2022, climbing to the top of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro could be the mountain adventure for you. Frequently considered to be one of the greatest outdoor challenges on the planet, conquering Kilimanjaro could be the perfect excursion  if you’re really looking to test yourself (and enjoy the experience of a lifetime of course!) A climb up to the ‘Roof of Africa’ will see you making your way up to 5,895 meters above sea level, take 6 to 8 gruelling days and a fair level of fitness. It’s said that only between 45 and 65% of people who take on the challenge actually make it to the top. But we’re certain that watching the sunrise over the horizon at the summit will be worth every step. Do you fancy your chances? Climb Kilimanjaro on this active Tanzania adventure   6. The Award for the Most Iconic Mountain goes to… El Capitan, Yosemite The iconic, domineering granite wall of El Capitan is without doubt one of Yosemite’s most recognisable landmarks. There’s something truly magical about the light in Yosemite, it wraps around the vertical cliff faces of El Capitan and the Half Dome and is particularly beautiful early in the day when the morning mist gently coats the lush valley in a blue haze. If you really want to explore everything this staggering national park has on offer (including countless imposing mountains, wildflower meadows and plummeting waterfalls), we recommend staying for around three days, there’s just so much to see. Uncover the Yosemite mountains for yourself and so much more on this 13 day National Parks Road Trip itinerary.   7. The Award for the most Bucket-List Ticking Mountain goes to… The Rockies, Canada A visit to the Canadian Rockies will treat you to awe-inspiring mountain valleys, endless icefields, flowing rivers, snow-capped peaks, pristine glaciers and boundless nature. Plus, this mountain range is home to the Rocky Mountaineer, a train ride that makes it on to almost every travel-lovers bucket list as something to experience at least once in a lifetime. Ride the rails of the Rocky Mountaineer   8. The Award for the Most Wonder-Full Mountain goes to… Andes Mountains, Peru – Machu Picchu The lush, forested peaks of the Andes Mountains were hiding a fairly spectacular secret for quite some time. The ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu, now one of the seven wonders of the world (quite rightly), wasn’t rediscovered until 1911. Few mountains are home to an archaeological masterpiece quite like this. You can explore this Andes gem either under the steam of your own two feet, taking on the famous Inca trail, or you can opt for the more relaxed route and take the train up! Either way, this mountain’s secret empire is ready to wow. Trek to Machu Picchu and explore Lima and Cusco on this Peru holiday itinerary   9. The Award for the Best Sandy Mountain goes to… Dune 45, Namibia We’re clutching at straws a little here we realise, but the impressive sand dunes of Namibia’s Namib Desert couldn’t not feature on our best mountainous roundup. The elegant curves, glowing colours and monstrous peaks of what some claim to be the world’s largest sand dunes contrast almost perfectly with the almost other-worldly ‘vleis’ that lurk in their shadows. Get there early to hike up the sandy peak before the crowds arrive. Seeing the sun gradually cast its golden glow over the vast plains of Sossusvlei is an experience not to be missed. Uncover this sandy world for yourself on this Classic Namibia Self Drive holiday      
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23 July 2025

9 October half-term holiday ideas you'll all love

As summer slowly approaches autumn, now’s the perfect time to start planning how to make the most of the rest of the year, soak up some more sunshine, and maybe even fit in a knock-out family holiday to really treat the kids. Is there anything better than making forever memories together as a family? Seeing your kids’ faces as they taste a local delicacy for the first time, watching them run across the warm sand into the turquoise ocean or the wonder in their eyes as they experience their first animal sighting on safari. Travelling and experiencing the world together is the most wonderful gift. Which of these 9 family half-term holiday ideas would be perfect for you?   1. South African Family Adventure This family adventure showcases all the major highlights of South Africa. From the Cape Region and the Winelands , to the Garden Route and a safari experience the whole family will never forget. If you’re travelling with a young family, we’d recommend including a little more time on the Cape Peninsula to enjoy the penguins of Boulders Beach , World of Birds and the glass-bottomed boat at Hout Bay. In the Winelands, Spier is the destination of choice with its bird of prey interaction experience, whilst on the Garden Route, the animal sanctuaries of The Crags are always popular with kids. Finally, you’ll experience one of the ultimate bucket-list holiday moments: a safari together. (What’s more, by going on safari in the Eastern Cape , there is no need to take anti-malarial tablets, a blessing when travelling with little’uns!) View the sample itinerary   2. Oman Family Holiday We think Oman makes a brilliant destination for a family holiday. There’s so much to see and explore in Muscat , with its historic heart, lavish Sultan’s Palace, alluring old souk and dolphin cruises. Plus, there are plenty of stunning hotels with access to beaches and large swimming pools for relaxing, fun-filled days to choose from. That’s why we always suggest starting your adventure in Muscat to explore, and finishing there too for some sun-soaking time at a beach resort. This holiday then takes you into the jagged Hajar Mountains to explore the canyons and abandoned terraced villages. As you adventure together, you’ll feel a million miles from the modern world and will have your breath taken away every time you turn yet another dramatically beautiful corner. Then, a night in the desert is a must for an Oman family adventure. There’s something unmatchable about sitting together under the starry canopy reminiscing about what you’ve seen and done so far. Omanis themselves are also a very friendly, welcoming nation, creating a very accessible place in which to introduce your children to bold and beautiful Middle Eastern culture. Find out more     3. Mauritian Explorer Head to Mauritius to combine blissful beach time with laid-back local exploring this October. With three-stops, you’ll tick off all of the local highlights and have plenty of time to fall in love with the white sand beaches that Mauritius is known for. The island is relatively small, so it is easy to move from place to place, and offers gorgeous beaches, fantastic swimming opportunities for all the family, a delicious food scene and the chance to get off the beaten track in the inland mountainous scenery. Start your trip with four nights on the southwesterly side of the island, sample street food at Port Louis, hike in the Black River Gorge National Park , explore the coastline by boat, or simply relax on the coast. From here, hire a car to head towards the more remote eastern side of the island, perhaps stopping at Chamarel on the way for lunch. On arrival at your next hotel, for those wanting more activity, kite-surfing and mountain biking are on offer, or picnic on the beautiful eastern beaches of Ile aux Cerfs and Ilot Mangenie. Finally head north to the famous Belle Plage region for five nights in your final hotel, chosen to make the most of your remaining time on the beach. Get me on the beach     4. Thailand A family holiday to Thailand is just the perfect introduction to South East Asia. However old your kids are, there’s something for everyone. You can fly through the bustling streets of Bangkok on a tuk-tuk, explore the traditional floating markets , be wowed by elephants in the jungle, hike through wildlife-packed rainforests, play on soft white sand beaches, taste incredible local flavours and uncover so much rich culture. We couldn’t love it more and know you’ll love it, too. Find out more of what awaits   5. Singapore and Borneo Adventure If you’re a nature-loving family, this Singapore & Borneo adventure is for you. No trip here would be complete without a trek to see the majestic orangutan in the wild (or at the incredible Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre if your kids are little!) The wildlife sighting is phenomenal and the tropical islands dotted off the coast make the perfect retreat to end any family half-term holiday; the clear waters and sandy beaches are sure to delight children (and adults!) of all ages. To the orangutans…   6. Family fun in Vietnam There might be a little bit of a mixed bag weather-wise in Vietnam over October half-term, but we don’t think that should deter you from going. With time to adventure through the busy cities, the chance to get away from it all in lesser-visited Ninh Binh , see iconic Ha Long Bay for yourself and enjoy some relaxing beach days, this sample 16-day itinerary has something for everyone. We recommend heading to the beaches of the south to make the most of the returning sunny days! Dive in…   7. Cambodia Cambodia has everything you need for an unbeatable October half-term holiday adventure, as well as the perfect introduction to South East Asia. It is the end of the green season in Cambodia this time of year, but that means the landscape will be looking beautifully lush, Angkor Wat will be quieter and so will the beaches! There’s so much culture, beauty and experience to be had here with countless temples, sense-sizzling markets, paradise islands and the friendliest people. But, maybe pack a brolly just in case! Take me there!   8. The Maldives The Maldives might not be your first thought when planning a family holiday, but with fantastic family-friendly resorts like Siyam World Maldives (with villas that come complete with your very own waterslide into the shimmering turquoise ocean!!), it absolutely shouldn’t be ruled out. There can be a few showers in October and it is a little humid, but if you can deal with the odd shower then you’ll be rewarded with supremely quiet beaches and the ultimate tranquil family getaway. Claim your pool slide villa!   9. Tanzania Without doubt one of the greatest wildlife destinations on the planet, why wouldn’t Tanzania be on your wishlist for a family adventure?! October half-term is a fantastic time for a safari here, with warm sunny days and only the occasional shower. Can you picture your kids’ faces the first time they spot a lion in real life? That is the magic of a family safari. It’s safari time…      
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23 July 2025

5 travel books to inspire your wanderlust

Today is #NationalBookLoversDay . We love a good book here at HA. Books are there for the dreamers, they’re there to allow us an escape to another time, place or world. For many, they’ve been a bit of a salvation this last year or so, allowing us to travel to far of shores during a time when, for once, that wasn’t possible. To mark the occasion, here are 5 travel-related books recommended by our travel-loving team, for those days when you want to kick back, relax, and transport yourself to a far-off world…   1. The Travelling Cat Chronicles – Hiro Arikawa Fenton, our Japan expert, was quick to recommend this book. His review: ‘Melancholy and heart-warming in equal measures, this is the story of a man and his cat that will appeal to even the most die-hard ‘dog person’.  A unique glimpse into modern, rural Japan that will make you want to retreat to the countryside to contemplate life itself.’ Inspired? Check out our Classic Japan sample itinerary here. 2. Arabia – Levison Wood This book follows Levison’s adventures through the heart of the Middle East. Following in the ancient footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia, this book is an account of Levison’s 5000-mile journey through the heart of the Middle East. Travelling through 13 countries, crossing the Arabian Peninsula, and learning about the region through the stories and lives of the people he meets, it’s a fascinating insight into a world we don’t often hear about. This book will transport you away from your sofa to a land of epic mystery, history, religious and spiritual adventure. Have an Arabian adventure of your own in Oman . Find out more .   3. Dark Star Safari – Paul Theroux Paul Theroux is the father of the iconic interviewer, Louis. This book follows his travels from Cairo to Cape Town in the most authentic way possible, only taking one flight – an impressive feat at 60 years old! Theroux really takes you deep under the skin of Africa, referring to it as a ‘dark star’ as he makes his way through lands that have faced many troubles and adversities over the years. Travelling through Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania , Uganda and South Africa (and more!) this is a tale of unpredictable adventures and the pages give you a window into real Africa. Experience Africa for yourself on this Ultimate Uganda sample itinerary . 4. The Motorcycle Diaries – Che Guevara The Motorcycle Diaries are the diaries of a young Guevara as he embarks on an epic adventure and explores the wonders of South America on the back of a bike. Reading tales written by iconic Che Guevara is never a bore and the pages are crammed full of dramatic adventures and youthful escapades as Che travels from one drink to the next. The adventures in this book would make for an eventful life and full memoir alone, without the epic life he had to come. If you’re more of a film buff than a bookworm, then you’re in luck. Che’s adventures were made into an Oscar-winning film back in 2004, the perfect Sunday film to wake your wanderlust. Inspired? Get off the beaten travel in Argentina on this Northern Off-Road Adventure . 5. Married to a Bedouin – Marguerite van Geldermalsen This is the tale of Marguerite, a New Zealand-born nurse, who met a Bedouin whilst travelling through the Middle East in 1978. Mohammed, a charismatic souvenier-seller, invited her and her friend to stay in his cave and, never ones to turn down an adventure, they said yes. And that was the beginning of their love story. They married and lived together within the 2,000 year old ancient caves of Petra. She worked as the resident nurse and learned to live like the Bedouin. She’d cook traditional dinners over an open fire, collect water using donkeys, and drink sweet black tea. Her story is truly extraordinary and makes for a fantastic read. Explore Petra and other highlights on our Classic Jordan sample itinerary .   We understand that things are still fairly uncertain right now. But we’re at the end of the phone on 01242 253 073 or email to answer any questions you may have about getting away on a much-needed holiday later this year or next. We can’t wait to get you travelling again! Get in touch today.

Where to visit in Tanzania

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Rubondo Island National Park lies in the southwestern corner of Lake Victoria, the second largest in the world and source of the Nile and is the largest island National Park in Africa. Bar a handful of park wardens, wildlife researchers and camp staff, the island is uninhabited and purely a refuge for threatened animals. The deep waters also offer spectacular fishing for record-breaking sized Nile perch. The island became a game reserve in 1965 when the Tanzanian government relocated 400 Banyarubondo people living on the island to neighbouring islands. In 1977 it was then recategorized as a National Park. Between 19966 and 1969 the Frankfurt Zoological society released 16 chimps in 4 cohorts onto the island. The chimps were all originally wild-born and of west African descent but had been rescued from various European zoos and circuses. The chimps had spent varying periods, from 3.5 months to 9 years in captivity before being released on Rubondo Island. They had no rehab or pre-release training but after one year on Rubondo they were able to find and eat wild foods and construct sleeping nests. This was the first ever attempt to rehabilitate captive chimps. From the 16 founders the population has grown to around 60 individuals. Three quarters of the island is blanketed in untouched pristine tropical forests which provides a protected habitat for not just chimpanzees, but sitatunga, elephant, giraffe and 300 bird species, including 37 African grey parrots rescued from illegal trade.

The first and only camp on the island, opened on the 1st June 2013, but don't worry this is an attractive and immensely tranquil lodge comprising of 8 thatched cottages and run by experienced staff. Activites include trekking with habituated chimps, birding (best between Dec to Mar), catch and release fishing, cultural visits, guided walks and for pure relaxation.

Open between June and March you can access the island with daily flights from Arusha, Serengeti and Kigali or by vehicle with a ferry from Kasenda.

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Arusha is located around one hour from Kilimanjaro International Airport, the main port of entry into northern Tanzania, and serves as a bustling gateway to the spectacular northern safari circuit and to Mount Kilimanjaro. Rather than being a “must see” destination, Arusha is generally used as a convenient one night stay pre or post safari.

Set at an altitude of 1,400m on the southern slopes of Mount Meru, the busy commercial centre is surrounded by lush green forests and coffee plantations, amongst which are dotted boutique lodges and small owner-managed hotels. While there are good opportunities for curio and craft shopping if you have a few hours to spare to explore the town, most visitors make the most of some downtime and savour the peaceful gardens of their accommodation, relaxing poolside, perhaps with a spa treatment.

Arusha National Park is scenically beautiful with diverse wildlife and well worth visiting if you have a little longer to spend in the area. For those with less time, however, it’s hard to justify prioritising this over the better known parks of Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti.

We highly recommend an overnight stay in Arusha following international flights – you’ll receive a warm welcome to Tanzania, a good night’s sleep and be ready to get the very most of your time on safa

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The commercial hub of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam has come a long way from its roots as a quiet fishing village into the sprawling metropolis of high-rise buildings it is now. Home to East Africa’s second largest port and with a population of around four million people, Dar es Salaam has a stylish urban centre and is Tanzania’s most prominent city for fashion, music, arts and film. With exquisite architecture that mixes Arab, German, Indian and African influences, it is a city not to be overlooked.

For practical reasons, Dar es Salaam is seldom explored by visitors and is far more likely to be used as a stop off before heading on to some of the wildlife parks in Zanzibar or South Tanzania, on account of the city featuring the country’s largest commercial airport. With a healthy choice of large international style and standard hotels, you can relax either side of international flights. Whilst the notorious traffic jams can be frustrating, it is worth considering a stay here to freshen up after flights or even briefly explore some of the coastal areas located around an hour from the centre; these offer a fantastic alternative to Zanzibar, with stunning beaches and cultural experiences.

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Katavi National Park is about as remote as it is possible to get in Tanzania; even today it is somewhere that very few are lucky enough to have visited, with those that do feeling like they have had the 4,500 square kilometres to themselves. Despite only two small accommodation options available, these do not get busy and it is common not to see another vehicle whilst on safari. The park is a mix of wide floodplains, dense woodland and seasonal rivers which are the focus of the wildlife viewing. Famous for the largest gathering of buffalo known in Africa, as well as thousand strong pods of hippo and cave-dwelling crocodiles as well as elephants, lions, hyenas, zebras, topis, giraffes and many more.

One of the most remote places in Tanzania - but only around 1 hour by light aircraft from Katavi - the two destinations are often combined in itineraries to offer contrasting experiences of Tanzania. A striking forested mountain range cascades to the shoreline of the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, the second deepest and second largest lake by volume in the world. The view from the shoreline will be that of a pristine sandy beach, vast lake and the huge forests of the Congo, whilst situated behind you is the forested mountains of Mahale most famous for up-close encounters with chimpanzees. While the chimps are habituated to humans, there is no telling where they are going to be, meaning that treks can last multiple hours through virgin jungle, but this only adds to the sense of adventure and spending time with the chimps is well worth any effort. The chimps are the park’s obvious highlight, although other activities available include snorkelling, kayaking and forest walks. The likelihood of not seeing chimps on an individual trek is fairly high, so we suggest staying for three to four nights to maximise your chances.

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One of Tanzania’s most underrated and smallest national parks, Lake Manyara is often omitted from travel itineraries in order to focus on the better known Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. Whilst the park is unlikely to be the pinnacle of your safari experience on the northern circuit, there are many reasons to visit, whether just for a day trip or a number of nights. Prolific wildlife include hippos, buffalos, giraffes, zebra, wildebeests, warthogs, elephants, baboons and blue monkeys, as well as the park’s famous leopard and tree climbing lions. There are also around 400 species of bird, with the flamingo on the lake being the most abundant and turning the lake bright pink at certain times of year due to their sheer abundance.

The flora and topography of Manyara is not only interesting, but also stunning, with diverse vegetation ranging from evergreen forest to savanna, marsh and of course a vast soda lake. Combined with the sheer and dramatic rift valley that rises on the western border, Manyara offers an interesting safari experience with outstanding scenery.

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At 2,850 square kilometres, what Tarangire lacks in size it makes up for in wildlife, housing the highest concentration of mammals of any of Tanzania’s parks between June and October! The diverse and rugged landscape stands out with giant baobab trees, vibrant swamps and low ridges, all of which are home to a wide variety of wildlife including large herds of buffalo and elephant and a high concentration of lions and leopards.

Other wildlife of the park includes the critically endangered wild dog, gerenuk, oyrx, impala, giraffe, worthog and kudu, as well as one of the most diverse bird lifes in Africa. The majority of visitors only stop off on a day trip to Tarangire to explore the northern sector; staying overnight, on the other hand, will allow for deeper exploration into the less touristiic southern swamp. There is no denying that the park is at its best between June and October, but it is worth year round consideration as the only area in northern Tanzania where night drives and fly camping are permitted.

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There are not enough superlatives in the English language to describe the natural beauty and wonder of the Ngorongoro crater. With 25,000 large animals calling the crater home, it is a must-see destination in northern Tanzania. Formed from a collapsed volcano, this vast caldera has a diameter of 16-19 kilometres and offers one of the richest wildlife viewing experiences on the African continent. Regular sightings include large tusker elephants, lions, leopards and hyenas along with wildebeest, buffalo and zebra to name a few. There is also a healthy population of black rhino which affords the opportunity of seeing the ‘big 5’ in one game drive.

Named as one of the seven wonders of the African continent, scenically stunning with incredible wildlife, it is understandable that the area does get busy during peak holiday periods. Nevertheless, with such a rewarding all-round experience, it would be a shame to pass this by.

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Remote, relatively unknown and visited by very few travellers each year, this vast wilderness covers over 20,000 square kilometres and is Tanzania’s largest national park. Some of the most impressive baobabs in Africa are found in Ruaha, which only adds to this idyllic African safari experience. A mix of savanna, woodland and watercourses with a backdrop of low hills and the escarpment that forms part of the great rift valley, this is scenically beautiful park also packs a significant and diverse wildlife punch.

The park has an abundance of prey and predator with a particularly healthy number of lion (estimated to be home to 10% of the world’s population), and it isn’t uncommon to see a pride of more than 25 lions in Ruaha. Cheetahs, jackals, hyenas, leopards and African wild dogs are also often seen, particularly on the banks of the Great Ruaha River, a renowned hunting ground. The river also provides home for large pods of hippo as well as some huge crocodile. The herbivore populations in Ruaha are a mix of east and south Africa, with both lesser and greater kudu, sable and roan antelope mixing with the magnificent eland. Elephants are found in significant numbers and are often seen, as well as giraffe zebra and impala.

There are only a handful of accommodation options available but these are of increasingly high quality with a very high standard of guiding.

With the most diverse wildlife in Tanzania, stunning scenery with impressive baobab and very few other visitors, Ruaha provides some of the best safari in the whole of Africa, let alone Tanzania.

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At almost 15,000 square kilometres (the size of several small countries), the Serengeti is as vast as it is impressive and few people forget their first encounter with this wildlife rich savanna. Home to over 100 mammals, the Serengeti is richly biologically diverse and offers rewarding wildlife experiences year-round. Renowned for prey and predators, in particular lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas, it is easy to see how this epic place has earned the reputation of being one the greatest safari destinations on the planet. Birdlife is seriously impressive, with over 500 strong species including ostriches, secretary birds, marabou storks, vultures, kori bustard, love birds and many more. Plains’ wildlife consists of the mighty elephant, buffalo, gazelle, eland, topi, waterbuck, impala and giraffe, to name but a few.

While the Serengeti offers amazing wildlife viewing year-round, a huge draw, inevitably, is the great wildebeest migration. Few experiences in life can match that of witnessing some two million wildebeest, zebra and other small plains wildlife make the 1000-kilometre round trip through Tanzania in search of rains and rich pasture, with the predators never far behind. Iconic savanna landscapes, the great migration and exceptional concentrations of wildlife throughout ensure a magical safari experience.

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Huge, unspoilt and wild, Nyere National Park is Africa's largest National Park. The area was previously part of the Selous Game Reserve until 2019 when the northern sector of the Reserve, including the Rufiji River, was designated Nyere National Park. Nyere offers exceptionally rich biodiversity and varied terrain; from rivers and lakes to open savannah, deep gorges and forested areas, all home to an abundant and exciting mix of wildlife. Wildlife highlights include large numbers of lion, and enormous numbers of hippo and buffalo; the park is also one of Africa's strongholds for wild dog. Leopard (though trickier to spot), elephant, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, kudu, impala, warthog, hartebeest and eland are also present in good numbers. Wildlife is undoubtedly more prolific in the dry season, concentrating in larger densities along the ever decreasing water supplies; however the green season is fabulously rewarding for birdlife, with over 400 species having been recorded. With just a handful of accommodation options and a vast area to explore, it is perfectly possibly to not see another safari vehicle for hours at a time.

The variety of activities is one of the unique highlights of a safari in Nyere, with excellent walking and boat safaris as well as 4×4 drives, making every day completely different and exciting. Boat safaris are a relaxing way of getting close to water-dwellers, such as hippo and crocodile and other wildlife that comes to the river edges to drink; whilst giant kingfishers and fish eagles are never far away. Fishing on the mighty Rufiji river can be arranged at most accommodation options (subject to water levels), with catfish and tiger fish being the main catches.

Naturally at a slower pace, the focus of the walking safari is on the fascinating flora, animal tracking, dung and geography of the Park. That being said, Nyere is home to the Big 5 and so walks are always led by an armed guide and ranger, as you never know what’s just around the corner! Typically walking safaris last for around 2 hours and cover a couple of miles, so suitable for most capabilities and fitness levels.

Fly camping is widely offered in Nyere, encouraging you to embrace the wilderness and take a night in the bush for a back-to-nature experience spent sleeping under the exquisite stars. While you do leave the comfort of your camp or lodge for this activity, you're always extraordinarily well looked after and this is undoubtedly a favourite experience here in the Holiday Architects team.

Nyere National Park combines perfectly with Ruaha National Park for a spectacular southern Tanzania safari; or equally as a stand alone destination, perhaps combined with some beach time. However you choose to experience Nyere, with the unique range of activities on offer and its fascinating diversity, time in this vestige of wilderness is always special.

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With clear, warm Indian Ocean waters framed by flawless palm fringed beaches, the Zanzibar Archipelago is a small slice of Tanzanian paradise. Consisting of a cluster of islands, including the small but stunning Pemba Island in the north and the little-known Mafia to the south of the larger Zanzibar island, the archipelago is a haven of idyllic coves, powder white sands and coral atolls. The islands have a fascinating history and culture and, should this aspect be of particular interest to you, you can visit or stay in Stone Town (a UNESCO world heritage site) and explore the spice farms, House of Wonders and Forodhani food market. Additionally, a wide range of highly recommended water activities are available to keep you entertained.

Pemba Island is only 20 minutes away from Zanzibar by light aircraft, yet is far more densely vegetated, with natural plantations and forests with cloves being the main crop. The beaches are untouched, vast and stunning with powder white sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkelling, diving and dhow boat trips. Accommodation and activity options are not as vast as Zanzibar Island, but Pemba is nonetheless interesting to explore, with its walking excursions through forests, cycle-rides, archaeological sites and trips to see the local people all being worthy activities to tear yourself away from the perfect coastline. If relaxation is key for your beach break, Pemba may well be perfect for you.

Contrastingly, Mafia remains virtually unknown to the outside world, hosting very few annual visitors in comparison to Zanzibar. With a fascinating history dating back to the 8th century, the island played an important role in trade between mainland Africa and the Far East. Much of the Mafia coastline consists of marine national parks, due to the pristine nature of the coral and marine life; diving and snorkelling remains one of the biggest attractions when visiting Mafia, with the migration of whale sharks visiting the coastline being a particular highlight. Whilst the beaches are perhaps not quite up to the same standard of perfection as Zanzibar or Pemba, they are still excellent and certainly an added benefit.

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About Tanzania

Tanzania offers some of the best wildlife experiences in Africa, suiting both first-time and seasoned safari goers. The main draw to Tanzania is the country’s natural environment, with its flora and fauna being of significant interest, alongside the pristine white sand beaches of the islands of Zanzibar, Mafia, and Pemba. With the exception of Stone Town, a fascinating Zanzibar coastal town and port which is rich in history and culture, cities are of little interest when compared with the nature reserves and forests of Tanzania. Leopards, lions, rhinos, buffalos and elephants are one of the country’s wildlife highlights and are known as the ‘Big Five’, but with chimpanzees and whale sharks mixed into Tanzania’s biodiversity, it is impossible to list even a fraction of what this beautiful country has to offer. Not forgetting, of course, the Great Migration – a spectacle of millions of wildebeest and zebra completing their annual journey across the Serengeti, with predators in hot pursuit.

Frequently Asked Questions

For safari, Tanzania is generally divided into three areas, with the northern safari circuit including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara, as well as several small and seldom-visited parks and reserves. The south includes the little known Nyere and Ruaha National Parks (easily accessed from Dar es Salaam); while in the west lies the wild and remote Katavi and Mahale Mountains National Parks. Wildlife activities in the north are primarily focused on safari drives, with some walking opportunities available, whereas the south is best known for its boat safaris and some of the best walking activities found anywhere in Africa. In the west you’ll find wildlife of a bygone era and chimpanzees. Complementary to the obvious wildlife highlights, Tanzania is home to some seriously impressive natural phenomena. These include the Ngorongoro Crater, a huge volcanic caldera which needs to be seen to be believed, and Lake Manyara National Park, which offers breath-taking scenery over the great rift valley escarpment.

The standard of guiding is excellent, whilst the people are warm, welcoming and friendly. Tanzania is widely accepted as offering the best (and easiest!) safari and beach combination in Africa.

The best time to visit Tanzania is between June and October, although the majority of the country is a year-round destination, with a few factors to be aware of during the rainy season from March to the end of May. During this time the Selous, Ruaha and Katavi close their airstrips, making visiting near impossible, but the rest of the country remains open for business! It is worth noting that between these months you will see regular rain, although this doesn’t usually last for more than an afternoon.

Between the months of June to October the temperature rarely fluctuates from around 25 – 27 degrees, with humidity varying depending on your location.

Food is almost always included on safari and tends to be a delicious mix of international cuisines. Portions are large, options wide ranging and dinner features numerous courses: this made all the more impressive when considering that you are often dining at a remote camp with no easy access to fresh supplies or modern technology!

Snacks and drinks are regularly provided between meals, meaning that most visitors to Tanzania tend to return feeling extremely well fed! Hotels in Zanzibar are typically arranged on a half board basis to include breakfast and dinner (you will often find yourself out and about during the day with lunch being readily available). Some camps and hotels also include drinks but most do not; however, drinks and food tend to be of a similar or slightly lower cost to that of the UK, making for good value for money.

It is not currently possible to fly directly to Tanzania from the UK. The quickest route to get to the major airports is from London via Nairobi with Kenya Airways. As the route to Tanzania requires one stop, this opens up a variety of airlines such as Qatar, Emirates and Ethiopian Airways, all of which frequently have special offer fares at various points throughout the year. Departing from regional airports within the UK is also easy, with the likes of BA, Qatar, Emirates, KLM and Air France making for good options.

British citizens require a visa to enter Tanzania, which is possible to obtain in advance online via the Official Tanzania Immigration Services Website. While it is possible to obtain a visa on arrival, we would recommend organising one in advance of travel to avoid potential visa queues. The current cost of a single-entry visa for UK passport holders is $50 (including entry to Zanzibar).

Citizens of other nationalities should check with the Tanzanian High Commission for any visa regulations pertaining to them.

Tanzania is mostly a very safe country, particularly in the areas most frequented by tourists. Crime rates are higher in the bigger cities but with little to offer tourists we tend to avoid these areas anyway. If visiting Zanzibar’s Stone Town in the evening, then we would suggest arranging transfers through your accommodation. Most accommodations in Tanzania have safe deposit boxes in the rooms, whilst those that don’t will have a central safe and we suggest using these to store all valuables including cash.

As we are not medical experts, we feel that it is essential that you contact your GP regarding vaccinations and other medications necessary when travelling to Tanzania. We would suggest that, in addition to the vaccinations you’d routinely have as UK residents, further boosters should be obtained for Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Diptheria; however, this must be verified by a medical professional.

Malaria exists throughout much of Tanzania, so please consult your GP for advice on what malarial precautions to take.

Other good websites to use after speaking to your GP: The Travel Doctor, an interactive website providing specialist health information for travellers, including customised lists of travel medicines, vaccines and malaria tablets for holiday makers, global adventure travellers and expeditions.

The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, a closed currency which is only available in Tanzania; however, US dollars are accepted everywhere in Tanzania, with the Euro becoming more widely accepted in Zanzibar. If you did want to get some Tanzanian Shillings then you can exchange sterling at your arrival airport, but we suggest taking US dollars. ATM’s are available at all major airports in Tanzania and there are also a number of these available in Stone Town for Zanzibar. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Zanzibar hotels and at a good range of safari accommodations, although not all.

Tipping is very welcome and appreciated in Tanzania. You will generally find a central tipping box in almost all accommodations in Tanzania for camp staff, including chefs, housekeepers and hosts. The idea being that you can contribute to this at the end of your stay rather than handing out multiple small notes. A general guide would be $5 per guest per night. Safari guides are tipped separately, and to them we would recommend $10 per person, per day, with half for a half-day activity. Most safari camps and lodges will arrange safari activities so that you keep the same guide for the duration of your stay, so that you can tip your guide at the end of your stay. For transfer drivers, a small amount of roughly $3 – $5 per journey is usually sufficient. When changing currency it is worth asking for several notes of small denomination and it is also worthy of note that $100 bills are not accepted so should be avoided.

Departure Taxes

Departure taxes are payable when departing from all airports in Tanzania, including Zanzibar, but these are almost always included in the price of your flight ticket, so there is nothing that you need to pay locally unless we advise differently.

We believe travel should be a force for good. That means exploring with open eyes, treading lightly, and respecting the people and places that make the world so special. Our code of conduct isn’t about rules, it’s simply a guide to help you travel thoughtfully, ethically, and with care. Because every small choice makes a big difference.

  • If you choose to trust us with your holiday, we’ll send you a “Travel Facts” document when confirming your booking. This includes useful facts and travel advice, such as restaurant recommendations, reading tips, basic language information, cultural traditions, climate information, brief historical overviews, and more. We feel that this offers a useful insight and can help you interact with local residents in a more sensitive, well-informed manner. Please do try to take the time to read this information before your visit, it’s worth the time!

  • A number of the countries in which we operate holidays are religious societies with a widely observed set of customs. Always respect these norms, particularly when visiting religious buildings.

  • To the best of our knowledge, all hotels, lodges, and camps within our portfolio operate stringent measures to minimise water usage. All of our destinations have issues with water supplies to a certain extent, so feel free to raise any possible wastage should you encounter it during your stay, either with the accommodation or with us upon your return.

  • Please ask permission before taking photographs of people, and respect their wishes if they are not happy to be photographed. We find that friendly requests and a smile are usually met with a ‘yes!’

  • Strive, where possible, to make your own contribution to environmental practices as you travel. This might include minimising your electricity usage, not smoking in protected areas, avoiding coral while snorkelling, and safely disposing of all litter (recycling where possible).

  • Where possible, try to purchase from local suppliers. This includes shopping for souvenirs, dining out at restaurants, and booking additional excursions during your free time. In areas where haggling is an accepted part of daily life, don’t be offended if you’re unable to obtain what you perceive as a fair price for an item.

  • We emphasise to local suppliers that our clients should never be taken on unsolicited shopping trips, but if this does happen, try to retain your sense of humour, provide a firm refusal to participate and do let us know about it on your return. We pass on all feedback from every trip undertaken with us to our relevant local suppliers, who all share our commitment to travelling with sensitivity.

  • Please don’t remove any indigenous items from their natural habitat and attempt to bring them home as a souvenir. This particularly applies to everything from coral, shells, plants and food in the natural world, to cultural artefacts and antiques.

If you’re unsure about anything relating to the above, please feel free to chat to us. We’ve travelled extensively in the country and will be more than happy to offer our considered advice.

Key Information
Currency Tanzanian Shilling & US Dollar
Language Swahili, English
Dialing Code +255
Capital City Dodoma
Time Difference GMT +3

Meet our Tanzania expert

We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our expert Catherine is dedicated to all things Tanzania and is here to help you plan your perfect trip.

Catherine Williams
Catherine Williams
Destination Manager

With Catherine's love of wildlife, continued trips to Africa have always been a massive part of her life. Tanzania, being one of her many African destinations she has fallen in love with, which is not surprising considering the expansive African savannas and large amount of wildlife you can encounter.

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