Tanzania offers travellers amazing outdoor adventures with natural attractions like Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti
This captivating East African country is the perfect destination if you love active holidays, stunning vistas and incredible wildlife
If you enjoy variety from your vacation, and want life-changing experiences when you travel, Tanzania should be on your bucket list.
The big picture
Tanzania, on the east coast of Africa, is a vast country made up of everything from rugged wilderness, pristine coastlines and bustling cities. It would be impossible to condense all of Tanzania’s culture and geography into one trip (or even several), but you’ll find some of its best known natural wonders in three of the country’s most northerly regions: Arusha, Manyara and Kilimanjaro.
Even focusing on just these areas, there is a lot to cram in, from safari experiences to Africa’s highest mountain. Depending on your itinerary, you’re probably going to want to take at least a week to do it justice. Now get your hiking boots and rucksack, and you’re good to go!
How to get there
Tanzania is a popular travel destination in its own right, but it there is often a greater choice of flights to Kenya. Most travellers like to hop over the border and visit both countries anyway. The connecting game safaris makes it easy to transfer from Kenya to Tanzania or vice versa.
Must dos
1. Serengeti National park
The great wildebeest and other animals, such as zebra, migrate north every year. As their pattern is fairly predictable, it’s possible to plan your trip to coincide with their annual migration - and trust us, it’s one natural phenomenon you do not want to miss. There’s nothing more magnificent than seeing hundreds and thousands of animals crossing the Mara river. You'll spot giraffes, warthogs, and even cheetahs grazing in the Serengeti grasslands - forget the live-action Lion King, this is the real deal!
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2. Ngorongoro conservation area
Home to the Ngorongoro Crater, the Ngorongoro conservation area is another must-visit spot. The crater is a volcanic caldera, which are created when an eruption of magma causes the ground to collapse, leaving a cauldron-shaped hole. Viewed from afar, the huge crater will make you feel as if you’re on Mercury. Plenty of hotels near the crater have balconies overlooking the area, making for a magnificent view.
Lake Manyara
The diversity of flora and fauna is what makes this lake so special. It’s both a watering-hole for local wildlife and a magnet for tourists. It’s also frequented by more than 300 species of migratory birds. If you’re an animal lover, this is your new happy place.
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4. Mount Kilimanjaro
The highest mountain in Africa, the peaks of this dormant volcano are instantly recognisable. Simply admire the view from afar, or put your best foot forward and try one of the hiking trails. There are multiple tracks ranging in difficulty, so hikers of all ranges can take on the challenge. The temperature during the summer in the Kilimanjaro region is also cool and breezy, making for a pleasant hike.
Top photo spot
That pink spot on the landscape isn’t a pink lake, it’s actually an enormous cluster of flamingos. Lake Natron is the breeding ground for thousands of of the Insta-worthy birds, making a visit a truly once in a lifetime experience. Both up-close and from afar, this amazing display from nature is guaranteed to make for a magical shot – but you might want to buy or borrow a camera rather than using your phone to really capture the detail. It's magnificent.
This article was curated in conjunction with Young Post.
