Especially famous for its wildlife and nature, Tanzania, or the United Republic of Tanzania, has more to offer than you may expect. It offers various fun activities and places to visit both in the mainland and Zanzibar Tanzania. From Mount Kilimanjaro to gorgeous beaches, visitors enjoy the surrounding beauties when they travel to Tanzania. It is located in Eastern Africa. On the east, Tanzania is limited to the Indian Ocean. It borders Mozambique and Malawi on the south, Zambia on the south-west, the Democratic Republic of Congo on the west, Burundi and Rwanda on the north-west, Uganda on the north, and Kenya on the north-east part of the country. The capital of Tanzania is Dodoma. However, the largest city and the major port city of the country is Dar es Salaam. Tanzania's people are about 58 million. The country is bilingual, and the two official languages are English and Swahili, the Tanzania language.
How to travel to Tanzania?
If you wonder: how to travel to Tanzania? Julius Nyerere International Airport is an international and the most comfortable airport in Tanzania, which is about ten kilometers away from Dar es Salaam's city center. Many airlines, such as Etihad, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, arrange flights into that airport. To obtain an e-visa you can apply online via this link - Tanzania visa.
When is the best time to travel to Tanzania?
The best time to travel to Tanzania is from July to October. In general, it depends on what kind of activities you are looking for. If you want to see the country's main attraction, namely the Great Migration, then it is July-October for you. It is the country's driest season when a large herd of zebras and gnus cross the River Mara. This journey is very interesting for nature lovers, as the river crossing animals have to face the challenging task of avoiding crocodiles' jaws. If you are a fan of birds, then the best time to travel to Tanzania is from November to March: that time in Tanzania, nature is a bit quieter. Although there are many rain showers, it is an excellent time to watch birds and their migratory behavior. You should not travel to Tanzania through April and May, as there are heavy rains, leading to floods and preventing visitors from enjoying nature. Below are the 12 reasons why you should travel to Tanzania.
1. Zanzibar Island
Unguja, Zanzibar Island is an excellent place to enjoy nature, wildlife, friendly people, gorgeous white sand beaches, and excellently warm waters of the Indian Ocean. It is the largest and the most visited island in the Zanzibar Archipelago. The eastern and northern parts of the island are home to idyllic and less-populated beaches, where you will find several comfy accommodation options.
2. Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjarois the highest peak in Africa, with an altitude of 5,895 meters. It is the highest single free-standing mountain on earth, meaning that no mountain ranges surround it. Volcano gives an amazing view of the area, where you can take absolutely thrilling pictures. There are three volcanic cones on Mount Kilimanjaro, which are Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira.
3. The Great Migration
In one of the previous sections, named: When is the best time to travel to Tanzania? I have informed you that the best time to travel to Tanzania to watch the Great Migration is the driest season, July-October when large herds of animals make a great movement and cross the Mara River full of crocodiles.
4. Serengeti National Park
Most of the area of Serengeti National Park is large areas without a tree. This vast treeless plain is home to many a large number of omnivores and carnivores. It is especially famous for the Great Migration. It is the second-largest national park in Tanzania. It is wilderness, and rich animal populations allow this park to attract many tourists every year.
5. The Ngorongoro Crater
Located in Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the northern part of Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater was a large volcano. Today it is the world's largest intact caldera. With its natural beauty, it is a must-visit place in Tanzania. While you enjoy the scenery around, the animals are running around, making the place excellent for photography.
6. Lake Manyara National Park
Stretching over 325 square kilometers, Lake Manyara National Park protects the natural environment in Arusha and Manyara regions, between the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara. Most of the area is covered by the lake, which is home to beautiful flamingos. You will also find baboons, tree-climbing lions, elephants, and many other animals in this protected area.
7. Mafia Island
It is an island for relaxation and getting rid of the hustle and bustle of the large cities. It draws the attention of many scuba diving fans and snorkeling from all over the world thanks to its gorgeous undersea life and diversity. You should avoid traveling to Mafia Island in March and April when there is a lot of rainfall.
8. Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is the largest freshwater lake on the African continent. Apart from Tanzania, it borders Kenya and Uganda. Unlike its neighbors, a relatively lower number of tourists have explored Lake Victoria's shores in Tanzania. You will find a sanctuary to watch birds and other animals. There are also trips for fishing on the lake and exploring its islands.
9. Stone Town
Stone Town is an old part of the cultural center of Zanzibar, also known as Mji Mkongwe. The UNESCO Heritage List notes the area as the representation of Swahili coastal trading towns. It is a fine example of the city's cultural mixture, incorporating various elements of African, Arabic, and European culture over a thousand years.
10. Friendly Tanzania people
People in Tanzania, especially around the tourist attractions, are very friendly. In the first instance, local Tanzania people express their intention of helping you and showing their hospitality. One of the Tanzania languages is English, making it much easier for you to communicate with the locals.
11. Pemba Island
This northernmost Pemba Island in the Zanzibar Archipelago will amaze you with its extraordinary beauty. It is especially famous for its greenery, clove plantations, and beautiful green valleys. Few tourists every year explore the island, thus making it an excellent opportunity to discover the beauties of the beaten path on the island. It is an excellent place for scuba diving and snorkeling. Apart from water activities, tourists can also enjoy mountain biking around Pemba's green hills.
12. Delicious Food
Beautiful nature, rich culture, and hospitable people cannot be complete without delicious traditional food. A very famous and unique street food in Tanzania is Zanzibar Pizza. Mostly served as street food, it is a must-have for tourists. Other delicious members of the Tanzanian cuisine include Mchuzi wa samaki, Chipsi mayai, etc.
Is it safe to travel to Tanzania?
It is usually safe to visit Tanzania, but you should be aware of the possibility of petty crime. There can be robberies, purse snatching, pickpocketing, and so on. Especially be careful at beaches, large markets, and nightclubs, where thieves can easily access your valuables without your notice. It is very important to keep your documents very safe, preferably, outside of your purse. There are instances of armed and organized crime, kidnappings, etc. In some cases, kidnappers take their victims to an ATM and make them withdraw all of their money. For LGBTQ people, is it safe to travel to Tanzania? No, they are usually a target of discrimination, verbally and physically abused. Road safety is not that great throughout the country, so you should avoid driving alone at night.
What vaccinations do I need to travel to Tanzania?
Medical facilities and services across the country are limited and poor, even the largest city of Dar es Salaam and Tanzania's capital. Sometimes, you may need to be evacuated in the case of heavy injuries. So, travel experts highly suggest that you should have comprehensive travel insurance before traveling to Tanzania. What vaccinations do I need to travel to Tanzania? Talk to your physician before you visit Tanzania. Make sure that you have vaccinations. The recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A and B, Measles, Yellow Fever, Rabies (this one is essential), and Influenza.
A quick recap
The United Republic of Tanzania is a stunning place to visit and enjoy an unforgettable African time in Tanzania. It features the largest mountain in Africa, gorgeous beaches washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean, amazing wildlife and nature, and beautiful lakes. The following questions are the main theme of my blog: Is it safe to travel to Tanzania? When is the best time to travel to Tanzania? How to travel to Tanzania? What vaccinations do I need to travel to Tanzania? I have touched upon many things about Tanzania, including time in Tanzania, the capital of Tanzania, Zanzibar Tanzania, the Tanzania language, and the Tanzania people. The 12 reasons that why you should travel to Tanzania is as follows: Zanzibar Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro, the Great Migration, Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, Mafia Island, Lake Victoria, Stone Town, Pemba Island, friendly Tanzania people, and delicious food.
