7 reasons why Tanzania should be on your bucket list
Tanzania is a country home to the tallest peak in Africa and the most dramatic caldera on Earth. In the north are some of the most iconic landmarks and parks on the continent – such as Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Although Disney’s Lion King was loosely filmed in the Masai Mara in Kenya, a lot of research came from the plains of the Serengeti.
In the south, Tanzania homes some off-the-beaten-track destinations which, for safari enthusiasts, are worth visiting. Off the eastern coast is Zanzibar Island – a tropical paradise full of white-sand beaches and friendly local people. With so much to see and do in Tanzania, here are 7 reasons why Tanzania should be on your bucket list.
1. It is home to the Great Migration
If you’re thinking of going on a safari but finding it difficult to decide which country to head to, ask yourself this question: do you want to witness the greatest safari spectacle on Earth? If so, then head to Tanzania to experience the wildebeest migration. Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras make the journey across the plains of the Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) and the Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya) in search of green pasture and fresh rains. The round trip can be up to 1,000 kilometres long and, with lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena, and crocodiles lurking along the way, it’s an exhausting and brutal journey for them. As it’s possible to see the wildebeest herds throughout the year in Tanzania, this incredible sighting is often top of the list when it comes to things to do in Tanzania.
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Only 7 reasons? I went to Tanzania once for a safari and no doubt it was my best holiday ever.
We could certainly do more than 7! I’m glad you had a fantastic safari. Tanzania really does offer one of the best safari experiences across the African continent.
I’ve still never been on a safari but my friends who have say a lot about the night sky. That picture shows that there’s a lot going on. It must be amazing to get away from light pollution and cloudy nights to see the night sky like that.
Absolutely. Although the wildlife is of course, second-to-none, the night sky is really special. There are also safari camps and lodges which have ‘star beds’ so you can sleep under the stars. A must do!
If any readers are thinking about booking their first safari I would recommend the option of tagging on a few days on a beach to unwind. I haven’t been to Zanzibar though it looks like a good call.
Yes you can add on a beach stay easily to a Tanzania safari. Zanzibar is the most popular option, and you can easily fly there from both the northern and the southern parks. You also have Pemba and Mafia islands which are north and south of Zanzibar – excellent for keen divers. The eastern coast of Tanzania also has some great beach spots.
I’ve really enjoyed Zanzibar,and have been on safari in Ruaha and Selous with excellent wildlife and contrasting wild environment
All of these fine destinations would be a reason to visit,or in my case return for a third time