WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE VISITING TANZANIA

My experience visiting Tanzania……

The very first time I visited Africa, I flew straight into Nairobi, Kenya. I had booked myself on an all inclusive safari adventure with a big adventure company. Here I was alone flying solo across the globe for the very reason I booked this adventure in the first place - to spot the incredible lion that i've longed to see for years and to be somewhere far away from normal life, from worklife, from my everyday routine.

We drove in a small mini-bus from our hotel in Nairobi to Arusha in Tanzania. I will say Tanzania is a much prettier place than Nairobi. Visiting Tanzania for the first time was welcoming and exciting, for we had a jam-packed itinerary of many Tanzania excursions and destinations to look forward to.

On our very first day we bundled into the safari van and set on our journey. We were ecstatic to see zebras and giraffes for the first time. Little did we know by the end of the trip Zebra and Giraffe were an everyday occurrence as by then we had seen the most beautifully exotic wild animals and were yearning to see more lions, more leopards, more elephants. We spent every day spending numerous hours sitting, sleeping and looking out for that ever elusive animal. I yearned to see lions, lions are amazing to me. We definitely heard many lions at night. Their roars seem so near but are yet so far, thankfully! We camped three nights in the Serengeti, in what seemed like the middle of nowhere. Nothing surrounding us apart from wide stretched savannahs and more importantly, nothing protecting us from the wild animals. I couldn't sleep. Our guide told stories of encounters with lions that filled us with excitement and dread at the same time. Hyena’s loved our campsite, more so they loved the kitchen area that was made out of steel and situated outside right near our camps. They spent nearly all night scavenging for food LOUDLY. I didn’t manage to get an hour's sleep or a minute's peace but our Tanzania excursions were incredible! From exploring the Ngorongoro Crater to riding through the Serengeti and witnessing the Great Migration. Lake Manyara was fascinating too, especially as we got to see the flock of flamingos. Hot air ballooning across the Serengeti was unbelievable - memories that I shall never forget.

Visiting Tanzania has always been special to me, the place, the feeling. You cannot replica it anywhere else in Africa. Tanzania is filled with good souls, friendly acquaintances, peaceful ways, incredible views, stunning landscapes and memories of wild animals running wild and free will last forever.

Founder of BornWild - Kate K.F

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Visiting Tanzania / Image: @keyursphotography

WHERE IS TANZANIA AND HOW TO GET THERE?

Tanzania is on the western side of Africa. If you look at the Tanzania map you will see that it borders on many other African countries. Tanzania lies below Kenya and Uganda. To the right of Tanzania, there is the Democratic Republic of Congo, to the bottom of Tanzania lies Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique. Like the Tanzania map states, it is really well situated and greatly connected to other beautiful countries. Tanzania is accessible to get to via plane and Kilimanjaro airport although small, is still one of the more well known airports there that is centrally located to most well-known Tanzania destinations. If you are unable to get a direct flight to Tanzania, then flying into Nairobi Kenya is also a great option. It takes around 6 hours to drive from Nairobi to Tanzania Arusha. Arusha is just across the border from Kenya.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TANZANIA?

Visiting Tanzania depends heavily on the varied weather conditions, which deciphers what wild animals you will encounter. Visiting Tanzania during the rainy seasons or dry seasons have different positives and negatives when spotting wild animals in Tanzania. So it's really essential to choose your ideal season before you book your trip.

During the months of July and September are very busy months as this is when you will get good sightings of the Great Migration. Weather wise, during these months are typically dry and warm with sunny clear blue skies. This is why visiting Tanzania during these months is very popular. I visited Tanzania in September and the weather was perfect! I do recommend these months, however If you want to avoid the crowds then the Green Season which occurs between November and March is a great alternative. It's much quieter tourist wise and even though there are chances of rain showers, the weather is pretty good. You will not only be able to see newborn calves but migratory birds too that flock to Tanzania in the thousands too.

It's a good idea to avoid visiting Tanzania during April and May as this is when heavy rain is forecast and there will be little chance to spot wild animals as most will be hiding or taking shelter from the wet weather. We have a great article about WEATHER IN TANZANIA to read for a full guide to the weather there.

WHAT TO PACK FOR TANZANIA SAFARI?

What to pack for Tanzania safari is determined on the time of year that you go. Like the varied weather conditions, it really depends on the season you choose to go. We have two great articles to help you pack. If you are earth conscious then we have what 12 Eco Items To Pack For An African Holiday. We also have a helpful guide on What To Pack For An African Safari. These guides are great for any Tanzania excursions you do in the Tanzania destinations you visit.

In short, we can definitely advise to pack a selection of casual comfortable clothing, personal toiletries and hygiene items, a camera to capture those all encompassing moments, insect repellant, medication for sickness (check with your doctor which to take), extra phone charger as electricity outlets are seldom on safari, first aid kit, blanket if you get cold, sunscreen and hat, sanitizer and plug adaptors are all things you would want to pack for a Tanzania safari.

Visiting Tanzania / Image: @dariuszsankowski

TOP TANZANIA EXCURSIONS

Visiting Tanzania comes with an array of amazing attractions in Tanzania. Tanzania is filled with endless opportunities to enjoy your vacation. From hot air balloon rides, snorkeling with dolphins on the coast of Tanzania, visiting and dancing with the Masai Mara Tribe, taking a trip to the incredible Zanzibar Island surrounded by turquoise waters, trekking Tanzania’s most famous mountains or even Mount Kilimanjaro if you feel extra adventurous.

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If a slower pace of life is your preference, why not enjoy Tanzania’s numerous waterfalls like the gorgeous Olmoti Crater Waterfall. We hike Olmoti Crater on our groundbreaking African Lion Safari. Alternatively, you could try a relaxing saunter on the Tree Top Walkway in Lake Manyara. Here you will walk sky high amongst the tree tops in Lake Manyara’s breath-taking forest.

MUST SEE ATTRACTIONS IN TANZANIA

There are plentiful and fascinating attractions in Tanzania, all of which are waiting for you to explore. We have devised a perfect route for you to take that allows you to see most attractions in Tanzania that are worth seeing. Start your journey in Lake Manyara, there are some really interesting things to do here from seeing the flock of Flamingos to enjoying Lake Manyara’s tree-top walkway. You will also encounter your first sightings of wild animals here too. From Lake Manyara, make your way to Ngorongoro Crater. On route, stop at Tarangire National Park to see the wild animals roam in these gorgeous landscapes. Once you get to Ngorongoro Crater, you will see how vast it is and why it’s one of the biggest must-see attractions in Tanzania. Ngorongoro Crater was once a gigantic volcano that is now an intact caldera. The Crater has a high number of wild animals which make journeying the crater even more fun when you visit.

Visiting Tanzania / Tarangire National Park. Image: @teammfinaphotography

The Serengeti is next on the list and is ideal to watch the Great Migration - it’s one of the top attractions in Tanzania! The Serengeti also has tons to explore from the great open plains, to observing the most exotic wild animals in the world to inspecting the Kopjes rock formations.

If you are feeling adventurous enough, why not add a few days onto your trip and climb the Kilimanjaro? It would be a perfect place to end seeing all the wonderful attractions in Tanzania.

We cover most of these attractions on our African Lion Safari - read more HERE

MUST SEE WILD ANIMALS IN TANZANIA

There are so many wild animals in Tanzania that are unmissable. Visiting Tanzania allows you to see all of the Big 5 as well as an abundance of other incredible animals and bird life too. Witness the exciting wild animals in Tanzania and enjoy observing the legendary lion, elephant, leopard, cheetah, caracal, red-billed hornbill, cape buffalo, wild dog, chimpanzee and flamingoes to name a few. If famous wild animals aren't your thing, we have a fantastic article about 7 Amazing African Wild Animals That Arent The Big 5!

Visiting Tanzania / Red Billed Hornbill. Image: @jcotten

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What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Tanzania