What I Wish I Knew Before Traveling to Tanzania?
What I Wish I Knew Before Traveling to Tanzania?
We’ve guided visitors, first-timers, and returning visitors for over 15 years. And of all first-timers we guided, 60% returned to Tanzania once again to explore this country’s natural beauty in areas they never thought would be interesting.
One of the most common regrets is “I wish this, I wish I knew that…” As seasoned guides, we’ve rounded up four things our guests wish they knew before traveling to Tanzania. Knowing them will help you avoid regrets after your Tanzania safari, but enjoy your memorable African adventure.
1. There are less crowded parks apart from Serengeti.
Serengeti captivates many nature lovers around the world. This park is undeniably a top-notch wildlife sanctuary in Africa. But the competition for slots in this park is high. Everyone is vying to watch the famous river crossings or tick off the Big Five. As a result, it can get overcrowded, especially in July and August.
Instead of sharing a sighting with a pack of safari vehicles, why not choose wildlife-rich parks known to few? We usually take our valuable guests to hidden gems in southern Tanzania. Here, they can visit Nyerere and Ruaha, Africa’s largest and Tanzania’s second largest park, respectively.
Nyerere is famous for its scenic vegetation, Rufiji River, and the Big Five. Ruaha, on the other hand, is home to the largest elephant population, Africa’s 10% of lions, the Great Ruaha River, and baobabs. Both offer safari experiences beyond game drives, including boat rides, night game drives, and fly camping.
If Nyerere and Ruaha are not enough, set off for Katavi National Park in the southwest or Mikumi National Park in the southeast. You can also visit Mkomazi National Park, where you can tick off the Big Five, or Lake Manyara National Park to spot tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and elephants.
Our pro tip: Include a few little-known parks in your itinerary, especially if you’re traveling in the peak season
2. There’s a better time than the dry season.
While it’s true that June to October is the best time to see animals in Tanzania, the high volume of visitors may make some destinations crowded. In addition to that, not everyone gets free time in these months. If your holiday doesn’t fall in this timeline, you still can enjoy wildlife viewing in Tanzania. Here are alternatives.
January to mid-March.
Tanzania experiences a short dry season from late December to mid-March. Like the long dry season, January to March is dry, warm, and has much sunshine. The trails are dry since there’s less rainfall.
Our pro tip: If you plan to enjoy scenic trails, take photos, and enjoy spectacular wildlife moments, the short dry season is perfect.
Highlights
- Wildebeest migration calving season
- Clear skies, ideal for stargazing and sundowners.
- Dry, easy-to-navigate trails for smoother game viewing.
- Fewer crowds in top parks like Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, and Ngorongoro Crater.
- Excellent birdwatching
April to May
These are the quietest months in Tanzania. Parks remain quiet because many visitors avoid heavy, frequent downpours. But there’s something to enjoy, like:
- The wildebeest rutting season, when bulls fight aggressively for females.
- Scenic backgrounds for taking photographs.
- Affordable rates in lodges and camps.
- Lots of birds, including migratory species.
Our pro tip: We advise bringing a rainproof coat, quick-drying clothes, and mosquito repellent. It’s always raining and there are a lot of mosquitoes.
3. There’s more than Kilimanjaro.
Standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 ft), Mount Kilimanjaro rises high in the crowds than any other mountain in Africa. Most hikers dream of hiking this spectacular mountain. However, there is more than one Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
Second to Kilimanjaro is Mount Meru, a wild little brother rising to 4,566 meters above sea level. This offers a challenging hike before you go to Africa’s highest peak. The hike is not only good for acclimatization, but also an adventure in itself.
Another volcano is Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai. It’s still active and always produces carbonatite, making it one of a kind in the world. If you’re tired of dormant volcanoes, try this wonderful volcano.
You can also try other mountains like Mount Hanang, Udzungwa Mountains, Usambara Mountains, and Mahale Mountains.
Our pro tip: These mountains are perfect for acclimatization. We recommend you attempt them first before Kilimanjaro, especially if you’re not used to higher altitudes.
4. It’s not only the Maasai and Hadzabe, there’s more…
The Maasai and Hadzabe are strategically located near famous destinations in the north. While these communities have unique things to offer, they’re just an introduction to Tanzania’s diverse ethnic groups. The Maasai have lived in the wild without hunting game for food, while the Hadzabe still hunt and gather for food.
But there are more than 120 tribes to explore. It depends on where you’re heading for your safari. At the foot of Kilimanjaro, you can meet the Chaga, one of the most civilized communities. The Sukuma, also on the northwestern part of the country, thrives on the shores of Lake Victoria.
Our pro tip: Near every tourist attraction in Tanzania, there are fascinating local communities. You can set aside a few hours to interact with these people. You will get the most out of Tanzania’s diverse cultures.
The bottom line.
Our primary goal is to make our guests enjoy their trip. We always take guests to destinations of their desire. It just depends on your interest. If you want quiet options, we can suggest them to you. So, are you ready to venture into Tanzania for a safari? We are here to help you.
