Tanzania: 5 Ways to Spend Your Summer
Africa’s largest country Tanzania is a traveler’s wet dream. Replete with culture, beaches, wildlife and friendly people, the country is a one-stop destination for thousands of people who have a nose for adventure. You get to see a presentation of Africa as a whole in a microcosm as you indulge your mind, body and soul.
Though the inflow of tourists is an all-year event, it is the summer months which make for some of the best travel to see the country’s matchless wonders.
Here are five ways you can spend a summer vacation in Tanzania.
- Witness the annual wildebeest migration in Serengeti
One of the most remarkable sights the world has to offer is the annual wildebeest migration at the Serengeti National Park. The famous safari destination is home to the greatest wildlife spectacle to be found as over two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle move across the plains, crossing the Mara river, in search for water. At their heels are predators ranging from lions to hippos and crocodiles. A game of life and death like no other, Serengeti is unequaled in its raw, natural and primal beauty. The patterns of life and death, which occur each year like clockwork, are as old as the world itself.
When in Tanzania, it is hard to resist the pull of Mt Kilimanjaro, the tallest and most recognizable mountain in Africa. Rising majestically above the African plains, hikers are taken through as many as five different ecosystems while climbing to the summit. Though many describe it as a not so difficult walk, it’s important to be prepared for the mountain, particularly oxygen levels. Ensure the walk is down at a ‘pole, pole’ (slow, slow in Swahili) pace to acclimatize your body so that you can see that glorious dawn spread out from the summit and reveal an Africa you never thought you’d get to see.
- Explore lush national parks and game reserves
The safari circuit through northern Tanzania offers a superb blend of wildlife viewing, astounding scenery, traditional cultures and outdoor activities. Running westwards from Arusha towards the shores of Lake Victoria, the well-established northern safari circuit is explored by almost all first-time visitors to the country. It is one of the most compelling destinations in Africa, comprising the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest complete volcanic caldera, a trio of first-rate national parks (Serengeti, Tarangire and Lake Manyara), and several intriguing lesser-known sites.
- Experiential ecotourism
While on a holiday in Tanzania, make it a point to get a cultural tour of local villages, farms and sustainable projects. As tourism is single handedly Tanzania’s largest money maker, it is important to spend wisely as it is our disposable incomes that fun the benefits many local receive. The Maasai tribe of northern Tanzania still live a largely traditional lifestyle, grazing their cattle over vast areas, and living in semi-permanent villages. As awe-inspiring as it is to visit the tribe, they face several challenges, make it all the more important for travelers to do their bit.
- Soak up the sun while lounging next to the Indian Ocean
What could be a better way of ending an adventurous holiday than with a bit of sun, sand and scuba diving? The warm water of the Indian Ocean provide just that in Zanzibar with its pillowy soft sands and gorgeous blue waters. The stunning white sands and year round temperatures make Tanzania a haven for the beach lover with it secluded and picture perfect beaches. Visit Stone Town to get a brush of the colonial history of the Spice Islands with its colourful architecture. Marine life too is in abundance, so make sure to sign up for some diving to be able to see expansive coral reefs and exotic aquatic life.
