Exploring Tanzania: A Holiday With Nature

When you think of Tanzania, two things come to mind: Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti. While these both reflect the natural beauty of the land and its wild inhabitants, this East African country has so much more to offer.  From pristine beaches to wildlife reserves and everything in between, it’s time to explore this unique destination.

Mount Kilimanjaro. Located in the northern part of Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in all of Africa. As you climb, you’ll experience diverse climates – from rainforest and fresh meadows to desert and finally snow at the top. And, of course, you’ll most likely spot wild elephants, blue monkeys a tree hyrax, and more exotic animals. The climb is not for the faint of heart, and requires an experienced guide. There are 6 different routes you can take up Kilimanjaro, each with its own level of difficulty.

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Serengeti National Park. No trip to Tanzania would be complete without visiting the Serengeti. It’s the oldest national park in the country and most famous for the annual migration of wildebeest and zebras across the Mara River into Kenya. Go on a game drive to see the Big Five and other animals and explore the majestic plains. You can even stay overnight in a safari tent to experience the “night life” in the wild! And if you are in to hippos, don’t miss an opportunity to visit the Serengeti Hippo Pool.

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Zanzibar. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago located off the shores of Tanzania. Known for its pristine beaches, this is a paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers. Make sure you visit Mafia Island, which is surrounded by a protected marine park and is best know for its clear waters, coral garden, tropical fish and being the breeding ground for the endangered green turtle. Or visit Pemba Island, where you can lose yourself in history by visiting main town of Chake-Chake and it’s 18th century fort and museum.

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Stone Town. On Unguja, the main Zanzibar island, lies Stone Town, the oldest part of Zanzibar City. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stone Town is rich in its heritage that is a mixture of Arab, Persian, Indian and European cultures. Some of the highlights as you visit this area include the Arab Fort which was built in the 17th century atop an older Portuguese church (which you can still see remnants of in the walls of the fort), the Hamamni Persian Baths which were the first public baths in Zanzibar from 1870 to about 1920,  the Malindi Mosque – one of the oldest mosques in Stone Town – and more. Don’t miss the House of Wonders overlooking the waters in Stone Town to get a glimpse of Swahili history and culture.

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Prison Island. Once the home to prisoners, Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is home to a colony of endangered Giant Aldabra tortoise – some of which are over 200 years old. The beautify beaches and clear waters of the island make for a great day of swimming and snorkeling. If you’re interested, you can visit some of the cells that housed prisoners in the 19th century.

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Selous Game Reserve. Selous Game Reserve is the largest game reserve in Africa, and is one of the best places to experience the beauty of the country and its wildlife. Here, you can enjoy a walking safari that will bring you up close and personal with elephants and lions. Or take a boat safari cruise on the Rufiji River to spot the many animals drawn to the water. Of course, you can always take a game drive to spot the wild dogs, hippos, Cape buffalos, an endangered black rhino and more. If you’re really adventurous, try an overnight fly-camp to experience an evening under the stars – complete with your own chef.

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As you can see, there is much to explore in Tanzania. Let Luxury Destinations Concierge plan your trip to this beautiful African destination. Give us a call at (805) 236-4437.