Tanzania & Zanzibar

When To Visit

JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP	OCT	NOV	DEC
✔✔	✔✔	✔✔	✔	✔	✔✔	✔✔✔	✔✔✔	✔✔✔	✔✔✔	✔	✔✔

✔✔✔	Best time to go
✔✔	Good time to go
✔	Off season, but travel still possible

CLIMATE

Generally warm all year round from 25˚c to 32˚c, rains traditionally occur in winter between March and May. Between June and October it is warm and dry during the day but cold at night.

FLYING TIME

Dar es Salaam 9 hours 35 mins

Kilimanjaro 9 hours 50 mins

With such evocative place names as Zanzibar, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Mount Kilimanjaro within its borders, it is fair to say that Tanzania is blessed with more than its fair share of ‘must-see’ destinations. To get the most out of your luxury holiday to Tanzania, feel free to call our Travel Consultants who will happily create a tailor-made itinerary to suit your preferences.

Tanzania’s other great resource is its sublime coastline and tropical islands of Zanzibar and Pemba Island in the Indian Ocean, exotic and the perfect complement to your week on safari.

Compliment your safari with a beach stay on the Kenya coast, Zanzibar, Seychelles or Mauritius. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda is a superb addition to a safari.

Tanzania is an exclusive destination, prices are higher than those in Kenya as there are far fewer lodges and safari’s available.

Ngorongoro National Park – This World Heritage site is a natural wonder and a world-class attraction for visitors to Tanzania. The collapsed volcano has created a crater, known as a caldera and is the main reason for visiting the area. The crater floor offers superb game viewing with wildebeest, zebras, buffaloes, gazelles, elephants, rhinos and Africa’s big cats all present. Accommodation can be found on the ridge of the crater and further afield.

Serengeti National Park – The word ‘Serengeti’ is derived from a Masai word meaning ‘endless plains’, a fitting title for Tanzania’s most famous national park. During the annual migration over a million animals undertake the treacherous journey to the western Serengeti and the Masai Mara. The large populations of lions, cheetahs and leopards are permanent residents.

The Great Wildebeest Migration a natural phenomenon occurs annually across the vast plains of the Serengeti and into the Masai Mara in Kenya. Each year thousands and thousands of wildebeest and zebras make an epic journey in search of lush, grassy plains. Although the exact timings and route can change each year the migration follows a similar path, mainly determined by the rainfall.

Between the months of December and mid-March the animals graze on the Serengeti Plains. Calving takes place during a few weeks in February and then in March or April, as the plains become depleted, the migration begins. In June the herds move north, and around July cross the Mara River and enter the Masai Mara where they reside until around October.

Once the short rains start to fall in the South and East Serengeti, normally between October and November, the herds start to leave the Masai Mara and return to the Serengeti and the circle of life begins again.

Mount Meru – The lower slopes of Mount Meru in Arusha National Park are one of the most easily accessible places to spot buffalo, giraffe, black and white colobus monkey and warthog. It is one of the few parks where walking is permitted.

Lake Manyara – Teeming with bird life, tens of thousands of flamingos on their migration, as well as some of the 400 other species recorded including pelicans and storks.

Selous & Ruaha – Beautiful yet remote, the game parks of Southern Tanzania are much less visited than those on the ‘northern circuit’. Selous is located in Southeast Tanzania, approx. 45 minutes by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam or 1 hour 45 minutes from Zanzibar. Africa’s largest game reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage site it offers a true wilderness experience. 4 times the size of the Serengeti, as a game reserve, Selous doesn’t have the same restrictions as national parks – and so bush walks, mobile camping and boat trips on the Rufiji river are all possible. You could spend a whole day here without seeing another vehicle.

Ruaha – In South-central Tanzania, 2 hours flight by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam. Ruaha is hotter, drier and higher than Selous. Remote and untamed, Ruaha is the destination for a safari away from the crowds.

Zanzibar

The Zanzibar Archipelago lies just off Tanzania’s coast in the Indian Ocean. The main island of the legendary ‘spice island’ hosts Stone Town, a UNESCO world heritage site characterised by a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets lined with exotic shops, bazaars, colonial mansions, mosques and squares.

Along the eastern shores are fabulous beaches flanked by coconut palms protected by pristine coral reefs. In the north Nungwi beach is an ideal diving location and is one of the livelier areas, it is a laid back beach town with plenty of hotels, bars and restaurants to choose from.

A short boat journey separates Pemba Island, a smaller, quieter and more verdant land with mangrove swamps and small sandy coves. There are several offshore islands ideal for day trips including Changu, Chapwani, Chumbe and Bawe.

Best Experiences:

• Witness the Serengeti migration from a hot air balloon.
• Sleep under the stars in a semi-permanent tented camp in one of the Serengeti’s prime game viewing locations.
• Take a camping trek up Africa’s highest and most famous mountain Kiliminjaro. Climbing as a group offers an authentic experience of this once-in-a-lifetime, challenging – yet achievable – journey.
• Take a breath taking sky safari and travel Fly club class in a 9 seater Cessna Caravan plane.
• Admire the incredible views as you descend into Ngorongoro Crater.
• Explore spice plantations on Zanzibar.
• See rare Red Colobus monkeys on Zanzibar.

Some of our favourite safari lodges and hotels…

Siwandu , Selous Game Reserve – An evocative camp set on the shores of Lake Nzerakera surrounded by Palm forest in a game-rich area of the reserve. Activities include boat safaris, game drives and walking safaris – for a true close-to-nature experience, fly camping can be arranged.

The exclusive Serengeti Bushtops, Northern Serengeti – A contemporary camp in an excellent location on the turning circle of the Great Migration between June and November. Each luxury tent features outdoor showers, a private veranda with sunken lounge and a hot tub.

and Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Perched on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, this architecturally splendid lodge is inspired by traditional Masai manyatta fused with contemporary African influences. Picture windows provide breath taking views of the crater below.

Lupita Island is the ultimate private island retreat, offering luxurious accommodations set amidst a pristine natural habitat. Located on Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, the second oldest and second deepest lake in the world. Lake Tanganyika’s waters are clear and calm, providing the ultimate setting for water sport activities. Kayaks and canoes are a great way to explore beaches around the islands.

Tarangire Treetops sits serenely on the border of the Tarangire National Park. Perched high up in the age-old Baobab trees, a stay here provides an enchanting and unique experience, where lavish tents are built atop tree attached platforms.

and Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is the only lodge in Lake Manyara National Park. Stilted treehouse suites appear to float in a sea of green, the large picture windows framing the forest canopy.

The Residence Zanzibar. Set in isolated splendour on the island’s south west coast, each luxurious appointed villa comes with private pool, furnished deck and butler service.

Essque Zalu Zanzibar. Sleek and chic, this lifestyle hotel prides itself on the flexibility of its service.

Fundu Lagoon, Pemba Island – Lying on Pemba Island, and accessible only by boat, this is the epitome of barefoot beach relaxation.

Honeymoon offers in Tanzania & Zanzibar…

For the latest offer details call our wedding & honeymoon specialist and we will work with you to find the best offers to suit you. These can include Bonus nights, free room upgrades, Early bird saver, dedicated Butler, romantic dining experiences, complimentary excursions, Fruit, wine & flowers in your room, Spa offers and food and beverage offers.

Weddings in Tanzania & Zanzibar…

To marry in Tanzania & Zanzibar 4 days (working days) minimum residency is recommended.

Zanzibar offers memorable weddings. Choose a location set within exotic tropical gardens and waterfalls inviting guests to enjoy the pristine view over the Indian Ocean, all to the sounds of Maasai warriors performing throughout the ceremony.