Tour Guide, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Tanzania is the country situated in the eastern part of Africa, and the country has a total land size of more than 900,000km². Tanzania is a union of two countries, i.e Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar Islands, the union of these two countries formed more than 50 years ago.
Apart from the country being endowed with diverse wildlife, national parks and culture, but the peaceful environment and hospitable people are among the factors which make this destination more preferable.
Below are the main key information about Tanzania that any traveller would like to know:
Population: more than 50million people
Language: Swahili, and English used as the official language
Largest city: Dar es Salaam.
Currency: Tanzanian shillings
Why Tanzania Is the Best Safari Destination?
Tanzania in East Africa is referred to as the most preferred safari destination than any other country. There are a couple of findings supporting this argument, the following factors are the reasons why makes the country as the best safari destination.
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is probably the most popular national park in Africa and the entire world. With the total area of more than 14,000km², Serengeti National Park is the home of big cats, the park has the highest concentration of big cats than any other in the world. Serengeti Plain (savannah/grassland) is among the most spectacular scenery in the entire continent. Serengeti is vast; the park is so big that countries like North Ireland and Switzerland can fit in all together.
The Home of Big Five
You probably might come across the term The Big Five; here we refer to the most undisputed and fearless wild animals of Africa- Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhinoceros. You can have a chance to make your own lifetime experience by viewing these beasts in their natural environment, while on the safari, you will be explained why the term big five? Forget about the big five, Tanzania is also the home of the Ugly Five, whereas animals like Warthog, Hyena, Vulture, Pangolin and Marabou Stork make the list.
The Great Wildebeest Migration
People travel from different parts of the world just to witness the most spectacular natural phenomena which takes place in the Serengeti National Park. The great migration in Serengeti involves the annual circular movement of about 6 million wildebeest, thousands of zebras and gazelles from Serengeti National Park to Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya. The great migration in Serengeti has been named by UNESCO as the seventh wonder of the world; you definitely don’t need to miss this lifetime experience which happens in this great park-Serengeti National Park, despite the fact that, the migration takes place in two neighbouring parks of Serengeti in Tanzania and Maasai Mara Reserve in Kenya, but the largest part of migration takes place in Serengeti Tanzania. What makes this migration so unique, is the fact that these animals (wildebeest, gazelles and zebras), move seasonally from Serengeti to Masai Mara and return back to Serengeti.
Ngorongoro Crater and Maasai People
The country of Tanzania is second to Brazil for being endowed with the diverse natural and wildlife attractions. When you speak of natural attractions available in the country, you definitely don’t want to leave aside the most iconic destination in Tanzania -Ngorongoro Crater. Ngorongoro Crater is the bowl-like feature or caldera which formed some millions of years ago after the eruption of mountain. The crater/caldera radius has a total area of more than 2000 km², with more than 600 m deep and 20 km wide; the Ngorongoro Crater host the diverse wildlife, animals like lions, elephants, buffalos, monkeys, rhinos, antelope, etc. Different species of birds inhabit the crater. With a bowl or basin-like structure filled with wildlife and vegetation in it, the crater gives one of the breathtaking and magnificent views.
The Maasai are the most iconic ethnic group in Tanzania; Maasai are pastoralist and nomadic community, as they reside in northern Tanzania around Ngorongoro area. It is only in Ngorongoro that you can find the human being especially the Maasai sharing the resources with the wildlife. In the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Maasai community has been allowed to share the land with wild animals. Maasai is the only tribe probably in Africa known to be not affected by the modern life, as Maasai are still maintaining their traditions values, covering their body with red blankets, carrying spear and sword, drinking cow blood, etc. You will have a chance to visit Maasai Boma household on your way to Serengeti.
Tanzanite
Tanzania is the home of the most valuable and unique germ stone called Tanzanite; this violet / blue coloured stone which is rarer thousands of times than diamond and is exclusively found in Tanzania. When you are in Safari, our driver will make some stops at the local souvenirs shops, so you can have a chance to see and even purchase it.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Standing at the height of 5895 m above the sea level, Mount Kilimanjaro is also named by UNESCO as one of the heritage sites; Kilimanjaro Mountain, which is the highest free-standing mountain in the entire world and the highest mountain in Africa, located in the north part of Tanzania. Mt. Kilimanjaro or the roof of Africa as commonly referred attracts thousands of climbers each year. When you are lucky, upon your arrival at KIA, you will have a chance to spot the spectacular view of it.
Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar Island, one of the never miss place to visit in Tanzania; Zanzibar Island is the melting pot of European, African, Indian and Arabian culture. The island situated just 60 km away from the largest city of Dar es Salaam; Zanzibar is not only the home of a unique history and astonishing culture but also the island offers the magnificent sandy beaches. While in Zanzibar, you will have a chance to visit the Stone Town, which has been named by UNESCO as the heritage sites due to its architectural uniqueness; you will visit the slave market and learn how the slave trade was conducted by the Arabs and Europeans. Also, you will have a chance to learn how the Arabic culture has impacted the life of locals.
Key Additional Activities
Maasai Village - Visit the Maasai Boma/household and explore the lifestyle and culture.
Visiting Olduvai Museum - This place is situated in Ngorongoro area, whereas you will have a chance to explore the remains of the oldest human being who happened to live at this area about 5 million years ago. The remains (skull) of this oldest human being was discovered by the German scientist Dr Luis Leakey and his wife Sara in 1959.
Balloon Safari - This activity can take place in Serengeti National Park. This is also a fantastic experience of a lifetime whereas you will have a chance to view the wildlife and savannah plain while soaring in the hot air balloon. Normally this activity ends with a hot breakfast in the middle of the savannah plain.
Walking safari - This activity will give you a chance to explore nature on foot at a very close distance; this activity normally takes place in designated areas in the park. With an escort from the park ranges, you will have full access to nature and wildlife; you will reach places where cannot be reached by vehicle.
Hadzabe Tour - Hadzabe tour involves visiting the most isolated ethnic group residing on the shore of Lake Eyasi. Hadzabe is the most primitive tribe in Tanzania who solely depend on what nature provides them, and is the same tribe like Pigimy of Papua New Guinea or Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa.