TANZANIA
Our Top 7 Reasons to Visit
Tanzania has just become the first African country to encourage the return of foreign visitors to the country.
So, if cabin fever has really pushed you to your limits and your country is allowing international travel, here are 7 reasons to visit Tanzania and make it the first destination you visit as the world slowly begins to reawaken.
1. The Great Migration
There are few experiences that can beat witnessing the great natural spectacle that is the Great Migration. It is one of Africa and Tanzania’s most sought-after safari experiences which is why it is number one of our reasons to visit to Tanzania. You will be both thrilled and moved as you see over 1 million wildebeest, as well as hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle – closely pursued by their prey – as they embark on a 1000-kilometre circular journey through the Serengeti and Maasai Mara in search of seasonal pastures and water.
2. Selous Game Reserve
Selous Game Reserve is a whopping 48,000 square kilometres – this makes it Africa’s largest wildlife reserve. It is teeming with a diversity of wildlife and an incredible array of plant life. Selous lies secluded, off the beaten track, which gives you a piece of undisturbed wilderness. It is one of the few big game reserves to allow hiking – this gives you the opportunity to explore the pristine landscapes of Tanzania on foot – like the explorers of old!
3. The Ngorongoro Crater
The third reason to visit Tanzania is the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. Sometimes referred to as “Africa’s Garden of Eden”, it protects one of Earth’s most unchanged and beautiful wildlife havens. It is a 19-km ecosystem formed by the collapse of land caused by an ancient volcanic eruption. It is one of Africa’s seven natural wonders. The Ngorongoro Crater is 600m deep, 3 million years old, home to approximately 25,000 animals, with an undeniable magical, ancient wonder in the air.
4. Pemba Island
Pemba Island is part of the Zanzibar Archipelago lying 80km (50 miles) north of Zanzibar Island, off the coast of Tanzania. It houses sugar-white beaches and oceans that are home to brightly coloured coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. The azure waters with their fantastic visibility offer insight into the beautiful and intricate ecosystem below – it is one of East Africa’s best diving spots. Pristine, untouched and remote – it is a hidden gem and undoubtedly a perfect reason to visit Tanzania.
5. The Maasai Markets
The Maasai are synonymous with Tanzania. Perhaps better known for their skills as warriors and in-depth knowledge of the Tanzanian landscapes, they are also highly-skilled craftsmen. Their ornate wooden carvings, delicately beaded jewellery and brightly coloured blankets make for the perfect souvenir. Not to mention, help you travel more sustainably as you contribute to the local people and their economy.
6. The Cuisine
Our sixth reason to visit Tanzania is the cuisine. Tanzanian cuisine is a delicious melting pot of African flavours with Middle Eastern and Portuguese influences. Zanzibar, especially, is renowned for its seafood, where you can indulge in fish freshly cooked, quickly cooked and perfectly flavoured with the spices of the Spice Island itself.
7. The Wildlife and Birdlife
It is impossible to talk about why you should visit a top safari destination without mention of the wildlife and bird life. Tanzania is home to Africa’s greatest concentration and diversity of animals. Selous (as mentioned above ) alone is home to 120 000 to 150 000 buffalo, 40 000 hippos, 4 000 lions, 100 000 wildebeest, 35 000 zebra, 25 000 impala. Not to mention, the massive populations of giraffe, kudu, waterbuck, bushbuck, to name a few. Tanzania is also a birder’s paradise, with a jaw-dropping 1,000 species of birds to spot.
