Vast wild regions, generous nature and incredible, even exceptional fauna. Tanzania offers an infinite variety of landscapes and reliefs, some of which are home to animal sanctuaries classified as world heritage. Beyond the national parks, we will fall in love with the pure and natural beauty of certain places. Unmissable sites that should not be missed when planning a stay in Tanzania.
Contents
What to do in Tanzania: Climb Kilimanjaro
What to do in Tanzania if not climb the famous Kilimanjaro? This mountain, located in the northeast of the country, is very popular with many hikers, who dream of climbing it. When to leave? From July to October or between January and February to avoid the rainy seasons. It is advisable to be accompanied by an approved guide. Not into hiking? You can still admire the immensity of this mountain within the national park that surrounds Kilimanjaro, populated by animals of all kinds.
Escape to Pemba Island
What to do in Tanzania? Why not head to Pemba Island for a trip off the beaten track? Off Zanzibar, this island is a real breath of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the archipelago. Nicknamed the green island, Pemba is covered with many hills with fertile land and dense vegetation. We take the opportunity to visit clove plantations, hike in the native forest and meet humpback whales…
Or sleep ? At Constance Aiyana, a 5-star hotel with 30 spacious villas offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
Admire the Ngorongoro Crater
In the north of the country, admiring the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the must-do things in Tanzania. This vast circular caldera more than twenty kilometers in diameter is home to plains where nearly 25,000 mammals live. The best way to observe this crater and get closer to the mammals is to go on a safari. It is also an opportunity to be in contact with the Masai people who have taken up residence there and graze their herds there.
Diving in Mnemba
If you have time, during your trip to Tanzania, do not forget to go diving or snorkeling to observe the seabed. To do this, head to the island of Mnemba, a real little paradise in the Zanzibar archipelago. In the depths of its turquoise water, a wide variety of marine life roams between the colorful corals. The opportunity to admire snapper fish, sergeant fish and horned zancles.
Safari within the Serengeti National Park
Going on a safari in Tanzania is the perfect activity to realize its generous nature, its rich fauna and its incredibly friendly people. Parks and reserves abound. Among them: The famous Serengeti National Park, in the north of the country. Here, the animal is king and flourishes in total freedom in a resplendent savannah free from any human influence (in the Masai language, Siringit means “endless plain”). This 350,000 acre park is the perfect place to observe the largest animal migration still in existence. Thousands of wildebeest, zebras and antelopes cross the plains as far as the eye can see.
Discover the old town of Zanzibar
If you don’t know what to do in Tanzania, start by strolling through the old town of Zanzibar and the Stone Town district. The opportunity to get lost in a maze of narrow streets and discover stalls where cloves, spices of all kinds, local antiquities, fresh fruit are on display… You will be amazed by its historic architecture, the men draped in a white kanzu and women in bui-bui (long traditional black dress). A wonderful journey through time.
Take it easy on its beaches
Tanzania has marvelous beaches. On more than 1,000 km of coastline, bordered by the Indian Ocean, the beaches of Tanzania are of white sand and turquoise water, sometimes crystal clear. For a vacation away from the crowds, head for Pemba and its quiet coves. Diving enthusiasts will go to Mnemba, in the far north of Zanzibar.
When is the best time to travel to Tanzania?
Tanzania is an amazing country as a vacation destination, whatever your plan. Its coast and its islands in the Indian Ocean offer us paradisiacal beaches with turquoise water and fine sand, its savanna gives us unique excursions and safaris and its famous Mount Kilimanjaro allows us to enjoy unparalleled landscapes while hiking . It is often said that it is the largest country (the largest lake, the highest mountain, the greatest variety of animals, etc.). For this reason, each year it attracts more travelers looking to enjoy unforgettable days. But for your vacation to be perfect, it is convenient to know when is the best time of the year to travel to Tanzania . Here we leave you some tips.
Dry season
The dry season runs from January to March and corresponds to the time when it is less rainy and cold, so it is the ideal time to visit the north of the country and enjoy a safari in the Serengeti National Park , for example. The warm temperatures will help us to carry out the ascent of Kilimanjaro much better , although it should be remembered that when going up, the temperatures drop, for a reason the summits are always snowy, so remember to put warm clothes in your backpack.
High season
If you want to tour the country, the best time of the year is from June to October. These months are high season, so prices go up and you will find more visitors on your excursions. But it is the most pleasant time to enjoy the north and the south, in addition, you can enjoy the beaches and you will see more animals, which usually gather around the pools of water.
Rainy season
From March to May the rains arrive. These months are perfect for travelers with a thirst for adventure: the slopes are less crowded, making it an ideal time to get off the beaten track and discover new corners. On the other hand, on the coast, the climate is equatorial, and the months of November to December are also the rainy season. If what you are looking for is to escape to the beach for a few days, try to avoid traveling during those months.
Best months to climb Kilimanjaro
You can climb Kilimanjaro during any month of the year. This famous mountain is located in the northwest area of the country. In this way, with regard to the weather, the best months to climb Kilimanjaro are the months of January and February, in the dry season, but also in high season, from June to September. We will avoid the rains and we will be able to enjoy a pleasant climb. It is important to remember that up to 2,000 meters above sea level it is common for clouds to remain, so it can rain frequently. After that altitude, the weather is much more stable. In the months of high season, which are the coldest, you will have to go warm, since temperatures of up to -20º can be registered at the summit.
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is also the one that receives the most influx of people. So in January, February, August and September are usually the most popular times. In the weeks of the full moon there are usually many ascents, since there is greater visibility to walk at night. In any case, the concentration of travelers will depend to a large extent on the route by which we are going to make the ascent. Marangu is usually visited practically all year round, Machame varies a lot in the months where the weather is milder and if we decide to follow the Lemosho, Umbwe and Rongai routes , it will be much more common for us to be more alone during the ascent.
The best moment
After all this information, choosing the best time to visit the largest country will depend, above all, on how you plan your trip. Thus, if what you want is to spend a few days in the north, climb Kilimanjaro and see some animal on a safari , you can take advantage of the first months of the year (January, February and March) to escape.
If you prefer to enjoy the coast and visit Zanzibar with a safari , it is best from June to October to see more animals. If what you want is to combine several activities and move around the country, the best time is during July, August, September and October, since Tanzania has a very pleasant climate to do all kinds of outdoor activities in all regions of the world. country. Now, yes, plan and book in advance, you will avoid unpleasant surprises.
