I have been fortunate enough to visit many incredible destinations around the world, but one that has truly left a lasting impression on me is Tanzania. From the moment I set foot on this East African gem, I knew that I was in for a truly unique and unforgettable experience. From the vast grasslands of the Serengeti National Park, where I had the privilege of witnessing the annual wildebeest migration, to the majestic peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, which tested my physical limits and rewarded me with breathtaking views, Tanzania truly has it all.
And it’s not just the iconic attractions that left me in awe, the Ngorongoro Crater, the Selous Game Reserve, and the Mahale Mountains National Park are also must-see destinations for nature enthusiasts. I couldn’t help but fall in love with the natural beauty, the diverse wildlife and the friendliness of the local people. It’s a destination that I will always hold close to my heart and one that I highly recommend to fellow travelers.
But take note, Tanzania is a huge country so you’ll need a lot of time to see it all. I was lucky to be there for 20 days so I had plenty of time to build amazing memories and discover all that this amazing country has to offer. And don’t forget to get a visa for Tanzania, you’ll need one when you get there so plan it well in advance.
The Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti National Park is a vast protected area located in northern Tanzania and is known for its stunning grasslands and diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, and buffalo. The Serengeti is also home to the famous wildebeest migration, which takes place annually and is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world. During the migration, millions of wildebeest and zebras travel across the grasslands in search of new pasture, followed by predators such as lions and hyenas. I’m sure you saw it on TV in various documentaries, or caught a glimpse of it in some movies. But seeing it with your own eyes, it’s something truly amazing.
If you are planning a safari in the Serengeti, the park can be visited year-round, but different times of the year offer different experiences. The dry season, from December to March, is the best time to see large concentrations of wildlife as they gather around water sources. The wet season, from April to May, is also a good time to visit as the park is lush and green, but wildlife may be more dispersed. The wildebeest migration, which takes place annually, is another popular time to visit the Serengeti. The exact timing of the migration depends on the weather and varies from year to year but you’ll probably have better chances mid-July to late August.
When booking your safari, consider the type of safari you want to experience, as there are many different options available, including walking safaris, night safaris, and hot air balloon rides. Or all of these if you have enough time to spend in the park.
Mount Kilimanjaro
This is a popular destination for hikers and climbers from around the world, the mountain standing at an elevation of 19,341 feet (5,895 m) and being the highest freestanding mountain in the world. You may see it as one but you have to know Kilimanjaro is composed of three distinct volcanic cones: Kibo – the highest of the three and the only one that is still active, Mawenzi, and Shira. While going up, you’ll be shocked to see how it ranges from tropical rainforest at its base to alpine desert at its summit.
A popular destination for adventurers seeking to challenge themselves with a climb to the summit, the mountain offers several routes to the top, ranging from shorter, more strenuous routes to longer, more gradual ones. Regardless of the route chosen, a climb up Kilimanjaro is a physically demanding but rewarding experience that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Other natural wonders in Tanzania
In addition to the Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is home to other natural wonders that are definitely worth exploring.
The Ngorongoro Crater is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. The crater, which is the largest intact caldera in the world, is home to lions, leopards, zebras, and flamingos. The big cats are not an obstacle for tourists and the crater is a popular destination for safaris, you can see a stunning landscape and an unique ecosystem all around you.
The Selous Game Reserve, now renamed Nyerere National Park, is the largest protected area in Africa and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and crocodiles. The reserve is a popular destination for safaris and is known for its vast and pristine wilderness.
Mahale Mountains National Park is located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania and is a remote and pristine wilderness area that is home to a population of chimpanzees. The park is a popular destination for hiking and chimpanzee tracking so you’ll have a fun time there surrounded by its stunning mountain scenery and beautiful beaches.
These are a few of the many natural wonders that Tanzania has to offer. Whether you are interested in wildlife watching, hiking, or simply taking in the stunning landscapes, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful country. If you have not yet had the opportunity to visit Tanzania, I encourage you to do so and explore all that it has to offer. The country is rich in natural beauty and diversity so it’s guaranteed you won’t get bored and who knows, maybe you’ll find new passions to feed your self, wildlife watching, mountain climbing, why not? You might even be inclined to visit it again another time of the year to see it transformed between the dry season and the wet season. Tanzania awaits you.
