Tanzania
Experience a place
Within its people!!
Is Tanzania worth visiting as a travel destination?
The Tanzanian
History
The United Republic of Tanzania is an East African country bordering the Indian Ocean. Its neighbours are Kenya and Uganda, to the North, Rwanda, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo, to the West, Zambia, Malawi and to the South, Mozambique.
The country boasts the island of Zanzibar popular for its balmy weather and warm tropical waters. Tanzania is a result of the unification of Tanganyika (the mainland) and the Zanzibar islands. Tanganyika and Zanzibar united on 26th April 1964, forming the United Republic of Tanzania. Tanganyika became independent from the British in December 1961 and Zanzibar became free through a revolution on 12th January 1964.
About 10,000 years ago, Tanzania was populated by hunter-gatherer communities who spoke Khoisan. They were joined by Cushitic-speaking people who came from the North, absorbing their culture, introducing techniques of agriculture, food production, and cattle farming.
Later, Bantus began arriving from Western Africa who further developed iron working skills and introduced different ideas of social and political organization.
Our Tours & Trips
Fundamental Basics
Exploring Tanzanian Wilderness
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro is one of the largest unbroken calderas in the world that isn’t a lake. Its steep walls soar 400m to 610m and provide the setting for an incredible natural drama, as prey and predators graze and stalk their way around the open grasslands, swamps and acacia woodland on the crater floor.
Zanzibar Stone Town
Stone Town also known as Mji Mkongwe is a prominent historical and artistic importance in East Africa, popular for long walks through a maze of narrow streets. Its architecture, mostly dates back to the 19th century and reflects the diverse influences underlying the Swahili culture, giving a unique mixture of Arab, Persian, Indian and European elements. For this reason, the town was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
Serengeti National Park
As Tanzania’s largest and most iconic national park, Serengeti boasts the acclaimed new seven wonders of the world – the Wildebeest migration. Also famous for spotting the big five, and the largest population of Lion’s in Africa, this park attracts tens of thousands of tourists each year.
Lake Manyara National Park
The highlight of Lake Manyara is the large population of Elephants, tree-climbing Lions and hippos, which can be observed at a much closer range than in other parks.
Top Beaches in Tanzania
Prison Island
Prison island is very scenic, surrounded by perfect blue waters. Its proximity to Stone Town on Unguja makes it a popular day trip option. ‘Changuu’ – as it is sometimes called – has had numerous uses throughout history, with the island once used as a slave port and quarantine station, amongst other things.
Nowadays, the island is coated in trees, and a giant tortoise sanctuary can be found at one end. The remains of the prison, which never actually hosted any prisoners, can be found scattered about here and there.
With a stunning beach on offer, fantastic snorkelling just offshore, and marvellous views to boot, Prison Island is well worth visiting when in Stone Town. The boat trip there and back is equally entertaining as you skim across the waves to the secluded island.
Jambiani Beach
Jambiani hosts a variety of activities that attract tourists wanting to experience the best of both worlds. Other than the tropical waters and beautiful scenery, it is worth going for a boat trip on one of the dhows.
The nearby Stingray City is one of the most impressive dive sites around; you’ll find hundreds of stingrays gracefully gliding around.
Additionally, guests can opt to take a local cooking class, go for a cultural tour or head to Jozani Forest to catch a glimpse of Monkeys playing amidst the trees.
Kendwa Beach
Located on the North-western coastline of Unguja, Kendwa Beach is one of the liveliest and most touristic parts of Zanzibar and is the place to head if you want the perfect quality nightlife. For instance, Kendwa Rocks organizes monthly all-night full Moon Parties.
There are plenty of activities and day trips for visitors to choose from (nothing on the island is more than an hour or two drive away), with the snorkelling and scuba diving being particularly fantastic.
Culture & History
Having preserved their culture and history for years, there is a lot to see whilst in Tanzania.
The National Museum Of Tanzania
The National Museum of Tanzania (NMT) was established as a body corporate under the National Museum Act No.7 of 1980 as a scientific, educational and cultural institution. Its responsibilities are to acquire, research, document, conserve, and display all materials related to Tanzania’s cultural and natural heritage.
Village Museum, Bagamoyo, Dar Es Salaam
Experience how the local Tanzanian’s used to live before civilization and an optional extra experience of local dances at a small fee.
Stone Town, Zanzibar
Stone Town has become a UNESCO World Heritage in 2000 and is considered to be one of the most significant historical and tourist attractions in Tanzania. There are many attractions in Stone Town including museums, memorials and ancient iconic buildings influenced by Arabia, Persia, India and Europe.
Tanzanian Adventures
Mountain Climbing
Mount Kilimanjaro is protected by the Kilimanjaro National Park. Access is restricted and the steep Kilimanjaro park fees make a Kilimanjaro climb rather expensive. You can only climb Kilimanjaro with a registered guide/trekking agency. A good climb operator will supply guides, a cook, porters, food, water, and camping equipment if you are camping. Costs between USD 1000- 4000
Swimming With Whale Sharks
Mafia Island is known as a hotspot for scuba diving, with teeming reefs protected by the Mafia Island Marine Park. From September to March though, divers may want to swap their cylinder for a snorkel as whale sharks arrive in Mafia’s waters during their annual migration. The world’s biggest fish can be seen with reliable regularity as they feed on seasonal plankton upwellings, sometimes in large numbers. This costs roughly USD 100 per person.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
This is only if you are up for a splurge – there is nothing better than taking a hot air balloon over the Serengeti Plains. There are two options for having a hot air balloon safari, Sunrise Sunset hot air balloon safari. Both equally stunning! This costs approx. USD 550 per person.
Hiking
Ol Doinyo Lengai – Climbing a Volcano Few people can say they have climbed an active volcano, but that’s entirely possible while paying a visit to Tanzania. Looming ominously over Lake Natron, Ol Doinyo Lengai is a challenging hike that must be completed at night to combat the fierce heat that rises from the volcano.
Scuba Diving
Unguja Island, which is commonly known as Zanzibar Island, is the largest island in the Zanzibar archipelago. It is home to Stone Town, the heart and soul of Zanzibar, and surrounded by a selection of tiny islands that offer sublime dive sites and marine encounters. Visibility around Unguja Island is usually between 20 to 60 metres. The cost is between USD 180-USD 500 depending on the drivers experience.