Highlights of Tanzania
Whether you choose to climb Kilimanjaro to the highest peak in Africa or go in search of the Big Five on our Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari tours, our small group trips to Tanzania will take you on a once in a lifetime adventure you’ll never forget. Here are just a few of the highlights of our trips to Tanzania.
Kilimanjaro
Take on the challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro on our Kilimanjaro Lemosho walking tour. Follow our local guides to embark upon the lesser-traveled but scenic Lemosho route that allows you to acclimatie to the increasing altitude gradually. Climb through lush forest and grassy moorland scattered with pockets of heather and volcanic rock, and admire the views of Kibo Peak, seemingly floating on the clouds. Take in the vast panoramic views as we walk through the upland desert and along lava ridges, before winding your way up the steep trail of the Barranco Wall. On summit day we'll set off in the middle of the night to make the final climb. After passing the Rebmann Glacier, we make our way to Stella Point, before traversing the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. From here, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views, and, on a clear day, you may even see the curvature of the earth on the horizon.
Serengeti safari
Go in search of the Big Five in Serengeti National Park on our Serengeti Safari Tour. Tanzania’s oldest national park, the Serengeti covers a colossal 15,000 square km of land. Embark on a game drive with a local guide to traverse the dusty savanna plains and look out for paw prints that could lead you to a pride of lions shading under the umbrella of an acacia tree. Head to the mud pools for a chance to see hippo wallowing in the cool shallows, and keep your eyes peeled for zebra and wildebeest grazing on grassy meadows.
Ngorongoro Crater
The nutrient-rich land of the Ngorongoro Crater was formed from a fracture in the Rift Valley over 15 million years ago, and this extinct volcano is now home to an abundance of wildlife, including the Big Five and a myriad of bird species. Rise early to make your way to the upper rim of the caldera at dawn and descend down a steep track to the grassy plains and marshes of the basin floor below as you keep a look out for elephant, buffalo and rhino on our Serengeti Wildlife experience. You may even spot a lion watching from the sidelines as hippo and zebra bathe in the shallow freshwater lakes, and keep your eyes peeled for an elusive cheetah camouflaged against the golden savanna plains. And if you're looking for the ultimate family adventure, our Tanzania Family Safari trip visits both the Serengeti as well as Ngorongoro, guaranteeing amazing wildlife experiences and cherished memories.
Zanzibar
Book our Zanzibar Extension trip to spend four nights on the island of Unguja in the archipelago of Zanzibar. Relax on the pristine white-sand beaches fringed by emerald green palm trees and lapped by crystal clear turquoise waters. Simply sit back, relax and switch off in this little piece of paradise, or dive into the glistening aquamarine waters for a vibrant display of tropical fish, stingray and turtle at the Mnemba Atoll marine reserve. You’ll also have the chance to explore the winding streets of the historical city of Stone Town, or embark on a Spice Tour to learn about Zanzibar’s spice exports, flavors and medicinal uses.
Traveling Solo in Tanzania
If you are planning to travel alone, rest assured that all of our trips to Tanzania are suitable for solo vacations. And as a solo traveler you'll be in good company - around half of our adventurers join us on their own. Our small group tours are a great way to meet like-minded people, make new friends and explore the incredible landscapes of Tanzania in a safe and hassle-free way.
Best time to go to Tanzania
Safaris
The best time for safari trips in Tanzania is during the dry season from June to October. Wildlife congregates around the waterholes, giving you a better chance of spotting the Big Five on our
Serengeti wildlife trip. Less rain also means fewer mosquitoes, but it may be dustier and busier on the main game drive routes. January and February are quieter and the best time to spot newborn animals. Lions are also more prevalent at this time too.
Kilimanjaro
In order to avoid the rainy season, our
Kilimanjaro treks run from July to October and from December to February. The best weather usually occurs from June to October, but there will be many more walkers on the mountain during these months. Temperatures are typically warmer in January and February and the driest period is from August to October. If you’re climbing in January, February or March, temperatures will be much colder, and there’s a high chance of snow, but the trails will be much quieter. You might also consider the lunar calendar when booking your trip - dates falling on a full moon are very popular as the sky is much lighter for the overnight summit hike, but stargazing is most spectacular under a new moon.