Tanzania's not all about the Wildebeest Migration: Here's why it's a year-round destination!

World-renowned for its sheer variety and wealth in wildlife as well as in topography, Tanzania has become the epitome of safari dreams. Each year, over two million wildebeests, zebras, Thomson’s gazelles and lesser kudus inhabit the Serengeti plains for grazing while a legion of predators stalk them in their journey. This animal movement alone, which is considered a World Wonder, is enough reason to say Tanzania is the ultimate safari destination. But did you know that Tanzania’s not all about the Wildebeest Migration? Here's why it's a year-round destination!

1. Tanzania has the highest animal concentration per square kilometer in the world.

The country swarms with wildlife. Its conservation areas, game reserves, marine parks and 17 national parks spread over an area of more than 42,000 square kilometers – covering about 38% of the entire country – which harbor over 4 million wild animals, accounting for 20% of Africa’s large mammal population. It is home to the largest lion population on the planet, supporting over 40% of the world’s lions, and has the third biggest population of endangered African wild dogs. A well-known haven for predators. Tanzania also boasts of globally significant populations of cheetahs, leopards as well as spotted hyenas.

The great wildebeest migration animals also exhibit an astounding number as 2 million wildebeests, 900,000 gazelles and 300,000 zebras graze the Serengeti plains on top of 2,700 elephants, 500 hippopotami, 70,000 buffaloes and 15,000 warthogs on the Serengeti park alone. Plus, Tanzania also displays a world-class avifauna of more than 1,000 bird species.

2. Weather in Tanzania is glorious.

Sitting very close to the Equator, Tanzania’s weather pattern is fairly predictable with fairly stable temperatures and just two seasons: wet and dry. During wet season, you can expect morning showers or daytime rainfall but this usually do not interfere with any safari. Since vegetations are lush during this season, wildlife spotting won’t be easier compared to when it’s dry season and landscape is almost barren. But, the scenery is guaranteed to present a spectacle of greenery paradise.

In dry season, which is deemed the best time to visit the country, you will see less vegetation and so wildlife viewing will be a breeze. Savannas will also be dry and with the sun’s rays of light, it will appear golden – a sweeping nirvana nonetheless.

Weather-wise, a visit to Tanzania is guaranteed to be pleasant at any time of the year. Whether you’re visiting to see the incredible wildlife, trek magnificent heights up the mountains or go to the beach for a much-deserved R&R.

3. There is variety in experiences.

Certainly, Tanzania offers an unparalleled adventure even without counting the one-of-a-kind wildlife safaris into the equation. You can also experience hot air balloon safaris, cultural tours and even skydiving! But, these are among the top must-try highlights of Tanzania:

• Beach hopping: The shores of East Africa create beaches to dream about. They are lapped by the Indian Ocean and are beautifully aquamarine met with fine, white sands. Under its turquoise waters is a magnificent coral wilderness that’s excellent for snorkeling and scuba diving. The most popular destination for this is the Zanzibar Archipelago. Zanzibar tours is not only perfect for beach getaways, it is also an extraordinary way to end a dusty wilderness safari experience.
• Kilimanjaro trekking: Tanzania is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. Luckily, adventurous travelers and mountain climbing enthusiasts can easily trek this massive beaut!
• Primate visit: You didn’t think Tanzania is only rich in animals like lions, wildebeests, elephants and such, did you? In the western region of the country, you can find national parks like Mahale and Katavi that offer primate viewing, mostly of chimpanzees. This part of Tanzania is not very accessible yet but if you’re up for the adventure, taking the road less traveled can really be quite an experience.

4. Tanzania has 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some of the world’s top safari parks.

With seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and seventeen national parks including some of the world’s best wildlife sanctuaries, there’s nothing more we can say that the country doesn’t already boast itself. If you want to see a stunning scenery of thousands of flamingos as well as tree-climbing lions, there’s Lake Manyara National Park. For huge elephant populations and entertaining elephant mud baths, go to Tarangire National Park. Of course, Africa’s Garden of Eden, the Ngorongoro Crater, which gives sanctuary to about 25,000 animals is another must-visit. And how about Selous Game Reserve in the south for a remote, unspoiled and exciting safari scenery? Truly, Tanzania is amazing. Not to mention the world’s most popular safari park, Serengeti National Park – home of the Great Migration and the setting of the world’s most spectacular predator activity.

Here are the 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Tanzania:
 

• Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Selous Game Reserve
• Stone Town
• Serengeti National Park
• Kilwa Kisiwani
• Songo Mnara
• Kilimanjaro National Park

5. Tanzania is easily connected to several major cities in the world

Going to Tanzania is not a problem with its advancing infrastructure enough to stay “wild” and be the ultimate “real Africa” destination while having international and domestic airports and airstrips, roads and ferries all positioned to shuttle you right into the action.

The major international hubs into Tanzania are Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Arusha. Flights to these hubs are available from different parts of the world but the most common routes to travel are through the Middle East, UK and other European countries.

Tanzania is an ultimate year-round destination.

The magic in Tanzania truly never palls no matter what season you go. The wildebeest migration alone is a year-round event that lets you witness some of the most incredible wildlife events in the planet. And even with the wildebeest migration aside, Tanzania in itself is a sight to behold. Its raw beauty, friendly people and life-changing experiences warrant an exceptional holiday.

Request Custom Safari