Step To Step Guide To Most Fascinating Destinations in Tanzania for USA People
Have you ever been asked whether you prefer beaches or mountains, and had to agonize over the answer? If you feel you are up to all of this, then your next travel destination has to be Tanzania.
Tanzania, located in central East Africa is known for its massive concentration of wildlife. There is no other country in Africa that can compete with the sheer number and density of wild animals residing here.
How to reach Tanzania from USA?
Tanzania has three international airports at Dar Es Salaam, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro. There are flights from New York, Washington, Chicago and Los Angeles.
For more information on flights, please visit on International Flights to Africa.
Things to do in Tanzania
Tanzania is most famous as one of Africa’s best safari destinations with so much history and fascinating culture that you’ll struggle to absorb as much as you’d like no matter how long you spend there!
Here are some of the charismatic destinations in Tanzania that you must surely visit:
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Africa and offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world.
It is well known for its massive annual migration of Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Black Rhino, White Bearded Wildebeest, Zebra, Nile Crocodile and Honey Badger.
Things to do in Serengeti National Park
- Spend Time on Game Drives
- Witness the Great Migration
- Soar above the Serengeti with Balloon Safari
- Step Back in Time at Oldupai Gorge
- Visit the Retina Hippo Pool
- Stay at a Camp or Lodge that allows you to hear the Wildlife at Night
- View Wildlife and Nature on Foot (or even on horseback!)
Best time to visit
The dry season from late June to October offers the best wildlife viewing in general. The timing of the migration is best seen during June and July.
Where to stay? Our Recommendations:
Serengeti National Park offers a wide variety of luxury lodges and camps.
- Mbalageti Safari Camp- starting from $300 per night.
- Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge- starting from $500 per night.
- Serengeti Simba Lodge– starting from $600 per night.
- Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp- starting from $300 per night.
- Sametu Camp Serengeti- starting from $500 per night.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) offers one of the richest wildlife viewing experiences on the African continent.Ngorongoro hosts the largest Herds in the World, the vast breathtaking wonder Ngorongoro Crater, elephants, lion, leopard etc. along with birds like flamingos, superb starlings and tacazze sunbirds.
Things to do in Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Game Drive
- Camping along the rim of the Crater
- Walking Safari on the Rim of the Crater
- Maasai Cultural Tour
- Visiting the Olduvai Gorge Museum
Best Time to Visit
General wildlife viewing is best in the dry season from June to September and makes animals spotting easier.
Where to stay? Our Recommendations:
- Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge- starting from $500 per night.
- Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge- starting from $650 per night.
- Gibbs Farm- starting from $750 per night.
- Ngorongoro Lions Paw Camp- starting from $500 per night.
- Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge- starting from $150 per night.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is one of the finest and most interesting parks in Tanzania which offers varied ecosystems, incredible birdlife and breathtaking views. Its ground water forests, bush plains, strewn cliffs and algae-streaked hot springs offer incredible ecological variety in a small area.
Things To Do In Lake Manyara National Park
- Wilderness trip into the Rift Valley
- Watch an abundance of wildlife including lions, leopards, hippos, baboons and monkeys.
- A great site for birdwatchers.
Best Time to Visit
Watching wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park is good all year, but at its best from late June to October, during the dry season.
Where to stay? Our Recommendations:
- Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp- starting from $200 per night
- Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge– starting from $700 per night
- Escarpment Luxury Lodge- starting from $400 per night
- Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge- starting from $450 per night
- Burudika Lodges- starting from $150 per night
Mount Kilimanjaro
The highest point in Africa, Kilimanjaro, is perhaps one of the best-known mountains in the world. Trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and stand on top of Africa is a great experience.
The forests of the southern slopes and surrounding areas are home to elephants, buffalo, and eland. Smaller mammals inhabiting the forests include black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and bushbuck and duikers. The forests also host a rich variety of birdlife, including the rare Abbot’s starling.
Things To Do In Mount Kilimanjaro
- Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
- Enjoy the scenic views
- Witness the wildlife of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Visit the Chala Crater Lake
- Go for Hiking
Best Time to Visit
January-March and June-October are the best times to climb Kilimanjaro. Whereas June to October is the best time to witness wildlife in Mount Kilimanjaro.
Where to stay? Our Recommendations:
- Ameg Lodge Kilimanjaro- starting from $100 per night
- Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel- starting from $120 per night
- Honey Badger Lodge- starting from $80 per night
- Kaliwa Lodge- starting from $100 per night
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an alluring beach destination with its spectacular sunsets, palm fringed beaches, turquoise waters and colorful coral reefs. Take a trip to Zanzibar for some post safari relaxation, a chilled beach holiday or a romantic honeymoon in this breathtaking paradise.
Things To Do In Zanzibar
- Visit popular beaches like Bwejuu Beach, Michamvi Beach, Nungwi Beach etc
- Go shopping at Darajani Bazaar
- Explore Spice Island
- Visit Prison Island
- Soak up the sun at Nungwi Beach
- Go scuba diving
- Dine at the Rock Zanzibar
- Explore Jozani Forest
- Go to the Seaweed Center
- Go kitesurfing in Paje
- Travel in a Dala Dala
- Eat at Forodhani market
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Zanzibar is from June to October during the cool, dry months of spring. Another popular time to visit this tropical Island is from December to February when it’s hot and dry.
Where to stay? Our Recommendations:
- Sea Cliff Resort and Spa- starting from $170 per night.
- Dream of Zanzibar- starting from $350 per night.
- Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort- starting from $300 per night.
- Zanzest Beach Bungalows- starting from $50 per night.
- Filao Beach Zanzibar- starting from $60 per night.
A Sample Itinerary For 9 Days Tanzania Highlight Safari
Day -1
Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha
You will be met on arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and transferred to Arusha SG Resort
Day -2
Arusha – Lake Manyara – Manyara Serena
Day -3
Lake Manyara – Serengeti – Mbalageti Luxury Camp
Day -4
Serengeti Tented Luxury Camp
Day -5
Serengeti – Mbalageti Luxury Camp
Day -6
Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Day-7
Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge
Day -8
Ngorongoro Conservation Area-Tarangire National Park – Tarangire River Camp
Tarangire River Camp
Day – 9
Tarangire National Park – Kilimanjaro Airport
Which Are The Must-Try Cuisines In Tanzania?
Chipsi Mayai- for chips and eggs are the favourite comfort food in Tanzania.
Nyama Choma- Grilled meat and sipping on beer is a great way to spend a sunny African afternoon.
Ugali- Ugali is the most common staple food in Tanzania due to its ease of cooking and affordability.
Mshikaki- A favourite street food being served outside nightclubs and in open air bars late at night.
Zanzibar Pizza- A popular dish.
Chapatti – Chapatti is a fried flatbread which is a celebrated treat in East Africa. Special events and occasions call for Chapatti in a Tanzanian household. Little children eagerly await such Chapatti worthy moments.
Ndizi Kaanga – Ndizi Kaanga is an impartial favourite amongst tourists as well as the local Tanzanians. This local dish is a serving of fried, green bananas. Plantains and green bananas are amongst the staple foods in the country.
Tips When Travelling To Tanzania
Currency- The currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling. It is denoted as TZS. One Tanzanian Shilling can be roughly bought for 0.031 rupees. MasterCard or Visa is most widely accepted but it is preferable to carry currency with you.
Weather- January and February constitute the short dry season. The most pleasant time of year, however, is the long dry season which lasts from late June to mid-October.
Transport- Boat, ferry, bus car and train are the best and convenient way to travel in Tanzania.
Safety- Tanzania is, overall, a safe country to visit. This is even more so if your visit is primarily an organized safari. Almost a million tourists visit Tanzania every year, and most visits are trouble-free.
Etiquettes- Take time for greetings. Don’t eat or pass things with the left hand. Receive gifts with both hands, or with the right hand while touching the left hand to your right elbow.
Mobile Network And Sim Cards- The major mobile service providers are Vodacom, Airtel, Zantel and Halotel. Vodacom has the widest coverage in the country.
Power Plugs- You need power plugs and sockets of D and G type.
Taxi- The four types of taxis are Volo, Fab cars, tarimo taxi service and Mondo ride. It is convenient to book fab cars over the phone.
Health- It is mandatory to get a yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days prior to departure. Also, take malaria tablets before your journey.
Embassy
The Embassy of the United States of America in Dar es Salaam in the mission to serve and protect U.S. citizens in Tanzania.
Address
U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam
686 Old Bagamoyo Road
Msasani, Dar es Salaam
Tel: 255-22-229-4000
Checklist To Travel To Tanzania
Travel Documents- Passport, Visa, and Travel insurance, tickets, medical documents and relevant ID cards and also carry yellow fever card.
Money- Debit card, local currency, US Dollars.
Clothes- Wear long trousers with full shirts.
Electronics- Mobile phone, camera and travel adapter.
Health and Hygiene- Medications that you are on, basic medical kit, women hygiene items, toiletries, insect spray.
Faqs For Your Tanzania Travel
What are the languages spoken?
The official languages are English and Swahili and most of the people that you meet on a safari can speak some English. Tanzanians, on average have a great ear for languages and can quickly learn some new phrases from the tourists that they meet. Many guides can speak more than three languages.
What is the typical age range for these tours?
Our Africa tours tend to attract all ages. The more adventurous trekking tours tend to attract a slightly younger group (mostly 20s-40s), but we’ve also had active 70 year-olds do great on these treks, so don’t let age discourage you if you are fit and healthy. Expect a wide range of ages and ask your trip planner if you are curious about the demographics for a particular departure.
How Much Should I Budget For Tips?
Tips are not required on any of our tours. However, it is customary in Africa to offer a tip for exceptional service. Here are some guidelines for your trip-
On safari:
Safari Driver Guide – US $10-25 per person per day
Safari Cook on Camping Safari – US $5-15 per person per day
On the mountain:
Mountain Guide – US $10-15 per person per day
Assistant Guide – US $6-10 per person per day
Cook – US $6-10 per person per day
Porters – US $ 2-6 per person per day
Note 🙁 Please remember that tipping is at your discretion and should be based on the service you receive.)
Tanzania- The Ultimate Destination For All Travellers
Tanzania is a beautiful, diverse and vast country renowned for its amazing safaris. The country is rich in wildlife, stunning and varied landscapes, sunshine and friendly people. To experience all of these explore Tanzania tour packages from India to visit this exotic location.
To experience this amazing vacation in Tanzania, all that you need to do is to get in touch with us @ info@travelpartners.co.tz or call us at +255 717 555 777
We help you choose the best destination as per your budget and preferences and customize the most relaxing holiday Tanzania Safari Tour Packages for you.
