Tanzania is vibrant, exotic and a photographer’s paradise.
It is home to Africa’s largest parks, densest animal populations and most famous wildlife spectacles.
Wildlife of Tanzania
In the north, two million wildebeest and zebra flood across the Serengeti plains every year. There are tree-climbing lions, magnificent rhino and clouds of pink flamingos on glittering lakes. Away from the savannah, mountains are entangled in thick rainforest. Emerald leaves drip with dew, birds call, and the shrieks of chimpanzees slice the air. In the far flung parks of the south, glassy lakes are home to thousands of hippo and crocodiles. Elephant swim to lush islands, buffalo herds graze on open plains and wild dog make dens in hidden woodland.
Against this natural backdrop, the Tanzanians themselves are warm and friendly. Maasai herders walk their cattle across the plains and in tiny towns there are lively markets under rainbow-coloured umbrellas.
Islands of Tanzania
Finally, Tanzania’s islands are unbeatable. Strung out in the Indian Ocean, the Zanzibar and Mafia archipelagos are tropical and idyllic. Dhows laden with spices sail over turquoise waters, whilst below the surface lie rich coral reefs alive with iridescent tropical fish.
Big Cats & Safari Wildlife
Tanzania has some of Africa's most famous and best national parks and reserves where you are guaranteed fantastic big cat sightings. The Serengeti, Selous and the Crater are just some of the best game viewing areas to visit.
Birds
Tanzania has more than 1000 species of birds and some spectacular places to view them. Lake Natron is the Natron is also the only known breeding ground for East Africa's millions of lesser flamingos which cover the lake between August and October.
Chimpanzees
The Mahale Mountains - towering almost 2km above the shore of Lake Tanganyika are home to some of the last remaining wild chimpanzees. There are currently around 900 which are habituated to humans, and tracking them is a magical experience.
Great Migration
One of the highlights of the Serengeti National park is the great annual migration which passes through this amazing wilderness. Up to 1.8 million wildebeest and zebra have been counted doing their annual trip in search of the sweet grasses and the rains.
Local Culture
Tanzania has an evocative mix of people and cultures with 120 ethnic groups making up the diverse population. The largest group are the Sukuma but perhaps the most memorable are the Maasai who you will often see in Northern Tanzania herding their cattle, goats and sheep.
