Tanzania

Travel Guide 2022
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TANZANIA DESTINATIONS

From the majestic peaks of Kilimanjaro to the vast savannahs and exotic golden sand on the beaches, Tanzania offers one of the most bespoke, diverse, and unique travel experiences when it comes to destination holidays.
Tanzania is your destination for some of the best game viewings and dazzling tropical beaches.

Northern Safari Circuit:

From the majestic peaks of Kilimanjaro to the vast savannahs and exotic golden sand on the beaches, Tanzania offers one of the most bespoke, diverse, and unique travel experiences when it comes to destination holidays.
Tanzania is your destination for some of the best game viewings and dazzling tropical beaches.

Explore the circuits

Serengeti

Home to the great wilder beast migration, Serengeti offers savannah, grasslands, forests, and woodlands roamed by wild beasts, zebras, giraffes, antelope, and many more, consequently stalked by the country’s fierce predators.



Southern Safari Circuit:

To escape the crowds, head to Tanzania’s less popular yet wildlife-rich Southern Circuit. The Selous, Nyerere, Mikumi, and Ruaha offer a true sense of wilderness.




selous-mauly-tours

Western Tanzania:

Gombe, Katavi, and Mahale National Parks. With fewer visitors throughout the year due to the locations, these destinations offer a completely different but unique diversity of wildlife compared to the northern circuit.



Tanzania’s Coasts and Islands:

Tanzania’s coasts and beaches offer the most spectacular seaside destinations filled with activities. From diving and snorkeling in some of the most amazing tropical reefs to spice tours, cultural tours, or just a scenic swim in the warmth of the Indian Ocean, the coast and islands would just be the ‘icing on the cake’ of your holiday.

snorkeling

Ngorongoro Crater:

One of the most breathtakingly beautiful and renowned iconic natural wonders, Ngorongoro is a popular destination for the BIG FIVE. It is surrounded by highlands and the volcanic crater forms stunning backdrops to some of the most fertile and animal-rich grazing grounds. Ngorongoro is where animals and men and animals co-exist in harmony.
ngorongoro

Lake Manyara National Park:

Located at the foot of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara is a shallow alkaline lake surrounded by a remarkable diversity of terrestrial habitats from forest to woodland, flood plain, and acacia plain. Lake Manyara is home to a massive bird variety including beautiful flamingos, a growing population of elephants, and as well as tree-climbing lions.

lake-manyara

Tarangire National Park:

One of the most breathtakingly beautiful and renowned iconic natural wonders, Ngorongoro is a popular destination for the BIG FIVE. It is surrounded by highlands and the volcanic crater forms stunning backdrops to some of the most fertile and animal-rich grazing grounds. Ngorongoro is where animals and men and animals co-exist in harmony.


Ruaha National Park:

Ruaha National park offers untamed wilderness and an unusual combination of wildlife that cannot be found in any other national parks – like the greater and lesser kudu and sable and roan antelopes. The red-dry-soil and massive baobab trees are complemented by the Great Ruaha River on the northern side of the part giving one a great opportunity to sight wildlife on the banks of the river.

ruaha

Selous Game Reserve (UNESCO World Heritage Site):

One of the largest protected areas in Africa, Selous has the most significant populations of elephants, black rhinos, and many other animal species. The park has a variety of vegetation zones, ranging from open wooded grasslands to dense thickets.

selous

Gombe National Park:

The smallest national park and is only accessible by boat. It is located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika and is mostly home to primates, especially the much-protected Chimpanzees. Gombe offers lush forests and beautiful views of the lake.


Kilimanjaro:

Kilimanjaro offers an extraordinarily memorable hike through rich rainforests, heather, moorland, alpine desert, and finally, a snow-capped peak. Most describe the experience of Kilimanjaro traveling from the tropics to the North Pole in a matter of days.

Kilimanjaro is not only the highest point in Africa but also the world’s tallest freestanding mountain at an impressive 5,895 meters.


kilimanjaro-mauly-tours

Mont Meru

Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano located 70 kilometres west of Mount Kilimanjaro in southeast Arusha Region, Tanzania. At a height of 4,562.13 metres, it is visible from Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day, and is the fifth-highest of the highest mountain peaks of Africa, dependent on definition.





Zanzibar

Zanzibar archipelago lies between 25 and 50 kilometers off the mainland. Apart from its sun-kissed beaches, Zanzibar offers a variety of activities which include diving, snorkeling, surrounding island visits, swimming with dolphins as well as delicious street food. Zanzibar is also a very popular honeymoon destination.


zanzibar

Mafia

This protected marine reserve is the destination for divers and ocean life enthusiasts. The clear waters offer a huge variety of sea creatures even when snorkeling at just 5 meters. Mafia is also popular for swimming with great white sharks, culture, and conservation.


mafia island

Best time to visit Tanzania

One can visit Tanzania all year round; however, the best time will depend on the activities of your choice. Tanzania offers a wide range of options when it comes to an unforgettable holiday. The guideline below shows activities against the best time to visit for the experience. 

Best time to go:
June to October (All parks),
June-July, and January-February (Serengeti for the wildebeest migration & calving)
High Season: July to March (northern circuit parks; they get crowded), July to October (southern and western circuit parks; they don't get crowded any time of the year)
Low Season: April and May (northern circuit parks still get quite a few visitors unlike the southern and western circuit parks, where many lodges close down)
Best Weather: June to October (Little to no rainfall)
Worst Weather: March and April (Peak of wet season)


Activities and weather conditions:

Dry Season – June to October

• June and July are the best months to see the wildebeest migration.
• Animals are easier to spot since they concentrate around waterholes and rivers and there is less vegetation.
• There are fewer mosquitoes because there is little to no rain. Skies are clear and most days are sunny.
• Even though most tourists visit during the dry season, the parks still don't feel crowded, except for the Seronera area in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.
• Mornings and nights get cold. It's recommended to bring warm clothing for morning game drives in open vehicles during June, July, and August.

Wet Seasons: November to May
• Late January to February is the time to see the calving in southern Serengeti. This is an excellent time to see predator action.
• It's low season, meaning lower rates and less crowded parks and the scenery is green and beautiful.
• Wildlife is easier to spot in the dry season; however you will still see plenty as most northern circuit parks offer good year-round game viewing.
• Bird watching is at its best as migratory birds will be present
• Compared to March, April and May, rains are mostly short afternoon showers and seldom harm your trip.
• March to May is the peak of the wet season. It is best to avoid safari during this time.


Thing to do

Apart from all the popular known destinations, Tanzania has a lot more to offer. Your bucket list for Tanzania should not be limited to only what is available online and what is already well known – ask us about other local attraction destinations in various areas of Tanzania and we will provide you with all the information. Even with a few hours to spare, there will always be a place of interest for you to discover.

Mauly Tours organizes day trips that can include cultural trips, coffee plantations, the experience of local food and beverages, hot water springs, horse riding safaris, balloon safaris, romantic getaways, and many many more. You will be overwhelmed with some many choices!

Tanzanian Food

Tanzania’s food culture is rich and diverse. Traditionally prepared foods differ from region to region, offering a huge taste pallet. Hotels and restaurants also offer a variety of food selections that include some traditional meals, Asian-inspired blends, Arab-inspired dishes, and well continental cuisine.

Experience local mainland dishes on the streets like Ugali, freshly cooked greens, chips mayai, or get exploring further to the Indian inspired barbecue restaurants or local pubs, or coast dishes which are Indian and Arab inspired along with the food stalls in Dar es Salaam City Centre or Zanzibar’s Forodhani Gardens. The list of places and foods is endless and your pallet is bound to discover something new.

Tanzania Travel Safety

Tanzania is a fairly safe country; however, it is important to take some precautions during your travels, especially in and around the cities.
- Always be cautious and aware of your surroundings
- Make sure your belongings are with you at all times when you are out and about, do not leave them unattended (especially in cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha)
- Valuable items should be locked in the hotel safe if you decide to take a walk around
- Always use registered taxis or UBER/Taxify
- Always use bottled water
- Though most foods are fresh, some are ‘recycled’ so avoid buffets. It is recommended that you avoid seafood as well unless you have seen it freshly prepared.

Tanzania Health and Safety Policy:

The Tanzanian Government has issued the below travel and safety guidelines for all travelers, to ensure their safety and security:
- Visa is mandatory for entering the country (check if your country is on the visa list – www.immigration.co.tz)
- Mandatory temperature checks at all entry points and public areas like banks, airports, etc.
- Mandatory PCR test at Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam)
- Face masks, hand wash, or use of sanitizer is mandatory
- Dedicated C19 response teams are stationed at all major tourist hotspots
- Medical facilities are available at all major national parks
- All travelers must produce a negative Covid-19 test certificate at points of entry

Vaccinations:

Make sure all your vaccinations are up to date. If possible, consult your GP before your travel and let him advise you on what is needed – including anti-malarial tablets.

Safety during Safari Excursions:

Mauly Tours guides are highly experienced and trained when it comes to safaris and wild animals. They will brief you on park rules as well as safety.
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