Tanzania

This is easily the largest of the East African countries and has many tourist attractions within its borders. These include national parks replete with diverse animal species and the famous Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest of Africa’s mountains. The semi-autonomous islands of Zanzibar also form part of this locale and are a tourist magnet by themselves with their phenomenal beaches.

One of the main draws for visitors here is the wildlife and more specifically, the wildebeest migration that happens at the beginning of every year. But besides this there are many outdoor activities available to visitors who come here in December and January seeking to escape the chill of winter. A holiday to Tanzania is a rich experience and is one every avid traveller should have at least once in their lifetime

Sightseeing and activities

What would a Tanzanian excursion be without at least a close up view of Africa’s biggest mountain? Even if you don’t feel up to scaling the close to 6,000 metres to Kilimanjaro’s summit you will want to make camp somewhere near it so as to get good shots during sunset or sunrise. However, keen mountaineers, or just thrill seekers will want to give climbing it a go. While it the mountain can be scaled in 6 just days, candidate climbers need to be prepared fitness-wise to face this challenge.

Seeing the ‘big five’ roaming about in the vast freedom of the Serengeti has to be one of the main reasons of heading out to Tanzania on holiday. While on a game drive through the rugged plains of this famous game park visitors will be treated to the sight of zebras, wildebeest, buffalo and other such herbivores grazing peacefully with lions eyeing them lustfully from rocky perches. And if they time their visit right (between January and February), tourists will great to be privy to a grand spectacle long mooted as one of the wonders of the world; the Wildebeest Migration. You can also view the beauty of this park and its animals from above by taking a hot-air balloon ride. For more wildlife, include a visit to Ngorongoro Conservation area in your itinerary. Here you will not only get to see rare animal species such as the black rhino, you will be treated to the sight of the world’s largest crater.

Tanzania is home to the world’s deepest lake, Lake Tanganyika, which in turn is home to plenty of unique fish species, including some molluscs similar to those you would find in an ocean. Close to this lake are the magnificent Kalambo Falls, Africa’s second largest.

Also in Tanzania is a portion of Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria. This country also shares Lake Malawi or Lake Nyasa with Mozambique and Malawi. The lake also has a sizeable population of unique fish species.

Those looking for the postcard holiday of vast white beaches bordered by palm trees and leading into endless turquoise waters should make a point of visiting Zanzibar.

Though this locale once made its name in the spices trade, it is now known for its rich culture and spectacular beaches. Of particular interest is Stone Town which happens to be Zanzibar’s capital and a World Heritage Site.