Tanzania is one of the most coveted safari destinations in all of Africa. The country is also home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. With over 20 national parks spread throughout the country, it is fair to say that nature abounds.
Whether you want a hike through nature or trek up a mountain, a safari adventure or a night game drive, or have a relaxing day at the spa or a panoramic view from a balloon ride over the Serengeti, there is something for everyone. Pack your bags, Tanzania is ready for you and you won’t be disappointed.
Africa’s Rooftop
The first stop on any Tanzanian travel adventure should be a trek up Africa’s tallest mountain. Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is home to the continent’s tallest mountain, which serves as the park’s namesake treasure.
Mount Kilimanjaro features a summit that reaches a height of 19,341 feet (5, 895 m). There are multiple peaks atop the mountain with Uhuru Peak accounting for the highest point. There are multiple routes up to the summit with the Marangu Route being the most popular.
The Marangu Route is commonly referred to as the Coca-Cola Route because it features easier slopes and sleeping huts along the way. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a multi-day trek and the sleeping huts make for better rest as you prepare to make the steeper summit on the last day.
Make sure you drink lots of water. Altitude sickness is the most common reason that hikers fail to reach the summit.
The Ngorongoro Fishbowl of Wildlife
Ngorongoro Crater is not a national park but it is an officially government-sponsored conservation area. Ngorongoro is the largest unbroken caldera in the world. The varied terrains along the crater floor create an ecosystem for a diverse and abundant collection of wildlife.
For wildlife enthusiasts looking to see the Big 5, you won’t be disappointed. It is fairly certain that you will see lions and elephants. The rhinoceros often retreat to remote areas of the park requiring binoculars to see them. Leopards are present but rarely seen as they hide in the jungle or atop the crater rim.
Some of the other popular wildlife spotting opportunities include eland, wildebeest, ostrich, hippopotamus, gazelle, and the warthog, If you love wildlife, Ngorongoro Crater will not disappoint.
Endless Plains with Abundant Life
The Serengeti National Park is affectionately known as the endless plains. It is home to the largest mammalian migration in the world with over 1.3 million wildebeest, 250,000 zebra, and 500,000 gazelles making the annual trek around the Serengeti.
Other migration wildlife includes the topic, hartebeest, and the impala. With this amount of wild game, you can trust that predators are not far behind. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals are all ready to take advantage of the abundance of herbivores Elephants, rhinoceroses, and buffalo round are in the park creating a reasonable chance for seeing the Big 5.
Tanzania Beckons Your Visit
Tanzania is one of the most coveted nature and wildlife destinations in all of Africa. You can explore and learn more about the national parks in Tanzania to create your perfect safari adventure. Don’t forget the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.
