Holiday destinations to ”die for” in Africa
Are you thinking and planning to go a on a holiday but wondering where you can go? Or are you deciding between options? Is Tanzania on your list of destinations? If so; here are some must see places in this beautiful East African country. Places that you will be raving about to your friends and family for years to come! And definitely good value for your money.
1. Serengeti national park
The name Serengeti comes from a Masai word Siringit meaning ‘’endless plains’’. Serengeti is arguably the best wildlife sanctuary in the world. It’s no wonder that this vast wildlife sanctuary is rightly called The Serengeti and if you have been to the Serengeti before, then you know that awesome feeling of being in the heart of these endless Serengeti plains enjoying some of the best game drives you will ever have in a lifetime under the African blue sky.
It would almost be a waste to visit East Africa and particularly the beautiful country of Tanzania and not experience the spirit of the Serengeti! Apart from the endless plains that whisper serenity into the ears of its visitors, the spectacular wildebeest Migration throughout the year is a must see for many.
What’s amazing about the migration is that it can be witnessed throughout the year in different locations from the Mara River crossings in the summer to calving season in December to February. It’s amazing to witness the power of animal instinct at work as thousands of wildebeest race for survival in search of food and water crossing from the Mara River into the Serengeti and all the way down south to the Ndutu plains, the cradle of new life.
A true miracle in the animal kingdom. The abundance of wildebeest babies also attracts many predator wildlife to the scene and it’s not uncommon to witness a kill to the thrill of some and to the dismay of others!
Aside from the migration, the Serengeti is home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of large mammal species, including lions, buffalos, elephants, zebras, Hyenas cheetahs and many times a leopard relaxing lazily up on a tree after a delicious gazelle lunch. Does this sound like your kind of adventure? Do you dream of seeing the big five? Visit the Serengeti and make your dream a reality.
How to get to Serengeti?, For international arrivals
– Fly to Kilimanjaro International airport, connect by light aircraft to Serengeti (1 hour flight by light aircraft)
– Fly to Kilimanjaro International airport, transfer to Arusha for overnight. Then drive 7hours to Serengeti.
– If already in Arusha, drive 7hours to Serengeti or take 1 hour flight by light aircraft
Recommended duration of stay: At least 2nights/3 days to maximize the experience and get value for your money. You may also wish to combine Serengeti with another park, although not mandatory.
Accommodation : World class accommodation from comfort level to luxury available to choose from.
Best time to visit : All year round. However, April- May is the long rainy season so game drives may not be the same as it would be in drier months. Having said that, adventure lovers still do undertake safaris in these months to take advantage of the budget friendly safari rates at this time of year.
If you are one of those then you may wish to stay in central Serengeti (Seronera) which normally has good game despite the rains. Also, if you are looking to avoid crowds of other tourists, then this time may work for you.
2. Zanzibar
Just the name Zanzibar evokes dreams of romance and mystery, and the reality will not disappoint the traveler seeking an enlightening and enjoyable holiday experience. The allure of Zanzibar is timeless.
The mesmerizing sandy white beaches, warm turquoise waters and Stone Town with it’s rich mix of Arab, African and Indian cultures all beckon to you to experience this beautiful Island of Africa.
For those with a culinary nose and taste for spices, the spice Island is your oyster as you breathe in fragrant scents of cloves, vanilla, cardamom and nutmeg. Visit Zanzibar’s Stone town, now a UNESCO world heritage site. Are you stressed out with the fast pace of city life? Or do you simply want to mellow down and give yourself or your family a rejuvenating and relaxing holiday? Escape to Zanzibar, the land of Hakuna matata where life slows down and allows you to richly reward your soul.
You can visit Zanzibar as your main stay destination, but wouldn’t it be absolutely rewarding to spend a few days in Zanzibar after a wild bush safari experience? Go on and indulge yourself. The Island awaits your graceful arrival.
How do you get to Zanzibar? For international arrivals
– Fly into Abeid Karume International airport
– Fast ferries available from Dar to Zanzibar
Accommodation : World class accommodation from comfort level to luxury available in Stone town and beach side, Nungwi, Bwejuu, Paje and other beaches.
3. The Ngorongoro Crater
Want to visit some other landmarks in Tanzania? The Ngorongoro crater should be next on your bucket list of places to experience.
Also, sometimes referred to as the cradle of mankind, the Ngorongoro crater, at 2,286m above sea level, is the largest unbroken caldera in the world and home to some 30,000 animals almost half being wildebeest and zebra. Other wildlife like Buffalos, elephants, hippos, hyenas, jackals, lions, warthogs, bushbucks huge herds of Thomson Gazelles are easily seen inside the crater.
However, being a crater, it can sometimes get crowded with too many safari vehicles in peak season. Nevertheless, Ngorongoro crater remains spectacular in scenery and with its prolific wildlife, it’s an ultimate destination for a safari not forgetting the cultural tourism of Masai people known all over the world for their rich and unique culture.
How do you get to Ngorongoro Crater? For international arrivals
– Fly to Kilimanjaro International airport, then drive 5hours to Ngorongoro
– If already in Arusha, drive 4hours to Ngorongoro crater
Accommodation : World class accommodation options available ranging from comfort to luxury.
Best time to visit : all year round except April May which are the long rainy season.
Conclusion
Africa is awash with so many touristic attractions, from the Pyramids in Egypt, Okavango in Botsawana, the Victoria falls in Zambia, the Gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda, the Masai Mara in Kenya and of course the countless attractions in Tanzania of which the Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater and Zanzibar are only the tip of the iceberg.
Are you thinking and planning to go a on a holiday but wondering where you can go? Or are you deciding between options? Is Tanzania on your list of destinations? If so; here are some must see places in this beautiful East African country. Places that you will be raving about to your friends and family for years to come! And definitely good value for your money.
1. Serengeti national park
The name Serengeti comes from a Masai word Siringit meaning ‘’endless plains’’. Serengeti is arguably the best wildlife sanctuary in the world. It’s no wonder that this vast wildlife sanctuary is rightly called The Serengeti and if you have been to the Serengeti before, then you know that awesome feeling of being in the heart of these endless Serengeti plains enjoying some of the best game drives you will ever have in a lifetime under the African blue sky.
It would almost be a waste to visit East Africa and particularly the beautiful country of Tanzania and not experience the spirit of the Serengeti! Apart from the endless plains that whisper serenity into the ears of its visitors, the spectacular wildebeest Migration throughout the year is a must see for many.
What’s amazing about the migration is that it can be witnessed throughout the year in different locations from the Mara River crossings in the summer to calving season in December to February. It’s amazing to witness the power of animal instinct at work as thousands of wildebeest race for survival in search of food and water crossing from the Mara River into the Serengeti and all the way down south to the Ndutu plains, the cradle of new life.
A true miracle in the animal kingdom. The abundance of wildebeest babies also attracts many predator wildlife to the scene and it’s not uncommon to witness a kill to the thrill of some and to the dismay of others!
Aside from the migration, the Serengeti is home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of large mammal species, including lions, buffalos, elephants, zebras, Hyenas cheetahs and many times a leopard relaxing lazily up on a tree after a delicious gazelle lunch. Does this sound like your kind of adventure? Do you dream of seeing the big five? Visit the Serengeti and make your dream a reality.
How to get to Serengeti?, For international arrivals
– Fly to Kilimanjaro International airport, connect by light aircraft to Serengeti (1 hour flight by light aircraft)
– Fly to Kilimanjaro International airport, transfer to Arusha for overnight. Then drive 7hours to Serengeti.
– If already in Arusha, drive 7hours to Serengeti or take 1 hour flight by light aircraft
Recommended duration of stay: At least 2nights/3 days to maximize the experience and get value for your money. You may also wish to combine Serengeti with another park, although not mandatory.
Accommodation : World class accommodation from comfort level to luxury available to choose from.
Best time to visit : All year round. However, April- May is the long rainy season so game drives may not be the same as it would be in drier months. Having said that, adventure lovers still do undertake safaris in these months to take advantage of the budget friendly safari rates at this time of year.
If you are one of those then you may wish to stay in central Serengeti (Seronera) which normally has good game despite the rains. Also, if you are looking to avoid crowds of other tourists, then this time may work for you.
2. Zanzibar
Just the name Zanzibar evokes dreams of romance and mystery, and the reality will not disappoint the traveler seeking an enlightening and enjoyable holiday experience. The allure of Zanzibar is timeless.
The mesmerizing sandy white beaches, warm turquoise waters and Stone Town with it’s rich mix of Arab, African and Indian cultures all beckon to you to experience this beautiful Island of Africa.
For those with a culinary nose and taste for spices, the spice Island is your oyster as you breathe in fragrant scents of cloves, vanilla, cardamom and nutmeg. Visit Zanzibar’s Stone town, now a UNESCO world heritage site. Are you stressed out with the fast pace of city life? Or do you simply want to mellow down and give yourself or your family a rejuvenating and relaxing holiday? Escape to Zanzibar, the land of Hakuna matata where life slows down and allows you to richly reward your soul.
You can visit Zanzibar as your main stay destination, but wouldn’t it be absolutely rewarding to spend a few days in Zanzibar after a wild bush safari experience? Go on and indulge yourself. The Island awaits your graceful arrival.
How do you get to Zanzibar? For international arrivals
– Fly into Abeid Karume International airport
– Fast ferries available from Dar to Zanzibar
Accommodation : World class accommodation from comfort level to luxury available in Stone town and beach side, Nungwi, Bwejuu, Paje and other beaches.
3. The Ngorongoro Crater
Want to visit some other landmarks in Tanzania? The Ngorongoro crater should be next on your bucket list of places to experience.
Also, sometimes referred to as the cradle of mankind, the Ngorongoro crater, at 2,286m above sea level, is the largest unbroken caldera in the world and home to some 30,000 animals almost half being wildebeest and zebra. Other wildlife like Buffalos, elephants, hippos, hyenas, jackals, lions, warthogs, bushbucks huge herds of Thomson Gazelles are easily seen inside the crater.
However, being a crater, it can sometimes get crowded with too many safari vehicles in peak season. Nevertheless, Ngorongoro crater remains spectacular in scenery and with its prolific wildlife, it’s an ultimate destination for a safari not forgetting the cultural tourism of Masai people known all over the world for their rich and unique culture.
How do you get to Ngorongoro Crater? For international arrivals
– Fly to Kilimanjaro International airport, then drive 5hours to Ngorongoro
– If already in Arusha, drive 4hours to Ngorongoro crater
Accommodation : World class accommodation options available ranging from comfort to luxury.
Best time to visit : all year round except April May which are the long rainy season.
Conclusion
Africa is awash with so many touristic attractions, from the Pyramids in Egypt, Okavango in Botsawana, the Victoria falls in Zambia, the Gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda, the Masai Mara in Kenya and of course the countless attractions in Tanzania of which the Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater and Zanzibar are only the tip of the iceberg.
