The Ruaha National Park is named after the Ruaha River that flows through the parks most southeastern territory and it is the focus of Ruaha Safari game viewing. It is also the life source for most of the animals in the area. After the addition of the Usangu Game Reserve and the surrounding wetlands in 2008, Ruaha National park become the largest in Tanzania and East Africa. It now spans for over 20,200 Square Kilometres (7800 miles). The park as a whole is approximately 130km (81 miles) to the west of Iringa and is a part of the Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem which is made up of the Rungwa Game Reserve, Kizigo & Muhesi Game Reserve, and the Mbomipa Wildlife Management Area. The National Park was born in 1910 and called the Saba Game Reserve before the Colonial British changed the name to Rungwa Game Reserve in 1946; it was then extended south in 1964.

Ruaha Wildlife

Ruaha is very well known in Tanzania for its huge variety of wildlife; specifically the bird-life that has been found in the park. The Park was once known for its huge population of Elephants, however,  like many of the National Parks in Tanzania, their population has been significantly reduced. From 34,000 in 2009, the numbers declined to under 4800 in 2015. The classic Safari wildlife called the Ruaha National Park home of course; Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Wild Dogs, Hyenas, Giraffes, Hippos, Antelopes & Buffalo can be seen regularly.

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Tanzania is certainly one of the most scientifically interesting countries in the world. While it is relatively overlooked for tourism, scientists flock to Tanzania to learn about some of the unique anomalies of nature; Lake Natron.

But what makes this Biome so fascinating?

Lake Natron is a salt and alkaline ‘soda lake’ in the Arusha region of northern Tanzania. It sits within the Gregory Rift just south of the Lake Manyara National Park. The lake is a maximum of 57km long and 22km wide during the wet season and the water temperature is very high during the dry seasons. This is partly why Lake Natron seems to steam and evaporate.

The high levels of evaporation have left behind Natron (which is Sodium Carbonate Decahydrate) and Trona (Sodium Sesquicarbonate Dihydrate) which causes the lake to have a PH level of greater than 12. In combination with the volcanic rock surroundings and very low calcium & magnesum levels, this allowed the lake to concentrate into a caustic alkaline brine.

While this brine is not particularly harmful in small doses, it is strong enough for the Maasai to regularly treat hard skin on their feet and to calcify animals that have perished in the water.

The area around Lake Natron is particularly volcanic and is in close proximity to the Volcano Ol Doniyo Lengai – which is sacred to the Maasai and pours black lava. Travellers may hike the volcano if you wish to!

The Animals at Lake Natron

The lake is made famous by its enormous population of two  Flamingo species. The flocks travel between Lake Manyara, through Lake Natron and into Kenya depending on the seasons. It is very unlikely that you do not a layer of pink across the water.

It is also not uncommon to see Zebra, Hienas, Buffalo and Wildebeest travelling across the sandy planes of the Gregory Rift. While their abundance depends on the seasons, they are easily spotted on the horizon of the flat rift floor.

Facts about Lake Natron Lake

Lake Natron is a wonder of the world – and should be on your itinerary. While it is not known for its animals, the geological history and intrigue should be enough!

• 57kms Long and up to 22km wide​
• The Sand Dries Red Due To Alkaline Salt​
• Home to millions of Flamingos ​
• Home to An Active Volcano ​
• Stone Animals Of Lake Natron

Stone Animals of Lake Natron

Lake Natron is also famous for the calcified remains of dead animals and birds. The Alkaline lake is so caustic that it can burn the skin, limbs and eyes of any animal that is not accustomed to its surroundings. The chemicals present in the lake are very similar to those used during the process of Egyptian mummification and preserve the animals that are unlucky enough to die in the water. These animals are also encrusted in a layer of alkaline salt that helps to create the ‘turned to stone’ image that has been portrayed in the media. Unlike current common belief and speculation, these animals do not simply turn to ‘stone’ when they touch the water. There are large populations of flamingos and other wildlife that live within the shallows at the edge of Lake Natron. Regardless of the myths and hyperinflated stores of ‘stone animals’, this is still a spectacular sight to behold.

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There are 9 main coffee growing regions in Tanzania:

• Arusha/ Kilimanjaro/ Mount Meru
• Iringa
• Kigoma
• Matengo Highlands
• Mbeya
• Mbinga
• Morogoro
• Ngara
• Usambara Mountains.

Production from these regions are between 30,000 and 40,000 metric tons a year. 70% of which is made from Arabica beans and 30% Robusta beans. There are, however, pockets and independent farms that grow other beans such as the premium Blue Mountain beans from Jamaica. Harvest of Tanzanian coffee is traditionally between October and February

The History of Tanzanian Coffee

Tanzania, like all Subsaharan African countries, has a complex history of settlers and colonisation which changed the course of the nation forever. In the late 19th century, German colonists found the land laden with Coffee which, as it is today, was a valuable commodity. In the early 1900s (1911) the German administration mandated the growth of Arabica coffee trees throughout the Bukoba regions and controlled the cultivation of the crops. They made access to the seeds easy to encourage more farmers to grow their valuable coffee. The German occupiers took Coffee cultivation to the north near Arusha and Kilimanjaro too.

After the first world war, it was the British who took over and accelerated the growth of Tanzanian Coffee via a campaign of land reforms. The spread of coffee throughout Tanzania was partly accelerated by the new British railway network. In 1925 the Kilimanjaro Native Planters’ Association (KNPA) was formed and helped to start the process of obtaining better prices for the farmers. In 1925 the Kilimanjaro Native Planters’ Association (KNPA) was formed and it was the first of many coffee cooperatives formed in the country, formed to help farmers obtain a better price.

Even today, 90% percent of Tanzanian Coffee farms are small independent firms, with the remainder being made up of plantations and industrial coffee farming. Since 1990, the cooperative unions are responsible for marketing and exporting coffee outside of Tanzania. This ensures that each farmer, no matter their size, can compete and participate in the coffee industry.

How Does Tanzanian Coffee Taste?

East African coffee in general has a very unique quality caused by the high altitudes and climate. Usually, much like Kenyan Coffee, Tanzanian coffee is bright, rich in flavour and has wine-y acidity which is what makes African coffee blends so sought after.

Tanzania is considered to have the finest medium roasted coffee on earth – yes, even compared to Kenyan Coffee. Medium roasted Tanzanian coffee beans have an intense, creamy creme, a full-flavoured body and berry notes. Compared to Ethiopian coffee, Kilimanjaro coffee is softer with more floral, delicate profiles of flavour. Meaning that to many, Tanzanian coffee is much preferred to other East African coffees.

Dark roasted Tanzanian Coffee has a unique deep, rich flavour of chocolate, cream and dark fruits. This bean is much more suited to those who like a rich, peppery, strong coffee; similar to those produced in Columbia. While the depth of flavour is there, the dark roasted coffee has much less caffeine than medium roasted coffee.

Coffee Tours

Since Coffee is what Tanzania does best, it would be a shame not to visit some of the famous coffee plantations around the Arusha area. Whether you are traveling to the North of Tanzania to pass through or to see the big 5, then you’re not too far away from a coffee tour.

The North has some of the most well-known coffee tours in Tanzania, and accommodations situated among the coffee bushes themselves. From the extremely well known Gibbs Farm to the Arusha coffee lodge.

A lesser-known Coffee region is Mbeya – this remote and monotonous region of Tanzania sits on the Malawian border and host some spectacular views, many of which can be seen from the coffee plantations themselves.

The owners of Lunjo Coffee farm are extremely lucky to be able to sip their homegrown coffee and look out over the beautiful vistas of the Mbeya highlands. Coffee tours here include trekking, exploring the farm lands and of course, sampling all of the coffee the farm has to offer.

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Overview – Who are the Maasai?

The Maasai are famous across the world. They have been made iconic by their exposure on TV and their proximity to the wildlife which many of us travel to see.

The Maasai are a nomadic tribe and ethnic group that inhabit Northern Tanzania and Kenya. They, in the past, roamed freely through the national parks and find homes alongside the African great lakes (such as Lake Manyara, Lake Natron and more). The tribe are also well known for their traditional dress and customs.

Their iconic traditional dress, customs and culture allow them to stand out as one of the most unique African tribes on earth; their feats of endurance, athletic prowess and knowledge of the surrounding nature is legendary. To meet the Maasai gives you a true appreciation for their kindness, knowledge of the savannah and ability to adapt to their environment.

When you travel to Tanzania, you are very likely to meet a member of the Maasai tribe; whether they are in the cities, working in tourism or living in their ancestral villages, and settlements.

The History of the Maasai Tribe

The majority of Maasai history is sadly lost to time. What we do know is that the people likely arrived to the African Great Lakes region from (what is now) South Sudan. Like other Nilotic speaking tribes, the Maasai are pastoralists and are well known as being fearsome warriors and cattle-rustlers. While many have colonised East Africa, many who saught to conquer or enslave the population give the Maasai a wide birth.

The tribe has been recorded to inhabit the areas around the great lakes, the rift valley and surrounding areas from Mount Marsabit to North Dodoma (Tanzania’s capital city). Some suggest that the Maasai raised cattle as far as the Tanga coast. The great expansion of the Maasai came to an end in what is now called the ‘Emutai’: a time of depopulation via disease and displacement.

The years between 1883 and 1902 marked a decade of bovine pleuropneumonia, rinderpest and smallpox which killed up to 90% of the cattle, and 50% of the wild animal population. German doctors also claimed that at least half of the indigenous African population were pock-marked as a direct result of smallpox.

An Austrian explorer in the Ngorongoro crater (Oscar Bauman) wrote in 1894 that at least two-thirds of the Maasai in Tanganyika (mainland Tanzania) had perished during this time. To make matters worse, the years between 1897-1898 suffered from drought and a complete failure to rain.

A generation later, in the 1940s, the Tanganykian Maasai were displaced from their homes between Mount Meri and Mount Kilimanjaro, and the highlands around Ngorongoro highlands: the following years say the Amboseli National Park, Nairobi National Park, the Maasai Mara, Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park and Tsavo being taken in Kenya, and Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro conservation area, Tarangire and Serengeti in Tanzania. Even today, the Maasai are prohibited from constructing pertinent structures or grazing on the lands they once called home.

Today, the Maasai still live a largely nomadic lifestyle, however, there are settlements throughout the areas of Northern Tanzania. Sadly, much of the old life the Maasai lived has been altered by the tourism industry; or members of the tribe have moved into the cities in search of job opportunities.

The Culture

The Maasai culture is steeped in rich history, long-held tradition and community. The culture, even in today’s modern world, is well preserved and many ancient practices are still celebrated.

The Maasai worship a single deity called Enkai/Engai who can be found in two forms: Engai Narok is the benevolent black good – and Negai Na-Nyokie is the vengeful red god. It is thought that their god resides in the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai– the mountain of God. When the Maasai face hardship a group will scale the mountain and perform rituals and sacrifice. It is said by the local Maasai that when they ask for rain, once the ritual is performed, the rain will come.

Animals also play a role in the religious culture of the tripe. The Maasai also have two totems within their society- the Red Cow (Oodo Mongi) and the Black Cow (Orok Kiteng). They also hold the Lion as sacred – although it can be killed. The killing of a Lion is performed differently and is considered a sacred rite of passage.

Lions are no longer killed as a symbol of adulthood but are hunted if they kill Maasai livestock or attack a human (the lion gets a taste of human flesh and becomes a danger to the local population).

Their Lifestyle

The Clothing

Maasai clothing is a huge part of their iconic image. The traditional dress is very iconic but changes based on age and location. While the colour red is favoured, blue, black, checkered and striped fabrics are worn. Traditionally, the Maasai make robes out of the cloth which covers their whole body and kept in place by a belt (which often holds a weapon), and rubber sandals.

The jewellery produced by the Maasai is very colourful and intricately patterned with beads. They traditionally produce necklaces, wristbands, head-dressings, earrings and much more from wire and beads. It is also very common to see trinkets produced using brass.

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… but of course, any kind of tourism can be unsafe if you are unprepared, have not researched where you’re going or who you will be going with. You’re right to be cautious with a Safari too – because you’re going to be seeing some of the most deadly land animals on earth.

Whether your Safari is safe or not, depends on a few things. Firstly, your guide, your preparation, your accommodation and what you’re going to be eating.

Your Guide

It goes without saying – the guide is very important when it comes to being safe on a safari in Tanzania. There have been some issues in the past where guides con, exploit or are reckless with tourists. The common trick is to hide park entrance fees or pretend that they are accredited tour guides and have no idea how to drive around the animals.

Travellers are usually caught out here when they look for the cheapest safari they can. At best – the guide may hide park fees and you end up spending more than you need to, or you do not see any of the animals. At worst – your guide gets lost in the middle of the bush (has happened many, many times), you are left without food or water, get very sick from the food or your guide could scare an elephant by driving too close (the last thing you want to do).

The trick is to find a guide who is registered with the local authority and is part of a tour guide union. Most of the time, these guides know the parks well and have huge pride in their work. If you need some help here, we’re ready when you are!

Your Preparation

Every year, we hear stories from travellers who have not prepared properly for their Safari adventure. We have to be honest here – it can be tricky to bring everything you need, but a small amount of reading can save you from misery, pain and sickness.

The first thing to consider is your route – where you are going, and what will the weather be like. While Lake Manyara and the surrounding areas rarely dip between 15 degrees, some areas in the Ngorongoro Highlands can be as low as 5 degrees. If you haven’t packed a jumper, jacket or long trousers, then you’re in for some trouble. It is ideal to pack layers! We will go over exactly what you need in another blog post.

Secondly – it is advised to take yourself a first aid kit. A little bag with wipes, sanitiser, plasters and anti-sickness medication (including malaria tablets). You should have wet wipes, a clean towel and always enough clean pants and socks. This way you can avoid any discomfort or potential for infection.

Your Accommodation

Whether your accommodation is safe or not depends on where you are going. Most of the public camp sights are very well maintained, guarded by rangers and well previsioned; there are some exceptions to that rule, however.

You should be aware that if you are camping in the wild, the animals will be very close to you. That includes Lions, Hiena’s, Girraffess, Buck and Buffalo. While most of the time you will be safe it is not a very good idea to wander away from the camp on your own or to walk through the camp at night. It is a good thing to note that people have been killed while staying in the camps – mostly people who have not followed the rules, or have allowed their children to run into the bushes to play. If you have children ALWAYS make sure you know where they are and keep a close eye on them.

In some camps, the guides advise you to stay in your tent (even if you need the toilet). We can put your mind at ease: A trip to the toilet is possible but make sure to flash your touch around. This scares away some of the animals and lets you see them before they see you. You should however be very wary between the times of 4am and 6am – this is when the lions hunt. Unless there are lots of other people around, be very cautious.

We would recommend that you stay within a campsite as there will be local guides and guards who can help you out. Do not go on your own and sleep in the wild.

In conclusion

Yes – a safari is completely safe! As long as you ensure that you use an accredited government registered guide, you prepare properly for your safari and you plan your accommodation in advance.

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The name ‘Ol Doniyo Lengai’ comes from the language of the Maasai, and roughly translates to ‘Mountain of God’ – which is a very apt name for this impressive monolith of rock and volcanic ash. The volcano stands at 3188m high just shy of Lake Natron’s southern tip and can easily be seen from the shoreline, therefore, the volcano is a huge feature of any adventure around the Lake Natron area.

So what makes going to view Ol Doinyo Lengai so interesting? Well, other than the fact that you will be standing at the foot of an active volcano, Ol Doniyo Lengai is unique. Even for Volcanos.

First of all – the volcano is considered a religious site for the Maasai. The Maasai are a nomadic tribe who are made famous by their traditional dress, nomadic lifestyle and their athletic abilities. The tribe travel throughout almost the whole of Northern Tanzania and into Southern Kenya, and have called the (now) conservation area their home for thousands of years. The Massai believe that their god lives inside the mountain. On occasion when the tribes-people are facing hard times, such as drought, disease or disputes, a group will travel to the peak and partake in religious rituals. The rituals can include dancing, singing and animal sacrifice.

The mountains ‘speaks’ too. If you are close enough, you can hear the bubbling, hissing and moving of the volcanic activity – even at the foot.

Scientifically, Ol Doinyo Lengai is also very special. Unlike any other volcano in the world, the lava from the mountain flows black in the sunlight – rather than glowing red. This is entirely down to the rare occurrence of Natrocarbonatites. Where most other Lava deposits contain silicate minerals, Natrocarbonatite lava contains sodium, potassium, nyerereite and gregoryite.

The mineral contents cause the lava to erupt at relatively low temperatures -between 500 and 600 degrees C ( 930 – 1100 degrees F).

At the top of the mountain, it is clear to see the volcanic deposit seeping down the side of the mountain. The lava appears white, grey as it cools and breaks down very quickly. The volcanic dust is then blown from the top, across the whole landscape. Thus making miles around some of the most fertile, and interesting landscapes on earth.

The Ol Doniyo Lengai Hike

The universe favours the brave. Yes, it is true. You are able to travel to and hike up the mountain if you have the stomach for it. While it is still an active volcano, it is possible to travel to the top – at your own risk of course.

There are multiple ways you can do this – either by contacting a local guide – or speaking to a local Maasai guide. The Ol Doniyo Lengai hike is potentially one of the most impressive, once in a lifetime, experiences that are available in Tanzania (there are many life-changing experiences here). Not only will you be able to say that you’ve stood on the top of an active volcano, but you will be able to survey the spectacular views of the Ngorongoro highlands, rift valley and finally across the stunning Lake Natron, and into Kenya’s Maasai Mara.

This is a view very few people have enjoyed – and unforgettable for those who have been lucky enough.

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Lake Ngonzi is a beautiful crater lake found in the Mbeya region of Tanzania; 38km from Mbeya city. Much like the Ngorongoro Crater, the surrounding area was created by explosive volcanic activity which makes Lake Ngozi a ‘crater lake’; in fact it is the second largest crater lake in Africa spanning over 2.5km in length, 1.6km in width, and roughly 75m deep (although estimates vary wildly from 50m to 300m) . It is part of the Poroto Ridge which is a section of the larger caldera rim’s highest point (2620m), a Caldera being the imploded remains of a volcano which has collapsed in upon itself. Ngozi is said to have been created 12000 years ago during a Plinian eruption (an eruption which ejects a large amount of pumice with very powerful continuous gas explosions).

Although the beautiful surroundings seem tranquil, and the area has not seen volcanic activity for thousands of years, Lake Ngozi emits a substantial amount of CO2 and shows signs of the potential for a limnic eruption (an eruption which can produce a noxious cloud of volcanic gas). This is followed up by local legends of the lakes killing power (which includes a 12 headed snake which protects German colonial treasure).

Local Legends of Lake Formation

The Lake, and surrounding area, is not only famous for its outstanding beauty and various rare wildlife, but the myths and local legends that surround Lake Ngozi are some of the most interesting aspects of Lake.

It is said by the Nyakyusa People (ethnic group in this area of Southern Tanzania) that a sharman called Lwembe was chased from his birth village (Ukwama in the Makete area) after the people had become sick of his deceptive trickery. He is said to have fled to the area near the waters edge. Cows started to disappear whenever they grazed nearby; People started going missing too. The Nyakyusa elders decided to dispel the fiend by heating up a huge rock in a fire for three days and then rolled it into the lake, casting their own magic spells. Thereafter, the menace was gone.

Other myths suggest that Colonial German solders dumped a large amount of treasure into the waters of the lake and put a spell to protect the gold and hamper any other persons efforts to reclaim it. Some say this includes the emission of poisonous gasses, but now we know that these gasses could be from the volcanic activity in the area. Other variations of this myth suggest that there is a 12 headed snake which protects the treasure and comes out to the surface on sunny days. Whether there ever was treasure remains a mystery.

The water itself supports a plethora of wildlife despite all of these grizzly tales. The lake contains fish and other marine life (potentially even that snake), and supports plethora of vegetation (although less than some of the crater lakes near Mbeya) and unique land animals.

How to Get to Lake Ngozi

The Ngozi Lake can be found after a 50 minute hike from the park entrance by the nearest road. From Mbeya you can take a bus (or personal vehicle) which takes you to the right at the Tukuyu – Lake Malawi Junction. 10kms along that road you will come across road signs for the Ngozi crater on the right. There may be entrance fees to enter onto the path up the to the lake, and fees for the staff to guard the car (if you have one). These change regularly so make sure to have a little bit of money available- say $20.

The track, and Lake Ngozi itself, is surrounded on all sides with thick green shrubs, Banana trees and huge bamboos. At points it can be steep and overgrown but the walk itself shouldn’t be too difficult for somebody of average fitness. 2.5km in you will come up to a fork in the road; the right path leads to the peak, and the left path takes you down towards the waterline. All the effort will all be worth it when you get to the peak. You can look over the whole of Lake Ngozi which is famous for having bright emerald green waters which is breathtaking on a warm, clear & sunny day.

If you so happen to have come from Safari, or have a love for wildlife, keep an eye out for the Black and White Colobum Monkey and Three Horned Chameleon (Chameleon Fuelleborni- the area is famous for these).

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What is the difference between Zanzibar and Unguja Island and the other Islands that make up the Zanzibar archipelago? This is a point of confusion for many travellers to Tanzania, and Zanzibar. The name Zanzibar is known worldwide for its association with beautiful pristine beaches, its historical significance, its abundance of spice, and more generally as a great place to holiday. It combines all the things that draws tourists; fantastic food, friendly and interesting culture, glorious sunshine and soft sand. For many people, Zanzibar is simply the name of an Island and are unaware that the name Zanzibar actually has multiple meanings and uses.

As simple as it gets: The name Zanzibar often refers to the Zanibar Archipelago, This is the collection of Islands that sit off the eastern coast of Tanganyika (Tanzanian Mainland). It can also refer to the biggest of the three islands, Unguja Island. It is very common for both locals and foreigners to refer to Unguja island as Zanzibar, or Zanzibar Island. All very confusing, right? To help you out, here is a little more information about Unguja Island, Pemba Island and Maria Island, and their parts in Zanzibar.

Unguja Island

Known as the ‘spice island’ for its abundance of spices and its strategic importance in the spice trade, Unguja Island became the jewel in the crown of many colonial powers; changing hands from the Arabs, to the Germans and British among others. The footprint of these empires are still visible today in the colonial offices, luxury colonial hotels and the haunting remains of a once eminent slave trade. Unguja Island is the main constituent of Zanzibar which was key to the creation of Tanzania; Zanzibar Joined with Tanganyika (the mainland) in 1964 after a bloody, and very short, revolution. The islands cultural, material and geographical importance has given the island, and its people, a rich identity and culture that makes Zanzibar as popular and welcoming as it is today.

The Capital city and cultural hub is Zanzibar City but Stonetown is the most well-known part of Unguja Island and is famous for its architecture, culture & Street Food; the rest of the island is largely rural and the beautiful coast is lined with high-end hotels, luxury accommodation and private beaches. These postcard-perfect locations are what you are most likely to see when you google the island- after all, Zanzibar is the of the premier Tanzanian Beach Holiday destinations. However, there is plenty to do on the island beyond the hotel walls, and there is certainly plenty to see- including the famous Zanzibar Spice Tour .

Stone Town

Stone Town part of the capital city of the Island of Zanzibar and has a very rich cultural identity and the city is steeped in historical significance. At one point, the crowning jewel in the crown of colonial powers Stone Town was central hub for the Spice and Slave Trades in 19th century East Africa. Another name for Stone Town is Mji Mkongwe (Old Town in Kiswahili) and the rest of Zanzibar City is know as Ng’ambo (meaning ‘the other side’.  The Mji Mkongwe has been designated UNESCO World Heritage Status since 2009 due to the abundance of 19th century buildings & the historical importance of the city.

The city itself is somewhat chaotic – it is a maze of very narrow and busy alleys fringed with houses, shops, stalls, bazaars & Mosques. The streets are too narrow for cars but you will still need to be careful to avoid the hordes of bicycles & motorbikes that nip between the narrow cracks between the dilapidated buildings towering above. Here you often see guides leading a line of flip-flopped tourists holding cameras and backpacks. The famous Zanzibari doors are abundant in the city centre; despite it being hard to determine whether or not the doors are original, or a recent replication, these beautiful structures attact stares and pictures. They are hand carved door frames that symbolize the history and culture of the island; Spices, The Lotus Flower (prosperity), Quoran Scripture & Chains. The rounded doors with Elephant Spikes symbolizes an Indian household, while a square door symbolizes an Omari Arab household. Although, these days the two styles are often combined.

Pemba Island

Pemba island is the second of the largest Islands in the Zanzibar Archipelago and is one of the most spectacular locations for a Zanzibar Beach Holiday; Pemba Island is a firm favorite with local holiday makers and veteran visitors to Tanzania. The booming tourist industry on Pemba’s neighboring island, Unguja, has lead to the more adventurous tourists heading to Pemba to enjoy quieter, untouched beaches and coral reefs. Pemba is an Island for those who are looking for a truly peaceful Zanzibar beach holiday that allows you to fully experience Swahili Island culture and feel at one with nature.

The one bit of advice that we would give any traveler is who are coming for the idlyic Zanzibar Beach Holiday, is to leave the hotel compound. In all honestly, the ride from the Airport or Ferry is no doubt not what you’re expecting (like all places in Tanzania, poverty is a serious issue) but it certainly pays off to be brave and go for an adventure.

Mafia Island

Mafia Island, also known as ‘Chole Shamba’, is the most southerly Island in the Zanibar Archipelago. The island is one of the six districts of the Pwani Region and, unlike Unguja Island, is governed from the mainland and is not a semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar. Mafia Island has never been considered to as politically significant to Zanzibar as Unguja Island for example. Mafia, much like Pemba and Unguja Island, attracts tourists mainly for beach holidays, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and sun bathing. Although the island is not as developed as Unguja island, it still makes for an amazing place to stay.

Thinking about a Zanzibar beach Holiday?

If you have made it this far, you may be interested enough to see Zanzibar with your own eyes. Have a look at the selection of Zanzibar Beach Holidays and accommodations that we have on offer.

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We are often asked: which is the best safari in Tanzania? Let us run down through our top 5 best safari options.

Northern Safari

The most popular destinations for safari is referred to as the ‘northern circuit’. This includes a trip through Lake Manyara, the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and conservation area, the Tarangire National Park and the surrounding areas. You are going on Safari to see the animals, right? Well, the northern circuit has unrivalled numbers of wildlife and presents the best animal viewing opportunities in the country. Undoubtedly, many who come to see the wildlife consider the northern circuit as the best safari in Tanzania.

The northern circuit is also home to the Great Wildebeest Migration which is the largest land migration of animals on the planet. Thousands of Buck, Gazelles, Zebras and Wildebeest migrate around the northern route which attracts scientists, photographers and filmmakers from all over the world. This would be the best Safari to watch the predators at work.

Sky Safari

Sky Safari, to some, is the best safari in Tanzania due to its sense of adventure, the views from your personal aircraft and the speed at which you can glide from place to place. The Sky Safari package by Elewana includes an 8 day itinerary which takes care of all of your transfers (by air and land) plus your accommodation will be the award-winning Elewana collection.

During the Sky Safari adventure, you will have an opportunity to explore the northern circuit with private game drives with an expert guide. This is the best safari in Tanzania if you are happy to be whisked away, have every need catered for and spend your nights in some of the best safari accommodation in the country.

Click here for more information about the Sky Safari.

Safari & Sand

Safari and Sand is usually a safari package which combines the two best aspects of Tanzanian tourism: the wonders and adventure of a Tanzanian safari, and a glorious beach holiday on an idyllic beach.

In our opinion, it is the best Safari in Tanzania; simply put, it allows you to enjoy two very different holidays during one trip. Tanzania is often overlooked as a beach holiday destination but the shores are some of the finest in the world. After you have finished your safari tour, you can catch a quick flight to the island of Zanzibar where you will find ample luxury beach hotels, pristine coastline, coral reefs, and points of historical and cultural importance.

It does make sense to rest your weary feet for a week after your safari in the crystal clear sun-kissed Indian ocean, doesn’t it? Not to mention that Tanzania has some unbelievably good seafood!

Here is an example of a great Sand & Safari itinerary.

Camping Safari

Camping may not be the most luxurious way to do a safari, but it is the rawest and closest to a true experience that you can get. For many, going into a big luxury hotel or lodge will ruin the whole safari experience; they would much rather get back in touch with nature and put up their tent for the night. Sleeping in the bush can be exhilarating. Sometimes, you are only meters from the animals in the wild and you will hear every bump, creek and howl.

I understand completely if you have long put your camping days behind you. You may, however, be interested in a more luxurious camping option which combines the authentic connection to nature with the comfort of the modern day (Much like the Pioneer Camp or the Migration Camp). It may also be prudent on your safari itinerary to opt for one night in a camping option to experience what many consider as the best safari in Tanzania.

Lake Natron

Last but certainly not least, a place you need to see when you’re on Safari is Lake Natron. Lake Natron is a soda, or alkaline, Lake which is situated just north of Lake Manyara and is famous for being a marvel of nature and science. Parts of Lake Natron are so alkaline that it could potentially burn your skin, or eyes if you come into contact with the water. The water also contains high concentrations of chemicals which were used during the ancient Egyptian process of mummification. Animals that are unlucky enough to die in the water are found calcified; they become hardened ghostly statues.

Lake Natron isn’t often part of a Safari Itinerary but is certainly worth a visit – You will never see anything else like it!

Book the Best Safari in Tanzania?

Whichever is your version of the best safari in Tanzania, this is the place to get the ball rolling. To inquire about the safari adventures that we have waiting for you get in touch today!

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Mount Oldeani

Embedded in the south east rim of the Ngorongoro national park, sits the giant Mount Oldeani. The mountain is very well known locally however, largely unknown by tourists until they set eyes upon the mountain while in the country. The Mountain sits just off the largest tourist route through the Ngorongoro conservation area and can be seen from miles around. It is a firm natural feature for tourists who travel to Lake Eyasi, Lake Manyara and as far as the Tarangire National Park.

Oldeani is one of the Ngorongoros volcanos and drains directly into the northeast end of Lake Eyasi. One of the most popular tributes to the Oldeani mountain is the Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge.

There are several other well known safari lodges which make the volcanic mountain a focal point due to its height and picturesque majesty looking over the flat plains of Tanzania. Despite it being a key feature in the landscape there are not many tour guides who take you to climb the mountain. Despite this, it is very close to the main game driving route through the Ngorongoro crater and can be seen easily. There are also many tours that will take you to Lake Eyasi to see the animals or the local tribes.

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