TANZANIA WILDLIFE GUIDE

Tanzania is a country located in East Africa, bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. It also has a long coastline along the Indian Ocean to the east.

The capital city of Tanzania is Dodoma, but the largest city and economic center is Dar es Salaam. The official languages are Swahili and English, and the currency is the Tanzanian shilling.

Tanzania has a population of over 60 million people and is home to several ethnic groups, with the largest being the Sukuma, Chagga, and Haya. The country has a diverse wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras, making it a popular destination for safari tours.

The economy of Tanzania is largely based on agriculture, with the majority of the population engaged in farming. The country is also rich in natural resources such as gold, diamonds, and natural gas, which contribute to its economy.

Tanzania is known for its rich history and culture, including its traditional music, dance, and art. It is also home to several world-renowned tourist attractions, such as Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti National Park, and Zanzibar Island.

In terms of government, Tanzania is a presidential representative democratic republic, with the President as both the head of state and head of government.

Country Code: +255.

Currency: Tanzanian Shilling.

Electricity: Type D (3-pin round), Type G (3-pin rectangular, triangular pattern).

Language: Swahili is the official language, while English is the lingua franca.

Latitude and Longitude: 6.3690° S, 34.8888° E.

LGBT: Unfortunately, Tanzania has a very poor record when it comes to LGBT rights. Homosexuality is illegal in Tanzania and is punishable by up to 30 years in prison. In 2019, the government announced a crackdown on the LGBT community, including the creation of an anti-gay surveillance squad.

In addition to criminalizing homosexuality, Tanzania also has laws that restrict freedom of association and expression for LGBT individuals. LGBT organizations are not allowed to register in Tanzania, making it difficult for them to operate openly and advocate for their rights.

Furthermore, LGBT individuals in Tanzania face social stigma and discrimination, which can result in violence, harassment, and even death. This discrimination can make it difficult for LGBT individuals to access healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

Population: 63.59 million (2021).

President: Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Tanzania is home to some of the best safari lodges in Africa, offering a luxurious and unforgettable safari experience. Here are some of the top safari lodges in Tanzania.

Singita Sasakwa Lodge,  Grumeti Reserve:

Singita Sasakwa Grumeti is a luxury safari lodge located in the Grumeti Game Reserve in Tanzania’s Serengeti ecosystem. It’s part of the Singita group of lodges, which is known for its high-end accommodations, exceptional service, and commitment to conservation.

Sasakwa Grumeti is situated on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the surrounding plains and the Serengeti. The lodge features nine luxurious cottages and a private villa, each with a private infinity pool, en-suite bathroom, and spacious living area. The cottages are decorated in a classic African style, with colonial-inspired furnishings, antique pieces, and contemporary artwork.

The lodge also features a main area with a lounge, dining area, and a bar, as well as a swimming pool, a spa, and a fitness center. Guests can enjoy a range of activities, including game drives, walking safaris, and horseback riding. The reserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the Big Five, as well as cheetahs, wild dogs, and hyenas.

Sasakwa Grumeti is also committed to conservation and community development. The lodge works closely with local communities to support education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods. The lodge also operates a successful anti-poaching unit, which has helped to protect the reserve’s wildlife from illegal hunting and poaching.

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti:

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is a luxury safari lodge located in the heart of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The lodge offers guests the chance to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Serengeti, while enjoying world-class accommodations and amenities.

The lodge features 77 guest rooms and suites, each with a private balcony, en-suite bathroom, and air conditioning. The rooms are decorated in a contemporary African style, with natural materials, local artwork, and modern amenities. The lodge also features a main area with a lounge, dining area, and a bar, as well as a spa, fitness center, and swimming pool.

Guests can enjoy a range of activities, including game drives, guided walks, and hot air balloon safaris. The Serengeti is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the Big Five, as well as cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests, and giraffes.

The lodge also offers unique dining experiences, including bush dinners and sundowner cocktails in the African savannah. Guests can also enjoy a range of cultural activities, including visits to nearby Maasai villages and guided tours of local rock art sites.

Mwiba Lodge:

Mwiba Lodge is a luxury safari lodge located in a private wildlife reserve in Tanzania’s northern circuit. It’s situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking a river, surrounded by acacia trees and native vegetation. The lodge offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Rift Valley escarpment.

Mwiba Lodge features 10 luxury suites, each with a private deck, outdoor shower, and en-suite bathroom. The suites are elegantly furnished and decorated with African art and textiles, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The lodge also features a main area with a lounge, dining area, and a bar, as well as a swimming pool and a spa.

The reserve where Mwiba Lodge is located is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, and leopards. Guests can take game drives, walking safaris, and night drives to explore the reserve and see the wildlife up close. The lodge also offers cultural activities, such as visits to nearby Maasai villages and rock art sites.

&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge:

This lodge is located on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater and offers breathtaking views of the crater. It features elegant suites with private butlers, fine dining, and a spa.

Asilia Africa’s Sayari Camp:

This camp is located in the northern Serengeti and offers luxury tents with stunning views of the Mara River. It’s a great place to witness the wildebeest migration and see predators such as lions and cheetahs.

Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp:

This mobile camp follows the wildebeest migration throughout the Serengeti and offers luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms and private decks. It’s a great way to experience the thrill of a safari while enjoying the comforts of a luxury lodge.

Serengeti Bushtops:

This luxury tented camp is located in the Serengeti and offers spacious tents with private hot tubs, gourmet dining, and a spa. It’s known for its excellent wildlife sightings and personalized service.

Gibb’s Farm:

This lodge is located on a coffee plantation near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and offers rustic-chic accommodations, farm-to-table dining, and a variety of cultural and outdoor activities, such as hiking and birdwatching.

United States Embassy, 686 Old Bagamoyo Road, Msasani, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

United Kingdom High Commission, Umoja House, Garden Avenue, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Chinese Embassy, Plot No. 2, Kajificheni Close, Oysterbay, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

German Embassy, 61-63 Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

South African High Commission, New Bagamoyo Road, Msasani Peninsula, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Japanese Embassy, 14 Victoria Avenue, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

French Embassy, Plot No. 1, Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Please note that this list is not comprehensive, and there are many other embassies and diplomatic missions operating in Tanzania. It’s best to check with the embassy directly for their full address and contact details.

Tanzania is known for its diverse wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and stunning national parks. Tanzania has a total of 16 national parks, each with its unique features and attractions.

Arusha National Park:

Arusha National Park is a small but beautiful national park located in northern Tanzania, about 32 kilometers from Arusha town. The park covers an area of 552 square kilometers and is situated between the peaks of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. The park is also adjacent to the Ngurdoto Crater, a collapsed volcano that forms a natural amphitheater.

The park is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 400 bird species, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and primates such as colobus monkeys and baboons. Visitors to the park can also see the rare black and white colobus monkey, which is only found in this area of Tanzania.

One of the main attractions in Arusha National Park is the Mount Meru climb. Mount Meru is the fifth-highest mountain in Africa, and the climb to the summit takes about three to four days. The climb is less crowded than Mount Kilimanjaro and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Gombe Stream National Park:

Gombe Stream National Park is a small but fascinating national park located in western Tanzania, along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The park covers an area of 52 square kilometers and is home to a population of chimpanzees that are famous for being the subject of Jane Goodall’s pioneering research on chimpanzee behavior.

In addition to the chimpanzees, Gombe Stream National Park is home to a variety of other primates, including red colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and vervet monkeys. Visitors to the park can see these primates up close while trekking through the forest with a guide.

The park’s terrain is hilly and covered in thick forest, making it a great destination for hiking and bird watching. The forest is home to over 200 bird species, including the rare African pitta and the Ross’s turaco.

While chimpanzee trekking is the main attraction in Gombe Stream National Park, visitors can also swim and snorkel in Lake Tanganyika, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and colorful fish species. Fishing trips and boat rides on the lake are also available.

Katavi National Park:

Katavi National Park is a remote and wild national park located in western Tanzania, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is the third-largest national park in Tanzania, covering an area of 4,471 square kilometers, but it is one of the least visited due to its remote location.

The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including large herds of elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and antelopes, as well as predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas, and crocodiles. Visitors to the park can experience game drives and walking safaris, as well as seasonal activities such as hot air balloon rides and fishing on the Katuma River.

Katavi National Park is also known for its stunning landscapes, including the Katuma River, the seasonal Lake Chada, and the Kapapa floodplain. The floodplain is particularly impressive during the dry season when large herds of animals gather to drink from the remaining pools of water.

Accommodations in the park include basic campsites and a few small lodges that offer more amenities. Due to the park’s remote location and limited infrastructure, it is best visited by fly-in safaris, which can be arranged from Dar es Salaam or Arusha.

Lake Manyara National Park:

This national park is known for its tree-climbing lions and the large flocks of flamingos that gather at Lake Manyara. It covers an area of 330 square kilometers and is home to over 400 bird species.

Mahale Mountains National Park:

Mahale Mountains National Park is a remote and beautiful national park located in western Tanzania, along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The park covers an area of 1,613 square kilometers and is home to one of the largest populations of chimpanzees in the world.

The park’s terrain is mountainous and covered in thick forest, making it a great destination for hiking and bird watching. The forest is home to a variety of primates, including red colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys, in addition to the chimpanzees.

Visitors to Mahale Mountains National Park can experience chimpanzee trekking with a guide, which involves hiking through the forest to observe the chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains National Park are not habituated to humans, which means that the experience of seeing them in the wild is particularly special.

Mikumi National Park:

This national park is located close to Tanzania’s largest city, Dar es Salaam, and is known for its open grasslands and large herds of elephants. It covers an area of 3,230 square kilometers and is home to over 400 bird species.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area:

This conservation area is home to the Ngorongoro Crater, which is the world’s largest inactive and intact volcanic caldera. It is also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to over 25,000 large mammals, including elephants, lions, and zebras.

Saadani National Park:

Saadani National Park is a unique national park located in central Tanzania, along the Indian Ocean coastline. It is the only national park in Tanzania that offers both beach and wildlife experiences, making it a popular destination for visitors who want to combine a safari with a beach holiday.

The park covers an area of 1,062 square kilometers and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and many species of antelopes. The park’s coastline is also a habitat for a variety of marine life, including dolphins, humpback whales, and green turtles.

Visitors to Saadani National Park can experience game drives and walking safaris, as well as boat safaris along the Wami River, where they can see hippos and crocodiles. Beach activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing are also popular in the park.

Serengeti National Park:

Serengeti National Park is a world-famous national park located in northern Tanzania and is known for its vast savannahs, diverse wildlife, and annual wildebeest migration. The park covers an area of 14,750 square kilometers and is home to over 70 species of large mammals and over 500 species of birds.

The park is most famous for the annual wildebeest migration, which sees over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move in search of water and fresh grazing. This spectacle is considered one of the natural wonders of the world and attracts visitors from around the globe.

In addition to the migration, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and various species of antelopes. The park is also known for its large crocodile and hippopotamus populations in its rivers and waterholes.

Visitors to Serengeti National Park can experience game drives, walking safaris, and hot air balloon safaris, which provide a unique perspective on the park’s vast landscapes. The park also offers opportunities for cultural visits to local Maasai communities.

Accommodations in the park range from basic campsites to luxurious lodges that offer more amenities. Due to its popularity, the park can be busy during peak season, but there are areas of the park that are less frequented and offer a more secluded experience.

Tarangire National Park:

Tarangire National Park is a popular national park located in northern Tanzania, known for its large elephant herds, baobab trees, and stunning landscapes. It covers an area of 2,600 square kilometers and is named after the Tarangire River, which runs through the park.

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including large elephant herds, as well as zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and various species of antelopes. Predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas are also found in the park. During the dry season, the Tarangire River is a lifeline for the park’s wildlife and attracts large herds of animals to its banks.

Visitors to Tarangire National Park can experience game drives, walking safaris, and night drives to see nocturnal animals such as leopards and hyenas. The park is also known for its birdlife, with over 500 species recorded in the area.

Accommodations in the park range from basic campsites to luxurious lodges that offer more amenities. Due to its proximity to other popular northern Tanzania destinations such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park is often included in multi-park itineraries.

Mount Kilimanjaro:

This is the highest mountain in Africa, and it’s a popular destination for climbers and hikers. It has several different routes to the summit, and the scenery along the way is stunning.

Zanzibar:

This is a beautiful island off the coast of Tanzania, and it’s known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and historic Stone Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and other water sports, as well as exploring the island’s rich culture and history.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area:

This is a protected area in northern Tanzania that includes the Ngorongoro Crater, which is the world’s largest intact caldera. It’s also home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo.

Lake Victoria:

This is the largest lake in Africa, and it’s a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other water activities. Visitors can also explore the nearby towns and villages to learn about the local culture and way of life.

Selous Game Reserve:

This is the largest game reserve in Africa, and it’s home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and crocodiles. Visitors can take safari tours, boat trips, and walking safaris to explore the reserve.

The weather in Tanzania can vary depending on the region and the time of year. Tanzania has a tropical climate, with the coastal areas being hot and humid, while the inland areas are generally dry and hot.

The country has two rainy seasons, the long rainy season from March to May and the short rainy season from October to December. During these times, there can be heavy rainfall, sometimes leading to floods, particularly in low-lying areas.

In general, the best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. During this time, the weather is generally warm and sunny, making it ideal for safari tours and other outdoor activities.

However, it’s important to note that temperatures can still vary depending on the region. For example, the northern highlands, where Mount Kilimanjaro is located, can be quite chilly, especially at higher altitudes.