The Swahili word “SAFARI” literally means to travel, usually a great distance that includes some form of nightly rest spent on route. The following lists below includes information on the different sorts of Safaris style available, methods of travel and accommodation that is commonly offered.
- MOUNTAIN CLIMBING AND HIKING
For most climbers who visit Tanzania, the 5895m Kilimanjaro is the top prize. Mount Meru, another of Tanzania’s volcanic peaks, is also popular, with the varied animal and plant life to be found on its slopes being a major draw. Mount Meru is Africa’s fifth highest peak with fabulous views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Momella lakes from the summit. The challenging ascent to the crater of Oldonyo Lengai passes through some fantastic scenery, with panoramic views of the Rift Valley. The track to the top of Lengai is very steep, and a true challenge attempted only by hikers with a good level of fitness.
- MOUNTAIN BIKING
For the fit and adventurous, mountain biking through the African landscape is truly an exciting experience. Avoid roads and traffic and ride through deserts and forests, up mountains and down valleys, through tiny villages and bustling market towns, then into the true wilderness past herds of antelope, giraffe and zebra
- HORSE AND CAMEL RIDES
Day rides are available from a few camps in Tanzania, for all standards of rider, and game animals are not afraid of horses in the same way that they are of cars or pedestrians, allowing visitors to approach the wildlife much more closely than usual.
- WALKING IN THE WILD
A walk through the African bush is a wonderful way to experience Tanzania first hand. Smells and sounds become distinct and varied, and smaller creatures gain significance. They are no longer simply rushed past in the race for the bigger game. When large animals do appear; they are met at eye level: the land is truly shared between humans and animals. Safety is not an – all walks are accompanied by armed, experienced guides and game rangers. Walks can be from a few hours to a full day with picnic lunch. Many hotels and camps will offer guided walks in the national parks or community areas.
- GOLFING
Although not a golfing destination, there are numerous golf courses throughout Tanzania, including Dar es Salaam and Arusha. The local clubs are always very welcoming to any visitor who may wish to swing the odd club. Contact your tour operator for details as to the nearest golf course to where you might be staying.
- BALLOON FLIGHTS
Flights by balloon take off as down breaks over the Serengeti, the perfect silence of the early morning plains broken only by the soft roar of the balloon. Far below, wildbeests scatter, looking everywhere but up at the silent visitor that floats over their world. Giraffes stand next to acacia trees, untroubled by the airborne visitors. After the thrill of landing, a champagne breakfast awaits, the air becoming warmer as the sun climbs in the sky and curious zebras look up from their grazing at the chink of cutlery in the still, warm bush.
- PARAGLIDING AND MICROLIGHT FLIGHTS
There are some fabulous areas to paraglide in Tanzania. Very few people paraglide in Tanzania, so there is a certain novelty attached. Always seek permission from the local village, explain what you are doing and where you think you will land (it is illegal to fly over national parks). Just some of the areas to fly are the Usambaras, the Rift Valley and numerous hills around Mount Meru. Microlight flights are now also available over Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley. Zanzibar has a microlight company, opening up Zanzibar’s skies to enthusiastic visitors. This intimate experience, just one person plus the pilot, allows you to see the whole island from above
- SPA TREATMENTS
The perfect way to ease tired limbs after an exhilarating day’s game viewing or in preparation for the beach. There are now many hotels, resorts and lodges in Tanzania mainland and Tanzania Islands (Zanzibar) offering world class SPA facilities to keep you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
- NIGHT GAME DRIVES
The bush is a completely different world at night which is what makes night drives so special. Manyara National Park is currently the only national park that allows this activity, an exciting once in a lifetime experience. At night animals behave quite different than during the day, and you never know who you might encounter on a night out.
- CANOEING
Canoeing trips are available in the Arusha National Park and are a wonderful experience, drifting past herds of elephants, giraffes, hippos, and buffaloes as you cruise along the shores of the Lake surrounded by countless flocks of birds.
- BOAT SAFARIS
The soft chug of an outboard engine, or the whispering flap of a canvas sail: boat safaris in Tanzania are a tranquil and relaxing way to watch wildlife. One of the best ways to see the Julius Kambarage Nyerere National Park (Formerly Selous Game Reserve), up the huge muddy brown sweep of the Rufiji River, leopards whisking away from rocks at the boat’s approach. Sail into chimpanzee territory on a dhow, skimming over the Wami River in Saadani, surrounded by amazing birdlife, hippos and alligators.
- INLAND FISHING
Rivers are stocked with trout around Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. Large rivers such as the Kilombero and Great Ruaha offer fabulous sport fishing for Tiger fish. On the great lakes, especially Lake Victoria, one can fish for large Nile Perch.
- DEEP SEA FISHING
The water around Zanzibar and Pemba islands is considered by experts to offer some of the best fishing in the world, especially the Pemba channel, between Zanzibar and Pemba islands, or around Mafia island, South of Zanzibar. Big game fish include barracuda, kingfish, sailfish, billfish, Wahoo, dorado and blue marlin.
- DIVING
Scuba diving the coral reefs off Tanzania’s coast at Zanzibar and Mafia island offer some of the world’s finest scuba diving. Diving is possible all year round, although the Kusi monsoon (strongest June – September) is accompanied by choppy seas and strong currents that make the more exposed reefs in accessible. There can be strong winds in December and January. Visibility is best from November to March, before the long rains set in.
