Tanzania

The expansive grasslands of Tanzania gently transition into idyllic white sandy beaches and warm azure oceans, making this holiday destination a real gem in sub-Saharan Africa. But Tanzania’s biggest attraction has to be its wildlife. There are countless authentic safari experiences to indulge in and each year sees the Great Wildebeest Migration; 2 million animals, moving as one through the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. Tanzania is home to fascinating people, safaris and real adventure.

Tanzania Highlights 

The majestic mountain which entices hikers and daring mountain climbers alike, casts a shadow all along northern Tanzania. As Africa’s highest mountain and a free standing volcano, it has become a popular attraction.

The peak is dusted with snow for most of the year and the slopes below are a rich habitat for an abundance of wildlife and birds. The Chagga people call it home but we call it Africa’s most exciting adventure! 

Tanzania has its own sleepy beaches upon which guests can soak up that African vibe while under the shade of swaying palm trees and old baobabs.

Sitting back beneath the shade, listening to the languid roll of waves, enjoying the breeze coming off the ocean, while watching the small fishing boats go about their day, is a relaxing experience not to be missed. 

Most of the coastline is dominated by the ancient Swahili culture making a tour here both educational and hugely exciting.

A trip to the coast is like taking a step back in time, to the era when the coast was an important trade route for those heading to Persia or India.

The Great Wildebeest Migration takes place each year and sees hundreds of thousands of grazers stampede across Northern Tanzania and Kenya.

Over 2 million animals, including wildebeest, zebra and various antelope move as one through the Serengeti and Masai Mara, in search of greener pastures.

Risking life and limb, the animals leap through the Mara River, some caught by the current, others by the predators lurking just beneath the surface. 

How to Get There

International flights fly directly to the Tanzanian capital, Dar es Salaam, while you can also fly into  Kilimanjaro International Airport or if you are visiting nearby Zanzibar, booking direct flights is a more convenient option.

The town of Arusha is the starting point for most Northern Tanzania safaris and the country’s main airport, Julius Nyerere International Airport, is the starting point for Southern Tanzania safaris. You can either drive or fly between nature reserves and other destinations.

 

Best Time of the Year to Visit

The best time of the year to visit Tanzania depends greatly on what you’ve come to see. Those wanting to see the Great Migration should plan their trip for June or July, while those wanting to see the calving should visit in February. For any wildlife viewing, the dry months (June to October) are generally best.

 High season runs from July to March, so you can expect most of the parks to be a little crowded, and the low season runs from April to May. For the best weather (very little rain), June to October are the months to visit while you can expect to have less than ideal weather between March and April.

Kenya

The sweeping plains of the savannah stretch as far as the eye can see. In the distance, the acacia trees and herds of antelope, zebra and giraffe can be seen silhouetted against the setting deep crimson African sun. This is Kenya. The country plays host to some of the most incredible wildlife viewing opportunities on the planet and together with Tanzania, it shares the spectacular annual Great Wildebeest Migration. Kenya has become the holiday destination of choice for many, and it is quite easy to understand why.

Kenya Highlights 

Passing through the territory of the Masai Mara, covering land in both Tanzania and Kenya, the migration sees millions of grazers moving through rivers and across plains, in search of food.  Each year, about 2 million animals will migrate. With the weaker animals falling behind only to lose their lives to the pack of predators following closely behind and the unlucky grazers being caught by crocodiles when attempting to cross rivers, the migration is a fascinating and sometimes heart breaking spectacle. 

Easily considered East Africa’s best known and most loved National Park, the Masai Mara, with its grassland backdrop and distinct acacia trees, is home to communities and wildlife, living mostly in harmony. For many, the Masai Mara is the very reason for their visit to Kenya. The blue horizons, brown landscapes and red attire of the communities living here, all come together to create picture perfect memories. A magical place in every way, the reserve is located in the Great Rift Valley and is surrounded by mountains on all sides. It is regarded as the best Kenya safari destination.

True wilderness awaits those who venture here. Tsavo is one of the country’s biggest national parks and unlike the grasslands of the Masai Mara, rocky hills, natural springs, swamps and volcanic cones dominate the landscape here. While the wildlife density is not as prominent as it is in other reserves, guests travelling here will have the opportunity to see the famous red elephants and the descendants of lions which gained a reputation in 1898, when they terrorised a Kenyan-Ugandan railway construction site and became the centre-point of the movie The Ghost and the Darkness, which tells the tale of Colonel John Patterson and the building of the railway. 

How to Get There

Direct international flights land daily at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

As the most common point of entry, Nairobi has become one of Africa’s biggest transport hubs. Flights to Moi International Airport, the country’s second busiest airport, just 9km west of Mombasa, are also available.

There are various domestic flights throughout the country, but you can also choose to drive between destinations. Various companies offering transfers are available should you not want to drive yourself, and if you are travelling with a tour company, you should be collected from the airport and transported to where you need to be. 

Best Time of the Year to Visit

The best time of the year to visit Kenya will depend upon what you’ve come to do or see. Those travelling to see the Great Wildebeest Migration will find that the best times to visit is in August although the herds will remain in the area until October when they will start making their way back to Tanzania. July, August and September are great months to view wildlife, although wildlife viewing tends to be exceptional all year round.

High season runs from July to November and then again from January to February. During these times, the parks can be quite full. To enjoy the best weather, consider travelling between June and October. Rainy weather can be expected in March, April and May.  

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