The East African nation of Tanzania is one of the world’s most vibrant destinations, known for its vast wilderness areas like the Serengeti National Park, a safari hot spot popular because of the presence of the ‘big five’. Home to elephants, lions, leopards, rhino and buffalo, along with a plethora of additional flora and fauna, it’s perhaps unsurprising that this small yet diverse country has become a must-visit for affluent nature enthusiasts from across the globe – but while wildlife spotting is most certainly a major highlight of a luxury break here, Tanzania has far more to offer besides.
Home to Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, and counting the tropical offshore paradise of Zanzibar amongst its territories, a visit to Tanzania promises to take you on an exciting and diverse exploration that encompasses rich African culture, diverse landscapes, beautiful beaches and hidden coves, with an underwater world that is teeming with life and is quite simply, breath-taking.
If you’re considering a visit to Tanzania this year, then here are the many reasons you should go ahead and book those first class tickets now – and prepare for a luxury trip you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Things to do
Go on safari
Starting with the obvious, no visit to Tanzania would be complete without booking yourself onto a safari. Tanzania is home to two of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations – the Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater, where hundreds of different species of wildlife can be spotted throughout the year. Spot the Great Migration, which sees vast herds of Wildebeest make the pilgrimage to greener pastures each year as they follow the rains.
While there’s no denying that both the Serengeti and Nogorongoro offer breath-taking safari experiences for nature lovers, the wilder southern national parks, like the Selous Game Reserve, are also worth a visit, and with fewer tourists around, you’ll likely enjoyer a quieter and more peaceful trip.
Climb Kilimanjaro
For the more intrepid traveller, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is one to add to your list of adventurous achievements while in Tanzania. A dormant volcano with three volcanic cones, its summit stands at 5,895 metres above sea level, and 4,900 above its plateau base – making it no small feat to conquer for those who dare.
While compared to Everest, it might be considered an ‘easy’ climb, make no mistake – Kilimanjaro is not one for the faint-hearted. Those who make it to the top will tell you that the final stages are treacherous and icy-cold, but the views, and the sense of accomplishment, will undoubtedly be worth it.
Relax in Zanzibar
After an action-packed adventure on the Tanzanian mainland, set sail for the paradisiacal isle of Zanzibar. This breath-taking haven in the Indian Ocean features picturesque white-sand beaches fringed by swaying palms, and is the perfect spot for a few days of rest and relaxation to round off your trip.
The Swahili coast is home to some excellent dive sites, making Zanzibar the perfect pick for ocean lovers, with warm waters and a number of different dive schools in operation across the island to suit all levels and abilities. If scuba isn’t for you, then there’s still plenty of marine life to see when snorkelling the island’s coral reefs – and afterwards, you can languish on the sugary white sands with a tropical cocktail as you soak up some rays and take it all in.
Go fishing
As the diversity of marine life is quite something in Tanzania, it stands to reason that the fishing is pretty spectacular, too. There are plenty of opportunities for enthusiasts to get their fix here, with the deep waters of the Indian Ocean rich in big game fish such as tuna, marlin and swordfish, to name but a few. As they migrate through the Pemba channel on a yearly basis, it’s the perfect time to head out for a spot of deep sea fishing with one of the many private companies offering quality experiences. Book a Damn Good guide with Captain Experiences for a guaranteed good time, and look out for grouper, red snapper and other local species – you can even bring some back for a barbecue dinner on the beach.
Where to stay
Singita Sabora Tented Camp, Serengeti National Park
Who said going on safari meant slumming it? The opulent Singita Sabora camp offers one of the most luxurious – and romantic – experiences in all of Tanzania, with mindfully created interiors featuring a rich combination of textures and forward-thinking, highly-functional aesthetics. Set in 350,000 acres of protected wilderness, it offers guests a front-row seat to some pretty incredible game viewing, and with your safaris included in your stay, it’s a no brainer at £1,850 per night.
The Oyster Bay, Dar Es Salaam
Spending a night in Dar Es Salaam? Then check in at The Oyster Bay – a six-room seaside boutique hotel in the city’s most upmarket district. Expect spacious suites, great food and excellent service starting from £200 per night.
The Residence Zanzibar, Zanzibar
Lavish beachfront properties aren’t hard to find on Zanzibar, but The Residence offers a unique experience, nestled within a hidden tropical paradise. Its palatial villas and sprawling infinity pools ensure you’ll enjoy complete comfort throughout your stay, and with numerous high-end dining and drinking experiences to choose from, there’s no better place to relax and reflect at the end of an incredible getaway, with prices starting from around £500 per night.
