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TANZANIA

THE LAND OF KILIMANJARO

Photo: PTO Travel Pro*

Overview

 THE DESTINATION

OVERVIEW

Tanzania is one of Africa's richest natural treasure troves. Safari opportunities are truly unparalleled here, with 22 national parks to choose from. The Serengeti is the most famous of all. Thanks to its biodiversity and big cat populations as well as the annual Great Migration, the Serengeti has been featured in countless documentaries. It so quintessentially represents Africa and safari that it served as the inspiration for Disney's The Lion King. While the Serengeti might be the best known safari destination, don't snooze on Tanzania's other game reserves and national parks - Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Nyerere (aka Selous), and Kilimanjaro are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Jane Goodall famously conducted her Chimpanzee research in Gombe Stream National Park. Other natural superlatives also stack up. Tanzania is home to Africa's tallest mountain (Kilimanjaro), biggest lake (Lake Victoria), and deepest lake (Lake Tanganyika). Beyond wonderful wildlife watching and captivating scenery, Tanzania is filled with human history. Within the Ngorongoro Crater, you'll find Olduvai Gorge, where fossils illustrate the most continuous known record of human evolution over the past 2 million years. In rock shelters on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, the Kondoa Rock Art illustrates human history dating back thousands of years. On Zanzibar, you can explore Stone Town, where Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European cultures create a diverse city that was once a hub of the spice & slave trades. Today, you'll still find incredible diversity. Just to give an idea, over 130 languages are spoken in Tanzania as many tribes and ethnic groups come together to form one country. From the epic wildlife sightings and journeys across sweeping landscapes to the more understated moments conversing with warm, genuine hosts or simply enjoying the sounds of nature, Tanzania is a place that sticks in my mind. If you're ever blessed with a chance to visit, jump on it. Your only concern will be that you, too, will spend your life dreaming of your return to this magical place.

MOST RECENT VISIT: 2022

THE BOTTOM LINE

So what's the big deal? Here's why Tanzania is worthy of a stop on your itinerary: 
IF YOU WANT TO SEE SOME OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR WILDLIFE ON EARTH

There’s a reason the Serengeti is synonymous with Safari. The wildlife sightings are some of the best you'll find in the world. If you time it right, you can witness the spectacle of the Great Migration of millions of zebra & wildebeest. You can also explore the unique ecosystem of Ngorongoro Crater where the caldera rim assists in seeing the Big 5, Nyerere (aka Selous) where populations of wild dogs & rhino have earned UNESCO status, Gombe Stream where Jane Goodall conducted her chimpanzee research, or any one of Tanzania's 22 National Parks.

IF YOU ASPIRE TO SUMMIT KILIMANJARO

Many people come to Tanzania with their sights set on the summit of Kilimanjaro. After all, it is the tallest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing in the world. If you make the climb, don't underestimate the mountain. You'll likely be assisted by porters; make sure to treat them and the environment with well-deserved respect. Even if you don't climb, just seeing the iconic peak is a bucket list item on its own.

IF YOU WANT TO GET OFF THE GRID AND CONNECT WITH NATURE

These days, it's increasingly difficult to disconnect. Even on vacation, it's easy to succumb to the temptation of ever-present cell service & WiFi. In Tanzania it was different, we found ourselves truly off the grid. It was perfect for our honeymoon (or any romantic trip) to focus on each other rather than the pointless dings of our phones.

 

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this was not out of necessity but by design. Our lodges all did have WiFi, but it wasn't highlighted, just there in case you truly needed it. After talking with one of our lodge's managers, I was delighted to learn this set-up seems there to stay. She was happy to support WiFi-free common areas and defend the offline guest experience, even if it came at the expense of a few business addicts. It felt like a real victory for the "pole pole" lifestyle!

IF YOU WANT TO MEET THE WARMEST, KINDEST PEOPLE

When we returned home, we had countless memories & photos to share. But when people asked us what stood out about the trip, we always said, "the people." I know we stayed at lodges renowned for their hospitality, but the people we encountered were more than just good at their job. I don't think I've ever been somewhere where people felt so genuinely happy, even while working their asses off. It truly made the experience to be surrounded by such vibrant people. I'll also note that the intimate nature of the camps allowed us to connect with other guests, some who we became quite fond of and keep in touch with to this day.

TRAVEL TOOLKIT:

Full Guide on the Go

FULL GUIDE ON THE GO

Coming Soon | PDF guide to Tanzania
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