Tanzania Travels

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Best Things To Do In Tanzania

1. Serengeti National Park

Why Visit: The Serengeti is home to the legendary Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains. This park also offers some of the best predator sightings, with lions, cheetahs, and leopards frequently seen in action.

  • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Entrance Fee: $70 per adult (non-residents), $30 per child (non-residents)
  • Best Time to Visit: June to October for general wildlife viewing, December to July for the Great Migration
  • Family-Friendly: Yes, but safaris may not be suitable for very young children
  • Accessible for People with Special Needs: Some lodges and safari vehicles are wheelchair-friendly, but terrain can be challenging

2. Mount Kilimanjaro

Why Visit: As the tallest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro is a dream destination for trekkers and adventure lovers. The journey to the summit takes climbers through different climate zones, from lush rainforests to arctic landscapes.

  • Opening Hours: 24/7 (hiking permitted with a guide)
  • Entrance Fee: $70 per day (non-residents) + climbing permits starting from $100
  • Best Time to Visit: January to March, June to October
  • Family-Friendly: Not recommended for young children due to altitude and difficulty
  • Accessible for People with Special Needs: Not wheelchair-accessible; requires high physical fitness

3. Zanzibar (Stone Town & Beaches)

Why Visit: Zanzibar’s pristine white beaches and turquoise waters make it a tropical paradise. Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a fascinating mix of African, Arab, and European influences with its winding alleys, spice markets, and historical sites.

  • Opening Hours: 24/7 (public areas and beaches), museums 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Entrance Fee: Free for most beaches; museums range from $5 to $10
  • Best Time to Visit: June to October (dry season)
  • Family-Friendly: Yes, ideal for all ages
  • Accessible for People with Special Needs: Some resorts offer accessible facilities, but Stone Town has uneven terrain

4. Ngorongoro Crater

Why Visit: This massive volcanic crater serves as a natural enclosure for an incredible variety of wildlife, including lions, rhinos, elephants, and hippos. It is one of the best places to see the “Big Five” in a single day.

  • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Entrance Fee: $70 per adult (non-residents), $20 per child (non-residents)
  • Best Time to Visit: June to October for wildlife viewing
  • Family-Friendly: Yes, suitable for all ages
  • Accessible for People with Special Needs: Some safari vehicles accommodate wheelchairs

5. Tarangire National Park

Why Visit: Famous for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, Tarangire offers an off-the-beaten-path safari experience. It is also home to diverse bird species and seasonal river crossings.

  • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Entrance Fee: $50 per adult (non-residents), $15 per child (non-residents)
  • Best Time to Visit: June to October for wildlife viewing
  • Family-Friendly: Yes
  • Accessible for People with Special Needs: Some lodges and safari operators provide accessibility options

6. Lake Manyara National Park

Why Visit: This compact park is famous for its tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos. The scenery varies from groundwater forests to open grasslands, offering diverse wildlife encounters.

  • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Entrance Fee: $50 per adult (non-residents), $15 per child (non-residents)
  • Best Time to Visit: June to October for game viewing, November to May for birdwatching
  • Family-Friendly: Yes
  • Accessible for People with Special Needs: Some lodges and safari vehicles cater to special needs

7. Mafia Island

Why Visit: This secluded island offers some of the best snorkeling and diving experiences in Tanzania. The Mafia Island Marine Park is home to vibrant coral reefs, whale sharks, and a wide variety of marine life.

  • Opening Hours: 24/7 (marine park access during daylight hours)
  • Entrance Fee: $20 per person for the marine park
  • Best Time to Visit: October to March for whale shark sightings
  • Family-Friendly: Yes, especially for families who enjoy marine activities
  • Accessible for People with Special Needs: Limited facilities for wheelchair users

8. Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)

Why Visit: One of the largest game reserves in Africa, Selous offers a more remote and wild safari experience. Boat safaris on the Rufiji River allow visitors to see hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife up close.

  • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Entrance Fee: $50 per adult (non-residents), $15 per child (non-residents)
  • Best Time to Visit: June to October for dry-season wildlife viewing
  • Family-Friendly: Yes, but best for older children
  • Accessible for People with Special Needs: Limited accessibility due to rough terrain

9. Gombe Stream National Park

Why Visit: This small park is famous for its chimpanzee population, studied by Jane Goodall since the 1960s. Visitors can trek through the forests to observe these primates in their natural habitat.

  • Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Entrance Fee: $100 per person (non-residents)
  • Best Time to Visit: July to October for chimpanzee tracking
  • Family-Friendly: Suitable for older children who can handle trekking
  • Accessible for People with Special Needs: Not wheelchair-accessible due to rough terrain

10. Ruaha National Park

Why Visit: Tanzania’s largest national park, Ruaha is less crowded than other safari destinations, offering a more exclusive experience. It is home to large lion prides, elephants, and rare antelope species.

  • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Entrance Fee: $30 per adult (non-residents), $10 per child (non-residents)
  • Best Time to Visit: June to October for wildlife viewing
  • Family-Friendly: Yes, but long drives may not be suitable for young children
  • Accessible for People with Special Needs: Some lodges cater to special needs, but terrain is challenging