The United Republic of Tanzania, home to the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, is a scenic country filled with inspiring natural beauty and steeped in historical importance. This eastern African state boasts some of the best National Parks where tourists can witness wildlife in their own territory. As the country is bordered by the Indian Ocean on the east, there are also plenty of activities for those who enjoy the sun and surf. Finally, any travelers visiting Tanzania should not overlook the rich history of the area, which stretches back to pre-human hominids. This country is brimming with opportunity and excitement for any tourist interested in an African adventure.
There are many beautiful National Parks well worth visiting throughout Tanzania. The parks in the Northern portion of the country tend to be more popular among tourists, but the parks in the south should not be over looked. This is especially true for those visitors hoping to experience the local’s lifestyle. These southern parks include Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve, which have a much greater variety of wildlife than Serengeti National Park. Ruaha, colloquially known as “Giraffe Park”, is home to large numbers of giraffes, elephants, lions, and rare hunting dogs. Selous Game Reserve is one of two parks in Tanzania that has rhinos.
Aside from the spectacular wildlife roaming the Tanzanian countryside, there are both sea and mountains to experience while touring this African state. Many tourists journeying to Tanzania want to climb Kilimanjaro, making the area around the largest peak in Africa quite busy. Still, for those with a yen for adventure, organizing a hike to the top is quite rewarding and offers unmatched views of the countryside surrounding the mountain. In addition to the rugged mountain terrain, there are also exotic islands to enjoy and seaside activities to take part in. Zanzibar, an island just off the coast, is great for swimming with dolphins and snorkeling. Small populations of Colobus monkeys have also made their home in the Joanzi Forest on the island.
A trip to Tanzania would not be complete without taking time to learn a bit about the area’s history. In fact, the country boasts two of the best Stone Age sites in the world. Isimila Gorge and the small settlement on Zanzibar have some of the earliest examples of human art, estimated to be around 30,000 years old. There are also slave trade sites that can be visited which, while solemn, are also interesting and informative.
Tanzania is a country that is rich with wildlife, idyllic natural terrain, and human history. When planning a trip, try to go between June and August. This is the end of the rainy season, so the temperatures are bearable during the day and comfortable in the evening. A journey to the country does require an adventurous spirit and a desire to encounter other cultures, but there is so much to experience that no one should miss a chance to visit. So, brush up on some common Swahili phrases, and get ready for a trip no one could forget.
