Tanzania is the land of the giants of Africa with its highest point, Mount Kilimanjaro, and its three largest lakes, Victoria, Tanganyika and Nyasa. If the archipelago of Zanzibar, the Serengeti Park and the Ngorongoro Crater complete the picture, the beauty of the South of this country of 50 million inhabitants is not an empty word. For those who do not really believe in dreams, let them be subjugated by this nature and these landscapes so grandiose.
If you are planning a trip to Zanzibar, discover our article: What to see, what to do in Zanzibar? The 13 must-sees.
Direction the South!
Tanzania woke up not so long ago to tourism. Unlike Kenya, Tanzania has not chosen the path of mass tourism but of development. The Tanzanian national parks are more expensive than those in neighboring Kenya, in order to finance their preservation. The number of visitors is growing year after year and has recently exceeded one million. If two thirds of them land at Kilimanjaro Airport, in the north of the country, between Arusha and Moshi, others prefer Dar es Salaam, before going to discover the South which does not lack attractions. Sprawling city of 4 million inhabitants, economic capital of Tanzania, seat of all ministries and foreign embassies, Dar es Salaam does not really deserve the detour.
After the parks in the north, it is now those in the south that attract visitors. Starting with the gigantic Selous Game Reserve. It is the largest protected natural area in the world. With fewer tourists than in the northern parks, it is certainly the best place in Tanzania for the observation of animals, especially lions.
Spread over 50,000 km², Selous is home to an incredible number of buffalo and elephants. Unfortunately, poaching continues to reduce the number of pachyderms: it is estimated that 90% of the elephants, counted in 1982 when it was listed as a World Heritage Site, have now disappeared... Unique species live in it. There are 350 species of birds and 2,000 varieties of flowers.
By road to Mikumi and Udzungwa
The southern road leads to Mikumi and Udzungwa Mountain Parks. The former touches the Selous Reserve on its southern side. Arriving by road, it is possible to see antelopes, zebras and giraffes in the savannah. It offers landscapes made of mountains, in which nestle many waterfalls. All the species are gathered there since it is the same ecosystem as that of Selous. The yellow baboon enjoys living in the trees in some parts of the park. The fourth largest park in Tanzania, it is a refuge for European migratory birds and other local species during the rainy season. Near the entrance are two lakes that are home to hippos. Udzungwa is only a few kilometers from the larger Mikumi. The altitudes of this park vary greatly: from about 300 m for the lowest point to 2 576 m for the highest. There are several species of endemic monkeys. Udzungwa is particular for its flora: between 20 and 30 % of what is found there is specific to this place. Nearly 2,000 plant species have been recorded. Moreover, the forests are important for the Tanzanian economy: they provide honey, oils and wood. Continuing towards Iringa, it is easy to reach Ruaha. This park is the third largest in the country with its 13 000 km². Created 50 years ago, it is a real wonder, largely less frequented than the large parks of the North. It takes its name from the river that runs through it. Ruaha is mostly known for its elephants but not only. Indeed, the richness of its fauna makes it one of the jewels of the African continent. It is possible to observe kudus, hippotragues and oryx. Among the bird species, some are endemic. A few kilometers from Iringa, is the exceptional site of Isimila. On 33 hectares, this site of the stone age is constituted of immense columns, filed by the erosion. A visit is a must before heading to Mufindi, where it is possible to walk through one of the largest tea plantations in Tanzania. Continuing by road to Mbeya - the major town in the south - those who wish to do so can visit Kitulo Plateau Park. The park is known as the "Serengeti of flowers" because of the diversity of its flora (350 species) and is a real eden for botany enthusiasts. Steep with several peaks at nearly 2,600 m, the park is also known for the hikes it offers.
Katavi, the authentic
West of Mbeya, some seven hours by bus, the town of Sumbawanga is the last stop before Katavi Park. This park is one of the most remote in the country, bordered by a large swamp on its northern and eastern parts. The savannah covers an overwhelming majority of the park. Little visited, it offers a large fauna with 400 species of birds, and the usual animals of the African bush (including many buffalos). In the rainy season, Katavi and Chada lakes have the largest concentration of crocodiles and hippos in Tanzania.
From Sumbawanga, it takes only a few hours by bus to reach the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika at Kasanga. From there, a guide can take you to the majestic Kalambo Falls on the border with Zambia.
End on the coast
A trip that does not end on the coast, north of Dar es Salaam - in the Bagamoyo region - or in Zanzibar would leave a taste of unfinished business. To reach the archipelago of Zanzibar, you have to go back to Dar-es-Salaam to take the boat or the plane that leads to this jewel of the Indian Ocean.
Zanzibar, which will have made Arthur Rimbaud or Joseph Kessel dream in vain, begins with the arrival in Stone Town, the capital of the archipelago. Labyrinth of alleys, it is a city of architecture and memory. Classified as a World Heritage Site, you must see its doors from another time, its houses made of coral stones. Generally speaking, Zanzibar is rich in activities, including scuba diving. Several clubs offer the exploration of the underwater world. For those looking for peace and quiet, it is advisable to head east. You will appreciate its white sand beaches and its coconut trees dancing the twist under the effect of the wind. On the mainland, the most beautiful beaches are located near Bagamoyo. We recommend the Lazy Lagoon, an hour north of Dar es Salaam. Near the ruins of Kaole, its beaches are havens of peace and will mark with delight the end of the trip.
Useful information
When to go? Tanzania is best avoided during the rainy season (mid-March, mid-May). In January-February, it is very hot and it is the time of migrations. In July-August, it is cool (winter).
How to get there. Direct flight to Dar-es-Salaam and domestic flight to Zanzibar.
AIR FRANCE - More information on the website
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Find a local travel agency in Tanzania
Useful. To best prepare your trip.
TANZANIA TOURIST OFFICE - More information on the site
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