Tanzania is home to some of the most stunning national parks in the world, filled with natural wonders you have to see to believe.
– Serengeti National Park is the most famous, home to the largest terrestrial mammal migration on earth. Over 2 million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles travel over 500 miles across the park between May and October. The massive herds as far as the eye can see will take your breath away. It’s also one of the best places in Africa to spot the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo.
– Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area contains the largest unbroken caldera in the world. The crater floor is a natural enclosure for thousands of animals like zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, rhinos, and lions. You might even spot the rare black rhino. The drive down to the crater floor is gorgeous too, with stunning views of the landscape.
– Lake Manyara National Park is a birder’s paradise, home to over 400 species of birds, including flamingos, pelicans, storks, and eagles. You can see hippos bathing in the lake, elephants wandering through the forest, and giraffes grazing on acacia trees. The park has a range of habitats from the lake and wetlands to the forest, so you’ll spot all kinds of wildlife.
With natural beauty and wonders around every corner, Tanzania’s national parks will leave you in awe. Exploring them is an adventure you’ll never forget.
Experience the Serengeti Great Migration
One of the greatest natural wonders of the world happens every year in Tanzania – the Great Migration. Over 2 million wildebeests, zebras, and antelope travel over 500 miles across the Serengeti plains and Masai Mara reserve, following the rains in search of fresh grass.
To witness this spectacle, head to the Serengeti between May and August. Drive along dirt roads through the southern plains, where massive herds of wildebeest and zebra stretch as far as the eye can see. Their hooves thunder across the land, kicking up clouds of red dust. Predators lurk, watching for opportunities to catch a meal. The drama of life and death plays out before you daily.
For the best view, take a hot air balloon ride at dawn. Gently float over the awakening plains as the golden sun rises over Tanzania. Spot prides of lions lounging in the shade, hippos wallowing in watering holes, and elephants guarding their young.
During river crossings, the frenzy reaches its peak. Wildebeest plunge into the Mara River, struggling against the current. Crocodiles snap at their heels, grabbing some as a quick snack. The dust, the noise, the chaos – it’s a spectacle like no other.
A safari in the Serengeti during the migration is a once in a lifetime chance to witness nature at its most raw and powerful. The drama, the tragedy, the beauty – it’s a dance of life that has played out for millennia and continues still. Tanzania offers a front row seat to the greatest show on Earth.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: A Journey to the Top of Africa
The Challenge of a Lifetime
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, is a challenging yet rewarding journey. At 19,341 feet high, the trek to the summit is not for the faint of heart. However, for those seeking an epic adventure, the climb offers stunning views and a tremendous sense of accomplishment.
Training beforehand is essential to complete the multi-day trek and minimize altitude sickness. You’ll hike through five distinct ecological zones, from rainforest to arctic summit, so prepare for changing weather. Guides and porters can assist you in navigating the route and carrying supplies.
Conquering the Summit
The final summit ascent begins around midnight to reach the top by sunrise. As you climb the volcanic scree in darkness, doubt and fatigue may set in. But push on—the reward is near! Emerging at the rim to watch the sun peek over clouds at dawn makes every grueling step worthwhile. As light floods the sky, gaze out at the surrounding plains and distant peaks of Kenya and Tanzania.
Revel in your achievement—you’ve just conquered the “Roof of Africa!” The descent back down seems easy compared to the climb up. Share tales of perseverance and glory with your fellow climbers. A cold beer awaits you upon your return, the perfect way to celebrate victorious from this life-changing adventure at the top of the world.