Mount Kilimanjaro

First thing first! Mt. Kilimanjaro is the main drawcard of Tanzania. It is the tallest mountain on the African continent and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. It has three volcanic cones namely, Mawenzi, Shira, and Kibo. Climbing Kili is not just about scaling the fabled mountain. But it also allows to enjoy a variety of topography and landscapes with the tender feeling of triumph. 

Stunning facts about Mt. Kilimanjaro:

• Kilimanjaro has a diverse ecological system including rain forest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, arctic summit, and cultivated land.
• More than 25,000 people summit Mt. Kilimanjaro annually.
• The glaciers on Mt. Kilimanjaro are estimated to be around 11,700 years old.
• Mt. Kilimanjaro lies just 205 miles from the equator. 
• Mt. Kilimanjaro was first climbed in 1889 by a German geologist Hans Meyer, an Austrian climber Ludwig Purtscheller and a local guide Yohani Kinyala Lauwo.

Nature and Wildlife

Nature in Tanzania is at its wildest. The largest concentration of animals; 120,000 elephants, 160,000 buffaloes, 1,100 species of birds, about 2,000 rhinos and much other wildlife teeming throughout Tanzania. Tanzania is also home to the largest population of African wild dogs. From grasslands to woodlands, Tanzania hosts some of the most amazing opportunities for sight-seeing and wildlife safari. 

There are 16 national parks in the country. Tanzania is also blessed with the three great lakes of Africa – Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Malawi. Lake Victoria is the largest tropical lake and the second largest freshwater lake in the world. Apart from this lake, Rift Valley Lakes and Ngorongoro Crater are home to more than 4 million animals. Tanzania is the playground of Nat Geo wildlife documentaries.

The wildebeest migration in Serengeti

There are claims about the wildebeest migration being one of the seven wonders of Africa. In fact, it is the greatest wildlife migration in the world. It sees over 2 million wildebeests migrate through grassland of Tanzania in search of grazing land and fresh water and this wonder is second to none. 

One can witness millions of wildebeests, hundreds of thousands of Thomson’s gazelles, antelopes, zebras and hungry predators like lions, hyenas, and cheetahs in the Serengeti migration. 

Lesser-known facts about the wildebeest migration:

• It is also known as Gnu migration, Serengeti migration, and Masai Mara migration.
• During the migration, the animals cross the Grumeti River and Mara River.
• The wildebeest migration event is much recognized in the tourism and hospitality industry globally, attracting millions of tourists.
• The migration covers three destinations; Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park, and finally Masai Mara National Reserve.
• The distance covered by the animals during the great migration is about 800 km.

The Maasai people and culture

The Maasai people are nomadic tribes in Africa residing in Kenya and Tanzania. Maasai people are equally known for their culture, distinctive customs, and colorful attire. Over 1 million Maasai people lead an extraordinary lifestyle and possess one of the unique cultures in Africa.

Here are some interesting facts about the Maasai people and their culture:

• Maasai people were once considered fierce warriors and feared by all other tribes.
• The Maasai are characterized by unique traditional clothing and jewelry made of colored beads.
• The Maasai are monotheist; they believe in one God, Enkai, creator of the world.
• The Maasai are obsessed with cow herding. A good herd of cattle is measured as wealth.
• Male and female circumcision is a significant ritual amongst Maasai people
• The Maasai jump has a meaning – the tribe believes that the higher a man can jump, the stronger he is.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar (also known as Spice Island) is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania located in the Indian Ocean. And, it is home to Stone Town, a World Heritage Site. When one talks about Zanzibar, it is about exotic islands for bucket-list-worthy and idyllic holidays.  

Some major attractions of Zanzibar:

• Zanzibar has some of the world’s best islands providing travelers with world-class beach experiences.
• Stone Town, the historic center, has lured travelers from around the world.
• The Jozani Forest Reserve is the home of rare Red Columbus Monkey.
• Swimming with the dolphins at Kizimkazi South Unguja.
• Pange Sandbank is a perfect spot for snorkeling in the calm and shallow waters amid coral and tropical reef fish.
• Misali Island offers idyllic beaches, nature trails for spotting flying foxes, good snorkeling, and superb diving.

The Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania is also known as “Africa’s Garden of Eden”. It offers various dramatic landscapes. Moreover, it is a wildlife haven with more than 30,000 animals including elusive Black Rhinos.

Things to know about the Ngorongoro Crater:

• The crater was formed when a volcano erupted about 2.5 million years ago.
• Ngorongoro Crater is listed on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Site, and one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders.
• The Ngorongoro Crater is home to some 25,000 large animals and is the most densely populated area of mammalian predators in Africa.
• The compact area of the crater allows you to spot the Big Five animals throughout the year: Rhino, African Elephant, African Lion, Cape Buffalo & African Leopard.
• The Maasai people graze their cattle in the crater, and the wildebeest migration passes through Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Tanzania is home to 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites from Stone Town to the largest African game reserve; the Selous. The 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are:

1. Serengeti National Park.
2. Ruins of Kilwa and Songo Mnara.
3. Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
4. Kilimanjaro National Park.
5. Kondoa Rock-art site.
6. Selous Game Reserve.
7. Stone Town.

Chimpanzees in Mahale National Park

The small and remote Mahale Mountains National Park is found in the very West of Tanzania and on the shoreline of Lake Tanganyika. Chimpanzee treks are the main draw card here and seeing them in their natural habitat is a truly magical experience. When you are with the chimps you will be able to observe their very human-like behaviors as the younger ones play in the trees and the adults observe and squabble amongst themselves