Tanzania - from the savannah to Zanzibar
General information
Tanzania is one of the most impressive destinations in East Africa - a land of savannahs, wildlife, high mountains and tropical islands. It lies on the Indian Ocean and borders Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south. The largest city is Dar es Salaam, while the official capital is Dodoma.
For visitors, Tanzania usually means two completely different experiences that actually complement each other beautifully - a safari in the national parks and a holiday on Zanzibar. On the mainland are some of Africa's most famous natural areas, and not far from the East African coast begins a world of white beaches, coral reefs and Swahili culture.
Among the country's best-known natural symbols is Kilimanjaro - the highest mountain in Africa. Its summit reaches 5,895 metres and rises above the surrounding plains. Kilimanjaro National Park is one of the country's natural highlights, and the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are among the most famous safari destinations.
Climate
Tanzania's climate is varied. On the coast and the islands it is tropical, warm and humid, while inland temperatures depend strongly on altitude and season.
For a safari, June to October is usually especially good - the weather is drier, the vegetation thinner and animals are easier to spot around water sources. January and February can also be a good time for safari, and in some areas this is when the calving season of the large herbivores takes place.
Zanzibar can be visited for much of the year. June to October is one of the best periods thanks to the drier weather, pleasant temperatures and good conditions for the beach, walks and water sports.
Culture and history
Tanzania has a culture in which numerous local traditions meet influences from the Arab world and the legacy of the trade routes along the East African coast. One of the most recognisable cultural elements is the Swahili language, which together with English is one of the country's official languages.
On the mainland, a safari is much more than a simple walk in the wild. Serengeti National Park is one of the places most often associated with Africa. Its vast grassy plains are home to lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, buffalo and many other animals.
The Serengeti is also linked to the Great Migration - the annual movement of huge herds of wildebeest, zebras and other herbivores between Tanzania and Kenya in search of water and fresh grazing. The exact timing and location of the migration cannot be guaranteed, as they depend on the rains, but it is one of the most spectacular natural events on the continent.
Ngorongoro offers a different landscape. The huge crater is part of a protected area and gathers a wide variety of wildlife in a relatively confined space. Because of its combination of scenery and wildlife viewing, the area is often included in classic safari routes.
But Tanzania is not only savannah. The real change in the journey comes when the route heads to Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, part of Tanzania, lying not far from the East African coast. The main island is Unguja, which in everyday speech is often also called Zanzibar, and the other large island is Pemba.
The island's history is closely linked to trade across the Indian Ocean. Over the centuries African, Arab, Persian, Indian and European influences met here. This mix can be seen best in the architecture, cuisine and atmosphere of Stone Town.
Stone Town, the historic centre of Zanzibar, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town combines elements of African, Arab, Indian, Persian and European traditions. Old stone buildings, narrow streets, richly carved wooden doors and markets give the feeling of a place that for centuries was a crossroads of different cultures.
A walk around Stone Town is different from a standard city tour. Here you are not necessarily looking for big monuments, but for the details - the carved doors, old façades, small shops, markets and the scent of spices. Interesting places include the Palace Museum, linked to the history of the sultans of Zanzibar, the Old Fort and the Forodhani Gardens, which in the evening become a lively spot for food and meeting people.
Zanzibar has long been known as "the spice island". Cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, ginger and cardamom are part of the archipelago's agricultural and trading history. A visit to a spice plantation is one of the most interesting excursions, as it shows what the plants look like and how they are used in the local cuisine.
After history and culture comes the island's best-known side - its beaches. Zanzibar is famous for its white sand, warm turquoise waters and coral reefs. Depending on the area, the tides change the coastal landscape considerably, and sometimes the retreating water reveals wide expanses of sand.
The north coast, especially around Nungwi and Kendwa, is one of the most popular areas for a holiday. The beaches here are wide and the sea is good for swimming and water activities. On the east coast the landscape is more strongly shaped by the tides, which creates a different atmosphere.
Zanzibar is also ideal for lovers of the underwater world. The coral reefs around the archipelago offer opportunities for diving and snorkelling, with tropical fish, sea turtles and other local marine life to be seen.
Among the island's natural sites is Jozani Forest, known for its rich biodiversity and for the Zanzibar red colobus monkey - a species characteristic of the island. Jozani is an interesting stop for those who want to see the green, tropical side of Zanzibar, not just its beaches.
Boat trips can also be organised around the island. Popular options include outings on traditional dhow boats, visits to sandbanks and various snorkelling routes. In the right conditions, the sea around Zanzibar is one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip.
The local cuisine also bears the traces of the island's history. It combines African, Arab and Indian influences, and spices play an important role. Seafood, fish, coconut, rice and various aromatic blends are the basis of many local dishes. In Stone Town, the night markets are a good place to try more informal local food.
Why and when to visit?
Tanzania is especially well suited to a combined trip, as it lets you bring together two completely different experiences in one holiday. The first part can be devoted to a safari in the wild and the second to relaxing by the Indian Ocean.
The classic option is a safari in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, after which the journey continues to Zanzibar. After a few days among lions, elephants and huge herds of herbivores, the landscape changes abruptly - the savannah gives way to palm trees, white sand and a turquoise sea.
For history lovers, Zanzibar has plenty to offer beyond the beach. Stone Town, the markets, old palaces, traditional doors, spice plantations and local cuisine show a completely different Africa - linked not only to the land but also to centuries of trade across the Indian Ocean.
If your main goal is a safari, the dry season from June to October is one of the most popular periods. For Zanzibar too, June to October is a very good time, with good conditions for the beach, sea activities and walks.
Tanzania is one of those destinations where the most meaningful route does not end with a single sight. Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro show the scale of mainland Africa, while Zanzibar adds a completely different rhythm - Swahili culture, history, spices and tropical beaches.
It is this combination that makes the country so interesting to travel. One morning you may be watching wildlife on the savannah, and just a few days later strolling the narrow streets of Stone Town or ending the day with a swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
