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Tanzania
Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s grandest sights, from the endless plains of the Serengeti, to the glorious Ngorongoro Crater, the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro, and the exotic island of Zanzibar.
As a safari destination, Tanzania is unmatched. There is a wide range of safari parks in the north of the country, including Serengeti, Tarangire, Arusha and Lake Manyara. A highlight of any northern Tanzania safari is meeting the indigenous tribes, such as the Masai and Hazda. The Masai are also wonderful wildlife guides and a number of our safaris include guided walks with the Masai.
The southern parks and reserves of Selous, Ruaha and Katavi are more exclusive and wild; and here we offer walking safaris, fly-camping and river safaris as well as 4 x 4 game drives. Daily flights connecting Selous and Ruaha mean you can combine these two beautiful reserves ensuring a wonderful safari experience.
In the west of the country, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, are the parks of Gombe Stream and Mahale, famous for chimp tracking. Mahale is also renowned as a birding paradise. The superb Greystoke Mahale Camp is our favourite place to stay, with an idyllic location on a small sandy bay backed by palm trees and forested slopes. Adding on a few days in Katavi works brilliantly well with Mahale. The recent addition of twice weekly flights from Arusha have made Mahale much more accessible.
All of Tanzania’s parks and reserves are teeming with game. The vast plains of the Serengeti alone support over 3 million large game. Here, between December and July vast and spectacular columns of wildebeest, zebra and predators begin their spectacular migration from the south to the permanent water in the north.
Both a northern Tanzania safari and a southern Tanzania safari can be combined with Zanzibar, Pemba or Mafia Islands. Those looking to begin or end their safari with a beach break should also consider Tanzania's mainland coast, which boasts a number of beaches and resorts that are well worth a visit.
Gane and Marshall offers a Tanzania safari for every budget. Tanzania has a huge range of properties from luxury lodges to upmarket semi-mobile camps which are moved seasonally to follow the wildlife. One of our favourite safaris is a light mobile safari, allowing you and your driver/guide to head off for some great wildlife experiences in the bush, carrying your camping gear on the safari vehicle – it's easy on the budget, and great for getting to know Tanzania.
For trekkers there is of course the highest free-standing mountain in the world – Kilimanjaro. Speak to Jeremy Gane who has climbed the mountain over 20 times and who can offer advice on every aspect of your climb. Jeremy was project manager and guide for the Elton John Foundation Aids Day climb in 2003 and in March 2009 he led the biggest ever Kilimanjaro event, the Comic Relief climb with Cheryl Cole, Gary Barlow, Ronan Keating and several other A list celebrities.
There are several other peaks in Tanzania to consider. A combination of Meru and Kilimanjaro is very rewarding, as Meru offers good acclimatisation for Kilimanjaro, while being a challenging and beautiful mountain in its own right.
With nearly two decades of working in Tanzania, we provide good itinerary advice and top class guides for any Tanzania safari or Kilimanjaro climb. We know how to plan your Tanzania safari away from the crowds but close to the game.
TRAVEL ADVICE
In the north of Tanzania the dry season is June to October and December to March. The long rains come between April and May and the short rains begin in November.
The southern parks are best visited between June and March.
The western parks have some rain November to June.
Kilimanjaro is best climbed June – October and mid December to early March, but mountain weather is unpredictable.
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Regions in Tanzania
Arusha National Park is located just outside the city, and encompasses the stunning Mt.Meru, Africa’s fifth highest mountain.
The largest city in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam is a bustling sea port with a great deal to offer to travellers
Gombe is the smallest of Tanzania's national parks, but thanks to the world renowned zoologist Dr Jane Goodall, it is one of the best known.
Located far off the beaten track, Katavi is Africa at its most wild - unadulterated bush settings, spectacular views, and rich wildlife.
Kilimanjaro climbs: dates, prices and information about treks and wilderness routes, Shira, Lemosho, Rongai, Kibo Uhuru and Mweka, from rain forest to the Arctic summit. Gane and Marshall is a dedicated tour operator and a centre of excellence for Kilimanjaro Climbs. Jeremy Gane was the project manager and leader of the Comic Relief 2009 celebrity Kilimanjaro climb.
Lake Manyara National Park occupies a 50km stretch along the base of the 600-metre high Rift Valley escarpment
Mafia Island is a popular beach destination for those looking to relax after a safari.
Mahale Mountains National Park
Mahale Mountains National Park is located in one of the most remote and secluded areas of Tanzania
Mikumi National Park is situated along the northern border of the Selous
Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania boasts a blend of landscapes, wildlife, people and archaeology
Traditionally part of the Zanzibar Archipelago, Pemba is fast becoming a unique destination in its own right.
Ruaha is a remote bastion of spectacular wilderness, undisturbed wildlife, and breathtaking scenery.
Selous is the largest game reserve in Africa and contains some of the greatest concentrations of big game left on earth.
The Serengeti National Park is one of the largest and best game reserves in Africa.
Today, many of the winding streets and high townhouses of old Stone Town remain unchanged and visitors can walk between the sultan’s palace, the House of Wonders, the Portuguese fort and gardens, the merchants’ houses, and the Turkish baths of the old city.
Here ancient Swahili history, culture and hospitality combine with hundreds of miles of endless beaches and the warm Indian Ocean.
Named after the river that flows through the park, Tarangire National Park is one of the lesser known Tanzanian National Parks, giving it a real air of undiscovered Africa.
Zanzibar’s coastline offers some of the best beaches in the world, but sand and surf vary depending on what side of the island you’re on.
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Example itineraries in Tanzania
These low cost safaris are a superb way of getting to know the game parks of Africa at a reasonable cost. Dome tents with mattress on the groundsheet. Beds are made up with sheets and blankets. You will be able to pre-buy your drinks from the local store. Your driver/guide and assistant will prepare meals. Camping equipment is carried in the main safari vehicle and normally public camp sites are used. You can upgrade to private camps if you wish.
Kilimanjaro Shira 8 with Low Cost Safari
Kilimanjaro Shira 8 with Low Cost Safari. A small group regular departure climb up Kilimanjaro followed by short safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Manyara
North Tanzania and Zanzibar typical
North Tanzania and Zanzibar - 2 weeks, visiting Ngorongoro, Manyara, Serengeti, Zanzibar or mainland coast
3 and 5 days low cost safaris and short Excursions North Tanzania
3 and 5 days low cost safaris and short Excursions North Tanzania visiting Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Serengeti and Manyara Natioanl Park, staying in either full appointed tents or moderately priced lodges. Includes full board, all park fees, 4 x 4 vehcile and English speaking driver guide.
North Tanzania Light Mobile and Lodge Safari
These low cost safaris are a superb way of getting to know the game parks of North Tanzania at a very reasonable cost. Dome tents with mattress on the groundsheet. Beds are made up with sheets and blankets. Camping equipment is carried in the main safari vehicle and normally public camp sites are used. You can upgrade to private camps if you wish. We usually mix in some lodge nights as in this itinerary.
