My Top 10 Favorite Things about Tanzania (from my recent trip)

I recently completed a life-changing adventure in Tanzania, and I couldn’t WAIT to share with you my top 10 favorite things about this incredible country:

1. Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is famous for being the largest intact, inactive and unharmed volcanic crater in the WHOLE WORLD! A permanent population of more than 30,000 animals inhabit a mere 100 square miles (containing 5 ecosystems) in the crater, meaning it’s possible to see the Big 5 in the course of a single game drive (we saw 3 of the 5, but we might’ve seen a rhino from far away. No leopards this time)! I didn’t realize this place should have been on my bucket list until I experienced it for myself.

One member of our group who grew up in South Africa has been dreaming of this moment for over 30 years. Now I understand why!  Put it on your list right now! Its abundance of wildlife and variety of plant species will bring tears to your eyes! We saw an abundance of animals, including pink-hued flamingos and Pelicans, hippos, elephants, zebras, cape buffalos, wildebeest, warthogs (pumbas), and we even happened upon a lioness right after she killed a zebra for her lunch.  She was exhausted and had to take a nap first before digging in.

2. Bush Planes

Many of the safari locations are remote, so driving there would take HOURS out of your precious schedule.  A bush plane that holds from 2- 12 passengers can get you to remote airstrips in a flash and give you access to areas you would not have otherwise.

3. Hot Air Balloons

Up, up, and AWAY! We had a beautiful morning for our Safari adventure, but in our very own HOT AIR BALLOON! We floated above the Serengeti for a birds eye view of the Great Migration! We ended our balloon safari with a delectable bush breakfast before heading back to the lodge! 

4. Tented Camps

You owe it to yourself to spend at least one night one night at a tented camp.  We stayed at Lemala Ewanjan, located in a secluded part of the Seronera Valley in the Serengeti, well-known for year-round game viewing and an abundance of resident big cats. While the accommodations are rather rustic (bucket shower, anyone?), the location, food, and amazing service can’t be beat!  It’s just one more safari experience you shouldn’t miss!

5. Central Serengeti/Great Migration

UNESCO’s Serengeti Plains, renowned for the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth – the great migration of wildebeest and zebra. The resident population of lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, and birds is also impressive. The Serengeti is without a doubt the earth’s greatest wildlife spectacle. Millions of large mammals–including elephants, cheetahs, wildebeest, zebras, lions, gazelles, leopards, and giraffe inhabit the great plain.

6. Tarangire National Park

We experienced morning and evening game drives among the ancient baobabs (which may have been the inspiration for the Tree of Life in Disney’s Animal Kingdom) in Tarangire National Park, known for its large concentration of elephants.  

7. Wildlife

My favorites are Cats (lions, leopards, and cheetahs), Elephants and Secretary Birds (who, despite their ability to fly, prefer to strut on the ground, hunting for their prey on foot).  These pics are the only explanation needed! 

8. Sundowners

There is no better way to end a long day of safari than enjoying a cold beverage with the best view of the sunset.  Sundowners are typically gin & tonics, but they can really be whatever beverage you like.  The important thing is getting together with your guides and the rest of your group (or do a private one) and watching the sky turn spectacular colors!

9. Maasai Tribe

Spending part of our day with the Maasai people was a real highlight of our trip.  The chief accompanied us to the local school (where many of the students belong to local Maasai tribes) because our group had pooled together money to buy school supplies for the kids and sanitary napkins for the few girls who don’t have access to these things. The girls would typically miss 4-5 days a month of school during their “time of the month,” so this is a really big deal.  The chief invited us back to his village where the men treated us to Maasai song and adamu dance (Maasai men can jump HIGH) and the women taught us to grind corn and make a beaded bracelet (which they gave us as gifts).

10. The Joyful People of Tanzania (and our amazing guides)

Everywhere we went, we were greeted with joyful smiles and “Jambo” (hello), “Asante Sana” (thank you very much), and “Karibu” (you’re welcome). The children couldn’t wait to waive at the Americans!  Then there’s our knowledgeable (and fun) guides and also the people who worked at the camps and lodges where we stayed.  We were treated to singing and dancing every day, and by the time the week was over, we all knew them by heart.  We learned so much about tracking, animal behavior, and symbiotic relationships between the species.  They say you go to Africa for the animals, and you return for the people. It’s really the people who make the difference, so no truer statement was ever made!

I think it’s pretty safe to say that I can’t WAIT to go back to Africa!  If an African adventure is on your bucket list, we have a few spots left in my Bucket List Luxury Southern Africa trip (led by yours truly) in September 2023.  You can find the link with more information (including a link to register) HERE.  Hope you can join us – it WILL sell out soon!