Traveling to Tanzania
Tanzania was my first African safari destination, and what an introduction to the continent. Eleven days exploring the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar gave me some of the most memorable wildlife encounters of my life.
Tanzania has 62 million people and contains some of Africa's most iconic landscapes - Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa's highest peak), the Serengeti plains, and the spice island of Zanzibar. It's one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth. Fun fact: the Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera and hosts the densest concentration of lions in Africa.
What I Experienced
The Serengeti exceeded every expectation. Watching lions at sunrise, seeing thousands of wildebeest moving across the plains, encountering elephants just meters from our vehicle - nature documentaries don't capture the scale and immediacy of it. Our guide knew exactly where to find the big cats.
Ngorongoro Crater feels like a lost world. Descending into this massive caldera, you're surrounded by walls on all sides while below you is an entire ecosystem - flamingos in the soda lakes, rhinos (a rare sight), hippos, and the full cast of African wildlife in a relatively compact area.
Zanzibar was the perfect finale. Stone Town's narrow streets, the spice plantations, and pristine beaches on the east coast. The blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences creates something unique. The seafood markets at night, with fishermen grilling the day's catch, were fantastic.
The drone captured Zanzibar's paradise from above. Small islands float in impossibly turquoise waters, their tropical vegetation surrounded by coral reefs visible through the crystal-clear Indian Ocean. Along the coastline, white sand beaches curve around luxury resorts with overwater villas - the kind of views that make you understand why Zanzibar has enchanted travelers for centuries.
Practical Notes
- Tanzanian Shilling is the currency, but USD is widely used for tourism
- Book safaris through reputable operators - it's worth the premium
- Malaria prophylaxis is essential for the mainland
- Zanzibar requires a separate entry (though still part of Tanzania)
- Best wildlife viewing is during the dry season (June-October)
Tanzania delivered everything I hoped for and more. The safari experience is life-changing - highly recommend.
These high-resolution aerial panoramas of Tanzania are available for purchase with commercial license - perfect for safari lodge marketing, African travel content, or tropical island wall art.