Travel Guides: All Countries / Africa / Tanzania
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| | | Sensational safari |  | Why go on holiday to Tanzania?
To see animals in the wild. Tanzania is home to a mind-boggling array of great beasts swinging, swimming, flying, trumpeting and stalking their way across the awesome plains.
Add to this excellent beach resorts and the timeless vivacity of Zanzibar, the great spice island.
How much does it cost?
A return flight between London and Dar es Salaam costs from around £500 at time of writing. A mid-range hotel room costs from £15-£40 a night. A sample seven-night safari including flights, hotel accommodation and some meals costs from £1,400 per person.
When should I go?
High season is from late June to October, when the rains have finished and it is coolest (27C/80F).
A less expensive and second-best time of year to go is from late December to February just before the long rains, although it is hotter (33C/92F). April to early June, when it rains, is the low season.
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| | | Get spicy on Zanzibar | | What should I do when I'm there?
Go on safari. There are more than 13,000 sq miles of national park in Tanzania including the famous (and largest) Serengeti National Park - watch the annual migration of up to two million wildebeest.
Also visit Mikumi, Udzungwa Mountains, Rubondo Island and Ruaha National Parks.
Other highlights are the Ngorongoro Conservation Area set in a huge crater, the vast and rugged Selous Game reserve, the Makonde Plateau and the shores of Lake Victoria.
What if I want to climb a mountain?
Try Mt Kilimanjaro for size. Africa's highest peak (5,896m/19,345ft) has forest, meadow and a barren, rocky summit. Buffalo, rhino, elephants and leopards are just some of the residents. The climb is not easy, but you'll be glad you did it.
And after the safari?
Take a break on the island of Zanzibar. This ancient island has lured just about every race and civilisation with its spices. The old town is a dazzling kaleidoscope of mosques, bazaars, mansions and fortresses.
Hook up with one of the numerous tours and take in the plantations and forests, then head for the beach. Pemba is another island of great beaches and reefs and also boasts fascinating ancient ruins.
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| | | Outdoor meditation | | Where's good for nightlife?
Dar es Salaam, and Arusha have the best nightclubs, and every town has a bar. Many hotels offer live music.
Alternatively, take advantage of where you are and sit quietly outside one evening, look out over the plains and listen to nature's nightlife.
What's the food like?
Outside the cities and major towns the choice of food is fairly limited. Lunch is the main meal and one of the more common local dishes is ugali, made from maize or cassava flour with a sauce containing meat, fish, beans and/or greens.
Also common are cooked plantain with rice and grilled meat (nyama choma). On the coast expect seafood dishes cooked in coconut.
What should I buy?
Basketry, wood carving, textiles and paintings are the local crafts and you will find them all in Dar es Salaam. Carved gourds called vibuyu are sold in Dodoma and great textile buys are to be had in Zanzibar town.
What is there for children to do?
To switch off the Lion King home video and see lions and wildebeest for real is something most children can only dream of. National parks and many hotels offer discounts for children's entrance fees and accommodation.
Tourist office
Tanzanian Trade Centre and Tourist Office, 80 Borough High Street, London SE1 1LL. Tel. 020 7407 0566.
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| | Available rental properties in Tanzania |
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