Most Fascinating Destinations in Tanzania for Indians

Are you game for some amazing wildlife spotting in the Serengeti, or would you prefer a hair-raising adventure trekking up Kilimanjaro or even better still, lie on a beach in Zanzibar watching the tide go by? If you feel you are up to all of this, then your next travel destination has to be Tanzania.

This beautiful country on the eastern part of Africa is home to some of the continent’s most famous national parks and natural attractions. Wildlife, beaches, friendly people, fascinating cultures – Tanzania has all these and more wrapped up in a complete package.

The most popular things to do in Tanzania and the reason many people visit the country are the safaris or game drives and adventures in the wild. If Tanzania has fascinated you and you have been dreaming for long to visit the country, then this is the time to plan your trip.

Quick View:

1. Seven amazing destinations in Tanzania
2. A sample itinerary for Tanzania
3. Which are the must-try cuisines in Tanzania?
4. Tips when travelling to Tanzania
5. Embassy
6. Checklist to travel to Tanzania
7. FAQs for your Tanzania travel

How to reach Tanzania from India?

Tanzania has three international airports at Dar Es Salaam, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro. There are flights from Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore through Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Nairobi.

Visa: Visa can be applied online via https://www.ivisa.com/ which will take around 9 business days. It will cost around $100.

Things to do in Tanzania

Here are some of the charismatic destinations in Tanzania that you must surely visit:

- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro conservation area
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Zanzibar
- Mnemba Island
- Pemba island
- Mount Kilimanjaro

Here are seven amazing destinations in Tanzania that gives you the perfect blend of nature, wildlife and adventure.

1. Serengeti National Park

Famous for migration and filled with wildlife, Serengeti National Park is undoubtedly the best-known wildlife sanctuary in the World, unequalled for its natural beauty and scientific value.

It is well known for its massive annual migration of Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Black Rhino, White Bearded Wildebeest, Zebra, Nile Crocodile and Honey Badger.

Things to do in Serengeti National Park

Admire the endless rolling plains, large herds of antelopes and birds.
Witness the migration and explore the different forms of vegetation.
Explore the beautiful landscapes of the Serengeti ecosystem.
Meet some of the most fascinating inhabitants.

Best time to visit

The dry season from late June to October offers the best wildlife viewing in general. The timing of the migration is best seen during June and July.

Where to stay? Our Recommendations:

Serengeti National Park offers a wide variety of luxury lodges and camps.

Mbalageti Safari Camp- starting from INR 18,000 per night.
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge- starting from INR 30,000 per night.
Serengeti Simba Lodge– starting from INR 40,000 per night.
Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp- starting from INR 19,000 per night.
Sametu Camp Serengeti- starting from INR 31,000 per night.

2. Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro is a deep volcanic crater, the largest unflooded and unbroken caldera in the World. Ngorongoro hosts the largest Herds in the World, the vast breathtaking wonder Ngorongoro Crater, elephants, lion, leopard etc. along with birds like flamingos, superb starlings and tacazze sunbirds.

Things to do in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Visit Ngorongoro Crater witnessing large animals like elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino.
Explore the museums.
Take a show at the theatre.
Sip hot coffee at one of the cafes.
Learn its streets and meet new people.

Best Time to Visit

General wildlife viewing is best in the dry season from June to September and makes animals spotting easier.

Where to stay? Our Recommendations:

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge- starting from INR 29,000 per night.
Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge- starting from INR 41,000 per night.
Gibbs Farm- starting from INR 52,000 per night.
Ngorongoro Lions Paw Camp- starting from INR 31,000 per night.
Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge- starting from INR 9,000 per night.

3. Lake Manyara National Park

Located on the way to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, Lake Manyara National Park offers varied ecosystems, incredible birdlife and breathtaking views. Its ground water forests, bush plains, strewn cliffs and algae-streaked hot springs offer incredible ecological variety in a small area.

Things to do in Lake Manyara National Park

Wilderness trip into the Rift Valley
Watch an abundance of wildlife including lions, leopards, hippos, baboons and monkeys.
A great site for birdwatchers.

Best Time to visit

Watching wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park is good all year, but at its best from late June to October, during the dry season.

Where to stay? Our Recommendations:

Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp- starting from INR 15,000 per night.
Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge– starting from INR 35,000 per night.
Escarpment Luxury Lodge- starting from INR 25,000 per night.
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge- starting from INR 20,000 per night.
Burudika Lodges- starting from INR 8,500 per night.

4. Zanzibar

Zanzibar is known for its beaches with its spectacular sunsets, palm fringed beaches, turquoise waters and colourful coral reefs. Take a trip to Zanzibar for some post safari relaxation, a chilled beach holiday or a romantic honeymoon in this breathtaking paradise.

Things to do in Zanzibar Beaches

Visit popular beaches like Bwejuu Beach, Michamvi Beach, Nungwi Beach etc.
Engage in activities like swimming and snorkelling.
Visit the heart of the Island- Stone Town.
Visit Jozani forest.
Palace Museum.
Eat at Forodhani market.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Zanzibar is from June to October during the cool, dry months of spring. Another popular time to visit this tropical Island is from December to February when it’s hot and dry.

Where to stay? Our Recommendations:

Sea Cliff Resort and Spa- starting from INR 11,000 per night.
Dream of Zanzibar- starting from INR 22,000 per night.
Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort- starting from INR 21,000 per night.
Zanzest Beach Bungalows- starting from INR 3,000 per night.
Filao Beach Zanzibar- starting from INR 4,000 per night.

5. Mnemba Island

Known as the Spice Island, a romantic hideaway, Mnemba Island is an exclusive paradise where the simple pleasures become your most treasured memories, a place where romantic candlelit dinners are served and celebrate the magnificent sunset in privacy.

Things to do in Mnemba Island

Relax and unwind on your own stretch of beachfront.
Enjoy Dining and sitting or bar areas on the beach.
Have tropical fruits, freshly squeezed juice and Tanzanian coffee on the beach.
Relax and take a break with yoga and massages in the tranquil retreat of your Banda.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is from June to October during the long, dry season when most days are sunny and substantial rainfall is fairly unusual.

Where to stay? Our Recommendations:

Karabai Villa- starting from INR 21,000 per night.
Sunshine Marine Lodge- starting from INR 8,000 per night.
Kasha Boutique Hotel- starting from INR 16,000 per night.
Che Che Vule Villa- starting from INR 6,000 per night.
La Villa De Victor- starting from INR 11,000 per night.

6. Pemba Island

Pemba Island is known for its lush, green hills and clove plantations. The Pemba Channel, with its coral reefs and abundant marine life, separates the Island from mainland Tanzania. Pemba’s terrain is hilly and lushly vegetated, while much of the coast is lined with mangroves and lagoons, interspersed with idyllic beaches and islets.

Things to do in Pemba Island

Go for diving in Misali Island.
Visit the Ngezi Forest Reserve.
Visit Kidike Flying Fox Sanctuary.
Pemba Museum.
Dine at the Times Restaurant.

Best Time to Visit

The best times to holiday on Pemba Island are its cool-dry seasonal months from July to October, which typically sees temperate weather conditions and also the humid-hot dry seasonal months of January and February.

Where to stay? Our Recommendations:

The Aiyana- starting from INR 39,000 per night.
Gecko Nature Lodge- starting from INR 4,500 per night.
Pemba Lodge- starting from INR 10,000 per night.
Pemba Paradise- starting from INR 8,000 per night.
Emerald Bay Resort- starting from INR 14,000 per night.

7. Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro, with its three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira, is a dormant volcano in Tanzania. The forests of the southern slopes and surrounding areas are home to elephants, buffalo, and eland. Smaller mammals inhabiting the forests include black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and bushbuck and duikers. The forests also host a rich variety of birdlife, including the rare Abbot’s starling.

Things to do in Mount Kilimanjaro

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
Enjoy the scenic views.
Witness the wildlife of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Visit the Chala Crater Lake.
Go for Hiking.

Best Time to Visit

June to October is the target time to witness wildlife in Mount Kilimanjaro.

Where to stay? Our Recommendations:

Altezza Lodge- starting from INR 4,000 per night.
Ameg Lodge Kilimanjaro- starting from INR 6,000 per night.
Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel- starting from INR 7,500 per night.
Honey Badger Lodge- starting from INR 5,000 per night.
Kaliwa Lodge- starting from INR 7,000 per night.

A sample itinerary for Tanzania

Day 1: Arrival at Arusha. Dinner. Overnight in Arusha.
Day 2: Arrival at Serengeti. Check in to lodge. Enjoy afternoon game drives. Dinner. Overnight in Serengeti.
Day 3: Enjoy all-day game drive. Dinner. Overnight in Serengeti Lodge.
Day 4: Arrival at Ngorongoro Lodge. Lunch. Relax and admire the Crater. Dinner. Overnight in Ngorongoro lodge.
Day 5: Breakfast. Full day game drive. Rest of the day in leisure. Dinner. Overnight stay in Ngorongoro.
Day 6: Arrival at Lake Manyara. Enjoy scenic views and birdlife. Dinner. Overnight in Lake Manyara.
Day 7: Arrival at Zanzibar. Transfer to the resort. Day at leisure. Dinner. Overnight in Zanzibar resort.
Day 8: Visit the famous beaches. Dinner. Overnight in Zanzibar resort.
Day 9: Visit Stone Town and Jozani forest. Overnight in Zanzibar.
Day 10: Breakfast. Transfer to the airport to fly back home.

Which are the must-try cuisines in Tanzania?

Chipsi Mayai- for chips and eggs are the favourite comfort food in Tanzania.
Nyama Choma- Grilled meat and sipping on beer is a great way to spend a sunny African afternoon.
Ugali- Ugali is the most common staple food in Tanzania due to its ease of cooking and affordability.
Mshikaki- A favourite street food being served outside nightclubs and in open air bars late at night.
Zanzibar Pizza- A popular dish.

Tips when travelling to Tanzania

Currency- The currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling. It is denoted as TZS. One Tanzanian Shilling can be roughly bought for 0.031 rupees. MasterCard or Visa is most widely accepted but it is preferable to carry currency with you.
Weather- January and February constitute the short dry season. The most pleasant time of year, however, is the long dry season which lasts from late June to mid-October.
Transport- Boat, ferry, bus car and train are the best and convenient way to travel in Tanzania.
Safety- Tanzania is, overall, a safe country to visit. This is even more so if your visit is primarily an organized safari. Almost a million tourists visit Tanzania every year, and most visits are trouble-free.
Etiquettes- Take time for greetings. Don’t eat or pass things with the left hand. Receive gifts with both hands, or with the right hand while touching the left hand to your right elbow.
Mobile Network and sim cards- The major mobile service providers are Vodacom, Airtel, Zantel and Halotel. Vodacom has the widest coverage in the country.
Power Plugs- You need power plugs and sockets of D and G type.
Taxi- The four types of taxis are Volo, Fab cars, tarimo taxi service and Mondo ride. It is convenient to book fab cars over the phone.
Health- It is mandatory to get a yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days prior to departure. Also, take malaria tablets before your journey.

Embassy

The Indian Embassy address in Tanzania is:
Shaaban Robert Street,
Plot No. 213/51, P.O. Box 2684,
Dar es Salaam.
Telephone: +255-22-2113084

Checklist to travel to Tanzania

Travel Documents- Passport, Visa, Travel insurance, tickets, medical documents and relevant ID cards and also carry yellow fever card.
Money- Debit card, local currency, US Dollars.
Clothes- Wear long trousers with full shirts.
Electronics- Mobile phone, camera and travel adapter.
Health and Hygiene- Medications that you are on, basic medical kit, women hygiene items, toiletries, insect spray.

FAQs for your Tanzania travel

1. What are the languages spoken?

The official languages are English and Swahili and most of the people that you meet on a safari can speak some English. Tanzanians, on average have a great ear for languages and can quickly learn some new phrases from the tourists that they meet. Many guides can speak more than three languages.

2. Do lodges and camps have mosquito nets?

Not all camps/lodges in Tanzania have mosquito nets. Much of the accommodations are tented camps. These tents tend to be tightly sealed and zipped tight avoiding the need for mosquito netting. Furthermore, at most camps/lodges, housekeeping will complete a turndown service and spray the rooms with mosquito repellent. Regardless of mosquito netting, you should always bring insect repellent with Deet, trousers, long sleeved shirt, blouse and dress for ladies.

Tanzania- the Ultimate destination for all Travelers

Tanzania is a beautiful, diverse and vast country renowned for its amazing safaris. The country is rich in wildlife, stunning and varied landscapes, sunshine and friendly people. To experience all of these explore Tanzania tour packages from India to visit this exotic location.

To experience this amazing vacation in Tanzania, all that you need to do is to get in touch with us at connect@flyingsquirrelholidays.com or call us at +91 3340525777.

We help you choose the best destination as per your budget and preferences and customize the most relaxing holiday package for you.