Written By Paul Collins Rubaihayo. Paul is one of the founders of Akiiki Tours and Executive Director of Sapphire Africa Foundation.
Tanzania is a land where the horizon stretches endlessly, painted with golden savannahs, volcanic craters, shimmering lakes, and the turquoise sweep of the Indian Ocean. Most travelers know it for the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro, yet to stop there is to see only the surface of this extraordinary country.
Tanzania is not just about big game and postcard peaks it’s a story of wilderness and humanity woven together. Fishermen push wooden dhows into the sea at dawn, Maasai warriors stride across acacia plains, and chimpanzees echo calls through misty forests. With Akiiki Tours, you’ll uncover a Tanzania that is vast yet intimate, thrilling yet soulful, and every bit as unforgettable as you imagine.
Serengeti: Where the Earth Trembles with Life
Few places on Earth can rival the Serengeti’s drama. When more than two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles thunder across the plains in the Great Migration, it feels as though the land itself moves. But the Serengeti is not just about one spectacle it’s a year-round wonder. From lion prides resting in golden grass to cheetahs scanning the horizon and elephants grazing beneath a setting sun, the park embodies the heartbeat of Africa.
Essential Info
- Highlights: The Great Migration (June–October in northern Serengeti, December–March in southern Serengeti), Big Five safaris, hot air balloon rides
- Where to Stay: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti (luxury), Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge (mid-range), budget-friendly tented camps
- Getting There: 1-hour flight from Arusha or 6–7 hour drive
Ngorongoro Crater: Eden Preserved
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater is often called the “eighth wonder of the world.” This ancient volcanic caldera shelters a microcosm of African wildlife: black rhinos graze the floor, flamingos dance in soda lakes, and lions patrol open plains all within one vast, natural amphitheater.
Essential Info
- Highlights: Dense wildlife population, rare black rhinos, dramatic crater views
- Where to Stay: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, The Highlands Ngorongoro (luxury domes on the crater’s edge)
- Getting There: 4-hour drive from Arusha
Mount Kilimanjaro: Africa’s Rooftop
Rising 5,895 meters above sea level, Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain and the world’s highest free-standing peak. Climbing it is not just a trek but a life-changing experience. As you ascend through lush rainforest, alpine meadows, and lunar landscapes, you journey through five distinct climate zones before finally standing above the clouds at Uhuru Peak.
Essential Info
- Highlights: Seven trekking routes (Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, etc.), breathtaking sunrises above the glaciers
- Where to Stay: Base lodges in Moshi and Arusha, luxury mountain-view lodges
- Getting There: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport
Zanzibar: Spice, Sands, and Swahili Culture
Beyond Tanzania’s wild heart lies its coastal soul: Zanzibar. Known as the “Spice Island,” it offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and beach relaxation. Wander Stone Town’s labyrinth alleys, inhale the scent of cloves and cinnamon in spice plantations, or dive into coral reefs teeming with life. And when evening falls, nothing beats watching dhows drift across the Indian Ocean under a flaming sunset.
Essential Info
- Highlights: UNESCO-listed Stone Town, spice tours, snorkeling and diving in Mnemba Atoll
- Where to Stay: Park Hyatt Zanzibar (luxury), Zuri Zanzibar (eco-luxury), boutique beachfront villas
- Getting There: 20-minute flight from Dar es Salaam or ferry from the mainland
Selous & Ruaha: Tanzania’s Untamed South
For travellers seeking wilderness far from the crowds, the southern circuit delivers raw, untouched beauty. Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere National Park) is one of the largest protected areas in Africa, home to wild dogs, crocodile-filled rivers, and vast herds of buffalo. Nearby, Ruaha National Park boasts some of the highest lion densities in the world, with rugged landscapes that feel timeless.
Essential Info
- Highlights: Remote safaris, boat safaris along Rufiji River, wild dogs, off-the-beaten-track exploration
- Where to Stay: Beho Beho Safari Camp (luxury), Ruaha River Lodge (intimate lodge)
- Getting There: 1–2 hour flight from Dar es Salaam
Lake Tanganyika & Mahale Mountains: Chimpanzee Encounters
On the far western edge of Tanzania, where the forested mountains meet the world’s longest freshwater lake, lies Mahale Mountains National Park. Here, trekking to see wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat is an adventure like no other. Add in crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, perfect for kayaking and swimming, and you’ve found one of Africa’s best-kept secrets.
Essential Info
- Highlights: Chimpanzee trekking, pristine beaches, cultural encounters with local fishing villages
- Where to Stay: Greystoke Mahale (luxury on the lake’s edge), simple beach camps
- Getting There: Charter flights from Arusha or Dar es Salaam
Tanzania Awaits
Tanzania is not just a safari it’s a journey into Africa’s essence. It’s the rustle of wildebeest hooves across the Serengeti, the quiet dignity of Maasai traditions, the scent of Zanzibar spices, and the joy of sunrise from Kilimanjaro’s summit. Whether you come for wildlife, culture, adventure, or relaxation, Tanzania rewards your curiosity with wonder at every turn.
With Akiiki Tours, you don’t just visit Tanzania you experience its spirit. Book your adventure with us today and let’s make your African dream come true.
