Author: superbeo

Gombe Stream National Park

Gombe Stream National Park is situated in the western border of Tanzania, and is easily accessible by boat from Kigoma town which is 16 km to the south. With an area of only 52 sq km, Gombe Stream is one of the smallest National Parks in Tanzania, comprising a narrow strip of mountainous country bounded in the east by the crest of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, and in the west by Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest and second deepest at 1400 meters deep.

Gombe Stream, like its sister game park of Mahale Mountains to the south, is a park without roads, where you can experience nature on foot accompanied by the park guide. The park’s vegetation varies from the evergreen forests of tall trees to open woodlands and grasslands. The park’s most special feature is its chimpanzees, made famous by Jane Goodall’s study. Chimpanzees are classed as one of the world’s endangered species, and are the primary visitors attraction in Gombe.

Other common mammals found are forest species, mostly primates including baboons, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, red tailed monkeys and red colobus monkeys. There are more than 200 species of birds in Gombe Stream National Park.

Info

Size: 52 square kilometres.

Location: 16km north of Kigoma on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

Best Time: July-October or December.

To Do: Chimpanzee trekking, hiking, swimming, Dr. Livingstone’s camp site, and dhow building.

Known For: Chimpanzees

Kilimanjaro Photography Guide

Participating in Kilimanjaro photography workshop is on the list of experiences for many landscape photographers. Whether you’re a first-time climber or pro, we will work together elbow to elbow to make sure you get great shots!

Following are the top considerations that will directly affect the success of your adventure. The first line of questions inevitably deals with camera gear. Here are some ideas that help for comfortable, safe and ready to execute to the best when photographing on kilimanjaro

Camera Equipment

You should bring a 35mm camera. Other cameras simply won’t capture the depth and composition that Kili offers. For the photographic enthusiast, we recommend a standard Single Lens Reflex (SLR) 35mm camera as opposed to the pocket-type 35mm camera. The SLR will provide a greater variety of shots, because there is a larger choice of filters and lenses to use. Also, most modern SLR cameras have the complete range of fully automatic to manual features that offer more flexibility and control. For those who want to shoot in recreational fashion and don’t want the bother of changing lenses and fussing with F-stops, a pocket 35mm should suffice.

Telephoto zoom lenses from 35mm-135mm (focal length) should be versatile enough to do justice to the many great and small things you’ll see along the way. If you have only fixed lenses, then we recommend a standard 50mm, 200mm, and wide angle lens (the wide angle shots are real treasures).

You may want to consider the following filters:

A polarizer filter, to change the contrasts of light and dark in your This is more critical at the summit, where exposed faces and background images will be difficult for you (and your camera) to assess the light and properly expose.
A warming filter, in order to help improve skin tones, which tend to appear slightly blue in high altitude

With regard to film, slide film will produce images with great color saturation and high quality resolution. Keep in mind that it gets expensive to produce prints from your slides.

Should you use print film, we have had great success using Fuji film. You should bring an assortment of different speeds, though favoring mostly 100 and 200 speed, because in general the light levels will be ample to support this. Consider purchasing all this equipment and/or film from the local photo shop rather than from the discount drug store. The photo specialists will be able to assess your intentions, provide useful advice, and recommend the best equipment and film for you. Make sure you buy enough film for your entire trip, as the availability of film in Tanzania is not guaranteed and the cost is prohibitive.

Camera Care

Because this climb takes you from equatorial tropics to arctic conditions, it will be necessary to take measures to protect your camera equipment and film from the elements. Make sure you waterproof everything. Bring a waterproof container (ziploc bags are great) for your film, camera, and lenses/filters, which will also aid in keeping dust and dirt out.

On your final ascent, the temperatures will most likely be below 32 deg. F, and you must take steps to ensure that your camera does not freeze. If you put cameras and lenses, etc. in the inner pockets of your parka, or in pockets of an inner layer (where they can receive your body heat), that will be sufficient. A smaller “point and shoot” camera is best for summit shots, as the larger cameras may be difficult and awkward to fit inside your parka. Your daypack is not an advisable location for keeping this equipment on the final ascent, and in general, insulated containers are too bulky and heavy to be useful.

Upon summiting, you’ll want a few nice shots, so make sure your camera is all set up. The last thing you’ll want to do at Uhuru Peak is change your lens and fuss with loading a new roll of film. Make sure you return the camera to warmth, as it doesn’t take long for it to freeze. If you’re certain that your camera is frozen when you turn it on, do not attempt to take pictures. Leave it alone and wait until you are back at warmer temperatures. You may want to consider bringing a backup camera in case your primary one expires.

Digital Cameras and Video Cameras

Digital cameras are a great option to standard film cameras, and can be easier to use on the trail. The ability to see and edit your images right away is an asset, and it saves you time and money in the absence of the need to change and develop film. You can also use most digital cameras in freezing conditions without worry, though battery life diminishes quickly.

8mm or digital video are popular formats for capturing motion images from the mountain, and if you are sure enough of your abilities, then your efforts will give great rewards.

You’ll need to bring plenty of batteries, as the cold weather seems to shorten battery life. Consider bringing additional lenses and filters, but keep your weight in mind. Please take steps to guard your equipment from the elements, as discussed above. Each climber will have a personal porter on the climb to carry your photo equipment.

Our Photography Safaris

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When to visit Tanzania

When is the best time to visit Tanzania? Well, Tanzania has different attractions and each attraction offers the best in different times of the year. There is no right or wrong time to visit Tanzania,It will depend on many things including your interests, exactly where you want to visit and why you’re travelling. but the dry season (from late June to October) is the most popular time for a Tanzania safari, we have endeavoured to sum up what you should expect at each time of the year as well as giving you tips of each month based on our many years of travelling out to this fantastic country..

JANUARY

Weather January is warm/sunny with short showers.

Game viewing

It is one of the best times for game viewing in all wildlife parks in Tanzania, especially migratory animals in their vast numbers (wildebeest, zebras, gazelles) and predators around Ndutu in southeastern Serengeti plains. Ndutu area, in the Ngorongoro southeastern Serengeti plains, is the main holding ground for migratory animals in their hundreds of thousands, lingering for more than four months, between December and April, before they start moving across the Serengeti in search of greener pastures and water.

Birding

All game parks offer excellent bird watching in January. Many species including Eurasian migrants are present from October to April.

Kilimanjaro climbing

January is one of the best months for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. January and February are usually dry, warm and clear with brief rain-showers, which make good climbing conditions.

Beach Holiday

Good weather for a beach holiday. September to March are the best months for big game fishing (marlin, barracuda, sailfish, tuna) in the islands of Mafia, Zanzibar and Pemba.

Space availability

January (through to February) is one of the busiest tourist seasons in northern Tanzania game parks. It is recommended that you book in advance to secure good accommodation. In southern and western Tanzania, it is the low season in the game parks, and shoulder season in Zanzibar except the first week of January (New Year overflow), which is peak.

FEBRUARY

Weather February is warm / sunny with short showers which don’t last long.

Game viewing

This is the calving season for the wildebeest. Many calves are born every morning in the Serengeti plains. It is the glut season and the time for predators and scavengers such as lions, cheetahs, jackals, birds of prey, and hyenas to closely watch the unfolding drama. Calves can stand within 7 minutes on average. After two days the calves are hard to catch.

Birding

All game parks offer excellent bird watching in February. Many species including Eurasian migrants are present from October to April.

Kilimanjaro climbing

February is one of the best months for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Like January it is usually dry, warm and clear with brief rain-showers, which make good climbing conditions.

Beach Holiday

Good weather for a beach holiday. September to March are the best months for big game fishing (marlin, barracuda, sailfish, tuna) in the islands of Mafia, Zanzibar and Pemba.

Space availability

February is one of the busiest tourist seasons in northern Tanzania game parks. It is recommended that you book in advance to secure good accommodation. In southern and western Tanzania, it is the low season in the game parks, and shoulder season in Zanzibar except the first week of January (New year overflow), which is peak.

MARCH

Weather March is generally warm/sunny with long rains starting from the second half of the month. The rains do not last long during the day and game drives in the north are conducted normally.

Game viewing

It is a great time for game viewing in northern Tanzania game parks and one of the best times for viewing migratory animals and predators around Ndutu in southeastern Serengeti plains extending into Ngorongoro. The vegetation is lush and green attracting hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles with a high population of predators in pursuit. Most tented camps and airstrips in Selous Game Reserve and the National Parks of Katavi, Ruaha, Gombe and Mahale in southern and western Tanzania are closed from mid March due to the rains.

Birding

All game parks offer excellent bird watching in March. Many species including Eurasian migrants are present from October to April.

Kilimanjaro climbing

Although one can climb throughout the year, March is not always one of the best months for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, as the rainy season makes it misty. Clouds tend to pile up and over the summit dropping snow on top and rain at the base. The temperature at this time of year is relatively warm.

Beach Holiday

It is still sunny for a beach holiday especially during the first half of the month. There is an average of 8 rainy days. March is good for big game fishing (marlin, barracuda, sailfish, tuna) in the islands of Mafia, Zanzibar and Pemba.

Space availability

This is one of the best months for group travel in northern Tanzania and Zanzibar (including incentive groups) as the tourist traffic is low and accommodation space is available especially after the first half of March.

MARCH

Weather March is generally warm/sunny with long rains starting from the second half of the month. The rains do not last long during the day and game drives in the north are conducted normally.

Game viewing

Birding

All game parks offer excellent bird watching in March. Many species including Eurasian migrants are present from October to April.

Kilimanjaro climbing

Beach Holiday

Space availability

APRIL

Weather This is the wet season but it seldom rains all day. The rains do not last long during the day and game drives are conducted normally in northern Tanzania game parks where the tracks are passable throughout the year.

Game viewing

This is the famous green season in northern Tanzania game parks with plenty of water and pasture for wildlife. It is one of the best times for viewing migratory animals and predators in Ndutu, southeastern Serengeti and in the central Serengeti area. During this time, the lodges in northern Tanzania offer up to 50% discount to visitors in the game parks. It is the best value for money. It does not rain most of the day and game drives are not affected. The Serengeti plains are lush and attract many wildebeest, zebras and gazelles with a high population of predators. Airstrips and most tented camps in Selous Game Reserve and the National Parks of Katavi, Ruaha, Gombe and Mahale in the southern and western Tanzania are temporarily closed in April due to rains and renovation.

Birding

All game parks offer excellent bird watching in April. Many species including Eurasian migrants are present from October to April.

Kilimanjaro climbing

Although one can climb throughout the year, April is not the best time for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro due to the rains.

Beach Holiday

We have an average of 11 days of rain and most beach resorts offer specially reduced/discounted prices during this season. A few resorts remain closed mainly for renovation and staff holidays.

Space availability

This is the best time for group travel in northern Tanzania (including incentive groups) as the tourist traffic is low and accommodation space is available.

MAY

Weather This is the beginning of the cool season with rains getting lighter towards the end of the month, marking the beginning of the dry season.

Game drives

Game drives are little affected by the light rains although most tented camps in western and southern Tanzania game parks remain closed probably for renovation and staff-leave. Game viewing It is very green all over Tanzania and the scenery is awash with blooming wildflowers. There is plenty of water and pasture for wildlife and it is the best time for viewing migratory animals and predators in the central and western Serengeti areas. During this time, the lodges in northern Tanzania offer up to 50% discount to visitors in the game parks. It is the best value for money. The rains are lighter especially towards the end of the month and game drives are little affected. Towards the end of the month as the rains give way to drought the migratory animals, especially the wildebeest and zebras, start fanning out from central Serengeti heading southwest, north or west in search of water and greener pastures. Airstrips and most tented camps in Selous Game Reserve and the national parks Katavi, Ruaha, Gombe and Mahale in southern and western Tanzania remain temporarily closed due to rains and for renovation.

Birding

All the game parks offer excellent bird watching in May with many species of colourful birds commonly seen during this season.

Kilimanjaro climbing

Although one can climb throughout the year, May is not the best time for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro due to rains.

Beach Holiday

We have an average of 10 days of rain and most beach resorts offer great prices during this season. Some resorts remain closed mainly for renovation and staff holiday.

Space availability

This is the best time for group travel in northern Tanzania (including incentive groups) as the tourist traffic is low and accommodation space is available.

JUNE

Weather This is the beginning of the dry season and temperatures are cool in the highlands and the plateaus in the mainland. At the beginning of June to the end of August, visitors to Ngorongoro and the highlands in southern and northeastern Tanzania are advised to pack warm clothing as it can get cold in the evening and early morning.

Game viewing

This is the end of the rain season but the scenery is beautiful, with blooming wild flowers and a mixture of green vegetation and golden plains. It is the best time for viewing migratory animals and predators in the central and western Serengeti areas as the animals, especially the wildebeest and zebras in long lines head north or west in search of water and greener pastures. Visits to the western corridor are recommended to witness the dramatic Grumeti River crossings. According to the Serengeti National Park official guide “Lines and columns of wildebeest up to 40 km long have been observed (from the air) heading southwest, north or west as the wildebeest trek to the woodland zone”. The migration lingers in the western corridor towards the Lake Victoria area in western Serengeti between June and July before moving on to northern Serengeti and Mara River. This is one of the best months for game viewing in Tarangire National Park. The Tarangire River, which provides permanent water to the park, attracts the highest concentration of wildlife second to Ngorongoro. The park holds one of the highest concentrations of elephants in Tanzania. This period stretches from June to October and it is the best season for game viewing in Tarangire. Tented camps and airstrips in Selous Game Reserve and the National Parks of Katavi, Ruaha, Gombe and Mahale in the southern and western Tanzania are now open and visitors are treated to excellent game viewing opportunities.

The best time for game viewing in the southern and western game parks is during the dry season, from end of May to December.

Ruaha River, which provides permanent water to Ruaha National Park, attracts a spectacular concentration of animals including predators along its banks. This unspoiled wilderness is rich in flora and fauna, and contains a wide variety of animals that includes the greater and lesser kudu, roan and sable antelopes, which are rarely seen in other game parks especially in Northern Tanzania. Ruaha National Park is famous for its herds of elephants and buffalos. The Ruaha River, which plays an important role in the ecosystem of the park, provides sanctuary to a large number of hippos and crocodiles. During the dry season the river attracts great quantities of game including lions, leopards, hunting or wild dogs, impala, waterbucks, warthogs, giraffes, and elands. The dry season starting from late May to October is the best time for forest walks and chimpanzee tracking in Mahale and Gombe national parks in western Tanzania. Chimpanzees in Gombe do not roam as far in the wet season (February to June, November to December) and may be easier to find, although the dry season offers better picture opportunities.

Birding

All the game parks offer excellent bird watching in June with many species of colourful birds commonly seen during this season. Kilimanjaro climbing The dry season, beginning in June can be very cold at night, but is usually clear of clouds. June like July and August are good for climbing.

Beach Holiday

It is the beginning of the dry season and beach resorts are open, temperatures are not too high.

Space availability

This is the beginning of the peak tourist season and accommodation space both in the game parks and the islands of Zanzibar and Mafia is best secured in advance.

JULY

Weather This is the dry season and temperatures are cool in the highlands and the plateaus in the mainland. Visitors to Ngorongoro and the highlands in southern and northeastern Tanzania are advised to pack warm clothing as it can get quite cold in the evenings and early mornings.

Game viewing

It is the dry season and the plains are golden in colour. This is the best time for visiting northwestern and northern Serengeti for viewing the migration. The wildebeest and zebras from western Serengeti are heading northwards towards the Mara River in search of water and greener pastures. The riverine habitats from Grumeti/Mara river systems and the evergreen forest provide important refuge areas for wildlife during the dry season and great game viewing opportunities all year round. Seronera valley and the Seronera River in central Serengeti forms an important part of the tour planner’s itinerary in Serengeti. Seronera valley boasts the highest number of predators in the entire park and is a prime game viewing area. It has a high concentration of wildlife due to surface water provided by the rivers including Seronera River. Tented camps and airstrips in Selous Game Reserve and the National Parks of Katavi, Ruaha, Gombe and Mahale in the southern and western Tanzania are now open and visitors are treated to excellent game viewing opportunities. The best time for game viewing in the southern and western game parks is during the dry season. Ruaha River, which provides permanent water in Ruaha National Park, attracts a spectacular concentration of animals including predators along its banks.

Birding

All game parks offer excellent bird watching of resident species.

Kilimanjaro climbing

This is the dry season. It can get very cold at night but usually is clear of clouds. July is a good month for climbing.

Beach Holiday

This is the peak season for beach holidays as it is dry and sunny. Temperatures are not too high, just agreeable. The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) is the highlight of Zanzibar’s artistic and cultural calendar, drawing participants and visitors to Zanzibar from around the world. Held every year in the first two weeks of July, the event features films from Africa and beyond. The festival celebrates and promotes the arts and cultures of the African continent, the Gulf States, Iran, India, Pakistan and the islands of the Indian Ocean collectively known as the Dhow countries that grew as a result of the Indian Ocean trade and the wooden sailing dhow. The Festival of the Dhow countries is Tanzania’s major annual cultural event and one of the key festivals in Sub- Saharan Africa. The main venue is the open-air theatre at the Old Fort but events take place at various other areas across the island. Mwaka Kogwa, which is also celebrated in July in Zanzibar, is a four-day festival marking the arrival of the Shiraz New Year. The origins of this festival are Zoroastrian, a Persian religion.

Although celebrated in many parts of Zanzibar, it is in Makunduchi in southern Zanzibar that it is most celebrated. It involves huge bonfires, mock fights between men with banana stems (in place of the sticks that were formerly used) and much playful banter between the sexes.

Space availability

July (and August) is the peak tourist season in all visitor destinations in Tanzania including game parks and the islands of Zanzibar, Mafia and Pemba. It is recommended to place bookings in advance to secure accommodation space.

AUGUST

Game viewing

The plains are golden in colour and migratory animals, especially the wildebeest and zebras, are in northern Serengeti around Mara River crossing over to Masai Mara in Kenya in search of water and greener pastures. This is the best time for visiting northern Serengeti for viewing the migration. Central Serengeti offers the best game viewing opportunities all year round with a high concentration of wildlife including predators due to surface water provided by the rivers including the Seronera River. August falls within the best time of the year for game viewing in Tarangire National Park, stretching from June to October.

The Tarangire River, which provides permanent water to the park, attracts the highest concentration of wildlife second to Ngorongoro. August is one of the best months for game viewing in the southern and western game parks, as it is the peak season. Ruaha River, which provides permanent water in Ruaha National Park attracts a spectacular concentration of animals including predators along its banks.

Birding

All the game parks offer excellent bird watching of resident species.

Kilimanjaro climbing

August (and September) is cool, the days are clear, but, a dripping cloud belt girdles the mountain above the forest and moorland. The summit can be totally clear and the successful climber looks down on a vast sea of clouds with distant mountain peaks like Mount Meru prominently visible.

August, like July, is good for climbing.

Beach Holiday

This is the peak season for beach holidays, it is dry and sunny and temperatures are not too high, just agreeable.

Space availability

August (and July) is the peak tourist season for all visitor destinations in Tanzania including game parks and the islands of Zanzibar, Mafia and Pemba. It is recommended to place bookings in advance to secure accommodation space.

SEPTEMBER

It is the dry season and temperatures are high except in the highlands in southern and northeastern Tanzania, where it is relatively cool and pleasant due to altitude.

Game viewing

It is ‘spring’ in Tanzania and the bushes and trees are blossoming. The plains are golden in colour and migratory animals in Serengeti, especially the wildebeest and zebras, are around Mara River and most have crossed over to Masai Mara in Kenya in search of water and greener pastures. All the game parks offer great game viewing opportunities, with high concentrations of wildlife including predators along river systems, which provide surface water.

Tarangire National Park is at its best in September, with a lot of game along the Tarangire River. This is one of the best times for game viewing in the southern and western game parks. Ruaha River, which provides permanent water in Ruaha National Park, attracts a spectacular concentration of animals including predators around its banks.

Birding

All the game parks offer excellent bird watching of resident species.

Kilimanjaro climbing

September (as with January and February) is the best month for climbing though one can climb throughout the year. September like August is cool and has completely clear days, with a cloud belt running around the mountain above the forest and moorland. The summit can be totally clear and the successful climber looks down on a vast sea of clouds with distant mountain peaks poking through like islands.

Beach Holiday

It is dry and sunny, temperatures are agreeable for beach holidays. It is one of the best months (September to March) for big game fishing (marlin, barracuda, sailfish, tuna) in the islands of Mafia, Zanzibar and Pemba.

Space availability

September (and October) falls in the shoulder tourist season in northern Tanzania game parks and the islands of Zanzibar and Mafia, but it is peak season in southern and western Tanzanian game parks. It is recommended to book in advance to secure accommodation space.

OCTOBER

It is the dry season and temperatures are high except in the highlands in southern and northeastern Tanzania where it is relatively cool and pleasant due to altitude.

Game viewing

The plains are dry and migratory animals, especially the wildebeest and zebras, are around Mara River and most have crossed over to Masai Mara in Kenya in search of water and greener pastures. Central Serengeti offers the best game viewing opportunities year round with a high concentration of wildlife including predators due to surface water provided by the rivers including Seronera River. Tarangire National Park is still at its best with lots of game along the Tarangire River, just before the short rains start in November. This is one of the best times for game viewing in the southern and western game parks. Ruaha River, which provides permanent water to Ruaha National Park, attracts a spectacular concentration of animals including predators along its banks.

Birding

All the game parks offer excellent birding of resident species, with Eurasian migrants starting to arrive.

Kilimanjaro climbing

The short rain period in October to December often has thunderstorms that pass over the mountain dropping rain as they go. The period is relatively good for climbing. Typically, the clouds disappear in the evening leaving the nights and mornings clear with excellent visibility.

Beach Holiday

It is generally dry and sunny with occasional showers (short rains), temperatures are agreeable for beach holidays. It is one of the best months (September to March) for big game fishing (marlin, barracuda, sailfish, tuna) in the islands of Mafia, Zanzibar and Pemba.

Space availability

October falls in the shoulder tourist season in northern Tanzania game parks and the islands of Zanzibar and Mafia, but it is peak season in southern and western Tanzania game parks. It is recommended to book in advance to secure accommodation space.

NOVEMBER

Weather This is the beginning of the short rain season. Temperatures are still high except in the highlands in southern and northeastern Tanzania where it is relatively cool and pleasant.

Game viewing

The wildebeest and zebras are crossing over from Masai Mara in Kenya streaming back to northern Tanzania through Lobo and the Loliondo game controlled area heading towards Ndutu in the southeastern Serengeti plains for fresh pasture after the short rains. The migration cycle is complete. The migratory animals in Tarangire are moving out of the National Park to the Masai steppes following the short rains. A lot of the game can still be seen in the national park including resident animals. This is one of the best times for game viewing in the southern and western game parks.

Birding

All the game parks offer excellent birding of resident species. Many species can be seen including Eurasian migrants.

Kilimanjaro climbing

August (and September) is cool, the days are clear, but a dripping cloud belt girdles the mountain above the forest and moorland. The summit can be totally clear and the successful climber looks down on a vast sea of clouds with distant mountain peaks like Mount Meru prominently visible.

August, like July, is good for climbing. The short rain period in October to December often has thunderstorms that pass over the mountain dropping rain as they go. Typically, the clouds disappear in the evening leaving the nights and mornings clear with excellent visibility. November, like December, is a relatively good time for climbing.

Beach Holiday

The short rains have started but it is generally sunny with an average of 9 days of rain characterised by occasional showers hardly interrupting beach holidays. It is one of the best months (September to March) for big game fishing (marlin, barracuda, sailfish, tuna) in the islands of Mafia, Zanzibar and Pemba.

Space availability

This is the best time for group travel (including incentive groups) as the tourist traffic is low and accommodation space is available up to the first half of December.

DECEMBER

Weather This is the beginning of the short rain season. Temperatures are high except in the highlands in southern and northeastern Tanzania where it is relatively cool and pleasant.

Game viewing

The wildebeest and zebras are in Ndutu in the southeastern Serengeti plains for fresh pasture after the short rains. The migration cycle is complete. December is one of the busiest times of the year after the second half as we approach Christmas and New Year. It is a fantastic time for game viewing in the whole of Tanzania.

Birding

All the game parks offer excellent birding of resident species. Many species can be seen including Eurasian migrants.

Kilimanjaro climbing

The short rain period extending to December often has thunderstorms that pass over the mountain dropping rain as they go. Typically, the clouds disappear in the evening leaving the nights and mornings clear with excellent visibility. December is a relatively good time for climbing.

Beach Holiday

The short rains have started but it is generally sunny with an average of 8 days of rain characterised by occasional showers, hardly interrupting beach holidays. It is one of the best months (September to March) for big game fishing (marlin, barracuda, sailfish, tuna) in the islands of Mafia, Zanzibar and Pemba.

Space availability

The last two weeks towards Christmas is peak tourist season in all visitor destinations in Tanzania, including game parks and the islands of Zanzibar and Mafia. It is recommended to place bookings in advance to secure accommodation space.

Tanzania Cultural experience

Tanzania is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, The country came into existence in 1964 when Tanganyika and Zanzibar were integrated into one country. Since then more than 120 ethnic groups have been flourishing together. The national language is Swahili. Traveling around Tanzania is not an issue, there are a lot of domestic flights in Tanzania and you can easily reach from one place to another.

Besides enriching itineraries and adding quality to the tours offered in Tanzania, the cultural tours are generating direct income to the local communities that are being visited, contributing to their development. Thus by visiting the cultural sites the guests would be giving support to community health, water supply, primary education and many other social and economic projects carried out at village level as well as reforestation and protection of the environment.

To enjoy a true cultural experience in Tanzania Africa Pathways have you covered!

MUST HAVE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE IN TANZANIA

Hadzabe and Datoga at Lake Eyasi

Lake Eyasi is a very scenic soda lake found on the southern border of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a couple of hours drive from Karatu. This less visited lake lies at the base of the Eyasi escarpment on the western Great Rift Valley wall, bordered by the Eyasi Escarpment in the northwest and the Kidero Mountains in the south.

This is a hot, dry land, around which the Hadzabe people live, often associated with the Khoisan languages in Southern Africa because of their click language. The Hadzabe are believed to have lived here for nearly 10,000 years and continue to follow hunting-and-gathering traditions. Also in the area are the Iraqw (Mbulu), a people of Cushitic origin who arrived about 2000 years ago, as well as the Datoga also Cushitic origin

The Hadzabe, a hunter-gatherer tribe, live close to the shores of Lake Eyasi, as do the Nilotic-speaking Datoga tribe who are pastoralists. Visits to these tribes are possible on half day or full day excursions which would include a visit to their homesteads, learning about their way of life, medicinal plants, and even animal tracking with bows and arrows with the Hadzabe hunters.

Maasai

The Maasai are the original inhabitants of the area. These indigenous people are well known around the world as fierce warriors. You can visit these people and learn about them, their culture, their food and Medicine, their way of life etc. Many people consider a visit to Tanzania without visiting the Maasai as a waste of time.

While in Ngorongoro most of the guests on safari love to include a visit to a Maasai Boma (homestead). The Seneto Maasai Boma on the western slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands is one of the famous cultural visiting points for guests. Authentic Maasai villages are located in the western Ngorongoro Highlands and a visit can be combined with a trek of Empakaai Crater or Olmoti .Visitors will be shown around the Maasai Boma, and welcomed to the huts where Maasai families live, get dressed and dance with the maasai all in all learning about their way of life.

The Chagga Tribe

The Chaga are Bantu-speaking indigenous Africans and the third largest ethnic group in Tanzania.They traditionally live on the southern and eastern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and near Moshi. Their relative wealth comes from the favorable climate of the area and successful agricultural methods, which include extensive irrigation systems, terracing, and continuous organic fertilization methods practiced for thousands of years.They were one of the first tribes in the area to convert to Christianity. This may have given them an economic advantage over other ethnic groups, as they had better access to education and health. Their way of life is based primarily on agriculture, using irrigation on terraced fields and oxen manure. Although bananas are their staple food, they also cultivate various crops, including yams, beans, and maize. In agricultural exports, they are best known for their Arabica coffee, which is exported to American and European markets, resulting in coffee being a primary cash crop.

At the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro lies beautiful Chagga villages such as Marangu village, Materuni,Rombo,Machame and Old moshi.The walking tours through this villages to waterfalls depicts mountain village life are spectacular

Activities on the slopes of Kilimanjaro include:

Guided tours leading to panoramic viewpoints ideal for photographing waterfalls and Mount Kilimanjaro
One Day hike on kilimanjaro via Marangu gate
Coffee class from how it is picked to having a cup of coffee
Swimming at waterfalls
A short climb up Ngangu Hill with it’s fantastic views is a pleasure
A visit to Chagga museum in Old moshi
Visits to historical sites of clan wars and ancient legends including large caves used for hiding during the Chagga – Maasai wars
Visit local blacksmiths who continue using ancestral methods to prepare Maasai spears and tools
Opportunities to experience Chagga culture, food and taste their famous banana beer and
Exploration of the banana and other farms with their ancient irrigation schemes
School visits

All the sites can be visited, on foot, in one full day tour or can be spread more comfortably over two days.

Sauti za Busara Music festival

Sauti za Busara is a great African music festival that is held every year in February with a mix of music, dance, theatre and a carnival street parade, Sauti za Busara is one of the largest music festivals in East Africa with hundreds of artists. This 4-days festival is hosted inside the walls of the Old Fort in Zanzibar’s Stone Town. It shows you the diversity and richness of East African music and its unique culture. It’s truly an unique event with a great atmosphere.

ZANZIBAR – THE STONE TOWN

The Stone Town of Zanzibar is a fine example of the Swahili coastal trading towns of East Africa. It retains its urban fabric and townscape virtually intact and contains many fine buildings that reflect its particular culture, which has brought together and homogenized disparate elements of the cultures of Africa, the Arab region, India, and Europe over more than a millennium.

Set like a jewel in the warm and tranquil coral waters of the Indian Ocean, 15 minutes flight from Dar es Salaam and less than an hour from Arusha, are the legendary islands of spices, fragrances, flowers and fruits – Zanzibar.

People from all corners of the world that had visited and settled in Zanzibar over the centuries have left a lasting imprint on the islands’ culture and architecture. Zanzibar is the birthplace of the fascinating “Swahili” culture with its elegant architecture full of balconies, courtyards, ornately hand-carved doors and mosques. The winding narrow streets, the House of Wonders, Tip Tip House (notorious slave merchant), and the Palace Museum are just some vivid reminders of the Islands’ long and colourful history. The Stone Town is to travel into history, it is a must tour for visitors to Zanzibar. Zanzibar Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

DARAJANI MARKET

Right on the outskirts of Stone Town, you can find Darajani Market. This place is not only lively, but has many food types and ingredients from all around the island too. If you want to take some food back to try cooking yourself, this is a great place to stock up on ingredients.

You can find fresh fish and meat, and some other island delicacies too.

Darajani Market is a wonderful place to find everything you need to make your own Tanzanian cuisine. Certainly you’ll be excited to do some cooking with native ingredients, but if you’re a little clumsy and not experienced enough, you might want to try the ready to eat food instead. There are many good opportunities indeed!

THE WANYAMBO FESTIVAL

The Wanyambo Festival is for sure the event worth visiting. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience local culture if you’re taking your trip in January. You can watch the traditional dances, costumes, art, craft and eat the wonderful food, and get lost in the music surrounding you. Hundreds of people join this 4-days festival each year that takes place at the Makumbusho Village Museum in Dar es Salaam.

People from all over Tanzania come to partake every year, so if you happen to be in Tanzania around January, there’s no way you can miss such a great opportunity to see the beauty of Wanyambo culture and crafts.

MWAKA KOGWA: SHIRAZI NEW YEAR

If you’re in Tanzania in July, there’s no way that you can miss this 4-day New Year celebration. It’s rooted in the Zoroastrian traditions and the Shirazi calendar, including mock fights and burning a hut.

The Shirazis were the first foreign settlers in Zanzibar, so much of their culture was taken in by the Swahili people and adapted. You will be mesmerized by the culture as you will be watching men fight with banana stalks to help the New Year roll in. The women would walk around the fields wearing traditional garb, singing songs that will definitely get your attention.

Embrace the festivities yourself no matter where you are in Tanzania, since places all around the area hold festivals in celebration. The village of Makunduchi is where the festivities are best observed though. For sure, you will have an amazing time!