Part of our Tanzania guide.
This page gathers eight articles from our Trip Planning coverage on Tanzania, covering viewpoints, car rental, safari companies, balloon rides, travel logistics, spice tours, and the savanna experience.
Related travel guides: Secrets Of Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive, Mysteries Of The Sunbaked Serengeti, How To Plan A Trip: An Easy Travel Planning Guide, and Getting Around Trip Planning.
Irente Viewpoint In Lushoto, Usambara Mountains
Irente Viewpoint in Lushoto, Usambara Mountains, offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. The viewpoint is a short drive or hike from Lushoto town, and the best time to visit is early morning when the mist clears. The Usambara Mountains are known for their lush green landscapes and vibrant local culture, and the viewpoint provides a serene atmosphere for nature enthusiasts. The area also offers hiking trails through the mountains, connecting visitors to the broader network of hiking and the outdoors in Tanzania.
8 Important Things To Know Before Renting A Car In Zanzibar
Before renting a car in Zanzibar, know these eight key points. First, you need a valid international driving permit or a temporary Tanzanian driving licence, which can be obtained at the airport or from the police. Second, most rental companies require a deposit, typically between $200 and $500, and a credit card. Third, insurance is mandatory; basic third-party cover is usually included, but collision damage waiver (CDW) is strongly recommended. Fourth, road conditions vary: main roads in Stone Town and along the coast are tarmacked, but many rural roads are unpaved and can become muddy during the rainy season (March to May and November to December). Fifth, drive on the left side of the road. Sixth, speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h on open roads, and police checkpoints are common. Seventh, fuel stations are plentiful in Stone Town and larger towns, but sparse in remote areas; fill up when you can. Eighth, cultural norms: wave or nod at checkpoints, avoid driving after dark due to limited lighting and pedestrians, and always carry your rental agreement and ID.
Where Is Nomad Tanzania
Nomad Tanzania is a luxury safari company operating in Tanzania, with camps and lodges in the Serengeti, Ruaha National Park, and the Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere National Park). The company is known for its commitment to conservation, community development, and sustainable tourism. Nomad Tanzania offers guided game drives, walking safaris, and fly-camping experiences. Their camps are seasonal; for example, the Serengeti camps move with the Great Migration. To visit, you typically fly into the nearest airstrip from Arusha or Dar es Salaam, then transfer by vehicle. The company also supports local schools and conservation projects through its foundation.
Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari In Tanzania
A Serengeti hot air balloon safari launches at dawn from the Serengeti National Park, typically from the central Seronera area or the northern Kogatende region during the migration season. The flight lasts about one hour, drifting over the plains at altitudes of 200 to 1,000 feet. After landing, a champagne breakfast is served in the bush. The cost is around $500 to $600 per person (prices as of 2023–2024). The experience includes a game drive to the launch site and a certificate. Bookings must be made in advance through a tour operator or directly with balloon companies such as Serengeti Balloon Safaris or Serengeti Balloon Adventures.
The Ultimate Tanzania Travel Guide
Tanzania is located in East Africa, bordered by Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique, with a coastline on the Indian Ocean. The country is home to the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro (the highest peak in Africa at 5,895 m), Zanzibar, and the Ngorongoro Crater. The Great Migration occurs in the Serengeti year-round, with calving season from January to March in the southern Serengeti and river crossings from July to October in the northern Serengeti. The dry season (June to October) is best for wildlife viewing, while the wet season (November to May) is greener and less crowded. A visa is required for most visitors; a single-entry visa costs $50 (as of 2024). The currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), but US dollars are widely accepted for tours and park fees. The official languages are Swahili and English.
Zanzibar Spice Tour And Cooking Adventure
A Zanzibar Spice Tour takes you through plantations on the main island, Unguja, where spices like cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, and cardamom are grown. Tours typically last two to three hours and include a guide who explains the history and cultivation of each spice. The tour often includes a visit to a local farm where you can see vanilla orchids and turmeric plants. After the plantation walk, many tours include a cooking class where you prepare traditional Zanzibari dishes such as pilau rice, coconut curry, and spice tea. The cooking class lasts about one to two hours. Tours cost between $25 and $40 per person (prices as of 2023–2024) and can be arranged from Stone Town or directly at the plantations. Some tours also include a visit to a nearby village or a stop at a local market. For a full-day experience, combine the spice tour with the Materuni waterfall hike & coffee tour near Moshi, though note that the Materuni tour is near Moshi on the mainland, not on Zanzibar.
Echoes Of Elephant Grass In The Savanna Seas
The savanna seas of Tanzania, particularly in the Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks, are characterized by vast grasslands dotted with acacia trees and elephant grass that can grow up to 3 metres tall. The grass sways in the breeze, creating a rustling sound that echoes across the plains. This landscape supports large herds of herbivores such as wildebeest, zebras, and elephants, which in turn attract predators like lions and cheetahs. The best time to experience the savanna in its full green glory is during the wet season (November to May), while the dry season (June to October) offers clearer views of wildlife concentrated around water sources. The savanna is an active ecosystem where every element plays a role.
Serengeti Balloon Adventure
A Serengeti balloon adventure offers a unique way to see wildlife and landscapes from above. The flight typically departs at around 5:30 AM from the launch site in the central or northern Serengeti, depending on the season. The balloon rises to an altitude of about 500 to 1,000 feet, and the flight lasts approximately one hour. This is a separate experience from the Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari listed above, though both offer similar flights.
