Just the Facts

Best suited for:

Couples seeking an exotic destination offering both beach and outdoor experience. Those who love animals. Adventurous types who like to journey into the unknown. Those who prefer an extended safari experience, and don't mind moving around a bit. Those seeking luxury but who are also willing to consider a tented camp as well. If you desire smaller beach resorts with character, and don't need brand-name luxury resorts.

When to go:

The rainy season is March to early June, during which many lodges are closed. June - September are peak viewing months for the wildebeest and zebra migration, and an excellent time to go on safari, although lodges will be full and prices are often higher. During this time, temperatures on the plains range from 85F (28C) at mid day to 60F (15C) at night. On the coast they will reach the mid 80sF (28C), dropping to ~68F (19C) at night. From October to February game viewing is still excellent, but not necessarily migration-focused. Days are hotter, reaching high 80sF (31C). On the beach mid 80s (28C) are still the norm, but only drop to the high 70s F (24C) in the evenings. At higher altitudes (e.g. Ngorongoro) it can be cold, especially at night.

Accommodations:

On safari, there are a combination of intimate tented camps and fixed lodges (6-15 units) and larger lodges (40-50 rooms). Many visitors choose mobile camps, which move with them as they travel. Fly camping is also possible for 1-2 nights, or on a longer basis. Near Ngorongoro, charming manor houses are an option, and in Arusha, there are myriad hotels, inns and countryside retreats. On Zanzibar, Stonetown offers historic guesthouses, and the beach areas provide a diverse selection, from 10-room boutiques (some on private islands) to 200-room resorts.

Dining:

Meals are often included at accommodations, whether on safari or at the beach. In this case an international selection of food is offered, complimented by Tanzanian specialties such as grilled meats and local vegetables with tangy dressings. On the coast and islands, fish, lobster, prawns and squid are fresh off the boat and often accented by great spicing such as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and curry. As a tropical environment, a selection of exotic fresh fruit is also available. Try the local cashew nuts – they are addictive when roasted!

Special Activities:

Game drives, walking safaris, sunrise balloon ride over the Serengeti, visit to Masai villages, private dining on your deck under the night sky, diving/snorkeling in Zanzibar's Pemba channel, climbing Kilimanjaro (for the very hardy), chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains National Park, fresh seafood lunch at a table knee-high in Zanzibar's shallow blue water, shopping for exotic spices in Stonetown, sailing on a traditional dhow, chartering a boat on Lake Tanganyika.