Tanzania Safari & Beach Holiday: Is It Really Worth It? A Detailed Review
Dreaming of wide open plains packed with amazing animals and then powdery soft beaches, so too is a Tanzania safari and beach combo very appealing? Well, I thought that might be the case, so I set off to see if this type of vacation really lives up to the hype. I am here to provide what I think is a very honest look at what you might expect, what you ought to consider, and ultimately, help you decide if a Tanzania safari followed by some downtime at the coast is right for your next vacation.
What’s so Great About a Tanzania Safari?
Tanzania has got a real reputation for safaris, arguably because it is just so impressive. You might know that Serengeti National Park, for example, is super famous, often for a reason. You get this huge, almost endless space where you can watch the migration of wildebeest and zebras – it’s actually supposed to be one of the biggest animal movements across the globe! Imagine, the air buzzing with life, the ground seeming to almost vibrate with the energy of animals that have been migrating for thousands of years.
Ngorongoro Crater is really different. Think of this massive collapsed volcano with almost all types of animals living right there on the floor, is that interesting? That’s because, as a matter of fact, the wildlife viewing there tends to be consistently awesome, seemingly no matter the time. Then you could check out Tarangire, if you felt like it, which is, as I was saying, known for its elephant gatherings, and also Ruaha – kind of Tanzania’s best-kept secret for seeing wildlife away from loads of other tourists. Actually, the diversity of parks means that you have very different experiences.
In many places, you could find yourself almost all alone, so to speak, completely immersed in the quiet sounds of nature. Anyway, the chance to get super close to some animals in their actual habitat? It may well be very moving.
Beach Time After Safari: Where To Go?
After kicking around in the dirt and getting all early to search out lions, just picture unwinding on those beautiful shores of Zanzibar. It’s basically the classic choice after a Tanzania safari. It has that real mix of quiet beaches where you could zone out, yet resorts that cater to what are virtually all comfort levels. Apparently, the history is interesting there, if you want it to be, since Stone Town has winding alleys and a very strong sense of the spice trade from ages ago. I thought that Pemba is an option too, possibly if you like a bit more peace? It could well be far less crowded than Zanzibar. It has that special something, a slightly more untouched feel with world-class diving spots.
Maybe, if you felt like something more low-key, consider Mafia Island? Apparently, it has fantastic marine life and whale shark watching chances, so I thought, if you’re lucky, maybe you could witness something absolutely spectacular. All things considered, the Tanzanian coast offers a chance to switch off. You will basically let all the safari dust wash off and settle right into doing pretty much nothing.
Planning Your Safari Beach Vacation: Key Decisions
Sorting out the timing and balancing budget with expectations can easily be important. You could want to head over during the dry season – which falls somewhere around June to October – so as to get what seems to be better wildlife views because the vegetation thins out a lot, that’s a thought. Though it’s good to be aware it might also mean places will be busier and almost certainly costlier.
For watching the wildebeest migration up in the Serengeti, the action tends to center somewhere in June and July. The calving season may take place somewhere around January and February. It is, I think, a rather spectacular time to see loads and loads of young animals, you realize?
Cost-wise, safaris have almost everything from pretty basic camping all the way to incredibly luxury lodges. To save some money, traveling slightly off-peak or considering some of the smaller parks would likely assist. After that, when it’s about beach stays, look at various islands plus different accommodation grades. Then consider, too, are you basically after pure relaxation or various activities.
What Kind of Safari Experience Are You After?
Safari types go from driving around during game drives to wandering on foot, to seeing all this from above with a hot air balloon flight. As I was saying, many accommodations offer options like guided walks so you get the smaller stuff and the plant life pointed out, alright? Game drives mean being comfy in a jeep, perhaps, covering greater areas.
Balloon rides do likely provide those completely outstanding photo opportunities that some folks crave, I’d guess. Suppose you’re keen on the wildlife photography idea, you should choose accommodations located quite near major wildlife routes, for one thing. Find those with expert guides so to speak, and, apparently, ask after specific photography-centered safaris.
Combining Beach and Bush: Finding the Right Balance
Switching out from thrill-seeking to a slower pace must seem pretty strange to your system after all the safari excitement. I mean, just how long could you spare chilling somewhere? A bunch of folks maybe only allow three to five days right by the sea, actually wanting more safari hours. Yet, you might just long for as long as perhaps a week or two of sheer, unadulterated relaxation after your journeying through the wilds.
You want, in some respects, to remember you might feel quite tired, honestly, following a safari; there could be early rises, bumpy truck rides, plus possibly a surprising level of mental excitement to cope with. A gradual gear shift really benefits you. In effect, if you’re prone to action and constant to-do’s, test whether the very idea of endless downtime truly sits well along with you or whether adding, maybe, a few ocean activities can save that restlessness from creeping right on in.
Regardless, consider doing something relaxing to let that inner shift occur, be it right through meditation, light walking on the coastline at sunset, getting right into all those yummy seafood feasts. Either you have a packed beach trip or perhaps something simpler can completely influence if, as a matter of fact, you end up totally revitalized just before going to get that flight home, right?
Is a Tanzania Safari Beach Holiday Worth It?
Well, a Tanzania safari and beach break does appear to be much more than simple sightseeing; arguably it has everything to do with what feels truly soul enriching. To be honest, it’s really the switch among these extreme sensory encounters. This one comes among what amounts to dramatic scenery and phenomenal wildlife engagements and the tranquil restorative peace right at those shores, isn’t it nice? All in all, so as to plan everything wisely, so too, you may find everything a memory of what appears as absolutely spectacular from first light until way after sundown.
Essential Things to Remember for the Perfect Tanzania Safari and Beach Adventure
- Plan Early: Seriously, get those bookings settled sooner, that helps particularly for top season breaks and certain accommodation selections.
- Pack Smart: Neutral tones and versatile clothes must certainly be on that listing; I feel layering will be especially beneficial given temperature changes.
- Stay Healthy: Look into shots plus malaria safeguards that come fully recommended plus usually carry some first-aid products and insect deterrent.
- Respect Culture: Bear in mind basic regard concerning what locals undertake and seek to purchase some handicrafts and things to do, helping the regional people to be sure?
- Stay Hydrated: Consuming loads and loads of liquids stands out in respect to maintaining things healthy for the weather!
