A combination of two of our most popular trips sees your experience the varying faces of Africa, from the island paradise beaches of Zanzibar to gorilla viewing in the rain forests. The island of Zanzibar will see you soak up its exotic traditions, while the game parks of east Africa are renown for their unspoiled natural beauty and prolific game. The memory of the Gorilla Trek and observing these amazing creatures as they meander and feed in their ever-diminishing habitat will remain with you forever. The trip begins in Dar Es Salaam and travels through Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda before ending in Nairobi. This journey departs from Dar Es Salaam early on Thursday morning and passengers wishing to explore Dar Es Salaam should plan an earlier arrival. Accommodation in Dar Es Salaam can be arranged through Amanzi Travel.
Duration & Fees
- £845 - 24 days
USD 645 - Local Payment
Start Dates
2012 Start Dates: 5 Jan | 19 Jan | 2 Feb | 16 Feb | 1 Mar | 15 Mar | 29 Mar | 12 Apr | 26 Apr | 10 May | 24 May | 7 Jun | 21 Jun | 5 Jul |19 Jul | 2 Aug | 16 Aug | 30 Aug | 13 Sep | 27 Sep | 11 Oct | 25 Oct | 8 Nov | 22 Nov | 6 Dec | 20 Dec
Payment
£180 deposit at time of booking – balance payment of project fee due 12 weeks before departure
What's Included
- Airport transfer on arrival
- Pre-trip night dorm room accommodation
- Fully equipped expedition vehicle
- Cooking and camping equipment (sleeping bags/matts not provided)
- Meals as indicated
- Park fees and excursions as detailed in the itinerary
- Pre-departure pack and support and advice from Amanzi Travel staff and trip leaders
What's not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Visas
- Optional excursions
- Restaurant meals and drinks
Start and Finish Points: Dar Es Salaam to Nairobi
Countries visited: Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya
Departure Point Dar Es Salaam: Kipepeo Beach Camp, Plot 4, Mjimwema, Kigamboni
Check in time: 7.30 am (departure time to be advised at pre-departure meeting)
Pre-Departure Meeting: 5 pm the day before at the departure point
Passengers are recommended to arrive the day before their trip departs. Airport pick up on arrival and one night's pre-trip accommodation in a dorm bed is included in the trip fee.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar (Breakfast)
A ferry from Dar Es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island,” where we have the option to spend the next 3 nights. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands. New passengers may join us to replace those that’ll leave us at the end of our excursion to Zanzibar.
Please note Accommodation and Meals are for your own account whilst on Zanzibar, as it is our experience that passengers prefer to explore the island on their own. The Trip Leader joins you and can arrange your accommodation, while meals can be enjoyed from a wide selection of restaurants. *For those not opting to visit the island of Zanzibar, the next 3 days are spent at leisure at the beach campsite in Dar Es Salaam.
DAYS 2 & 3: Zanzibar
History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade. The island is famous for its spices and an excursion around a spice plantation is always a fascinating experience. Other options include a trip to the beautiful beaches and giant tortoises of Prison Island, a full day scuba dive in Nungwe or a fishing trip in a traditional dhow. Mopeds are available for hire if you’d like to explore the more remote areas of the island. Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise. Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean - crayfish being a popular speciality. Alternatively, mingle with the locals for dinner at the Forodhani Gardens seafront market, where delicious, inexpensive seafood is on offer.
DAY 4: Zanzibar to Dar Es Salaam (Dinner)
Leaving Zanzibar, we return to the mainland in the late afternoon and another night in Dar Es Salaam.
DAY 5: Dar Es Salaam to Arusha (B / L / D)
From Dar Es Salaam we travel through vast sisal plantations to Arusha. On the way, we pass The Pare and Usambara Mountain ranges before driving through the town of Moshi. Moshi is the base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions and weather permitting; we may even catch a glimpse of this magical mountain’s snowy summit - a photo opportunity not to be missed! Tonight we stay in a lovely campsite in Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha, before heading out on our optional excursions to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
DAYS 6 - 8: Arusha / Optional Ngorongoro Crater/Serengeti Excursion (B / L / D)
Arusha is a pleasant town situated at the base of Mount Meru and is the starting point for the optional excursions to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. We conduct these excursions in locally operated 4WD vehicles, which are adapted for safari use. For those not opting to visit the Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti National Park, the next 2 days are spent at leisure enjoying the Meserani reptile park, Masai Cultural Museum and the surrounding villages and craft markets. Alternatively the town of Arusha is close by to explore. The optional Ngorongoro/Serengeti excursion takes us via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) that lies adjacent to the Lake Manyara National Park and up the Rift Valley Escarpment to the higher lying village of Karatu. Karatu offers magnificent views over the surrounding hills and has many well established wheat farms that add to the picturesque panoramas. We spend the evening at a pleasant campsite in Karatu. The following morning we depart early for the Ngorongoro Conservation area and head into the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater. This World Heritage Site boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa – including the elusive Black Rhino. After our game drive in the Crater, we head down the Crater rim and past the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ on our way to the Serengeti National Park. We cross the vast plains as we game drive through the southern and central areas in the park. Tonight we camp in the bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness. In the morning, we head off for another game drive and explore the landscape in search of the resident game. With some luck, we may see some of Africa’s ‘Big 5’! After our morning drive, we head back across the plains and the lush Crater rim to our truck at Arusha, where we spend the evening musing over our thrilling wildlife experience.
DAY 9: Arusha to Nairobi(Kenya) (B / L / D)
We set off early this morning and make our way to the Tanzania/ Kenyan border and the small border town of Namanga. After completing the border formalities and exchanging money, we continue on our journey to the Capital City Nairobi and our campsite on the outskirts of the city. Acacia Camp Nairobi is ideally situated right next to the Nairobi National Park.
DAY 10: Nairobi (B)
Today is yours at leisure to enjoy some of the many options available in this bustling city; visit The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you can view the orphaned baby Elephants at feeding time, heading over to the Giraffe Centre in Langata, if you haven‟t had your fill of game viewing, then Nairobi National Park offers some great day trips or if you haven‟t quite got all those souvenirs you wanted, take a “Matatu” to the local curio markets close by the campsite. This evening why not try the fair on offer at the famous Carnivores restaurant.
DAY 11: Nairobi to Masai Mara (L / D)
This morning we collect the passengers who’ll be joining us on the final leg of our trek. We leave the hustle and bustle of Nairobi we climb the escarpment to our first stop, a viewpoint overlooking the spectacular Great Rift Valley. Descending into the Rift Valley, we enter Masai land where these habitual pastoralists are often seen tending their cattle from the side of the road. We pass through the town of Narok, before arriving at our campsite, Acacia Camp. Acacia Camp looks on to the eguarra hills and the stream that meanders by on the bottom end forms a natural border to the Masai Mara National Reserve.
DAY 12: Masai Mara (B / L / D)
We depart early and spend the day game driving through this natural wilderness – with huge plains, rolling hills and an abundance of game; the Masai Mara offers a spectacular wildlife experience. We keep an eye open for the Big 5 - elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion & leopard. If travelling between July and October, we may get to witness the impressive herds of over 2 million wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle in their Annual Migration. Tonight we recollect our highlights around the campfire.
DAY 13: Masai Mara to Kisumu (B / L / D)
Leaving the Masai Mara early in the morning, we pass through the scenic tea plantations of Kericho before descending the Rift Valley Plateau, on our way to Kisumu - Kenya’s harbour town on the banks of Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria. We replenish our supplies and overnight here.
DAY 14: Kisumu to Kampala (Uganda) (B / L / D)
Today, we cross the border into Uganda where we overnight it the capital city, Kampala. Uganda is a small country of striking physical beauty. Its landscapes vary from the fertile green areas around the northern shores of Lake Victoria to the snow capped Ruwenzori Mountains in the west and the semidesert region in the north. The political instability that has haunted Uganda in the past has actually had the positive effect of leaving the country free of the over commercialism so common in other parts of Africa. The current administration under President Museveni has devoted considerable effort and funds to return Uganda to its former status as one of Africa's most prosperous and, from a tourist’s point of view, one of the most appealing and interesting countries to visit.
DAYS 15 - 18: Kampala to Lake Bunyoni (B / L / D)
After an early morning departure from Kampala we drive west into the depths of Uganda to our base at the tranquil Lake Bunyoni. Lake Bunyoni, the deepest Crater Lake in Africa and home to a large and varied number of beautiful birds, is the base from which the optional Gorilla trek takes place. Dependant on where trekking permits are available, we trek in the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks in Uganda, the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, or the Ruhengeri National Park in Rwanda. The prices of trekking permits fluctuate and may change without prior notice – currently they are priced at US$500 depending on where we trek. There is a local transport & handling fee of US$65 to US$70 per person (this covers the return transfer and the Wildlife Authority’s booking fee). For trekking in the DRC or Rwanda, we will also have to purchase an additional visa to enter either country, as well as renewing our Ugandan visa upon re-entry. Please budget accordingly.
Trekking Procedures: The mountain gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla Berengei), of which there are still only about 700 remaining, are one of our closest living relatives. A visit to these gentle giants in their natural environment is a unique and wonderful experience - one you’ll never forget. The park rangers monitor the gorillas on a daily basis and have a fairly good idea of where they are. However, they are free roaming animals, and their sighting cannot be guaranteed. As the gorillas share much of our DNA, anyone with even the slightest cold or transferable illness will not be permitted to trek. Trekking is also only open to people over 16 years old. Due to the restrictions on the daily numbers of visitors to these incredible animals, we depart from our base in Bunyoni in small groups over 3-4 days, depending on the group size. Winding our way through arguably some of the most picturesque scenery in Africa, we head to the town of Kisoro where we spend the night (Should we be trekking in Rwanda our overnight will be in Ruhengeri). The following morning, after packing our picnic lunch, we are transferred to a ranger’s station where the trek commences. Your rangers will lead you through the cultivated lands and then into the dense rain forest and on to a gorilla family. Trekking can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 8 hours and it can be quite strenuous, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. To ensure the gorillas do not get too used to the presence of humans and because they share many of our genes (and therefore able to catch our diseases), the maximum time permitted to spend with them is 1 hour. You will have plenty of time to watch their activity and to take photographs. The rangers will be able to provide you with a background to the family you are visiting. Once your hour is up, you trek back out of the rain forest to your meeting point where you will be transferred back to the Lake Bunyoni campsite. You needn’t feel like you’re exploiting these animals. The ever-growing number of tourists trekking them each day play a vital role in their survival. For years they have been ruthlessly hunted for their hands and heads, which have been sold as ashtrays and lampshades! In addition, large numbers have been killed whilst trying to stop poachers stealing the babies for sale to zoos, where they have never lived long. 100% of the gorilla permit cost is used to by the parks authorities to finance patrols that are instrumental in protecting the gorillas from poachers and their lethal snares and on promoting these wonderful animals.
Lake Bunyoni - For those of us awaiting our day of gorilla trekking, the choice is yours, visit a local village or church, hike in the surrounding hills, canoe, go on a bird watching walk, visit the local markets of Kabale or just spend the days relaxing or swimming in this tranquil lake.
DAY 19: Lake Bunyoni to Kampala (B / L / D)
After marvelling at the experience of our gorilla encounters and enjoying the peaceful Lake Bunyoni, we begin our drive back to Kampala. We cross the Equator for the second time and stop for the classic “one foot in each hemisphere” photo opportunity. We overnight in Kampala and have the opportunity to sample its night life!
DAY 20: Kampala to Jinja (B / L / D)
Today we have the option of visiting the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or transferring to Jinja for a selection of adventure activities including white water rafting at the source of the White Nile, quad biking or volunteering at a community project. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the banks of the river, or ticking off the wide variety of water birds in this area.
DAY 21: Jinja to Nakuru (Kenya) (B / L / D)
After our engaging trip through the ‘Pearl of Africa’, we head back to Kenya. We overnight in Nakuru, Kenya’s 4th largest town and capital of the Rift Valley Province.
DAY 22: Nakuru & Lake Nakuru National Park (B / L / D)
This morning we begin our exploration of the Lake Nakuru National Park - famous for the thousands of lesser and greater flamingos that flock to this soda lake’s edge. The numbers vary depending on the water level, and when it’s low, the lake almost turns pink. A truly spectacular sight! The park was established as a sanctuary for black and white rhino, which are often seen. We spend the day searching for these pre-historic looking beasts as well as the elusive leopard, encountering buffalo, giraffe, various antelope and the occasional hippo along the way.
DAY 23: Lake Nakuru National Park to Lake Naivasha (B / L / D)
Moving further east, we head to Lake Naivasha, home to a multitude of bird life, the most magnificent being the African Fish Eagle with his regal cry. At 1880 m, this is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes. Time permitting; we spend the afternoon enjoying optional excursions like Elsamere (former home to Joy & George Adamson of Born Free fame), a boat ride to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary or a bike ride around Hell’s Gate National Park. Our last night is spent in a lovely campsite on the banks of the lake.
DAY 24: Lake Naivasha to Nairobi (B)
After breakfast, we head back to Nairobi, arriving at the Hotel Boulevard in the early afternoon. We exchange addresses and part ways, having just experienced a trip of a lifetime!
Please note that this itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road and weather conditions, political situations and group decisions. All prices and local payments are subject to change with prior notice. Due to Tourism Laws in some countries visited there may be a truck and crew change during the trip.
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These are camping trips, and spacious 2-person tents with sewn in ground sheets and a separate fly sheet are provided. Most nights will be spent in organised campsites which usually have hot water showers and extra facilities such as a bar or swimming pool. Increasingly these places have simple roomed accommodation, so on occasion there may be the choice, at extra cost, to upgrade to a bed if so wished. Occasionally, when it is not possible to drive any further or when there is no local campsite available, it may be necessary to bush camp. The vehicles are completely self-sufficient for this and camping out in the middle of the African bush can be a memorable experience.
The safari cook does all the cooking on the trip, although it may be necessary to participate in the preparation of the meals on a rota basis. Meals and menus vary depending on what is available locally, but three healthy square meals a day on the road are provided. Fresh fruit and vegetables are purchased from market stalls, supported by a bulk buy of goods bought prior to departure. In the towns and cities there is the optional alternative of sampling the local restaurants.
Kenya
Why visit Kenya
For a country of its size, Kenya really does pack a lot in: mountains and deserts, colourful tribal culture, beaches and coral reefs and some of Africa’s best wildlife attractions. Stunning landscapes set the scene, from Kakamega’s rainforests to Indian Ocean beaches and idyllic islands such as Lamu, by way of Mount Kenya National Park, the rolling grasslands of the Masai Mara to searing deserts on the shores of the Jade Sea; with the Rift Valley, home to millions of breeding flamingos on Lake Nakuru and spectacular birdlife and hippo families on Lake Naivasha, cleaving a massive gash through it all.
Wildlife safaris have been hugely popular in Kenya for decades, with legendary personalities such Ernest Hemingway and Karen Blixen highlighting their appeal, and films such as Out of Africa and Born Free portraying the romance, thrill and excitement of the country. Kenya has over twelve national wildlife parks, being among the best places in Africa to see lions, elephants, leopards and the famous wildebeest migration. The Masai Mara is famous for its annual Great Migration of more than two million wildebeest and thousands of Thomson's gazelle, zebra and impala. Aside from the Migration, game-viewing is excellent throughout the year. Large herds of elephant are common sights in the dry, ancient lakebed of Amboseli National Park, as are buffalo, gazelle, giraffe and zebra. In addition to the wildlife in Tsavo National Park, the Mzima Springs are popular, where millions of litres of cool, crystal-clear water flow out of the ground through porous volcanic rocks. The Samburu Game Park is a narrow plain giving way to rocky hillsides which are home to leopard. A highlight of these Parks is watching large numbers of elephant bathing in the Ewaso Nyiro River. The possibilities of trekking the glacial ridges of Mount Kenya, ballooning over the Masai Mara, snorkelling at the Marine National Park in Malindi on the Indian Ocean are all very real in Kenya.
Highlights of Kenya
- Kenya immortalised the safari with legendary personalities such as Ernest Hemingway and Karen Blixen, and films such as Out of Africa and Born Free.
- Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve is renowned for the annual Great Migration of millions of herbivores – one of the seven new wonders of the world.
- Masai and Samburu tribes-people live and tend their livestock alongside the resident wildlife.
- The country abounds in diverse landscapes, including the spectacular Great Rift Valley.
- It is one of the best countries in Africa for seeing large concentrations of animals throughout the year.
- Kenya is a birdwatcher's dream destination, with more than 1,000 species recorded.
- Lake Nakuru is a breeding ground for flamingo - up to two million birds can be found, and greater and lesser flamingos also migrate along Lakes Magadi, Elmenteita, Bogoria and Turkana.
- Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa and features a number of permanent glaciers. The best view of Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro is from Kenya's Amboseli National Park.
- The coastline is beautiful, particularly the Lamu Archipelago, featuring the islands of Lamu, Manda and Pate. Old Lamu Town is a World Heritage Site.
Climate
| Seasons | Max | Min |
| Summer (September - April) |
34 °C |
20 °C |
| Winter (May - August) |
25 °C |
11 °C |
| Rainfall: April - June (long rains), October - Mid December (short rains) |
Kenya is divided by the Equator and its diverse geography means that temperature, rainfall and humidity vary widely. However, there are effectively four distinct zones:
The hot, rainy plateau of western Kenya has rainfall throughout the year, the heaviest usually during April when as much as 200mm may be recorded, and the lowest in January, with an average of 40mm. Temperatures range from a minimum of 14°C to a maximum of 36°C throughout the year.
The temperate Rift Valley and Central Highlands have perhaps the most agreeable climate in the country. Average temperatures vary from a minimum of 10°C to a maximum of 28°C. Rainfall varies from a minimum of 20mm in July to 200mm in April, falling in essentially two seasons – March to the beginning of June (the ‘long rains’) and October to the end of November (the ‘short rains’). Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Range are the country’s main water catchments, with falls of up to 3000mm per year recorded in these places.
In the semi-arid bush-lands of northern and eastern Kenya temperatures vary from highs of up to 40°C during the day to less than 20°C at night. Rainfall in this area is sparse and, when it does occur, is often in the form of violent storms. July is usually the driest month and November the wettest.
The consistently average temperatures of the humid coast region vary little during the year, ranging from 22°C to 30°C. Rainfall is dependent on the monsoon, which blows from the north-east from October to April and from the south-west for the rest of the year. Its rainfall averages from 20mm in February to around 300mm in May.
Depending on when the rains come, the Great Migration normally reaches Kenya around July. Hundreds of thousands of herbivores then disperse onto the plains of the Masai Mara for the next couple of months.
Key Facts
Population – 39 million
Capital - Nairobi
Currency – Kenya shilling
Language – Kiswahili, English, tribal languages
Nairobi, from the Masaai "enkare nyarobi" means "Place of Cool Waters"
“jambo rafiki” – hello friend
Time difference – GMT +3 hours
Telephone – country code 254, international code 00
Uganda
Why visit Uganda
In 1907, pioneering tourist, Winston Churchill, called Uganda the Pearl of Africa. The country is small but the physical beauty is striking and the national parks are much quieter than other neighbouring countries. Its landscape varies from the fertile green areas around the northern shores of Lake Victoria, to the snow-covered Ruwenzori Mountains in the west, the highest mountain range in Africa, to the white-water rafting mecca of Jinja, the source of the mighty Nile, and the semi-desert parts of the north. It has the highest concentration of primates on earth, including the majestic mountain gorillas, one of the rarest animals on the planet. This is a unique opportunity to encounter these contemplative creatures at close quarters, hidden among the bamboo and dense jungle of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Highlights of Uganda
- Stunning, varied scenery of mountains, lakes and desert.
- The Mount of the Moon, Ruwenzori Mountains, the highest range in Africa.
- Endangered Mountain gorilla encountered at close quarters.
- Source of the River Nile at Jinja.
- Lake Bunyoni is the deepest crater lake in Africa, perfect for swimming, hiking, canoeing or simply sitting back and enjoying the tranquil surrounds.
Climate
| Seasons | Max | Min |
| Summer (December to May) |
29 °C |
16 °C |
| Winter (June to November) |
26 °C |
14 °C |
| Rainfall: March to May, October to November |
The majority of the country has a tropical climate, where temperatures average 26°C during the day, and 16°C at night; however this can vary according to altitude. The hottest months are December to February where temperatures can reach 29°C. The wettest months are April and May where rainfall is heavy. The dry season from mid-May to mid-October is easier for tracking mountain gorillas, but the endless hills are barren, a contrast to the verdant greens of the wet season. Peak season for gorilla tracking is July and August - travelling outside this time means it is easier to arrange a permit.
Key Facts
Population – 32.4 million
Capital – Kampala
Currency – Ugandan shilling (UGX)
Language – English, Swahili
Time difference – GMT +3 hours
Telephone – country code 256
Tanzania
Why visit Tanzania
Tanzania is unsurpassed for its magnificent scenery: from the snow-capped heights of Mount Kilimanjaro, the "Crown of Africa", to the exquisite floor of the Ngorongoro Crater; the jewel-like coastal islands of Zanzibar to the awe-inspiring Great Rift Valley, the natural splendours set the stage for the astoundingly diverse wildlife. Within the space of several hours it is possible to go from lazing on idyllic beaches and diving on exquisite coral reefs to exploring the narrow alleys of Arabian influenced Stone Town, from climbing mist-covered slopes in the Southern Highlands to trekking through barren landscapes around Ol Doinyo Lengai, guided by spear-carrying Masai warriors. Turtle season is between December and May, and these prehistoric creatures can be seen laying their eggs on the beaches.
Yet, despite its attractions, Tanzania has predominantly managed to remain unassuming and low-key. It has also remained enviably untouched by the tribal rivalries and political upheavals, and this makes it an ideal choice for both first-time visitors and Africa old hands.
Tanzania's natural endowment as a wildlife safari destination is unrivalled. Wild animals roam in vast uncrowded and unspoilt areas. The magnificent collection of game sanctuaries to the north of the country, near the border with Kenya, is referred to as the Northern Circuit. This is the most popular and accessible wildlife safari route in Tanzania, and is considered as one of the finest game viewing areas anywhere in the world. Arusha, a city of northern Tanzania is surrounded by some of Africa's most famous landscapes and national parks. Beautifully situated below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the Great Rift Valley, it has a pleasant climate and is close to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as having its own Arusha National Park on Mount Meru.
Highlights of Tanzania
- Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain.
- Bordered by Africa's three largest lakes - Lakes Malawi, Tanganyika and Victoria.
- Zanzibar Island, exploring bustling Stone Town, a World Heritage Site, and idyllic beaches, snorkelling, and picturesque fishing villages on Mnemba Island.
- Ngorongoro Crater - the largest intact caldera in the world, where wildlife are specifically protected.
- Olduvai Gorge - said to be the birthplace of man.
- The 20-million-year-old Great Rift Valley.
- The vast game-filled plains of the Serengeti and hot air balloon safaris.
- The annual Great Migration of millions of herbivores is a once-in-a-lifetime experience can be viewed between Tanzania and Kenya.
- More than twenty-five percent of Tanzania is dedicated to conservation areas.
- Possible to view the elusive "Big 10" in Tanzania - elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, hippo, zebra and giraffe - plus the famous chimpanzees on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
- Tanzania boasts over 1,000 bird species, with Lake Manyara National Park alone being home to over 400.
Climate
| Seasons | Max | Min |
| Summer (November -May) |
31 °C |
20 °C |
| Winter (June – October) |
22 °C |
15 °C |
| Rainfall: March - May (Long Rains “Masika”), November - December (Short Rains “Vuli”) |
Tanzania has a generally comfortable, tropical climate year-round, where temperatures rarely fall lower than 20°C. The coolest months countrywide are from June to October (15–20 °C), when it is also dry, and the warmest from December to March (25–31°C), although there are significant regional variations:-
- Along the warmer and humid coast, the average daily temperatures hover in the 30°C range, and only go as low as 25°C due to sea breezes from June to September. The climate here is determined in large part by the monsoon winds, which bring rains in two major periods. During the “masika” (long rains), from mid-March to May, it rains heavily almost every day, although seldom for the whole day, and the air can get unpleasantly sticky. The lighter “vuli” (short rains) fall during November, December and sometimes into January. July and August have the lowest rainfall.
- Inland, altitude is a major determinant of conditions. The central plateau is somewhat cooler and arid, while in the mountainous areas of the northeast and southwest, temperatures range between 10 and 20°C during cold and hot seasons respectively, and it can rain at any time of year. In the Kilimanjaro area, temperatures vary from 15°C in May-August period to 22°C over December - March. As one heads to the peaks of Kilimanjaro, temperatures can drop to below freezing, especially at night. The best climbing on Mount Kilimanjaro, which is surprisingly easy, is from August to October and from January to March.
Key Facts
Population – 43.7 million
Capital – Dodoma is the political capital, and Dar Es Salaam is the principal commercial city
Currency – Tanzanian shilling
Language – Swahili is the most widely spoken language, although English is the official language
“karibu tena” – welcome again
Peoples and Culture: there are over 120 tribes in Tanzania. However, the majority of people on Zanzibar follow the Muslim faith. Dress code to them is of particular importance and it is suggested that women try to dress fairly conservatively in order not to offend the local people. An Arabic influence is also evident in the people, who are a mix of Shirazia (from Persia), Arabs, Comorians (from the Comoros Islands) and Bantu from the mainland. The official language of Zanzibar is Kiswahili. Most residents have a good knowledge of English, Italian and various Arabic dialects.
Zanzibar's most world famous musician is Freddie Mercury! He was born Farrokh Bulsara on September 5th 1946 in Zanzibar, to parents Bomi and Jer Bulsara, who were Parsees - members of the Zoroastrian faith.
Time difference – GMT +3 hours
Telephone – country code 255
The overland trip was excellent - really well run. The guides were fantastic, the campsites great, and the food excellent. This has got to be the best way to see Africa in a short period of time ...
Amanzi Travel are excellent - professional, informative but with a real personal service ... The cheetah volunteer project was an absolutely fantastic experience, and the Overland trip was brilliant.
Jennie and Stuart, Sweden, 32 and 34 (Cheetah Volunteer Project and Overland Trip)
The tour was amazing and the staff went out of their way to make our time in Africa as fun and memorable as possible for us. Our tour leader told us the history and other interestings facts about each area we visited. The food was really good. I wasn't expecting cooked breakfasts every morning. There was loads of food, no one ever went hungry and the variety was excellent.There was a rota up so everyone had a task to do each day eg. food chopping, washing up, truck cleaning and truck packing, but this only took about 5 minutes every day.
The optional excursions were good, but there was no pressure to do any of them and there were plenty of activities already included. We felt very safe and were generally very well looked after.
Mary & Eleanor, UK, aged 50 & 15
Gemma at Amanzi Travel was extremely helpful, professional and promt in her replies ...
To sum up, voluneering with children in Africa, some of which diagnosed with aids or orphaned, was the most rewarding, life changing thing I have ever done. Seeing the childrens faces light up when I brought in a picture story book was so moving, I don’t think they had had a book read to them before, which was heartbreaking to think. Seeing their pure happiness in the small things in life like a new soccer ball, a new pencil or a piece of fresh bread was made me appreciate my own life so much more and realise all that I take for granted. When faced with a difficulty in my life now, I look to the big picture and shake myself out of it when I realise how pathetic and trivial it may be after spending time with children who may very well not live until their 21st birthday. I think everyone should volunteer at sometime in their life, preferably when they are young, to see how lucky we really are and how easy it is to put a smile on someone elses face. I learnt that the more we get, the more we want and the less happy we are. These children taught me to be happy with life itself, not with how much cash I have in the bank.
Overall I loved the experience and would go back to see the children in a heart beat. I found it so rewarding and put my life in perspective.
Our 5 week overland tour was absolutely amazing I loved every second of it. The food was delicious and our guides/driver were lovely. The truck and tents were fine, that's all part of the experience!
Jess, Australia, aged 21 (Kenya Teaching and Community Volunteer)
Thank you Amanzi Travel for organising the overland trip from Cape Town to Vic Falls for us, I did enjoy it immensely. Was lucky that the group were of varied ages and we had a ball. My daughter is undertaking volunteer work in Africa also with Amanzi Travel and I joined her for this overland trip. I visited her at the Victoria Falls Lion Project in Zimbabwe and was very impressed by the organisation. She is having a wonderful time there and will be staying on for a few more months. I spoke to a few other volunteers whilst I was there and they were all happy with their experiences.
Thank you again Amanzi Travel, I know you are helping alot of people in Africa with your projects and I have certainly told a lot of people who are interested in our experiences about you.
Suzanne, Australia, aged 62 (Southern Sun 21 Day (Northbound))
I really had a fantastic time with both volunteering & overland tours. I have so many stories to share with everybody that sometimes I sit down & wonder if I am making them up....I can't believe all of what I did and saw! I left home feeling both excited and so nervous about spending 9 weeks in Kenya alone on the Teaching & Community Volunteer project, but on arrival I was met by one of the Amanzi Travel guys and felt welcome and safe immediately. After that I was never 'alone' and was welcomed by all age groups and nationalities on the volunteer programme and overland trip. The cottage we stayed in in Limuru was brill and it had everything there to make you feel right at home. The variety of food was great and the staff were wonderful. Working with the kids was amazing and I felt as though as I had a good amount of time to spend in both the orphanage and the primary school. My six weeks was split half and half and by the time I left I felt as though I had seen real changes in the kids I gave extra help too who were usually left behind in the back of the class.
The overland trip was an awesome end to my time in Kenya. The truck was surprisingly comfortable and the staff brilliant. Be prepared to do your duties, cleaning, cooking etc but it's all part of the fun. Most places we stayed in were lovely and had bars for a fun evening. The drive through all the different places was lovely and seeing all the wildlife was amazing. From lions walking in front of you in the Masai Mara, to leopards crossing the road in Lake Nakuru and the magniciant gorillas in Bwindi are only a patch of what I saw. Memories I will have forever and the most fantastic 9 weeks of my life. Thanks for guiding me the right direction Amanzi!
Michelle, Ireland, aged 30 (Kenya Teaching and Community Volunteer, Gorillas and Game Parks 14 Day)