Southern Tanzania And Zanzibar : Tanzania is a one of the greatest travel destinations in the world with a combination of safari and beach holidays, this beautiful country is divided into safari regions that is Southern Tanzania, Northern Safari Circuit, Southern Safari Circuit, Western Circuit and Coastal Circuit – Zanzibar.
Though the Northern Safari Circuit is the most visited region in Tanzania for safari, the southern Tanzania is a great destination to visit for a Tanzania Safari and this article shades light on this amazing region of the country.
The Southern Tanzania Safari Circuit is a great destination for travelers who want get away from the crowds and experience a remote safari adventure, the southern region is enormous, untouched, remote and teeming with a spectacular diversity of wildlife. The parks found in the southern Tanzania region include Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park, Mikumi National Park and the Udzungwa Mountains National Park.
Although the area is not home for the complete Big Five, there are lots of other animals like roan antelopes, sable antelopes, black rhinos and cheetahs that can easily be spotted. Also, this region is where you can find the world’s thickest population of the last remaining African wild dogs.
The main gateway to the Southern Tanzania also known as The Southern Safari Circuit is Dar es Salaam – a major city and commercial port in Tanzania. Tourists often fly to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) and then take a light aircraft to one of the parks. There is a myriad of airlines that fly directly to Dare es Salaam from many parts of the world including the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Austria. However, since southern circuit parks are not accessible by road. Travelers also need to take into account that they need to book a domestic flight into the parks as well.
The Southern Tanzania is a great destination for game viewing, open sided vehicles are available enhancing the game viewing experience as it offers 360-degree views of the virgin landscape and exciting game. Also, the proximity of the southern circuit to the coastal circuit makes it a perfect bush and beach vacation.
What makes the southern safari circuit a more perfect destination for travelers is that they offer activities that are not available in the more popular northern circuit. You can enjoy abundant wildlife and untouched landscape with less crowd.
Top southern safari parks to visit in the Southern Tanzania (Southern Safari Circuit) include Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park and Mikumi National Park.
Best time to visit Southern Circuit Parks: June to October.
After exploring the Southern Tanzania, you will connect to the Indian Ocean Coast and the beautiful islands of Zanzibar for a relaxing beach holiday. From Dar es Salaam, you take a chartered flight to Zanzibar which is served by Zanzibar Airport.
Zanzibar Island also known as Africa’s tropical paradise offers the world’s most beautiful beaches, here you will find miles and miles of white sandy beaches dotted with palm trees surrounded by the clear azure water of the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar is part of the Zanzibar Archipelago together with Pemba Island offering a laidback beach life but also a large variety of activities, colorful culture and a deep history. At the island, you can on a spice tour or explore the amazing coral reefs and swim among tropical reef fish.
Rich Culture and History of Zanzibar
Because of their rich history in spice trade and the many spice plantation, the Zanzibar Islands are named the Spice Islands. The historic Stone Town is an fascinating mixture of cultures, food lovers and culture enthusiasts can visit interesting places such as the Sultan’s Palace, the House of Wonders and the Darajani or Forodhani food markets. The adventures in the Stone Town are truly endless.
Excursions and activities to do in Zanzibar include spice tour, kitesurfing, mount biking, stone town excursions, prison island excursion, safari blue, visit to the Jozani Forests, snorkeling and scuba diving, Mnemba Island tour and culture tour.
Best Time To Travel to Zanzibar – is during the dry season running from June to October when temperatures however at an average of 77°F. During these months, rainfall is at lowest on the Island averaging 2.67 inches a month in June, 188 inches in July, 1.5 inches in August and two inches in September. In October, rainfall begins to raises up to 3 inches.
The dry season also coincides with safari high season on the mainland in Tanzania with many travelers combining a trip to Zanzibar Island as Island post – safari.
