If Tanzania isn’t on your travel bucket list yet, it should be. This East African nation is bursting with wildlife, culture, natural beauty and adventure. Doug sat down with David Smyth, from Forward Travel, to uncover why Tanzania offers one of the world’s most unforgettable travel experiences.
“It just oozes wildlife”
When most people picture Tanzania, they think safari. And for good reason.
“It’s wildlife first and foremost,” said David. “You know, Serengeti National Park, the Great Migration, Ngorongoro Crater… It just oozes wildlife.”
The country is famous for its vast plains teeming with zebras and wildebeest. David described it as “like being in a documentary.”
But beyond the animal kingdom, there’s rich cultural heritage too.
“Tanzania’s home to many tribes,” he explained. “The Maasai are the most well-known, but the country’s cultural depth often gets overlooked because the wildlife is so dominant.”
“Big herds, big safari, big open country”
From the Indian Ocean on the east coast to the mountainous regions inland, Tanzania is vast and diverse.
“You’ve got oceanfront, mountains, and massive plains in the middle,” said David.
The Serengeti, in particular, is world-renowned for its massive wildlife migrations. But David encourages travellers to look beyond the usual hot spots.
“I’ve spent time in the north, Serengeti, Arusha, Ngorongoro, but also in the south and west. Those regions are spectacular and less travelled,” he shared.
Places like Ruaha and Katavi National Parks offer “raw, untouched, and authentic experiences” without the crowds.
“It’s not a whim kind of destination”
So how do you plan a trip to a place this epic?
“Pre-booking is key,” David advised. “Especially during peak season, June to September. You’ll want your accommodation and safari experiences locked in.”
While the country is doable for the adventurous backpacker, most travellers will benefit from planning ahead.
“You need to know where you’re staying and have your excursions arranged,” he said. “It’s not really a ‘figure it out as you go’ kind of destination. Unless you’ve got lots of time and flexibility.”
Lodging: From Basic to Opulent
Tanzania caters to all travel budgets. “You can get everything from basic to pure opulence,” said David.
“There are lodges at $200 a night and lodges at $5,000 a night. It really depends on what you’re after.”
Budget-conscious travellers can still have a five-star experience. “Even three-star lodges in Tanzania are superb,” David assured. “You’re not sacrificing the experience.”
What about the Aussie dollar?
Most tourism services in Tanzania are priced in US dollars. That means the Aussie dollar might not stretch as far as it does elsewhere.
But don’t be discouraged. “Three- to four-star lodges still offer amazing value and comfort,” said David. “You’re not missing out.”
When shopping locally, however, your Aussie dollar can go further, especially in markets and shops.
Coastlines You Didn’t Know About
While most people associate Tanzania with wildlife, the coastline deserves just as much love.
“We often forget about Tanzania’s beaches,” David said. “But they’re absolutely stunning.”
The country’s Indian Ocean coast offers pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxing after a safari.
“Tanzania has it all”
Tanzania is more than just a destination. It’s an experience that fuses the thrill of the wild with deep cultural roots and natural beauty.
Whether you’re tracking lions in the Serengeti, sipping coffee on your private veranda as elephants wander past, or walking along white sand beaches, Tanzania has something for everyone.
As David summed it up: “Tanzania’s the crown jewel of East Africa. Once you’ve been, you’ll never forget it.”