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Zanzibar & Stonetown

Sultry and mysterious, the island of Zanzibar is the biggest of the “Spice Islands”. Tourists flock to Zanzibar for the beautiful beaches, snorkelling, spice tours, centuries old Arabic architecture and the ambiance that isn’t replicated anywhere in the world. It is a perfect paradise for indulging after climbing Kilimanjaro or a bone-jarring safari on rough roads.

Stonetown was awarded status as a World Heritage Site in 2000 and is accessed by a short flight from Arusha or a two hour ferry ride from Dar es Salaam.

Pemba Island

Part of the archipelago of Zanzibar, Pemba is an unspoilt utopia with few visitors. Situated in the warm blue waters of the Indian Ocean, this tropical paradise has little tourist infrastructure, providing a genuine island experience of culture and landscape. Attractions in Pemba include swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, forest trekking, historical ruins, and bull fights- though the bulls are not killed, but decorated and praised with flowers!

Mafia Island

Mafia Island has less than 1000 visitors per year, and is absolutely unblemished; a picture-perfect Swahili coastal destination. Having been described as the best place for diving in all of East Africa, Mafia Island has been elected a Marine Park by the World Wide Fund for Nature, as it is surrounded by a dense coral reef. You can enjoy visiting a population of pygmy hippopotamus in a discreet lagoon, the excavated ruins of Kua, as well as cycling and hiking.

Pangani

Set upon the Pangani River, this was once home to historic Arab slave traders. This coastal destination is on the Tanzanian mainland, a perfect stop point between the Northern and Southern Circuits. Untouched beaches, coconut tours, and dinosaur fossils are some of the attractions in this beach side village.

Tanga

One of the largest cities of Tanzania, Tanga, lies between the North and South Circuits. Here you can enjoy the beaches, bike riding, and visiting the imaginative Amboni Caves. A major attraction close to the port is the ruins of a large mosque from the trading era, containing over 40 tombs.

Kilwa Island

Approximately four kilometers from the coast of the mainland, Kilwa Island is considered one of the most important Swahili historical sites in East Africa. The ruins here have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and are the main attraction on the island. Mahdali, the main city, was once the most powerful and prosperous city of the Asian-African trade in gold, iron, ivory, textiles, jewellery, and spices.

Bagamoyo

A quaint coastal town of the mainland, Bagamoyo was once the centre of slave and ivory trading. History’s presence is strong here, with 19th century architecture, and an original slaving building still standing. Here attractions include the Kaole ruins, sailboat building, lovely beaches, and Bagamoyo College of the Arts, a famous school of visual arts.

Jozani Forest

Just outside of Stonetown, Jozani Forest was established to preserve some of the last indigenous forest on the island of Zanzibar. This National Park is home to the rare and unique Kirk’s Red Colobus monkey and there is a beautiful boardwalk that snakes deep through the mangrove forest.

Saadani National Forest

This is a coastal national park on the mainland of Tanzania. This is only park that embraces the Indian Ocean, and is the genuine “bush to beach” adventure. Saadani’s 1100 square km is home to countless species of animals, and affords game drives and bush walks to rival the other more-frequented parks, with the added benefit of tranquility and the ocean.

I really like that we were able to meet with Leesha and Lawrence to learn more about the program. I also appreciated that the tours were built around the activities that we wanted to do. Beautiful accommodation in Arusha at Joyce’s place, [Songota Falls Lodge]. The food was amazing! All of the guides and porters made this one of the best trips of my life and absolutely blew all of my expectations out of the water. The guides were so knowledgeable, funny, entertaining, caring, friendly, personable, and just fantastic to be around. I hope that you can tell by our feedback how amazing this group of people were. I would recommend them to anyone who is thinking about climbing Kilimanjaro! This was an absolutely amazing experience and one that I will talk about for many many years to come. 10/10

Five reasons weren’t enough… Tanzania has SO much to offer!

6.Wildebeest migration

The wildebeest migration is world famous for the 1.5 million wildebeest along with zebra and other antelopes that migrate to follow food and water in Tanzania.  The migration is the largest overland in the world, covering 800 km, primarily in Serengeti National Park.  In February each year, approximately 8000 wildebeest calves are born every day.   Predators follow the migration to take advantage of the abundance of prey, so wildlife viewing is phenomenal.

7. People

The people of Tanzania are known for their never ending friendliness. Huge smiles, and an eagerness to greet you with Jambo? really makes an average trip a memorable one.  Tanzanians are always willing to help out, to teach you a few words of Swahili, to learn about your home, and to show you the beauty of their country.  Everyone leaves Tanzania feeling like they have made a friend.

8. Chimpanzees

Gombe Stream National Park

This is Tanzania’s smallest park, only 52 square km, but it is distinguishing as it is home to man’s closest genetic relative, the chimpanzee. On the shores of Tanganyika, this park offers beach side camping, hiking, swimming, and snorkelling, and of course Chimpanzee trekking. World renowned for Jane Goodall’s research with chimps, Gombe Stream is rich in primates, and has few carnivores, making a great hiking and swimming destination. Gombe Stream is usually accessed by flight and boat ride.

Mahale Mountains National Park

Dominated mostly by the Mahale Mountain chain, this park also borders Lake Tanganyika. Hiking and swimming are astonishing here, however, the most common reason for visitors to Mahale is Chimpanzee Trekking. Your guide will lead you on a trek through the wilderness, looking for signs of recent chimp activity, such as nests and discarded fruit. Mahale Mountains is accessed by aircraft or watercraft, and its 1613 square km need at least 2 full days of exploration!

9. The big 5

The original big 5 was for game hunting and included the Rhinoceros, Cape buffalo, Leopard, Lion, and Elephant.  The modern big 5 might include giraffe and cheetah; or whatever top 5 animals you want to see on your safari. Luckily Tanzania is home to all of these magnificent creatures and you have a high probability of seeing them all.  The Rhinoceros is the most elusive and often is seen from afar. The parks of Tanzania are so dense with wildlife (and the parks are not gated in anyway!) You will see such an abundant amount of animals in their natural habitat, it is simply breathtaking.

10. Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Though it stretches well beyond the crater rim, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is known for its stunning caldera. An extinct volcano, the crater floor has permanent water and rich pasture, making an ideal habitat for wildlife. Some of Tanzania’s last black rhinoceros live within the crater, though they can be difficult to spot. This conservation area is also a World Heritage Site, acknowledged for the harmonious relationship between its Maasai habitants and wildlife.

Questions?  email us at info@bomaafrica.com

Thanks to Africa Geographic