Tanzania Safari Facts

Home to some of the most awe-inspiring wildlife on the planet, Tanzania is a true paradise for safari-goers. And, if you're planning a trip to this East African gem, you're in for a real treat. But before you set off on your expedition, there are a few Tanzania Safari Facts you should know. 

Maybe after learning about these facts, your curiosity and excitement about visiting the most popular safari destination increase by ten folds. So, let's begin the journey of unlocking the secrets of Tanzania's wild side and setting the stage for an unforgettable odyssey!

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Tanzania

We have compiled a list of the Top Ten Interesting Facts to Know About Tanzania before you start on your next African adventure. If you are interested in learning about these intriguing facts about Tanzania Safari, let’s get started.

30% of Tanzania is National Parks

With a land area of 945,097 square kilometres, Tanzania is four times the size of Great Britain and is the largest country in entire East Africa. The area comprises both the mainland and the Zanzibar Archipelago. And, if we talk about the land area, a whopping 30% of the same is covered by its’ 16 national parks and reserve areas. 

• Out of all the Tanzania National Parks, the Serengeti National Park is the best and the most renowned one. This vast place is full of wilderness and boasts more than one million species of large mammals. Also, you are going to witness the greatest natural spectacle that humans ever could see when visiting the national park on your Safari in Tanzania. 
• Apart from Serengeti, other national parks may not be as renowned as this one but are known to have a great concentration of wildlife. They not only put forward great animal viewing opportunities but also offer stunning views of varying landscapes that exist inside the Tanzania National Parks.

Do You Know? Apart from being the oldest ecosystem in the world, Serengeti National Park is also a World Heritage Center and has been proudly tagged as a 7th World Wonder.

Africa’s Majestic Crown-Mount Kilimanjaro

Another interesting fact about Tanzania is that the country is not only about national parks, and animals, it’s also about visiting the iconic Kilimanjaro Mountains which are regarded as the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. 

• Soaring at a breathtaking 5,895 meters above sea level, Mount Kilimanjaro reigns supreme as Africa's highest peak. 
• This awe-inspiring dormant volcano attracts hikers and sightseers from around the world and boasts a diverse array of ecosystems, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and icy summits.

Interesting Fact: Around 30000 people attempt Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing annually. And it’s been reported that around 50% of hikers fail in their attempt to summit the mountain. Many experts blame the Altitude Mountain Sickness as the reason behind the failed attempts to scale up Kilimanjaro.

The Great Serengeti Migration; Nature's Epic Journey

The Serengeti Wildebeest Migration is another phenomenal event that attracts millions of visitors from far and wide to be a part of one of the most incredible wildlife events that was known to exist in the world. 

• Travellers on Tanzania Safari Tours get to witness the staggering spectacle of over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle as they undertake a perilous quest through Tanzania and Kenya in search of greener pastures and water.
• The heart-stopping Mara River crossing is a testament to the resilience of these animals as they navigate muddy waters brimming with hungry crocodiles.

Good To Know: The Serengeti Wildebeest Migration is the largest as well as the longest terrestrial migration in the world. The wildebeest herds cover a total distance of around 500 miles (800 km), or more during each cycle.

The World’s Densest Population of Wildlife is present in Ngorongoro Crater

The fact that Ngorongoro Crater was once a volcano and then collapsed to create a bowl-like depression called a caldera makes the place one of the most interesting Places to Visit in Tanzania. 

• Though the crater area looks empty when you view it from the rim, the truth is that the crater is home to approximately 25000 large mammals. This is because the crater wall is too high, which is about 600 m above the floor area and gives a sense of the enormity of the place. 
• The Ngorongoro Crater boasts the highest density of lions in the world. If you want to see these majestic species, then you must visit Ngorongoro on Tanzania Safari Tours-one of the best places to see lion pride.Apart from lions, the crater is also famed for hosting the Big Five along with 300 animal species and 550 species of birds.

Interesting Tip: Instead of safari drives in Ngorongoro Crater, go for guided walks. This is because walks will take you through the walls of the forest where you will witness waterfalls, colourful birds and some stunning views of the basin that is situated below.

Tarangire National Park in Tanzania is home to the oldest baobab trees.

Another interesting Tanzania Safari Facts are the symbolic baobab trees which have almost become synonymous with the Tarangire National Park. These beautiful and fascinating trees are known to have existed for 1000 years, or longer. 

• These trees are huge with thick and sturdy trunks with root-like branches that make them stand out from other trees of Tarangire. Their trunks are believed to have reached more than 100 feet in circumference.

Interesting Fact: Apart from scenic baobab trees, Tarangire National Park is known for hosting the largest elephant concentration in the world. Not only that, but the park is also just after Serengeti National Park in terms of wildlife concentration in Tanzania.

Lake Manyara National Park was the first park famous for tree-climbing lions.

Travellers on Tanzania safari Tours especially visit Lake Manyara National Park to look at the unique tree-climbing lions. 

• The unique behaviour of lions has not been seen in any other place in the world. Lions that can climb trees is perhaps the most interesting Fact about a Safari in Tanzania.
• These lions are believed to adopt the practice of climbing trees as a part of their behavioural adaptation to protect themselves against the continual stinging of insects and to escape the heat of the ground.

Factoid: Tree-climbing lions may be first spotted in Lake Manyara National Park, but they are also seen in Tarangire National Park.

The Second-Largest Lake in the World is in Tanzania

By both volume and depth, Lake Tanganyika is the largest freshwater lake in the world. 

• The lake holds around 8 % of the world’s freshwater lakes and shelters around 500 species of fish. 
• Being fed by around 50 rivers and streams, Lake Tanganyika is regarded as one of the most biologically diverse and rich habitats in the world.

Interesting Fact: Lake Tanganyika is known is flow across four different countries namely, Tanzania, Burundi, Congo, and Zambia.

Tanzania has some of the most beautiful beaches in the World.

Zanzibar Beach Holidays is a perfect end to your otherwise hectic and dusty African Safari. A visit to the pristine blue waters, swaying palms, and white sands will help you explore the stunning beaches of Zanzibar. 

• Zanzibar is home to two known endemic animal species. Your Tanzania Safari will provide good opportunities to meet the endemic species namely, Zanzibar red colobus monkey and Zanzibar servaline genet. 
• Zanzibar is a primary diving destination owing to the living reefs that surround the islands. With excellent visibility, the destination is a haven for both novices as well as first-time divers.

Do You Know? Zanzibar is famous as “The Spice Islands” because its second important economic activity is spice exports. The first one is the tourism of course!

Tanzania’s Culinary Delights is a symphony of Flavours

Tanzania Safari Holidays are almost incomplete without getting a taste of its delicious cuisine. The country has got a rich history and heritage which is reflected in its cuisine. Moreover, it appears as a perfect blend of several cultural influences such as Indian, Arabic, Portuguese, British and African. 

• Tanzania Food incorporates a lot of aromatic spices and herbs. As the region is home to several spice farms and forests, the practice is more prevalent. 
• Not many know, but most of Tanzania's Cuisine is vegetarian and especially, vegan friendly. Some of the famous dishes that you can try are Mboga Majani and Makande.

Food Fact: Tanzania’s Culture advocates eating with one’s hands and cutlery is often not used while eating. This is practised especially for authentic dishes such as Ugali and Nyama Choma.

Follow The Guide & Don’t Get Out of Your Safari Vehicle

This is an absolute no when coming for Tanzania Safari Tours. Make it a point to listen to your guides and not get out of your safari vehicles during game drives. You are just not allowed to roam inside Tanzania National Parks without any assistance from any guide.

• Adhere to all the strict rules that are laid by your guides and safari operator. You are only allowed to walk within the designated areas and never cross these areas. This is because Tanzania National Parks have a wide variety of predators which makes it unsafe to walk in. 
• Your guides will take you close to the animals and make you watch them from a safe and unprovoked distance.

Facts About Safari In Tanzania: Not all National Parks in Tanzania will let you walk in inside their premises. But a few who have the option of walking safaris for their guests include Katavi National Park, Ruaha National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Tarangire National Park, and Serengeti National Park.

Done with the Tanzania Safari Facts: Start Planning Your Trip Now!

Hope these Tanzania Safari Facts have put an end to your curious minds of yours. These facts are just a glimpse of the wonderful safari destination in store for you. To get a first-hand experience, you need to start planning your next African adventure to this incredible safari destination- Tanzania. 

And with Tanzania Safari Tours, we are sure you will get to witness an unparalleled safari experience that captures the imagination of travellers from around the world. With that, let’s wrap it up here. For more details on safaris in Tanzania, you can always contact us.