Zanzibar, an archipelago nestled on the eastern coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, stands as a vibrant semi-autonomous region bursting with rich culture and history. Beyond its famed white sand beaches and crystalline waters teeming with coral reefs perfect for snorkeling, Zanzibar encompasses a tapestry of small islands, with Unguja (commonly known as Zanzibar) and Pemba as its major hubs.

Following the union with Tanganyika to form Tanzania, Zanzibar retained its semi-autonomous status. Situated 25-50km off mainland Tanzania, the archipelago’s heart beats in Zanzibar City, located on Unguja Island, boasting a historic stone town designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Like mainland Tanzania, Swahili and English serve as official languages, complemented by widespread Arabic fluency among Zanzibaris. The Tanzanian shilling reigns as the official currency, while Islam prevails as the dominant religion, embraced by over 90% of the population.

With a population exceeding 1.3 million as per the 2012 census, Zanzibar thrives on a diverse economy anchored by spices, raffia, and a burgeoning tourism sector.

The word Serengeti means “endless plains” in the Maa language, spoken by the Maasai people who live around the Serengeti National Park. This vast park is covered with grassland plains, offering breathtaking views of distant landscapes. A safari in Serengeti provides the quintessential African wilderness experience, making it an award-winning destination and the best national park for an African safari. Established as a national park in 1951, Serengeti was originally a game reserve (big game hunting ground). It is located in northern Tanzania and extends to southwestern Kenya.

Serengeti National Park covers an area of 5,700 square miles (14,763 square kilometers) and is often referred to as the great grassland range in Africa, characterized by its expansive vachellia woodland. The park stretches 100 miles (160 kilometers) southeast from the shores of Lake Victoria and extends 100 miles (160 kilometers) south from the Kenya-Tanzania border. The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem includes several protected areas, such as Serengeti National Park, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, and numerous game reserves and conservation areas, including Ngorongoro, that surround the region.

The Great Migration

One of the most spectacular events in the Serengeti is the Great Migration. This annual phenomenon involves over 1.5 million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebras, and gazelles making a perilous journey across the Serengeti and into the neighboring Maasai Mara in Kenya. Driven by the search for fresh grazing and water, these animals face numerous challenges, including predation by lions, leopards, and crocodiles, as well as the harsh conditions of the land.

The migration typically follows a circular pattern, with the herds moving northwest from the southern Serengeti during the rainy season (April to June), then crossing the Mara River into Kenya around July to September. They return south around November to January. Witnessing the sheer number of animals moving in unison is a breathtaking experience that draws tourists from all over the world.

Tanzania boasts a diverse tropical climate influenced by both region and altitude. Along the coast, temperatures tend to be hot and humidity prevails, while the lower-lying parks experience drier, cooler conditions. Optimal for exploration, the prime period to venture to Tanzania aligns with the lengthy dry spell spanning from July through September. These months coincide with the spectacle of the Great Migration, offering ideal conditions for safaris, trekking, and indulging in Zanzibar’s coastal delights.

It’s worth noting, however, that these months mark the pinnacle of tourism activity, resulting in heightened crowds and potentially inflated prices at accommodations and attractions.

For those seeking a quieter retreat, the brief rainy season from late October to December presents a compelling alternative. Conversely, it’s advisable to steer clear of Tanzania during the extended rainy period in April and May, when sudden, heavy downpours can disrupt plans and prompt cancellations of outdoor activities.