Let’s just start with an exclamation: Tanzania is, by far, my favorite country in the world.

Yes, I know, a bold statement, but the truth. Like many of you, my only glimpse into what Africa would be like was from The Lion King — I was dreaming of the flat, vast plains of the Serengeti where animals roam free and lions sit on Pride Rock. While that is true, in part, this country is so much more than that.

Tanzania has some of the most diverse landscapes I’ve ever seen. Think sprawling plains where you can see for miles, lush jungles where monkeys swing from the treetops, soaring mountains, the most famous of which being Kilimanjaro, and white-sand beaches (Zanzibar!) with a sea that’s perfect for diving. And don’t even get me started about the animals. The animals!!!! Not only can you find the “big five” here, which include elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino, but also giraffe, warthog, antelope, baboon, hippo, zebra, wildebeest, hyena, monkey, flamingos, ostrich, gazelle, cheetah, jackal, and the list goes on…

It really is the whole package. Now, let’s get you there.

First and foremost, you need to find a tour operator. Yes, you can rent a car here and drive the national parks yourself, but what then? Only a seasoned guide who does these routes day in and day out knows what to look for and can drive you to those special spots where the animals roam at certain times of day. A tour operator also handles all the logistics, so you pay one flat fee to have a driver, vehicle, transfers, accommodations, domestic flights and most meals covered. The only thing you’ll have to sort is your international flight. It’s a no brainer.

I traveled with Congema Safaris and HIGHLY encourage you to do the same. Here is a one-week and two-week itinerary to give you a reference for how their tours work, but email me if you’d like some feedback. I loved every minute and want this once-in-a-lifetime trip to be as special for you as it was for me.

As for national parks to visit, this can be worked out with your tour company but my recommendations are Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. Check out the below links for more!

Visit Tanzania, My Favorite Country