Practical tips
Best time
The dry season (June to October) is best for safari and beach. For the Great Migration in the Serengeti there are two strong windows: January–March (calving season in Ndutu) and July–October (river crossings in the north). Zanzibar is pleasant almost year-round, avoiding the long rains of April–May.
Languages
Swahili (Kiswahili) is the national language and a strong unifying force; English is widely used in tourism and business. A few phrases earn smiles: “Jambo” (hello), “Asante” (thank you), “Karibu” (welcome) and “Pole pole” (slowly, slowly — the rhythm of safari and of the Kilimanjaro climb).
Etiquette
Tanzania is culturally conservative, even more so in the Muslim archipelago of Zanzibar: away from resorts and beaches, cover shoulders and knees (men and women), especially in Stone Town. Ask permission before photographing people, especially Maasai communities. Respect rangers’ rules in the parks and use only reputable operators.
What to see & culture
Places
Africa’s natural marvels: the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara, the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro (Africa’s roof) and, on the coast, Zanzibar — Stone Town (a World Heritage Site), the beaches of Nungwi and Paje and the spice islands.
Culture
Huge ethnic diversity (Maasai, Chagga, Sukuma and many others) and a coastal Swahili heritage blending African, Arab and Indian influences in Zanzibar. In music, bongo flava dominates East Africa; tingatinga painting, with its vivid colours, is a visual signature of the country.
Food
Nyama choma (grilled meat) and ugali are the mainland staples; chipsi mayai (a chip omelette) is the street snack par excellence. On the coast and in Zanzibar, Swahili cuisine shines with spice-scented seafood curries, pilau and the famous “Zanzibar pizza”. Chai and coffee from the Kilimanjaro region.