What should i do when i go to southern tanzania next summer?

Question

Hi, next summer I am going to Southern Tanzania with my school and at the moment we are planning our itinery? Any recommendations would be much appreciated :D

Answer 1

Although southern Tanzania is not as famous as the northern safari circuit, there are several parks south & west of Dar es Salaam. Depending on where in the "south" you're headed, you might include a visit to Ruaha National Park &/or Selous National Park. Selous is actually the largest park in Tanzania. Udzungwa & Mikumi parks are near Selous and offer yet more places to "see the animals". The best thing about Tanzania is the ability to just view animals while driving down the highways throughout the country. It's not everywhere that traffic might be stopped because impala or elephants are crossing the road.

If safaris aren't your thing, try visiting the markets in any large town you pass. The sights & sounds will stick with you forever. The beaches can be beautiful depending on the season. Remember, if you're going during the northern hemisphere summer, you'll be in Tanzania in the winter. If you're in the south near the coast the weather should be relatively pleasant. However, if you're heading toward the interior & the highlands, expect cooler weather (certainly in the near 40 degrees Farenheit or in the single digits Celsius.

In Dar es Salaam & other areas around the country small museums exist amongst other buildings on side streets & markets. Also, some German Lutheran missions can be found, from the early colonial days.

Taking pens or hard candies as gifts for the kids are always appreciated but not necessary. Also, Tanzanian Swahili is more gramatically correct than Kenyan Swahili. Use "hujambo" for one person & "hamjambo" for a group. You will probably be recognized as an "mzungu" or foreigner. Don't be offended if you hear this phrase a lot, just ignore it or use it as an introduction to greet people. You'll be happier that way.

Check out the pages below for more information. I also recommend the Lonely Planet guides for helpful information on shots, visas, hotels & things to do.

Have a great trip! Safari Njema.

Answer 2

On the visitor's point of view they call the part of Tanzania you are about to visit the Southern Circuit

The sheer vastness of southern Tanzania makes for some spectacular game viewing and superb African vistas. An additional benefit of a visit to the southern circuit is the remoteness of the location, which means that most visitors rarely see another car during their long game drives. Whereas wildlife and big game are the focus of the northern circuit, a trip to the parks of southern Tanzania allows visitors to learn in-depth knowledge about complex ecosystems and diverse living creatures that are usually skimmed over in more crowded areas. A visit to the southern circuit is a trip into an unexplored and wild Africa.

There are still national parks in the south Ruaha National Park, Kitulo Plateau National Park, Katavi National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park

On the southern Swahili Coast, the little-visited old town Mikimazi is a good base for diving explorations and trips to the abandoned ruins of the ancient Swahili trading post. The old German boma in Mkomazi is also a historical site of interest

Or since you are taking scholars you can experience the rift valley from Lake Malawi, lake Rukwa and Lake Tanganyika.

Remember a leaf of grass is no less than a journey of a thousand miles. What you will see in the southern circuit will actually outnumber the volumes of the wildebeest in the Northern circuit.

Enjoy

Answer 3

I assume that you will have the necessary shots but these can be supplemented by eating some garlic tablets about 2 weeks before you go, the biting bugs will be able to smell it and they will give you a wide berth. Canvas your friends for unwanted ball point pens and take as many with you as possible. If you go near a school, you can pop in and make a present to the teacher of them. The children will treat you like a pop star! Any stationery supplies will be gratefully recieved but ball points are small and light. Swahili is the main language of East Africa and it is very well recieved if you can say "Jambo" for good morning and "Asante" for thank you. Tanzanians are friendly and helpful but live in poverty that we find shocking. Don't go with any preconceptions and have a wonderful time, it is a beautiful place that you will never forget. Good luck!

Answer 4

It's too bad that you're not going to the north since that's where all the really famous parks are, but it's still amazing. I was there this year, and it is worth it just to visit a couple local towns/villages, their culture is amazing and the people are all very friendly.

Answer 5

ooooooo dats where am from, its a kl place to go and the is lots to do. i think you should go to the beaches coz its beautiful n relaxing.