By The UNCHARTED® editors · 4 min read
WORLD CHIMPANZEE DAY 2023
In Tanzania, the north is a land of superlatives.
Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, hovers majestically over the great plains. The Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, is also home to the world’s densest populations of lions. The iconic Serengeti National Park boasts massive herds of wildlife making their annual migrations. So it’s no surprise that this northern circuit is well-trodden: A savvy traveler could cover all this ground in one grand tour. But to focus so heavily on the north is to neglect the marvels that make up the rest of this astonishing country.
With more than 400 miles of freshwater coastline, the shimmering jewel of Lake Tanganyika lies to the west. Here in this remote stretch are the only two protected chimpanzee habitats in the country: Mahale Mountains National Park and Gombe Stream National Park, where famed conservationist Jane Goodall first conducted her research on chimp behavior. The swarms of hippos that gather in the seasonal rivers of Katavi National Park are a sight unlike anywhere else in the world.
At the heart of Southern Tanzania is immense Nyerere National Park, covering nearly 12,000 square miles. Formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve, the area encompasses the Rufiji River, whose waters provide habitats for the region’s abundant crocodiles, as well as East Africa’s largest mangrove forest at the river’s delta. A trip to this part of the country means canoe cruising Heart of Darkness-style. The nearby Ruaha National Park also has some of the best lion viewing in the country—with significantly fewer visitors than its northern counterparts.
The east, meanwhile, is all about the crystalline Indian Ocean, and the archipelagos that lie just off the coast. Zanzibar is home to an eclectic Swahili mix of African and Arabian cultures, as well as a bustling spice trade and the historic Stone Town, located on the largest island of Unguja. Further south, the Mafia Island Marine Park is known for its thriving whale shark populations and impeccable diving and snorkeling conditions.
Read on for a selection of our favorite Outposts that make the case for taking the road less traveled—or for a return trip to Tanzania.
Located on a migration corridor between the savannahs of Tarangire National Park and the glittering waters of Lake Manyara, Chem Chem is a classic example of the best safari camps northern Tanzania has to offer. This destination is beloved for a reason: Enjoy tranquil views of wildlife across the palm-fringed plains from the comfort of your tented villa, as well as tailor-made excursions led by some of the country's most experienced guides.
MAHALE NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA
In the west, sail in a wooden boat along the coast of pristine Lake Tanganyika to arrive at the remote Greystoke Mahale, famous for its privileged access to the region’s magical community of chimpanzees. The six open-air, thatched-roof bandas look directly over the water, where you can kayak out each morning to watch the sunrise over the mountains and jungle.
KATAVI NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA
Here on the edge of western Tanzania’s Chada Plain, witness bathing hippopotamuses and slumbering crocodiles in the rivers, and herds of elephants ambling among the tamarind trees. While staying in one of six luxury tents, take a retreat from your retreat with a pared-down fly-camping excursion into the heart of the Katavi National Park, where a true untouched wilderness awaits you.
RUAHA NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA
The eight suites that make up Jabali Ridge are set serenely within Ruaha National Park in Tanzania’s south. Here in the largest protected land in all of East Africa, the amount of wildlife is staggering—lions, leopards, cheetahs, and vast elephant herds wander the sun-drenched terrain. Take a game drive during the cool morning hours before enjoying an afternoon in the infinity pool overlooking the vast plains.
FANJOVE ISLAND, TANZANIA
Off Tanzania’s southern coast is the Songo Songo archipelago, home to the private Fanjove Island, a peerless tropical idyll flush with marine life. Swim among intact coral reefs and spot abundant spinner dolphins, green turtles, and humpback whales before returning to one of 10 beachfront villas, each open to the shore for an uninterrupted ocean view.
On the lush island of Zanzibar, Xanadu’s six luxury villas are tucked into a tropical garden, just steps from the lapping waves of the Indian Ocean. Hike in search of the local red colobus monkeys in the Jozani Forest, or try your hand at spearfishing in the crystalline waters. Relax for the evening in your private suite with a meal of local fish and produce before waking up to the sunrise over the open ocean.
