A Walking Holiday In Tanzania - Discover An African Paradise

When it comes to walking holiday destinations, most people consider the natural appeal of a location more important than its urban aspect. That is why, although tours of Rome on foot (for example) are always busy, the same is true of paddle-canoe trips down the Amazon or rambles across the Alpine mountains.

The appeal of Africa

Those drawn to the more natural side of a walking holiday will, most likely, be tempted by Africa. Although lacking in the urban aspect, the continent abounds with beautiful, if barren, savannah landscapes and the natural habitat of a large portion of the best-known species of wild animals in the world.

Discover Tanzania

Nowhere is all that Africa has to offer on the natural front better illustrated than in Tanzania. Look up a list of sights to see in that country, and more likely than not every single one of them will be an appealing-looking natural spot - just the kind of thing you would want to visit on a walking holidays.

In fact, natural preserves and sanctuaries abound in the country, giving those on a walking holiday plenty of opportunity to gaze upon (and sometimes interact with) the local fauna. Perhaps most famous among the nation’s natural treasures are the Serengeti and Ngorogoro National Parks, renowned among nature lovers and casual tourists alike. Mount Kilimanjaro, an inactive volcano near the Kenyan border, is also well-known internationally, and a main attraction for those visiting Tanzania.

But for every world-famous national park, volcano or reserve, the country holds three others that, while lesser known, will be just as appealing to tourists on an exploration by foot. The Spice Islands, for example – Mafia Island, Unguja and Pemba – offer the best of both land and water-bound wildlife, and will likely seem like paradise not only to trekkers, but also to snorkelling and diving enthusiasts too. The Tarangire, Selous and Ruaha reserves, on the other hand, can provide the kind of hands-on wild animal interaction most tourists crave from a trip to Tanzania, while still being potentially less crowded than Serengeti or Ngorongoro. For those planning to visit, it might be useful to know that Ruaha is the largest national park in the country, while Selous has the largest density of wild animals, and Tarangire is ideal for bird watchers, housing more than 500 species.

These and many other natural wonders make Tanzania undoubtedly one of the prime destinations in the world for those adventurers wishing to explore by foot – and, indeed, there is no better way.

Tony Maniscalco is the Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join us on a walking holiday to see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 140 guided group walking holidays in over 60 different countries.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.