Why Tanzania is the perfect paradise for wildlife tourists
Traveling to see wildlife in their natural habit is big business. Anyone who does it regularly knows there are no guarantees that you'll spot the exact animal you want to see. When you do, it's a thrill. And there's no harm in stacking the deck by heading to a country with incredible biodiversity.
Around the world, there are 25 recognized biodiversity hotspots. These are very specific areas that boast incredible numbers of native species, many of which cannot be found anywhere else. Well, Tanzania is home to six of those 25 global hotspots.
What this means for you is that Tanzania is one of the best places in the world to view what is often rare flora and fauna. On top of that, there are also incredible concentrations of animals in these regions for a very good reason.
Environmental Protections
Tanzania has either protected or conserved a large portion of its country, approximately 44% as of 2024. That can mean a lot of different things as specific methodologies that fall under larger concepts like protection and conservation can vary greatly.
It's also not completely altruistic. Wildlife, environmental, and nature tourism is a huge part of Tanzania's economy. Protecting the environment is good for the health and well-being of the country's residents. It doesn't hurt that it attracts world travelers, either.
Keep in mind that several endangered species call Tanzania home and live outside the protected areas. This puts them in great danger as they run up against urban development. But the more visitors that head to Tanzania to check these animals out, the more protections there will be.
Traveling to Tanzania
Naturally, there are seemingly endless number of safari options to choose. They range from low key, roughing it style camping all the way up to luxurious glamping. It honestly all depends on the experience you're looking for. Whatever you choose, just make sure to listen to your guides.
Tanzania is home to a wide array of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and more. You will, of course, be on the lookout for big ones like giraffes, hippos, lions, elephants, and rhinos. Still, there are hundreds of other species to watch out for, as well.
Just make sure the experience you choose fits the wildlife you're looking for. Tanzania has drastically different biomes, meaning not every animal is in the exact same place. If you want to see African Bush Elephants, make sure you're on a tour heading in that direction.