Travel SpotlightTanzania & Zanzibar

by Harden Holidays

Tanzania - Overlooked by the soaring Mount Kilimanjaro and enveloped by the Indian Ocean, Tanzania is home to astounding wildlife, resplendent forests and fine sandy beaches. This is a country to become immersed in true geographic splendour – you have to feel it to really believe it. We’ve travelled this ancient land full of incredible appeal to craft extraordinary tours and hand pick the best safari lodges and beach resorts for your trip. The cradle of human civilisation, hominid fossils from six million years ago have been discovered in Tanzania. There’s nowhere else quite like it in the world to appreciate humankind, and the country’s rich cultural heritage is kept alive today by indigenous people such as the Maasai and the Chaga. While you’ll be wowed by Tanzania’s ancient roots, you’ll discover a country of modern day radiance too. A country characterised by volcanic craters and vast plains, limitless lakes and lofty rocky outcrops, the scenery is something else. The Serengeti is part of nature’s finery in Tanzania too, where the herds of the Great Migration call ‘home’. Off the coastline, Tanzania has another jewel for you to explore – the archipelago of powder sand islands, Zanzibar.

The geographic diversity of Tanzania should not be underestimated, and you’ll quickly understand this after visiting just one of its national parks. The Serengeti is the most famous, filmed by all the major wildlife documentary makers, where the two million animals who travel on the Great Migration spend most of their year. You’ll have a chance of spotting everything from large prides of lions to elusive leopards and black rhinos here. Elsewhere, the Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest volcanic caldera that encases the densest concentration of wildlife on the globe. You won’t be surprised to discover that this is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Africa.

You might be surprised to learn that the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Tanzania’s allure. Lake Manyara is home to tree-climbing lions and dazzling pink flamingos, while Tarangire is where a huge population of elephants – sometimes up to 10,000 strong – live in a landscape of striking baobab trees. Ruaha is home to a tenth of the world’s lions and another huge population of elephants, and Selous brings an off-the-beatentrack safari experience, where even boating safaris are possible. And Zanzibar in the glinting Indian Ocean is a place to soak up a relaxed island lifestyle, snorkel in clear waters and explore charming cobbled streets.

Food on safari adventures in Tanzania incorporates vibrant bush breakfasts, game-drive picnics and home-cooked fire-side evening meals, incorporating more than a little culinary flair. Grilled game is a favourite and is sourced locally, and you can expect pillowy chapatti bread to be served with most meals, while tropical fruit is always available in abundance. On Zanzibar, the style is more about spice-infused fresh fish and seafood, as well as a wide variety of international influences.

When to visit Tanzania

The variety Tanzania offers means there is always a good time of year to go. The warmest months are between January and March, while the rainier months of April and May hold the appeal of dramatic skies and more exclusive wildlife viewing.

Zanzibar - The birthplace of rock icon Freddie Mercury, Zanzibar is a jewel in the Indian Ocean. It is not just one island but an archipelago of over forty, scattered off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. With powdery white beaches, tracts of forest and a distinctive culture, this is the place to come for a holiday with a difference.

The largest island, Zanzibar Island, is the most developed with lively beaches lined with hotels. But there are quieter spots too, where you can simply lie on the sands and relax. Urguja, the capital, is a cultural melting pot of Arab, Moorish, Persian, European and Indian influences. Stone Town, its old quarter, makes a fascinating spot for a stroll, its maze of streets dotted with fine palaces, mosques and houses from the colonial era.

Zanzibar was once known as the Spice Island and farmers still grow fragrant vanilla, nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon. A guided spice tour is a real must; a delightful way to explore the hidden corners of this fascinating place.

These two destinations make for a wonderful pairing for adventure and relaxation. Our recommendation is to spend 8 days on a safari followed by 5-7 nights at a beautiful resort in Zanzibar. Why you’ll love this trip

• Encounter roaring lions and magnificent zebra in the famous Serengeti National Park as our small safari vehicles get you close to the action in this spectacular wildlife arena.

• Experience the thrill of camping among nature and drift off to sleep to the sounds of the African night.

• Meet some Maasai Mamas (the name for women artisans in Tanzania) and learn about their village life, including how to prepare a local Swahili dish.

• Take a mind-blowing safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater for a chance to see the endangered black rhinoceros.

• Accompanied by a local crew – a leader, driver and cook – you and your family are in excellent hands for the duration of your adventure.

Create lifelong memories with Harden Holidays, contact our team today.

WE ARE BEAMS COLOUR DASH IS BACK BIGGER AND BETTER WITH 2 EVENTS IN 2023!

Colour Dash returns for double the fun next year for local charity We Are Beams

Over 1000 fundraisers will take part in this family favourite event at 2 locations on the 25th June at Jeskyns Park, Gravesend and 9th July at Swanley Park.

Fundraisers can toddle, walk, run or jog around the rainbow coloured 5k run. The course is super family friendly and wheelchair accessible with a shorter 2.5K route too but please be prepared to get messy!

All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting disabled children and their families through the charity’s care support services including Family Advice, Respite Care and Summer Play schemes.

All the runners start in white but at every 1km; they tackle a different coloured powder so the finish line is a rainbow of colours!

Luke Cashin, Fundraiser at Beams explains how events like these are so important to the charity,

“After a really successful event last year we are so excited to be back with the Colour Dash events in 2023 and having 2 locations in Kent will allow even more people to come and join the fun! All the donations will help to provide holiday play schemes, day trips and respite care within our Dragons Retreat for children that would otherwise not be provided with these opportunities”

We Are Beams is a local charity based in Hextable. The disabled children and young people who access We Are Beams services will typically have one or multiple learning difficulties, complex health needs, physical or sensory impairment, challenging behaviour, Autism or severe ADHD. Each year We Are Beams needs to raise £2 million in order to provide care to over 450 families in Kent.

SAVE 10% on Entry with code LIVING10

To enter please visit www.wearebeams.org.uk/ events-challenges/

Event Information

Sunday 25th June Jeskyns Park, Gravesend DA12 3AN

Sunday 9 July 9.30am

Swanley Park, New Barn Rd, Swanley BR8 7PW

Entry Fees

Adult: £15

Child (12-17 years old): £12

Child (11 years old and under): £6

Family (2 adults and 2 children under 11): £38 Beams are also looking for local companies that could support the event through a range of sponsorship opportunities.