[UAH] Tanzania voted best safari country in Africa

Tanzania voted best safari country in Africa

A new poll crowns the East African country the king of safaris

By Diana Chan 21 June, 2013

Tanzania is the best place for a safari, according to a new poll.

First problem when considering a safari -- where to go. 

Zimbabwe has the majestic Victoria Falls, South Africa great boutique reserves.

Kenya offers chances to see big cats and Botswana is a leader in eco-friendly tours.

But you'd be best off selecting Tanzania, according to a recent poll on safaribookings.com.

The Netherlands-based website polled 1,000 safari tourists and 756 experts, including guidebook authors from Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Frommer's, Bradt and Footprint, over two years.

The result: Tanzania is a clear favorite for novice and veteran safari-goers alike.

"Tanzania is home to Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater," wrote Tim Bewer, a Lonely Planet guides author and one of the experts polled. "This alone makes a solid case for declaring it Africa's best safari country."

Also on CNN: Southern Africa's best boutique safari reserves

Adventure calls

Tanzania has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including safari favorites the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park, home to millions of wildebeest that form one of theworld's most spectacular sights as they migrate the area year-round.

The country is also home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.

Tanzania's only drawback, according to Safari Bookings, is that there are "too many highlights to fit in one safari."

The news comes as welcome affirmation of the country as a tourist destination, after a recent bombing at a rally that killed two in Arusha. That event sparked anxiety among visitors.

Ratings out of 5 of Africa's top safari countries

As voted by tourists and safari experts

1. Tanzania - 4.84
2. Botswana - 4.75
3. Kenya - 4.66
4. Zambia - 4.58
5. South Africa - 4.55
6. Namibia - 4.54
7. Uganda - 4.16
8. Zimbabwe - 4.14

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Gwokto La'Kitgum