Perhaps combining its intrinsically synchronous wildness with the eccentricity of a sophisticated cultural history distinguishes Tanzania’s peculiar environment. Just one word. Wildlife. Tanzania’s ecosystem is dominated by the most extraordinary creatures on the planet. Tanzania is rich with nature, whether it’s zebras and giraffes, deer and buffalo herds, or feline lions and tigers. Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater have the most extensive areas and the most significant wildebeest migration. Furthermore, these places are great for birdwatching since the nation is home to over 1400 kinds of birds! These birding locations are among the top visitor destinations in Tanzania.

You’ll visit these attractions – and much more – on a tailor-made Tanzania safari with NPE. We’ll work with you to create your ideal vacation, taking into account your hobbies, travel style, and budget. Our Tanzania safari experts know the country inside and out and will direct you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook. Contact an expedition advisor expeditionadvisor@npexpeditions.com and start planning your next dream safari now.

TANZANIA HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the most important National Parks in Tanzania: Arusha NP, Manyara NP, Ngorongoro Crater NP, and Serengeti NP.
• Africa’s iconic species, including the Big Five, can be encountered in Tanzania!

• Experience the most impressive wildlife event: The Great Migration.
• Incredible landscapes and superior views of Mt. Meru and Kilimanjaro.
• Cultural experience with the Maasai tribe.

 Time and Weather

The dry season in Tanzania is from June to October. There is very little rain during this time, and the humidity is relatively low. It cools off at night; bring warm clothing for morning game drives in open cars, especially in the northern parks. June, July, August, September, and October — Afternoon temperatures range from 20 °C (68 °F) to 30 °C (86 °F) and fluctuate significantly depending on height and location. The sky is clear most of the time, and the weather is sunny during these four months. The rainy season starts from early November to mid-May. Daytime temperatures are generally hot (a few degrees above or below 30°C/86°F), although it is cooler above 1,300m/4,265ft. Because of the high altitude, most northern parks have chilly mornings. From November to February, small rains may occur frequently, and in March, April, and May, almost every day, it rains severely, albeit not always for the entire day. Humidity levels are often high, particularly in the hotter southern and western parks.

The best time to visit

The optimum time to visit Tanzania is determined by the type of wildlife you want to see. The rainfall determines the seasons and wildlife populations in the nation, so you’ll have a slightly varied experience depending on when you come.

Tanzania’s main draw is the Great Migration, which takes place all year over the Serengeti. Many visitors come here between July and September to see large herds of wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River, where they struggle to dodge the jaws of crocodiles and other predators ready to pounce. However, there will be a lot of automobiles in the park this time of year.

Tanzania’s ‘green season,’ which lasts from November to March, is significantly quieter. While there is a risk of rain showers, it is an excellent time for birding as migrating birds come in droves. There will also be Great Migration herds with freshly born calves.

Wildlife

Tanzania has some of the best wildlife viewings in the world. The wildebeest migration is Africa’s most spectacular animal display, and the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem is home to at least two million ungulates, mostly wildebeest but also zebra and gazelle. The calving season for wildebeest is also a spectacular time to visit; because of the enormous concentrations of wildebeest and their calves, many opportunistic predators are attracted, and it is a fantastic time to watch some activity. 

Tanzania is one of the most fantastic places for birdwatchers in Africa. It boasts one of the most diverse species lists of any African country, with over 1,100 species, over 800 of which are resident and over 200 of which are frequent migratory. There are 22 endemic species unique to Tanzania, and 43 near-endemic species, which are only found in Tanzania and surrounding countries. 

A collection of tropical islands in the southern Pacific Ocean (Polynesia) between Fiji, Samoa, and the Cook Islands are known as the Tonga Islands (Pule’anga Tong). When Europeans first arrived in 1616, they found these Polynesian-populated islands. The islands were initially discovered in 1521 by two Dutch ships under the command of Willem Schouten and Jacob Le Maire. Later, the archipelago was visited by English captain James Cook in 1773. He named them Friendly Islands after the kind people he encountered.
As well as the three main archipelagos (Tongatapu, Ha’apai, and Vava’u) and many smaller islands (Niuatoputapa, Nioufo’ou, and Tahi), the state of Tonga consists of around 150 islands full of magic, wildlife, and stunning landscapes.

Book a Tonga trip now with New Paths Expeditions and discover a new world of natural wonders! Email us at expeditionadvisor@npexpeditions.com and start planning your voyage now

TONGA HIGHLIGHTS

 Time and Weather

Tonga has a tropical marine climate. There are two different seasons in the islands’ climate: a colder one from May to November with less rain and a warmer one from December to April with more showers. The average maximum temperature in Nuku’alofa’s capital is 29 degrees Celsius from January to August, while the average minimum temperature ranges from 23 degrees Celsius from February to 18 degrees Celsius from August.

Between December and March, the rains are at their heaviest. The rainiest months of the year are here: March and February.  The yearly average humidity is around 75% and Tongatapu’s surrounding seas have temperatures ranging from 23°C to 27°C.

The best time to visit

Some times of year to visit Tonga are better than others, depending on your goals!

If you’d want to do scuba diving or snorkeling, you may do it here. You may see a wide variety of marine life up and personal while diving or snorkeling in Tonga. The most incredible season to go snorkeling is from June to October, when the weather is less rainy and has greater visibility

In Tonga, there is no optimum time to go surfing or kayaking. Whether you choose to spend an early morning learning to surf or heading out on the kayaks, there is no wrong time. Kayaking and surfing are great year-round activities. 

There is no ideal time to see Tonga’s attractions since traveling is enjoyable throughout the year! Among the must-see attractions are the Ha’amonga Maui Trilithon, the Hufangalupe Natural Land Bridge, and the Ancient Royal Tombs of Lapaha, to name a few! Traveling to Tonga with New Paths Expeditions will provide you the chance to stay in authentic Tongan huts along the beach, enjoy whale watching, and learn about the local culture all at the same time! Reserve your spot today!

Wildlife

Traveling is about more than just taking in the scenery, getting to know the people, and soaking up some sun. It’s a rare chance to see some unusual wildlife, such as colorful birds and massive whales. Tonga is also home to large fruitbats, a bewildering diversity of coral and fish, and stunning birds.

Swimming with whales, Tonga’s most well-known wildlife encounter, is an extraordinary and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Swimming with whales in Tonga is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up and personal with some of the world’s largest mammals during the humpback whale migration season, which runs from June to October each year.

In Tonga’s warm tropical waters, snorkeling and scuba diving are must-do activities because of the stunning seascapes and the abundant marine life. The underwater world of Tonga is home to hundreds of different kinds of fish and coral, including turtles, reef sharks, big pelagic fish, manta, and eagle rays, to name just a few. Tonga’s island groups offer excellent snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities.

It is possible to see the endangered Pacific flying fox near the town of Kolovai on Tongatapu, Tonga’s largest island. You may observe this giant bat species in colonies hanging from trees around the hamlet on the eastern side, designated sanctuary.

While Tonga’s marine life gets all the attention, the country also has a diverse population of birds worth seeing. Among the most incredible sites to go bird watching is on the northern Vava’u Group’s Maninita Island. Around 19 bird species, including the rare Tongan whistler, may be seen on a boat excursion from Mounu Island Resort or Mandala Island Resort.

The ‘Eua National Park, Tonga’s largest national park, offers additional opportunities for bird viewing. Here on Tonga’s oldest island, the rainforest shelters many unusual land birds such as red dazzling parrots, Pacific pigeon, red-crowned fruit-doves, Polynesian triller, and wattled honeyeater.

Also, the south coast of ‘Eua contains another birdy hotspot. Laku Fa’anga Cliffs are home to many seabirds, and a self-guided tour will let you see several of these seabirds in flight, such as brown boobies, brown and grey noddies, and white terns.

Pigs are everywhere in Tonga, whether they’re in the wild or just crackling on a spit roast. However, the Fishing Pigs of Mu’a are the most well-known. They may be seen dipping their heads in the water to “fish” for food on the mudflats of this hamlet on Tongatapu’s eastern side.

A series of islands commonly referred to as Paradise are only four hours away from Australia’s east coast. To be precise, we’re in Fiji, the idyllic volcanic archipelago that’s mesmerized Australian families for generations. Embrace the enticing island lifestyle that flows according to ‘Fiji time’ by spending your vacation in that magical spot between golden dunes and sun-dappled seas.

The friendly and giving attitude of the Fijian people drives the yearly stream of tourists to their gorgeous island group, exceeding all expectations of the ideal island vacation (think luxury resorts, palm-fringed coastlines, and colorful reef systems). As a result of its lush rainforests, world-renowned surf breaks, and flowing waterfalls, Fiji is an adventurer’s paradise, but visitors will also have plenty of time to get to know the locals and experience life at the slower pace of the South Pacific.

FIJI HIGHLIGHTS

 Time and Weather

The year-round maximum temperature ranges from 26°C to 31°C, making it ideal for wearing thongs and shorts. The weather is perfect for getting a tan, sailing the crystal-clear seas, exploring the local reefs, and learning about the rich history and culture of the area, which is readily available in the markets.

Fiji does have a rainy season from November to April, but these brief, intense downpours are confined to a small area of the country. The rainfall varies from 2000mm to 3000mm per year in the most prominent islands, but it may reach 6000mm per year in the highlands. Smaller islands get less rain; therefore, they’re better if you want to avoid it.

Divers will find the coral reef waters most apparent from May to October, but the moderate water temperatures allow other water sports to be enjoyed year-round.

The best time to visit

When it comes to deciding when is the best time to visit Fiji, keep an eye on the Antipodean school holidays since resorts and flights tend to fill up, especially during July, August, and Christmas holidays. The weather of Fiji is divided into two categories: hot and humid (November-April) and dry and pleasant (May-October) (May-Oct). In general, the best time to visit Fiji is from mid-October to mid-November, when there are fewer tourists and the weather is dry, calm, and pleasant. 

Wildlife

Fiji is well-known for its island getaways and white sand beaches. However, if you dive into the crystal clear seas around the islands or into the center of any wooded island, you’re bound to come across some fascinating and mysterious creatures. Snorkeling or diving among coral reefs is like being transported to another planet. Fiji has one of the most extensive coral reef systems in the South Pacific, with everything from colorful tropical fish to magnificent sharks and giant manta rays.

There are six different species of fruit bat in Fiji, including the Fijian monkey-faced flying fox, one of the island’s most primitive bat species. The Fijian land fauna is completed by iguanas, notably the endangered crested iguana and its close cousins, the snakes and geckos.

Fiji has 55 distinct terrestrial species, over half of which are unique, making bird viewing in the jungle a popular tourist attraction.

There are 2,600 plant species in Fiji. According to research, Fiji has 303 fern species; orchid species may be found in the tropical rain forest’s epiphytes, which grow on tree branches high in the canopy.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is the Asia-Pacific region’s most varied and least explored country. This British Commonwealth territory, which earned independence from Australia in 1975, was formerly a German colony and has always piqued the interest of tourists and explorers. By 2011, it had become the world’s sixth fastest-growing economy, owing primarily to its extensive mining and natural resource industries.

PNG has approximately 600 islands and over 800 distinct ethnic groups, each with its own dialect, art, music, dance, dress, and architecture. Over 95 percent of the nearly 6 million people are Christians; however, many also practice indigenous animism. Until 1933, seashells were the official money. PNG is less than a tenth the size of Australia, yet it contains the same number of animal species. This is a location where kangaroos dwell in trees, and marsupials abound.

PNG has lush rainforests, flooded deltas, virgin highlands, dense jungles, active volcanoes, and stunning mountains (the highest peak is 14,793 feet). Military historians will enjoy seeing different places where severe battles occurred during World War II, particularly in and around Rabaul. Among the locations are Alotau, the Sing Sing festivals at Mount Hagan, Goroka, world-class diving in Madang, Simbai/Kaironk Valley, Ambunti, canoe trips on the Sepik River, and the capital Port Moresby.

The difficulty for this country, which has been independent since 1975, has been to unify 750 formerly separate tribes into one nation. The diversity of historical peoples and customs, however, is part of the appeal for guests.

Experience the world-famous Mount Hagen Cultural Show, a piece of spectacular tribal music, dance, and pageantry display. Sail on a cruise ship on the Karawari, a remote tributary of the mighty Sepik River. Take an excursion to the secluded villages of Black Water Lake and enjoy a picnic on the river’s banks, watching as local men gather on their clan’s bench, children paddle canoes to school, and women fish with hand lines. Meet the Tari Highlanders, who use body adornment and face painting, as well as beautiful wigs, flowers, and moss. Drive through beautiful farmland and coffee farms in the shadow of majestic mountain peaks, past pristine rainforests, sparkling lakes, and a spectacular assortment of colorful, unusual birds.

With a 40,000-year history and customs that have stayed untouched for generations, the time to visit Papua New Guinea is now. We can customize your expedition travel to Papua New Guinea – a growing tourist destination but still a genuinely wild and exciting travel location! A journey to Papua New Guinea will provide you with an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure. PNG is a wildlife and natural history paradise, as well as a fantastic place for diving vacations.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA HIGHLIGHTS

• Ulaanbatar
• Hustain Nuruu National Park
• Hovsgol Lake
• Gun Galuut Nature Reserve Gobi
• Yol Valley National Park
• Naadam Festival
• Moltsog Els
• Flaming Cliffs

 Time and Weather

Throughout the year, the climate of Papua New Guinea is hot and humid at the beaches and in the plains, becoming increasingly cooler and eventually colder as one ascends in height. There is no dry season in much of the nation, which is covered in dense rainforests to speak about equatorial climate, but there is a comparatively dry season from July to September in certain inland valleys and along the south coast; thus, the weather is tropical.
The monsoon circulation influences the climate: the northwest monsoon reigns from December to April, and the southeast monsoon from May to October. Usually, each monsoon delivers rainfall to the exposed slope, but it rains throughout both monsoons in many locations, making it rain all year.

Temperatures on the coastlines are high and constant throughout the year in the north, hovering about 30°C/86°F during the day. In the south, being farther from the Equator, they drop slightly during the winter season, from June to September.

PNG is an island country comprised of the eastern half of New Guinea (the western half belongs to Indonesia) and a few smaller islands (including New Britain, New Ireland, Manus, and Bougainville).

The islands (including New Ireland, New Britain, and Bougainville) to the east of the eastern section of New Guinea, which forms the majority of the nation, are also highly wet throughout the year. Rains are most plentiful from December to April in general, although not everywhere: at Lae, facing southeast on the Huon Gulf, rains are most abundant in July and August when more than 500 mm/20 in fall every month.

The best time to visit

The ideal season to visit PNG is between May and October, when the weather is dry, and most festivities are held.
Lowland and coastal areas are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 24°C/75°F to 35°C/95°F. In the highlands, temperatures range from 12°C/54°F to 28°C/82°F, with much lower humidity.

Clouds generally emerge in the afternoon, and rain falls in the late afternoon and evening. PNG is reported to have dry (June to September) and rainy (December to March) seasons; however, rain is predicted throughout both. There is plenty of sunshine and little rainfall throughout May, June, and July, making these typical travel months.

The ideal time to visit Port Moresby, the capital, is from June to September, when it is also the least hot, with maximum temperatures about 29-30 °C/84-86 °F), rather than the 31-32 °C/88-90 °F reported the rest of the year.

Wildlife

With 781 bird species, 190 mammal species, hundreds of reptile species, and thousands of insect species, PNG boasts abundant indigenous biodiversity. However, most of this biodiversity is situated in isolated places and is sometimes impossible to locate without the aid of an expert.

The Tari Basin and Tari Gap are world-renowned birding destinations, with a great diversity of species due to the height range of 1700m to 2800m via various habitats. Tari is especially endowed in birds of paradise, such as the King of Saxony and the Blue Bird of Paradise. Sir David Attenborough visited the region when filming his documentary Attenborough in Paradise (1996), which helped to popularize the location among twitchers. The ideal time to observe these birds is between July and October when their plumage is peak.

The Port Moresby Nature Park is located at the northern end of Waigani Dr, near the University of Papua New Guinea. More than 2 kilometers of paths weave beneath and through the rainforest canopy, with well-kept gardens showcasing indigenous and exotic plant species, including native and hybrid orchids. Fruit bats scream in the trees, while animal displays include tree kangaroos, hornbills, cassowaries, and an immense aviary with parrots and birds of paradise.

Most visitors come to view a microcosm of PNG’s fantastic flora and animals, such as birds of paradise, cassowaries, and tree kangaroos. Still, the true star is ‘Agro,’ the massive and primarily inactive saltwater crocodile. The habitat includes around 3000 square meters of recreated rainforest inside a walk-through aviary and a variety of smaller cages. Unfortunately, everything is in disrepair, with falling pathways and abandoned cages. It has seen better days.

Mongolia is a great nation of stark beauty that dazzles with its vast open grasslands, the friendly and proud people, and the legend of one of the world’s greatest civilizations that still reveres Genghis Khan (conqueror of most of the known world from his Mongol fortress). It is the size of Western Europe, has less than three million inhabitants, and is the most sparsely inhabited country globally; it also has one of the fastest expanding economies. Mongolians have historically been nomadic herdsmen, and half of the population still is, living in circular felt tents called gers that are moved from place to place regularly. The capital city of Ulaanbaatar, with its fine restaurants and stores, stands in stark contrast to the rest of the country, which adheres steadfastly to its traditional culture.

Discover this magnificent country’s ancient history and extreme natural beauty with New Paths Expeditions, contact an adviser now expeditionadvisor@npexpeditions.com , and start planning this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

MONGOLIA HIGHLIGHTS

• Stay in the depths of the Gobi desert.
• Explore the picturesque Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve and Yol Valley National Park.
• Contact with locals during the Naadam Festival.
• Explore Moltsog Els dunes and the breathtaking Flaming Cliffs.

• Arrive in the modern Ulaanbaatar.
• Explore Hustain Nuruu National Park, home of the Przewalski’s horses; the only species of wild horses in the world!
• Visit Hovsgol Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Mongolia.

 Time and Weather

Mongolia is not the world’s coldest and most isolated country, as commonly believed. There are four different seasons; however, winter lasts from November to March, with temperatures as low as -30°C/-22°F for one month from mid-December to mid-January. Except in the bitterly cold northernmost portion of the nation, winter temperatures ranges from 1°-10°C/30°-50°F.

Spring offers somewhat higher temperatures from March through May, but the blizzards and dust storms that accompany the rising temperatures make this a less pleasant time of year to visit.
Summer, which lasts from mid-May to mid-September, is typically warm, with average temperatures ranging from 18°-26°C/60°-80°F.

The best time to visit

The summer season, which lasts from mid-June to late August, is ideal for visiting Mongolia, with bright days and enough rain to maintain the lush and verdant countryside. It’s a lovely time of year, albeit only the southern Gobi is scorching.

The country’s landlocked location results in an extreme continental climate, with long, harsh, and dry winters and summers that are brief but pleasant. In the summer, summer temperatures can reach 73°F in the summer but hover around 3°F in the winter, with temperatures routinely dropping to -22°F and lower across the nation.

Due to the harshness of the winter months, travel to the areas around Ulaanbaatar is only possible between May and October. On the other hand, the Trans-Siberian Railway may be used by you to go to Mongolia at any time of year.

Wildlife

Mongolian wildlife excursions see various natural environments, such as the Siberian Taiga forest, undulating steppes, the Gobi Desert (the world’s fourth-biggest desert), and the Altai Mountains. Mongolia is located at the crossroads of Central and East Asia, and as a result, it has developed some distinctive flora and fauna.

The most sought-after animal species in this isolated area are Snow Leopard, Pallas’ Cat, Mongolian Marmots, Argali, Siberian Ibex, Przewalski’s Wild Horse, and Mongolian Gazelle. It also provides some delectable avian species for the avid birdwatcher. To mention some of the more notable bird species, you have Altai Snowcock, Daurian Partridge, Demoiselle Cranes, Cinereous, Bearded, and Himalayan Vultures.

There are Saker and Amur Falcons, as well as Upland Buzzards, for raptor enthusiasts. Oriental Plovers, Pallas’ Sandgrouse, Henderson’s Ground Jay, Kozlov’s Accentor, Grey-necked, and Godlewski’s Buntings can also be found. You may also combine your birdwatching with a chance to learn about Mongolian culture and the nomadic tribes of the region.

Mongolia’s wildflowers are a must-see for skilled botanists. The region’s natural beauty encourages a varied flora with many intriguing species to study and photograph.