Northern circuit Ngorongoro Conservation Area The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is a conservation area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 180 km (110 mi) west of Arusha in the Crater highlands area of Tanzania. The conservation area is administered by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, an arm of the Tanzanian government under the ministry of natural resources and tourism. The Ngorongoro Crater, a large volcanic caldera, lies within the area which composed of hundreds to thousands of both flora and fauna. The crater, which formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed on itself about two to three million years ago, is 610 m (2,000 ft) deep and its floor covers 260 km2 (100 sq/m.Estimates of the height of the original volcano range from fifteen to nineteen thousand feet (4500 to 5800 metres) high. Wildlife A population of approximately 25,000 large animals, largely ungulates along with reputedly the highest density of mammalian predators in Africa lives in the Ngorongoro Crater. Large animals in the crater include the black rhinoceros, the local population of which declined from about 108 in 1964-66 to between 11-14 in 1995, and the hippopotamus, which is very uncommon in the area. There also are many other ungulates: the wildebeest (7,000 estimated in 1994), the zebra (4,000), the eland, and Grants and Thompsons gazelles (3,000). The crater is well known to have large population of lions, numbering about 62 distributed within about eight (8) prides. On the crater rim are also leopards, elephants numbering 42 in 1987 but only 29 in 1992 mountain reedbuck, and buffalo (4,000 in 1994). A large lake in the middle of the crater is inhabited by hundreds of flamingoes, and from a distance, they appear as a pink border of the lake. What to do: Game viewing, Cultural tourism and walking safari Accomodations: Four super lodges situated along the crater rim, public and special campsites which is scattered in the area. Arusha National Park The closest national park to Arusha town – northern Tanzania’s safari capital – Arusha National Park is a multi-faceted jewel, often overlooked by safari goers, despite offering the opportunity to explore a beguiling diversity of habitats within a few hours. Further north, rolling grassy hills enclose the tranquil beauty of the Momela Lakes, each one a different hue of green or blue. Their shallows sometimes tinged pink with thousands of flamingos, the lakes support a rich selection of resident and migrant waterfowl, and shaggy waterbucks display their large lyre-shaped horns on the watery fringes. Giraffes glide across the grassy hills, between grazing zebra herds, while pairs of wide-eyed dik-dik dart into scrubby bush like overgrown hares on spindly legs. What to do Forest walks, numerous picnic sites; three- or four-day Mt Meru climb - good acclimatisation for Kilimanjaro. When to go To climb Mt Meru, June-February although it may rain in November. Best views of Kilimanjaro December-February. Accommodation Two lodges, two rest houses, camp sites, two mountain huts inside the park; more lodges at Usa River outside the park and many hotels and hostels in Arusha town. Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Kilimanjaro aside from the symbolic significance for a mountain whose Swahili name Kilimanjaro or “shining mountain”-is derived from its ice caps, there will be considerable implications for the local ecosystem which provides critical water services and supports the livelihoods of over millions of inhabitants. The local people, the Wachagga, dont even have a name for the whole massif, only Kipoo (now known as Kibo) for the familiar snowy peak that stands imperious, overseer of the continent, and the summit of Africa. What to do Six usual trekking routes to the summit and other more-demanding mountaineering routes. Day or overnight hikes on the Shira plateau. Nature trails on the lower reaches. Fishing (Angling) Visit the beautiful Chala crater lake on the mountain’s southeastern slopes. When to go Clearest and warmest conditions from December to February, but also dry (and colder) from July-September. Accommodation Huts and campsites on the mountain. Several hotels and campsites outside the park in the village of Marangu and town of Moshi. Lake Manyara National Park The name derived from the treeʺ Emanyara” in maasai tribe which is used to construct bomas.Stretching for 50km along the base of the rusty-gold 600-metre high Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara is a scenic gem, with a setting extolled by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa”. The compact game-viewing circuit through Manyara offers a virtual microcosm of the Tanzanian safari experience. Manyara provides the perfect introduction to Tanzania’s birdlife. More than 400 species have been recorded, and even a first-time visitor to Africa might reasonably expect to observe 100 of these in one day. Highlights include thousands of pink-hued flamingos on their perpetual migration, as well as other large waterbirds such as pelicans, cormorants and storks. What to do Game drives, night game drives, canoeing when the water levels is sufficiently high. Cultural tours, picnicking, bush lunch/dinner, mountain bike tours, abseiling and forest walks on the escarpment outside the park. When to go Dry season (July-October) for large mammals; Wet season (November-June) for bird watching, the waterfalls and canoeing. Accommodation Luxurious tented camps, public bandas and public and special campsites inside the park and three lodges perched on the Rift Wall outside the park overlooking the lake. Several guesthouses and campsites in nearby Mto wa Mbu. Serengeti National Park Tanzanias oldest and most popular national park, also a world heritage site and recently proclaimed a 7th worldwide wonder, the Serengeti is famed for its annual migration, when some six million hooves pound the open plains, as more than 200,000 zebra and 300,000 Thomsons gazelle join the wildebeest’s trek for fresh grazing followed by lions and hyenas who follow the migrations and in the sky there is thousands of Vultures eating the remains of carcasses. Yet even when the migration is quiet, the Serengeti offers arguably the most scintillating game-viewing in Africa: great herds of buffalo, smaller groups of elephant and giraffe, and thousands upon thousands of eland, topi, kongoni, impala and Grant’s gazelle. What to do Hot air balloon safaris, walking safari, picnicking, game drives, bush lunch/dinner can be arranged with hotels/tour operators. Maasai rock paintings and musical rocks. Visit neighbouring Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge, Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano and Lake Natrons flamingos. When to go Best time to visit during the wildebeest migration, December-July. To see predators, June-October. Accommodation Four lodges, six luxury tented camps and camp sites scattered through the park; one luxury camp, a lodge and two tented camps just outside the park. NOTE The route and timing of the wildebeest migration is unpredictable. Allow at least three days to be assured of seeing them on your visit - longer if you. Migration pattern is determined by rainfall season. Tarangire National Park The national park is located in Manyara Region. The name of the park originates from the Tarangire river that crosses through the park, being the only source of water for wild animals during dry seasons. During the dry season thousands of animals migrate to the Tarangire National Park from Manyara National Park. It lies a little distance to the south east of Lake Manyara and covers an area of approximately 2,850 square kilometers(1,100 square miles.) The landscape and vegetation is incredibly diverse with a mix that is not found anywhere else in the northern safari circuit. The hilly landscape is dotted with vast numbers of Baobab trees, dense bush and high grasses. Flora & Fauna The park is famous for its huge number of elephants, baobab trees and tree climbing lions. Visitors to the park can expect to see any number of resident zebra and wildebeest in addition to the less common animals. Other common animals include waterbuck, giraffe, and olive baboons. Home to more than 550 species, the park is a haven for bird enthusiasts who can expect to see dozens of species even in the dry season. The swamps are the focus of the largest selection of breeding birds anywhere in the world. Yellow-collared Lovebirds are a common bird sighting in the trees along the Tarangire River. The park is also famous for the termite mounds that dot the landscape. Those that have been abandoned are often seen to be home to dwarf mongoose. Getting there Easy drive from Arusha or Lake Manyara following a surfaced road to within 7km (four miles) of the main entrance gate; can continue on to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. Charter flights from Arusha and the Serengeti. What to do Guided walking safaris. Day trips to Maasai and Barabaig villages, as well as to the hundreds of ancient rock paintings in the vicinity of Kolo on the Dodoma Road. When to go Year round but dry season (June - September) for sheer numbers of animals. Accommodation Two lodges, one tented lodge, two luxury tented camps inside the park, another half-dozen exclusive lodges and tented camps immediately outside its borders. Several camp sites in and around the park. Mkomazi National Park Set below the slopes of the spectacular Usambara and Pare Eastern Arc Mountain ranges and overseen by iconic snow – capped peak of Kilimanjaro, Mkomazi a virgin breathtaking beauty exhibiting unique natural treasures and immense sense of space - adds to the fulfillment of high visitor enjoyment expectations – a much needed bridge between northern circuit and coastal attractions. Mkomazi is vital refuge for two highly endangered species, the charismatic black rhino and sociable African wild dog, both of which were successfully reintroduced in the 1990s. Nomadic by nature, wild dog might be seen almost anywhere in the park, but black rhino are restricted to a fenced sanctuary, ensuring their safe keeping for future generations enjoyment and prosperity. What to do Game drives, camping, site seeing, bird watching, walking safari, and hiking. You will learn more about conservation practices of endangered species and rhinoceros at Mkomazi rhino and wild dogs sanctuary located within the park. Southern circuit Mikumi National Park Mikumi National Park abuts the northern border of Africas biggest game reserve - the Selous – and is transected by the surfaced road between Dar es Salaam and Iringa. It is thus the most accessible part of a 75,000 square kilometre (47,000 square mile) tract of wilderness that stretches east almost as far as the Indian Ocean. More than 400 bird species have been recorded, with such colourful common residents as the lilac-breasted roller, yellow-throated longclaw and bateleur eagle joined by a host of European migrants during the rainy season. Hippos are the star attraction of the pair of pools situated 5km north of the main entrance gate, supported by an ever-changing cast of waterbirds. What to do Game drives and guided walks. Visit nearby Udzungwa or travel on to Selous or Ruaha. When to go Accessible year round. Accommodation Two lodges, three luxury tented camps, three campsites. Guest houses in Mikumi town on the park border. One lodge is proposed at Mahondo and one permanent tented camp at Lumaaga When to go Late June – early September is best for large mammal and bird watching. Scenic beauty is at its peak March – June. Accommodation One semi – permanent tented camp near the Park headquarters. Few designated basic campsites where one must bring his/her camping gears and food. There are several small hotels and guest houses in Same town. Ruaha National Park Ruaha national park is one of the few Tanzania’s famous wilderness area where one can have a rare experience of game viewing spiced up by the fascinating landscape. The park is rich of plants and animals such as Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) which cannot be found in any other national park. The park boasts of her almost untouched and unexplored ecosystem, making visitors’ safari experience very unique. Inside the park There are several luxury tented camps operating in the park such as Jongomero, Kigelia, Mwagusi safari, Old Mdonya River, Kwihala and Flycatcher and one lodge namely Ruaha River lodge. These are privately owned. Outside the park There are several accommodation facilities just outside the park: these are hill top lodge, Sunset lodge, Tandala tented camp to mention a few. Udzungwa Mountains National Park Udzungwa is the largest and most biodiverse of a chain of a dozen large forest-swathed mountains that rise majestically from the flat coastal scrub of eastern Tanzania. Known collectively as the Eastern Arc Mountains, this archipelago of isolated massifs has also been dubbed the African Galapagos for its treasure-trove of endemic plants and animals, most familiarly the delicate African violet. Udzungwa alone among the ancient ranges of the Eastern Arc has been accorded national park status. It is also unique within Tanzania in that its closed-canopy forest spans altitudes of 250 metres (820 feet) to above 2,000 metres (6,560 ft) without interruption. Not a conventional game viewing destination, Udzungwa is a magnet for hikers. An excellent network of forest trails includes the popular half-day ramble to Sanje Waterfall, which plunges 170 metres (550 feet) through a misty spray into the forested valley below. The more challenging two-night Mwanihana Trail leads to the high plateau, with its panoramic views over surrounding sugar plantations, before ascending to Mwanihana peak, the second-highest point in the range. Ornithologists are attracted to Udzungwa for an avian wealth embracing more than 400 species, from the lovely and readily-located green-headed oriole to more than a dozen secretive Eastern Arc endemics. Four bird species are peculiar to Udzungwa, including a forest partridge first discovered in 1991 and more closely related to an Asian genus than to any other African fowl. Of six primate species recorded, the Iringa red colobus and Sanje Crested Mangabey both occur nowhere else in the world – the latter, remarkably, remained Kitulo National Park Locals refer to the Kitulo Plateau as Bustani ya Mungu - The Garden of God – while botanists have dubbed it the Serengeti of Flowers, host to ‘one of the great floral spectacles of the world’. And Kitulo is indeed a rare botanical marvel, home to a full 350 species of vascular plants, including 45 varieties of terrestrial orchid, which erupt into a riotous wildflower display of breathtaking scale and diversity during the main rainy season of late November to April. Getting there 4x4 vehicles only. From Chimala, 78km east of Mbeya along the surfaced main road to Dar es Salaam, head south along the rough but spectacular dirt road - called Hamsini na Saba (57) after the number of hairpin bends along its length - to the temporary park headquarters at Matamba, from where it’s another hour’s drive to the plateau. Basic and erratic public transport is available. What to do Good hiking trails exist and will soon be developed into a formal trail system. Open walking across the grasslands to watch birds and wildflowers. Hill climbing on the neighbouring ranges. A half-day hike from the park across the Livingstone Mountains leads to the sumptuous Matema Beach on Lake Nyasa. When to go Wildflower displays peak between December and April. The sunnier months of September to November are more comfortable for hiking but less rewarding to botanists. Conditions are cold and foggy from June to August. Accommodation Mbeya is serviced by everything from luxury hotels to simple guesthouses, while two simple guesthouses also exist in Matamba. There is no accommodation in the park as yet, but very basic accommodation and meals are available at the adjacent Kitulo Farm. Three special campsites are planned within the park, catering to fully equipped campers. Two moderately priced church-run hostels are situated on Matema Beach. Western circuit Rubondo Island National Park Rubondo Island is tucked in the southwest corner of Lake Victoria, the worlds second-largest lake, an inland sea sprawling between Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. With nine smaller islands under its wing, Rubondo protects precious fish breeding grounds. Getting there Scheduled flights from Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Mwanza in peak season, charter flights only in low season. By road from Mwanza and then boat transfer. Contact the Park for transport details. When to go Dry season, June-August. Wildflowers and butterflies Wet season November-March. December- February best for migratory birds. Accommodation Accommodation in the park includes one Luxury tented camp - owned by a private company called Safari legancy. Self contained and self catering visitor bandas, a campsite and hostel which are owned by the park. The park is ideal for: -Honeymooners -Bird watchers -Sport fishing -Hikers and -Boat racers Fishing boat is available for hire. Health There is a medical staff and a health centre in the park. There are snakes, some are poisonous some are not. Katavi National Park Tanzanias third largest national park, it lies in the remote southwest of the country, within a truncated arm of the Rift Valley that terminates in the shallow, brooding expanse of Lake Rukwa. The bulk of Katavi supports a hypnotically featureless cover of tangled brachystegia woodland, home to substantial but elusive populations of the localized eland, sable and roan antelopes. But the main focus for game viewing within the park is the Katuma River and associated floodplains such as the seasonal Lakes Katavi and Chada. During the rainy season, these lush, marshy lakes are a haven for myriad waterbirds, and they also support Tanzania’s densest concentrations of hippo and crocodile. Getting there Charter flights from Dar es Salaam or Arusha. A tough but spectacular days drive from Mbeya (550 km/340 miles) or in the dry season only from Kigoma (390 km/240 miles). It is possible to reach Mpanda by rail from Dar through Tabora, then to catch public transport to Sitalike, where game drives can be arranged. If travelling overland, allow plenty of time to get there and back. What to do Walking, driving and camping safaris. Near Lake Katavi, visit the tamarind tree inhabited by the spirit of the legendary hunter Katabi (for whom the park is named) - offerings are still left here by locals seeking the spirit’s blessing. When to go The dry season (May-October). Roads within the park are often flooded during the rainy season but may be passable from mid-December to February. Accommodation Two seasonal luxury tented camps overlooking Lake Chada. A resthouse at Sitalike and campsites inside the park. Basic but clean hotels at Mpanda. Gombe Stream National Park Gombe is the smallest of Tanzanias national parks: a fragile strip of chimpanzee habitat straddling the steep slopes and river valleys that hem in the sandy northern shore of Lake Tanganyika. Its chimpanzees – habituated to human visitors – were made famous by the pioneering work of Jane Goodall, who in 1960 founded a behavioural research program that now stands as the longest-running study of its kind in the world. The matriarch Fifi, the last surviving member of the original community, only three-years old when Goodall first set foot in Gombe, is still regularly seen by visitors. Chimpanzees share about 98% of their genes with humans, and no scientific expertise is required to distinguish between the individual repertoires of pants, hoots and screams that define the celebrities, the powerbrokers, and the supporting characters. Perhaps you will see a flicker of understanding when you look into a chimps eyes, assessing you in return - a look of apparent recognition across the narrowest of species barriers. The most visible of Gombe’s other mammals are also primates. A troop of beachcomber olive baboons, under study since the 1960s, is exceptionally habituated, while red-tailed and red colobus monkeys - the latter regularly hunted by chimps – stick to the forest canopy. The park’s 200-odd bird species range from the iconic fish eagle to the jewel-like Peter’s twinspots that hop tamely around the visitors’ centre. Getting there Kigoma is connected to Dar and Arusha by scheduled flights, to Dar and Mwanza by a slow rail service, to Mwanza, Dar and Mbeya by rough dirt roads, and to Mpulungu in Zambia by a weekly ferry. From Kigoma, local lake-taxis take up to three hours to reach Gombe, or motorboats can be chartered, taking less than one hour. What to do Chimpanzee trekking; hiking, swimming and snorkeling; visit the site of Henry Stanleys famous “Dr Livingstone I presume” at Ujiji near Kigoma, and watch the renowned dhow builders at work. . When to go The chimps dont roam as far in the wet season (February-June, November-mid December) so may be easier to find; better picture opportunities in the dry (July-October and late December). Accommodation 1 new luxury tented lodge, as well a self-catering hostel, guest house and campsites on the lakeshore. NOTE Strict rules are in place to safeguard you and the chimps. Allow at least 2 days to see them - this is not a zoo so there are no guarantees where theyll be each day. Mahale Mountains National Park Mahale Mountains is home to some of Africa’s last remaining wild chimpanzees: a population of roughly 800 (only 60 individuals forming what is known as M group), habituated to human visitors by a Japanese research project founded in the 1960s. Tracking the chimps of Mahale is a magical experience. The guides eyes pick out last nights nests - shadowy clumps high in a gallery of trees crowding the sky. Scraps of half-eaten fruit and fresh dung become valuable clues, leading deeper into the forest. Butterflies flit in the dappled sunlight. Getting there Charter flight from Arusha, Dar or Kigoma. Charter private or national park motorboat from Kigoma, three to four hours. Weekly steamer from Kigoma, seven hours, then hire a local fishing boat or arrange with park HQ for pickup in park boat, another one or two hours. What to do Chimp tracking (allow two days); hiking; camping safaris; snorkelling; fish for your dinner. When to go Dry season (May-October) best for forest walks although no problem in the light rains of October/November. Accommodation Three seasonal luxury tented camps. Two small resthouses, large campsite. NOTE The same rules for chimpanzee viewing at Gombe Stream apply at Mahale. Coastal circuit Saadani National Park Located in the centre of the historic triangle of Bagamoyo, Pangani and Zanzibar, Saadani National Park covers 1100km square. It is the only wildlife sanctuary in Tanzania bordering the sea. The climate is coastal, hot and humid. It offers a unique combination of both marine and mainland flora and fauna in a culturally fascinating setting. About 30 species of larger mammals are present as well as numerous reptiles and birds. Besides many species of fish (over40), green turtle, Humpback whale and dolphins also occur in the ocean nearby. Accommodation TANAPA rest houses and bandas are available near Saadani village and at the park HQ at Mkwaja. There are several camping sites in the park such as along the nWami River (kinyonga), Tengwe and beach campsites. There are other privately owned accommodation facilities inside and outside the park such as Saadani Safari Lodge, KISAMPA and a tent with the view. Zanzibar island Zanzibar is a unique coral island lying in the Indian Ocean a short distance from Tanzania. With Pemba, and about 50 other island. The islands history goes back many centuries. Its heyday came in the early 19th century when the Sultan of Muscat moved his court to Zanzibar. Spice cultivation was developed (particularly the clove tree), and the slave trade was at its height - Zanzibar became the most important town in East Africa. The Town Zanzibar town is located midway along the West Coast of the island. The old part of the town, known as Stone Town, is composed of a network of shady, winding narrow alleys between old stone buildings with ornately decorated entrances and balconies. Numerous tiny shops here sell everything under the sun. Along the seafront are located several luxury hotels, the old Sultans Palace (House of Wonder), the old fort, restaurants and the docks. How to get there There are buses from Arusha to Dar es Salaam every day, leaving by the earliest bus will get you to Dar es Salaam in time to catch the last boat to Zanzibar. There are buses and taxis available to take you from the bus station to the port. There are also regular flights from Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport to Zanzibar from Arusha to Dar es Salaam. The boat journey takes a little under 2 hours and operates between 0800 and 1630 hrs. There are approximately 8 boats per day. There are also regular and private flights available from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar with smaller operators such as Coastal Travel. What to do Beach holiday Bird watching Cultural tourism Sand bank picknic Boating Diving City tour and Jozani forest tour Accomodation Here you will find an overview of some of the hotels in Zanzibar, Beach Resorts, Beach Clubs, Town Hotels and Bungalow Hotels we recommend while staying on Zanzibar. We can also book for you other hotels in Zanzibar with very good rates. Please contact us for more informartions. Email us or give us a call to discuss booking your perfect safari today! +255 78358 9 878 +255 756344 179
Posted on: Wed, 13 Nov 2013 20:06:43 +0000
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