Tanzania
Tanzania
is a true wilderness.
Over a quarter of this magnificent country is dedicated to incredibly wild and beautiful national parks and reserves – it is East Africa at its best.
Tanzania is a land of superlatives: the deepest, the highest, the largest, and the oldest. Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Loliondo – which make up the famed “Northern Circuit” – tempt you with a million-strong Wildebeest migration, a huge volcanic caldera, a flamingo-rimmed lake, rhino, buffalo, black-maned tree-climbing lions and elephant bathing in rivers. Experience the Ngorongoro Crater, a unique ecosystem isolated from the rolling savannahs that surround it.
The savannah plains of Tanzania’s national parks are inhabited by lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, leopards, hyenas, hippos, zebras, the unique Tanzanian kob and many more. Tanzania counts 24 monkey species inhabiting the various jungles, from the nocturnal galagos to the golden monkeys and the endangered mountain gorillas. In addition to the wide variety of mammals, Tanzania is one of the most bird-rich countries in the world with over 1000 bird species, such as the prehistoric-looking Shoebill and the Great Blue Turaco.
Why Tanzania
Tanzania is dominated by Kilimanjaro; one of the world’s most massive extinct volcano’s and Africa’s highest mountain. It soars some 15,000 feet above the surrounding arid plains, and 2.5 square miles of its surface ascends to over 18,500 feet. Tanzania is home to 35 species of antelope and over 1.5 million wildebeest – over 80% of the total population in Africa…. Famous parks such as the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area offer some of the best safari opportunities in Africa.
The Serengeti plains alone support over 3 million animals whilst the Ngorongoro Crater hosts the greatest concentration of large mammals in Africa on the floor of an extinct volcano; a natural refuge for big game. Whilst these two parks are the best known, there are many others that offer more diverse opportunities for the more adventurous. Parks such as the Ruaha and Selous Reserve are huge and relatively untouched. The incredible wilderness of the Miombo woodlands in Southern Tanzania offers dramatically changing scenery and wildlife. And the exotic lure of the islands; Pemba & Zanzibar, are incredible ‘getaway’ destinations.
A luxury safari to Tanzania is something that will live in your soul for years to come.
When you are in Africa you feel primordial, rocked in the cradle of the world’, Jodi Picoult (American Author).
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Places to Tour
Serengeti National Park
Meet the endangered mountain gorillas
The Serengeti national park is arguably Tanzania’s most popular tourist attraction. It is part of the wider ecosystem which also includes the Simiyu and Mara regions in Kenya. The park consists of acacia trees, savanna grasslands, woodlands and small forests. The annual great migration Amazing things to do in Tanzania. within and outside the Serengeti is one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle. During this migration, over 1 million wildebeest and 250,000 zebras move around the Serengeti and then cross the Mara river to Kenya.
They undergo great challenges and have to cross crocodile infested rivers and lion territories. While on safari in the Serengeti, you can spot elephants, buffaloes, cheetahs, giraffe, impala, hyenas, eland, gazelle, ostriches and wild dogs. If you can afford the hot air-balloon experience, then go for it. Since the animals, move a lot during the dry season, it is important to plan your trip during specific months. A good tour operator can guide you on the best time to visit and what to carry along.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Wildlife and thunderous waterfalls
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located next to the Serengeti and 180 kilometers away from the city of Arusha. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the top 10 natural wonders of the world. There was a time when it was part of the Serengeti National Park but a decision was made to manage it as a separate wildlife conservation area. The key Places to visit in Tanzaniafeature of the reserve is a large volcanic caldera/crater which acts as a natural enclosure that keeps most of Africa’s famous wildlife together.
Because of this protective shield and constant water throughout the year, the animals here do not migrate as much as those of the Serengeti. Visitors can expect to spot them throughout the year. The animals to look out for are lions, black rhino, leopard, elephants, flamingos and buffaloes. The varied landscape includes forests, bushes, Savannah grasslands, volcanic features and saline lakes. The government has allowed the Masai tribesmen to continue living and taking care of their domestic within the conservation area hence allowing tourists chance encounters with them. For a truly memorable experience in Tanzania.
Mount Kilimanjaro
At a height of 19,331 feet above sea level, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. It is also the highest free-standing mountain on earth. The “roof of Africa” as it is often called was formed by earth movements 1 million years ago in the north-eastern part of Tanzania. Top Tanzania attractions Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most visited tourism sports in Tanzania.
Each year, over 40,000 hikers attempt to reach the snow-peaked uhuru peak. There are five major routes used to get to the summit including Rongai, Machame, Shirea, Lemosho and Marangu. Each route starts from a different part of the park and presents a different challenge. Marangu is more straight forward and popular but other routes are more scenic. Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro is surprisingly easier and safer compared to many of Africa’s mountains. One doesn’t need to be a seasoned mountain climber to reach the peak. If one is not fit enough or mentally ready to reach the summit, they can choose to hike up to the first section at a lower cost.
Tanzania Itineraries
Go where you feel Most Alive
