Welcome to our section of Tanzania Tour Operators

Tanzania is one renowned African destination for its exciting holiday inviting atmosphere especially at the coast. Licensed Tanzania tour operators arrange numerous travel tours to the country’s incomparably stunning tourist destinations such as Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti national Park, Zanzibar Islands.

Among other services offered, they assist at Airport transfers on arrival, Honeymoon vacations, Tanzania beach tours and innovative culture tours.

Families on adventure tours can wander through the forests and survey the wide variety of exotic flora and fauna in the national parks. For adventure lovers, the Tanzania Safari agents guide their clients through numerous thrilling honeymoon activities such as sailing, windsurfing and paragliding. You experience the country’s magic in full.

We recommend that for you to enjoy your Tanzania holidays and vacation trip here, you need an expert tour operator or travel company. Aside from arranging comprehensive itineraries, these tour agents take into consideration your budget size which will most likely dictate your destination options. It’s therefore plausible to have your tour with credible Tanzania tour operators just like the ones listed below;

A. Safaris Tour Operator

Tel: +255 27 2504099

Email:anniedesouza@yahoo.com

Abercombie & Kent

Tel: +255 27 2508346/8

Website: www.abecrombie.co.tz

Abrojaley African Ajabu

Tel: +255 27 2500300

Email:info@abrojaley.com

Website: www.abrojaley.com

Active Tanzania Adventures

Tel: + 255- 784605785

E-mail: info@activetanzania.com

Website: www.activetanzania.com

Adventure Sports & Leisure

Tel: +255 27 2509706

Email: info@adsportleisure.com

Website: www.adsportleisure.com

Africa Bound Tours

Tel +255272548492

Email:info@africabound.com

Website: www.africabound.com

African Horizon

Tel: +255 27 2505990

Email:tanzania@african-horizons.com

Website: www.african-horizons.com

African Trails

Tel: +255 27 2504406/2503683

Email: africantrails@habari.co.tz

Ajabu Adventures

Tel: 0784659009

Email: info@ajabu-adventures.com

Website: www.ajabu-adventures.com

Angoni Car Hire & Tours

Tel:+255-27-250-8598.

Email: info@angoniadventure.co.tz.

Website: www.angoniadventure.co.tz

Arumeru Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255 744588721

Email: arumeru@habari.com.tz

Arunga Expeditions & Safaris

Tel: +255 (073) 2971780

E-mail: aruexpedition@yahoo.co.uk

Website: www.aruexpedition.com

Arusha Fortes

Tel: + 255 27 2506 094 & 254 4887

Email: info@fortes-safaris.com

Website: www.fortes-safaris.com

Arusha Naaz Rent a Car

Tel: +255 27 2502087

Email: arushanaaz@yahoo.com

Awaken to Africa

Tel: +255 787 312 636

E-mail: info@awaketoafrica.com

Website: www.awaketoafrica.com

Base Campsite

Tel: +255 27 2500393

Email:management@basecamptanzania.com

Website: www.basecamptanzania.com

Bear Foot Expedition

Tel: +255 754-36 83 32

Email: bear_foot07@yahoo.com

Bobby Trekking Safaris

Tel: +255-27-2505447

Email: bobbytrekking@habari.co.tz

Bongo Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255 22 774767

Bunmark Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255762900517

Email:bunmark@yahoo.com

Bushbuck Safaris

Tel: +255 27 254 4186

Email: bushbuck@bushbuckltd.com

Website: www.bushbuckltd.com

Classic Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255 27 254 3082-7

E-mail: info@comfortsafaris.com

Comfort Holidays

Tel: +255 27 250 9283

Email: info@comfortsafaris.com

Website: www.comfortsafaris.com

Crown Eagle Adventure

Tel: +255 754 263085 / 764 260

E-mail: sales@crown-eagle.com

Website: www.crown-eagle.com

Danny McCallum Safaris

Tel: +255 27 250 8454

Email: safari@dmstz.com

Website: www.dmstz.com

Destination Tanzania Safaris

Tel: + 255 754 275448

Email: inno@detasa.com

Website: www.detasa.com

Dorobo Tours and Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2508336

Email: dorobo@habari.co.tz

Duma Adventure Safaris

+255 27 2753226/8431

Website: www.dumaadventure.com

Duma Expeditions Ltd

Tel: +255 27 53639

Email: dumaexpediti.tours@kilinet.co.tz

Website: www.dumaexplorer.com

E.T.Treks & Safaris

Tel: +255 786 413334

Email:info@elefant-tours.com

Website: www.elefant-tours.de

East Africa Voyage

Tel: +255 27 2548890

Email: info@eastafricanvoyage.com

Website: www.eastafricanvoyage.com

Ebony Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255 22 2601459

E-mail: ebonysafari@raha.com

Eshkesh Safaris

Tel: +255 723 971 635

Email:mareinaholi333@hotmail.com

Fay Safaris

Tel: + 255 27 2545068

Email: tours@faysafaris.com

Website: www.faysafaris.com

Flash Safaris & Photography

Tel: +255 27 2544172

Email: info@flashsafaris.com

Website: www.flashsafaris.com

Flycatcher Safaris

Tel: +25444109 2544979

Email : flycat@habari.co.tz

Forters Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255 27 254887

Email: fortessafaries@fortesonline.com

Website: www.fortesonline.com

Fun Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2508376

Email: funsafari@tz2000.com

George Mavroudis Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2548840

E-mail: gmsafaris@gmsafaris.com

Website: www.gmsafaris.com

Good Earth Safaris & Tours

Tel +255 27 2508334

Email: ndashy@goodearthtours.com

Website: www.goodearthtours.com

Great African Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2548163

Email: info@greatafricansafaris.com

Website: www.greatafricansafaris.com

H & Q Unique Safaris (2000)

Tel +255 272553823

Email: uniquessaf@cybernet.com

Hartebeest Safaris

Email: hartebeest@habari.co.tz

Website: www.hartebeestsafaris.com

Hidden Treasures of Tanzania Safaris

Mobile: 00255 744299326

Email: info@htt-safaris.com

Website: www.htt-safaris.com

Hoopoe Adventure Tours

Tel: +255 27 2507011

Email: information@hoopoe.com

Website: www.hoopoe.com

Interactive Tours & Travel

Tel: 022 2771126-7

Email: xcar@bol.co.tz

J. M. Tours

Tel: +255 27 2501034

Email: jmtours@habari.co.tz

Jackport Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2503272

Website: www.jackpotsafaris.com

Karibu Africa Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2504023

Email: karibuafricasafaris@bol.co.tz

Kibo Guides

Tel: +255 2504093, 0784 504093

Email: kibasaf@habari.co.tz

Kiliwarrior Expéditions

Tel: +255 27 2503678

Email: wilbrtill@yahoo.com

Krisha African Safaris

Tel: +255 784 510194

Email: info@krishasafaris.com

Website: www.krishasafaris.com

Kudu Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2508108

Email: kudu@habari.co.tz

Laitolya Tours & Safaris

Telephones: +255 27 2547536

Email: laitolya@habari.co.tz

Leopard Tours

Tel: +255 27 2504610-3/ 2508441

Email: leopard@yako.habari.co.tz

Lions Safari International

Tel: 2508264

Email: info@lions-safari-intl.com

Website: www.lions-safari-intl.com

M.S Safaris

Tel: +255 784466951

Email:josephbumi@yahoo.com

Macho ya Tanzania

Tel: +255 27 2534055

Email: macho-yatanzania@iwayafrica.com

Masai Giraffe Safaris

Tel: +255 754 282042

E-mail: masaigrafe@gmail.com

Mbogo Expéditions

Tel: +255 754 612045/0784933013

Email: info@mbogoexpeditions.com

Website: www.mbogoexpeditions.com

Micato Safaris

Tel: 255787760780/255766716786

Email: inquiries@micato.co.ke

Website: www.micato.co.ke

Migada Adventures

Tel: +255 754370023

E-mail: info@migadadventures.com

Website: www.migadadventures.com

Milimani Adventures

Tel: +255 27 2544520

Email: info@milimaniadventure.com

Website: www.milimaniadventure.com

Mind & Soul Travel

Tel: +255 786 234070

Email: info@mindsoultravel.com

Website: www.mindsoultravel.com

ML Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2503191

Email: info@mltoursandsafaris.com

Website: www.mltoursandsafaris.com

Mount Kilimanjaro Safari Club

Tel: +255 27 2548869

Arusha Multichoice Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2506411

Email: multicho@habari.co.tz

Nature Discovery

Tel: +255 27 2544063

Email: info@naturediscovery.com

Website: www.naturediscovery.com

Next African Safaris

Tel: +255 754 288909

Email: info@nextafricans.com

Website: www.nextafricans.com

Nitoke Safaris

Tel: 0784 336150

Email:info@nitokesafaris.com

Website: www.nitokesafaris.com

Njake Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2553819

Email:njakesafaris@yahoo.com

Nordic Travel

Tel: 027 2541024

Emai:info@nordictraveltz.com

Website: www.nordictraveltz.com

Olosokwan Adventures

Tel: +255 756 363664

E-mail: info@olosokwanadventers.com

Website: www.olosokwanadventers.com

Pajota Safaris

Tel: +255 787 135995

Email: pajotasafaris@habari.co.tz

Park East Africa

Tel: +255 27 2506058

Email: info@parkeastafrica.com

Website: www.parkeastafrica.com

Parks Adventures

Tel: 255 27 250 9107

Email: info@parksadventure.com

Website: www.parksadventure.com

Peacock Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2501539

Email:wildfrontiers@habari.com.tz

Predators Safaris Club

Mobile: +255 754 562254

Email:intoarusha@yahoo.com

Procell Safaris

Tel: +255 22 2861276

Email: procell@procell.co.tz

Website: www.procell.co.tz Arusha

Real Adventure Co.

Tel: +255 732 972432

Email: realadventureltd@habari.co.tz

Reality Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2050107

Email:ymsechu@yahoo.com

Renaissance Photographic Safaris

Tel: +255 784 331711

Email: info@renaissancesafaris.com

Website: www.renaissancesafaris.com

Roy Safaris

Tel: +255 2507940

Fax: +255 27 2548892

E-Mail: roysafaris@intafrica.com

Safari Direct Tanzania

Tel: +255784982858

Email: safaridirect@gmail.com

Website: www.safaridirecttz.com

Safari Images

Tel: +255 27 2751990

Email: images@bennets.co.tz

Safari Makers

Tel: +255 732 979195

Email: safarimakers@habari.co.tz

Safari Tracks

Tel: +255 27 2500048

Email: saftarcks@yahoo.com

Scan Tan Tours

Tel: +255 27 2504865/ 754 276980

Email: scantan@cybernet.co.tz

Semantango Safaris

Tel: +255 27 250 9511

Email: sematangotours@cybernet.co.tz

Serena Car Hire & Tours

Tel: +255 27 2509833

Email: serenacahire@habari.co.tz

Serengeti Big Cats Safari

Tel: +255 784 767299

Email: info@serengetibigcates.co.tz

Website: www.serengetibigcates.co.tz

Serengeti Select Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2544222

Email: sss@habari.co.tz

Shidolya Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2548506

Email: shidolya@habari.co.tz

Simba Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2503600

Email: samba@simbasafaris.co.tz

Website: www.simbasafaris.co.tz

Sky of Serengeti Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2546155

Email: skysere2004@yahoo.com

SOK Adventure Travel Specialist

Tel: +255 784 694624

Email:info@sokaadventures.com

Website: www.sokaadventures.com

Tanzania DMC

Tel: +255784554752

Email:info@tanzaniadmc.com

Website: www.tanzaniadmc.com

Tanzania Rift Valley Tours

Tel: +255 27 2504212

Email: trvtours@bol.co.tz

Tanzania Serengeti Adventure

Tel: +255 27 2544609

E-mail: tsa@habari.co.tz Residence

Website: www.www.abouttanzania.com

Tanzannature Tours & Safari

Tel: +255 27 2548804.

Mail: info@tanzannaturetours.com

Website: www.tanzannaturetours.com

The East African Safaris & Touring Co.

Tel: +255 754 275452

E-mail: eastafricansafaris@habari.co.tz

The Map’s Edge

Tel: +255 784 770190

Email: safaris@maps-edge.com

Website: www.maps-edge.com

Thomson Safaris

Tel: 250-8551/254-8551

Email: tsafaris@habari.co.tz

Untamed Safaris (E.A)

Tel: +255 27 2544550/ 754 282181

Email: ultimatesafaris@habari.co.tz

Vuriva Complex &Safaris

Tel: +255 754 276699

Email:info@vurivasafaris.com

Website: www.vurivasafaris.com

Warner Safaris

Tel: + 255 27 2547421

Email: admin@warnersafaris.co.tz

Website: www.warnersafaris.co.tz

Warrior Trails

Tel: + 255 27 2546081

Email:infotz@warriorttrails.com

Website: www.warriorttrails.com

Wildersun Safaris &Tours

Tel: +255 27 2500358

Email: wildersun@cybenet.co.tz

Wildholic Safaris & Tours

Tel: +255 756 342242

Email: wildholic@hotmail.com

Wildlife Expedition Safaris

Tel: +255 27 250978

E-mail: wesafari@yahoo.com

Wildlife Guides of Tanzania

Tel: +255 786 025352

Email: pp@wildlifetanzania.com

Website: www.wildlifetanzania.com

Wildness Trails

Tel: +255 27 2500358

Email: info@tropicaltrails.com

Website: www.tropicaltrails.com

World African Safari Expedition

Tel: +255 27 250 4298

Email: wa-expeditions@habari.co.tz

Yembi Adventure

Tel: +255 754612700

Email: yembi@africaonline.co.tz

Tanzania Tour destinations are well-known and draw thousands of tourists on unforgettable African tours. Tanzania also takes pride in some of its wildest wilderness areas in Africa’s southern region such as Selous Game Reserve –one of the largest and most remote game reserves in the world – plus Ruaha National Park. These southern riches of Tanzania paint the true Africa’s wilderness. To the west of the country, in the Lake Tanganyika region, you can go trekking in search of chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale.

Tanzania wildlife thrives in some of the world’s largest protected areas of wilderness; add the jaw-dropping scenes of huge animal migrations and it comes as no surprise to learn that the National Parks and Reserves in Tanzania are the main draw card for many visitors. The parks and reserves of the ‘northern safari circuit’ – which include the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park – are the most popular with visitors and are easily reachable from Arusha.

Also enjoy a must trip a climb to Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest peak and trek through its several interesting routes. Do not miss to visit the tropical island of Zanzibar.

Best Time for Tanzania tour

Tanzania’s inviting weather leaves nothing to be desired. Warm and sunny days are followed by cool and balmy nights, and whether you’re on safari on the Serengeti plains or enjoying the tropical beaches of Zanzibar, the temperatures are always welcoming and gentle. Consult Weather and Climate to find out when the best times to visit are, and learn more about the monsoon winds and seasonal rains.

Serengeti is renowned for the phenomenal wildebeest migration that occurs every year. Over two million large mammals carve across the plains in a circular trek; their steady instinctive movements tied to the land and grass and rain. The predators follow the wildebeest and zebra closely and a Serengeti travel safari is the best to view lions, cheetahs, hyenas and leopards as well as other big cats. Tanzania Wildlife has more information

The Great Migration

The Wildebeest Migration is a dramatic story. Between the open plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara, thousands of wildebeest and zebras migrate to greener pastures as the seasons change and the circle of life and death continues. Predators follow the Wildebeest Migration closely, waiting for an opportunity to strike weak prey as they make their way into different territories.

Wildebeest are well known for their annual migration to new pastures in which vast numbers of wildebeest can be seen crossing rivers, such as the Mara River and dying in large numbers as they attempt to reach the other side, because many of them are eaten by crocodiles while others simply drown. The major predators that prey on Wildebeest are lions, hyenas, cheetahs and leopards. However, Wildebeests are very strong and can inflict considerable injury to even a lion. The primary defensive tactic is herding where the young animals are protected by the older larger ones while the herd runs as a group. For example, at night the animals will take turns sleeping while others stand guard against a night attack by invading predators.

Best time to go for the migration

The precise timing of the Wildebeest Migration changes annually and it is a very unpredictable and spontaneous natural event. The calving season takes place in the Serengeti between the months of January and mid-March before the Wildebeest Migration begins heading towards the western Serengeti in June. The best time to see the migration is usually between June and August when the wildebeest congregate and prepare to cross the famous Grumeti River. There are a few excellent camps in this area where you can stay to witness this natural phenomenon. If you are in the Masai Mara you can expect the wildebeest to make their arrival as early as July, but they generally arrive between August and September and remain in the Mara between October and November. Between December and January the wildebeest gradually begin their migration back towards the Serengeti

Wildlife

Serengeti is well known for its healthy stock of other resident wildlife, particularly the “Big Five”, named for the five most prized trophies taken by hunters: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Black Rhinoceros and African Buffalo. Serengeti is believed to hold the largest population of lions in Africa, due in part to the abundance of prey species. The park also supports other wildlife including cheetah, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, eland, waterbuck, hyena, baboon, impala, African wild dog and giraffe. The park also boasts about 500 bird species, including ostrich, secretary bird, crowned crane and marabou stork.

Within its 3230 sq km, positioned between Uguru Mountains to the north and the lumango Mountains to the southeast, the Mikumi National Park obtains a good impression of the African animal world. This relatively small National park lies 300 km west of Dar-es-salaam and it’s the closest park to the capital. Its proximity to Dar es Salaam and the amount of wildlife that live within its borders makes Mikumi National Park a popular option for weekend visitors from the city, or for business visitors who don’t have long to spend on an extended safari.

Mikumi National Park wildlife

The park hosts populations of buffalo, giraffe, elephant, lion, Zebra, leopard, crocodiles among others. The open horizons and abundant wildlife of the Mkata Floodplain, the popular centrepiece of Mikumi national park, draw frequent comparisons to the more famous Serengeti Plains.
There is a rich variety bird species and more than 400 bird species have been recorded, with such colorful common residents as the lilac-breasted roller, yellow-throated long claw and bateleur eagle joined by a host of European migrants during the rainy season.

Hippo pools provide close access to the mud-loving beasts, and bird-watching along the waterways is particularly rewarding. 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 water birds.
Lions survey their grassy kingdom – and the zebra, wildebeest, impala and buffalo herds that migrate across it – from the flattened tops of termite mounds, or sometimes, during the rains, from perches high in the trees. Giraffes forage in the isolated acacia stands that fringe the Mkata River, islets of shade favored also by Mikumi’s elephants.

When to go; The National Park is accessible throughout the whole year.

Getting There

A good surfaced road connects Mikumi to Dar es Salaam via Morogoro, a roughly 4 hour drive.
There are also road net work connections to Udzungwa, Ruaha and Selous. Local buses run from Dar to park Headquarters where game drives are scheduled. . Charter flight from Dar es Salaam, Arusha or Selous

What to do

Game drives and expert-guided walks.

Criss-crossed by a good circuit of game-viewing roads, the Mkata Floodplain is perhaps the most reliable place in Tanzania for sightings of the powerful eland, the world’s largest antelope. The equally impressive greater kudu and sable antelope haunt the miombo-covered foothills of the mountains that rise from the park’s borders.

Wilderness Holiday Safaris

A Tanzania holiday excursion can be one of the most exciting wildlife experiences you can have. There is resident wildlife here throughout the year. Tanzania takes pride as one of the nations with the highest concentrations of game in Africa. In Serengeti for instance, you can see all of it. Covering an area of 12,950 sq km of mostly plains, Serengeti contains an estimated 3 million animals and stretches all the way to Lake Victoria.

There is chance to spot the tree climbing lions, zebra, gazelles and a host of other animals in their natural habitats. In the remote parks on the edge of Lake Tanganyika, there are thriving populations of chimpanzees and it is a very special experience to see these animals in the wild.

Aside from wildlife watching, you can climb Kilimanjaro- Africa’s highest mountain. Imagine climbing Africa’s highest free standing mountain and looking out over the lush jungle with the snow at your feet, or visit the “cradle of mankind”- Olduvai Gorge where the Leakeys unearthed the secrets of man’s early evolutionary heritage.

Tribes work closely with native peoples such as the Masai, and offer a number of Tanzania tours and treks where the Masai guide you through their land, hence offer you an added charming dimension to your holiday stay in Tanzania. Ruaha National Park is also one of the most scenically stunning and ecologically diverse locations for wildlife.

Whatever how short your holiday travel you may wish to undertake, be it short to cover ngorongoro and lake Manyara or trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, wildebeest migration safari, birdwatching, primate tours and so much more, we’ve got you covered! With many years of experience in Tanzania tourism, we can advise you on what to safari to take depending on your time, budget and activities.

Zanzibar Islands- the legendary “Spice Island”

Another destination to consider on your holiday trip to Tanzania is the tropical island of Zanzibar. Long well known for some of the best tropical beaches in Africa it sits just of the Tanzanian coast in the Indian Ocean. One of the last places in Africa to abolish slavery it is now home to fantastic palmed beaches, clear blue waters and world class scuba diving and snorkeling.

Aside from Zanzibar, there are several lesser known islands like Chumbe and Mafia, where you can relax on white coral beaches. Add a magical stay on one of these islands after your Tanzania travel, and you have the perfect holiday.

Weather  & Best Holiday Time

Tanzania has a tropical climate. The Central Plateau is dry and arid with hot days and cool nights, while the north-west highlands are cool and temperate. June to September is the cooler season. The ‘long rains’ are from March to May and the ‘short rains’ are between October and December. The hottest months are between October and February. On the coast, it rains in November and December and from March to May. Coastal areas are hot and humid although sea breeze cools the area pleasantly between June and September.

People, Culture & Traditions

Well, the one thing that does bind Tanzania’s diverse attractions is, of course, its people, who take justifiable pride in their deeply blooded national feel of peacefulness and tolerance. Indeed, Tanzania, for all its tribal diversity, is practically unique in Africa in having navigated a succession of modern political hurdles – the transformation from colonial dependency to self-governing nation, from socialist state to free-market economy, from mono-partyism to fully-fledged democracy but without ever undergoing persistent civil & ethnic unrest.
Tanzania’s daunting natural variety is mirrored by a cultural diversity embracing 120 distinct tribes.

Geographical Attractions

At 945,087 sq km, Tanzania is the world’s 31st-largest country (after Egypt). It is mountainous in the northeast, where Mt Kilimanjaro -Africa’s highest peak is situated. To the north and west are the Great Lakes of Lake Victoria (Africa’s largest lake) and Lake Tanganyika (Africa’s deepest lake- with unique fish species); not forgetting Lake Nyasa also. Then, of course, the magical ‘spice island’of Zanzibar, a highlight of the giant Indian Ocean coastline studded with perfect beaches, spectacular offshore diving sites, and mystifying mediaeval ruins. For Central Tanzania is a large plateau with plains and arable land.

The Kalambo water falls in southwest Tanzania’s region of Rukwa as one of Tanzania’s many tourist destinations. The Kalambo Falls are the second highest in Africa and are located near the southern tip of Lake Tanganyika.

National Parks

Tanzania contains many large and ecologically significant wildlife parks, including the famous Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park in the north, and Selous Game Reserve and Mikumi National Park in the south. Gombe National Park in the west is known as the site of Dr. Jane Goodall’s studies of chimpanzee behavior. Best time to visit for Game viewing
For game viewing, the best time to visit Tanzania depends on your priorities. Most National Parks are accessible during the dry season (June to mid-October).
However for Serengeti, the wet season is the best time to see the enormous herds of wildebeest, much as the migration patterns vary and are difficult to predict. But in general, the dry season is best time to visit Tanzania for seeing predators.

Climate

Tanzania has a tropical type of climate. In the highlands, temperatures range between 10˚C and 20˚C during cold and hot seasons respectively. The rest of the country has temperatures rarely falling lower than 20˚C. The hottest period extends between November and February (25˚C – 31˚C) while the coldest period occurs between May and August (15˚C – 20˚C). Two rainfall regimes exist over Tanzania. One is unimodal (December – April) and the other is bimodal (October -December and March – May). The former is experienced in southern, south-west, central and western parts of the country, and the latter is found to the north and northern coast.

Best Time ti Visit

The Tanzanian climate is tropical. The Central Plateau is dry and arid with hot days and cool nights, while the north-west highlands are cool and temperate. June to September is the cooler season. The ‘long rains’ are from March to May and the ‘short rains’ are between October and December. The hottest months are between October and February. On the coast, it rains in November and December and from March to May. Coastal areas are hot and humid although sea breeze cools the area pleasantly between June and September.

Islands

As if the bush weren’t enough, Tanzania also has a scattering of islands, strung out like jewels along its coastline, that are well worth living out your tropical island fantasies on … places like  Zanzibar beg exploration – check out our Tanzania Beach feature for information and inspiration. Tanzania is home to the following islands: Chumbe Island, Mafia Island, Mnemba Island, Pemba Island and Rubondo Island.

There are also a number of sites in Tanzania that are of such cultural and environmental significance that they’ve been given World Heritage status. You can go game viewing in the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, see the birthplace of Swahili culture in Zanzibar’s Stone Town and visit some of Africa’s most noteworthy and oldest rock art sites as well as the palaeontological treasures of Olduvai Gorge.
The main World Heritage sites in Tanzania are: Kondoa Rock Art Sites, Olduvai Gorge, Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara and Stone Town

Mahale, described simply as one of the most beautiful parks anywhere in Africa, is located in one of the most remote locations in Tanzania. It lies on the western border with the Congo, against the remarkable shores of Lake Tanganyika with a size of 1,613 sq km.
Mahale Mountains National Park, like its northerly neighbor Gombe Stream, is home to some of Africa’s remaining wild chimpanzees. Tracking these chimps in Mahale is a thrilling experience.

Background

Many parts of the Mahale Mountains National Park were once inhabited and under cultivation and nowhere does one have to look far to find the evidence of this. In the 1960s there were at least 5 hamlets in the eastern areas of the park. Ilumbi was located at the source of the Kabezi, Ntondo was further down along the ridge from Ilumbi towards the present day village of Mgambo, Ujamba was on the western side of the Mahale Ridge at 2000m, and Kasangazi was on the path from Ujamba to Kapala on the shore of Lake Tanganyika.

The National Park now no longer contains settlements, with the exception of park administration on the northern border at Bilenge, and four small tourist camps on the edge of the Kasoge Forest.
Presently, most of the people existing on land adjacent to the Park are farmers who cultivate subsistence farms, mainly growing cassava as their staple food, along with beans, maize, rice and sweet potatoes. Fishing is the chief economic activity.

Wildlife

The altitude range of mahale is reflected in its wide variety of habitat, with a floral composition that reflects a unique combination of influences associated with the eastern savannah, western rainforest and southern Miombo woodland biomes. And while chimpanzees are the star attraction, the slopes support a diverse forest fauna, including readily observed troops of red colobus, red-tailed and blue monkeys, and a kaleidoscopic array of colorful forest birds. The eastern slopes of Mahale support savannah and woodland species such as elephants, lion, African hunting Dog, roan antelope, buffalo and giraffe.

Mahale Safaris

• Chimp tracking: Tracking the chimps of Mahale is a delightful experience. The guide’s eyes pick out last night’s 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.

• Hiking: You can trace the Tongwe people’s ancient pilgrimage to the mountain spirits, hiking through the montane rainforest belt – home to an endemic race of Angola colobus monkey – to high grassy ridges chequered with alpine bamboo. Then bathe in the impossibly clear waters of the world’s longest, second-deepest and least-polluted freshwater lake – harboring an estimated 1,000 fish species – before returning as you came, by boat.

Getting there & around

Scheduled flights are from Arusha, Dar or Kigoma to Mahale Mountains National park. Also available is a National Park motorboat from Kigoma, 4-5 hours. Weekly steamer from Kigoma, 7 hours; and then hire a local fishing boat for another 1 or 2 hours.

Best Time to Visit

Dry season running from May to October is best for forest walks although there are some light rains in Late October and early November, but have an insignificant disruption.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is an extensive highland area along the eastern arm of the Rift Valley, with the renowned Ngorongoro Crater as its central point. Not a national park in the strict sense of the word, the NCA was established to conserve wildlife and other natural resources, as well as to safeguard the interests of indigenous people and promote tourism. Thus, guests on safari have the unique experience of seeing Masai herdsmen whose cattle graze side by side with the tremendous variety of wildlife found in the area.

Unmatched for its natural diversity, there are few places on earth where such a remarkable diversity of landscapes exist. Aside from its wildlife possessions, the conservation area is also of great archaeological substance, boasting with remains of some mankind’s earliest ancestors in the area.

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest collapsed volcanic crater in an exceptional geographical position, forming a spectacular bowl of about 265 sq km with sides up to 600m deep. This 14km of isolated natural beauty and often called ‘the Eden of Africa’, is surrounded by a ring of extinct volcanoes and its floor, dotted with watering holes, shelters close to 30,000 animals.

At about 20km wide, Ngorongoro is one of the largest unflooded and unbroken caldera in the world. The crater floor consists of a number of ecological environments that include grassland, swamps, forests and Lake Makat, a central soda lake filled by the Munge River. All these habitats attract wildlife to graze here. In fact, the crater floor is one of the most densely crowded game areas in the world. The open grassland makes it easy to monitor, so it is also a stronghold for endangered species like black rhino and cheetah.

Ngorongoro is one of East Africa’s most visited destinations. It is because of this that it’s a big draw card for tourists coming to Tanzania. Within the crater rim, large herds of zebra and wildebeest graze nearby while sleeping lions laze in the sun. At dawn, the endangered black rhino returns to the thick cover of the crater forests after grazing on dew-laden grass in the morning mist. Just outside the crater’s ridge, tall Masai herd their cattle and goats over green pastures through the highland slopes, living alongside the wildlife as they have for centuries.

Ngorongoro Wildlife

The crater is said to have the densest concentration of wildlife in Africa. As such, Ngorongoro Crater has achieved world renown, and attracts a growing number of visitors each year. Even if time is limited this natural but accessibly small caldera ensures a rewarding safari.
Game viewing is truly incredible, and the topography and views of the surrounding Crater Highlands out of this make it a world-class attraction.

As very few animals migrate in and out of the Crater with its 2000ft high walls, you can expect to see lions, elephants, hippos, Zebras, Flamingos, Jackals, Rhinos, antelopes, and many birds and other species. The birds seen here include eagle, vulture, and flamingos in the Crater Lake, stork, bats, giant vulture, sacred ibis, kori bustard, blacksmith plover, long necked heron and the cattle eagle. Ngorongoro Crater is also presently one of the most likely areas in Tanzania to see the endangered Black Rhino, as small populations are thriving in this idyllic and protected environment one of the only areas where they continue to breed in the wild.

Although animals are free to move in and out of this contained environment, the rich volcanic soil, lush forests and spring source lakes on the crater floor tend to incline both grazers and predators to remain throughout the year.

Climate

The Crater rim, over 2,200 m high, touches swathes of clouds for most days of the year, with cool high altitude vapors that seem to bring a clean lightness to the air, and also a chill. These highlands wake up to a misty fog in most months, other than the high dry season during December and January.

Best Time to Visit

It can be amazingly cool at the top of the mountain even in summer so be prepared with a pullover. Thunderstorm activity occurs in November – December and saturating rains fall from March to May.

Arusha National Park established 1960, is located in the Arusha Region of north eastern Tanzania and occupies an area of 137sq km. The National Park covers Mt. Meru, a prominent volcano with an elevation of 4566 m. Although its one of Tanzania’s smallest parks, Arusha National Park ranks in pole position as one of the most beautiful and topographically varied wildlife sanctuaries offering a multi-faceted jewel, with an opportunity to explore a beguiling diversity of habitats

The Park lies on a 300-km axis of Africa’s most famous national parks, running from Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in the west to Kilimanjaro National Park in the east.
It boasts with spectacular landscapes in three distinct areas. In the west, the Meru Crater funnels the Jekukumia River; Ngurdoto Crater in the south-east is grassland. The shallow alkaline Momella Lakes in the north-east have varying algal colors and are known for their wading birds. These are the main attractions.

The park has a diversity of vegetation regions supporting several animal species. The entrance gate leads into shadowy montane forest inhabited by curious blue monkeys and colorful turacos and trogons – the only place where the acrobatic black-and-white colobus monkey is easily seen. The flora and fauna however varies with the topography, and ranges from forest to swamp.

Arusha Wildlife

Arusha National Park has a rich variety of wildlife. It contains a diverse resident population of herbivores, primates and predators including black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, leopards, hyenas, waterbucks, wart hogs and a wide range of antelope species. Although elephants are scarce in the Park and lions absent altogether, leopards and spotted hyenas may be seen sneaking around in the early morning and late evening.

Birds; the Momela lakes are particularly interesting for bird watching. Like many in the Rift valley, they are shallow and alkaline and attract a variety of wader birds. The park also has beautiful flaminoes
While its possible to see much of the park in a day, its better to allow a night or two to appreciate the wildlife and do a walking safari.

Best Time for Tours

The best time for visiting is during the dry season from July – march. The best months to climb Mt Meru are June – February (although there is advent of some rains in November). On clear days magnificent views of Mt. Meru can be seen from almost any part of the park.

Getting There

The park is just a few km north east of Arusha, though the main gate is 25 km east of the city. It is an easy 40-minute drive from Arusha approximately 60 km (35 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport. It is also 58 km from Moshi and 35 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA).

Arusha Safaris

Mt. Meru Trekking

Arusha National Park’s most publicizes is Mt. Meru, the eastern slopes and 4,566m peak which lie within the par boundaries. Mt. Meru is a spectacular volcanic cone and well worth climbing. A trek to the summit takes you through grassland and lush forest on the lower slopes to an exhilarating walk along the knife edge of the crater rim. The interesting geology of the area is reflected in the impressive view of the ash cone and cliff face leading to the summit of Mt. Meru.
A lot of big game can be seen on the lower slopes
Forest Walks:

Everywhere throughout the Park there are chances to observe the natural world at its own pace, to see different animals in there are different habitats and absorb something of the serenity of the surroundings. Those who ascend the summit of the mountain will be rewarded with unparalleled views of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro and the Rift Valley.

Mount Kilimanjaro is so prominent for its spectacular geographical features coupled with the beautiful mountain vegetation, plentiful bird life, and abundant game. The National Park lies in Northern Tanzania, near the town of Moshi between the Kenyan Border and Moshi River in an area above the 2,700m, on the mountain. It includes the moorland and highland zones, Shira Plateau, Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The Park, in addition has six corridors or rights of way through the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve – which is also a Game Reserve established in 1921. The National Park itself was established in 1973 and officially opened in 1977.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain and one of the most instantly recognizable landmasses on the African continent. Its unique profile and snow-capped peak form one of the most breathtaking sights on earth. This effectively world’s largest single mountain and freestanding entity towers an incredibly 5km above the surrounding plains; and has a Size of 1668 sq km.

Kilimanjaro is a beacon for visitors from around the world. This is because it’s one of the world’s most accessible high summits. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman’s Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates.

Wildlife Attractions

There is an amazing quality of wildlife and flora in this region and a trek to Mount Kilimanjaro can be one of those precious moments in life, which anyone would never wish to forget.
Inside the park, a number of mammal species have been registered above the tree line. They include elephants, several species of rodents, grey duiker and eland, bushbuck, red duiker, the endangered Abbott’s and buffalo.

Bird varieties like lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus, hill chat Cercomela sordida, Hunter’s cisticola Cisticola hunteri, and scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird Nectarinia johnstoni have also been found but most of them are few in numbers. The limited range of the bird species at higher altitudes includes Alpine chat and scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird.
There is limitless support for the wildlife in the National park zones because the montane forest, moorland, upland moor, alpine desert, and alpine bogs provide suitable vegetation in the park.

Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Kilimanjaro National Park is from July to October and from December to March. These are the clearest and warmest conditions as well as the prime time to catch a clear glance of the abundant game in the park.

Getting There

128 km (80 miles) from Arusha. About one hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro airport.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

The most popular activity is an attempted hike to the summit, which requires a minimum of five days using the Marangu Route, the most popular and easiest option, but also the most crowded and ecologically compromised. There are several trekking routes to reach the summit and most of them traverse through a landscape that is unforgettable and a wildlife that is amazing. Major routes are Marangu route, Mweka route, Machame route, and Shira route.

Ruaha is an amazing National park which offers a fascinating variety of landscapes booming with untouched nature. With a size of 10,300 sq km lying 128km (80 miles) west of Iringa, Ruaha is a naturalist’s paradise since it provides even the most experienced travelers with something fresh. The undulating topography, glorious river and majestic trees team up to produce one of Africa’s most captivating landscapes.

Ruaha Park Overview

Ruaha is appealing as it also represents a transition zone where eastern and southern African species of flora and fauna overlap. It is visually a treat, with wildlife landscapes of Miombo forest and rolling woodlands, hills, plains and rivers. The National Park’s lifeblood is the Great Ruaha River, which courses along the eastern boundary in a flooded stream during the peak of the rains.

The Park’s spectacular scenery includes groves of skeletal baobabs, rolling hills, large open plains along its southern border, the wide Great Ruaha River, and since visitor numbers are comparatively few, it possesses a true wilderness atmosphere. Several extraordinary trees found in Ruaha include Jackalberry, Tamarind, Wooden Banana, Pod Mahogany and Newtonia.

Ruaha Wildlife

Ruaha National park forms the core of a wild and extended ecosystem providing home to one of Tanzania’s largest elephant populations. Among the other animals roaming the park’s rugged terrain are large herds of buffalo, greater and lesser Kudus, Grant’s gazelles, wild dogs, ostriches, cheetahs, both roan and sable antelopes, spotted hyena and eland.
Almost all of Africa’s large mammal species are to be found in Ruaha. Large carnivores are well represented, populations of lions doze in sandy riverbeds, leopards are wide spread, and cheetahs are often seen hunting on open plains. This impressive array of large predators is boosted by both striped and spotted hyena, as well as several conspicuous packs of the highly endangered African wild dog.
Ruaha’s abnormally soaring multiplicity of antelope is resultant of its location, which is transitional to the acacia savannah of East Africa and the miombo woodland belt of Southern Africa. Grant’s gazelle and lesser kudu occur here at the very south of their range, alongside the miombo-associated sable and roan antelope.

Birds in Ruaha

For birdwatchers, Ruaha’s birdlife is amazing, with over 500 species recorded including giant herons, saddle-billed storks, white-headed plovers and the white-backed night heron. There are six species of both vultures and hornbills, and raptors abound.

Ruaha National Park’s checklist has 450 bird species. The likes of crested barbet, an attractive yellow-and-black bird whose persistent trilling is a characteristic sound of the southern bush, occur in Ruaha alongside central Tanzanian endemics such as the yellow-collared lovebird and ashy starling.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season running between June and October is the best time to visit Ruaha National Park. As a simple rule, the drier it gets, the fewer places there are for the game to drink and the more the animals congregate around remaining water sources. Of course this makes life much easier for lions and other predators as they simply have to hide in a bush near such a water source and try not to fall asleep. For predators and large mammals, dry season from mid-May-December;
Bird-watching, lush scenery and wildflowers, wet season its January-April.

Getting There & Around

By Road
There is all year-round road access through Iringa from Dar es Salaam via Mikumi or from Arusha via Dodoma. Scheduled or charter flights from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Iringa, Mbeya, Selous and Serengeti

By Air
Charter flights from Dar es Salaam, Selous, Serengeti, Arusha, Iringa and Mbeya. The game viewing starts the moment the plane touches down. A giraffe races beside the airstrip, all legs and neck, yet oddly elegant in its awkwardness. A line of zebras parades across the runway in the giraffe’s wake.

Lake Manyara National Park, located beneath the cliffs of the Manyara Escarpment on the edge of the Rift Valley, was first declared a game reserve in 1957 and later elevated to a National Park. The Park, recognized for its incredible beauty encompasses an area of 330 sq km, of which 200 sq km is covered by the Lake.
Lake Manyara National park boasts wide-ranging ecosystems, incredible bird species and breathtaking scenery. Its bush plains, baobab strewn cliffs, ground water forests and algae-streaked hot springs flavor wonderful ecological diversity.

Location

Lake Manyara is situated on the way to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti and the park is well worth a stop in its own right. There is also the park’s outstanding background, bordered to the west by the dramatic Rift Valley’s western escarpment. The entrance gate lies 126km west of Arusha one and half hours drive along a newly surfaced road, close to the racially varied market town of Mto Wa Mbu.

Wildlife

Lake Manyara National Park takes pride in diversified habitat is mirrored by its varied fauna, with some of the more common and visible large mammal species being the buffalo, elephant, giraffe, zebra, lion and wildebeests. Prominently renowned for its tree-climbing lions, which spend most of the day spread out along the branches of acacia trees, Lake Manyara is also home to troops of baboons and blue monkeys. Along with the astonishing tree climbing lions there are the usual browsers and grazers as well as the curios-looking banded mongoose.

Birdlife

The park is rich with fantastic birdlife. More than 400 species of birds including African spoonbill, cormorants, flamingo, pelican, red billed quelea, sacred ibis and Egyptian geese, white pelican and white faced duck are prominent in this vicinity. Aside from the park, the alkaline soda-content Lake Manyara also thrives with several brackish water birds such as the Pink-hued flamingos plus thousands of colorful specks blustering off the lake shore.

Getting There and Around

By road- charter or scheduled flight from Arusha, en route to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti.

Lake Manyara Park Safari

Birding – Worth noting is that Manyara, despite its small size, is a great birding reserve. 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, in addition to several large water birds such as cormorants, pelicans and storks.

Cultural tours – Cultural tours are conducted in the racially varied market town of Mto Wa Mbu. This village, which lies close to Lake Manyara entrance gate, sees a large volume of tourist traffic and is said locally to be the place in Tanzania where representatives of 120 Tanzanian tribes are occupant.

Game drives – The compact game-viewing circuit through Manyara offers a virtual microcosm of the Tanzanian safari experience. Lake Manyara and its well-defined game viewing circuit kick off a high proportion of safaris through northern Tanzania.

Forest Walks- On entering the Park, it is possible to spot the wild animals in their natural habitants guided by trained guides who have a keen insight into the forests’ ecology. The main attraction of forest walks is the habitual chimpanzees (Lake Manyara forest walks are limited to six people per group). It is estimated that there are between 400 and 800 chimps in the park. The most notable resident of the forest is the Olive baboon and the shy bushbuck might also be encountered.
Other activities include Mountain Biking and Canoe safaris.

Best Time to Visit
The dry season of July to October is the best time to visit to spot large mammals, whilst the wet season of November to June is the best time for bird watching, water falls and canoeing.

Tarangire National Park ranks sixth largest national park after Katavi, Mikumi, Mkomazi, Ruaha and Serengeti. This National park derives its name from Tarangire River which crosses at its center. The river is the only permanent source of water for the wild animals especially during the dry spells. During such seasons, that is around mid August all animals congregate at this point, which is their last reliable water source.

Location

Famous for its huge number of elephants, thousands of baobab trees and tree climbing African pythons, Tarangire lies south east of Lake Manyara and covers an area of approximately 2,850 sq km. Although it is relatively small, the park enjoys easy accessibility and boasts with some of the greatest concentrations of game in Tanzania -second only to the Ngorongoro Crater also an added bonus which makes it a truly incomparable scene attractive to many tourists than other Tanzanian parks. It is the vast number of baobabs that first capture the eye as you enter Tarangire National Park. The gently rolling countryside is dotted with these majestic trees, which seem to dwarf the animals that feed beneath them.

Geography

Tarangire has regions of pretty dense bush, but with high grasses and massive aged baobab trees unlike green forests of Manyara. The land is hilly and dominated by the imposing valley of the Tarangire River and attracts good numbers of migrant animals during the dry months, more commonly between July and September. The National Park however is a quiet, seasonal park with wide views to distant volcanic mountain ranges. Tarangire covers 2,850 sq km of grassland and floodplains, and a large proportion of tall acacia woodland just south of the open grass plains of southern Masailand.

Wildlife

Tarangire is also the best place in Tanzania to observe buffalo and huge numbers of elephant (up to 300 at one spot). In reality, the game numbers overall are overwhelming: 3,000 elephants, 5,000 buffalos, 2,500 Masai giraffes, 25,000 zebras, 25,000 wildebeests plus over 1,000 fringe-eared Oryx. Predators range from lions (tree-climbing just like their in Lake Manyara), cheetah and leopards. During the dry months the concentration of animals around the Tarangire River doubles as in the Ngorongoro Crater. There are a few resident lions, which are easier to spot when the migration arrives to excite their taste buds since they don’t tend to abandon their territory. Tarangire is a great spot for elephant gatherings at the end of the rainy season in June, and zebra and wildebeest return together through July.

The Birds

There are a fantastic number of colorful birds flying down and blustering along the rough paths throughout the year, with likely spots including the Paradise Whyder and endearing Yellow-collared lovebirds. In other months they look quite mean and lean and slip easily between the lengthening grasses. The park is also known for its great avian diversity, in which it is surpassed only by Lake Manyara. Bird watchers will want to look out for the endemic ashy starling, rufous-tailed weaver and black-collared lovebird.

When to Go

The park is spectacular in the dry season when many of the migratory wildlife species come back to the permanent waters of Tarangire River. Huge herds of wildebeest, zebras, elephants, eland and Oryx gather to stay in Tarangire until the onset of the rains when they migrate again to good grazing areas. As the land dries and the smaller rivers stop flowing, the herds head south towards the permanent water in the Tarangire River and its surrounding swamps.

As a safari holiday destination going on a safari here offers you a chance to savor a real slice of Africa’s wilderness.

Travel Alert
Be warned though, the going can be rough and many of the tracks are impassable in the rainy season.

Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain and one of the most instantly recognizable landmarks on the continent. Its distinctive snow-capped peak and profile form one of the most breathtaking sights on the continent. Kilimanjaro, the highest ‘walkable’ mountain in the world doubles as the most magnificent and spectacular undertaking as well as the highest permanently snow-capped free standing mountain in Africa. The mountain has 3 peaks namely Shira to the east, Mawenzi to the west and Kibo (the tallest) in the middle of the other two.

Because of its notable dramatic geographical features as well as beautiful vegetation, plentiful bird life, and abundant game, many people travel to Tanzania just to climb this mountain. You can either organize your trek up the mountain from your home country through a travel agency, but you’ll pay a lot more for this convenience, or, if you’ve got a bit of time, hop on plane and save some money by organizing it in Arusha or in Dar.

There are different routes used to ascend to the roof of Africa including Machame Marangu, Rongai, Shira and Umbwe. Mountain trekkers who have less absolute confident about their fitness, or who are pressed for time normally start with the Rongai route.

Those with absolute confident in their fitness and willing to spend longer on the mountain to increase the chances of summit success usually start by taking a look at the Shira route. And trekkers not too worried about costs but who simply want the ultimate trek commonly look at the North route.

Climb Kilimanjaro
Although it can be climbed anytime of the year, the best times to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is in the cool, dry months of June-October, or the hotter, dry months from December-March. It is advisable to avoid the rainy months of April, May and November.

Kilimanjaro National Park

Kilimanjaro National Park covers the area above 2700m on the mountain and is located approximately 340km south of the equator. Its vegetation varies from Montane rain forest, to heath and moorland to highland/ alphine desert presenting a symphony of awesome landscapes and scenery.

The national park includes the moorland and highland zones, Shira Plateau, Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. In addition, the Park has six corridors through the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve. The Forest Reserve, which is also a Game Reserve, was established in 1921; the Park was established in 1973 and officially opened in 1977.The Kilimanjaro National Park however does feature the great ice-caped Equatorial Mountain, the Kilimanjaro.

Kilimanjaro Wildlife Tours
There is an amazing quality of wildlife and flora in this region and a trek to Mount Kilimanjaro can be one of those precious moments of your life, which you would never like to forget.
Inside the park, a number of mammal species have been recorded above the tree line. Wildlife present includes elephant, buffalo, the endangered Abbott’s, leopard, lion, and serial cat, eland, and bushbuck, duiker, hyrax, bush pig, colobus and blue monkeys. A visit to the highest mountain of Africa and exploring the flora and fauna of this region should be a must on your cards if you are looking forward to a visit to Tanzania in the near future.
Bird species like lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus, hill chat Cercomela sordida, Hunter’s cisticola Cisticola hunteri, and scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird Nectarinia johnstoni have also been found but most of them are few in numbers. The limited range of species at higher altitudes includes ‘high altitude specials’ such as Alpine chat and scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird.

Game Drives: These are on offer to visitors to the Selous’ small and remote camps and lodges, with little chance of bumping into any sign of human life. During a game drive or walk one might be lucky enough to see a pack of African Wild Dog, disappearing throughout Africa but thriving in the Selous. These complex and fascinating mammals show little fear of vehicles, and it’s often possible to observe their intense social life from close proximity. In the tourist area the density of dogs is higher than anywhere else in Africa.

Selous Forest Walks: On entering the Park, it is possible to spot the wild animals in their natural habitants guided by trained guides who have a keen insight into the forests’ ecology. The main attraction of forest walks is the habitual chimpanzees (Selous forest walks are limited to six people per group). It is estimated that there are between 400 and 800 chimps in the park. Chimps prepare nests for themselves every night, weaving a simple mesh of branches into the fork of the higher branches of a tree.

Bush banquets: Enjoy exciting bush breakfasts, sundowners and romantic bush dinners with magnificent views over the Selous game Reserve.

Boat Expeditions: Visitors are offered trips long the Rufiji River and the adjoining lakes where hippos, crocodile and a variety of bird species. The cruise up the river is a breathtaking experience, full of activity and surprises. Hippos are every where sometimes in large groups, at times alone, but always wary of the passing boat. Spot fishing facilities are also available.

Sports Fishing: The warm blue waters of Rufiji River pay host to a huge variety of species, a cast list that features pretty much all of the world’s major target species of game fish. Tanzania has a strong game fishing tradition, a tradition which is reflected in the large number of top quality boats and their thorough coastlines.

Walking safaris: Game viewing is usually at its best when walking especially when the animals are concentrating near Rufiji River. The chances of spotting lions are better just after sunrise then at other times. In summer, most of the game tends to lie up during the heat of the day, so the recommended times to set out on drives are the early mornings and late afternoons.

Best time to Visit

The most pleasant time to visit the Selous is during the cool season from the end of June until October. The rainy season is from November to May. There is a dryer spell in January and February, and this is also a beautiful time to visit as the trees and flowers are blossoming and everywhere from the end of March to May, the reserve is inaccessible and the tourist camps are closed.

Tarangire National Park

This is the sixth largest national park after Ruaha, Serengeti, Mikumi, Katavi and Mkomazi in Tanzania. Tarangire National Park is located in the northern circuit of Tanzania and was named after the Tarangire River flowing within the park. The park area is approximately 2,850 sq km. Tarangire River is the centerpiece of this park is the only source of water for wild animals during dry seasons. Similar to Serengeti; the park takes pride in its high concentration of wildlife during the dry seasons as well as the only safari destinations in Tanzania with the largest herds of elephants and Baboons in Africa. Also, over 570 bird species have been identified, and the place is surely a birdwatchers’ paradise.

Rubondo Island National Park

Located on the south-west shores of Lake Victoria, the park boasts a rich and diverse variety of butterflies and bird life, easily viewable from the lake shore. The rare Sitatunga, an extremely endangered amphibious antelope, can sometimes be viewed escaping charging predators by hiding and camouflaging itself in the lake shore marshes. Expect to see lions, elephants, hippos, Zebras, Flamingos, Jackals, Rhinos, antelopes, and many birds and other species. A visit to Rubondo Island National Park offers visitors a break from game viewing in the tranquil peace of a lake shore setting.

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park which covers 14,763 sq km, is flourishing with magnificent wildlife. It lies between the shores of Lake Eyasi in the South, Lake Victoria in the west and the Great Rift Valley to the east. Serengeti is known as one of the best wildlife sanctuary in the world and an estimated 3 million large animals roam the plains. Serengeti’s main attraction is the annual migration of wildebeest herds in search for better grazing between Serengeti and Mara. Every October and November, close to a million wildebeest and 220,000 Zebras cross to the south from the northern hills to the southern plains for the tropical rains and then journey west and north after the long rains in April to June. This exciting activity spices up the Serengeti safari.

Kitulo National Park
Kitulo, which has recently become a fully protected National Park, is situated on the Kitulo Plateau, forming part of Tanzania’s Southern Highlands. It is understood that the area, which is known locally as the “God’s Garden,” is home for a wide multiplicity of wildflowers such as irises, bellflowers, balsams, honey-peas, lilies and orchids.

Amani Nature Reserve
Amani Nature Reserve is located at the Base of the Central Usambara Mountains well off the beaten path of the usual safari circuit. The Reserve presents a thrilling opportunity to view the flora and fauna of the area. For the aspiring African botanist, Amani Nature Reserve’s incredible diversity of plant life between 600 to 1,000 different species is sure to attract.

Lukwika-Lumesule Game Reserve
Lukwika-Lumesule Game Reserve attracts visitors for only six months of the year so that the hunting season from July to December can accommodate private hunting safaris. The reserve adjoins the Niassa Reserve in northern Mozambique and although wildlife ranges freely through the Ruvuma River that separates the two, there are no bridges or border crossings for visitors.

Maswa Game Reserve
Maswa borders the south west section of Serengeti National Park and is an extension of the Serengeti ecosystem. The reserve consists of river valley thickets, acacia parkland and open plains, making it an ideal walking area.

Kigosi Game Reserve
Kigosi Game Reserve is a significant breeding vicinity for unusual water birds including the wattled crane and Shoebill stork. The area consists of woodland in the north and grassy swamps in the south.

Mkomazi Game Reserve
Mkomazi Game Reserve is located just east of the Pare Mountains. The pleasant savannah and grasslands around Mkomazi Game Reserve make perfect for black rhinos habitation, but it is dry and dusty for most of the year. When frequented water holes dry up, game becomes elusive and hard to find. Compared to larger and more populated national parks, Mkomazi Game Reserve has its own unique appeal. Wild dogs have recently been introduced to the region, and the reserve also boasts of a wide variety of indigenous snakes.

Msangesi Game Reserve.
Comparatively, this is a small game reserve near the southern border of Tanzania with Mozambique. It is only accessible to private hunting safaris during the July to December season. Concentrations of wildlife are lower than in other game reserves and national parks, and heavy rains from March to May limit visitors’ access to only a few weeks of the year. Both leopard and buffalo can be found in the forest areas while the plains are alive with other species

Ngorongoro Crater
Formed by the same volcanic activity that generated Kilimanjaro and the Great Rift Valley, the Ngorongoro Crater is often called ‘Eden of Africa’ and the ‘8th Natural Wonder of the World,’ a visit to the crater is a main draw card for tourists coming to Tanzania and a world-class attraction. Within the crater perimeter, large herds of zebra and wildebeest graze nearby while resting lions loaf in the sun. At dawn, the endangered black rhino returns to the thick cover of the crater forests after grazing on dew-laden grass in the morning mist.

Ugalla Nature Reserve
Ugalla can be found in the centre to west of the country and is a large reserve located on the Ugalla and Wala rivers. The flood plain alongside the rivers provides year round water for elephant and other game.

Selous Game Reserve is far less popular but very pleasant. You won’t find quite the volume of wildlife that you would in the Serengeti but, if you’re looking for a destination with fewer tourists and a greater range of wildlife, these parks are for you. Additionally, Selous is the only other place besides Ngorongoro where you may see a rhino.

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park which covers 14,763 sq km, is flourishing with magnificent wildlife. It lies between the shores of Lake Eyasi in the South, Lake Victoria in the west and the Great Rift Valley to the east. Serengeti is known as one of the best wildlife sanctuary in the world and an estimated 3 million large animals roam the plains. Serengeti’s main attraction is the annual migration of wildebeest herds in search for better grazing between Serengeti and Mara. Every October and November, close to a million wildebeest and 220,000 Zebras cross to the south from the northern hills to the southern plains for the tropical rains and then journey west and north after the long rains in April to June. This exciting activity spices up the Serengeti safari.

Tarangire National Park
This is the sixth largest national park after Ruaha, Serengeti, Mikumi, Katavi and Mkomazi in Tanzania. Tarangire National Park is located in the northern circuit of Tanzania and was named after the Tarangire River flowing within the park. The park area is approximately 2,850 sq km. Tarangire River is the centerpiece of this park is the only source of water for wild animals during dry seasons. Similar to Serengeti; the park takes pride in its high concentration of wildlife during the dry seasons as well as the only safari destinations in Tanzania with the largest herds of elephants and Baboons in Africa. Also, over 570 bird species have been identified, and the place is surely a birdwatchers’ paradise.

Rubondo Island National Park

Located on the south-west shores of Lake Victoria, the park boasts a rich and diverse variety of butterflies and bird life, easily viewable from the lake shore. The rare Sitatunga, an extremely endangered amphibious antelope, can sometimes be viewed escaping charging predators by hiding and camouflaging itself in the lake shore marshes. Expect to see lions, elephants, hippos, Zebras, Flamingos, Jackals, Rhinos, antelopes, and many birds and other species. A visit to Rubondo Island National Park offers visitors a break from game viewing in the tranquil peace of a lake shore setting.

Kitulo National Park
Kitulo, which has recently become a fully protected National Park, is situated on the Kitulo Plateau, forming part of Tanzania’s Southern Highlands. It is understood that the area, which is known locally as the “God’s Garden,” is home for a wide multiplicity of wildflowers such as irises, bellflowers, balsams, honey-peas, lilies and orchids.

Amani Nature Reserve
Amani Nature Reserve is located at the Base of the Central Usambara Mountains well off the beaten path of the usual safari circuit. The Reserve presents a thrilling opportunity to view the flora and fauna of the area. For the aspiring African botanist, Amani Nature Reserve’s incredible diversity of plant life between 600 to 1,000 different species is sure to attract.

Kigosi Game Reserve
Kigosi Game Reserve is a significant breeding vicinity for unusual water birds including the wattled crane and Shoebill stork. The area consists of woodland in the north and grassy swamps in the south.

Lukwika-Lumesule Game Reserve
Lukwika-Lumesule Game Reserve attracts visitors for only six months of the year so that the hunting season from July to December can accommodate private hunting safaris. The reserve adjoins the Niassa Reserve in northern Mozambique and although wildlife ranges freely through the Ruvuma River that separates the two, there are no bridges or border crossings for visitors.

Maswa Game Reserve
Maswa borders the south west section of Serengeti National Park and is an extension of the Serengeti ecosystem. The reserve consists of river valley thickets, acacia parkland and open plains, making it an ideal walking area.

Msangesi Game Reserve.
Comparatively, this is a small game reserve near the southern border of Tanzania with Mozambique. It is only accessible to private hunting safaris during the July to December season. Concentrations of wildlife are lower than in other game reserves and national parks, and heavy rains from March to May limit visitors’ access to only a few weeks of the year. Both leopard and buffalo can be found in the forest areas while the plains are alive with other species

Mkomazi Game Reserve
Mkomazi Game Reserve is located just east of the Pare Mountains. The pleasant savannah and grasslands around Mkomazi Game Reserve make perfect for black rhinos habitation, but it is dry and dusty for most of the year. When frequented water holes dry up, game becomes elusive and hard to find. Compared to larger and more populated national parks, Mkomazi Game Reserve has its own unique appeal. Wild dogs have recently been introduced to the region, and the reserve also boasts of a wide variety of indigenous snakes.

Ngorongoro Crater
Formed by the same volcanic activity that generated Kilimanjaro and the Great Rift Valley, the Ngorongoro Crater is often called ‘Eden of Africa’ and the ‘8th Natural Wonder of the World,’ a visit to the crater is a main draw card for tourists coming to Tanzania and a world-class attraction. Within the crater perimeter, large herds of zebra and wildebeest graze nearby while resting lions loaf in the sun. At dawn, the endangered black rhino returns to the thick cover of the crater forests after grazing on dew-laden grass in the morning mist.

Selous Game Reserve is far less popular but very pleasant. You won’t find quite the volume of wildlife that you would in the Serengeti but, if you’re looking for a destination with fewer tourists and a greater range of wildlife, these parks are for you. Additionally, Selous is the only other place besides Ngorongoro where you may see a rhino.

Ugalla Nature Reserve
Ugalla can be found in the centre to west of the country and is a large reserve located on the Ugalla and Wala rivers. The flood plain alongside the rivers provides year round water for elephant and other game.

Location:

Tanzania is located in Central East Africa with about 1,400km of coastline along the Indian Ocean. It is geographically well positioned; bordered by Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is the economic core of East Africa providing natural access and commercial links to eight countries.

History

The United Republic of Tanzania was formed out of the union of two sovereign states namely Zanzibar and Tanganyika. Tanganyika became an autonomous state on 9th December 1961 and the following year, it became a Republic. Zanzibar gained its independence on 10th December, 1963 and the People’s Republic of Zanzibar was established after the revolution of 12th January, 1964. The two sovereign republics formed the United Republic of Tanzania on 26th April, 1964. However, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania is a unitary republic consisting of the Union Government and the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government.

Topography

A large central plateau makes up most of the mainland, at between 900m and 1800m. The mountain ranges of the Eastern Arc and the Southern and Northern Highlands cut across the country to form part of the Great Rift Valley.
A land of geographical extremes, Tanzania houses the highest peak on Mount.  Kilimanjaro, the lowest point with the lake bed of Lake Tanganyika, and a portion of the largest lake (Lake Victoria, shared with Uganda and Kenya) on the African continent.
Tanzania is mountainous in the northeast, where Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest point, is located. To the north and west are the Great Lakes of Lake Victoria (Africa’s largest lake) and Lake Tanganyika (Africa’s deepest lake, known for its unique species of fish). Central Tanzania comprises a large plateau, with plains and arable land. The eastern shore is hot and humid, with the island of Zanzibar lying just offshore.

Climate in Tanzania

Tanzania has a tropical type of climate. In the highlands, temperatures range between 10˚C and 20˚C during cold and hot seasons respectively. The rest of the country has temperatures rarely falling lower than 20˚C. The hottest period extends between November and February (25˚C – 31˚C) while the coldest period occurs between May and August (15˚C – 20˚C).
Tanzania’s weather varies from humid and hot in low lying areas, such as Dar es Salaam, to hot during the day and cool at night in Arusha. There are no discernible seasons, such as winter and summer — only the dry and wet seasons. Tanzania has two rainy seasons: The short rains from late-October to late-December, a.k.a. the Mango Rains, and the long rains from March to May.

When to Travel
June to August: This is the tail-end of the long rainy season and the weather is at its best at this time of year; bearable during the day and cool in the evening. However, this is not necessarily the best time of year for safaris, as water is plentiful in the parks and animals are not forced to congregate in a few locations to rehydrate, as they do in the middle of the dry season right after Christmas.

January to February: This is the best time to visit the Serengeti. It is usually at this time that huge herds of Wildebeest, Zebra and Buffalo migrate to better grazing areas. At this period you could observe some of the 1.5 million Wildebeest that inhabit the Serengeti undertake their epic journey.
Be advised this is most likely the hottest time of year in Tanzania, when even the locals complain about the heat.

National Parks and Wildlife

Tanzania is home to the world famous National Parks and Game Reserves. The country has the largest concentration of wild animals.

Serengeti National Park
Made famous by numerous Discovery Channel specials, hosts a wide range of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, hippopotamuses, elephants, zebra, buffalo, water buck, crocodiles, gazelle, warthogs, and wildebeest. One major attraction is the wildebeest migration, which occurs continuously between the Serengeti and Masai Mara. If the migration is your main purpose for visiting the Serengeti, you should advise your tour company as this may require travel much further a field and could be more costly.

Tarangire National Park is in the northern circuit of Tanzania and was named after the Tarangire River flowing within the park. The park area is approximately 2,600 sq km. Similar to Serengeti; the park has high concentrations of wildlife during the dry seasons as well as the only safari destinations in Tanzania with the highest number of elephants. Also, over 570 bird species have been identified, and the place is surely a birdwatchers’ paradise.

Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park are far less popular but very enjoyable. You won’t find quite the volume of wildlife that you would in the Serengeti but, if you’re looking for a destination with fewer tourists and a greater range of wildlife, these parks are for you. Additionally, Selous is the only other place besides Ngorongoro where you may see a rhino. You can also visit the Uduzungwa Mountains Park for a truly wilderness hike through unspoiled and spectacular scenery. There are few places left in the world like this one.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area also hosts an abundance of wildlife, particularly in the Ngorongoro crater. Formed by the same volcanic activity that generated Kilimanjaro and the Great Rift Valley, Ngorongoro consists of the highlands around the crater (rich in elephants) and the crater itself similar animals to Serengeti, but at higher densities and with a small population of black rhino
Ngorongoro Conservation Area about 828 Sq. Km. is a perfect caldera of the world, 18km across, often with nothing we can compare, this is one of the wonders of the world! You will be attracted by the relief, its mountains, drifting sand dunes and the diverse wildlife and the Maasai people. The NCA, due to these and more qualities including its being nearer the cradle of mankind, the Olduvai Gorge, it was declared a World Heritage Site in 1978. The only place on the planet where a human being is living in harmony with wildlife without harming one another to date the only place to go is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It is culture and ecotourism smoothly nurtured in the environment.

The Islands of Tanzania

Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar is an island off the coast of Tanzania; it includes both Zanzibar and Pemba. Zanzibar has beautiful beaches and a historical Stone Town. Zanzibar is great for scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming with dolphins. Other attractions include spice tours and the Jozani Forest, which shelters a small population of red Colobus monkeys.

Mafia Island Marine Park is south of Zanzibar and boasts some fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling. You may also get to swim with whale sharks, as this is one of the few areas in the world where they congregate annually.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa and one of the highest freestanding mountains in the world. Many people travel to Tanzania just to climb this mountain. You can either organize your trek up the mountain from your home country through a travel agency, but you’ll pay a lot more for this convenience, or, if you’ve got a bit of time, hop on plane and save some money by organizing it in Arusha or in Dar. It is obvious on the mountain and on safari which companies are a cut above the others–tents, camps, and food are better on the mountain, and jeeps are higher quality on safari if you go with a better company.

Culture in Tanzania

Tanzania is home to some of the most incredible tribal diversity in Africa. The country includes all of the major ethnic and linguistic groups on the continent – an amazingly varied population to inhabit a single country.
Home to approximately 120 tribal groups, most of these comprise small communities that are gradually being assimilated into the larger population due to changes in land use and the economic draw of city life. Tribal diversity is prized and far from being a source of division, Tanzanians place a high value on their country’s multicultural heritage. Over the past few years, cultural tourism has become an increasing attraction for visitors from around the world and visits to tribal villages are often a highlight of safari itineraries.

Then there is the scenic wonder of Ngorongoro Crater, not only the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, but also a splendid wildlife sanctuary in its own right. Lake Magadi, in the heart of the Crater, is tinged pink but thousands of flamingos, while its marshy perimeter forms something of a retirement home for bull elephant ‘tuskers’. Ngorongoro also hosts the world’s densest population of lion and spotted hyena, as well as an important refuge for black rhino.

Three other national parks complete the northern circuit – each possessing ecological elements that compliment their more famous neighbors. Arusha National park, in the shadow of Mount Meru, supports a cover of lush montane forest teeming with birds and monkeys. Tarangire National Park forms a hub of a vast migratory ecosystem whose residents – including some 4,000 elephants – crowd along the perennial Tarangire River in the dry season of July to November. Lake Manyara National Park, meanwhile, is a birdwatcher’s paradise famed for its population of tree-climbing lions.

The annual wildebeest migration through the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara attract visitors from around the world, who flock to the open plains to witness the largest mass movement of land mammals in the world. Close to a million animals make the seasonal journey to fresh pasture to the north, then later to the south, after the biannual rains. The sound of their thundering hooves, raising massive clouds of thick red dust, has become one of the legends of the Serengeti plains. The entire ecosystem thrives from the annual migration, from the lions and birds of prey that gorge themselves on the weak and the faltering to the gamut of hungry crocodiles that lie in patient wait at each river crossing for their annual feed.

But it’s not just the wildebeest that use the Serengeti as a migratory pathway. The adjacent reserves of Maswa and Ikorongo, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as well as the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya all allow the animals and birds of the area a free range of movement to follow their seasonal migrations. Indeed, in the wake of the wildebeest migration, many of the less attention-grabbing features of the Serengeti are often overlooked. The park has varied zones in which each ecosystem is subtly different. Seronera in the centre of the park is the most popular and most easily visited area. The Grumeti River in the Western Corridor is the location for the dramatic river crossing during the wildebeest migration. Maswa Game Reserve to the south offers a remote part of the park rewarding in its game-viewing and privacy, and Lobo near the Kenyan border offers a change to see plentiful game during the dry season.

Aside from traditional vehicle bound safaris, hot-air ballooning over the Serengeti plains has become a safari rite-of-passage for travel enthusiasts. The flights depart at dawn over the plains and take passengers close over the awakening herds of wildebeest and zebra, gazelle and giraffe. The extra altitude allows guests to witness the striking stretches of plains punctuated only by kopjes. Up in the sky, you have Africa all to yourself.

The Reserve is one of the more historic protected areas in Tanzania, and was named after Frederick Courteney Selous, a British explorer and hunter in East Africa. In 1905, when few people in East Africa thought of land conservation and the preservation of wildlife for posterity, portions of the area were earmarked for a hunting reserve. From then until 1975, when the current boundaries were delineated, the Selous Game Reserve increased steadily in allocated land. Currently, tourists flock to the north of the reserve, while large portions of the south are still reserved for hunting.

The Selous’ ecosystem as a whole is made up of a few conservation areas, namely Mikumi in the North and the Kilombero game controlled area in the West, covering in total over 90,000 sq km of pristine wilderness devoid of human influence.

Reserve History

Selous Game Reserve was thought of as a place of enormous natural value and has since been subjected to management and conservation measures as early as the 1890’s. From 1905-1912 it was made up of four reserves established by German colonial administration. In 1922 these four smaller reserves were merged to form the Selous Game Reserve named after the legendary hunter/explorer who died in the area in 1917.
Between 1936 and 1947, this area was enlarged several times over so as to include major animal movement corridors, particularly those of elephants who wander over vast distances throughout their lives. In 1974 the Park reached its present glory and became one of Tanzania’s three World Heritage Sites along with Zanzibar and Olduvai Gorge.

Rufiji River

River Rufiji, the largest river in East Africa which drains South Western Tanzania, waters this reserve. It connects with Ruaha River and empties out into the Indian Ocean along the Tanzanian Coast. And as such, is home to a plethora of varied water and bird life. Along its shores, opulent hippos sleep languidly in the mud and sun themselves, mouths wide open, as the river passes by. Crocodiles are also common along the riverbanks. The River has also formed several large lakes on its Northern bank, navigable by boat. The Selous Safari Camp is situated on one of these lakes, sheltered in a grove of one of Selous’ many beautiful palm forests.

This splendidly diverse, vast and well watered habitat has the right ingredients to enable the land to hold a strangely high number of animals of all types and sizes as well as support an extraordinary array of different vegetation types. Stiggler’s Gorge, where River Rufiji meets the mighty Ruaha River, is stunning scenery along the game reserve’s waterways.

Selous Wildlife

Selous has over 2,100 species of plants, 350 species of birds, 60,000 elephant, 108,000 buffalos and an estimated 1,300 of the worlds’ approximately 4,000 remaining rare wild dogs giving guests an opportunity to glimpse all of these exotic animals in true unspoilt wilderness.

Safari Activities in Selous Game Reserve

Selous Game Reserve is unique among Tanzania’s more renowned preserved areas because it is a game reserve, not a national park, and therefore a larger range of activities are acceptable. Boating safaris have blossomed as a popular alternative to vehicle-based trips, and offer visitors a chance to view the diverse life along the Rufigi River up close. Hiking safaris and fly camping are also ideal ways to explore the country and add a bit of adventure to your African experience.

Introduction;

Mount Kilimanjaro lies on the border of Tanzania and Kenya, just south of the Equator. To the west lies the Great African Rift Valley, created by terrific tectonic forces which also gave birth to a string of other volcanoes. Being the highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro has become a must for adventure seekers coming African safaris. Statistics show that thousands of walkers throng Kilimanjaro each year. For instance on the 1st of January 2000 over 1000 people reached the summit to see the sun rise over a new Millennium.
The number of climbers has shot up over to a thousand a year during the previous century, quite a development since Hans Meyer made history as the first European to scale the highest point of Kilimanjaro in 1889. The increasing numbers each year have made it necessary for the National Park to insist that all climbs are pre-booked, and passes are no longer issued at the last minute at the park gate. Climbers trek the mountain for varied reasons. Some are looking for adventure, some are searching for answers. Many will talk to God during the climb. Some will pray as they gasp for breath in the cold, thinning air of the mountain’s summit. Kilimanjaro, the Everyman’s Everest, is a seemingly easy climb.
Climbing Kilimanjaro
One of the most amazing aspects of the mountain in the present day is the accessibility of its peak to climbers with no mountain climbing equipment or real previous experience of scaling such heights. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain that regular tourists can climb, although it remains a considerable feat of human endurance.

The breathable oxygen at the top is less than half the amount than is common at sea level, and climbers cover at least 80km on nothing but their own two feet over the five days it takes to reach the top and return.
Trekking routes up Kilimanjaro
There are several routes by which to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, namely
• Lemosho route
• Umbwe route
• Marangu route
• Western breach route
• Machame route
• Rongai route
• Shira route
Of all the routes, Rongai is the easiest camping route and the Marangu is also easy, but accommodation is in huts. Machame is vividly the most scenic albeit steeper route up the mountain.
Fitness Requirements
Although it is possible to simply trek a route to the summit of Kibo without relying on professional climbing equipment, it remains a tough and serious endeavor that requires a level of physical fitness, stamina and a realistic awareness of the potentially damaging effects of high altitudes. Tour operators demand that clients consult a physician before attempting to scale the mountain, and have a physical check-up for overall fitness.
Phases of the Climb
Alpine Desert, Sparse Vegetation
Even higher, beyond 4,000m, this sensation intensifies as the landscape develops into a more bizarre alpine desert, with sandy loose earth and intense weather conditions and temperature fluctuations so dramatic that barely any plant species survive other than everlasting flowers, mosses and lichens. Only the odd lichen survives beyond 5000m, after Kibo Huts and beyond the Saddle, where the landscape is predominantly rock and ice fields. Here, climbers experience the final steep push to the summit.
Tropical Forest
With most of the old lowland forest now cultivated and settled, the first experience of the mountain environment begins with the dense vegetation of tropical montane forest between 1850m and around 2800m.

Cloud condensation mainly gathers around the forest, so this area is usually damp or drenched with rainfall, creating an intriguing mass of plant life and running rivers between endemic tree species. The area of heath just beyond the tree line also enjoys a relatively misty and damp environment as cloud clings around the density of trees. This is covered with heather and shrubs such as Erica Arborea and Stoebe Kilimandsharica, and a number of dramatic looking Proteas.
Trekking Caution
Tanzanian Medical Services around the mountain have expressed concern recently over the current influx of tourists that apparently perceive Kilimanjaro as an easy climb. Many individuals require significant attention during their attempts, and many are forced to abandon the climb. An investigation into the matter concluded that tourists visiting Tanzania were often encouraged to join groups heading up the mountain without being made aware of the significant physical demands the climb makes.
As a result, new procedure requires that persons wishing to climb the mountain should undertake appropriate research and ensure that they are both properly equipped and physically capable. Though the climb is technically very easy, the altitude and low temperature make this a difficult and dangerous trek. Acclimatization is essential, and even then most people suffer some degree of altitude sickness. But all in all, all Kilimanjaro treks are challenging though you need a good level and guidance.
When to Climb; weather considerations
Kilimanjaro can be trekked all year, with advantages and disadvantages every month. Mid-December, Jan, Feb and March are the warmest months, almost clear of clouds. April and early May could get heavy rain or snow, but is good if you want a quiet clear mountain. By late June, July and through August it can be very cold at night but the sky is clear above 3000m so there are great views. Through September and October it gets steadily warmer. October is particularly good if you want little or no rain, mild weather and few people on the mountain. November to mid-December is the short rains season. Possibly afternoon thunderstorms but tends to clear in evening with good views at night and mornings. There can be heavy snow towards the summit.

Ngorongoro conservation area (NCA) is located in Ngorongoro District, an area about 14,000sq km. It has a population of approximately 120,000 people, whose major livelihood activity is pastoralist livestock production.

The district is dominated by tourism and conservation interests, containing Loliondo and sale Game Controlled Areas (GCAs), NCA and the Lake Natron Ramsar site, and bordered by Serengeti National Park to the northeast Maswa GCA to the southeast and Monduli GCA to the west.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area covers 8,300sq km of Ngorongoro district, and is currently home to an estimate of 50,000 people, 97% of who are pastoralists. There are six wards and 14 villages in the area, which are represented on Ngorongoro District Council.
NCA was envisaged as a multiple land use area where different land use interests were to be integrated, and was classified as a World Cultural and National Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979 in recognition of this. Today it is a prime destination for tourists in Tanzania, earning an estimate 11m US$ on gate entry fees alone in 2005.

Creation of NCA

NCA was created by the Ngorongoro Conservation Ordinance of 1959, when Maasai pastoralist were persuaded to leave the Serengeti and permanent springs of Moru and Siironet by the promise of rights to land in Ngorongoro and new water supplies to compensate for what they had left behind. Between 1959 and 1965 three boreholes were constructed as part of the Serengeti Compensation Scheme.
These became defunct in the early 1960s, and by 1994 the three dams constructed under the scheme had collapsed. Over time access to the Ngorongoro, Olmoti and Empaki craters, Olduvai Gorge and the Highland Forest was restricted and managed burning of pastures.

Administration of the Area

There are currently four major institutions of Authority in NCA:
• The District Administration;
This works with the local government set up of villages and wards operating from the district capital Loliondo.
• The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), This is an autonomous parastatal organization
• The Pastoral Council (PC); This advises the NCAA on funding for community developments
• Informal Maasai customary structures with age-set and clan leaders.

The overlap of authority and interests between these institutions however, creates a complex situation and often times have led to conflict between the different bodies.

Local Airlines in Tanzania

Air Tanzania, Precision Air, Community Airline, Domestic Air Charter, ZanAir

Northern Air Ltd, Regional Air Services Ltd, Private air, Auric Air Services Ltd, Air Excel Ltd, Eagle Aviation, Ren Air Ltd, Sky Aviation Ltd.

African Airlines to Tanzania

Principal International Airlines to Tanzania

• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines – Daily flights with a stopover in Kilimanjaro.
• British Airways (UK, London) – Daily flights to Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania This route suits safaris to parks in the north of the Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Lake Manvara and Tarangire; Website: www.britishairways.com

• Swiss International Airlines – 5 flights a week with a stopover in Nairobi; E-mail: habari@mail.swiss.com

• Emirates – Daily flights; Website: www.emirates.com

• Qatar Airways – Daily flights to Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
• Air India – Daily flights to Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Website: www.airindia.com

• Oman Air – Flights fly to, Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam and some to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar; Website: www.oman-air.com

Travel Tips

As for your flight, you need to take care to avoid the country during summer time. Winters are best for traveling and touring purpose as the weather remains pleasantly mild. And with discount air tickets, you may not need any travel tips at all. Though evenings are best to explore Tanzania, therefore give your loved ones the best holiday of their lifetime, with the promise of discount air tickets. Enjoy your flight to  Tanzania!

Here in Tanzania it’s where it all begins. The several Tanzania safari options for its visitors have sprung the country to amazing heights in the travel tourism sector.

Safaris in Tanzania have something to offer everyone.  Experience a truly memorable African walking safari. Tanzania walking safari activities are endless: mountain climbing, safari adventures, beach lounging, scuba diving, fishing, walking, and exploring are just some of the activities on offer.

This walking safari will involve camping in and around Ngorongoro Crater Lake Area which has the greatest concentration of animals on the African continent, and in the Serengeti we have an excellent chance of spotting some of its large lion population, or, at the right time of year, the great migration.

Trekking safari at Ngorongoro conservation area will help you see the Masai and their cattle and the Wildlife. This exhibits how the African plains used to be; nomadic tribes living together with the divergent biodiversity in the wildlife parks.

During our climb of one of the many extinct volcanoes in the area we should witness breathtaking views over the whole of the Ngorongoro area, with the vast Serengeti plains stretching into the distance. In the Serengeti we will combine traditional game viewing from a vehicle with a walking safari and an optional night-time game drive, making a truly complete safari experience.

Safari options in Tanzania include;

• Budget Camping Safaris
• Fly Camping
• Lodge Safaris
• Luxury Camping Safaris
• Hunting Safaris

You also need to realize that these multiple safari options available in the country offer perfect lodging facilities for your accommodation, not only the wildlife and the scenery that you would expect to be limited to.