Tanzania is an East African country which boasts a vast wilderness area perfect for wildlife safaris and other activities. This includes the plains of Serengeti National Park and Kilimanjaro National Park. Travellers have the chance to witness a once in a lifetime experience; millions of wildebeest strolling the plains of the Serengeti in search of fresh pastures while braving the Mara River predators and those on land awaiting their imminent arrival. It is also home to Africa’s highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing landscape in the world.
On the offshores, lies the coastal islands of Zanzibar, with rich Arabic cultural influences, food and a marine park- a home to whales, sharks and scenic coral reefs and not forgetting the rich Arab culture and Swahili cuisines.
The Maasai people and those of East Africa who live on semi-arid and arid lands who are well known for their highly energetic cultures and ways of life are another exciting option for cultural visits. Another gem is the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest volcanic caldera and haven to a variety of wildlife which makes the crater a ‘must visit’. The backdrop of the crater walls forms a dramatic view for some stunning photographic opportunities as you see the animals wander through the grasslands and in the lake.
ATTRACTIONS IN TANZANIA
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Popularly known to host one of the epic adventures of over one million wildebeest migration through its plains but also unique landscapes and other spectacular wildlife and game experience. Maasai people called this park ‘Siringet’, meaning; endless plains.
The climate of the Serengeti National Park is subtropical, with rain season from November, April and dry season from May to October.
Serengeti has a number of tourism activities and opportunities for visitors to get the best safari experience! They include, Hot Air balloons, Game Drives, Filming and photographic safaris, Walking safaris, Bush meals and Cultural tourism.
NGORONGORO CRATER NATIONAL PARK
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.
The crater floor consists of a number of different habitats that include grassland, swamps, forests and Lake Makat (Maasai for ‘salt’) – a central soda lake filled by the Munge River. All these various environments attract wildlife to quench their thirst, wallow, graze or hide from predators. 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 (combined with fairly steep crater sides) tend to incline both grazers and predators to remain throughout the year.
It is one of the most famous sites and is said to have a high density of wildlife. You are guaranteed a great safari experience with backdrop landscape views of the crater towering the wildlife inside it.
RUAHI NATIONAL PARK
Ruaha national park is one of the few Tanzania’s famous wilderness spots where one can have a rare experience of game viewing spiced up by the fascinating landscape.
The park is rich in plants and animals such as Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) which can not be found in any other national park in Tanzania.
The park boasts of her almost untouched and unexplored ecosystem, making visitors’ safari experience unique and memorable.
LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
Located inside the great Rift Valley region, Northern Tanzania, with amazing tree climbing lions like the ones in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park.
It serves stunning views of Rift valley escarpment.
Two thirds of the park is covered by water therefore being one of the major attraction sites to enjoy a safari game drive, birdwatching, canoeing, nature walks, a visit to the hot springs and you can also conduct cultural community visits.
The dry seasons between June and October are the best time for wildlife viewing since wildlife gathers around water points and the grass is short and ideal for grazers.
MOUNT KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARKS
A brief definition of East African beauty.
The origin of its name is unclear – many believe it is a mixture of the word kilima (‘mountain’ in Tanzania’s national language Swahili) and the word njoro (which in Kichaga, the nearby local language, loosely translates to ‘whiteness’, which refers to its snowy peaks).
Once an active volcano with 3 volcanic cones; Mawenzi, Kibo and Shira and is one of the iconic 7 summits;
The summit climb is not technical, fortunately for Mt. Kilimanjaro has a gradual incline which makes it friendly even for less experienced hikers.
Several routes lead to the top, all with different accommodation options, sceneries and length. It takes between 5 and 9 days, although it is highly recommended to go for at least 6 especially if you are not a pro hiker so as to allow for proper acclimatization in such alien conditions of the mountain.
- Marangu Route 5/6 days
- Machame Route 6/7 days
- Lemosho route 8 Days route
- Rongai route 6/7 Days route
Other activities apart from mountain climbing that can be done in or nearby the park are like; rock climbing, day hikes, walks, waterfall chasing, camping, photographic trips and birdwatching activities and cultural visits to the Chaga community.
