KATAVI NATIONAL PARK

Katavi National Park is the Tanzania’s third largest National Park, it lies in the remote southwest of the country, within a truncated arm of the Rift Valley that terminates in the shallow, brooding expanse of Lake Rukwa.The wilderness of Katavi National Park, located in the western area of Tanzania, is one of the most untouched areas in the entire country.

Katavi’s dramatic scenery is as varied as it is pristine. Flood plains of thick reeds and dense waterways are home to a huge population of hippos and varied birdlife. In the woodlands to the west, forest canopies shroud herds of Buffaloes and Elephants. Seasonal lakes fill with dirty colored water after the rains and animals from all corners of the park descend in them to drink. The park is also home to the rare Roan and Sable Antelope species, and it is a must-see for the visitors intending to explore the wilds of the continent.

WILDLIFE IN KATAVI

Katavi’s most singular wildlife spectacle is provided by its Hippos. Towards the end of the dry season, up to 200 individuals might flop together in any riverine pool of sufficient depth. And as more Hippos gather in one place, so does male rivalry heat up – bloody territorial fights are an everyday incident, with the vanquished male forced to lurk hapless on the open plains until it gathers sufficient confidence to mount another challenge.

Elephants live here in huge numbers (about 4000 in the park), there are large groups of Zebra, Giraffe, Hartebeest, Impala and other Antelope and impressive herds of Buffalo, sometimes numbering thousands. Several prides of Lion follow their prey around and Hyenas are common. Leopard are plentiful but as with everywhere, difficult to see.

WHY VISIT KATAVI NATIONAL PARK

• A true wilderness
• Almost all the mammals that are essential to East African plains are present in reasonable numbers
• An exceptional of rough natural beauty
• A great feeling of solitude because of the very small number of visitors

WHAT TO DO:

• Walking safaris
• Game Drives
• Camping safaris.
• Near Lake Katavi, visit the tamarind tree inhabited by the spirit of the legendary hunter Katabi (for whom the park is named) – Offerings are still left here by locals

GETTING THERE:

• Charter flights from Dar or Arusha
• Drive from Dar es Salaam or southern regions

BEST TIME TO VISIT

• Katavi National Park can be visited all year round. During the dry seasons (May to October and December to February), the animals congregate around the remaining water bodies and can be reached easily. During the wetter months, the extensive wetlands offer splendid scenery to adventurous visitors.

SELOUS GAME RESERVE

Selous Game Reserve is Africa’s largest Game Reserve and one of favorite game viewing areas in Africa. Covering a total area of about 54,000 square kilometers, is amongst the largest protected areas in Africa located in the South of Tanzania.

It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 due to the diversity of its wildlife and undisturbed nature. Selous boasts Tanzania’s largest population of Elephant as well as large number of Lions, Leopard, African Hunting Dogs, Buffalo and Hippo. Species commonly seen are Bushbuck, Red and Blue Duikers, Eland, Hartebeest, Hyena, Giraffe, Oryx, Reedbuck, Impala, Waterbuck and Zebra. Yellow Baboon and Velvet and Blue Monkey are always common sight while families of Black and White Colobus may sometimes be seen moving from tree to tree. The bird-life in the Selous is prolific and the 400 species recorded including the globally threatened Wattled Crane and the Corncrake.

Africa’s largest and oldest Game Reserve is one of its most scenic wildlife destinations; the Selous is utterly beautiful. The beauty of the park is matched by the quality of a safari, the park has the widest diversity of safari activities ranging from Romantic Boat Safari along the Great Rufiji river, walking and compliment standard game driving in thriving wildlife areas.

The topography of the park varies from savannah woodland, grassland plains and the rocky outcrops cut by the Great Rufiji River and its tributaries, the Kilombero and Ruwegu, which together cover the great catchment area in East Africa. The Rufiji river which flows from North to South, provides the life-blood of the Selous. Linked to the Rufiji is lake Tagalala, where Elephant, Giraffe, Waterbuck, Reedbuck and Bushbuck gather at the water’s edge.

WHY VISIT SELOUS:

• Wild Nature
• All the plain mammals of East Africa can be encountered
• Best chances of seeing a wild dog, but still no guarantee
• Closeness to nature, thanks to good walking facilities and boat trips
• Rough but exceptional beauty of the natural environment
• A feeling of solitude because of the small number of visitors

WHAT TO DO:

• Wildlife safaris
• Walking safaris
• Boat safaris and canoeing
• Bird watching
• Sport Fishing
• Camping safaris

GETTING THERE:

• Scheduled and Charter flight
• Drive from Dar es Salaam

BEST TIME TO VISIT

• The best time to visit the Selous (for ease of game viewing) is during the dry season, between May and February.

MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK

Mikumi National Park lie alongside the Northern border of Africa’s biggest Game Reserve – the Selous Game Reserve– forming a unique ecosystem, and is divided by the surfaced road between Dar es Salaam and Iringa. It is thus the most accessible part of a 75,000 square kilometer tract of wilderness that stretches East almost as far as the Indian Ocean. Other natural areas bordering the National Park are the Udzungwa Mountains and Uluguru Mountains. A good surfaced road connects Mikumi to Dar es Salaam via Morogoro, a roughly 4-hour drive.

The open horizons and abundant wildlife of the Mkata Floodplain, the popular centerpiece of Mikumi, draw frequent comparisons to the more famous Serengeti Plains. 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.

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.

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. 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.

WHAT TO DO:

• Wildlife safaris
• Walking safaris
• Bird watching
• Camping safaris

GETTING THERE:

• Charter flight
• Drive from Dar es Salaam

BEST TIME TO VISIT

• Accessible all year round.

ZANZIBAR ARCHIPELAGO

HISTORY:

Zanzibar is an archipelago consisting of two main Islands of Unguja (commonly referred to as Zanzibar Island), Pemba and about 51 other surrounding small islets. Zanzibar is a partner state in the United Republic of Tanzania with the Mainland. The name Zanzibar is derived from a combination of two Arabic words, ‘Zenj’, meaning black, and ‘bar’, being the Arabic word for land, resulting in the ancient title ‘Land of the Blacks’. As Zanzibar absorbed peoples from as far as the Orient and Iberia, Assyria and India. Pemba is the second largest island of the Archipelago, named Al-khudra “The Green Island” by the Arabic mariners. It is famous for its clove production and its channels offer some of the best diving experiences in East Africa.

POPULATION

Zanzibar consists of a multiracial and multicultural community. It is a society of many faiths and of different origins. Almost the entire population is of mixed races primarily of Arab and African decent and blended with local culture. The current population of Zanzibar according to 2002 census is 984,625 inhabitants with an annual growth rate of 3.5%

HOSPITALITY & CULTURE

Zanzibar cultures became more diverse in its range, more unique in its expression. Zanzibar is the birthplace of Swahili, a lingua franca forged from global dialects, upon which legends were carried, trade routes opened and a Sultan’s empire prospered. It is here that the Africa Culture blended with other cultures mainly Persian, Arabic and Indian to forms Swahili Culture. Today the romance, the splendor and legends of the past are still vibrantly alive, traditional sailing dhows, carved wooden and doors, chests, the scent of the clove and the smile of the hospitable people welcomes you to Zanzibar.

CLIMATE

The Zanzibar archipelago is a tropical island and its climate is subject to the whims of monsoon winds. The northern monsoon (known as Kaskazi in Kiswahili) lasts three to four months from December to March. The South west monsoon (Kusi) lasts from April to November. The rainy seasons (Masika) starts in March or April and lasts in May. June to October is the dry season and temperatures are clement.

RELIGION

The majority of Zanzibar residents practice the Islamic faith which reflect also their life style and culture. Mosques are sacred places and usually no entry by non-Muslims. During the holy month of Ramadhan Muslims are fasting from dawn to sun set and you may find difficult to find food during the day hours. However, some specified restaurants are allowed to serve the tourists. There are also Christian churches and Hindu temples which offer regular services on Sunday and on special occasions.

SHOPPING

As you stroll through Stone Town, you will find several shops selling wood carvings, Zanzibar’s chests, clothes, spices, jewelry, paintings and antiques. Most of the gift shops are situated along Kenyatta Road in Shangani, and Gizenga Street behind the Old Fort. Tourists are advised not to buy any products related to protected species on the islands, such as sea shells and turtles. A holiday to Zanzibar would be incomplete without visiting these souvenir shops.

MAHALE MOUNTAINS

Mahale Mountains National Park lies on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania. Named after the Mahale Mountains range that is within its borders, covers an area of 1 613 km² and is located about 128 km south of Kigoma town on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika.

Though it is well-known for chimpanzees and baboons, Mahale Mountains National Park has also savannah adapted species of East and South Africa, forest adapted species of West and Central Africa or Congo Basin animals. Among them are the giant squirrel, red-legged sun squirrel, brush-tailed porcupine, Angolan black and White-Colobus (which are regarded to be a new species in this area), Bushy-tailed mongoose, and sharp’s grysbok. Besides the Chimps, Leopard, Lion, Kudu, Eland, Buffalo, Roan and Sable antelope, and a host of other game wander through this reserve.

WHY VISIT MAHALE:

• A chance to watch chimpanzee in the wild
• A heaven for Nature-loving tourists specialized in bird’s plants, butterflies or fresh water fish
• Rugged scenery: mountains, waterfalls, a view of the lake as far as the Congo
• A great feeling of solitude (only a couple of hundred visitors a year)
• An exceptionally varied destination as a whole: Opportunities to combine watching the wildlife and enjoying the superb scenery with tranquility, hiking, mountain treks and diving in the crystal-clear waters of the lake. (with a varied fauna of freshwater fish)
• Beach along Lake Tanganyika
• Sun set on the Lake horizon

WHAT TO DO:

• Chimp tracking (allow two days)
• Hiking to the Park’s highest point
• Camping safaris
• Snorkeling
• Ports fishing
• Canoeing

BEST TIME TO VISIT

• The dry season (May -October) is the best period. During this period, chimpanzees are likely to be seen in big groups, the sunshine illuminates the fish in the Lake and the beach is an inviting place to relax. However, Mahale Mountains National Park is accessible all year round. A visit in the rainy season can also be a memorable experience, made remarkable by views of the neighboring country DR Congo across the water and by incredible lightning storms that light up the lake at night.

GETTING THERE:

• Accessible by road and boat
• Charter flight

RUAHA NATIONAL PARK

The Ruaha National Park is in the southern part of Tanzania and bear its name from a majestic river flowing 160km in the park, River Ruaha. The vegetations differs drastically between flat treeless savannahs, Miombo woodlands, dry bush lands, swamps, and riverine forests. Almost 1650 different plant species can be found in the park, creating a one of a kind botanical paradise.

Apart from the river the park is well known for its varied scenery – from large open plains to rolling hills, river systems to wetlands and kopjes to mountains. The Ruaha National Park marks the transition zone where eastern and southern species of flora and fauna overlap. The Great Rift Valley also runs through the park with escarpment walls rising between 50 and 100 m in height. Natural springs associated with the rift valley are scattered throughout the park.

During the dry season, the Ruaha River also dry and becomes waterholes of which predators take complete advantage of hide in wait, knowing that thirst will drive herds of impalas, gazelles, and other antelopes to come drink. The riverine vegetation on the shores around the river helps provide enough cover for lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, and hyenas making it the best hunting ground in the park.

The Ruaha National Park is famous for having one of the highest concentrations of African elephants in East Africa. Huge numbers of up to 200 are often spotted below giant baobab trees. Furthermore, the park is home to both species of kudu (greater and lesser) as well as the majestic sable and roan antelopes both of which are frequently seen.

Apart from mammals, 529 species have been sighted in the park. Some of the famous birds include the endemic Ruaha red billed hornbill, kingfishers, sunbirds, black collared lovebirds, ashy starlings, ground hornbills, bateleurs, fish eagles and many more.

SAADANI NATIONAL PARK

The park is situated between Dar es Salaam (200 km, 4 hours) and Tanga (75km, 3 hours) and borders the mainland coast.

The Saadani National Park is home to a variable mix of both marine and mainland flora and fauna. The vegetation in the park is quite unique and includes mangrove forests around the winding Wami River and ocean, clumps of palm trees, coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, short and tall-grass savannah, and the harsh black cotton plains.

In terms of wildlife, Saadani has a thriving population of waterbucks, wildebeests, hartebeests, reedbucks, buffaloes, and giraffes. Warthogs, baboons, and colobus monkeys are often spotted, while elephants, lions and leopards are quite shy. But even for ornithologists this place is truly spectacular. A boat safari on the Wami River is a true highlight for any visitor and apart from pods of hippos and huge crocodiles, malachite, pied and even giant kingfishers can also be seen. Other common birds include the woolly necked stork, common sand pipers, lilac-breasted rollers, palm nut vultures, fish eagles and ground hornbills.

In Sadaani National Park you can enjoy game drives, boat safaris and walking safaris accompanied by an armed ranger. Historical tours to the old Saadani fishing village to see the remains of buildings that existed when this place was a bustling port trading ivory and slaves, can also be organized. Even cultural tours to the main ethnic tribes in the area (Waswahili, Wazigua and Wadoe) are on offer. Further ethnic groups from other regions have also migrated to the region because of better trade opportunities. The Wamangati, originally from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, send their cattle to Zanzibar on traditional dhows to make a living.

Unlike as in other national parks in Tanzania, visitors can combine a safari with a relaxing beach stay in Saadani National Park. The beaches are clean and lined with palm trees. Saadani’s coast is hot and humid and swimming is pleasant with the ocean’s temperatures usually reaching around 25°C. Maziwe reef can easily be reached by boat from anywhere along the Saadani coast.

ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK

Arusha National Park is among of the smallest parks in Tanzania, covering only 137 square kilometers. It is situated a short distance from the city of Arusha, making it easy to visit on a day or half day adventure. The park has several completely different micro-habitats within its confines, from a soda lake which outfit a large number of flamingo to dense forest habitat for black and white colobus monkeys, a plain (or small Serengeti), a crater, and the hikable Mount Meru.

NGORONGORO CRATER

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most famous sites and is said to have the highest density of wildlife in Africa. A UNESCO World Heritage Site located 180 km west of Arusha in the Crater Highlands area of Tanzania. Sometimes described as an ‘eighth wonder of the world’, the Crater has achieved world renown, attracting an ever-increasing number of visitors each year.  You are unlikely to escape other vehicles here, but you are guaranteed great wildlife viewing in a genuinely mind-blowing environment.  There is nowhere else in Africa quite like Ngorongoro!

The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.  Forming a spectacular bowl of about 265 square kilometers, with sides up to 600 meters deep; it is home to approximately 30,000 animals at any one time.  The Crater rim is over 2,200 meters high and experiences its own climate.  From this high vantage point it is possible to make out the tiny shapes of animals making their way around the crater floor far below. Swathes of cloud hang around the rocky rim most days of the year and it’s one of the few places in Tanzania where it can get chilly at night.

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 drink, wallow, graze, hide or climb.  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.

WILDLIFE IN NGORONGORO

Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most likely areas in Tanzania to see the endangered Black Rhino, as a small population is thriving in this idyllic and protected environment. It is currently one of the few areas where they continue to breed in the wild. Your chances of encountering Leopard here are also good, and fabulous Black-maned Lions.  Many Flamingos are also attracted to the soda waters of Lake Magadi. Larger groups of Buffalos, Zebras and Wildebeest are very common in the crater.

OLDUVAI GORGE

• The Ngorongoro Conservation Area also protects Olduvai Gorge, situated in the plains area. It is considered to be the seat of humanity after the discovery of the earliest known specimens of the human genus, Homo habilis as well as early hominidae, such as Paranthropus boisei. The Olduvai Gorge or Oldupai Gorge is a steep-sided ravine in the Great Rift Valley, which stretches along eastern Africa. Olduvai is in the eastern Serengeti Plains in northern Tanzania and is about 30 miles long. It lies in the rain shadow of the Ngorongoro highlands and is the driest part of the region. The gorge is named after ‘Oldupaai’, the Maasai word for the wild sisal plant, Sansevieria ehrenbergii.

MAASAI VILLAGE TRIPS

• Part of the reason behind the Ngorongoro Conservation Area has been to preserve the environment for the Maasai people who were diverted from the Serengeti Plains.  Essentially nomadic people, they build temporary villages in circular homesteads called Bomas. There are possibilities to visit a couple of these now, which have been opened up for tourists to explore.  Here you can see how the huts are built in a strict pattern of order according to the chronological order of the wives, and experience what it must be like to rely on warmth and energy from a fire burning at the heart of a cattle dung dwelling with no chimney. These proud cattle herding people have a great history as warriors, and even though they are no longer allowed to build villages inside, they continue to herd their cattle into the crater to graze and drink, regardless of the predators nearby.

THE SHIFTING SANDS

• Beyond the Olduvai Gorge, about 15 km northwest there is a remarkable volcanic ash known as the ‘shifting sand’. It is believed and observed that this elegant black sand dune is constantly being pushed by the Eastern winds and slowly inch by inch it moves forward across the Ngorongoro crater’s plains.  It has been estimated that the Ngorongoro dune moves at about 17 meters per year. The volcanic ash it’s believed to have being originated from the Mount Oldonyo Lengai volcanic eruption. This mountain is an active volcanic mountain and its recent eruption happened in the year 2007.

WHY VISIT NGORONGORO:

• All the Mammalian fauna essentially to the East African can be found in the Ngorongoro crater
• Big migrations, an outstanding natural event on the plain in the west and North
• Best Chances to see rhino in Tanzania
• Superb scenery, extending from plains to volcano
• An extremely popular park

WHAT TO DO:

• Game viewing in the crater
• Safaris in the crater’s highlands
• Walking to the museum
• Hiking with a guide – a good variety of trails
• Birds watching in the crater
• Cultural tourism with Maasai and Hadzabe tribes
• Archeological finding at Olduvai Gorge and shifting sand attraction

BEST TIME TO VISIT

• Since the wildlife mainly stays in the crater all year round, there is really no good or bad time to visit.  However, given that the crater floor does get busy with vehicles, it can be more pleasant to visit during low season.  Higher water levels in Lake Magadi (in the center of the Crater) also result in higher concentrations of flamingos.  Whenever you visit to Ngorongoro, you are guaranteed excellent safari action.

GETTING THERE:

• Easy drive from Arusha or Lake Manyara
• Scheduled and Charter flight

TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

Tarangire National Park is the sixth largest national park in Tanzania with 2,600 sq. km (1,005 sq. miles), after Ruaha, Serengeti, Mikumi and Katavi. The name of the park originates from the Tarangire river that crosses through the park, being the only source of water for wild animals during dry seasons. Along the banks of this river you will find herds of Wildebeest and Zebra, followed by Grant’s Gazelle, Thomson’s Gazelle and many others. Creep around in the background lion and leopard keep a watchful eye on a possible meal. During the dry season thousands of animals migrate to the Tarangire National Park from Manyara.

WILDLIFE IN TARANGIRE

The park is famous for its huge number of Elephants, Baobab trees and tree climbing lions and Pythons. The park offers views of grass and floodplains with impressive baobab and flat topped acacia trees scattered throughout. Visitors to the park can expect to see any number of resident Zebras and Wildebeests in addition to the less common animals. Other common animals include Waterbuck, Giraffe, and Olive Baboons. Home to more than 550 species, the park is a haven for bird enthusiasts who can expect so see dozens of species even in the dry season.

WHY VISIT TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

• Essentially all animals of the East African Plain can be seen here.
• Large herd of Elephants
• Some species of large mammal seen here like include beisa Oryx
• Spectacular natural beauty – savanna landscape, majestic baobabs, river valleys
• Easy to rich

WHAT TO DO:

• Game drive safaris
• Guided Walking safaris
• Day trips to Maasai and Barabaig villages, as well as to the hundreds of ancient rock paintings in the vicinity of Kolo on the Dodoma Road.

GETTING THERE:

• Easy drive from Arusha or Lake Manyara
• Scheduled and Charter flights

BEST TIME TO VISIT

• Year round but dry season (June – September) for sheer numbers of animals.