SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

Tanzania’s oldest and most popular National Park, also a World Heritage Site and recently proclaimed a 7th world wide wonder, the Serengeti is famed for its annual migration. Serengeti National Park is unquestionably the best-known wildlife national park in the world, unique for its natural beauty and scientific value. With more than two million Wildebeest, half a million Thomson’s Gazelle, and a quarter of a million Zebra, it has the greatest concentration of plains game in Africa. The Wildebeest and Zebra moreover form the star cast of a unique spectacular – the annual Serengeti migration.

Located in northwest of Arusha, lying in a high plateau between the Ngorongoro highlands, Kenya and Tanzania borders and extending almost to Lake Victoria to the West. There is a variety of scenery, which includes the plains, lakes, hills and the rocky outcrops called kopjes. Hot air balloon safaris, Maasai rock paintings, musical rocks and visit neighboring attractions; Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge, Oldonyo Lengai volcano and Lake Natron’s flamingos.

HABITAT AND WILDLIFE

A unique combination of diverse habitats enables it to support more than 30 species of large herbivores and nearly 500 species of birds. Its landscape, originally formed by volcanic activity, has been sculptured by the concerted action of wind, rain and sun. It now varies from open grass plains in the south, savannah with scattered acacia trees in the center, hilly, wooded grassland in the North, to extensive woodland and black clay plains to the West. Small rivers, lakes and swamps are scattered throughout. In the south-east rise the great volcanic massifs and craters of the Ngorongoro Highlands. Each area has its own particular atmosphere and wildlife.

SERENGETI MANAGEMENT ZONE

The Park can be divided into 3 sections. The popular southern or central part (Seronera Valley), is what the Maasai called the “Serengit”, the land of endless plains. It’s classic savannah, dotted with acacias and filled with wildlife. The western corridor is marked by the Grumeti River, and has more forests and dense bush. The North, Lobo area, meets up with Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve, is the least visited section.

SERENGETI GREAT MIGRATION

The Serengeti hosts the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world, which helps secure it as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, and one of the ten natural travel wonders of the world. Each year around the same time the circular great Wildebeest migration begins in the Ngorongoro area of the Southern Serengeti of Tanzania. This migration is a natural phenomenon determined by the availability of grazing. It lasts from approximately January to March, when the calving season begins – a time when there is plenty of rain ripened grass available for the 750,000 Zebra that precede 1.2 million Wildebeest and the following hundreds of thousands of other plains game.

WHY VISIT SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

• A unique savanna ecosystem with two million big mammals,comprising essentially all the plain species in East Africa.
• Big migrations are outstanding natural events
• Home of big cats and predators
• Great Natural Beauty – vast open, grassy plain, savanna environment dotted with thorn bushes or trees and occasional cluster of kopjes.
• An extremely popular park

WHAT TO DO:

• Game drive
• Balloon Safari – an unrivalled experience,
• A short Nature trail in Naabi Hill
• Guided hiking through the savanna
• Camping Safaris

GETTING THERE:

• Easy drive from Arusha or Lake Manyara
• Daily scheduled flight from Arusha, Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam

BEST TIME TO VISIT

• All Year around, the dry season (from late June to September) offers the best wildlife viewing in general- with the wildebeest migration as its absolute highlight. The timing of the migration varies every year (the best chance of seeing it is during June and July) while the wildebeest calving is from late January to February.

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.

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.

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.

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.

MKOMANZI NATIONAL PARK

Located in North Eastern Tanzania, Mkomazi National Park is bordered by Tsavo West National Park in Kenya to the north-east and by the Pare Mountains to the south-west. The park lies at the southern edge of the great arc of the Sahel region, between the Sahara to the north and a more humid zone (Sudan) to the south. The 3,701 km2 Mkomazi Park is predominantly dry and vegetated mostly by savanna vegetation.

The nature is dry open savanna dominated by acacia-commiphora vegetation, which is an ideal habitat for elephant, African buffalo, lion, leopard, lesser kudu, fringe-eared oryx, aardwolf, and gerenuk. In addition, the park is a refuge for two highly endangered species, the captivating black rhino and the African wild dog, both of which were successfully reintroduced in the 1990s. 

Just over 390 species of birds have been recorded in Mkomazi, making it an ideal destination for birdwatchers. It was recently in 2007 that Mkomazi was upgraded to a national park.

BAGAMOYO

The town of Bagamoyo is a home to world class Historical sites and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites with rich cultural heritage waiting you to explore.

This town was once a most important trading port along the East African Coast and a German East Africa Capital. Bagamoyo is home to many ethnic groups, including the Wakwere, Wazaramo and Wazigua. Different cultures including people of Arab descent coexist in Bagamoyo making the town a peaceful and friendly place for visitors from all over the world.

The town of Bagamoyo was one of the most important trading ports on the East African coast and the penultimate stop of slave and ivory caravans travelling on foot from Lake Tanganyika on their way to Zanzibar. Missionaries active in abolishing the slave trade made Bagamoyo, whose name means ‘bury my heart’ in Kiswahili, a center for their activities.

Bagamoyo is a quiet village with a few German colonial buildings still standing. In the past, the town of Bagamoyo was one of the most important trading ports on the entire East African coast. Its port was the penultimate stop of slave and ivory caravans that travelled on foot all the way from Lake Tanganyika. Once the caravans reached Bagamoyo, the slaves and ivory were shipped by dhow to Zanzibar, where they were then dispatched all over the world. These days, Bagamoyo is a center of dhow building in the region and along the Tanzanian Coast.

MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:

KAOLE RUINS

The oldest ruins of an Islamic mosque in the region, a few km South of Bagamoyo near Kaole, at their Centre are the remains of a 13th-century mosque, which is one of the oldest in mainland Tanzania and also one of the oldest in East Africa. It was built in the days when the Sultan of Kilwa held sway over coastal trade, and long before Bagamoyo had assumed any significance. Nearby is a second mosque, dating to the 15th century, and about 22 graves, many dating to the same period.

Among the graves are several Shirazi pillar-style tombs reminiscent of those at Tongoni, but in somewhat better condition, and a small museum housing Chinese pottery fragments and other remnants. Just east of the ruins, past a dense stand of mangroves, is the old harbor, now silted, that was in use during Kaole’s heyday.

CARAVAN SERAI MUSEUM

A court yard which has a single building at front and square two-storey buildings. This undistinguished museum has a small display documenting the slave trade. It was here that preparations were made for the fitting out of the caravans to the interiors. Similarly, it was also the resting place for the caravan porters from interiors who nick named the town BWAGAMOYO- the place where one’s heart came to rest and relax after a long and tiring journey.

GERMAN BOMA “GERMANY STATE HOUSE”

This unique building was built in 1897 during the German colonies built this building to serve as the colonial administrative headquarters of the first capital of German East Africa and the residence of the German colonial administrator. The same building also He served as the regional administrative headquarters of the British colony after that the Treaty of Versailles (1919) offal takes to Germany of its overseas empire and gave Great Britain a mandate to administer all the former East Germany Africa under the supervision of the League of Nations. Under the domain British building was altered and the building received the name ‘Ingls Boma’ means Gestin administration of British overseas.

It is an impressive two-storey building topped by crenellations, constructed in a U shape. They are pointed arches on the ground floor, despite being used as German administrative center from 1897 Germany Boma first State House and Governor’s residence.

THE ANCIENT CHURCH IN EAST AFRICA

The pioneering mission was established by the Fathers of the Holy Spirit and built in 1872, according to reports, it is the most ancient church on the continent of East Africa, while the new church was built 1910-14. Has a great curiosity. It was here on 24th February 1874 that the porters brought the body of Dr. Livingstone, famous British explorer and missionary, after a journey of 1500kms from Ujiji-Tabora. He was interred for a night at the Holy Ghost Mission; the Livingstone Tower, a part of the original church, is named in his honor.

BAGAMOYO TOWN

With its cobwebbed portals and crumbling German-era colonial buildings, central Bagamoyo, or Mji Mkongwe (Stone Town) as it’s known locally, is well worth exploration. The most interesting area is along Ocean Rd. Here you’ll find the old German Boma (a fortified living compound; in colonial times, an administrative office), built in 1897, and Liku House, which served as the German administrative headquarters. There is also a school, which dates to the late 19th century and was the first multiracial school in what is now Tanzania.

On the beach is the German Customs House (1895), Bagamoyo port, where you can watch boat builders at work, and a busy fish market (on the site of the old slave market), with lively auctions most afternoons. Northwest of here are several small streets lined with carved doors similar to those found elsewhere along the coast. Further south is the mid-19th-century Old Fort.

COLLEGE OF ARTS “CHUO CHA SANAA”

This is a major art college in Tanzania where music, dance, drama and painting are taught. Students came from all over the globe to study African drumming, painting, sculpture etc. It is situated along the Kaole road, close to Kaole ruins. It is also possible to learn how to play various local music instruments with the college, but this has to be arranged and negotiated in advance.

CROCODILE FARM

Visit the Crocodile farm 3km from Bagamoyo right on the road to Kaole ruins, the crocodiles are in different ponds according to their age and growth. When visiting a crocodile farm in Bagamoyo you will have access to get a close view of some huge Crocodile and handle the babies.

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.