Tanzania
Must See Attractions
Tanzania is a dream destination, offering a never-ending choice of natural environments to explore and holiday experiences to enjoy. Safari in the world-renowned Serengeti National Park, climb Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, or laze on a beach on the tropical island paradise of Zanzibar. These are just a few of the holiday delights that Tanzania has to offer.
Kilimanjaro National Park
Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. The mountain has three extinct volcanoes - Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. The highest point is Uhuru Peak, on the volcano Kibo, which is 5,895 metres above sea level. A summit climb takes in 5 distinct vegetation zones from savannah grassland to tropical mountain forest, heather moorland to desolate arctic desert and glacier cliffs. One encounters a wide variety of wildlife, birds and plants during the climb.
Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes
- Marangu (coca cola) & Rongai Route (approx 5 day trek)
- Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe & Mweka Route (approx 5-8 day trek)
Please note, routes are sometimes closed due to weather conditions and erosion.
When to Make the Climb
- January, February, March and September are the best months to climb
- April to mid June is rainy season
- July and August are good but very cold
- November and December are very cold and very wet
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is the closest to one's expectations of Africa, with its acacia stands, clusters of baobab trees and large herds of elephant. It covers an area of 1000 sq miles. Its vast ecosystem stretches from the Maasai Steppes to the Rift Valley, with the Tarangire River, which runs through the centre, providing the only permanent water source. Trips to Silale Swamp and Lamarkau are recommended.
Selous Game Reserve
Selous Game Reserve is the second largest on earth, covering 21000 sq miles, and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has varied terrain of woodland, grassland plains and rocky outcrops. Much of it is inaccessible, but walking safaris can be taken from the camps in the reserve. The best time to go is between June and October. The Rufiji River runs through the north-eastern sector of the park, with a collection of luxury camps along the banks.
Ruaha National Park
The Ruaha National Park is a relatively unexplored game and bird sanctuary covering 5000 sq miles. It lies between two rivers: the Njombe River and the Ruaha, which flows along the entire eastern border. During the dry season from July to December there is a large concentration of game along the river. Three main areas of interest have been opened up: along the Ruaha River a drive of great scenic beauty, the Mdonya woodlands for antelope, and the Mbage Mwagusi track for elephants.
Ngoronoro Conservation Area
5000 sq miles of primeval hills surround the Ngorongoro Crater and Highlands, and make up the conservation area.
Ngorongoro Crater
The Crater is 120 sq miles in area and is considered to be the eighth wonder of the world, containing its own ecosystem within the natural amphitheatre created by the 2000 ft high cliffs which surround it. It is also home to some of the few remaining endangered Black Rhino, the big five and many varieties of wildlife, plant life and insects. Butterfly species are abundant.
Olduvai Gorge
The Olduvai Gorge is popularly known as “the cradle of mankind”, as it is where Louis and Mary Leakey discovered the remains of early man, believed to be 1.8 million years old. There is a small museum and information centre which are well worth a visit.
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti means “endless plains”, and it covers an area of 5700 sq miles and supports over four million mammals and birds, the greatest concentration of wildlife on the planet. The gentle Maasai people still live here working the land, as they have done for thousands of years.
In the Seronera area, south of the park, kopje outcrops of small granite rock formations appear out of a sea of grass, and provide homes for various wildlife and offer lookout points.
To the north of the park, in the Grumeti area, is the start of the Wildebeest Migration. From December to February is the birthing in Southern Serengeti, in May-June the dry season where herds head to the west towards Lake Victoria, crossing the Grumeti River into the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
Lake Manyara National Park
Nestled at the bottom of the Great Rift Valley, the Lake covers two thirds of the 125 sq miles of parkland, and is believed to have formed 2 or 3 million years ago. There is a high soda content in the lake, which attracts large flocks of flamingo. Here there are also groups of baboon and a large population of boisterous hippo.
There is a great diversity of landscape, from open grasslands to hot water springs, riverine forest to swamps and rocky outcrops, each supporting an array of wildlife. It's at the Lake Manyara National Park that you might encounter the infamous “tree climbing lions” finding peace from the heat, and escaping from the elephant and buffalo herds.
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