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NATIONAL
PARKS/WILDLIFE INFORMATION
We offer the Safari in all National Parks in Northern and Southern Circuit.
Here is the some of the information about our National parks:
Arusha
National Park
Size: 137 km²-
Location:
about 37 km from the town of Arusha.
The second smallest national park in Tanzania
The main attractions of this national park, besides Mount Meru, are
its rich forests, the Momella Lakes around its base and the marshes
of Ngurdoto Crater. Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania,
with a height of 4,565 m (15,000 ft). Climbing the mountain takes 3-4
days.
This is a haven for animals - buffalo, waterbuck, reedbuck, dik dik,
duikers black and white colobus monkey, blue monkey, elephant, hippo,
giraffe, warthog, and zebra. Leopard, black rhino and hyena are present
but rarely seen. There are over 400 species of bird and the lakes are
well known for its water birds, especially flamingo.
Tarangire
National Park
Size: 2,600 km²
Location: 118 km south-west of Arusha.
The park is named after the Tarangire River which is the dominating
influence in the distribution of animals in the park. Migration of herd
animals towards the river in the dry season (July to Nov) and away from
the river and out of the park during the wet season. By April, the animals
are scattered over an area 10 times the size of the park. Large areas
of the national park consist of open grassy savannah dotted with enormous
long-lived Baobab trees. Acacia woodland, river grassland, flood plains,
and swamps make up the rest of the park. With the exception of the black
rhino which was poached out in the 1980's, all animal species that are
likely to be seen in other parks will be found here. You can always
expect to see a number of big game, such as: elephant, zebra, wildebeest,
eland, Oryx, and many other types of antelope. Because of the variety
of habitats there have been 550 different bird species recorded in the
park; about a third of the species found in Tanzania. Tarangire is an
important breeding ground for migrating birds from Eurasia.
Lake Manyara National Park
Size: 330 km²
Location: 128 km west of Arusha.
Lake Manyara National Park lies directly below the Great Rift Valley.
It is unique is its wide variety of different vegetation. Near the entrance
of the park you'll experience a very scenic ground-water forest, which
then gives way to an acacia forest with thick bush and then to open
grassland. The lake, which gives its name to the park, occupies about
two thirds of the park. The park is famous for its "tree lions"
which have become accustomed to resting or sleeping up in the trees.
Also to be found in the park area large herds of buffalo, impala, baboon,
as well as giraffe and, most of the time, elephants. To the delight
of ornithologist enthusiasts, more than 400 different bird species are
concentrated here. Another special attraction is the hot springs, called
maji moto (hot water) in Swahili.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Size: 8.288 km², of which 304 km² is Ngorongoro Crater.
Location: 190 km west of Arusha.
The world famous Ngorongoro Crater is situated in this protected area.
It has a diameter of about 19.2 km. The rim of the crater is about 2,300
meters high; the floor of the crater is about 610 m lower. Most of the
crater rim is wooded. Ngorongoro Crater is the second biggest caldera
in the world and offers protection to some 25,000 animals. Prof. Grzimek
once wrote: "There is nothing with which to compare. It is one
of the wonders of the world.” After you've explored the crater,
for the first time, you can only agree with that. On the floor are Lake
Magadi and the Lerai Forest (yellow fever acacia). Most of the crater's
floor is covered with grassland. Although there is some migratory movement
in and out of the crater, most animals remain in the crater since it
provides ample grazing and water supply all year round.
In the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, on the way to the Serengeti, lies
the Olduwai or Oldupai Gorge where, in 1959, the "Zinjanthropus
Boisei" skull was discovered.
Many extinct vulcanoes like, Oldeani, Olmoti and Empakai are to be found
in the Conservation Area.
Serengeti National Park
Size: 14,763 km² - the largest park in Tanzania
Location: 335 km north-west of Arusha.
Serengeti is the largest and oldest of the national parks in Tanzania
lying on a high plateau between Lake Victoria in the west and the rift
valley escarpment in the east. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its name is derived from the Maasai word Siringet meaning endless plains.
To the north is the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya, to the east is
Ngorongoro Conservation Area the nearby Olduvai Gorge where the fossilized
remains of several species of hominid have been unearthed. The largest
concentration of wildlife in the world is to be found in the Serengeti.
When the grassland loses its green lush in June/July, more than one
million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras and 300,000 Thomson gazelle begin
the world's largest mammalian migration of 800 km. By Sept the bulk
of the migration has reached the North West part of the park and the
Maasai Mara in Kenya and in November the herds turn back towards the
south east of the Serengeti where they remain until the long rains in
April. From Dec to March the wildebeest give birth to half a million
calves. The timing of the migration varies from year to year and depends
on the rains. Approximately 3 million animals and about 500 different
bird species live in this national park - the world's highest animal
biomass. The terrain of the park varies from: short and long grass,
open plains in the south, the acacia savannah in the central area, the
hilly, more densely-wooded northern sector, and the extensive woodland
and black clay plains, dominated by a central range of mountains in
the western corridor. The plains are dotted with rocky outcrops known
as "Kopjes." Several rivers run through the park, notably:
the Seronera River in the central area, the Grumeti River in the western
corridor, and the Mara River in the north.
Gombe
Stream National Park
Size: 52 km² - the smallest national park of Tanzania.
Location: western Tanzania, 16 km north of Kigoma on the shores of Lake
Tanganyika.
A thin strip of ancient forest lying on the shores of Lake Tanganyika
to the hills above is the remnant of a once large chimpanzee territory.
Gombe has become famous due to the British researcher Jane Goodall who
has been studying these animals since 1960. Carnivores are a rarity
and therefore this park is suitable for walking safaris. Olive baboons
are common but red colubus and blue monkeys are less so. Bushbuck and
duiker live here as do 230 species of bird.
Mahale Mountains National Park
Size: 1,613 km²
Location: south of Kigoma on Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania.
A chain of six mountain peaks swathed in lush forest which dominate
over the lake below. Besides different species of antelope some of the
few, still free-living chimpanzees are to be found here. Around 1,000
of these fascinating animals roam the valleys and hills of the isolated
rainforest. Much of this less-visited park is inaccessible by vehicle
and the tourist is unlikely to see many of the animals that inhabit
the park. Most visitors go on foot safaris to see the chimpanzees. There
are nine other primate species as well as lion, leopard, elephant, zebra,
warthog, buffalo, eland, roan and sable antelopes, giraffe, kudu, wild
dog, hyena, hippo, as well as duikers, civets, mongooses, otters, genets,
porcupine. The crescent azure coves of Lake Tanganyika appear like flashes
of silk, and the park behind offers a wonderful view. Lake Tanganyika
is home to more than 250 species of fish. The park is unique in botanic
geographic terms as it is the confluence of eastern, southern, and western
vegetation and wildlife. Here the Congo type forests meet with the Miombo
woodland that covers much of southern Tanzania and savannah vegetation
that is more characteristic of northern Tanzania.
Katavi
National Park
Size: 4,471 km²
Location: south-western Tanzania, east of Lake Tanganyika, adjoining
Rukwa Game Reserve.
Katavi has the highest concentration of game in Tanzania, and yet is
the least visited park by tourists. Here you can enjoy the feeling of
an original safari as if you were the first to discover the wildest
remote part of Africa. The park's main features are the watery-grassy
plains to the north, the palm-fringed Lake Chala in the south-east,
and the marshlands of the Katuma River. Nowhere in Africa is there a
larger concentration of crocodiles or hippos. The park's other habitat
include the Miombo and Acacia woodland in the north West. Herds of up
to 1600 buffalo wander the short-grass plains. Other animals include:
topi, lion, roan, sable, 4000 elephant, southern reedbuck, impala, leopard,
eland, zebra, giraffe, and the rare puku antelope. More than 400 bird
species are found in the park.
Ruaha National Park
Size: about 10,300 km²
Location: central Tanzania, 128 km west of Iringa.
This relatively new and not much visited park possesses, along with
it's 8,000 elephants, the largest population of all national parks.
It owes its name to the life-line of this park, the great Ruaha River,
where the wildlife concentrates. The Ruaha River runs along the entire
eastern boarder, where it has carved out spectacular gorges and landscapes.
It is home to an immense amount of crocodiles and hippos. Four different
animal species live in Ruaha that can't be found living altogether anywhere
else: The greater and lesser kudu and the sable and roan antelope. Over
500 species of birds can be found in this one park alone. Ruaha is the
only national park where flora and fauna of eastern and southern Africa
overlap.
Mikumi National Park
Size: about 3,230 km²
Location: 283 km west of Dar es Salaam.
Mikumi forms the northern border to Africa's biggest game protected
area, the Selous Game Reserve. This park is well known for its big variety
of game, like the very rare African wild dog. Mikumi is one of Tanzania's
most popular game parks. The main feature of the park is the Mikumi
flood plain, along with the mountain ranges that boarder the park on
two sides. During the wet season many animals retreat to the Miombo
woodlands which grow along the slopes of the mountains. The flood plains
below are home to formidable herds of buffalo. Elephants of Mikumi are
smaller than their relatives in the other parts of Tanzania, but they
are still very imposing. The national park is distinguished for its
many lions. There is also an important educational centre where students
can study ecology.
Saadani
National Park
Size: 1,148 km²
Location: 130 km north of Dar es Salaam: about 3 hour's drive.
This very young park, which was founded around the year 2000, is situated
on the eastern coast of Tanzania, opposite to Zanzibar. With a little
luck one can see elephants, buffalos or even lions on the shores of
the Indian Ocean. One will not see as many animals as in the other parks
but the landscape of this national park is fascinating with its Borassus
palm tress, Doum palm trees, typical coastal acacias and mangroves.
The most northern population of the Roosevelt sable antelope is found
here. It's the only park where one can combine game viewing with beaching.
Interesting
Areas
Usambara
Mountains
The Usambara Mountains in north-eastern Tanzania, divide into East Usambaras,
which end in the coastal area before Tanga, and the West Usambaras with
Lushoto, the biggest town in the Usambaras, which was called Wilhelmsthal
during the German colonial time. Many lovers of flowers will know the
African violet which was discovered at the end of the 19th century and
then started its triumphant spread around the world. The Usambara Mountains
extend parallel to the Kenyan boarder in the north. These mighty mountains
come up to an altitude of more than 2,000 meters. Above 2,000 meters
even slight frost might occur, visible as a very thin layer on standing
water. Many tourists are surprised to find a climate similar to that
of Europe in the higher regions in contrast to the hot and dusty Maasai
plains. Wonderful wanderings through forests, to waterfalls, plantations
and up to various view points from where there is a fantastic view to
the plains. On a clear day, even Kilimanjaro can be seen from the outermost
western part.
Several restful lodges offer a pleasant setting for retrieve after a
strenuous safari.
Pare
Mountains
The outlining Pare Mountains, in north-eastern Tanzania situated close
to Mt. Kilimanjaro, stretch parallel along the outlining Kenyan boarder.
Similar to the Usambara Mountains, hikes can be organized through forests,
to waterfalls, such as, the Thornton Falls. A climb to Shengena Peak,
the highest peak of the Pare Mountains (2,462 m), is possible, as well
as climbs to various viewing points which offer a breathtaking view
to the plains of Mkomazi Game Reserve. Tours and visits to the local
people in order to get learn about their culture can be organized as
well.
A visit to Mkomazi Game Reserve can be easily done from the Pare Mountains.
Tanga and Pangani Region, the coastal country in the north-east
Tanga and Pangani Region, the coastal country in the north-east. This
strip with its wonderful broad beaches, south of Tanga up to Pangani
and beyond, matches the beauty and splendour to that of the beaches
on the island of Zanzibar. There are a several beach-front lodges located
along the coast which offer guests a very pleasant stay in a quiet scenic
surroundings. One might think the beach belongs to oneself. This region
is especially suitable for tourists who would want to spend some enjoyable
and pleasant days at the ocean. Besides the lovely beaches the guests
can go out on an Ngalawa, a medium sized fishing boat, and snorkel by
the reef in crystal-clear waters.
The Amboni Caves are north of Tanga, a cave system with an area of 234
km² which extends to Mombasa in Kenya. They are cosidered the biggest
cave system in East Africa. These limestone caves were once washed out
by the ocean.
The town of Tanga was the scene of a big battle during the first world
war. There still exist many buildings from the German colonial time.
As tourism isn't wide-spread, it's no problem to walk in town without
being bothered by anybody and then enjoy some samusas (hot minced meat
or vegetables in a thin pocket of dough) in a local restaurant.
ZANZIBAR
TOUR - SPICELAND
Zanzibar Island are phenomenon in the whole history of Tanzania and
Africa. There are many historical sites and ruins dating back to the
slave trade era-Zanzibar was the central market and major transit point
for Asia, Middle East, Europe and America. There are also unparalleled
resources for eco tourism as elaborated in the itineraries below.
Please decide how many days you want to spend on your tour for visiting
Zanzibar and Northern Safaris shall make your program successful and
worthwhile to remember. We shall organize your transport from your arrival
at Kilimanjaro Airport to your hotel. We shall drive you to the accommodation,
which is cheaper but maintains high standard.
You make the decision and we shall be there to help you. You will fulfill
your dream and we will help you do it. The options include:
CULTURAL
TOURISM
The slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro are home to the Chagga people.
Their main activities are traditional, sustainable farming and cattle,
but not much as Maasai.
Their main cash crops are coffee and banana. They plant their coffee
in small holdings called (shamba) mixed with banana and sometimes with
maize and beans for their families.
Uru is about 10km north of Moshi town at altitude 1800m, 25 - 30 minutes
drive form Moshi town.
The Uru area is a mosaic of beautiful valleys, deep gorges, waterfalls,
coffee farms and is a home base for the Chagga people. You can visit
the natural forests and caves.
During the Cultural tour you will walk through the banana and coffee
farmlands, learn about coffee production from seedlings planting care,
weeding, harvesting and all process up to prepare the cup of coffee.
The Chagga people sell coffee to enable them to meet basic needs like
Schooling their children, and help further developments.
Hikes in this area will be ideal for acclimatization before climbing
Mt. Kilimanjaro
MONGIONI
WATERFALLS
It is about 1 hrs from Moshi town to Mongyoni water falls.
The 50 meter waterfall is one of the hidden treasures of Kilimanjaro
Region and offers you the opportunity to hike through coffee farms and
enjoy spectacular views. Swimming in these pools not likeswimming in
any other pool.
For many years this was a place for sacrifices, this was before the
religion came to Kilimanjaro.
CHAGGA
HOUSE
This is very earliest house which was used by our ancestors
This house is built with Banana Fibers and tree sticks only
In this house there is only one door, no window, no separate rooms it
is only a place for cattle, a fire place and sleeping.
Every year they repair their house. Inside is very dark but they can
do everything inside. This house is about 150yrs now.
It’s very interesting to see this house.
Chagga
Bolt hole
Before Tanzania becomes an independent country we were under the rule
of Kings.
Kilimanjaro region was under the king called Mangi. This Mangi led all
Chagga peoples. Thesecaves were used during Maasai/Chagga wars. We will
see traditional and modern Chagga art, culture, and homes, a blacksmith
at his ancient craft.
The wars between the Maasai from the Northern part of
Tanzania, against the Chagga people was over pasture land and cattle.
Because of this the Chagga built the underground tunnels for the king
to hide during the war. This tunnel or temporary house was called Mreshe
in the Chagga language.
MEANS OF
TRANSPORT
We use a very good fleet of four wheel drives for all our safaris to
national parks.
Our fleet of Toyota Land cruisers can negotiate all rough roads and
mud roads of Tanzania.
Our Guide/ Drivers are well training about the wildlife and courteous
to our customers/guests
Also we do arrange transfer from one place to another like –
• From JRO to Moshi
• Arusha /Moshi to Dare es Salaam
• Kilimanjaro to Nairobi/Nairobi to Kilimanjaro
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