WHERE TO GO IN TANZANIA
Welcome to the land of Zanzibar, Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is not only Africa’s highest peak, but also the world’s tallest free standing volcanic mountain. It’s also one of the world’s seven Summits (Being the forth one). The summit, named Uhuru Point, is 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is once in a life time opportunity and you go into record of having done the world’s number one adventure activity according to experts.
This mountain can be trekked by various routes. The most popular ones are: Machame,Rongai,Lemosho, Marangu and Northern Circuit.
The Serengeti National Park
‘Serengeti’ means ‘endless plains’ in the Masai language, and within its boundaries are more than million large mammals. About 35 species of plains animals can be seen here including the ‘big five’ elephant, rhino, lion (approximated 1,500 of them), leopard and buffalo. Witness huge herds of wildebeest, gazelle and zebra during the their migration. Other common animals in the Serengeti include hippo, giraffe, eland, impala and other antelope types, baboons, monkeys, and a profusion of over 500 species of birds.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets. It is located in the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles from the Tanzanian coast.
It is characterized by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs, and the magic of historic Stone Town – said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa. Zanzibar’s local people are an incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds, indicative of her colourful history. Islam is the dominant religion, and practiced by most Zanzibarians.
Tarangire National Park
This park is distinguished by ancient Baobab trees as they claw at the sky with their root-like branches, a sight that is breathtaking and uniquely African. Tarangire has the greatest number of African Elephants per square kms than any other national park in the country. Animals you may see include threatened as well as endangered species such as ebony trees, Python, cheetah, elephants, African wild dogs, lesser and greater Kudu, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk and others about 550 species of birds have been recorded in the park, which is larger number of bird species than what was recorded in the Serengeti.
Ngorongoro Crater
At 2,286m above the sea level, Ngorongoro crater is the largest unbroken caldera in the world. Surrounded by very steep walls rising 610 metres from the crater floor, this natural amphitheatre covers an area of about 260 sq km tha’s 100 sq miles and is home to up to 30000 animals, almost half of them Zebra and wildebeest.
There are also gazelle, buffalo, eland, wildebeest and wart hog. Such vast numbers attract predators a plenty, mainly lion and hyena but also cheetah and leopard. More than 100 species of birds not found in the Serengeti have been spotted here. Countless flamingos form a pink blanket over the soda lakes.
Lake Manyara National Park
Nestling at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment the park is noted for its incredible beauty. As visitors enter the gate they pass into the lush forest, home to troops of baboons and blue monkeys. Further along the forest opens up into woodlands, grasslands, swamps and beyond, the Soda Lake itself, covering 390 sq.km and sanctuary to over 400 species of bird including the beautiful pink flamingoes, pelican, storks, sacred ibis, cormorants and Egyptian geese.
Two famous spectacles in lake Manyara National Park are the tree climbing lions, which spend most of the day spread out along the branches of Acacia trees six to seven meters above the ground, and tree climbing pythons.
Arusha National Park
This small but spectacular national park is located very close to Moshi and Arusha towns, and features some of Tanzania ‘s most varied and beautiful scenarios. Highlights include great views of Mt. Meru, Ngurdoto crater and the Momela lakes.
Wildlife highlights include 400 species of resident and migratory birds, including huge flocks of large and lesser flamingos in the alkaline waters of the awesome Momela lakes. Resident mammals include Hyena, Buffalo, Klipspringer, Gerenuk, Black and white Colobus and Blue Monkeys. Varieties of tropical Snakes, Chameleons, Alligators, Tortoise and Turtles display at close range at the Reptile and snake farm.
Walking safaris are available but should be accompanied by an armed ranger. The park is most ideal for a day’s trip from Moshi / Arusha.
Mount Meru
Located in Arusha National Park, around 50 miles (80km) west of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mt Meru is a challenging ascent that’s best completed over three to four days. This hike experience is unique due to the combination of Mountain Trek within Arusha National Park.
At 14,980ft (4566m), Mount Meru is the second-highest peak in Tanzania. It’s a fine trekking experience in its own right, as well as a good way to acclimatize before conquering Mount Kilimanjaro. Accommodation comes in the form of mountain huts along the trail.
Hitting the summit for sunrise is rewarded with unforgettable views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Mount Meru Crater.
Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai
“OldoinyoLengai” which translates to “The Mountain of God” from the Maasai language is a strato-volcano that stands 2962 metres above sea level. Lengai is Tanzania’s only officially-certified active volcano, and the world’s only carbonatite volcano. The hike usually starts around midnight, with a plan to climb with head torches and be at the summit in time to watch an epic sunrise. The five to six-hour hike is heavy going and is almost solidly uphill, climbing on a path of sometimes deep sand, and other times loose rock.
It is possible to walk across the crater floor. The ascent of OldoinyoLengai is demanding on account of the day time heat, lack of water, steep and unsuitable slopes of ash and crumbly rocks and considerable height gain. Normally you can start ascending to summit early in the morning and reach to summit at sunrise.
