TANZANIA
Tanzania is a vast and spectacular place to safari whether it is your first time or your tenth. It is the largest country in East Africa, approximately twice the size of California. This is where our idea of "safari" really began in the early days of the 20th century. Tanzania is known for the melting snow capped peaks of Kilimanjaro, the endless Serengeti plains, Olduvai Gorge which many call the cradle of mankind, Ngorongoro Crater which boasts rich concentration of game, Lake Victoria the largest lake in Africa, and the exotic Zanzibar spice islands. You can choose from a diverse array of locations and activities in Tanzania.
Roughly 25% of the country is designated as wildlife protected areas - National Parks, Game Reserves and Game Controlled Areas - where you can experience the flora and fauna. The Indian Ocean coast offers tropical beaches, coral reefs and great marine life. Tanzania's equatorial climate is mild and pleasant year-round with short-rains in late-November and December and long-rains in April and into May. The onset of rain in late November triggers the annual migration of large mammals and birds. The great Serengeti plains turn green and the zebras take the lead grazing the taller grasses and seed heads. They are followed by 1.2 million wildebeest who are a bit more selective grazers. This is one of the last places on earth where you can witness a huge spectacle of wild animals carrying out this annual circle of life.
Tanzania is a safe, stable and peaceful country with a multi-party democracy. Home to more than 100 different tribal groups, the Maasai are the best known. Many of these pastoralists are living the same lifestyle as their ancestors did centuries ago. Travelers in the northern part of the country will certainly have an opportunity to see them.
English and Kiswahili are spoken here. International airports are located in Kilimanjaro and Dar Es Salaam. There are daily scheduled transfers from Nairobi, Kenya.
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When to go to Tanzania
Temperatures are fairly constant throughout the year with more tropical humidity along the coast and on the islands. The coolest months are June to October with daytime temperatures that range from 68 to 86 F. Overnight temperatures can go down to 50 F in some areas.
The Great Migration is best viewed across the Serengeti plains from May to July and again from November to March. The pilgrimage is prompted by the lack of water in May when the herds begin moving west and north from the southern plains. The wildebeests mate in May and June and eventually cross into Kenya's Masai Mara during the months of July through October. The herds begin to head back south in November and they are back on the southern plains again by December. Calving starts in February.
Some camps and lodges close during the long-rains in April and May because road conditions can sometimes be very difficult.
Passport & Visa for Tanzania
Your passport must be valid for at least six month after the date of your return from Tanzania. A visa is required to visit Tanzania. It is advisable to obtain your visa prior to arrival in Tanzania. For further information:
http://www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org/tzevisa.html
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Medical Information for Tanzania
Before traveling to Africa, please consult with your physician. An International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required to enter Zanzibar. It is also required for travelers arriving Tanzania from countries where yellow fever is present. This list includes Kenya. The certificate must be obtained no less than 10 days prior to your arrival into Tanzania. Check with the nearest Tanzanian Embassy for updated information. You will also need a malaria prophylaxis.
For further information:
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationTanzania.aspx
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Highlights
These are the most popular destinations in Tanzania:
Serengeti National Park covers more than 9,000 square miles, much of it a vast and seemingly endless plain interrupted by the characteristic "kopjes." These rocky outcrops were the inspiration for "Pride Rock" in Disney's "The Lion King" that brought this world to life for millions around the world in the animated film and stage musical. With several million large animals involved in seasonal migration alone, the Serengeti has the greatest concentration wildlife unparalleled in the world. The never ceasing quest for grazing drives the 500 mile, round-trip migration route each year. This is one of the places where the "Big 5" (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino) can be seen. Visitors come for a front row seat to the circle of life, as it plays out year-round across the savanna.
Ngorongoro Crater is one of the largest calderas in the world and is home to a great number of animals making it an ideal place for game viewing. Driving down the steep sides takes you to the 100 square-mile crater floor. At certain times of the year, thousands of flamingos stage spectacular displays here at Lake Magadi.
Olduvai Gorge is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) and was established as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1974. This is where Mary Leakey discovered of a skull of a Australopithecus boisei dated at 1.8 million years old in 1959. At the time, this was the oldest known human ancestor and began the human evolution debate. The gorge has long been recognized as a paleoanthropologic gem by the National Geographic Society because of the layering of volcanic deposits that date back over two million years.
Tarangire National Park is located just 75 miles southwest of Arusha and has some of the highest population density of elephants anywhere in Tanzania. The sparse vegetation dotted with baobab and acacia trees, makes for wonderful game viewing. The Tarangire River is a permanent water source drawing animals especially in the dry season.
If you like getting off to remote places you might consider going into the wilds of Tanzania...
Mahale Mountains National Park is the best place in the word to view chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The remote location boasts a stunning setting on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganika. The park is only accessible by private charter and boat.
Katavi National Park is located in a very remote area of western Tanzania. This park has few visitors and first rate game viewing. This is where you can have one of those "off the beaten track" experiences that most can only dream of.
Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania covers a huge area measuring more than 21,000 square-miles with most of it untouched by human activities. The few lodges and camps are located in the northern section. The Rufiji River is the place to see game during the dry season months between June and November.
Mkomazi Game Reserve lies between Mt Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean and is adjacent to Kenya's Tsavo National Park. Brought back from the brink of ecological disaster during the last 15 years, this area has become a model for wildlife rehabilitation and preservation. There are active breeding programs here for endangered black rhino and African wild dogs.
Safari extensions to consider...
These are popular destinations to begin or end your safari. Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro can be an exhilarating achievement especially when shared with friends or family. The Indian Ocean islands are the perfect place for diving, fishing, snorkeling or just enjoying the white sand beaches and warm turquoise waters.
Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest permanently snow-capped, free standing mountain in Africa topping at 19,340 feet at the Uhuru Peak. The ascent is non-technical taking you from tropical jungle through montane forests to glacial fields. Allow five to six days for this adventure. The best times to climb are December to February when it is warmest and clearest, or July to September when it is dry, but colder. Reaching the summit at the top of Africa is an awesome goal to conquer.
Zanzibar Archipelgo is a series of islands just 23 miles off the coast. The largest is Zanzibar with the historic capital city Stone Town and Pemba which lies to the north. These exotic locales provide a fascinating history, diverse cultural offerings, spice plantations, beautiful beaches, excellent fishing and diving. The best time to visit is July through October when the ideal tropical climate is comfortable with warm breezes and little rain. January to March is dry with much warmer temperatures.
Click here for Tanzania itinerary ideas, camps and lodges, mobile safaris and private guides.
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