Tanzania..
Tanzania is one of the most beautiful countries in the continent of
Africa. With attractions like the Serengetti and Ngorongoro, Mt.
Kilimanjaro, the Selous and the Spice Islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, it
is difficult to refute such a claim!
World famous for its spectacular wildlife, visitors from around the
world dream of one day experiencing its
treasures.
Tanzania National Parks:
**Serengeti:
You might have heard the name, or watched a documentary on National
Geographic, but to experience it is an experience of a lifetime. The
Serengeti National Park is one of the most incredible places on the
planet. What you might have seen on television or read in a book cannot
do justice to the actual experience. It is just out of this world. This
is the largest of Tanzania’s national parks, measuring 14,763 sq. km's.
The park name is derived from a Maasai word meaning "endless plains" and
houses the largest concentration of wildlife in the world.
The Serengeti is renowned for the huge concentrations of wildebeest and
zebra. Approximately 1,500,000 wildebeest and 250,000 zebra migrate
annually in a circular pattern between the Serengeti National Park’s
Western Corridor and Kenya’s Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Contrary to
belief, the migration of these animals is a continuous affair with
stopover points along the way. These migrationary trends are dependent
on the rains.
Ngorongoro:
NCA is not a National Park, but a conservation authority administered by
the government of Tanzania. Due to the diverse nature of the area the
conservation authority is attempting to co-ordinate the many needs of
the people accessing it. Main conservation projects include wildlife,
people and culture, forestry, archaeological and pre historical,
education and obviously tourism. The area is in such demand by all the
aforementioned factors, that there a definite need to manage these areas
viably. Visitors are therefore requested to respect the rules laid down
by authorities to preserve this naturally rich area.
Regarded as the 8th wonder of the world. Granted the status as a World
Heritage Site in 1978 and an international Biosphere Reserve in 1981, it
is one of the most diverse and fascinating areas of Tanzania.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is home of Ngorongoro Crater. It
was formed some 2.5 million years ago from a volcanic mountain sinking
due to inactivity, and was initially thought to be higher than
Tanzania’s famous Kilimanjaro. The crater has evolved into a unique and
integral part of Tanzania’s eco-system.
A short trip down the road and one will encounter the "Shifting Sands".
This is volcanic sand formed into a dune, and drifts along in its exact
same shape down a large plain forced forward by continuous winds. These
sands have religious significance to Maasai, and its progress has been
marked back as far as 1969.
Visitors often pay the ultimate compliment to Ngorongoro Crater, saying,
"It’s like a zoo". With such a large variety and amount of animals
roaming freely in such a relatively confined space means the
conservation efforts are working, and also indicates that there is no
poaching, as animals are not afraid of human activity. This area is a
must for your northern circuit safari
Arusha National Park:
Arusha National Park is an attractive little park located on the
outskirts of Arusha. Not many visitors visit the park during the year
which is surprising due to the concentrations of wildlife that are found
in the area.
Lake Manyara:
Lake Manayara is one of the most scenic parks that you will encounter on
your journey in Tanzania. Measuring only 330 sq. km, of which the lake
occupies 230 sq. km, it is ideal for a day trip.
Lake Manyara is situated on the base of the escarpment of the Great Rift
Valley. It derives its name from the Maasai word ‘Manyara’ which is a
plant known to us as Euphorbia tiraculli. This plant is used by the
Maasai as a hedge to form a stockade for their cattle. As you approach
the village Mto wa Mbu (pronounced mtowamboe) from Arusha, the rift wall
provides spectacular viewing. Whilst driving up the rift wall, Lake
Manyara appears behind you. The view is breathtaking, as you take in
this massive lake with it’s silver shimmer and surrounding vegetation.
Tarangire:
Welcome to the Tarangire National Park, one of the hidden jewels of
Tanzania. This park measures 2,600 sq km’s and boasts a concentration of
wildlife second only to Ngorongoro Crater. It features an impressive
amount and array of bird life and plant life. Situated only 160km’s from
Arusha, the park is nestled to the south of the large open grass plains
of southern Maasai land. It is named after the Tarangire River, which
runs directly through the center of the park and is the only permanent
water source for the animals. Along the banks of this river you will
find herds of wildebeest (or gnu) and zebra, followed by Grant’s
Gazelle, Thomson’s Gazelle and many others. Lurking in the background
lion and leopard keep a watchful eye on a possible meal.
Travel Guide:
Climate
The weather in Tanzania is tropical on the coast, on the island and in
the Selous. It is temperate in the other parks. Temperatures on Mount
Kilimanjaro and Meru drop to below freezing. In broad terms the pattern
is as follows:
Mid December-March - hot and dry
Late March-late May - hot and wet (referred to as the "long rains")
June-late October - warm and dry
Late October-mid December - warm and wet (referred to as the "short
rains")
Broadly speaking the times to avoid are the rainy seasons. The heavy
rains fall in April, and May, and the light rains fall in November.
The Migration is best viewed in the Serengeti in May-July and Jan to
March. Tarangire is at its best during its dry season from July to
September. Southern Tanzania is best visited between July and early
October.
Health Issues
Malaria: Malaria does occur in Tanzania and it is essential that guests
consult their doctor prior to travel and it is always a good idea to
carry insect repellent on you at all times.
Cholera: This is now a REQUIREMENT for all visitors to Tanzania.
Yellow Fever: This is no longer an ESSENTIAL requirement for Tanzania
but is RECOMMENDED. Visitors should ensure that they have the
inoculation at least 10 days prior to departing for Tanzania and ensure
that they carry the certificate with them as the authorities more often
than not request it upon entry into the country. Should a guest not be
carrying their certificate they could be subjected to a request by
officials for a bribe in order to gain entry into the country. PLEASE
NOTE: Zanzibar authorities will NOT permit anyone entry onto the island
without a valid Yellow Fever certificate.
Entry Requirements
Prior to departing for Tanzania, it is essential that you check with the
Tanzanian embassy or consulate what the visa requirements are for entry.
It is advisable that should a visa be required it is purchased prior to
departure for Tanzania in order to avoid any delays on arrival in
Tanzania. It is possible to purchase a visa on arrival, but it could
mean standing in a queue for a long time after an international flight.
Only US dollar cash is accepted when purchasing a visa on arrival in the
country.
Concerns
Water: It is not advisable to drink the tap water. Although sometimes
not cheap, bottled water is readily available for purchase in the
majority of hotels and some roadside curio stores.
It is recommended that guests carry bottled water with them throughout
their trip, as it can get very hot and dusty while on safari.
Photographing of people (the attractive and distinctive Maasai people
are obvious favourites for visitors), can be a sensitive issue and
usually requires permission and payment.
It is inadvisable to randomly try and take photographs of people along
the roadside as many people now use it as an income and can get fairly
upset and unpleasant
A FINAL WORD:
Things in Africa may not work in the same way as home; some times there
are inexplicable delays. We appreciate your patience. Sit back and enjoy
your safari. Everything will work out in the end.
If anyone need any informattion about our tours in EAST AFRICA PLEASE
LET ME KNOW and will be very happy to assist.
our e-mail is
wonderlandsafaris@tz2000.com
or messenger;abbytoyo@hotmail.com
or skype; abbytoyo
or call me/send sms; +255 784 277 119
''Tanzania travel Information''
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