Mention Tanzania and you’ll conjure up images of diverse landscapes; plains studded with exotic wildlife, vast wetlands brimming with birdlife; towering mountains begging to be climbed; picture perfect beaches beckoning you and ancient cultural villages occupied by traditional Maasai warriors. Tanzania has so much to offer the visitor from the gorgeous beaches to the stunning Ngorongoro Crater. All this and so much more is Tanzania.
Climb mighty Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru
In Tanzania Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m or 19,341 ft) is the only mountain taller than Mount Meru (4,565m or 14,977 ft). Located in Arusha National Park, Mount Meru is known for having an environment that supports diverse plant and animal life. .
Mount Kilimanjaro is located 60 km (38 miles) away from Mount Meru at Kilimanjaro National Park. There are some people who climb either mountain and some succumb to the challenge of climbing both mountains. It is recommended that those who plan to climb both do Mount Meru first in order to obtain the altitude acclimatization needed. The Mount Meru climb is known for being able to see fascinating wildlife and experience a beautiful wilderness. The summit of Kilimanjaro is Kibo and at 19,341 feet above sea level it is the tallest peak in Africa. There are six different routes to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, which can be completed around six or seven days. Depending on the route taken climbers could see the Furtwängler Glacier, which is residue from the ice cap once covered the mountain. On a clear day you can also glimpse Mount Meru in the distance.
Explore the Selous National Park
This is one of the largest game reserves in the world. It covers 54,600 km or 21,100 square miles, and has no permanent human residents or structures. Visitors to the park are able to see large concentrations of elephants, African Wild dogs and more. The Rufiji River runs within the park and is a designated photographic zone, which is popular with tourists. There are walking safaris offered within the reserve, but the boat trips taken on the Rufiji are one of the most popular tourist activities. During the dry season many people go to the park to witness the elephant migration. It is estimated that approximately 64,400 elephant live within the park.
Enjoy the serenity and romance of Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an archipelago made of two island called Unguja and Pemba and offers the perfect spot for relax, relaxation and is the perfect honeymoon spot. The shores around Zanzibar are made up of rugged coral and limestone. Its shore has coconut trees which are next to crystal clear waters that are filled with beautiful marine life. It has historical sites such as Stone Town, where tourists can walk around the narrow streets and experience exotic shops and a variety of street-front cafes. Travellers can explore the Sultan Palace Museum, which is designed with furnishing from a typical 1800s style of royalty. The Peace Memorial Museum houses many of Zanzibar’s most notable items including Doctor Livingstone’s medical chest and more.
Drive into the Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania and has been referred to as the “The Eighth Wonder of the World.” It is believed to be the only place in the world where people and wild animals live together in harmony. The Ngorongoro Crater is the most well-known attraction in the conservation area. It sinks down 610 meters or 668 yards to a base that covers 260 square Kilometers or about 162 miles. The area around the crater is considered the best place in Africa to see black rhinos, lions, cheetahs and Thompson’s gazelle as well of over 400 species of birds. Tourists are limited to game driving but there are several areas designated for picnics.
Discover world-famous Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is known around the world for its migration of millions of wildebeest. When this is added to its high concentration of predators this is a park that can guarantee an exceptional safari experience. It covers 30,000 square kilometers or around 19,000 miles. The immense grass plains are some of the best grazing areas in Africa and home to some of the largest animal herds in the world. Most people see the park by driving through it during the day. There are no night safaris permitted within the park. There are many lodges available for tourists in a reserve next to the Serengeti.
Experience Lake Tarangire and Tarangire National Park
This park is known for the large number of baobab trees, elephants and tree climbing lions that occupy it. It is also known for its more than 550 species of birds and especially its wide variety of breeding birds that call the park home. The Tarangire National Park is also popular for its famous termite mounds. When the termites leave these mounds often become home to the dwarf mongoose. Tourists may enjoy visiting the Hippo Pool as well as take a balloon safari and a boat ride down the Grumeti River. The Olduvai Gorge can be visited and it the place where stone tools were discovered that are 2,100,000 to 15,000 years old.
Enjoy Birding at Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is the second largest freshwater lake in the world with an area of 65,000 square kilometers or around 40 miles. The birds found in the area of Lake Victoria are seldom seen anywhere else in Tanzania. Birds such as the Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Papyrus Canary, White-winged Warbler, Swamp flycatcher and more are in abundance in this area. There are many reserves along the shores of the lake and an organised tour is the best way to explore the area. Travellers can visit such places as the Sio Port Swam where they can see the Black-throated Seedeater, Blue-breasted Bee-eater and more. The Kusa Swamp on the lake is home of the Papyrus Gonolek. The Koguta Swamp is a wetland area where the Papyrus Gonolek as well as the White-winged Warbler.
