Tanzania
The greatest concentration of wildlife on earth, the largest animal migration, magnificent scenery, fascinating cultures and a natural ‘safari circuit’, make Tanzania probably our favourite safari destination, particularly for first time safari-goers.
Tanzania really does have it all and for the sheer size and range of wildlife seen year-round, and varied and stunningly beautiful scenery, Tanzania never fails to impress its visitors. The country is politically very stable, its people friendly and welcoming, and with a safari through northern Tanzania taking you through the land of many different tribes, including the Masai, a safari in Tanzania gives you a true insight into Africa, including both its wildlife and people.
Tanzania is also home to the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro at over 19,000 feet high. Treks up the mountain, from six to eight days, can be organised, often in conjunction with a safari. Similarly many visitors choose to spend some time relaxing after the excitement of a safari on the beautiful tropical Tanzanian beaches. The ‘Spice Island’ of Zanzibar is a fascinating mix of African and Arab cultures, with the old Stone Town, a World Heritage site, and some lovely, small and intimate beach lodges located on gorgeous beaches, being a favourite choice for many.
More remote, southern Tanzania has the largest game reserve in Africa, the Selous, and even more remote Ruaha and Katavi National Parks. These can easily be reached by scheduled flights from Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar.
See two sample Tanzanian safari itineraries and one Kilimanjaro climb below:
Itinerary
Outline of Safari Itinerary, for January to May 2012
Arusha, 1 night. Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport, to Ngaresero Lodge near Arusha, on the slopes of Mt Meru.
Tarangire Park, 2 nights. Game drives for elephants, lion, herbivores, baobab trees and spectacular bird-life. Tarangire Safari Camp.
Lake Eyasi, 2 nights. Visit the lake for bird watching, walk with the Wahadzape hunter-gatherers in one of the most ancient unchanged rituals on earth. Kisima Ngeda Camp.
Ngorongoro Crater, 2 nights. Full day game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater: lion, hyena, hippo, elephant, antelope, black rhino and stunning scenery. Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, overlooking Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti National Park, 3 nights. Game driving via Olduvai Gorge through the Serengeti to your mobile camp set amongst the great plains, providing easy access to the huge herds that range over these plains at this time of the year. Lion, leopard, cheetah, jackal and hyena are all present in good numbers. Serengeti Private Camp.
Loliondo Game Control Area, 2 nights. . Drive to your semi-permanent camp in a concession area bordering the Serengeti. Game drives, game walks and night drives are available in this area rich in wildlife and beauty. Walk with Masai guides and enjoy a piece of Africa all to yourselves! Nduara Loliondo Camp.
Arusha. Scheduled light aircraft flight to Arusha to connect with onward international flights from Kilimanjaro Airport.
Cost: 4 clients from $6,480 per person in twin bedded accommodation. Single Supplement $990.
Using private 4 x 4 vehicle on safari with experienced guide.
Itinerary
Selous Game Reserve, 4 nights . You will be met off your flight into Dar Es Salaam Airport and taken to your light aircraft flight to the Selous. Selous Wilderness Camp on a full board basis including all activities - game drives, walks and boat safaris on the Rufiji River. Elephant, crocodile, hippos, giraffe, lion and leopard may all be seen along with many other herbivores.
Stone Town, Zanzibar, 2 nights. After a final activity from the Selous Wilderness Camp, fly from the Selous to Zanzibar and transfer to the Swahili House on a bed & breakfast basis in deluxe rooms.
Zanzibar beach, 3 nights. Transfer by road to Fumba Beach Lodge on a half board basis. Relax by the pool or on the beach, take boat trips or excursions to other parts of the island as you wish.
Zanzibar Airport. Afternoon transfer to Zanzibar Airport for flights to Dar Es Salaam or Nairobi for onward connections.
Cost: From $2,345 per person, based on a minimum of two people in twin or double bedded rooms.
Itinerary
The climb approaches the mountain from the west over the Shira Plateau, giving a much more wilderness experience than most routes up this popular mountain, and with visits to the little-used Shira Cathedral, Moir Valley and Lent Hills. This is a fully portered climb, using the African Walking Company, whose excellent and experienced mountain guides, cooks and mountain equipment all make a huge difference to your climb. Sleeping in mountain tents, and eating good food in a mess tent, and with extra nights on the mountain and acclimatisation hikes built into the itinerary, all increase your chances of a successful summit.
The Shira Route is considered a more challenging route than others, with longer on the mountain and more ascents and descents before the summit attempt, but for experienced hill-walkers looking for a route that is 'off the beaten track', this is our recommended route.
Day 1. Arrive in Arusha to your lodge for a climb briefing and dinner.
Day 2. Driven to Kilimanjaro and start your trek. Nights in mountain tents, walking from 3 to 7 hours a day.
Day 8. Summit day and then down the moutain via the Mweka Route, overnight final camp.
Day 9. Walk though the moorland and beautiful forest to Mweka Gate. Driven back to Arusha and your lodge.
Day 10. Trip ends after breakfast, safari and beach options or to Airport for flight home.
Cost : $2,685 per person sharing, based on minimum group size of four.
Includes all park fees, camp fees, mountain rescue fees, guides, porters, camp equipment and food. Scheduled group departures every Friday except in March, April, May and November.
Mount Kilimanjaro
At over 19,000 ft, Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. The walk to the summit takes a minimum of five days and can be achieved by any fit and active person, with the desire to reach the top. It is a walk requiring no technical ability, but the altitude and cold causes some discomfort. There are a number of routes to the summit, some using basic mountain huts, others tents, but the use of porters and experienced mountain guides greatly increases visitors chances of reaching the snow-capped summit, and standing on the 'Roof of Africa'.
The Ngorongoro Crater, Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Much photographed with the spectacular 2000 ft crater wall as the back-drop to every picture, the Ngorongoro Crater is a mini-Africa rolled into 100 sq. miles. It has one of the highest densities of lion and hyena in Africa: predators who control the wildebeest, buffalo, zebra and gazelle that number around 25,000. It is a fascinating and beautiful ecosystem where you have an excellent chance of seeing the endangered black rhino.
The Selous Game Reserve
Africa's largest reserve at over 22,000 square miles, with the continent's greatest population of elephants, and huge numbers of crocs and hippo, the Selous is less visited than the northern parks due to its remoteness and the need to fly in. Because of this, wildlife is generally more shy, but for many visitors it is this sense of wildness, and the opportunity to take escorted walks and small boat trips on the Rufiji River as well as game drives by open vehicle, that makes the Selous so enticing. Accommodation in the Selous is usually in small luxury permanent tented camps.
The Serengeti National Park
Possibly the most famous National Park in the world, and Tanzania's largest, the Serengeti is home to around 1.25 million wildebeest, 300,000 gazelle, 250,000 zebra, as well as buffalo, elephant, giraffe and much more. This makes it one of the most remarkable game viewing areas in the world, with lion, hyena, jackal and leopard prevalent, and the Serengeti remains the premier cheetah park in Africa. It's size provides areas that are rarely visited by the usual safaris, with a great diversity of habitats.
The Serengeti has excellent viewing year round, but it is important to be in the right area of this huge park at the right time of the year. Generally, the southern plains are the place to be from December to May, during the birthing season of the zebra, gazelle and wildebeest, whilst during the dry season from July to October, the central, western and northern areas of the park are the most rewarding. This pattern is loosely following the last great wildlife migration on earth!
The Tanzanian Coast including Zanzibar
The coast of Tanzania offers beautiful and unspoilt tropical beaches, with opportunities for water sports and some excellent scuba diving. Accommodation can be in first class hotels, or more rustic natural beach chalets. The island of Zanzibar is a fascinating mix of Arab and African influences, and visiting the old Stone Town is like stepping back in time. Days at the coast can usually be arranged at the end of any safari.
Tarangire National Park.
Tarangire's huge baobab trees dominate its beautiful landscape where elephants are numerous, with a population of around 4,000 using the Tarangire ecosystem. During the dry season, (July to October), large herds of plains game are drawn to the waters of the Tarangire River, providing excellent hunting for the many species of predators present, particularly lion and leopard.
Lake Manyara National Park
This small park is squeezed between the Rift Valley Wall and Lake Manyara, accommodating an extraordinary range of habitats within its boundaries. Very approachable elephants and the famous tree-climbing lions are its most well-known inhabitants, as well as giraffe, buffalo, hippo, zebra and wildebeest, but Manyara is also home so a stunning wealth of beautiful and colourful bird species of all shapes and sizes.
