Tanzania National Parks
Arusha National Park
Once quoted as being 'a gem among parks' this is the closest to Arusha.
There are three distinct zones that contribute to the park's overall allure - Ngurdoto Crater, Mount Meru and the Momella Lakes. Formed some 15 million years ago, Ngurdoto Crater is today a steep sided pudding dish surrounded by forest. The floor is covered by lush swamps and riverine forest and is home to rhino, elephant, buffalo, baboon, warthog, olive baboon and the black and white colobus monkey. Mosses, ferns, lichen and orchids thrive here, giving way to mahogany, olive trees and wild date palms on the drier walls.
Mount Meru (4,565m/14,990ft) is the fifth highest mountain in Africa - much more than the achievement, the climb is rewarding for the multitude of beautiful and interesting plants and animals found along its forested slopes. The Momella Lakes were formed as a result of the volcanic activity that gave birth to Mount Meru. Surrounded by mixed moor and grasslands, this group of seven alkaline lakes are fed by underground streams and are quite shallow. These beautiful lakes are the haunt of over 380 species of birds.
Momella Lodge - A cozy hotel with an alpine feel. Accommodation is in chalets
Mikumi National Park
This is perhaps the most accessible and popular of Tanzania's national parks. The main feature here is the open grasslands of the Mikumi flood plain which is bordered on two sides by mountain ranges. On the southern end one can spot the yellow baboon, impalas, reedbucks and other antelope. Some distance to the north are the Hippo Pools dominated by hippo, as well as a variety of water birds.
The area around these pools is open plain where you can see all kinds of game from the Lichtenstein's hartebeest to the somewhat rare wild dog. Black-bellied bustards, ground hornbills and black turkeys are also found on the plains.
There are two other major water holes, Mkata and Chamgore ('place of the python'). Here there are saddle-bill stork, hammer kop, malachite kingfisher and the deadly writhing python. The pink Jacaranda is one of the most beautiful trees in this part of the park which is dotted by small glades of Hyphaene palm, shady figs and occasional baobab.
Many trails lead across black cotton soil which transforms to nightmarish bog during the wet season. On the far eastern side of the plains the black-backed jackal is a common predator - this is one of the few mammal species that mates for life.
Mikumi Wildlife Lodge - A former government owned hotel, this modern style lodge sits on a ridge above a waterhole where animals often come to drink.
Mikumi Wildlife Camp - Functional accommodation in bandas
Mount Kilimanjaro
Rising 5,896 metres (19,340ft) from the stark flat dry savannah plains, snow-capped Kilimanjaro is a spectacle of pure unadulterated beauty. A sight so stunning, it can only dominate and etch itself into one's memory forever. The mountain owes its existence to the formation of the Great Rift Valley and is actually three volcanic cones that, due to their proximity, became one - Shira, Mawenzi and Kibo - together they make the highest free standing mountain in the world.
It is possible to climb thls 'wedding cake' mountain all year round although the best times are the dry months of January, February and July through to September. Anglers can find trout in the delightful crystal cold rivers up to a height of 2000 metres (6557 ft). The most interesting aspect during the climb is the textbook vegetational graduation - distinct bands of vegetation at different altitudes.
First one comes across grassland where at night one can hear the clatter of galagos and can see the genet cat, although this zone is most notable for its prolific birdlife. Next there is the damp forest zone. Dense trailing fronds of lianas hang everywhere from trees with heavily buttressed trunks. Here a wealth of animal and birdlife abounds as does the Impatiens kilimanjaro - a scarlet and yellow flower found nowhere else in the world. The alpine zone is made up entirely of giant hearth and moorland and here you may catch sight of rare birds of prey.
The auger buzzard, Mackinder's owl, Verreaux's eagle and the Lammergeier who mostly feed on rodents and the last two zones of highland-desert and summit are the most testy with about half the oxygen at sea level, high ultraviolet radiation by day and freezing temperatures by night. Those who conquer this enigmatic Mountain will find themselves left breathless for more than one reason.
Ngorongoro Crater
At 18 kilometres (11 miles) across, the Ngorongoro Crater is the largest perfect caldera in the world. This outstanding wonder is only one of the attractions within a vast and diverse conservation area. High mountain forest extends to the lip of the crater. Crotons dominate the low altitudes which blend into red thorn acacias, pillar woods and strangler fig as one moves higher.
Among the branches of the dense green canopy, a variety of bird species search for food in the partial gloom. The forest then recedes to give breathtaking views of the crater's vertiginous void. Grasslands, swamps, lakes, rivers, woodlands, mountains and wildlife are all present in this wonderous microcosm of Africa.
As you descend, Lake Magadi is centre stage with Seneto Springs to the left, Gorigor Swamp to the right and the Terai Forest in the foreground. The Gol Mountains nudge the far crater rim. Grazers dominate with zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, buffalo, eland, hartebeest, warthogs and intriguingly, only bull elephant. Lion and hyena frequent the many ponds, with the nocturnal side-striped jackal predators. Ostrich and kori bustard are the distinctive grassland birds. The swamps, ponds and rivers support an ever present population of waterbirds and during the wet months the open pools play host to a variety of Eurasian migrants.
Gibb's Farm - Situated about 45 minutes from the crater it offers good food and rustic accommodation in a peaceful setting surrounded by coffee plantations.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge - Situated on the crater rim this rustic lodge maintains a traditional safari character with good food and a warm friendly atmosphere.
Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge - This lodge offers great panoramic views and overlooks Lekai Forest on the crater floor.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge - A strikingly designed lodge built on the northern crater rim with a short and easy descent to the crater floor. The lodge has spacious centrally heated bedrooms and impressive public areas.
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge - This interesting new lodge has been designed as a monument to prehistoric life being constructed into the crater rim in stone matching the existing contours of the site (Opening April 1996). Fish Eagle Ngorongoro Crater
Olduvai Gorge
Between Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti plains lies the narrow fifty kilometer long (31 mile) strip of the legendary Olduvai Gorge - where some of the most important fossil humanoid remains have been unearthed. The gorge has been a surprisingly productive site for archaeological excavations due to a number of important factors.
Millions of years ago the area was abundantly inhabited by many species of animal. Finds have shown these to include a sabre toothed big cat, a horned giant giraffe, two kinds of elephant and various predecessors of today's plains game and of course, early man. Together, all their remains were preserved in the alkaline mud of the lake that once covered the area.
Over the centuries these were fossilized and only exposed recently when a seasonal river cut through the ancient beds. It was here that the Leakeys discovered the partial skull of the now famous Zinjanthropus, who lived some 175 million years ago. In places, the gorge rises up 60 metres (197 feet) and the layers of sediment deposited in the ancient lake can be seen clearly. The bones and teeth of over 150 species of animal have been excavated from the gorge's rich stretch and an almost continuous record of human habitation has been recreated from excavated artifacts, from the earliest tool users to the Stone Age.
Ruaha National Park
Second largest of Tanzanian national parks, it takes its name from the Great Ruaha River that flows along its eastern border. The Ruaha's miombo woodland on the surface looks like a rather monotonous thicket of verdure but it actuality is a thriving biosphere. Here more the 1,600 species of plant and over 400 species of birdlife have been identified. The sharp ornithologist can easily spot the violet-crested turaco, Dickenson's kestrel, pale-billed hornbill, racquet-tailed roller and occasionally, the elusive Eleonora's falcon. The Park's main wildlife spectacle however centres around the Great Ruaha River and here crocodiles bask, hippos wallow and clawless otters zip to and fro. Grazers come down through the acacia to drink under the gaze of lion, leopard, spotted hyena, jackal and hunting dog. Eurasian migrant birds flock here twice a year and join the resident water birds - everything from kingfishers to egrets. The grassland ribbons on either side of the river team with kudu, eland, impala, Grant's gazelle, dik-dik and warthog as well as mongoose, porcupine, wild cat and the rare civet.
Ruaha River Camp - Constructed on and around a kopje overlooking the Great Ruaha River, the lodge offers a variety of accommodation in stone and thatched rondavels and the dining room and bars have elevated position above the river offering spectacular views.
Mwagusi Camp - A small personal camp in a beautiful location on the Mwagusi Sand River
Msembe Camp - A functional camp near the river
Selous Game Reserve
The vast majority of Tanzania's elephant herd live in one remote stretch of safari wilderness - the Selous Game Reserve. Stiegler's Gorge is one of the Park's most striking features. This gaping chasm channels the frothing confluence of the Great Ruaha and Rufiji Rivers. After this bottle neck, the Rufiji swells through the Park down to the Indian Ocean forming a series of small lakes that serve as an important source of water for the multitude of the plains game. The hinterland around Lake Tagalala and Beho Beho is some of the most picturesque in the area.
Some distance from Lake Tagalala, whose shape and size is in a constant state of flux, hidden in a ravine surrounded by lush vegetation are the Maji Moto hot springs. In this fascinating area, waterbuck, southern reedbuck and bushbuck are common. During the dry season, rare sable antelope, lion and greater kudu frequent the Lake. Lined with Borassus palms, the muddy Rufiji is the Selous Game Reserve's main artery. During the dry season between June and October the river banks explode in a spectacular flood of the plains animals quenching their thirst all under the opportunistic eye of crocodile. The reserve is home to over 350 species of birdlife.
Mbuyu Camp - A small and personalised luxury tented camp situated on the banks of the Rufiji River. Game viewing focuses on and around the river and lake systems by boat 4-wheel drive vehicles and on foot.
Rufiji River Camp - Standing tents set on a bank overlooking the river.
Sand River Selous - Accommodation consist of 5 luxury cottages built in rustic style each overlooking the Rufiji River. Game walks are the main attraction here, although game viewing is also done by boat and in 4-wheel drive vehicles.
Selous Safari Camp - Accommodation is self-contained cabins on a hill overlooking the lakes.
Stiegler's Gorge Camp - An exclusive camp with cabins on a hill overlooking the sheer spectacular gorge.
Serengeti National Park
The name comes from the Maasai 'siringet' which means 'endless plains', and the Serengeti is just that. Within its 14,763 square kilometres (5,000 square miles) dwell an estimated 3 million large animals - this is one of the world's last great wildlife sanctuaries. It is from here that the famous army of grazers begins its legendary trek in search of new grazing lands. The best time to see heavy concentration of game is between January and February. Life on the Serengeti is a complex cycle, the defining factor of which is the rain.
Though the precise timing varies each year, it usually occurs around May. The columns of herbivores stretch up to forty kilometres long (25 miles) as they make their way up north toward Kenya's Maasai Mara from where they eventually return some eight and a half months later. Packs of wild dog usually follow, preying on the sick and weak. Cheetah, lion, leopard and hyenas can be frequently spotted at a kill but - more so in the Seronera Valley which is characterised by an amazing abundance of mainly lion and leopard. Often rock hyrax can be spotted on granite mounds on the Sunset over Serengeti plains, they burrow close to these small outcroppings keeping a watchful eye out for serval cat and jackal.
Seronera Wildlife Lodge - Impressively built around a kopje, this lodge offers simple accommodation and an ideal base for game viewing in the Serengeti.
Lobo Wildlife Lodge - Sister lodge to Seronera, this lodge is similarly built amongst the kopjes with superb views.
Kijireshi Tented Camp - Functional tents on Serengeti's western border.
Grumeti River Camp - A small luxury camp in a remote area of the Western Corridor of the Serengeti and road access is by 4-wheel drive vehicles only.
Ndutu Safari Lodge - Situated near the border of the Serengeti in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ndutu offers simple and comfortable accommodation.
Camp Serengeti South and Camp Serengeti Mara (North) - These small deluxe camps situated at opposite ends of the Serengeti are based on the traditional safari concept of all canvas accommodation, safari showers and long-drop loos. To maintain an exclusivity they are reserved for clients arriving by air.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge - Offers a luxurious standard of safari accommodation with large modern bedrooms and spacious public areas.
Serengeti Serena Lodge - This new lodge is situated on a hill deep in the heart of Central Serengeti with separate rondavels housing the luxury bedrooms.
Kirawira Camp - This exclusive camp with only 25 double tents with a unique pioneer day atmosphere.
Kliens Camp - An exclusive lodge situated on a 25,000 acre private game ranch on the north eastern boundary of the Serengeti. Opened in 1995, Kliens Camp follows the concept of Kenya's private game ranches, the first of its kind in Tanzania.
Tarangire National Park
The Park derives its name from the Tarangire River which rises in Tanzania's central highland and snakes its way through the length of this sanctuary. The river lures thousands of plains game to the banks of its brackish waters especially during the dry season. At this time the concentration of animals in the park rivals that of the Serengeti. These animals share the Tarangire's permanent pools with a diverse bird population that ranges from Fischer's lovebirds to purple gallinule. With the onset of short rains in October, there occurs a great migratory dispersal of animals. Herds of wilderbeest and zebra flood to the north, followed by the bulk of remaining animals to the east and south. Soon all that's left are the resident species of waterbuck, impala, warthog, dik-dik, giraffe, rhino and lesser kudu. This transition of season is a magical time and is perhaps the best to experience the amazing animal exodus - rivaled only by the annual Mara migration. The second and even longer rains are at their heaviest in early April but end abruptly in June. The plain grasses dry up and the animals flock once again toward the river.
Camp Tarangire - Sister Camp to Camp Serengeti Mara and South offering similar accommodation. Access is restricted to clients arriving by air.
Tarangire Safari Lodge - Conveniently located lodge with superb views offering simple accommodation in tents and cottages.
Tarangire Sopa - Situated deep in the Park, it is fair to say that this lodge is currently the best lodge in the Park with spacious public areas and all suite accommodation.
Lake Manyara National Park
Described by Hemingway in the "Green Hills of Africa", this once prime hunting ground is today a national park of unsurpassed beauty. Lying on the floor of the Eastern Rift Valley, Lake Manyara spreads out in a shallow depression, dominating the scene and standing out starkly against a backdrop of the sheer red cliff of the western escarpment.
One enters Manyara from the village of Mto wa Mbu or 'Mosquito Creek' - the only place in Africa where one can hear the four major language groups. The entrance of the Picturesque Mt. Kilimanjaro Park is dominated by a rich groundwater forest. Here elephants feed on the fallen wild fig and blue monkey, vevet, baboon, bushbuck, waterbuck, nocturnal aardvark, civet, pangolin and leopard can be seen. Buffalo and hippo wallow in the nearby Hippo Pool where most of the park's 380 species of birdlife can be spotted.
The vegetation eventually merges into flat-topped acacia woodland where, in the heat of the day, entire prides of lion can be seen stretched on the branches of these trees - a habit only endemic to Manyara lions. Along with these amazing tree-climbing lions there are the usual browsers and grazers as well as the interesting banded mongoose. Two thirds of the park is dominated by the slightly alkaline lake which is home to a seemingly endless variety of water birds.
Lake Manyara Hotel - Perched on top of the Rift Valley escarpment offering superb views across the park.
Kiruruma Tented Camp - Tents set in acacia woodland over-looking the lake
Maji Moto Camp - This small luxury tented camp is in a prime location in the park nestling in a grove of acacia trees on the southern shore of the lake.
Lake Manyara Serena - Set on the edge on the Mto Wa Mbu escarpment this new lodge offers breathtaking views
