Tanzania

NORTHERN CIRCUIT

Serengeti

"Serengeti" comes from a Maasai word Siringit meaning 'endless plains', a just title for the world's most famous National Park. National Geographic Magazine describes the Serengeti as a "destination of a lifetime- the must-see spot for the complete traveller", one of the "last bastions of Eden". The Serengeti extends over some 5,700 sq. miles - roughly the size of Connecticut - supporting over four million mammals and birds and the greatest concentration of wildlife on the planet.

The Serengeti has 3 distinct areas - the Seronera area (which is roughly in the middle) which has good resident game all year round, and the northern and western corridors which are good when the migration is in these areas. It is perhaps the short grass plains of the Seronera area in the south of the Park that is perhaps best known to the first-time visitor. It is here that we find the kopje outcrops, the small granite rock formations that loom out of the seas of grass to form a distinct habitat for several species and a perfect viewing point for some of the big cats that populate these predator-rich plains. Equally scenic and with its own distinct ecosystem is the acacia savannah and wooded grasslands in the north of the Park, in the Lobo/Grumeti area where the Serengeti meets the Kenyan Maasai Mara. It is in this region that the Migration begins to congregate for the push to the birthing plains of the South.

Ngorongoro

Ngorongoro has an immediate and overwhelming initial impact, and like any great natural sculpture, grows in stature with familiarity. Designated as a World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater has one of the largest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. An estimated 25,000 large mammals make it, along with the Serengeti, the principal attraction on the northern Tanzanian safari circuit. This cross-section of wildlife is as diverse as you will find, dispersed amongst an amazing array of ecosystems within this natural amphitheater. It is home to one of the few remaining populations of black rhino in Tanzania and just about every other East African mammal (although leopard sightings are rare).

Within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, on the Naabi Plains that unfurl between the Crater and the Serengeti, lies Olduvai Gorge, popularly known as "The Cradle Of Mankind". It was here that Dr. Louis Leakey and his wife Mary first discovered the remains of Zinjanthropus Bosei, a distant ancestor of man believed to be 1.8 million years old and Australopithecus Bosei, the 'Nutcracker Man', a species that became extinct about 1 million years ago. There were also fossilized footprints, remains of ancient tools and bones from various prehistoric species which are now extinct.

The Ngorongoro crater is just one part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area which was formed in 1959 to safeguard the interests of the indigenous Maasai, who still retain the right to take their cattle down to drink at the lakes.

Unique and diverse, the Ngorongoro Crater, although a "must see", is relatively small once inside and most people find that one full day or two seperate descents is quite sufficient. It's size compared to the vast expanse of the Serengeti means that you will see many other vehicles, especially in peak season. The Ngorongoro highlands are also good for walking and there are many interesting Masaai villages to explore as well as a number of other extinct and active volcanoes like Olmoti, Empakaai and Ol Donyo Lengai to the north.

Tarangire NP

This park offers picturesque views of Africa. Savannah lands, acacia stands, clusters of baobab trees, large herds of elephant and large tracts of rarely visited gamelands making this the epitome of the Tanzanian safari experience.

The park is named after the Tarangire river that runs through the center of the park providing the only permanent water source in the area. Tarangire is thus a dry season habitat (between July and November) because of the perennial water in the Tarangire river that attracts wildlife from much of the northern circuit ecosystems. By October, the park is full, the population swelled by mini-migrations of wildebeest and zebra that join the vast herds of elephant at the water holes. However, there is a permanent and sizeable resident population throughout the year, including all the predators (lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena and hunting dog), elephant and some mammals rarely seen in the other parks, such as greater kudu and fringe-eared oryx.

Lake Manyara NP

Lake Manyara National Park is a small and verdant oasis of life in the confines of the East African Rift Valley. Lake Manyara, nestling at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, is a 125 sq. mile park of which two-thirds is covered by water. The name derives from "emanyara", the Maasai word for prickly euphorbia thorns.

In addition to flamingos, the park is known for its large and boisterous hippo population, populous groups of baboons and several herds of elephant, whose tempers can be a little short as a result of the years of poaching that decimated their number. Another phenomenon distinct to Manyara is the occasional sighting of tree-climbing lions.

Arusha NP

Arusha NP is a little gem that includes a rich tapestry of habitats with 3 distinct zones that contribute to its variety and beauty: the lush swamps of Ngurdoto Crater; the tranquil beauty of the Momela Lakes, each a different hue; and the chill rocky alpine heights of Mount Meru rising to 4,566 metres (14,990 feet).

The park is also reputed to have the highest density of giraffe on Earth. Momella Lakes are a cluster of shallow alkaline lakes to the East of the park, which attract seasonal flocks of flamingo and migrant birds.

Ngurdoto Crater is a small 4 sq. miles crater with a constant resident wildlife within its walls. The crater is inaccessible by vehicle but several viewpoints dotted around the forest-fringed rim afford good views of the congregated wildlife within as well as sweeping vistas of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The highland forest around the crater as well as the slopes of Mt. Meru harbour the rare Black and White Colobus monkey.

Mt. Meru is the second highest peak in Tanzania, shadowed by Kilimanjaro, its more celebrated cousin across the Maasai Steppe. Meru's size once surpassed Kilimanjaro's until a lava explosion blew out the eastern face. The diverse geology of the area is reflected in the breathtaking view of the ash cone and 4,500 ft. cliff face leading to the summit. The climb to the Meru summit takes the visitor through vegetational changes through forest aflame with red hot pokers, dripping Spanish moss, carpeted with clover rising to open heath, spiked with giant lobelias to moorland which helps support the various fascinating wildlife and flora. Everlasting flowers cling to the alpine desert, as delicately hooved klipspringers mark their progress. The reward from the summit is the unparalleled views of the majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro and the East African Rift Valley. Astride the craggy summit, Kili stands before you, breathtaking, blushing in the sunrise.

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Mt. Kilimajaro, rising in absolute isolation, at 5,895 metres (19,336 feet), is Africa's highest mountain and one of the worlds most accessible high summits. But there is so much more to Kili than her summit. A journey up her slopes takes you on a climatic world tour, from the tropics to the arctic. The grassy and cultivated lower slopes turn into lush rainforest. Higher still, heath and moorland, covered with giant heathers, becomes surreal alpine desert and, finally, ice, snow and the magnificent beauty as you look downward from the very top of the continent.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the most challenging mountain on the Africa safari circuit for hiking/climbing and we have joined forces with two of the most specialised operators in East Africa to offer you a selection of climbing programs. Ask us for details...

SOUTHERN CIRCUIT

Selous GR

The Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania is the largest game reserve in Africa. This 45,000 sq. km reserve is home to Africa's largest populations of elephant, buffalo, hippo and crocodile, with some of the last remaining packs of wild dog, over 400 species of birds, and 2000 varieties of plants, shrubs and trees. The reserve is of such ecological diversity and importance that it was designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1982.

The Selous remains unchanged from the days of the earliest colonial settlers. A true wilderness. To this day there are no permanent inhabitants to be found in this vast area comprising sandy rivers, tall grasslands and swathes of woodland. Named after the celebrated hunter turned conservationist, Frederick Courtney Selous, the Selous National Park still retains a sense of wild remoteness.

The Selous is one of Africa's least frequented wildlife sanctuaries...a destination for the dedicated African wildlife enthusiast.

Ruaha NP

Ruaha is one of the most unspoilt and remote national parks in east Africa. It has an ecosystem as big as the Serengeti yet it has few foreign visitors in comparison. Established in 1910 and gazetted as a national park in 1964 the park is part of the Ruaha ecosystem which also includes the Rungwa-Kisigio Game Reserve to the north-west, totaling an area of 26,500 sq. kms. This vast area protects the catchment for both the Great Ruaha and Mzombe rivers. Ruaha is interesting, as it represents a transition zone where eastern and southern African species of fauna and flora overlap. The park forms the most southerly range where grants gazelle, lesser kudu and the striped hyena are to be found. Also to be seen are greater kudu, sable, eland and roan antelope - all more southern African species. Lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog are all found here together with a number of smaller predators. Ruaha's 8,000 resident elephants remain the largest population in east Africa. Giraffe, zebra, impala and buffalo are all to be found along with a miriad of other species. Ruaha also boasts one of the last remaining strong holds for African wild dog.

Mikumi NP

Situated close to the northern border of the Selous GR, Mikumi is one of the more accessible of Tanzania's National Parks being only 280 kms west of Dar. The main feature of the park is the Mikumi floodplain, along with the mountain ranges that border the park on two sides. Open grasslands dominate on the floodplain, eventually merging with the miombo woodland covering the lower hills. Here, observation towers allow panoramic views of the plains below, home to vast herds of buffalo, lion, elephant, zebra, wildebeeste, giraffe, haartebeest and much more.

Mikumi is also the base for excursions to Udzungwa National Park: a fascinating forest reserve which boasts it's own endemic monkeys: the 'Mangaby' and Iringa Red Colobus and several endemic birds including the Rufus-winged sunbird. A climb through the forest to the Sanje waterfall is not for the feint-hearted, but well worth the effort, with the chance to see Black and White Colubus monkeys, the above endemics, and spectacular views.

WESTERN CIRCUIT

Mahale

There are few natural environments more seductive than Mahale. It is achingly beautiful and unspoilt. Tropical mountains rise up from the pale sandy beaches of Lake Tanganyika, rivers tumble down waterfalls to the shoreline, through fairy-tale forest valleys, providing stunning hiking terrain. Over 90 unique species of fish swim meanwhile in the gin-clear waters of the lake.

The Mahale Mountains rise on the far western border of Tanzania, some 90 miles south of Kigoma. Arusha is 540 miles to the north-east. This is absolutely the best place in the world for tourists to view wild chimpanzees, and staggeringly beautiful besides. The Mahale Mountains lie on Lake Tanganyika on the far Western border of Tanzania. The park is 1613 square kms, rising up from the lakeshore through tropical forest to 2462m (7500ft) at Nkungwe Peak. It is home to nine species of primate, including some 700-1000 chimps, forest antelopes, leopard and a great variety of birds and butterflies. There are no roads or cars for fifty miles. Getting there is by boat or on foot!

Gombe Stream

In this park, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, chimpanzees are more easily seen in their natural habitat than anywhere else in the world. In fact, Gombe was created to protect chimpanzees. It is also renowned for its fantastic sunsets over Lake Tanganyika and its habitats include rain forests, grasslands, alpine bamboo and woodland. The best time to visit is between May and October.

Katavi NP

When people think of being on safari, most of them don't know how wild it can, and should feel. Some of them are lucky enough to find out - in Katavi. This is a unique Park where time has stood still - take this opportunity to see it at its most prestine.

Katavi NP sits on a high, wide flood plain in remote south-western Tanzania, 40 miles south of Mpanda and about 200 miles north-west of Mbeya. The benefit of its remoteness is that, despite offering magnificent game viewing and a landscape of superb physical beauty, it has been barely visited, so it's completely un-spoilt, and totally undeveloped. It's as wild and natural as it was hundred's of years ago. The park's main features are the watery grass plains to the north, palm-fringed Lake Chala in the south-east, and the Katuma river. Tropical rivers drop down from the blue Mlele escarpment and snake into three huge golden grass plains, which are a Mecca for game. Borassus and hyphaenae palms occur along the many waterways, and light acacia and tamarind forest fringes the thicker miombo woodland. Lion, leopard, elephant, eland, impala, black-legged topi, zebra and vast herds of buffalo are to be found wandering the short grass plains.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an archipelago of tropical islands nestled in the Indian Ocean. The two principal islands, Zanzibar and Pemba, plus the 50 or so surrounding smaller islands, are known affectionately as the "Spice Islands", because of their history as producers of cloves and their position on the ancient spice routes.

Behind the exotic name lies a violent and politically incorrect past. The island was once notorious as the slave and ivory trading capital of Africa. Repeatedly invaded by other cultures, including the Eqyptians, Chinese, Portugese, Arabs and British - all of whom left some cultural remnants - like the House of Wonders, the palace of the former Sultans.

Zanzibar is an atmospheric place, full of contradictions and surprises - spice plantations, Arab houses, Anglican churches.... A place where famous African missionaries and explorers once passed through.

Zanzibar's fascinating history and unique culture allows us to witness history in a modern world, offering tantalizing glimpses of a unique exoticism that makes this island seductive. Veiled women, white sailed dhows silhouetted against the sunset, and the ancient ruins of the Sultan's palace all convey a past exoticism of Arab, Swahili and Indian culture that defines Zanzibar as the Jewel of the Indian Ocean. A stroll down the narrow labyrinthine streets of Stone Town takes you back 150 years to when Zanzibar was the trading center of East Africa. One might catch a glimpse of the ornate latticework on a balcony, the intricacy of sun-warmed wood on a carved door, or the tumbling roofs of the spire of the Anglican Cathedral. Zanzibar is steeped in a history that few people consider when they think about East Africa.

But it is mostly the beautiful beaches and wonderful seaside resorts that most people come for, along with excellent snorkeling, diving, fishing and other water sports...