Tanzania is home to some of Africa's most famous national parks and
the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the Serengeti. Most visitors
will find themselves passing through Dar es Salaam and heading out on
safaris and various wildlife viewing adventures. For those who want to
take a break and spend some time soaking up the sun, the beautiful
beaches of Zanzibar beckon. Off Pemba and Mafia islands is a whole other
kind of natural wonder, one most appreciated by the scuba divers and
snorkelers who come here from around the world to experience the coral
gardens, colorful fish, and crystal clear waters.
1 Mount Kilimanjaro
One of the most frequented attractions in Tanzania, Mount
Kilimanjaro National Park is home to Africa's highest mountain peak.
Many people come here to hike up the mountain, which can be done on a
multi-day guided tour, or simply to appreciate it from the base. Mount
Kilimanjaro is a World Heritage Site.
2 Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is a vast treeless plain with thousands,
even millions of animals searching for fresh grasslands. As the largest
national park in Tanzania, the Serengeti attracts thousands of tourists
each year. The best months for wildlife viewing are between December and
June. The wet season is from March to May, with the coldest period from
June to October. The annual migration of millions of zebra and
wildebeest takes place in May or early June. This migration is one of
the most impressive natural events and the primary draw for many
tourists.
Large herds of antelope as well as lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, bat eared fox, hunting dog and jackal are also found in Serengeti National Park. Nearly 500 species of bird have been recorded on the Serengeti. Many of these are attracted to the swamp area. 'Serengeti' means an 'extended place' in the Maasai language.
Large herds of antelope as well as lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, bat eared fox, hunting dog and jackal are also found in Serengeti National Park. Nearly 500 species of bird have been recorded on the Serengeti. Many of these are attracted to the swamp area. 'Serengeti' means an 'extended place' in the Maasai language.
Official site:
http://www.serengeti.org/
3 Zanzibar Beaches
The Zanzibar archipelago consists of the islands of Zanzibar and
Pemba. The island of Zanzibar, also called Unguja, is a major holiday
destination known for its beautiful beaches. This island has some of the
best beaches in the world with varying surf depending on what side of
the island you are on. Visitors will find soft white sand and clear
shallow water, along with traditional boats. Stone Town is located in
the heart of Zanzibar and features old Arabian townhouses, narrow
alleyways and a busy port.
4 Ngorongoro Conservation Area
This huge volcanic crater draws all kinds of wildlife, making it one
of the most popular attractions in Tanzania. With a permanent supply of
water, animals stay in this area rather than migrating as they do in
other areas of the country. Visitors come here primarily for viewing
large game and bird watching. Also of interest within the Ngorongoro
Conservation Area is the Olduvai Gorge, an important area in the field
of archeology. Ancient skull and bone fragments discovered here have
revealed critical information about early mankind.
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5 Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is comprised of forest, woodland,
grasslands, and swamps. Two-thirds of the park is covered by water and
Lake Manyara is host to thousands of flamingoes, at certain times of
year, as well as other diverse bird life. The highlight of Lake Manyara
Park is the large population of elephants, tree-climbing lions and
hippos that can be observed at a much closer range than in other parks.
This park is also home to the largest concentration of baboons in the
world.
Wildlife drives, canoeing (when water levels are high enough), mountain bike tours and bird watching are the most popular activities in Lake Manyara National Park.
Wildlife drives, canoeing (when water levels are high enough), mountain bike tours and bird watching are the most popular activities in Lake Manyara National Park.
Official site:
http://www.tanzaniaparks.com/manyara.html
6 Mafia Island
Mafia Island
Mafia Island draws divers and snorkelers from around the world to
the undersea world protected by the Mafia Island Marine Park. The best
months for diving are October to March but the best weather on Mafia
Island is May to October, March and April are months of heavy rain.
Mafia Island Marine Park has excellent coral gardens, an abundant
variety of fish and a relaxed diving atmosphere. Countless birds and
over 400 species of fish can be seen in the area. Mafia Island is also a
traditional breeding site for the green turtle, which are unfortunately
close to extinction.
Mafia is also a desirable location for deep-sea fishing, especially tuna, marlin, sailfish and other big-game fish.
This island paradise first saw settlers in the 8th or 9th C, but Mafia became a more important settlement during the 12th to 14th C when it held a key position in the East African trading routes.
Mafia is also a desirable location for deep-sea fishing, especially tuna, marlin, sailfish and other big-game fish.
This island paradise first saw settlers in the 8th or 9th C, but Mafia became a more important settlement during the 12th to 14th C when it held a key position in the East African trading routes.
Official site:
http://www.mafiaisland.com/
7 Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park was established in 1970 and is best visited
in the dry season from July to September when the animals gather along
the river. During the dry season, Tarangire National Park has one of the
highest concentrations of migratory wildlife. Wildebeest, zebra,
buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland crowd the lagoons. One of
the most noticeable highlights of Tarangire National Park is the baobab
trees that dot the grassy landscape.
The park is excellent for birdwatching, with more than 300 species recorded in Tarangire. These species include buzzards, vultures, herons, storks, kites, falcons and eagles.
The park is excellent for birdwatching, with more than 300 species recorded in Tarangire. These species include buzzards, vultures, herons, storks, kites, falcons and eagles.
Official site:
http://www.tanzaniaparks.com/tarangire.html
8 Pemba Island
Pemba Island is the northernmost island in the Zanzibar archipelago.
Around Pemba are many desert islands and some of the best scuba diving
in the Indian Ocean, with visibility that is unparalleled. Lush coral
gardens, colorful sponges and sea fans are all found in the underwater
haven. The city of Chake Chake, the main population center on Pemba, is a
popular base for scuba divers.
Pemba is less visited than Zanzibar and as a result has a more laidback atmosphere. From December to February visitors can watch traditional bullfighting; a sign from the days of Portuguese dominance in the 16th and 17th C. The island is hilly with deep valleys so it has become popular with mountain bikers who are drawn to the 1,000-meter peaks.
Pemba is a major world clove producer and is also well known for the juju traditions of medicine and magic. People come from throughout East Africa to learn from the voodoo and traditional healers or seek a cure.
Pemba is less visited than Zanzibar and as a result has a more laidback atmosphere. From December to February visitors can watch traditional bullfighting; a sign from the days of Portuguese dominance in the 16th and 17th C. The island is hilly with deep valleys so it has become popular with mountain bikers who are drawn to the 1,000-meter peaks.
Pemba is a major world clove producer and is also well known for the juju traditions of medicine and magic. People come from throughout East Africa to learn from the voodoo and traditional healers or seek a cure.
9 Stone Town
The grand old Arabian homes and narrow alleys of Stone Town give the
city its own unique charm. Located on Zanzibar, this is the main
destination on the island and where most visitors will find themselves
at one point or another during their stay. Some of the historic
buildings are now museums which can be visited. The town also has a
couple of interesting old churches of historical significance.
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10 Selous Game Reserve
Selous Game Reserve
Selous is the largest game reserve in Africa. Established in 1922,
it covers 5% of Tanzania's total area. The southern area is a forbidden
zone that is undeveloped, heavily forested, and contains a series of
steep cliffs. Travelers are limited to the area north of the Rufiji
River. This area of the Selous Game Reserve has large open grassland,
woodlands, rivers, hills and plains. The best time to visit is July
through October.
The Rufiji River bisects the Selous Game Reserve and has the largest catchment area of any river in East Africa. The river is an important feature of the reserve providing the opportunity to watch the diverse water-based wildlife. A broad range of game can be found including elephants, hippos and rhinos as well as buffalo, antelope, giraffe, warthog, wildebeest, lion, leopard and cheetah. The diversity of bird life in Selous includes over 350 recorded species.
The Rufiji River bisects the Selous Game Reserve and has the largest catchment area of any river in East Africa. The river is an important feature of the reserve providing the opportunity to watch the diverse water-based wildlife. A broad range of game can be found including elephants, hippos and rhinos as well as buffalo, antelope, giraffe, warthog, wildebeest, lion, leopard and cheetah. The diversity of bird life in Selous includes over 350 recorded species.
11 Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park, although smaller than most in Tanzania, has a
range of habitats that consist of the forest of Mount Meru, Ngurdoto
Crater in the southeast section of the park, and Momela Lakes, a series
of seven crater lakes. Black and white Colobus monkeys are easily
spotted in the forested area while the marshy floor of the crater is
dotted with herds of buffalo, zebra and warthog. Momela Lakes is home to
a large selection of resident and migrant waterbirds. People come here
to see wildlife and also to climb Mount Meru.
Mount Meru is one of the most beautiful volcanoes in Africa and the second highest mountain in Tanzania. The summit is reached by a narrow ridge, which provides stunning views of the volcanic cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater. The ascent is steep but the route passes through parkland, forest, a giant heather zone and moorland.
Mount Meru is one of the most beautiful volcanoes in Africa and the second highest mountain in Tanzania. The summit is reached by a narrow ridge, which provides stunning views of the volcanic cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater. The ascent is steep but the route passes through parkland, forest, a giant heather zone and moorland.
Official site:
http://www.tanzaniaparks.com/arusha.html
12 Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is the least accessible park in Tanzania and as a
result the landscape remains relatively untouched. Birdwatcher's can
enjoy over 400 species of bird that are not found in northern Tanzania,
and the river, spectacular gorges, and majestic trees are especially
appealing to photographers. As Tanzania's second largest park, Ruaha has
large herds of buffalo, elephant and gazelle. The concentration of
elephants are some of the largest in Tanzania. The Great Ruaha River is
the main feature of Ruaha National Park providing magnificent wildlife
viewing on the banks. The river also provides much of the electricity to
Tanzania through a hydroelectric dam at Kidatu.
Official site:
http://www.tanzaniaparks.com/ruaha.html
13 Katavi National Park
Katavi National Park
Katavi National Park is located in a remote location offering
unspoiled wilderness. A predominant feature in Katavi is the enormous
flood plain, split by the Katuma River and several seasonal lakes. The
lakes support enormous groups of hippos, crocodiles and over 400 species
of birds. One of the spectacles in Katavi is the hippos at the end of
the dry season when as many as 200 try to squeeze into a pool of water.
The male rivalry heats up causing territorial fights.
The dry season brings Katavi National Park to life, herds of impala, reedbuck, lions, zebras and giraffes can be seen at the remaining pools and streams. An estimated 4,000 elephants and several herds of buffaloes in the thousands also converge on the park when the flood waters retreat.
The dry season brings Katavi National Park to life, herds of impala, reedbuck, lions, zebras and giraffes can be seen at the remaining pools and streams. An estimated 4,000 elephants and several herds of buffaloes in the thousands also converge on the park when the flood waters retreat.
Official site:
http://www.tanzaniaparks.com/katavi.html
14 Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream National Park diasUndKompott
Gombe Stream National Park is primarily for those who want to get a
little off the beaten track and see chimpanzees. This is the smallest
national park in Tanzania and is famous for the work of Jane Goodall.
This British researcher arrived in 1960 to study the wild chimpanzees
and her work turned into what would become the longest running
behavioral research program of its kind in the world. Guided walks take
visitors into the forest to observe chimps in the wild. Many species of
primates and mammals live in the park. Over 200 bird species have been
recorded in the tropical forest, including barbets, starlings, sunbirds,
crowned eagle, kingfishers and the palm-nut vulture.
Hiking and swimming are other popular activities; a trail leads into the forest to a waterfall in the valley.
Hiking and swimming are other popular activities; a trail leads into the forest to a waterfall in the valley.
Official site:
http://www.tanzaniaparks.com/gombe.html
15 Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is the largest freshwater lake in Africa and is
bordered by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. This lake is the source of the
White Nile and provides an income for millions of residents along its
shores. The Tanzanian section of Lake Victoria is one of the least
visited regions in the country, however the towns of Bukoba, Musoma and
Mwanza have a number of attractions. Near Mwanza and Musoma are many
islands, some have become wildlife sanctuaries. Bird watching and
fishing trips are popular excursions, and boat trips or hikes can be
arranged around Lake Victoria.
Rubondo Island National Park, which includes several other smaller islands, is on the southwest shores of Lake Victoria.
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