Where to explore and wonder in tantalising Tanzania.Being home to Africa’s highest mountain and several famous national parks and game reserves
has put Tanzania on the travelling map, making it one of the
continent’s most popular destinations. It is famous for its rich
diversity in wildlife and offers plenty to see and do; here are the top
10 things to do whilst in Tanzania:
1. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Standing 5,895 metres above sea level, Mount Kilimanjaro
is the highest mountain in Africa, making it popular among climbers
from all over the world. The mountain consists of three peaks, Shira,
Kibo and Mawenzi, with the Uhuru peak on the Kibo crater rim being the
highest. Climbing this dormant volcanic mountain isn’t easy, however
there are plenty of tour options which allow for different climbing
abilities. Hiking tours
are also available at lower levels of the mountain, where travellers
can explore the Shira Plateau, craters and wildlife whilst capturing
plenty of scenic views. The natural park surrounding the mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which can be enjoyed by those who do not wish to climb.
2. Balloon Safari over the Serengeti National Park
This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises of 1.5 hectares of savannah and a wealth of wildlife, making it the oldest and most popular national park
in Tanzania. Famed for its annual great migration, the park sees an
influx of zebra, Thomson’s gazelle and wildebeest stomp through the vast
open plains, followed by their predators including big cats. Balloon safaris over the national park are available all year round, offering a unique view over the picturesque Serengeti
with flawless photography opportunities of the wildlife and scenery.
The balloons used have the capacity of carrying up to 16 people and
often include champagne breakfasts in the bush followed by a drive
through the national park.
The great migration at Serengeti National Park
3. Game Drive in the Ngorongoro Crater
Home to some 25,000 animals, the Ngorongoro Crater is a world-renowned place of wonder and is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area sees humans living alongside wildlife
in this volcanic caldera. The crater was formed when a giant volcano
once exploded before collapsing on itself two to three million years ago
and has since flourished into a natural enclosure for wildlife
including lions, wildebeests, zebras, rhinos and buffalos. Game drives
take place within the conservation area and are a great way to see the
wildlife in their natural habitat.
4. Beaches of Zanzibar
The island of Zanzibar is bursting with an array of beaches, which can be the ideal way to relax after a safari.
The east coast provides continuous coral reef with white sandy beaches,
lined with coconut palms and small coves that shelter from the wind.
Non-tidal beaches can be found along the northwest coast of the island,
between Nungwoi and Kendwa, allowing for all day swimming whereas the
coral cliffs and lagoon coves of the southwest allow for an escape to a
less touristy spot. The southwest islands have secret beaches that make
for perfect picnic spots whilst the northeast island of Mnemba is
suggested to be one of the finest beaches in Zanzibar.
5. Historical Sites in Stone Town (Zanzibar)
The Stone Town
of Zanzibar is a unique place filled with an intriguing history, being a
Swahili coastal trading town. Explorers, exotic spices, sea traders and
Sultans are all part of the history of Stone Town and many historical
sites remain intact to be visited. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
and comprises of interesting architecture of coral stone buildings in
narrow streets, with a range of influences from various cultures and
traditions being imprinted across the area. A non-governmental
organisation of over 200 members of citizens of Stone Town work to
preserve the areas heritage and culture.
Whale sharks at Mafia Island
6. Scuba Diving off Mafia Island
Situated off the coast of Tanzania, Mafia Island
is the largest of a small archipelago of islands. The island is known
for its deep sea fishing and scuba diving, with most of the island’s
residents being fishermen. Aquatic life is plentiful off the coast of
the island, with coral gardens remaining unspoiled through the
protection of the Mafia Island Marine Park. Situated between the Rufiji
River delta and the open Indian Ocean, the park combines a diverse range
of unique landscapes under the sea. With outstanding reefs, divers can
swim with whale sharks as well as over 400 species of fish. The island
hosts several dive sites that vary for all diver levels from beginner to
experienced.
7. The Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwana
This UNESCO World Heritage Site
was once a flourishing Arab city-state until the majority of the
population moved over to Kilwa Masoko. Kilwa Kisiwana now sits as ruins
of a major medieval port on an island just off the coast of Tanzania.
This port was greatly admired by early European explorers, as much of
the trade that took place in the Indian Ocean passed through Kilwa
Kisiwana. Merchants of Kilwa once dealt with an array of items from
across the world between the 13th to the 16th
century. The ruins include mosques, an Omani fortress, graves and the
remnants of what was once the largest building in sub-Saharan Africa,
the Great Palace.
Chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park
8. Chimpanzees of Gombe Stream National Park
Stretching over 20 square miles, this fragile strip of chimpanzee habitat is the smallest national park in Tanzania, sitting along the steep slopes and river valleys near the northern shore of Lake Tanganyika. This unique park became world renowned when Jane Goodall, a conservationist, founded The Gombe Stream Research Center
in 1965, to advance the revolutionary findings about chimpanzee
tool-making and other behaviours. The chimpanzees are now accustomed to
human visitors, with beachcomber olive baboons also habituating the area
as well as over 200 types of bird including the fish eagle. During the
evenings, hundreds of small boats can be spotted bobbing on the lake,
with glowing lanterns creating a picturesque setting. Chimpanzee treks
are held in the national park, but visitors can also hike, swim, snorkel
and visit local sites.
9. Maasai Cultural Tour
Living close to the game parks, the Maasai are a world-renowned tribe
situated in northern Tanzania, known especially for their unique
customs and dress. Although very little is known about the origins of
the Maasai tribe, their family history spans over a 2,000 year period.
Maasai village and cultural tours
are available to allow tourists to experience the authentic lifestyle
of the Maasai people whilst acting as a two-way learning experience.
Whilst tours vary, most will include a night stay in a Maasai village,
giving guests a chance to immerse themselves in this way of life.
10. Boat Safari in Selous Game Reserve
Covering an area of more than 50,000 square kilometres, the Selous Game Reserve
is the largest game reserve in Africa and one of the largest protected
areas in the world. The reserve runs across five regions of Tanzania,
covering 5% of Tanzania’s land area whilst including the largest
concentrations of elephants and buffalo. Leopards, wild dogs, lions,
hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, wildebeest, antelopes and a range of bird
life as well as other animals can all be spotted in the reserve. The
Rufiji River is a main geographical feature to the reserve and boat safaris along the river can provide the opportunities to see a wide range of flora and fauna. 
0 comments:
Post a Comment