Safari guide in Tanzania: journey into unknown land(2)
The Ngorongoro Crater
Classified as a UNESCO heritage site, the Ngorongoro crater in Tanzania, culminating at 2400 meters above sea level, is an ancient volcano, a green paradise 20 kilometers in diameter? It is also the place where there is the greatest concentration of animals in the world.
Kilimanjaro
Classified as the highest peak in Africa (5895 m), Kilimanjaro is a volcano in Tanzania composed of 3 imposing stratovolcanoes, the meeting of which forms an elliptical massif of 70 kilometers by 50 kilometers at the base: the dormant Kibo which could still burst, and Mawenzi and Shira, both extinct.
The mountains of Tanzania, for safari treks
If Tanzania is a country in the African Great Lakes region, the country offers a very mountainous and wooded relief. A territory of hiking, safari trekking and climbing. Tanzania holds the highest and lowest peaks in Africa with Mount Kilimanjaro at 19.341m above sea level and the floor of Lake Tanganyika at 1.155m respectively.
Mount Kilimanjaro, “the mountain of greatness”
As said above, Mount Kilimanjaro located in the national park of the same name is an ancient dormant volcano and the highest mountain in Africa with its peak reaching 5895 m. To define the origin and meaning of the name of this mythical mountain, explorers like Johann L Krapf, one of the first Europeans to reach the mountain, suggested that Kilimanjaro meant "mountain of greatness" while others have nicknamed "Shining Mountain". The first ascent of the summit of Kilimanjaro was successful in 1889 by Meyer and Purtscheller, assisted by Lauwo, a Tanzanian. Economically, Kilimanjaro National Park generates the country's major source of revenue with an average of several million US dollars per year.
Climbing Kilimanjaro, an experience to live
Kilimanjaro has always been coveted by travelers and aroused the enthusiasm of climbing and trekking enthusiasts. The climate of this mountainous region is influenced by the height but also by two rainy seasons.
It is not without reason that the site is classified by the National heritage of UNESCO, During its ascent, you will be in the center of the most beautiful landscapes of Tanzania between green ground in tropical forest, discovery of birds and monkeys . At the top, the view of the African landscape is idyllic between glaciers and snow. A moment you won't soon forget!
Mount Meru
Located 70 west of Kilimanjaro, the ancient stratovolcano Meru is the third and fifth highest mountain in Tanzania and Africa with an elevation of 14,977 meters above sea level. A volcanic explosion there thousands of years ago has really reduced its volume. A minor eruption in 1910 created cone and crater formations.
In terms of relief, the Meru offers fertile slopes rising above the savannah and surrounded by forest areas where many species of birds and mammals live together. The Meru is also a topographic site of the Arusha National Park.
Hiking and trekking expeditions to Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru are numerous but be aware that there are many other destinations such as the Crater Highlands.
Mawenzi, second highest peak in Africa
Mawenzi is the second highest peak in Tanzania and the third highest in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. This Tanzanian mountain is ranked second highest peak of Mount Kilimanjaro after Kibo with an elevation of 16, 893 feet above sea level. Other peaks of Mount Mawenzi include Purtscheller Peak and South Peak.
Mawenzi Park Kilimanjaro- Tanzania
Lake rivers and bodies of water in Tanzania
Known for its volcanoes and its mythical mountains, its savannahs and its luxuriant forests rich in wild fauna and tropical flora, Tanzania also has many lakes considered to be the largest and most beautiful lakes in Africa in the world. The discovery of the lakes in Tanzania, its islands and the shores of the Indian Ocean is an integral part of the best safaris in this African country.
Lake Victoria, the second largest lake in the world
Lake Victoria watershed – Tanzania- credits
With an area of 68,800 km², Lake Victoria is one of the largest lakes in the world and the largest freshwater lake on the African continent. Located on the borders of the countries of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, Lake Victoria is ideal for those who wish to go on an African adventure. Bordered by savannas, forests and authentic villages and home to many animal species, the Lake Victoria region is a real paradise on earth. Go to meet the populations, you will discover three ethnic groups: the Hayas, the Himas and the Sukumas.
On a Tanzanian circuit or safari, during your visit to Lake Victoria, you will have the opportunity to discover an archipelago with 3000 islands, just that! They are wild and uninhabited islands. On Ukerewe Island, you can indulge in some hiking (such as Rutare Hill and Halwego) and from there you will have the most beautiful views of Lake Victoria.
Lake Malawi and its rich biodiversity
2022: Unesco World Heritage and the government of Malawi have joined forces with an NGO, Ripple Africa, to support the conservation of the exceptional biodiversity of fish
`Located between Malawi and its national park, Mozambique and Tanzania, Lake Malawi is the third largest lake in Africa. Renowned for its fresh and translucent waters (bearing more than 20 meters), Lake Malawi attracts divers or snorkeling enthusiasts. The expanse of its national park and the exceptional biodiversity of the lake are very well protected: there is a wide variety of fish, including cichlids, Malawi eye biters, zebrafish and many more . Away from the water, go on a safari on the shores of Lake Malawi or on the islands, to discover the incredible fauna and flora on land. You may be able to see crocodiles, hippopotamuses, monkeys or fish eagles…
Through this Norwegian-supported project, which will run until 2023, communities are empowered to enforce regulations that promote the conservation of fish breeding grounds and sustainable fishing practices in the region. (source: UNESCO.org ).
Lake Tanganyika, lake of all records
Lake Tanganyika multiplies many records by being both the second largest African lake by surface area, the third in the world by volume, the second in the world by depth and the first freshwater lake in the world by length (677 km). But the greatest asset is this one: it represents nearly 20% of the fresh water available on Earth! In addition, it is also one of the lakes that offers exceptional clarity!
The visibility of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania and its lagoons are privileged playgrounds for divers who will be able to witness the continual dance of more than 300 species of fish on their aquatic journey. On a travel circuit, it is the ideal place to indulge in all kinds of water activities or bask on the long silver beaches that border the lake.
The best beaches in Tanzania
With its 1000 km of coastline bordering the Indian Ocean, Tanzania offers the most beautiful beaches, heavenly views worthy of the most beautiful postcards dressed in white sand and revealing turquoise and crystalline waters. They are mainly on the side of Zanzibar but the east coast also offers very beautiful coastlines. The country also offers very beautiful islands, notably in the archipelago of Zanzibar.
Fanjove island beach
The island of Fanjove, a tropical island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, is a paradise still little known to tourists. Which is good to avoid the tourist masses. It is a real little lost paradise, almost wild with its wide expanses of white sand bordered by coconut palms, its turquoise and clear waters make this island one of the most beautiful beaches in Tanzania.
Mnemba Island
Like most islands in Tanzania, Mnemba Island is no exception to the rule of beauty. Located in the archipelago of Zanzibar, the island offers a wide immaculate white sandbank ideal for indulging in idleness in peace. The turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean allow during underwater observations to discover many varieties of fish between the colored corals. This is the perfect time to put on your mask and snorkel so as not to miss any of the spectacle offered. Nicknamed the green island, Pemba is covered with many hills with fertile land and dense vegetation.
You will have understood it, it is the island to discover absolutely during your trip and safari in Tanzania.
Jambiani beach
With beautiful turquoise-colored views and white sand on the east coast of Zanzibar, Jambiani is a beautiful little beach frequented by locals and fishermen. On the edge, charming little houses, its hidden caves offer this universe a real authenticity.
Pangani Beach
You can bask on the beach of Pangani under the shade of the coconut trees aligned 40 km south of Tanga. It is a real jewel with golden sand and azure water which is often taken over by locals and which has the advantage of being far from the tourist bustle.
Ras Kutani Beach
The Ras Kutani coastline is 50 km south of Dar es Salaam. The beach is considered one of the best beaches in Tanzania. It demonstrates its wild and authentic aspect with its wide sandbanks and a hinterland made up of forests with cashew plantations (cashew nuts) and small farms.
The Southern Highlands in Tanzania
Officially, the agricultural but spectacularly beautiful Southern Highlands of Tanzania begin at the Makambako Gap, about halfway between Iringa and Mbeya, and extend south into Malawi. The highlands actually refer to the entire region along the mountain range that runs from Morogoro in the east to Lake Malawi and the Zambian border in the west.
Location of the three regions studied, on the Tanzanian and Zambian highlands. Credits
The highlands are wonderful to roam, from lands carpeted with wild orchids to lush mountains that slope down to the shores of Malawi. Go on a circuit in this hiking region in the Udzungwa mountains to observe the rich biodiversity of fauna and flora in the national parks of Mikumi or Ruaha, to meet the matrilineal society of the Luguru or to venture far from the trails beaten at the southwestern tip of Tanzania.
?When to explore the highlands of Tanzania
Generally speaking, the best time to visit this region is April-November, but the weather is ideal from September to October.
If you want to visit Mbeya and enjoy its beautiful landscapes, it is best to come between June and October. You can also enjoy the cooler and drier climate from July to September. In addition, Ruaha National Park is ideal for wildlife viewing between June and October.
The different seasons in the high plateau region
In the Southern Highlands regions of Tanzania, climatic seasons can vary greatly depending on location. Differences in altitude and proximity to large lakes can affect climate and weather. The cities with the best climate are Ruaha (National Park) and Iringa with good weather at least 8 months a year.
We add other seasons to the current categories dry season (June to October) and rainy season (November to May) in these masterful places of nature:
March to May: Flower Season
It is during this period that the highlands region of Tanzania experiences rainbows of colors offered by the wildflowers that carpet the slopes of the plains and mountains. The climate is warm and pleasant with little rainfall. This is an excellent time for hiking in Tanzania hiking and bird watching.
From June to August: the cool season
During this season from June to August, the temperatures are cooler in the morning and evening than during the dry season, the days are hot but pleasant. There are few showers which is ideal for planning outdoor activities during your tour in Tanzania. Visit the Mbeya Mountains and enjoy panoramic views.
Flora and Fauna in Tanzania
Tanzania is a country rich in fauna and flora, the landscapes , national parks and marine reserves as well as the beaches offer a breathtaking environment of unspoiled natural beauty. Indeed, biodiversity territories in Tanzania such as nature reserves and national parks are protected for nature conservation (44% of the territory). The country even contains 6 of the 25 most remarkable biodiversity sanctuaries in the world, according to the NGO Fauna & Flora International (FFI).
Kitulo plateau the “Garden of God – Tanzania Specialist safari
The large number of plant species is explained by the heterogeneity of dry and humid environments and altitudes. The tropical coasts around the high mountainous reliefs such as the Kilimanjaro mountains, the arid savannahs (Ruaha and Selous), the ecosystems on the shores of Lakes Victoria, Nyassa and Lake Tanganyika.
Tanzania has the absolute record of animal density per km2 with nearly 4 million wild animals. These are thousands of species of birds, reptiles, fish and insects, as well as more than 400 species of mammals, including elephants, the giraffe, national emblem, lions, buffaloes, monkeys like the kipunji, small disheveled monkey discovered in 2005 in the protected forest of Ndundulu. They all benefit from this preserved ecosystem where the diversity of the territories allows each species to reproduce in natural habitats.
It is also the country that is home to the most endangered animals (900 species in total).
Wildlife of Tanzania- wildlife safari
Preservation of local ecosystems
It is almost a third of the Tanzanian national territory which is considered as protected areas. Another record in Africa! In this development, it has 22 national parks where any human activity other than tourism is prohibited. In reserves and conservation areas, humans and animals coexist quite positively: indeed the decline of animal species such as lions and elephants has been halted in Tanzania. But all this also leads to difficulties of survival for the inhabitants: the territory being still very rural and in full demographic progression (57 million inhabitants: 6X more than in 1960), the populations always need more cultivable land ( Agriculture and Livestock).
Establishment of wildlife management areas
In the Burunge region, bordering Tarangire National Park, nine villages have been incorporated into a 'wildlife management area' by the government since 2002. This is with the aim of fostering a more sustainable management and balance for the wild life. The villagers and tour operators have delimited areas prohibited to agriculture, allowing both to meet the expectations of tourists and to regulate animal migrations. In exchange, the inhabitants receive a share of the revenue from tourism.
Despite everything, nothing has been settled yet and the daily means per inhabitant remain very meager. In Tanzania, 70% of the population lives on two euros a day and only 25% have access to electricity.`
Safaris in Tanzania, discovering parks and nature reserves
Tanzania has 22 national parks
The reputation of the great Tanzanian spaces is well established. If they were a playground for rich trophy lovers during bloody safaris, today the hunts are highly regulated. Tanzania has every interest in looking after and protecting its wildlife and the habitats of its wild animals. For good reason, their observation attracts thousands of tourists in the form of circuits, safaris or leisure holidays, which enriches it with several billion euros annually.
Reserves and national parks in Tanzania
The national parks of the North, land of safaris
The northern parks are the most popular in Tanzania, they also offer the best safari routes and are the preferred terrain for hikers and trekking pros. 9 in number:
National parks of lakes like Natron and Lake Eyasi,
Lake Manyara National Park,
Ngorongoro Conservation Area,
Mount Kilimanjaro,
The Ndutu region,
Arusha National Park,
Tarangire National Park,
Serengeti National Park.
Go on a safari in Serengeti National Park
With an area of approximately 24,000 km², the park is the second largest national park in Tanzania and the most famous in the world. We understand why the Serengeti safari is so attractive. It got its fame from the great migration which is one of the Seven African Wonders. It's nearly 1,500,000 animals that evolve in herds of several kilometers on the land of the park covering distances of more than 1,000 kilometers! In search of sustenance and water, you can witness the huge procession of wildebeest, gazelles, zebras and many other animals. On organized safaris, experienced guides lead tourists to animal migration centers.
The wild animals of the Serengeti National Park - Tanzania
Conquer Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa (5895m) and climbing it is a unique and unforgettable experience. The Kilimanjaro National Park site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rich in the diversity of landscapes, it reveals the most beautiful mountainous landscapes between vegetal land, tropical forest where wildlife is queen, glaciers and snowy terrain. The view from above is the greatest reward for your effort.
Kilimanjaro climb 7 days by the Machame route- jambo-kilimanjaro.com
?Will you be able to reach the top of Kilimanjaro
Any level of hiker will have the means to reach the summit with prior training and good physical condition. Indeed, there are different routes of different difficulties. It is necessary to favor the itinerant circuit of the ascent by the Machame route which is the most beautiful route (in seven days for a perfect acclimatization to the altitude) then the Mweka route on the descent, rightly renowned for being progressive but also one of the most beautiful given the diversity it offers. That's all there is to the popularity of this mythical mountain. Tanzania's local experienced guides and agencies are passionate about helping many travelers climb Kilimanjero.
Source : websites