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Tanzania Vacations – Enjoy Incomparable Wildlife Safaris in the Top-Five National Parks in Tanzania

November 24th, 2009 No comments

Tanzania national parks and game reserves are home to an amazing diversity of wildlife, making for incomparable Africa game watching safaris. Among these game reserves, the five parks below stand out as the best of the best.

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha national park occupies 12,950 sq km, making it the second largest national park in Tanzania. Located 128 km from Iringa, this park is named after the great Ruaha river, which attracts many thirsty animals to its banks, among them lions, leopards, hyenas, water bucks, and reed bucks. The river also hosts several hippos and crocodiles. Other animals found in Ruaha include zebras, wild dogs, giraffes, lesser and greater kudu, impala, and several antelope species. Ruaha national park is unique in that it combines Southern Africa and Eastern Africa flora and fauna.

Ruaha’s topography is ideal for hiking and walking safaris. In the rainy season between March to April and October to November, the bird population peaks to a high of over 350 bird species – including some Eurasian migrants. Ruaha’s climate is hot and dry, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius in October. The Ruaha is was until recently totally inaccessible, but there is now a year round road access to the park. From Dar es Salaam, road travel takes 10 hours while a charter flight takes 1 and and half hours. The best time for a safari is over the dry season- May to December.

Lake Manyara National Park

The Lake Manyara National Park is without doubt the best destination for birdwatching in Tanzania due to its unrivaled birdlife. The waterfowl and several migratory birds are some of the bird species found here. Lake Manyara national park is also one of the greatest places for viewing leopards atop the lush green vegetation. Tree-climbing lions are also common in parts of the park. The National Park is located between Lake Manyara and the walls of the great Rift Valley, which rise up to 610 meters above.

The periods between December and February and between August and September constitute the best times for going on safari in Lake Manyara national park. However, it is still possible to see animals throughout the year. Most parts of the park are easily accessible, making it possible for you to see all its major attractions in two hours. Lake Manyara National park has three habitats: groundwater green forests, acacia woodlands, and open floodplains.

Tarangire National Park

Named after the Tarangire River, Tarangire National Park is also part of the northern tourism circuit. The park area is approximately 2,600 sq km and has a high concentration of wildlife during the dry seasons as well as a high number of elephants. With over 570 bird species, the place is surely a birdwatchers’ paradise.

The best time to go on safari in Tarangire national park is in the dry months from June to September. The dry weather at that time force many animals to congregate at the river to drink water. There is also less vegetation cover at this time, giving you great animal spotting chances. You also stand a better chance of seeing pythons at Tarangire than in any other places, particularly because Tarangire pythons have love climbing trees.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Located towards the north of Tanzania on an area of over 7,000 square miles the Ngorongoro conservation area was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in’79. The park joins up with the Serengeti to the north-west and it is through here that wildebeest horde through during their world famous migration from the Masai Mara to Serengeti, then to Ngorongoro.

At the center of this conservation area lies the 264 sq km Ngorongoro crater, whose floor is inhabited by a great array of wildlife. Since the crater provides one of the greatest and very satisfying game watching experience, it is not a big surprise that it remains one of the most popular Tanzania destination for wildlife safaris.

Great herds of gazelle, antelope and zebra can be seen grazing along the river beds as well as large herds of elephants moving from one corner of the park to the other. It is also possible to see prides of lions sleeping lazily under the shady trees or at least hear a lion’s roar echoing off the walls of the crater. This is an exciting, though at times, shocking experience. Birdwatchers will also enjoy visiting Ngorongoro. Lake Ndutu in the area is home to a thriving population of birds. Some of the bird species you will see here include stocks, ducks and flamingos among may more.

Serengeti National Park

In the local Masai language, the word “Siringit” means unending plains. Serengeti’s name is derived from this word, describing the national parks open grassy plains. Occupying 12,950 sq km, this national park is part of the same ecosystem with Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya. This vast plain is the home of over 30 large mammal species and about 500 bird species.

The Serengeti hosts the largest and longest overland migration in the world, dubbed the Great Wildebeest Migration. The semi-annual occurrence that is said to be the world’s most spectacular wildlife show is one of the ten natural travel wonders of the world. Others include the Ngorongoro Crater and Victoria Falls.

The great wildebeest migration from Serengeti to the Mara generally takes place between July and August. It is however impossible to correctly predict its timing as it is largely dependent on the rain and pasture availability patterns. The reverse journey of the migration happens around October. About 2 million herbivores participate in the migration, with some of the most interesting moments being when they cross the Mara river in pursuit of greener pastures.

Serengeti is reached by both road and air. The road trip from Arusha, situated some 320km from the park, takes approximately 8 hours. International visitors to Serengeti are served by the Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha. From there, the visitors can travel by road to the park or take either scheduled or charter flights to Serengeti airstrips like Kirawira or Seronera.

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Ecotourism: The New Way in Travel

April 13th, 2009 No comments

With the number of people traveling the world increases every year, the environmental effect of tourism only gets worse. Travelers tend to produce copious amounts of waste- few recycle on the road, hotels are models of inefficiency, and airplanes spew carbon dioxide. All in all, travel can be pretty environmentally unfriendly.

With climate change, deforestation, and species extinction the defining issues of the day, it’s more important than ever that our travels become environmentally friendly. Over the past decade, a movement has grown within in the travel industry called “ecotourism” to help make that possible. Eco-tourism deals with sustainable travel- both for the environment and for local populations. It promotes environmental and social awareness and, typically, eco-tours go to countries where the flora and fauna are abundant. Think Costa Rica, Tanzania, the Amazon, and New Zealand.

Eco-tourism deals with making travel sustainable- both on the environment and for native people. Eco-tourism promotes environmental and social awareness and, usually, eco-tours travel to places where the flora and fauna are abundant. Think of destinations like Costa Rica, Tanzania, the Amazon, and New Zealand.

Environmental travel promotes green travel but also helps communities. By keeping money in the area, people see more benefit and reward. These companies use local products and services so local people see the benefit. The money is not sent out to some big corporation but kept in the community where they can do the most good. When they see the environment helps them, they will be less likely to destroy it.

Eco-tourism promotes environmental awareness among its participants and reduces the environmental impact of travel. Organizations use local products, local guides, and visit organizations that use sustainable and low impact methods. Moreover, it promotes local conservation and trains locals on how protecting the environment is good for the planet but also for their wallet. Many companies run conservation programs and train locals on how to look after the environment. After all, no flora and fauna, no travel business.

The environment is the defining issue of our century. Climate change affects us all and, if we don’t begin reducing our footprint on the earth, many of these unique localities in the world might be gone for good.

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Interesting Places: Where To Travel If In Tanzania

February 21st, 2009 No comments

Looking where to travel in a land of contrast and diversity, excitement and adventure? Tanzania could be just the answer, and it will not disappoint you.

Access this country easily through a network of international flights from the UK, Europe,the Middle East or even many of the neighboring African countries.

Mount Kilimanjaro

It is a country of extremes in its geography and landscape, from the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak to its lowest at the bed of Lake Tanganyika and to the shores of the Indian Ocean at sea level. Mount Kilimanjaro, with snow at the top, is one of Tanzania’s wonders and many people visit this country just to climb Kilimanjaro.

Wildlife And Game Sanctuaries

Where to travel in Tanzania will invariably include the Game Parks and National Reserves. You can witness the wildebeest migration as it sets off from the Serengeti National Park heading into the Maasai Mara in Kenya.

Other wildlife sanctuaries like Tarangire National Park are several in Tanzania and the choice is wide as to where to visit.

Sandy Beaches and the Islands

Enjoy the deep blue sea, the sandy beaches and the haven of peace under the palm trees on the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and the other surrounding small islands.

For an unforgettable offer in scuba diving and snorkeling, the Mafia Island Marine Park just south of Zanzibar is a good place to be. The ocean breeze and the palm trees add to its the overall tranquility.

Visit also Zanzibar’s Stone City and sample the rich blend of the historic with the modern as its unique architecture shows.

Thinking about where to travel in Tanzania? Well this country is precisely one of the good reasons why people come to Africa, the options are unlimited and the experience is truly memorable.

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Luxury Safaris To Tanzania, The Chance Of A Lifetime

February 16th, 2009 No comments

For a lot of us, luxury safaris seem like the kind of exotic holiday we will never be able to experience. Luxury Tanzania safaris, in particular, seem extremely out of reach. Heck, for most of us, we probably do not even think of the word “luxury” when we are thinking about safaris at all. However, it might be time to reconsider on all of those counts.

Going on a safari in Africa is truly a once in a life time opportunity. It is one of those holidays about which many of us can only dream because we think it is so far out of our reach or our budget. However, going on a luxury safari is becoming a reality for a lot of people these days. Contrary to what you might be thinking about safaris in general, it is entirely possible to enjoy a luxury one. You do not have to rough it; you will not be left in the wilds of Africa with just a tent to protect you.

While the thought of luxury is appealing, it is not the only worthwhile thing you can experience. A lot of people go on safari, luxurious or otherwise, because of the sights. The landscape, the animals, the local customs: you will be able to experience all of these things on a safari. The lush scenery and the amazing animals in their real habitats draw an increasing amount of people.

Today, there are a lot of traveling companies which specialize in safaris. They especially know how to tailor the safaris to clients who prefer a little luxury. However, you will not have to sacrifice the experience at all. Thanks to local experts and guides, you will get a truly unique experience.

The whole point behind their operation is to leave you with amazing memories. They want to create a truly memorable holiday for you, not just one which is luxurious. The higher your expectations, the more they strive to meet them and then to exceed them. That is why there are always local guides ready to help you to enjoy the landscape and the experiences as a native.

There are a variety of ways in which you can take and enjoy your safari. For example, some safaris are conducted entirely on horseback. This allows you a truly authentic experience. All the nuances you would miss in a vehicle will be available to you. The same can be said for a relaxing, interesting trip down the river in a safari boat.

If you are not an expert at riding a horse, do not worry. You will have an abundance of guides there to help you and to keep you completely safe. You just need to enjoy what you see. When you take your safari on horseback, from an amazing vantage point.

Now that you have the opportunity to reconsider your opinions on a luxury safari, what are you waiting for? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You will get to see things that many people only dream of seeing.

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Lots to See on a Wilderness Travel in Tanzania

February 1st, 2009 No comments

Tanzania has so much wild country it is little wonder that more land here than in any other African country is devoted to wildlife and wildlife conservation efforts. The ultimate wilderness travel experience must be a taste of Tanzania.

What is there to see?

Many come to Tanzania to see and climb Kilimanjaro mountain. With its amazing scenery and surroundings, this is Africa’s highest mountain.

See the wildlife in game sanctuaries so vast that some are still virtually unspoiled. The whole range of Africa wildlife is there to see as they interact in their natural habitat.

The Serengeti National park is known world over for research on ecological conservation. It is where the big annual Serengeti-Maasai Mara wildebeest migration begins.

The Mahale Game Park is on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Here you will find the world’s largest concentration of chimpanzees.

Or go to visit the Islands of Zanzibar and Pemba. Here you will experience the rich culture born of history of the Swahili-Arab influence as it is blended with the local African cultures.

What to do

Get a treat of the wild by taking a safari camp in the true Tanzanian wilderness. Campfires and tents under the open skies are a common and important part of this experience.

Try the walking safaris as you track game. Leave camp every morning with expert guides and come back in the evening tired but inspired.

Zanzibar Island and Pemba’s idyllic beaches are famous as honeymoon spots and for great water sports. Here you can crown your wilderness travel safari in the interior by coming to the sun ,sand and sea.

Try the wilderness travel in Tanzania, you cannot be disappointed.

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