Tanzania, officially known as United Republic of Tanzania is located in East Africa in the African Great Lake region. Its location and diverse topography makes it one of the favorite destinations for tourists in Africa. A land of geographical extremes, Tanzania houses the highest peak (Mt. Kilimanjaro) and the lowest point (the lake bed of Lake Tanganyika) in Africa; a portion of the largest lake (Lake Victoria); many game reserves, diverse wildlife and a lush-green coastline… Tanzania has something for everyone.
Tanzania has two major airports, one in Dar es Salaam and another in Kilimanjaro. Dar es Salaam has regular flights from New Delhi and Mumbai by Qatar Airways, Kenya Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Air India and a few others. Kilimanjaro is the other popular airport for tourist because of its proximity to Sarengheti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Mt. Kilimanjaro, the popular destinations. Kilimanjaro also has regular flights from Mumbai and New Delhi.
Often overlooked by travelers rushing to the more famous sights of Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti, Arusha National Park offers some of the best experiences in Tanzania, be it gentle game drives, hiking in the foothills of Mount Meru or canoeing in Momela Lake. The park is small but has a varied landscape in three different areas. In the west Mount Meru funnels the Jekukumia River and is surrounded by lush green forest; Ngurdoto Crater in the south-west is vast grassland with varied wildlife; and in the north-east is the shallow alkaline Momella Lake. All these are at varied altitudes and the reason for different vegetations. It is this fact that makes it such a diverse park to visit.
ACCESS :The park is well connected by road to Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airport, the later being the closest airport (Distance – 60km, 1hr 30 mins)
SIZE :137 sq km
WILDLIFE:Despite its small size the park is rich in wildlife. Common animals include Giraffe, Buffalo, zebra, warthog, the Blue Monkey, the black and white Colobus Monkey, and more. African Elephants, hyenas and Leopards are also present in the park, but not that easy to spot
ACTIVITIES:Walking Safaris accompanied by a ranger, picnic, canoeing safari, climb Mt Meru, Bird watching
Since it opened in 1977, Kilimanjaro National Park has become one of Tanzania’s most visited national parks. Unlike other parks in Tanzania, it isn’t famous for its wildlife, although there is plenty. It is visited to gaze in awe at the highest mountain in African continent, Mount Kilimanjaro, and many a times to climb it as well. The park includes the area Mount Kilimanjaro above the tree line and the surrounding montane forest above 1,820 meters. The national park was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
ACCESS :The park is well connected by road with the rest of the country. Moshi is the closest bigger town to Kilimanjaro on the Tanzanian side and is about 43 kms from its closest airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport (Distance – 43km, 1hr)
SIZE :1,688 sq km
WILDLIFE:African Elephants, Leopards and Cape buffalo are occasionally seen in the grassland. Most frequently encountered mammals above the timberline is the Kilimanjaro Tree Hyrax, a vulnerable species; Grey Duiker and Rodents are also found in the park. Abbot's duiker, another vulnerable species, is restricted to Kilimanjaro and some neighboring mountains
ACTIVITIES:Walking Safari, climb Mt Kilimanjaro, Camping, Cultural Tours, Bird watching
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the largest un-flooded and unbroken caldera in the world. About 20kms across, 600 meters deep and 300 sq kms in area, the Ngorongoro Crater is a breathtaking natural wonder. It is one if the best places in Africa to witness natural wildlife and a beautiful place to be on a safari. With 600 meter high walls and a rich volcanic floor that plays host to the BIG FIVE, the Ngorongoro is one of the continent's most famous safari destinations
ACCESS :Closest airport from the park is the Kilimanjaro International Airport. Most safaris start from the town of Arusha or Karatu, a town 10 kms from the park gate. The drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport will take around 3 hrs 30 mins. Other alternate is to catch a light place from Arusha to one of the airstrips in the park.
SIZE :8,292 sq km
WILDLIFE:The crater is abundant with wildlife. The conservation area has the highest density of Lions in the world, other than that there are herds of Wildebeests, Zebra, Buffalos and Grant’s Gazelles too. It is one of the best places in Africa to see Black Rhinos in the wild. Hyenas are common predators and Cheetahs are also seen in the area. Hippos and Flamingos are seen in and around Lake Magadi. Leopards are present in the park along with Wild Dogs, but are not seen that frequently.
ACTIVITIES:Wildlife Safari, Game Drives, Camping, Bird watching
Tarangire National Park derives its named from the Tarangire River that crosses through the park. The river holds an important role in the landscape as the only source of water for wild animals in the dry season. Thousands of animals migrate to the park from Manyara National Park in the dry months. During the rainy season, the seasonal visitors scatter over a 20,000 sq km range until they exhaust the green plains and the river calls once more. It is one of the best parks in the country to witness the varied wildlife it holds.
ACCESS :Nearest major airport is the Kilimanjaro International Airport. The park is about 160 kms from the airport and it takes about 2 hrs 30 minutes to reach. Once can also chartered or a scheduled flight from Arusha or Serengeti to reach the park.
SIZE :2,850 sq km
WILDLIFE:The park is famous for its huge number of African Elephants and the tree climbing Lions. Other common animals include Zebra, Wildebeests, Waterbuck, Giraffe, and Olive Baboons. Hoe to more than 550 species of birds, it is a birding haven.
ACTIVITIES:Wildlife Safari/Game drives, Guided Walking safaris, Day trips to Maasai and Barabaig villages, Day trip to ancient rock paintings in the vicinity of Kolo on the Dodoma Road.
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