 The Tanzanian coast and Zanzibar -
An idyllic
destination of pristine and unspoilt palm tree framed beaches washed by
the warm Indian Ocean.
The island resorts and coastal towns are a popular
destination for those wanting a relaxing and revitalising break after a
safari or climbing up Mt Kilimanjaro
Mikumi National Park
- The closest National Park to Dar es Salaam.
Just over 3200 km of flat
grasslands and wooded hills between the
Uluguru, Rubeho and Udzungwa Mountains (all part of the forest reserves
of the Eastern Arc
Mountains - an island chain of cool, moist forests in an arid sea of
hot savannah).
The
Tanzam Highway cuts through the northern sector from which an excellent
game viewing road network provides access to the Mkata River floodplains
and Mwanambogo dam. Mikumi is part of the Selous ecosystem and
supports strong herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo and impala with a
healthy population of elephant, giraffe and predators. Over 400
bird species have been recorded in Mikumi.
Of
particular interest in Mikumi is the large and relatively unexplored
tract south east of the highway which shares its border with Selous Game
Reserve. Mikumi is the best point of access into the Udzungwa
Mountains which are home to at least ten species of primate and several
recently discovered species of bird.
Selous Game Reserve -
Home to the
big five and boasting some of the largest populations of wildlife and
birds in Africa, the Selous Game Reserve is also one of the continents
biggest wilderness sanctuaries where some of its most remote areas can be
reached only by fly-in safaris
Ruaha National Park -
This paradise
situated in south western Tanzania provides fantastic game viewing in an
area only marginally smaller than the Serengeti. The majestic Ruaha River
traverses the park and is a great place to view the plentiful game, and
due to its relative remoteness, the park has successfully managed to
maintain a true wilderness atmosphere.
Katavi National Park -
At nearly 5000
km,
third in size to the Serengeti and Ruaha, and with the least visitors in Tanzania, Katavi is Tanzania's wildest safari destination by far! The park lies in the Rukwa Rift just east of Lake Tanganyika.
Dense brachystegia woodlands are cut by seasonal rivers with broad floodplains which are further broken up by the great seasonal lakes of Chada and Katavi. With access very restricted in the rains, Katavi is a classic dry season reserve between June and November when game concentrations are at their greatest.
Tsetse fly and dry heat during the season are small prices to pay for intense game viewing without crowds. The park has massive herds of buffalo, elephant, zebra, giraffe and other ungulates in the woodlands and plains. The dormant riverbeds and remaining pools are home to huge pods of mud-wallowing hippos and cave-dwelling crocodiles and attract
plains game and predators in a big way – there’s no shortage of safari-action
in Katavi!
This is an expensive destination suited to serious safari enthusiasts
who prefer to have it mostly to themselves (Katavi is off the
traditional circuit and practically devoid of any villages and
habitation of any sort).
Mahale Mountains National Park -
A scenically
stunning mountain range park situated in western Tanzania that borders the
beautiful Lake Tanganyika. A multitude of activities including game
viewing, boating, fishing and mountain climbing are popular. The mountains
also provide a rare and unique opportunity to track wild chimpanzee
Dar es Salaam -
An old and dilapidated town, this is Tanzania's main point of access to Zanzibar, Pemba and the southern game parks. |
