Located in the northern highlands of Tanzania, beneath the twin peaks of Mt. Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha is the safari capital of the country. Guests embarking on the popular northern safari circuit all stop in the ‘Geneva of Africa’ to prepare for their journeys into the African bush. From its two-lane streets, the dramatic crater of Mt. Meru stands over the town like a majestic sentinel, its crater strewn with thick clouds, it slopes dark with verdant forest. Arusha’s ideal location near the major national parks and its highland setting make it a peaceful idyll of relaxation before the start of an exciting journey.

Built by the Germans as a center of colonial administration in the early 20th century, Arusha was a sleepy town with a garrison stationed at the old boma and a few shops around a grassy roundabout. From its backwater status amidst the farmlands and plantations of northern Tanzania, today Arusha is one of the country’s most prosperous towns. Arusha is a major international diplomatic hub. The city hosts and is regarded as the de facto capital of the East African Community. Since 1994, the city has also hosted the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. It is a multicultural city with a majority Tanzanian population of mixed backgrounds: indigenous Bantu, Arab-Tanzanian and Indian-Tanzanian population, plus a small White European and white American minority population. Religions of the Arushan population are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu.

The current site of Arusha was first settled in the 1830s by the agro-pastoral Arusha Maasai from the Arusha Chini community, south of Mount Kilimanjaro. They traded grains, honey, beer, and tobacco with the pastoral Kisongo Maasai in exchange for livestock, milk, meat, and skins. Demand for Arusha’s foodstuffs increased substantially during the 1860s when the Pangani Valley trade route was extended through Old Moshi, Arusha, and ultimately to western Kenya. Although it was not yet a town, it was a regional center and had a number of urban features. Despite its proximity to the equator, Arusha’s elevation of 1,400 meters (4,600 ft) on the southern slopes of Mount Meru keeps temperatures relatively low and alleviates humidity. Cool dry air is prevalent for much of the year. The temperature ranges between 13 and 30 degrees Celsius with an average around 25 degrees. It has distinct wet and dry seasons, and experiences an eastern prevailing wind from the Indian Ocean, a couple of hundred miles east.

Arusha National Park (ANAPA) is a gem of varied ecosystems and spectacular views of Mt. Meru, the crater that gives the region its name. It is a popular destination for day trip visitors who are about to embark from the town of Arusha on longer northern circuit safaris. The small national park includes the slopes, summit, and ash cone of Mt. Meru, the Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, and the lush highland forests that blanket its lower slopes. Game viewing around the Momella Lakes is at a laid-back and quiet pace, and while passing through the forest many visitors stop to search for troupes of rare colobus monkeys playing in the canopy.

Climbing Mt. Meru or enjoying the smaller trails that criss-cross its lower slopes is a popular activity for visitors to Arusha National Park. The three-day trek to reach the crater’s summit is quieter, and some say a more challenging alternative than the famous peak of nearby Mount Kilimanjaro. Along the lower slopes, the paths to rivers and waterfalls create a relaxing day hike for visitors who don’t want to attempt the rather arduous climb. Ancient fig tree forests, crystal clear waters cascading from mountain streams, and a chance to spot colobus monkeys are the attractions and pleasures of Arusha National Park. The closest national park to Arusha town – northern Tanzania’s safari capital – Arusha National Park is a multi-faceted jewel, often overlooked by safari goers, despite offering the opportunity to explore a beguiling diversity of habitats within a few hours.

The entrance gate leads into shadowy montane forest inhabited by inquisitive blue monkeys and colorful turacos and trogons – the only place on the northern safari circuit where the acrobatic black-and-white colobus monkey is easily seen. In the midst of the forest stands the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater, whose steep rocky cliffs enclose a wide marshy floor dotted with herds of buffalo and warthog. Further north, rolling grassy hills enclose the tranquil beauty of the Momella Lakes, each one having a different hue of green or blue. There are shallows sometimes tinged pink with thousands of flamingos. The lakes support a rich selection of resident and migrant waterfowl, and also shaggy waterbucks that display their large lyre-shaped horns on the watery fringes. Giraffes glide across the grassy hills, between grazing zebra herds, whilst pairs of wide-eyed dik-dik dart into scrubby bush like overgrown hares on spindly legs.

Although elephants are uncommon in Arusha National Park, and lions are absent altogether, leopards and spotted hyenas may be seen slinking around in the early morning and late afternoon. It is also at dusk and dawn that the veil of cloud on the eastern horizon is most likely to clear, revealing the majestic snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro, which is only 50km (30 miles) away.

But it is Kilimanjaro’s unassuming cousin, Mount Meru – the fifth highest mountain in Africa at 4,566 meters (14,990 feet) – that dominates the park’s horizon. With its peaks and eastern foot slopes protected within the national park, Meru offers unparalleled views of its famous neighbor, while also forming a rewarding hiking destination in its own right. Passing first through wooded savannah where buffalos and giraffes are frequently encountered, the ascent of Meru leads into forests aflame with red-hot pokers and dripping with Spanish moss, before reaching highly open heath spiked with giant lobelias. Everlasting flowers cling to the alpine desert, as delicately-hoofed klipspringers mark the hike’s progress. Astride the craggy summit, Kilimanjaro stands unveiled, blushing in the sunrise.

Size 552 sq km (212 sq miles). Location: Northern Tanzania, northeast of Arusha town. Getting thereAn easy 40-minute drive from Arusha. It is approximately 60 km (35 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport. The lakes, forest and Ngurdoto Crater can all be visited in the course of a half-day outing at the beginning or end of an extended northern safari. NOTE: Mountain Climbing Permits duration time is 12 HOURS. What to do: Forest walks, numerous picnic sites; three- or four-day Mt Meru climb – good acclimatization for Kilimanjaro

BURUNGE WMA is located in Babati District, Manyara Region along Arusha-Babati-Singida-Dodoma highway, about 120 kilometers from the tourist city of Arusha. Home to elephants and Giant Baobab trees. BURUNGE WMA is located in Babati District, Manyara Region along Arusha-Babati-Singida-Dodoma highway, about 120 kilometers from the tourist city of Arusha.The WMA is made up of nine villages from three administrative wards whose revenue from tourism and conservation is sent back to support the local communities to execute social and economic development activities.

Villages which had allocated their land for establishment of the WMA are Sangawe, Mwada, Vilima Vitatu, Ngoley, Kakoi, Olasiti, Manyara, Maweni and Magara. Burunge WMA is accessible by road transport from Arusha to Makuyuni, a distance of 85 kilometers, then from Makuyuni to the WMA is located about 35 kilometers, between Makuyuni junction and Babati town. The WMA borders Tarangire and Lake Manyara National parks, which together share the rich wildlife resources living in those two famous national parks in Northern Tanzania. It is 18 kilometers from the Tarangire National park Gate and 10 kilometers from the southern boundary of Lake Manyara National Park. The most tourist attractions found in Burunge WMA are mostly the wildlife from Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks, mostly elephants and other mammals seen in northern Tanzania parks including the Big Five.

Burunge is famous for its big population of pythons which are rarely found in most wildlife parks in East Africa. Animals migrating as far from Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area have been spotted in the WMA and added to its conservation prominence. Other than wildlife, the WMA is famous for flamingo and hippo watching in Lake Burunge, sunset over the Tarangire National Park, baobab trees dated over thousand years and seasonal migration of Zebras, Giraffes, Waterbucks, Buffaloes ,Lions, Leopards and other attractive animals from Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara and Tarangire wildlife parks. Burunge WMA is famous for harboring elephants with bigger and longer tusks not found in any part of Africa. Visitors to this WMA can enjoy watching more than 200 bird species found inside the community conserved forest which makes the WMA unique.

Burunge WMA has been divided into six blocks and each investor pays US$ 60,000 as block fee per year, and 75 percent of the total amount is sent back to local communities through the WMA management. All investors are carrying out photographic safari, since no hunting safari in this WMA. Tourist activities in the WMA are mostly photographic safaris organized by tour operators. Bicycle riding and walking safaris inside the WMA are the other organized tourist activities taking place there during early morning hours and late afternoons. Tourist accommodation and recreational services are offered in lodges and camps established inside Burunge WMA. These are Tarangire River Camp,  Tarangire Osupuko Lodge, Maramboi, Chemchem Lodge, Lake Burunge Tented Lodge, UN Lodge and Little Chemchem Lodge.

Little Chemchem Lodge is located closer to Lake Burunge at a place full of wild animals. Some animals seen around there are Giraffes, Zebras, Gazelles, Dik Diks, Warthogs, Elephants, Buffaloes and Lions. Cultural performances can be organized through traditional dances from the Maasai and Kimbugwe groups made up of women and men. Two Cultural Dancing groups have been established in Burunge WMA to entertain visitors booked in lodges and camps within the WMA. These Groups are “Pevingo Dancing Group” which is made up of men and women, and “Mshikamano Women Group”. Pevingo Dancing Group is made up of 20 traditional dancers from the Kimbugwe community, among them15 dancers are men and the rest five are women. Most songs composed do carry wildlife conservation messages to attract local communities involvement in wildlife conservation, while campaigning for anti-poaching and environmental protection, also strengthening good neighborliness with Tarangire National Park. Mshikamano Women Group was launched in 2004 as an initiative of 30 women members, all engaged in various cultural activities. The group does organize traditional dances to visitors (tourists) booked in lodges within the WMA.

It is an economic generating group as well, specialized in weaving various, attractive ornaments and utensils using the grass. Among the products are trays, dustbins, table mats, small containers, food covers and also various home utensils. Mgungani Women Group is the other local community initiative to raise incomes of women through gains in tourism and wildlife conservation. The group was formed in 1997 by 50 Maasai women entrepreneurs through 10 Village Cooperative Banks (VICOBA). Located near the entry gate to Tarangire National Park, the group sells ornaments and decorations to tourists calling in the park. Other women groups in Burunge WMA are Einaudi Maasai Women Group and Tarangire Manyara, all specialized in cultural activities.

LOCATED in Longido District on the Basin land of the western foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, Enduimet Wildlife Management Area (WMA) was established in 2003 with land allocated by nine villages covering an area of 1,282 kilometers. The Small Garden of Eden, home to the biggest elephants in East Africa.

LOCATED in Longido District on the Basin land of the western foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, Enduimet Wildlife Management Area (WMA) was established in 2003 with land allocated by nine villages covering an area of 1,282 kilometers. The Enduimet WMA shares its border with Kilimanjaro National Park to the southeast, Engarusai Open Area to the west and the Kenyan border to the north. Enduimet WMA sets a good example of a community based conservation area where local Maasai pastoralists are benefiting from tourism and conservation initiatives.

The conserved area occupies the Ol Molog and Tinga Tinga wards in Longido district in Arusha region and is occupied wholly by Maasai pastoral communities. Its operation office is located at Ol Molog ward on the closer slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Engasurai Open Area is the main attractive geographical feature within Enduimet WMA where animals frequently move in search of water and hunting ground for predators. Photographic safaris is the most well established tourist activity in Enduimet and where tourists from various parts of the world flock to view wild animals. The Kitendeni Corridor is located within the WMA and is a migration route for animals roving between Tsavo West, Mkomazi, Kilimanjaro and Amboseli National parks in Tanzania and Kenya.

Enduimet WMA is divided into three zones of Alkuninio-Kitendeni, Wildlife Corridor Zone, the Engasurai Tourist Hunting Zone and the Sinya Photographic Safari Zone.  It comprises, as well, the northern portion of the larger Kitendeni Wildlife Corridor, which is critical to the survival of both Kilimanjaro and Amboseli National Parks. The corridor serves as an important seasonal migration route and dispersal area for wildebeest, zebras and elephants moving between the two national parks. The Zones are currently running photographic safaris since no tourist hunting takes place in the whole of Enduimet WMA’s conserved land. With a purpose to conserve Enduimet WMA as a part of the Kilimanjaro and Amboseli ecosystem, no trophy hunting business taking place in this area.

The conserved Area has a very unique and extensive plains ecosystem that is home to an abundance of wildlife and is the only WMA that protects a transboundary corridor between Kilimanjaro and Amboseli National Parks. Ecologically, the WMA provides connectivity between the Mkomazi, Arusha, Amboseli and Kilimanjaro National Parks and the Greater Tsavo Ecosystem in Kenya. Enduimet Wildlife Management is endowed with numerous tourist attractions.  Wildlife including giraffes, Thomson gazelles, zebras, and wildebeest, some concentrated at Engasurai plain and which looks like Ngorongoro Crater, commonly referred as “The Small Garden of Eden ”. Elephants, Oryx, Zebras, Giraffes, Lions, Buffaloes, Leopards, Elands, Wildebeests, Hyenas and other African big mammals can easily been seen in the WMA and Sinya, a private concession of about 600 square km, bordering Kenya in Amboseli National Park, offering spectacular landscapes with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Ol Doinyo Longido and Ol Doinyo Orok.  Enduimet is a home to the biggest elephants in East Africa.

Other tourist attractions including the “Seven Hill Sisters”: These are small hills located within the Enduimet WMA, each with different heights, but standing together, looking like sisters from one parent, born at different dates. Cultural Tourism is another tourist activity in Enduimet WMA. Maasai Bomas provide cultural entertainment through traditional Maasai songs and ways of life among the Maasai communities like meat roasting (Nyama Choma), milking cows and folklores. Tourist walking safaris and bush camping safaris can be arranged as well. Tourist accommodation and recreational services are offered at different lodges and camps established inside Enduimet WMA. These are Elerai Tented Lodge,  Shu’mata Camp, Tembo Camp and Chui Campsite. Best time to visit Enduimet WMA is in November when the entire area is full green, but visitors can book and visit there all year round.  Foreign visitors are charged dollars 10 (US$ 10) as fees to enter and spend a day inside the WMA. Local tourists are charged Sh. 1,000 per day for adults and Sh 500 for children.

Access to Enduimet WMA is easy and possible all the year, except during rainy seasons when some roads and tourist tracks inside the WMA are not passable. Enduimet WMA is connected by a rough road from Longido District Headquarters. The distance from Arusha City to Longido District Headquarters is 77 kilometers, while from Longido to Enduimet WMA gate is 25 kilometers. From Enduimet to Arusha via Sanya Juu and Bomang’ombe is 120 kilometers and takes up to 3 hours by bus or a car. Tourists traveling from Arusha, Nairobi and Moshi could either use this road to connect from the Arusha to Nairobi highway. The WMA can also be reached using a gravel road from Bomang’ombe through Sanya Juu and Engare Nairobi or the rough road from Arusha to Namanga road through Longido village to Sinya, Ngereiyani and Tingatinga. Going there by a passenger bus, a visitor can board a mini-bus from Arusha to Bomang’ombe, then Bomang’ombe to Sanya Juu then and Ol Molog where the WMA’s operations office is located. Investment Opportunities in Enduimet WMA

Visitors on their way to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater pass through the town of Karatu, under the benevolent peak of OlDeani, on their way through the northern highlands. After climbing the Manyara Escarpment, the vegetation becomes more lush and green, finally entering into the highlands around Karatu. The extinct volcano of OlDeani has gentle slopes and it is a prominent feature of the landscape.

In the past, the area around Karatu and OlDeani was of great importance to the German colonial administration. The area’s cool climate, verdant hills, and pleasing views make it popular with settlers and farmers. Vast and extensive fields cover the slopes of the volcano and the lands around Karatu town. Coffee was a main crop grown for export, and a few large farms that remained in private hands still cultivate the cash crop on the hills and small valleys outside of town. Karatu offers splendid views of the northern highlands and is a popular base for visitors on their way to Ngorongoro Crater.

KARATU IRAQW CULTURAL TOURISM

The group was established as Sandemu Iraqw Art and Culture Promoters in the year 2000 in Bashay village of Karatu district, Arusha region. This group has built a show center to display the traditional culture of the Iraqw people. The Iraqw are the main ethnic group living in Karatu and Mbulu districts. They also live in Babati and Hanang districts. Their objective is to compile for posterity, a record of the lifestyle, traditions, history and culture of the Iraqw people, and also to involve and benefit local people in cultural tourism, thereby disseminating information and knowledge of the ancient traditions to the world.

KARATU IRAQW OFFERS: –

Walking tours in the villages, mountains and bush, organized according to the interests of the visitors, and vary from several hours to several days (Walking tours can be extended to include the Hadzabe and Datogan in Lake Eyasi.), – Visits to development projects, schools, dispensaries, hospitals, historical sites like German and British settlements, coffee plantations, and graves in Oldeani on the rim of the Oldeani Mountain and Ngorongoro Crater.- Traditional Iraqw meals – ugali (stiff porridge) with meat, vegetables, milk, fresh honey, kande (maize and beans) and more. – Camping in a rural and natural traditional environment or staying in Iraqw traditional houses. – Displays of traditional wears -weapons, garments, gourds, baskets, mats, day pots and stone tools; some of the items are for sale and others are part of a permanent collection.

GANAKO KARATU CULTURAL TOURISM

Ganako-Karatu is situated on the way from Arusha to the national parks in northern Tanzania, just on the lower slopes of Ngorongoro highlands outside the Ngorongoro and Serengeti, it is an important resting place for most safari travelers.

GANAKO KARATU OFFERS

• A walk through the Ngorongoro highland forest
• A visit to coffee plantations to enjoy the pure taste of African coffee
• A view into the culture of the Iraqw tribe in the villages surrounding Karatu
• A visit to the colorful Iraqw market on the seventh day of each month
• A visit to the historic and ritual sites (German Colonial Settlements)
• A visit to a community development project that aims at improving the living conditions through income generating and environmental conservation
• A lunch of traditional Tanzanian food and local processed drinks
• A visit to Lake Eyasi to meet the Hadzabe Bushmen, people who are believed to have lived in the area for nearly 10,000 years
• A stay with an Iraqw family to enjoy their food and their unique lifestyle

There are various tour options available:

• Half day walking tours from Karatu Walk through farmlands and forests on the lower slopes of the highlands, and visit a local brick-making factory before proceeding to the Iraqw bomas, for more information and history.
• Visit the Elephant Cave and Waterfall. This hike is popular with bird watchers and those interested in the flora and fauna of this part of the Great Rift Valley. Enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal prepared by a local woman. Over lunch, hear the history of the Rift Valley highland settlement.
• – Tour around Karatu town-Starting from the Center, the tour takes you through the town to observe economic activities like local markets, shops, small industries, schools, dispensaries, churches, mosques, orphanage centers and environmental centers. See how local brew is made.

Snake Hill Tour

This trip includes a climb to the top of Mlima Nyoka (Snake Hill) which is abundant in birdlife, flora and small fauna. From the top of the hill, one can enjoy spectacular views, with Lake Manyara on the eastern side and Lake Eyasi to the west. The walk back to Karatu passes through Lambo village to observe the daily social activities.

Oldean Village Tour

The guide will take you to Oldean village, a historic German settlement. Pass through Mama India Center where you can observe different social project activities.

Rift Valley Tour

During this hike of the Rift Valley, the guide will tell you fascinating stories and the traditions of the residents. This walk takes you along the Rift Valley with panoramic views over the Salela plains and Lake Manyara. Descend to the valley floor and return to meet with and talk to local fruit, cassava and sweet potato farmers about their irrigation scheme.

Lake Eyasi Tour

Drive to visit the Hadzabe Bushmen who are believed to have lived in the area for nearly 10,000 years. The Hadzabe are the last of the hunter/ gatherer tribes. You will be able to observe their daily lives and even join the men in hunting.

Other Tours

Extended village stays, camping and hiking inside the NCAA itself, ornithological, botanical and other specialized treks can be arranged on request. Bicycles can be hired for the day. You can also choose to volunteer in their Conservation programmes, education in various primary & secondary schools around Karatu and the rest of Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Lake Chala is a unique caldera lake, and is thought to be the deepest inland body of water in Africa. This lake is fed by underground springs from Mt. Kilimanjaro. The lake has a great diversity of life. From lush lake shore forest to stunning volcanic savannah; from river beds marvelously carved through ancient rock, to thick bush or open ‘mbuga’. Walking at Lake Chala is a magical experience that will put you back in touch with nature. The lake is fed by groundwater flows, which come from Mount Kilimanjaro, fed and drained underground with a rate of about 10 million m³ / year. Depending on the time of year, it ranges in color from deep blue to turquoise and green, it is surrounded by a 100 meters high crater rim.

Chala has a huge variety of amazing trees, grasses and plants; some are unique to the area. According to the time of year there are hundreds of species of butterflies and birds, including spectacular birds of prey. The African Fish Eagle, with its haunting techniques, Verreaux’s Eagle, Augur Buzzards and many other species of birds can be seen around the crater walls. Wild mammals do vary including Blue Monkeys, Colobus Monkeys, baboons, dik-dik, kudu and elephant. Chala is an untouched part of a truly ancient land and a must visit place. Activities at this lake: walking safaris, canoeing, swimming and fishing.

Lake Eyasi is a seasonal shallow endorheic salt lake on the floor of the Great Rift Valley at the base of the Serengeti Plateau, just south of the Serengeti National Park and immediately southwest of the Ngorongoro Crater in the Crater Highlands of Tanzania. The lake is elongated, orientated southwest to northeast, and lies in the Eyasi-Wembere branch of the Great Rift Valley. The Hadzabe bushmen live in this region, as do the Datoga and Mbulu tribes. A visit with the bushmen is worthwhile and they will graciously show you where and how they live and hunt. They subsist entirely off the bush and by bow hunting. Everything they use is made from local materials, including their bows which are strung with giraffe tendon and their arrows which are coated in lethal poison. Their language resembles that of the Kalahari bushmen tribe (who were featured in the 1980 film ‘The Gods Must Be Crazy’) with clicking noises used.

The Datoga and Mbulu people are pastoralists, like the Masai people. The scenery of Lake Eyasi differs dramatically to that of the surrounding areas. Compared to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Highlands this area seems downright tropical. Palm trees border the lake and make homes for birds such as Fischer’s lovebird. Other trees in this area include the umbrella thorn acacia and sand paper bush. The weather is nearly always very hot and intense, as the lake is located on the floor of the Rift Valley, the oldest rift in the world. The rift is thought to have opened over 65 million years ago, shortly after dinosaurs became extinct. To view Lake Eyasi on our Tanzania map please click here. Lake Eyasi’s water levels vary greatly between the rainy and dry seasons. During the dry season the lake is virtually nonexistent and animals are forced to share what water is left, which makes for easier wildlife viewing. The lake can get quite deep during the rainy season and it attracts hippos who like to cool off in its brackish waters.

Bird lovers will be in paradise here, as the lake attracts vast numbers of birds of all sizes and colors. Some main birds to be found here include: African spoonbill, flamingos, gray headed gulls, great white pelicans, pied avocet and yellow-billed storks. The main fish found in the lake are catfish and lungfish. Lake eyasi palm trees sunsetThis region is particularly suited for exploring on foot, and day or half day hikes are highly recommended. It is also possible to go on a hunting trip with the Hadzabe or to visit the other tribes. Almost any time of year is a good time to visit Lake Eyasi with only April and May being questionable as they are when the long rains occur.

Lake Jipe is a small, shallow lake (area 28 sq. km and average depth less than 3 m), lying astride the Kenya-Tanzania border, just to the east of the northern Pare Mountains of Tanzania (Mwanga district, in the Kilimanjaro region). It is 12 km long and 2.5 km wide, 12 square km belong to Tanzania and 14 square km to Kenya. Tsavo West National Park of Kenya borders the southern portion of the lake while Mt Kilimanjaro dominates the horizon some distance to the northwest.

Lake Jipe receives its main inflow from Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania via River Lumi passing through Kenya. The other main inflow is via River Muvulani from the Pare Mountains. Several temporary streams, mainly from the Pare Mountains, also drain into Lake Jipe. The lake has one outflow, the River Ruvu, located in Tanzania to the south of River Lumi, the main inflow. Jipe is a shallow backwater of the Lumi river, which afterwards becomes the Ruvu River, and enters in the Nyumba ya Mungu Reservoir. After joining there with the Kikuletwa the stream flows as Pangani River in the Indian Ocean at Pangani. As for wildlife, Lake Jipe not only offers an abundance of hippo and crocodile but there is also a small herd of zebras. To the northern end of the lake are also a few tiny villages whose inhabitants make a living from fishing.

Located beneath the cliffs of the Manyara Escarpment, on the edge of the Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park offers varied ecosystems, incredible bird life, and breathtaking views. Located on the way to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, Lake Manyara National Park is worth a stop in its own right. Its groundwater forests, bush plains, baobab strewn cliffs, and algae-streaked hot springs offer incredible ecological variety in a small area, rich in wildlife and incredible numbers of birds. The alkaline soda of Lake Manyara is home to an incredible array of bird life that thrives on its brackish waters. Pink flamingo stoop and graze by the thousands of colorful specks against the gray minerals of the lake shore. Yellow-billed storks swoop and corkscrew on thermal winds rising up from the escarpment, and herons flap their wings against the sun-drenched sky. Even reluctant bird-watchers will find something to watch and marvel at within the national park.

Lake Manyara’s famous tree-climbing lions are another reason to pay a visit to this park. The only kind of their species in the world, they make the ancient mahogany and elegant acacias their home during the rainy season, and are a well-known but rather rare feature of the northern park. In addition to the lions, the national park is also home to the largest concentration of baboons anywhere in the world — a fact that accounts for interesting game viewing of large families of the primates.

Stretching for 50km along the base of the rusty-gold 600-meter high Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara is a scenic gem, with a setting extolled by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa”. The compact game-viewing circuit through Manyara offers a virtual microcosm of the Tanzanian safari experience. From the entrance gate, the road winds through an expanse of lush jungle-like groundwater forest where hundred-strong baboon troops lounge nonchalantly along the roadside; the blue monkeys scamper nimbly between the ancient mahogany trees; dainty bushbuck tread warily through the shadows, and the outsized forest hornbills honk cacophonously in the high canopy. In contrast with the intimacy of the forest, is the grassy floodplain and its expansive views eastward, across the alkaline lake, to the jagged blue volcanic peaks that rise from the endless Maasai Steppes. Large buffalo, wildebeest and zebra herds congregate on these grassy plains, and so do the giraffes – some so dark in coloration that they appear to be black from a distance.

Inland of the floodplain, a narrow belt of acacia woodland is the favored haunt of Manyara’s legendary tree-climbing lions and impressively tusked elephants. Squadrons of banded mongoose dart between the acacias, whereas the diminutive Kirk’s dik-dik forages in their shade. Pairs of klipspringer are often seen silhouetted on the rocks above a field of searing hot springs that steams and bubbles adjacent to the lakeshore in the far south of the park. Manyara provides the perfect introduction to Tanzania’s birdlife. More than 400 species have been recorded, and even a first-time visitor to Africa might reasonably expect to observe 100 of these in one day. Highlights include thousands of pink-hued flamingos on their perpetual migration, as well as other large water birds such as pelicans, cormorants and storks.

About Lake Manyara National Park Size: 330 sq km (127 sq miles), of which up to 200 sq km (77 sq miles) is the lake when water levels are high. Location: Northern Tanzania. The entrance gate lies 1.5 hours (126km/80 miles) west of Arusha along a newly surfaced road, close to the ethnically diverse market town of Mto wa Mbu. By road, charter or scheduled flight from Arusha, en route to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. What to do, Game drives, night game drives, canoeing when the water level is sufficiently high. Cultural tours, picnics, bush lunch/dinner, mountain bike tours, abseiling and forest walks on the escarpment outside the park. Accommodation One luxury treehouse-style camp, public bandas and campsites inside the park. One luxury tented camp and three lodges perched on the Rift Wall outside the park overlooking the lake. Several guesthouses and campsites in nearby Mto wa Mbu.

A soda lake at the base of the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, the area around Lake Natron is often described as having a desolate and almost lunar beauty. Lake Natron is found in the northern part of Tanzania. Nearest towns to Lake Natron are Arusha in Tanzania and Magadi in Kenya. It is the most important breeding site for Lesser Flamingos in the world. East Africa has 1.5-2.5 million Lesser Flamingos, representing three-quarters of the world population and most of them are hatched at Lake Natron.  Food is plentiful, nesting sites abound – and above all, the lake is isolated and undisturbed.  The lake and its ecosystem provides a source of livelihood to the local communities.

High levels of evaporation have left behind natron (sodium carbonate decahydrate) and trona (sodium sesquicarbonate dihydrate). The alkalinity of the lake can reach a pH of greater than 12. The surrounding bedrock is composed of alkaline, sodium-dominated trachyte lavas that were laid down during the Pleistocene period. The lavas have significant amounts of carbonate but very low calcium and magnesium levels. This has allowed the lake to concentrate into a caustic alkaline brine

Walks around the lake and to the streams and waterfalls along the nearby escarpment make for a fantastic adventure off the beaten track. There are a number of campgrounds near the lake, which is also the base for climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai.

This very impressive Waterfall is one of the tallest in the area, spewing crystal clear glacier water 70m into its basin. The beautiful path leading to Materuni Waterfall is located 2500m above sea level. It traverses through valleys and hills covered by tropical rainforest, past coffee, banana and avocado “shambas’ ‘, the Swahili word for farms. On a clear day great views of Kibo and Moshi town can be seen. The hike to the base of the Waterfall can be demanding and hiking boots are recommended. As this trip is so close to Moshi town it is ideal for those people with limited time but who would still like to see some of the nature and beauty that this region of Tanzania has to offer.

Materuni is one of the few villages of wonder in Northern Tanzania sitting at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The village is blessed with all of the beauty worth visiting for holiday, week-end outing or vacation. While in the village, the scenic view of Moshi Town and Mount Kilimanjaro is astonishing. This green village with fresh air from green vegetation welcomes visitors to explore the beauty of the land and cultural heritage of the Chagga people. A cultural experience such as banana beer brewed or coffee roasted the traditional way can be added to your hike.

Set below the verdant slopes of the spectacular Usambara and Pare Eastern Arc Mountain Ranges and overseen by iconic snow – capped peak of Kilimanjaro, Mkomazi is a virgin breathtaking beauty exhibiting unique natural treasures and immense sense of space – which adds to the fulfillment of high visitor’s enjoyment expectations – a much needed bridge between northern circuit and coastal attractions. Every day, thousands of people pass within a few kilometers of Mkomazi on one of Tanzania’s busiest highways. These and the northern circuit safari – goers are now most welcomed to discover the treasures of this wedge of hilly semi-arid savannah – home of large herds of giraffe, eland, hartebeest, zebra, buffalo and elephant.

Mkomazi is a vital refuge for two highly endangered species, the charismatic black rhino and the sociable African wild dog, both of which were successfully reintroduced in the 1990s. Nomadic by nature, wild dogs might be seen almost anywhere in the park, however the black rhinos are restricted to a fenced sanctuary, ensuring their safe keeping for the enjoyment and prosperity of future generations. Mkomazi supports several dry – country specialists’ species that are rare elsewhere in Tanzania; these include the spectacular fringe – eared oryx, with its long back – sweeping horns, and the handsome spiral – horned lesser kudu. Oddest of all is the gerenuk, a gazelle distinguished by its slender neck, bizarre alien – like head, and having the habit of standing tall on its hind legs as it stretches for acacia leaves that other browsers cannot reach.

A game reserve since 1951, this new National Park takes its name from a word from Pare tribe denoting “scoop of water”, referring to little water. It is a fantastic destination for birdwatchers, with more than 450 avian species recorded, among them are the dry – country endemics such as the cobalt – chested vulturine guinea-fowl, other large ground birds such as ostrich, kori bustard, secretary bird, ground hornbill and some migratory species including the Eurasian roller.

Location: Northern Tanzania split between Kilimanjaro and Tanga administrative regions. The park borders on the west the Tsavo National Park in Kenya. The Zange entrance gate lies 112 km (69 miles) from Moshi, 550 km (341 miles) from Mwalimu J. K. Nyerere International Airport – Dar es Salaam, 142 km (88.7 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport, 120 km (75 miles) from Kilimanjaro National Park and 6 km (3.7 miles) from the town of Same.

How to get there? By road, Mkomazi is easily accessible via Same, which lies on the surfaced highway connecting Arusha to Dar es Salaam. The Park is also easily accessible on special arrangement through Njiro, Kivingo and Umba gates. The park can also be easily accessed from the nearby existing tourist attractions in Eastern Arc Mountains, The Coast and Kilimanjaro Mountain. Charter flights are available to Kisima airstrip. What to do: Game drives, camping, site seeing, bird watching, walking safari, and hiking (uphill). Learn more about conservation and rhinoceros at Mkomazi rhino sanctuary. Accommodation There is one semi – permanent tented camp near the Park headquarters. Few designated basic campsites where one must bring his/her own camping gears and food. There are several small hotels and guest houses in Same town.

Nestled at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi is the coffee producing centre of the country. All around the town and on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, there are vast plantations of coffee blankets covering the area. Coffee is a mainstay of life in Moshi, and the seasonal coffee auctions, whereby wholesale coffee is bidded for by international buyers, packaged and sold, is an event not to be missed if you’re in town. In addition to the coffee auction, Moshi’s coffee roasting factory is a sweet-smelling insight into the production of this famous beverage. Sugar plantations are also of central importance to the region’s economy, and can be seen outside of town. Cultural tourism programmes can arrange for short hikes and day-trips to tribes and villages, and also tours to nearby crops and coffee farms.

Walks around Moshi town and a trip to the coffee auction that is held here are activities of interest to passing visitors, but the main reason visitors come to Moshi is to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, the mountain whose thick clouds and snow-capped peak towers over the agricultural town. Climbing expeditions depart from the town into Kilimanjaro National Park early in the morning, before the clouds that cluster daily around the mountaintop have risen, and when the air is fresh and cool. Whether you’re in Moshi to scale to the top of Africa or learn more about coffee growing and production, Moshi is a quiet haven of tranquil peace whose quiet streets offer a warm welcome in a beautiful setting.

At 5896m Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain and one of the continent’s magnificent sights, It has three main volcanic peaks, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. The name itself “Kilimanjaro” is a mystery wreathed in clouds. It might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans. Above the gently rolling hills and plateaux of northern Tanzania rises the snowy peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro, it’s slopes and glaciers shimmering above the rising clouds. Kilimanjaro is located near the town of Moshi and is a protected area, carefully regulated for climbers to enjoy without leaving a trace of their presence. The mountain’s ecosystems are as strikingly beautiful as they are varied and diverse. On the lowland slopes, much of the mountain is farmland, with coffee, banana, cassava, and maize crops grown for subsistence and cash sale. A few larger coffee farms still exist on the lower slopes, but much of the area outside the national park has been subdivided into small plots. Once inside the park, thick lowland forest covers the lower altitudes and breaks into alpine meadows once the air begins to thin. Near the peak, the landscape is harsh and barren, with rocks and ice the predominant features above a breathtaking African view.

Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highlight of most visitors’ experiences in Tanzania. Few mountains can claim the grandeur, the breathtaking views of Amboseli National Park in Kenya, the Rift Valley, and the Maasai Steppe that belongs to Kilimanjaro. Hiking on the ‘rooftop of Africa’ — the highest point on the continent at 5896 meters — is the adventure of a lifetime, especially because, if paced well, everyone from seasoned trekkers to first-time enthusiasts can scale the snowy peak. For more information, see the ‘Mountain Climbing‘ section under ‘Things to Do. Kilimanjaro. The name itself is a mystery wreathed in clouds. It might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans. Or it might not. The local people, the Wachagga, don’t even have a name for the whole massif, only Kipoo (now known as Kibo) for the familiar snowy peak that stands imperious, overseer of the continent, the summit of Africa. Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa. When you see it, you understand why. Not only is this the highest peak on the African continent; it is also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding coastal scrubland – elevation around 900 meters – to an imperious 5,895 meters (19,336 feet).

Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s most accessible high summits, a beacon for visitors from around the world. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman’s Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates. And their memories, But there is so much more to Kili than her summit. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic world tour, from the tropics to the Arctic. Even before you cross the national park boundary (at the 2,700m contour), the cultivated footslopes give way to lush montane forest, inhabited by elusive elephant, leopard, buffalo, the endangered Abbot’s duiker, and other small antelope and primates. Higher still lies the moorland zone, where a cover of giant heather is studded with otherworldly giant lobelias. Above 4,000m, a surreal alpine desert supports little life other than a few hardy mosses and lichen. Then, finally, the last vestigial vegetation gives way to a winter wonderland of ice and snow – and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the continent.

Kilimanjaro National Park Size: 1668 sq km 641 sq miles). Location: Northern Tanzania, near the town of Moshi.

Getting there, 128 km (80 miles) from Arusha, About one hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro airport.

Six usual trekking routes to the summit and other more-demanding mountaineering routes, Day or overnight hikes on the Shira plateau. Nature trails on the lower reaches, Trout fishing, Visit the beautiful Chala crater lake on the mountain’s southeastern slopes.

Accommodation  Huts and campsites on the mountain. Several hotels and campsites outside the park in the village of Marangu and the town of Moshi.

NOTE: Climb slowly to increase your acclimatization time and maximize your chances of reaching the summit. And  To avoid altitude sickness, allow a minimum of five nights, preferably even more for the climb. Take your time and enjoy the beauty of the mountain.

At 4566m, Mount Meru is the fifth highest mountain on the African continent and the second highest in Tanzania. About 250,000 years ago, a massive volcanic explosion wiped out the entire eastern flank of the mountain and left it with the quaint and distinctive look it has today. Last eruption: 1910. The ascent of Mount Meru passes through several areas of vegetation: the forest at the bottom gives way to a dense mountain rainforest which eventually turns into a bush. Towards the top of the mountain, the vegetation is formed by moorland which is replaced by the wonderful alpine deserts. As the flora changes, the fauna does the same: during the ascent, you will meet large mammals such as elephants and buffaloes, but you may also encounter leopards.

For this reason it is mandatory to be accompanied by an armed park ranger during the tour. Day 1 Arusha – Momella Gate (1.500m) – Miriakamba Hut (2.500m) In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and after a 45-minute drive you will arrive at the Arusha National Park Gate. At the entrance gate, the guide will complete the mandatory registration forms (you can consult the information sheets of the national park). Once the formalities have been completed and the team of hikers (also made up of porters from the surrounding villages) formed, the ascent will begin. An armed park ranger will accompany you as you begin your hike and you will have the opportunity to get a first look at the wonderful giraffes and buffaloes.

Once you leave these herds behind, you will enter the acacia forest following the Southern Route.After a steady 2 hour climb, we reach the Maio Falls and some picturesque meadows which are the perfect place for a picnic. After a period of rest, you will be back on the road and soon you will reach the famous “Arched Fig Tree”. Here the park ranger will tell you about the formation of this tree and how it got its arch shape on the trail. After about another 2 hours, arrive at the Marikamba refuge. Dinner, overnight at the Maria Kamba refuge and breakfast before leaving. Day 2 Miriakamba Hut (2.500m) – Saddle Hut (3.550m) In the morning, you will leave the Miria Kamba refuge and follow a steep path with wooden steps to the top. Due to the increase in altitude, it will be significantly cooler than the previous day so the hike will seem to be easier. Clouds are also often found in the rainforest and immerse the lush vegetation in a particular atmosphere.

After about 2 hours, you will reach the ‘Mgongo wa Tembo’ (elephant’s back) viewpoint at an altitude of 3,200 m, where you can enjoy a well-deserved break. After another long walk in which you will see the vegetation transform from the rainforest into an airy woodland, you will reach the Saddle Hut (3,550 m) around noon and there you can relax and have lunch. During the afternoon, you have the opportunity to take a trip to Little Meru (3,820m), which lasts about an hour and a half and from where you can enjoy great views of Arusha National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro (about 80km away) .Back at the refuge, a hot dinner awaits you before starting the last speech in view of the next day’s ascent to the summit. Dinner, overnight at the Maria Kamba refuge and breakfast before leaving.

Day 3 Saddle Hut – Socialist Peak (4.562m) – Miriakamba Hut (2.500m) The alarm will be at night, breakfast with tea and biscuits, you will leave for the top at 02:00. By torchlight, you will follow the path through the bush to the so-called rhino point (3,821 m) where the path turns into a slightly more challenging trek with occasional lighter climbs. You will follow the north ridge to the top where you will walk on terrain formed by lava ash and rock. After about 4/5 hours, you will begin to see the top and the flag of Tanzania.

From the top, you can enjoy the sun rising over Kilimanjaro and the fantastic view of the crater of Mount Meru with its steep sides and the “Cone of Ash” in the middle. The descent follows the same path to the Saddle refuge (3,550m) where you take a long, well-deserved break and recover with a hot soup and tea. Once refreshed, you will continue with the descent. In the early afternoon you will arrive at the Miriakamba refuge (2,500m), tired but happy. Here, you can relax and rethink the last feat you completed. Dinner, overnight at the Marikamba refuge (2,500 m) and breakfast.

Day 4 Miriakamba Hut (2.500m) – Momella Gate (1.500m)

After breakfast, you will follow a 2/3 hour trek on the so-called “Northern Route” to Momella Gate.The descent is shorter than the ascent, but there is still the possibility of seeing elephants, buffaloes, giraffes and colobus monkeys. At the gate, you will greet your hiking team and your driver will take you back to Arusha.

Note:

The ascent to the summit contains some simple, but unsafe climbing steps. A good height habit and firm feet are absolutely necessary.In adverse weather conditions (heavy rain, icy rocks and trails or thick fog) the park ranger can postpone the climb to the summit. We do not recommend climbing in the rainy season (April and May).

“Oldoinyo Lengai” means “The Mountain of God” in the Maasai language. The summit of this strato-volcano is 2962 meters above sea level, and affords direct views into the caldera of Tanzania’s only officially-certified active volcano, and the world’s only carbonatite volcano; records of eruptions have been maintained since 1883, the largest of which deposited ash 100 kilometers away in Loliondo on the Kenyan border to the north west.

It is located in northern Tanzania lying just south of Lake Natron in the Rift Valley, in the heart of Maasai country, and locally regarded as a sacred mountain. Looking north from its summit crater, the hot barren salt flats of Lake Natron stretch into the distance. To the south stretch the crater Highlands and the Ngorongoro Game Reserve. The eastern horizons are dominated by Kilimanjaro and to the west the forested escarpments and hills comprising the western slopes of the Rift Valley. Every seven years Lengai erupts and plumes of smoke billow out of the crater. It is possible to walk across the crater floor. The ascent of Oldoinyo Lengai is demanding on account of the daytime heat, lack of water, steep and unsuitable slopes of ash and crumbly rocks and considerable height gain. Normally you can start ascending to the summit early in the morning and reach the summit at sunrise. Shorts and a warm jacket are suitable for ascent, also long trousers are good as the summit before dawn can be cold. Access route from the North West allows an early descent to be made from the summit in the morning shadow.

Standing at 2,878 meters above the Soda Ash Lake Natron, Mountain of GOD as famous to the Maasai community that inhabit the area, Mountain Ol Doinyo Lengai is situated in the Ngorongoro highlands and the African Rift valley about 120 kilometers Northwest of Arusha, Tanzania. Since the past, the Holly Lengai has been used by Maasai for their prayer to their GOD known as NGAI. Ol Doinyo Lengai is the only active volcano in the world that erupts in natrocarbonatite lava which is cooler than other lavas (510 degrees C) compared to the temperatures of basaltic lavas (1,100 degrees C) with less silicon.

The Mountain frequently does minor eruptions and forms cone-like structures to its crater base.While on the summit of Mountain Ol Doinyo Lengai one can sight clearly the Soda Lake Natron which accommodates and consist of good nesting sites for different bird species especially the Flamingos, pelicans and geese more than 350 different types are recorded to date. Unlike the other two highest Mountains, Lengai takes about six to seven hours to reach the summit crater. Also the Mountain is an ideal place for a working safari escort by the Maasai guides with weapons tourist can sight wild animals like olive baboon, velvet, monitor lizard, hyenas, lion, leopard, jackal, Grant’s gazelle, impala and zebra. Nearby are the Maasai BOMAS that give you a chance to interact with the indigenous learn their cultures, taboos and traditions.

The jewel in Ngorongoro’s crown is a deep, volcanic crater, 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. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most famous sites and is said to have the highest density of wildlife in Africa.  Sometimes described as an ‘eighth wonder of the world’, the Crater has achieved world renown, attracting an ever-increasing number of visitors each year.  You are unlikely to escape other vehicles here, but you are guaranteed great wildlife viewing in a genuinely mind-blowing environment.  There is nowhere else in Africa quite like Ngorongoro!

The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.  Forming a spectacular bowl of about 265 square kilometers, with sides up to 600 meters deep; it is home to approximately 30,000 animals at any one time.  The Crater rim is over 2,200 meters high and experiences its own climate.  From this high vantage point it is possible to make out the tiny shapes of animals making their way around the crater floor far below.  Swathes of cloud hang around the rocky rim most days of the year and it’s one of the few places in Tanzania where it can get chilly at night. The crater floor consists of a number of different habitats that include grassland, swamps, forests and Lake Makat (Maasai for ‘salt’) – a central soda lake filled by the Munge River.  All these various environments attract wildlife to drink, wallow, graze, hide or climb.  Although animals are free to move in and out of this contained environment, the rich volcanic soil, lush forests and spring source lakes on the crater floor (combined with fairly steep crater sides) tend to incline both grazers and predators to remain throughout the year.

Ngorongoro Crater: Wildlife Highlights

Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most likely areas in Tanzania to see the endangered Black Rhino, as a small population is thriving in this idyllic and protected environment. It is currently one of the few areas where they continue to breed in the wild. Your chances of encountering leopards here are also good, and fabulous black-maned lions.  Many flamingos are also attracted to the soda waters of Lake Magadi.

Ngorongoro Crater: Maasai village trips

Part of the reason behind the Ngorongoro Conservation Area has been to preserve the environment for the Maasai people who were diverted from the Serengeti Plains.  Essentially nomadic people, they build temporary villages in circular homesteads called bomas. There are possibilities to visit a couple of these now, which have been opened up for tourists to explore.  Here you can see how the huts are built in a strict pattern of order according to the chronological order of the wives, and experience what it must be like to rely on warmth and energy from a fire burning at the heart of a cattle dung dwelling with no chimney. These proud cattle herding people have a great history as warriors, and even though they are no longer allowed to build villages inside, they continue to herd their cattle into the crater to graze and drink, regardless of the predators nearby.

Over the last thirty years or so, it has become increasingly apparent that Africa is probably the “Cradle of Mankind”. From Africa they spread out to populate the rest of Earth. Remains of the earliest humans were found in Olduvai Gorge. Olduvai Gorge is a site in Tanzania that holds the earliest evidence of the existence of human ancestors. Paleoanthropologists have found hundreds of fossilized bones and stone tools in the area dating back millions of years, leading them to conclude that humans evolved in Africa.

Olduvai is a misspelling of Oldupai, a Maasai word for a wild sisal plant that grows in the area. The gorge is located in the Great Rift Valley, between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park. It is 30 miles from Laetoli, another fossil-rich area. Olduvai Gorge was formed about 30,000 years ago, the result of aggressive geological activity and streams. The steep ravine is about 30 miles (48.2 km) long and 295 feet (89.9 meters) deep, not quite large enough to be classified as a canyon. A river cuts through several layers to form four individual beds, with the oldest estimated at about 2 million years old.

At Laetoli, west of Ngorongoro Crater, hominid footprints are preserved in volcanic rock 3.6 millions years old and represent some of the earliest signs of mankind in the world. Three separate tracks of a small-brained upright walking early hominid. Australopithecus afarensis, a creature about 1.2 to 1.4 meters high, was found. Imprints of these are displayed in the Oldupai museum.

More advanced descendants of Laetoli’s hominins were found further north, buried in the layers of the 100 meters deep Olduvai Gorge. Excavations, mainly by the archaeologist Louis and Mary Leakey, yielded four different kinds of hominid, showing a gradual increase in brain size and in the complexity of their stone tools. The first skull of Zinjanthropus, commonly known as ‘Nutcracker Man’ who lived about 1.75 millions years ago, was found here. The most important finds include Home habilis, Zinjathropus and the Laetoli footprints.

Part of the Eastern Arc range in north-eastern Tanzania, the remote Pare Mountains are extremely rewarding to the avid trekker searching for hiking trails off the beaten path. Home to the Pare tribe, agriculturalists and pastoralists who have largely retained their traditional way of life, a hike through the Pare Mountains takes visitors through local villages and beautiful forests as well as offers the chance to explore a less visited part of the country. The Pare Mountains are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, an isolated range of ancient massifs that stretch from the Taita Hills in southeastern Kenya into Tanzania, where the range includes the Pare Mountains, East and West Usambara and the Ulugurus near Morogoro and the Udzungwa Mountains. The steep crystalline ridges and peaks of the Eastern Arc area are much older and a geologically separate formation from Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. The current ranges began to take shape some 100 million years ago, and attained their present form at the start of the Miocene Epoch, 25 million years ago.

The southern Pare Mountains are situated in Kilimanjaro Region, about 150 kilometers south of Moshi. From the surrounding plains, the mountains look like a barren and deserted area, but when you start climbing the slopes, one of Africa’s most special landscapes is revealed for your eyes. Between huge desolate rocks lie small green river valleys where farmers have built impressive stone terraces. On top of the mountains is the Chome forest reserve, a dense tropical forest with many rare trees and plants. The forest offers an oasis of rest, beauty and fresh air. Visitors can easily walk a day through the forest without meeting anyone. The surrounding villages are among the most isolated places in Northern Tanzania and the local people have kept their traditional Pare culture throughout history. Narrow footpaths wind through the mountains from one village to another.

Southern Pare Mountains Tours Includes:

• A walk through the Chome forest reserve, a tropical forest of over 100 square kilometer.
• A climb to Shengena Peak, the highest point in the Pare and Usambara mountains
• A view into the Pare culture (old stories, traditional dances)
• A visit to several development projects in our villages (irrigation, soil conservation, afforestation)

A stay in the Southern Pare Mountains can perfectly be combined with a visit to the neighboring Mkomazi Game Reserve, where game drives and walking safaris are possible.

Serengeti National Park is undoubtedly the best-known wildlife sanctuary in the world, unequaled for its natural beauty and scientific value, it has the greatest concentration of plains game in Africa.The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania was established in 1952. It is home to the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth – the great migration of wildebeest and zebra. The resident population of lions, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, and birds is also impressive. There’s a wide variety of accommodation available, from luxury lodges to mobile camps. The park covers 5,700 sq miles, (14,763 sq km), it’s larger than Connecticut, with at most a couple hundred vehicles driving around. The Park can be divided into 3 sections. The popular southern/central part (Seronera Valley), is what the Maasai called the “serengit”, the land of endless plains. It’s classic savannah, dotted with acacias and filled with wildlife. The western corridor is marked by the Grumeti River, and has more forests and dense bush. The north, Lobo area, meets up with Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve, is the least visited section.

Two World Heritage Sites and two Biosphere Reserves have been established within the 30,000 km² region. Its unique ecosystem has inspired writers from Ernest Hemingway to Peter Mattheissen, filmmakers like Hugo van Lawick and Alan Root as well as numerous photographers and scientists – many of which have put their works at our disposal to create this website. The Serengeti ecosystem is one of the oldest on earth. The essential features of climate, vegetation and fauna have barely changed in the past million years. Early man himself made an appearance in Olduvai Gorge about two million years ago. Some patterns of life, death, adaptation and migration are as old as the hills themselves. It is the migration for which Serengeti is perhaps most famous. Over a million wildebeest and about 200,000 zebras flow south from the northern hills to the southern plains for the short rains every October and November, and then swirl west and north after the long rains in April, May and June. So strong is the ancient instinct to move that no drought, gorge or crocodile infested river can hold them back. The Wildebeest travel through a variety of parks, reserves and protected areas and through a variety of habitats. Join us to explore the different forms of vegetation and landscapes of the Serengeti ecosystem and meet some of their most fascinating inhabitants.

Tanga was once another stopping point, in competition with Pangani and Bagamoyo, for caravans on their way to the hinterland of Central Africa searching for ivory and slaves. The Germans also made it a center of colonial administration during their occupation in the early 20th century. Evidence of German’s presence can be found in Tanga’s architecture today, but only few landmarks and historical buildings have remained in the area. Tanga’s port, however, provides a main link between northern Tanzania and the Indian Ocean. For the discerning tourist and intrepid traveler, Tanga region is a stunning diverse destination. It undoubtedly has a lot to offer and is a surprisingly safe and friendly place to travel, filled with an incredible mixture of different cultures and some of the best places to visit. This is evident in many aspects of life, particularly visible in the region’s magnificent landscape, unique culture and friendly people – making it one of the preferred destinations for adventurous travelers.

Thousands of kilometers of the long Indian Ocean coastline with its sheltered bays and lagoons, and the lush mangrove forests, pristine semi-arid forests help to shape the identity of Tanga. The first thing that visitors notice on their arrival is the state of relaxation and prosperity that is palpable, and it is good to bask in the sunlit narrow streets of Tanga with most of the city roads done to perfection. The experience of an exhilarating stretch of tarmac roads in Tanga is bound to satisfy a desire of any traveler. Self-drive holidays in Tanga are great – the roads are well signposted and easily navigated – but don’t underestimate the value of a good guide who will show you parts of the area you may not have otherwise explored.

Location Tanga is situated on the Tanzanian northern coast close to the Kenyan border. It has road connections with Arusha, Moshi, Mombasa, Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. Tanga has a small airport as well as airstrips at Ushongo (Pangani) and Saadani national park. Boat services are available to Pangani, Pemba and Zanzibar. Accommodation Tanga has a huge pack of facilities in the city center and along the beach areas. The popular for visitors include: Tanga Beach Resort, Mkonge Hotel, Mtendele hotel, Inn by the Sea, Regal Naivera hotel, Nyinda Classic hotels, New Dolphin hotel, Nyumbani hotels and resorts, CBA hotel, Palm Court Hotel and more. Rates range between US$ 20 to US$ 150 per night. Tanga has several popular restaurants featuring coastal food menus including local foods such as Rusha Roho restaurant, Raskazone swimming Club, Tanga bathing club, Tanga Yacht Club and Jet Bar and Restaurant.

Other Services: Tanga has a few branches of financial institutions such as NMB, NBC, CRDB, Exim, Barclays and Post Bank. Health services are available at the Bombo regional hospital as well as several private hospitals. The regional police post is stationed in town.

Amani Nature Reserve Amani Nature Reserve (ANR), located in the East Usambara Mountains, is a paradise of nature with unique flora and fauna. It has been termed as the “Last Paradise.”  The flora species composition is diverse; trees of over 60 meters tall exist throughout the reserve while below, many different types of plant species are supported by them. Amani, situated in the pockets in the East Usambara Mountains, is part of the huge natural entity that makes up the Eastern Arc Mountains. It was Gazetted in 1997 with the main objective to involve the local community to take part in the management of the reserve and forest conservation to increase income generating opportunities.

The ANR has a total area of 8380 hectares divided into ecological zones that is home to a collection of medicinal plants, Biodiversity preservation, restoration and Botanical garden. The reserve has endemic and endangered plants, more than 340 bird species, including a few endemic plants; there are also 74 genuses of animals, which include reptiles, mammals, amphibians and mollusks. Tourists are likely to see the endemic chameleons, snakes such as cobra, amphibian’s particularly legless frog, butterflies and other insects. ANR is registered with the Tropical Biology association as one of the reputable research institutions, to learn first hand about tropical ecology and conservation. Many research works are conducted yearly by renowned universities in the world such as the UK’s Leeds University. Others include Tanzanian universities and research institutions (UDSM, SUA and NIMR) and others from Uganda and Madagascar. The SNR is one of the most important water catchment’s areas that through the Zigi River provide domestic water to Tanga town, associated industries, estates and adjacent local communities. In addition, it provides water to the Hale and Pangani hydropower stations in the Pangani River, among other benefits. The ANR is suitable for sightseeing, hiking, camping, butterfly, farming visit, trekking in the nature forest, night walks, bird watching, picnics, boating, fishing and learning. (website: www.amaninature.org).

Tourist attractions

Tourist attractions Land pattern and land use Amani Nature Reserve extends from lowland to the upper plateau. The upper plateau allows visitors to observe the land pattern of the East Usambara, and these are one of the must-see attractions in the ANR. The land use in the upper plateau, including the local agricultural farming and tea estates adds the portfolio of attractions to the tourists.

View Points: There are 3 view points namely Kiganga Hill, Ngua and Mbomole Hill viewpoints. Water falls: There are three waterfalls namely Derema, Ndola and Pacha in the ANR. Many visitors here choose to hike to the waterfalls.

Farming: Tea farming is under the East Usambara Tea Company that has a few acres of cultivated tea plantations that offer a good sighting to visitors.

Nine visitors trail: (nature trails): Labeled, mapped and well documented in the leaflets and trail guide books are available (Mbomole Hill, Monga trail, Ndola trail, Turaco Bird trail, Kwamkoro Nature trail, Derema trail, Zigi trail, etc.)

Butterfly & Spices project: The villagers run a butterfly project in which a substantial quantity of live butterfly or larva or purple is exported to Germany, the UK and Switzerland. Locals through groups and individual arrangements produce different spices sold in the Tanga region and beyond.

Location: About 35 kms from Muheza, a town located on the highway to Tanga. Access: There are public transports from Muheza, 35 kms away

Accommodation: Two moderate rest houses provide accommodation in ANR boundaries; one at the Headquarters and Sigi Rest house at Sigi gate; campsites (Sigi, Kwamkoro and Mbomole Peak). Guest houses are available in the village at the Sigi gate. Picnic sites: The picnic sites are available for visitors fully supplied with sanitary equipment. These are: River’s site (Zigi), hill pick (Mbomole Hill) and in-situ forest site (Kiganga). Two campsites: One with a fixed water closet (ANR HQ), second one (Kiganga) allowing a mobile sanitary system. Other services: Muheza town has an NMB branch and Post Bank, including a CRDB (ATM) to cater for financial services. For large supplies, visitors are advised to buy supplies at Muheza where a big market has a good stock of both dry food and other groceries.

Tongoni ruins

Tongoni provides an insight into the early settler’s lifestyle in the fishing village. Ruins of ancient mosques, tombs and remains of the first Shiraz of Persian origin, with elaborate inscription and stone carvings are found here. The locals that inhabit the area: Wabondei and Wazigua are predominantly fishermen who owned the village until when the Shirazi came. Tongoni village has an exceptional look at one of East Africa’s Islamic settlements, which was established around the early 14th century. Tanga is primarily and predominantly populated by Muslims. Tongoni is believed to be the location of the first port before Tanga, and that the Portuguese sailor Vasco Da Gama visited Tongoni in 1498. During his visit, it is said that he abandoned and destroyed one of his ships, the ‘San Raphael’ for being beyond repair. Vasco Da Gama is said to have returned to Tongoni a year later and spent close to two weeks there. A glimpse into the villager’s lifestyle of the locals provides a simple and charming reception. Visitors are welcome to see the fish market and buy a few fish species, including prawns.

Location: Tongoni village is found nearly 17 kms south of Tanga on the way to Pangani,

Accommodation: Peponi Resort is an up market facility located a short distance (13 kms) from Tongoni. It has 8 Bandas, three tents, 12 small bandas (Kabandas). There are several activities offered by the resort: dhow trips, snorkeling, boat ride and walking by the seashore to explore the myriad of sea shells. (Website: www.peponi resort.com)

Amboni caves

The Amboni caves are believed to be the most extensive limestone caves in East Africa, located in Kiomoni village. The caves, a one and half kilometer stretch, are a fascinating historical site, which were used as hiding places for the locals. The Amboni caves are among the area’s most popular attractions that have attracted, over the years, hundreds of thousands of tourists both local and foreign. The caves are very dark inside and potentially lethal. Nearly all tunnels or chambers are accessible to tourists via a guided tour. The Amboni caves are among the area’s most popular attractions and feature vast below-ground halls with towering formations. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and to bring a pocket-size camera, since it’s cumbersome to bring a camera with a large lens as walking is through tight squeezes. And before entering some of the tight spots, visitors are asked to leave large bags in an area to pick up later.

The views of towering formations in the caves are an admiration. Nearly all its tunnels or chambers are accessible to tourists via guided tour. Walking through squeezes while getting treated to views of incredible formations makes the visit well worth it. The caves have religious significance to the local people who pray and make offerings in one of the shrines. For a section of locals, the caves have been long-known as the place to worship to pray for different needs. Chamber number one is used for the prayers, in what many people associate with superstitions. Different items are deposited here during players ‘gifts that the local villagers offer to the spirits. The caves’ upkeep is under the department of Antiquities in the ministry of natural resources and tourism.

Location: Located nearly 8 kms from Tanga town.

TANGA CULTURAL TOURISM INITIATIVE PROGRAM

The following tours are on offer;

• AMBONI CAVES TOUR
• TONGONI RUINS
• TOTEN ISLAND TOUR
• HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS
• YAMBE ISLAND TOUR
• ULENGE ISLAND TOUR
• SANDBANK ISLAND TOUR
• SWAHILI COAST TRADITIONAL DANCES
• VISITING TRADITIONAL HEALERS
• FISHING WITH LOCAL FISHERMEN
• AMBONI CAVES TOUR (2 ½ hours)

The Amboni guided tour starts from Tanga City center through various historical buildings then to Kiomoni village. You will get to know how local brew is prepared as you pass through a number of local clubs and get to know the lime making process as well. Outside the caves enjoy a natural forest around and welcoming sounds of monkeys and birds. Your guide will take you through various compartments/rooms used for different purposes and enjoy the Cave’s natural beauty while listening to well narrated stories about the caves. Amboni caves are 8 kms from the Tanga city center. Visitors can opt to explore the caves by a rented tax (2 hours tour), use a bicycle (3 hours tour) or use public transport and then walk for 20 minutes to the caves from public road (5 hours)

TOTEN ISLAND TOUR (3 hours)

On your dhow or engine boat, sail to Toten Island to meet the fishing villagers and explore a coastal forest dominated by huge and majestic Baobabs. Listen to hundreds of tales and myths surrounding the Baobab trees and the island. Proceed to the Portuguese ruins which are remains of what used to be a prison in the 15th century. Explore the great places where at different colonial times British and Germans lived.

HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS TOUR (1 ½ hours)

A cycling tour to Gallanos sulphurous hot spring which the local people use to bathe for skin healing which the locals believe if they bathe there, while crossing local farms of various types like coconut, vegetable gardens and learn the process of planting to harvesting of the crops.

YAMBE ISLAND TOUR (6 hours)

Explore old German ruins which were used as quarantine in the 19th century on a half day sailing tour to Yambe Island. Come and meet local inhabitants in this area and learn more about their cultures

NDUMI VILLAGE TOUR (3 hours)

The tour will take you along the Coast of Indian Ocean to explore old buildings, collecting old stuff such as coins, beads and sheds of pottery at Ndumi dated 14th century.

ULENGE ISLAND TOUR BY BOAT (HALF DAY)

Visitors will visit the German building which was used as an administration block. By the Germans during the colonial period, German graves and hospitals.

SANDBANK TOUR (FULL DAY)

Tour starts from Raskazoni passing by the fish market where you will see how the fisherman trade the fish business and identify different species of fish, Proceed for your water sports activities (diving, snorkeling and boat rides)

TRADITIONAL DANCE (4 – 5 HOURS)

A group of women known as TWAN traditional dances will give you an insight of their traditional dance and songs, you will participate in various Swahili dances elaborating different occasions and events such as marriage ceremonies.

TRADITIONAL HEALER

Get an insight on how African traditional healers do their work. On your guided tour your guide will explain various things about the healing process, medicines and different diseases cured

SISAL FARM TOUR (3 hours)

Get an insight of sisal production by visiting the sisal plantation. Learn the whole process from how sisal is grown to the final stage of making sisal ropes locally and other modern factory processing ways. Then proceed to local salt mining farms just beyond sisal plantations.

FISHING WITH LOCAL FISHERMEN (6 hours)

You will participate in fishing with local fishermen using local available materials. Get your catch of the day that will be prepared as part of your meal and sell the rest of the catch at the fish market. Learn how to negotiate when selling fish after a long hard work in the Indian Ocean. Where to stay: A wide range of guest houses, hotels and lodges is available in and around the town of Tanga. Camping grounds are available in various places depending on the nature of your tour around the region. Camping facilities and Mountain bikes can be hired in Tanga town at a very reasonable price. Tourist information office or tour guides can make arrangements for homestays and overnights in local guest houses when staying or making hikes of several days in Tanga

Urithi Tanga Museum

Tanga’s new boma has been renovated with support from the German Embassy in Tanzania and Tanga’s sister city Eckernforde. It was originally built in the 1890s by the Imperial German colonial administration during the then German East Africa. The building, built using coral stone, lime and sand was used as a government office and residence for the province commissioner of northern Tanganyika then comprising Tanga, Kilimanjaro and Arusha. It was fully rehabilitated and conserved by URITHI using expert technicians from the Zanzibar Stone Town.

Once the conservation work was complete, URITHI was granted the use within the building for a museum dedicated to the heritage of Tanga. Photo exhibits on Tanga’s historical architecture and buildings and the Sisal industry are on display. The museum building is open for viewing, from the basement to the watch-tower, including the two floors.

Urithi Tanga Museum is a project of URITHI – The Tanga Heritage Centre. URITHI’s mission is to preserve and promote Tanga’s heritage and to make use of the heritage for community development.

Location: Independence Avenue (next to the Tanga Library), Tanga city.

Lushoto

Lushoto and its people; it would be hard to know where to start.  It is a town that exists in a nebulous state of optimistic beauty after being hardened by stunning scenery and a breath of fresh air. Like all places where winter likes to settle in for a good, long stay, the people of Lushoto nearly always embrace every moment of cool weather. When you live, visit or grow up in Switzerland, Lushoto sounds about as close and familiar as Switzerland. It has sweeping landscapes with their towering peaks with farms, the breathtaking view and endless vistas (green and lush scenery) that interest many visitors. Lushoto boasts of a rich hinterland ideal for farming, which includes bananas, pears, pumpkins, tomatoes, potatoes, yams, maize, cabbage, carrots, capsicum, plums or apples and more that find their market within the Tanga region and beyond. Its rainforest is one of the most popular biodiversity places in Africa. Now, it is a center of one of the best cultural tourism programmes in Tanzania – The Friends of Usambara (www.usambaratravels.com.).

The cultural tourism enterprise provides various activities for visitors, such as guided hikes and cultural visits to the Irente view point, Irente farm, Usambara farms, Magamba rainforests and more. Most of the incomes go to fund development projects such as drilling well in remote areas, building primary schools and funding reforestation efforts. In Lushoto, people live a more traditional lifestyle, and the locals are genuinely happy to see visitors walk by, greeting everyone with big smiles. Location and access: Lushoto is accessed via Mombo town on the Arusha to Dar es Salaam highway. Public transports to Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi and Tanga are available daily.

Accommodation: Lushoto has several up-market facilities which include: Mullers lodge, The executive lodge, Irente Cliff lodge, Lawns hotel, Lushoto White House, Swiss farm Cottage, Irente Biodiversity Reserve, Mkuzu creek Resort and more. Tour Guides:- The guides of Tanga Cultural Tourism Initiative are indigenous of Tanga region who speaks good English and have ample experience in tour guiding in the area

Tarangire National Park has some of the highest population density of elephants as compared to anywhere in Tanzania, and its sparse vegetation, strewn with baobab and acacia trees, makes it a beautiful and distinctive location to visit. Located just a few hours drive from the town of Arusha, Tarangire is a popular stop for people traveling through the northern safari circuit on their way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. The park extends into two game controlled areas and the wildlife is allowed to move freely throughout. Before the rains, droves of gazelles, wildebeests, zebras, and giraffes migrate to Tarangire National Park’s scrub plains where the last grazing land still remains. Tarangire offers an unparalleled game viewing, and during the dry season elephants abound. Families of the pachyderms play around the ancient trunks of baobab trees and strip acacia bark from the thorn trees for their afternoon meal. Breathtaking views of the Maasai Steppe and the mountains in the south make a stopover at Tarangire a memorable experience.

Herds of up to 300 elephants scratch the dry river bed for underground streams, while migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland crowd the shrinking lagoons. It’s the greatest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti ecosystem – a smorgasbord for predators – and the one place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope such as the stately fringe-eared oryx and peculiar long-necked gerenuk are regularly observed. During the rainy season, the seasonal visitors scatter over a 20,000 sq km (12,500 sq miles) range until they exhaust the green plains and the river calls once more. But Tarangire’s mobs of elephants are easily encountered, wet or dry. The swamps, tinged green year round, are the focus for 550 bird varieties, the most breeding species in one habitat anywhere in the world.

On drier ground you find the Kori bustard, the heaviest flying bird; the stocking-thighed ostrich, the world’s largest bird; and small parties of ground hornbills blustering like turkeys. More ardent bird-lovers might keep an eye open for screeching flocks of the dazzlingly colorful yellow-collared lovebird, and the somewhat drabber rufous-tailed weaver and ashy starling – all endemic to the dry savannah of north-central Tanzania. Disused termite mounds are often frequented by colonies of the endearing dwarf mongoose, and pairs of red-and-yellow barbet, which draw attention to themselves by their loud, clockwork-like duetting.

Tarangire’s pythons climb trees, as do its lions and leopards, lounging in the branches where the fruit of the sausage tree disguises the twitch of a tail. Location: 118 km (75 miles) southwest of Arusha. Getting there Easy drive from Arusha or Lake Manyara following a surfaced road to within 7km (four miles) of the main entrance gate; can continue on to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.

Charter flights from Arusha and the Serengeti.

Guided Walking safaris,  Day trips to Maasai and Barabaig villages, as well as to the hundreds of ancient rock paintings in the vicinity of Kolo on the Dodoma Road. Accommodation Two lodges, one tented lodge, two luxury tented camps inside the park, another half-dozen exclusive lodges and tented camps immediately outside its borders. Several campsites in and around the park.

Located in the southern highlands of Tanzania, near the country’s legislative capital of Dodoma and the agricultural center of Morogoro, Iringa is a pleasant small town and a focus of regional agriculture and production. Its streets are quiet and peaceful, and the market offers a colorful scene of traditional African culture. Iringa overlooks the Little Ruaha River and it is a popular stopping point for visitors to Ruaha National Park.

Historically, Iringa was a center of colonial administration. During German occupation, the German military constructed the town as a fortified defense against marauding Hehe tribal warriors intent on driving them out of the region. Gangilonga Rock, a site just outside of the town, is a legendary spot where the Hehe chief at that time, Chief Mkwawa, met his people and decided on how to fight the Germans. Iringa was also the site of several battles during the First and Second World Wars and the Commonwealth War Graves are located just outside of town.

Kalambo Falls is said to be Africa’s second tallest free-leaping or single-drop waterfall (second to one of the tiers of Tugela Falls in South Africa) at 221m. As a matter of fact, the Kalambo River defines the Tanzania-Zambia border all the way into the vast Lake Tanganyika, which itself is shared by a foursome of countries (i.e. Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Zambia, and Tanzania).

The waterfall is in high flow in the May/June time frame. But this depends on how much rainfall the region gets during its rainy season from January through April. The flow diminishes as the year progresses. Some of the locals we’ve spoken to said that around October or November, the falls probably won’t look impressive. Though few visitors realize it, the Kalambo Falls are also one of the most important archaeological sites in southern Africa. Just above the falls, by the side of the river, is a site that appears to have been occupied throughout much of the Stone Age and early Iron Age. The earliest tools and other remains discovered there may be over 300,000 years old, including evidence for the use of fire.

For years Kalambo provided the earliest evidence of fire in sub-Saharan Africa – charred logs, ash and charcoal have been discovered amongst the lowest levels of remains. This was a tremendously important step for Stone-Age man as it enabled him to keep warm and cook food, as well as use fire to scare off aggressive animals. Burning areas of grass may even have helped him to hunt. However, more recent excavations of older sites in Africa have discovered evidence of the use of fire before the time when we believe that this site at Kalambo was occupied.

Scenic View of the Kapologwe Falls. Among notable tourist attractions in Mbeya region is Kapologwe Falls, a natural huge water drop on Livingstone Mountains. Among notable tourist attractions in Mbeya region is Kapologwe Falls, a natural huge water drop on Livingstone Mountains. Counted as a thrilling attraction in Mbeya Region, Kaporogwe Falls are located some 25 kilometers from Tukuyu Township, a fast growing tourist locality in Southern Highlands of Tanzania. The waterfalls, also known as Kala Falls, are sheltered beneath an impressive natural gorge of basalt rock and which creates more excitement to visitors viewing or getting snapshots of the falls. The 25-meter Kapologwe Falls originates from Kala River, a tributary of the Kiwira River. A day trip to these falls would be an exciting moment.

It is also possible to climb down the falls, with care, and to find routes into caves behind the curtain of water plummeting down before you, and to swim in the pool beneath. Good walking and swimming possibilities can be organized by qualified guides familiar with the area. Driving towards the Kapologwe Falls is an exciting moment. It gives a visitor to this area a thrilling moment when passing through green and fertile land, full of interesting off-road diversions. The journey to Kapologwe Falls gets a visitor a quick view of perennially lush and bountiful forests of the Livingstone Mountains, adding more travel excitement. There is a natural cave behind the falls and a concrete wall that Germans built as a fort or a hideout during the First World War. The area around the falls is, as well, a prehistoric site after the discovery of stone tools there. These include knives, scrapers, picks and axes.

Kijungu falls and the natural bridge, key attractions on Kiwira River Kiwira River is a natural attraction in Mbeya region by its miracles which local communities associate with powers of God. The river with its water flows from numerous streams from different streams makes it among the leading tourist attractions in the region. River Kiwira as with the case with River Songwe and others flow into Lake Nyasa. The rivers have falls and rapids at the upper parts but tend to be calm and slow moving as they approach Lake Nyasa.

Kiwira River has two popular and well-known tourist attractions which both of them are within the Kiwira Prisons Training College at Kiwira. They are Kijungu Falls situated at Kijungu village and the Natural Bridge also known as Daraja la Mungu. These two attractions can be reached after one-hour driving from Mbeya city on the Mbeya Kyela highway branching off at a village known as Keikei just after Kiwira town for some10 km. along a dusty road that also leads to Kiwira Prisons Training College.

Kijungu Falls is an attractive natural wonder where the entire river flows into a pot-like hollow before flowing down the rocks and take its natural course.Locals believe that at Kijungu Falls and the Natural Bridge there is a dragon who keeps guard of treasures hidden in the river bed therefore they usually mysterious make someone fall into the river as a sacrifice.Kijungu acquired its name due to the ‘pot like’ shape of the base where the water falls making a whirlpool and taking a course that takes seven days for the water to return to a nearby spot and continue with its journey downstream.

From Kijungu, the river continues its way through the volcanic rocks some eight kilometers to the Natural Bridge. Before reaching the natural bridge, there is a man-made bridge, at a point where the river banks are a bit close together. Here, there is another myth: Anyone who attempted to leap across the banks lost his life. According to local people those who attempted to leap across fell into the river and perished as the river banks gap ‘widened’ the time one leaped. Another 10 minutes drive is the Natural Bridge or as known by the locals as Daraja la Mungu, literally meaning a bridge made by God. Here Sergeant Mmbaga was very strict for those who wanted to walk around and enjoy the scenario of the place.

The Natural Bridge formed around 1800 million years ago as a result of volcanic lava flow, which combined with the fast moving river formed a bridge-like feature over the Kiwira River. For a visitor who wants to venture further into the attractions of Kiwira River, there is much in store. The Marasusa Falls are worth seeing. But there is a completely different attraction and that is the famous traditional healer at Lugambo, the starting point for this beautiful hike.

Kilwa Kisiwani, an authentic historical town in Real South, Located about 300km south of Dar es Salaam, Kilwa Kisiwani is the leading historical site in southern Tanzania. A quick visit to Kilwa Kisiwani gives a thrilling memory when discussing the rich history of the Swahili coast that extends along the Eastern coast of the Indian Ocean in Tanzania. Despite the beauty of this Island which is located in Kilwa District, Lindi Region, memories of the past civilization and early settlements could be a memoir of a lifetime for any tourist venturing to this part of Tanzania. With its twin island of Songo Mnara, Kilwa Kisiwani is the United Nations Scientific and Educational Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site, known for its rich history and Swahili cultural heritage blended with African and Arabic cultures.

Kilwa Kisiwani is a tourist site, standing among the leading, earliest trading towns on the East African coast. Historical buildings in the island were constructed with coral stone mixed with limestone materials which had made the architecture beautiful and stable to survive weather conditions characterized by humid and hot temperatures for hundreds of years. The Island had its prosperity achieved from the control of the Indian Ocean trade with Arabia, India and China between the 13th and 16th centuries, when gold and ivory from the mainland Tanzania and Congo were traded for silver, carnelians, perfumes, Persian faience and Chinese porcelain. Most attractive are mosques built in the 13th century and a Portuguese Fort, which presently give the island its historical fame. These mosques date between the 13th and 18th centuries.

Between each mosque, there are cemeteries and worship places decorated with early Chinese porcelain and Persian artifacts including ceramics materials from the Middle East. Kilwa Kisiwani was occupied from the 9th to the 19th centuries by Oman Sultans and Persian merchants. Between the 13th and 14th centuries, the island thrived as a leading business center on the Indian Ocean coast. According to great Muslim traveler Ibn-Battuta who visited and stayed in Kilwa Kisiwani between 1331 and 1332, the island was ranked among the most beautiful cities of the world during that time.

The Great Mosque of Kilwa was the largest mosque of its kind in East Africa. The mosque accommodates two mosques, all constructed in the 11th century. Ibn-Battuta had explained this mosque to have been built by the ruler of Kilwa Kisiwani, Sultan al-Hasan ibn Sulaiman. Makutani palace is the other building of the past where the sultan of Kilwa Kisiwani resided. The building was constructed in 1516 and fitted with minarets to encounter invaders. There are spacious rooms for women and bathrooms; all decorated with earthen-wares and ceramics. Orchids and green trees were planted to provide shade and beautify the palace.

Another attraction at Kilwa Kisiwani is the Portuguese Fort. This beautiful building was later used as a garrison by the Arabs and Germans to punish Africans who opposed their occupation over the east coast. Kilwa Kisiwani remains the old trading town of the Indian Ocean and that had attracted trade with Arabia, India and China, particularly between the 13th and 16th centuries, when gold and ivory trade from the mainland Tanzania thrived. Silver, carnelians, perfumes, Persian faience and Chinese porcelain were the leading trading goods between Kilwa Kisiwani, Oman, China and Persia (Iran). Most interestingly,  Kilwa Kisiwani minted its own currency in the 11th to 14th centuries. The World Heritage Committee had approved the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Locals refer to the Kitulo Plateau as Bustani ya Mungu – The Garden of God – whereas botanists have dubbed it the Serengeti of Flowers, host to ‘one of the great floral spectacles of the world’. Kitulo is indeed a rare botanical marvel, home to a full 350 species of vascular plants, including 45 varieties of terrestrial orchids, which erupt into a riotous wildflower display of breathtaking scale and diversity during the main rainy season of late November to April.

Perched at around 2,600 meters (8,500 ft) between the rugged peaks of the Kipengere, Poroto and Livingstone Mountains, the well-watered volcanic soils of Kitulo support the largest and the most important montane grassland community in Tanzania. Having its unique flower species remained wild, with birds singing and migrating to the highland forests, Kitulo Plateau National Park is the latest and a newcomer to Tanzania’s tourist attractive sites. Bustani ya Mungu (God’s Garden) is the visitors name given to this new park, the only of its kind in Africa where wild flowers, birds and harmonious grass eating mammals are dominating. Kitulo Plateau is perched between the rugged peaks of the Kipengere, Livingstone and Poroto Mountains in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. It is the site of one of the world’s great floral spectacles.

The eminently hike-able park is carpeted in wildflowers for six months of the year, from November to April. There is a documented 350 species of wild flowers including lilies and fields of daisies. Although sparse in big game, this natural botanical garden is highly alluring to bird watchers who thrill to sightings of rare Denham’s bustard, the endangered blue swallow, mountain marsh widow, Njombe cisticola and Kipengere seedeater. Endemic species of butterfly, chameleon, lizard and frog further enhance the biological wealth of God’s Garden. Unique and the only of its kind in Africa for natural orchids and birds, this park was gazetted last year for tourists. Kitulo National Park stands alone, boasting of being the only tourist attractive site in the continent offering floristic visits than the traditional wildlife photographic holidays which most tourists to Tanzania are used to experiencing. Tourists from all corners of the world are now exposed to this park, and are expected to book their itineraries to this new park.

There are about 400 plant species, most of them are wild flowers and other such attractive, natural plants, which no doubt will attract visitors to go there. Recorded 45 endemic orchid species are found only in the park than any other part of the world.  The park covers 413 kilometers of forest-land, dominated with plants and few wild animals which together form a natural habitat that is tourist attractive by itself. The park’s scenery is as comparable to the Biblical Garden of Eden, as most visitors there say.  Added to its natural attractions and uniqueness, Kitulo Plateau is the natural resting site for intercontinental migrating birds during periods of the year on their way to Europe. It is only in this park where migrating Storks rest while flying from Cape Town in South Africa to Northern Europe. European White Storks and other species of Storks from Scandinavian countries via West Africa migrate to brood inside Kitulo Plateau on their way, flying across the European and African continents every year. These big, attractive birds stop in this park for some months and later continue with their long journey across the continent.

Kitulo National Park is the only natural habitat area in Africa perched on the sky at a higher altitude than any known park in the continent. It is located 3,000 meters above sea level on the East African massif, much influenced by the eastern Rim of the Great Rift Valley which stretches from the Red Sea in the Middle East across north and East Africa to Mozambique in Southern Africa. To reach the park, one has to drive from Chimala town along the Dar es Salaam to Mbeya highway, then climb the scenic plateau through 57 pin-corners through the spectacular rough road known as “Hamsini na Saba” or Fifty-Seven by the number of its pin, sharp corners. After a few hours of slow driving on the 4 x 4 car, one reaches Matamba, the temporary park headquarters, about 50 km south of Chimala.  Open walking safaris through the grasslands watching birds and wildflowers, hill hiking on the neighboring ranges during the day, gives a visitor fantastic views of Lake Nyasa and it’s beautiful Matema Beach down the mountains.

Wild flowers blossom between December and April, and the summer months from September to November are best to visit the park. From June to August the entire park is foggy with no visibility during the daytime, and it is hardly possible to view its beauties. Accommodation is available at Matamba and Chimala, but for more comfortable stay, Mbeya municipality, some 100 km away is an option. Before its transformation into a tourist park, the area was a livestock ranch set for breeding Merino sheep from Australia and European cattle breeds. British officers mapped the area in 1920 for ranching purposes.  Because of its cool and moderate weather similar to Mediterranean or European conditions, the area has since then attracted a number of British and American settlers who reared livestock and practiced small scale tourist projects.

Beautiful scenery of the land below makes the park an ideal place to pay a visit. This unique scenery brings it closer to northern Tanzania nature parks of Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Kilimanjaro.When full flocked, Kitulo National Park will be the leading nature conservation park in Africa, specializing on orchid holidays with less wildlife itineraries. It will add a new product to Tanzania’s wildlife-based tourism, which so far, has been competing with other destinations like Kenya, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.

What to do

• Good hiking trails exist and soon will be developed into a formal trail system.
• Open walking across the grasslands to watch birds and wildflowers.

Hill climbing on the neighboring ranges. A half-day hike from the park across the Livingstone Mountains leads to the sumptuous Matema Beach on Lake Nyasa.

Standing as the second largest Crater Lake in Africa, Ngosi Lake is the leading tourist attraction in Rungwe district pulling hundreds of visitors each year. The lake is located about 38 kilometers south of Mbeya city, near the sprawling Tukuyu Township. It is located on Ngosi peak on the Uporoto Mountains which make up part of Eastern Arc ranges. It is located at an elevation of 2,600 meters above sea level in a thick, natural forest of the Uporoto nature reserve, covering some 9,332 hectares of land. It has a length of 2.5 kilometers and width of 1.5 kilometers and 75 meters deep. To reach the lake, one has to drive and stop at the edge of the Uporoto Forest Reserve at the foothills of the Uporoto range. It takes up to two hours walking from the foothill to the ridge where the lake lies 200 meters below.

It is an exciting adventure to trek or walk through the dense montane forest to the crater rim. Monkeys and many bird species can be seen in the forest which is also home to an endemic species of chameleon and montane, wild banana trees. Walking and climbing the Uporoto range is organized by special guides familiar to the route which is made up of cascades, horrific gorges and valleys where someone could fall with no option of rescue. It is risky to fall into the gorges if one treks without care, and, if one falls into one of numerous gorges on the way to the lake, it will be the end of his or her life. Despite those risks, it is automatically safe to trek the Uporotos and view magnificent Lake Ngosi which is a sight of outstanding natural beauty and a superb hiking hotspot.

It is a green shimmering lake walled by the collapsed caldera of the extinct Ngosi Volcano. The peak is the highest point of the Uporoto Ridge Forest Reserve. The forest has an endemic three horned chameleon (Chameleon fuelleborni). This stunning caldera lake dates from some time in the Neogene period. The water is slightly brackish, contains some fish, and is up to 75 m deep. The lake has spiritual significance for the local inhabitants. A caldera is a roughly circular depression formed by the collapse of a magma chamber roof onto its magma body beneath. It is a large rounded depression resulting from the destruction of a volcano in a violent eruption.

The mountain and the lake are counted to an age of one million years, and remains an old volcano that has now collapsed to form a wide caldera filled with shining alkaline ‘soda’ waters. The waters of the lake are said to have magical medicinal powers. Ngosi means ‘The Big One’; in the vernacular Kinyakyusa dialect. Climbers looking to view this scenic lake are well rewarded with excellent views from the top of the sharp crater rim, from where the lake gleams below with an overwhelming tranquil air, and beyond the land are pocked with the points of smaller volcanic peaks. Walking to the rim leads through upland grasslands and tropical forests where families of Colobus monkeys chatter and play, and a miasma of birds take refuge. The path leads into the forest for about 2.5km and then begins the climb to the crater top. Just before the top, the path branches in two; the right hand path leads swiftly to the peak, and the left leads down to the water’s edge.

Lake Nyasa, also called Lake Malawi, lake, southernmost and third largest of the East African Rift Valley lakes of East Africa, lying in a deep trough mainly within Malawi. Lake Nyasa (Nyasa means “lake”) is located at the south-west of Tanzania,  The lake lies in three countries’ territory; Tanzania and Malawi. However, it is bordered by three countries, Tanzania , Malawi and Mozambique. It is the third largest in Africa (after Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika)  with 550 kilometers length and 75 kilometers width,  covering an area of more than 11,400 square kilometers. In some parts,  the lake is as deep as 700 meters. The Lake lies in the sided walls of mountain ranges: the forested Livingston Mountains and Nyika Plateau, which provide the magnificent view of the lake from far and the landscape for hikers and backpackers.

Lake Nyasa is also among the Great Rift Valley’s lakes, which shares some of the characteristics with lake Tanganyika.  The lake has a distinctive characteristic: 14 rivers pour their waters into the lake, and only one river which flows out to the sea, River Shire. The Lake also has a lot of names such as “Lake of stars’ ‘ which is provided by the lovers who trim theirs and discover it one of the dreamy and romantic destinations in Eastern Africa. It is situated between Malawi, Mozambique as well as Tanzania.  It has so many things to offer such as numerous opportunities for water sports as well as diving. The lake is enormously rich with diverse fish species and is one of the most appealing lakes that offer unforgettable underwater views! Some parts of the lake offer nice beaches and places to swim. Matema, in the northern part of the lake, is considered to be the best beach for people who like to relax and swim along the lake shore. In contrast to other lakes the water of lake Nyasa is bilharziasis free.  There are also caves and interesting waterfalls to see.

Other activities include local canoeing, riding down the river, hiking on surrounding mountains. Though Lake Nyasa does not receive many tourists, the lake is magnificently attractive and is rich in crocodiles and hippopotamus. For Fish lovers, Lake Nyasa is biologically the most diverse lake, containing approximately 30% of world’s cichlid species (colorful fish which are easily seen in the lake’s clear water) Volume 7,775.00 km3,  Surface Area 29,500.00 km2, Depth Mean depth: 264.0m Maximum depth: 706.0m

Named after local Miwale palms, Liwale district is a rich tourist attractive site by its history and cool weather combined with active, thrilling nightlife. A visit to Liwale could be a memorable event not to forget. Located in Lindi region, the district is an upcoming tourist attraction site because of its rich history of the Maji Maji wars, cultural heritage and wildlife safaris inside Selous Game Reserve. Long history of the infamous Maji Maji wars and early German occupation in Southern Tanzania is vividly observed in Liwale district and the township. Most attractive as well is “Cassava cultural heritage”, a culture of the Ngindo communities in honor of cassava, the main food crop grown in the district. Cassava, a root crop grown in most parts of Tanzania’s coastal zone, is probably the most revered crop in Liwale where cultural activities are conducted in honor of this famous root crop. Moses Mkovele, Liwale Social Welfare Officer says, the cassava is part of life among communities in Liwale.

German history in Liwale is an interesting tourist attraction to visitors looking at the past history of Tanzania and Africa. While at Liwale Township, a tourist would get a chance to visit and see several old German buildings, including a “German Boma” or administrative block once occupied by German administrators in the district.

Liwale was the starting point for trophy hunters from other areas of Southern Tanzania going to Selous Game Reserve. Germans were the leading hunting safari makers, starting their safaris from Liwale Township. Not far from the old German Boma, was a big hanging tree known as “Penga” where seven Ngindo leaders of the Maji Maji war were hanged by the German administration. Among the seven war fighters, was Njumai, a Ngindo warrior who is said to have killed a German Catholic Bishop, Cassian Spiss (OSB) four Sisters and a Brother, all Germans, while on their way from Kilwa to Peramiho in Ruvuma region to spread the Word of God. There is a rich and interesting history of German occupation in Liwale and the spread of Christianity in this area and the entire Southern Tanzania in the early 1900s when most parts of Coastal and Southern Tanzania were rocked by anti-German resistance from locals.

Liwale Cultural Assistant Officer Saidi Mpapulila is well informed about the rich history of Liwale. He says that locals in the area, mostly the Ngindo, stood firmly to oppose German occupation of their land. They fought the Germans during the Maji Maji wars, and some of the prominent Ngindo chiefs were captured and hanged on “Penga” tree at a hanging ground in Liwale Township. A heroes monument has been constructed at the hanging ground to honor the fallen Maji Maji warriors.He says that Germans had once planned to build their administrative block or Boma at a place known as Barikiwa Ndonde, but declined the plan in favor of the present Liwale Township where this old block is located. Mpapulila puts the reason that pulled Germans to Liwale Township was the availability of fresh water from Livale River, also connected with the name of this town and Miwale palms which abound the area. Speaking about Njumai, a well known Ngido fighter during the Maji Maji Wars, Mpapulila says that Germans were hated in every corner of Liwale, a reason which attracted many locals including Njumai, to develop hatredness to Germans.

Njumai then killed Bishop Cassian Spiss (OSB), four Catholic Sisters (nuns) and a Brother, all Germans, while on their way from Kilwa to their newly established Catholic Mission at Peramiho, Ruvuma region. The killings were executed on August 14th, 1905 when the Bishop, accompanied by four Sisters and a Catholic Brother were intercepted by Ngindo fighters at Mikukuyumbu, Liwale District. Despite pleas to spare their lives in defense they were Christian missionaries only armed with a Cross, Njumai speared the Bishop on the neck and killed him before killing the other messengers of God at the same spot. On hearing the news of the killings of messengers of God, German administration from Kilwa sent a team of soldiers to pick the bodies of the Bishop and other missionaries at Mikukuyumbu on December 28th, 1905 for burial at the present St. Joseph Cathedral in Dar es Salaam.

In retaliation, the German administration hunted and captured Njumai whom they chained and hanged together with other six Ngindo warriors. Bishop Spiss is the founder of the present Peramiho Mission in Songea where he arrived from Zanzibar at the end of July 1898 to establish a Catholic church, the first Christian faith house in Ruvuma region. Liwale is a culturally rich area where local tribes take part to solidify their unity and identity. Among such interesting cultural activities is Ngende, a traditional caravan by Ngindo communities to appease their spirits. Ngende, according to elders in Liwale, is a caravan of more than 400 men, women and children who trek across the Selous Game Reserve to Ilonga in Ulanga district (Morogoro) for rituals and sacrifices. Ngende caravan is organized between August 15th and September 15th, starting from Liwale to Ilonga, a movement which takes between five and seven days of fast walking before reaching the final destination in Ulanga district. Like Hajj Caravan, this traditional trek is meant to seek fortunes, treatment to the sick, children for the barren women or any other gift to the people from Ngende spirits.

Liwale Township is a sprawling town in the Real South, attracting a number of visitors. Bars, nightclubs and eating out places dominate the nightlife here. There are a good number of guest houses, among the best ones are Liwale Guest House, Wamo Guest House, Mangota Guest House, Lingame Village Inn and Twiga Guest House. Others are Banana Guest House, Kinderu Guest House and Tumaini Mnarani Lodge. There are frequent buses from Dar es Salaam and Lindi to Liwal, available on a daily basis.

Matema Beach, a beachside town in Mbeya Region, Located on the beautiful shores of Lake Nyasa, Matema Beach is among the most scenic tourist attractions in Tanzania. The lakeshore beach lies on the foothills and the end point of Livingstone Mountains at the place where these scenic ranges end majestically into Lake Nyasa. Traveling to Matema Beach is made up of beautiful views of real African life of the local communities. A winding road passes through high, Livingstone Mountains and tea estates before it descends to the tropical shores of Lake Nyasa. From Matema Beach, you can make canoe trips with fishermen over the lake to the nearby village where women specialize in pottery. There is a superb snookering rocky shoreline, also a waterfall from Livingstone Mountains.

Matema lakeshore village is a fishing settlement where local fishermen are easily seen selling their catches. The village was the regional headquarters of the German Governor during German rule in Tanzania before the mosquitoes forced him and his team out of place. The beach is an expansive lakeside giving a beautiful view of its horizon and clear, shining water of Lake Nyasa; giving a chance for watersports, ornamental fish viewing, water surfing, diving and beachside recreations on the soft sands. From the beachside, a visitor can take a breathtaking view of Livingstone Mountains as they drop majestically into Lake Nyasa. Apart from the beach, Matema is a historical site where Germans built a Lutheran Mission House found there today and with Bavarian architectural style.

Mount Livingstone hiking and visits to pottery are the other tourist activities in Matema. A number of tourist class accommodation facilities have been established there; among them are the Lutheran Center, Matema Beach View, Matema Shore Lake Resort and a number of Guest Houses. To reach Matema Beach, it is a 130 kilometer drive from Mbeya City, passing through the tarmac road to the Malawian border.  The drive is exciting as the car rolls through green scenery, made up of tea, banana and tree farms on hillside areas.

A tour of rice and cocoa farms in Kyela, a waterfall on Mount Livingstone and special cultural performances add more tourist attractiveness to the area. Kyela is a small African and agrarian township where agricultural produce is sold and transported to other parts of Tanzania, mostly the commercial city of Dar es Salaam.There are several guest houses, lodges and hotels in Kyela, ideal for local and foreign tourists. Among them are Sativa Midland Hotel, Mwambipile Guest House, Sunway  Lodge, Gold Plaza Lodge, Hamili Park, Unamwa Inn and Matema Beach Hotel. From Kyela and Matema, a visitor can cross the Tanzanian border to Malawi through Kasumulu border post or take a boat at Itungi port to the other side of Lake Nyasa in Malawi.

Tourism jewel in the making. Mbeya Region is one of Tanzania’s 30 administrative regions. It is located in the country’s southwest. The regional capital is the city of Mbeya. A trip to Mbeya could be an exciting one when you experience different weather conditions changing from the coastal weather in Dar es Salaam and Morogoro regions, high altitude weather and low latitude weather in some places before reaching Mbeya Region, about 822 kilometers from Dar es Salaam. Mbeya region has been endowed with lots of tourist attractions though not fully exploited. These attractions include those found near the city such as Mbeya and Loleza Peaks and the Utengule view point. Kiwira River is a magical attraction by its tales and myths. Situated about 36 kilometers from Mbeya city near Tukuyu town, the river is a tourist attraction by its miracles which the local people tell every foreign visitor to the river side.

The river is popular and well-known for its natural attractions including the legendary “Kijungu”, or cooking pot, a naturally formed pot-looking landform in which the river empties its contents. Not far from “Kijungu” is the “Daraja la Mungu”, or God’s Bridge, all under the mighty magic influence of Kiwira River. The two attractions (Kijungu and Daraja la Mungu) can be reached after two to three hours of driving from Mbeya city on the Kyela highway branching off at a village known as Keikei just after Kiwira town, some10 kilometers along a dusty road that also leads to Kiwira Prisons Training College. Kijungu acquires its name due to the ‘pot like’ shape of the base where the water falls making a whirlpool and taking a course that takes seven days for the water to return to a nearby spot and continue with its journey downstream. From Kijungu, the river continues its way through the volcanic rocks some eight kilometers to Daraja la Mungu (Natural Bridge). Before reaching the natural bridge, there is a man-made bridge, at a point where the river banks are a bit close together.

Here, there is another myth: Anyone who attempted to leap across the banks lost his life. According to local people those who attempted to leap across fell into the river and perished. From Kijungu, is Daraja la Mungu or the God’s Bridge that was formed around 18 million years over the Kiwira River. Other attractive places in Rungwe district include Ngozi Crater Lake that was formed about a million years ago and Kaparogwe falls, natural caves and a human footprint believed to be of the earliest man. A natural cave where 100 cows were hidden during tribal wars among the Wanyakyusa people is found near Kiwira town. This cave is a tourist pulling attraction where guided visits could be arranged. On the way to the Zambian border town of Tunduma some 70 kilometres from Mbeya city on the Marengi Hill, you will find the Mbozi Meteorite. The 12-metric tonne meteorite was discovered in 1930 at the time when only the top was visible.  It is the world’s eighth largest fallen meteoroid or a shooting star.

A visit to the Meteorite site is always fascinating especially if you are in a group and you travel using public transport as a means of getting a better taste of the countryside and face some adventures. Unlike most meteorites which consist of silica, Mbozi meteorite is uncommon in that it is composed mainly of iron (90.45 percent) and nickel (8.69 percent), with negligible amounts of copper, sulphur and phosphorus. Locals in Mbozi refer to the meteorite by its Kiswahili name “Kimwondo”, but no tales or legends recount its sudden falling out, but geologists suggest that it might have fallen from the sky about 1,000 years ago before the present inhabitants arrived in the area. The Mbozi meteorite site has been planned to accommodate visitors, with a little reception house and benches and tables. The warden lives in a small mud house about 50 meters from the meteorite, and will ask you to sign the visitor’s book.

It is a wonderful environment, good for picnicking. A visit would help you understand the primordial nature of the earth and our universe at large. The Mbozi Meteorite was declared a protected monument by Government Notice No. 90 of 3rd March 1967 (Antiquities Act, 1964). It was not lifted in order to mount it on its plinth; a trench was dug underneath its central part and a concrete bench was built to hold it. The trench was then enlarged on both sides and the concrete bench extended until the meteorite was resting on the plinth. The hill side was dug away all round it so that it could be seen more easily.

In Kyela, a quick visit is worth it. The area is famous for pottery. You will enjoy the culture of making clay pots with different decorations and colors, all done by women. You can stop and buy a beautiful pot at Kyela. Near the Malawi border of Kasumulu, is the famous Matema Beach which is best for recreation with cool weather and soft sands of lake Nyasa. Various tourist investments including construction of lodges are taking place on the shores of Lake Nyasa. Lake Nyasa, which serves as a boundary for Tanzania and Malawi, could be among leading tourism attractions in southern highlands. The 800-meter deep lake and shore-line offer pristine beaches for water sports and sun basking recreation. The lake is the third largest water body bordering Tanzania with a coverage of 500 kilometer long and 50 kilometers wide.

Other than Matema, are Mbamba Bay and Manda, all on the Tanzania side of the shore line. Lake Nyasa, that lies 472 meters above sea level, is shared by the three countries of Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania although Mozambique shares the least water area, and the three countries form the Mtwara Development Corridor (MDC) – an area earmarked for investments through joint undertaking of the Southern Africa Countries. From the Lake Nyasa Shores, are the Uporoto Ranges, Kipengere and Livingstone mountain ranges and the Rift Valley features. Usangu Valley Game Reserve is famous for its wildlife and has been one of the best tourist hunting safari areas in Tanzania. The Great Rift Valley has transformed most land faces of Mbeya into volcanic mountains, craters and deep valleys full of water springs and permanent rivers.

The most panoramic and breathtaking waterfalls worth visiting in the Mbeya region are Kapologwe, Nzovwe, Mlowo, Salala, Kitekelo, Nagwamo, Nyihemi and Nyengenge. Chimala and Matamba escarpments where the road with 57 hair-pin bends (sharp corners) has been constructed is one other major natural attraction in Mbeya. The road snakes through nine kilometers on the escarpment which is full of waterfalls and natural scenery.

Neighboring the Ruaha National Park, Mbomipa WMA is made up of land carved from 21 villages located in Idodi and Pawaga administrative wards in Iringa Rural District.MBOMIPA WMA paves a way to Community conservation initiative in Tanzania. Neighboring the Ruaha National Park, Mbomipa WMA is made up of land carved from 21 villages located in Idodi and Pawaga  administrative wards in Iringa Rural District. Mbomipa is an acronym from the Swahili name, Matumizi Bora ya Malihai Idodi na Pawaga, which translated in official documents means “Sustainable Use of Wildlife Resources in Idodi and Pawaga.”Mbomipa WMA was established in 2007, covering an area of 777 kilometers and is Tanzania’s biggest community based wildlife management association whose mission is to manage an effective and sustainable wildlife management system under the community authority, responsible for the Pawaga-Idodi locality Wildlife Management Area.

Through such an initiative, Mbomipa is committed to promote sustainable management of all natural and cultural resources as a means of enhancing local economic development and contributing to the reduction of poverty in the villages which it operates. Tourists to Ruaha National Park are the leading visitors who carry out photographic safaris in Mbomipa WMA. Attractive animals and mammal species found in Mbomipa WMA include Elephants, Hippos, Giraffes, Impalas,  Elands, Buffaloes, Zebras, Antelopes,  Greater and Lesser Kudus. The area boasts a high diversity of birds and the African clawless otter, while key reptiles include the Nile Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Pythons, Black Mambas, Spitting Cobras and Puff adders.

Big herds of Elephants, Buffaloes, Impalas, Guinea Fowls, Warthogs and other species from Ruaha National Park are easily found in this WMA. Photographic Safaris, Tourist Hunting, Walking Safaris, Cultural Tourism and Picnicking are tourist activities taking place within Mbomipa WMA. Vegetation distributed within the WMA forms a beautiful mosaic of plant communities that provides a diverse and scenic landscape for spectacular game viewing, scenery and natural beauty in Mbomipa. Bird communities, fish, Nile crocodile and monitor lizards can easily be seen during rainy seasons. Mbomipa WMA is accessible by road transport from Iringa Town. Visitors from Dar es Salaam can easily travel to Mbomipa WMA through Iringa Municipality. From Iringa Municipality is 90 kilometers drive to Tungamalenga where Mbomipa WMA head office is located. It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive from Iringa to the WMA through the gravel road, now under construction to a tarmac road.

There is a daily public bus plying between Tungamalenga and Iringa Municipality and which visitors can book to visit the WMA. Accommodation services can be arranged and booked through travel agents or direct booking to the lodges operating outside, but closer to the WMA, offering international standards services. These are Ruaha Hilltop Lodge and which is located on a hill overlooking the WMA with a best view of green vegetation downstream.  Sunset Mountain Lodge is the other tourist facility serving visitors booked to Mbomipa WMA. The lodge is located on Idelemile Mountain, overlooking the green WMA’s conserved area. Tungamalenga Lodge and Camp site offers accommodation services outside the WMA and is located at Tungamalenga Township, about 15 km from Mbomipa WMA and also Vinyago Lodge. Investment opportunities in Mbomipa WMA.

Mbozi Meteorite: World’s eighth largest, located about 65km southwest of Mbeya is the Mbozi meteorite, weighing an estimated 25 metric tonnes, it’s around 3m long and 1m tall. Mbozi meteorite is the most popular tourist attraction found in Songwe region. Weighing in at a cool 12 tons, the irregularly shaped Mbozi Meteorite – which lies on the southwestern slope of Marengi Hill, 70 kilometers west of Mbeya, off the road to Tunduma – is the world’s eighth largest known. The meteorite is a fragment of interplanetary matter that was large enough to avoid being completely burned up when entering earth’s atmosphere.

But the fragment is small enough to avoid exploding; of the estimated five hundred meteorites that fall to earth each year, only thirty percent strike land, and less than ten are reported and recorded. The Mbozi Meteorite has been known for centuries by locals, who call it Kimwondo, but the absence of legends recounting its sudden and undoubtedly fiery arrival indicate that it fell to earth long before the present inhabitants arrived, a thousand years ago. The meteorite was officially discovered in 1930 at the time when only the top was visible.

To reveal the whole meteorite, the hillside around it was dug away, leaving a pillar of soil under the meteorite, which was then reinforced with concrete to serve as a plinth. The irregular notches on the pointed end were caused by souvenir hunters hacking out chunks – no easy task given the strength of the nickel-iron of which it’s made. Most meteorites consist of silicates or stony-irons, so Mbozi meteorite is uncommon in that it’s composed mainly of iron (90.45 percent) and nickel (8.69 percent), with negligible amounts of copper, sulphur and phosphorus.

A visit to the Meteorite Site is always fascinating especially if you are in a group and you travel using public transport as a means of getting a better taste of the countryside and face some adventures. This enables the group to also interact with the locals who are ever ready to share views with visitors.

Mikindani is a fascinating old town with winding streets and an exciting blend of African, Arabic and European architecture. The arms of the bay mouth contain old houses with doors which are carved like those of Zanzibar looking doors. Mikindani is a large, well-protected harbor close to the Mozambique border. It is a fascinating old town with remarkable accommodation at the Old Boma Hotel. Mikindani Bay is located along the coast and within the gentle hills. It is about 10 kilometers away from Mtwara town in the southern part of Tanzania.

By mostly dirt road Mikindani is about 400 km from Dar es Salaam, via Kilwa and Lindi. This drive time takes 12-24 hours but during the rainy season this time may increase. Private vehicles may take 12 hours and an overnight stop at Kilwa Masoko is recommended. Mtwara city lies just 6 miles to the south of Mikindani and it has its own small airport and port.

BY SEA, a  weekly ferry service from Dar es Salaam, departs the city on Wednesdays and arrives in Mtwara on Thursdays. The return route departs Mtwara Thursdays and arrives at Dar es Salaam Fridays

.Air There is a regular one hour flight route between Dar es Salaam /Mtwara /Dar es Salaam cities.

Climate: Rainfall: There are mainly two rain seasons at Mikindani coast that appear between March and May and October and December. Rainfall is well distributed throughout the year here but the peak is the one between March and May.

Attractions:

The Hendricks families are the most famous of the Makonde carvers who still live in the Mtwara area. You can visit their carving workshop in Ziwani village just outside of Mtwara town.

• – A number of historical buildings
• – Visit Mikindani town, the oldest settlement in Tanzania.
• – Visit Dr. Livingstone house where lived when he landed in Mikindani during his final trip into Africa. This house still has a small sign on it.
• – There are big ancient mosques, Old Boma, and an old German colonial building. This building is currently transformed into a top-end hotel, but still worth a look inside.

Coastal beaches attractions

Activities:

• – Mikindani dhow trip activities
• – Walking tours
• – Fish and spice and market
• – Boat Safaris and spot fishing
• – Diving activities

Traveling to Mikindani is an adventure in itself. With rugged road access and a small airstrip, the area is very much off the beaten path. But such secluded surroundings mean you’ll have the Indian Ocean Coast, and the Swahili ruins, all to yourself — an unimaginable privilege that makes for an unforgettable experience. The beaches of southern Tanzania have much that is undiscovered, and offer the chance of adventure and the siren call of exploration to the willing visitor. Along the southern coast of Tanzania, the old Swahili town of Mikindani and the surrounding beaches of the Mnazi Bay-Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park make a tranquil and quiet alternative to larger beach destinations to the north.

In town, a visit to the old German boma and the slave market is an interesting day excursion from the coconut palm fringed beaches that stretch to the Mozambican border. The marine park’s beaches and underwater reefs are largely unexplored and boat trips to the bay and estuary mean venturing off the beaten track on your own private Indian Ocean adventure. The protected lagoon has made a superb harbor for generations of fishermen and traders. Traders from the Arabian Peninsula settled in Mikindani in the 9th and 18th centuries. By the second half of the 15th century, trade from Mikindani was also going as far as Malawi, Zambia, Angola and Zaire. The products exported included ivory, animal hides, tortoise shells and copper, while manufactured products such as clothes, household utensils and weapons were imported. Portuguese expansion along the East African coast disrupted trade links in the 16th century.

Mikumi is Tanzania’s fourth-largest national park. It’s also the most accessible from Dar es Salaam. With almost guaranteed wildlife sightings, it makes an ideal safari destination for those without much time. Since the completion of the paved road connecting the park gate with Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park has been slated to become a hotspot for tourism in Tanzania. Located between the Uluguru Mountains and the Lumango range, Mikumi is the fourth largest national park in Tanzania and only a few hours drive from Tanzania’s largest city. The park has a wide variety of wildlife that can be easily spotted and also well acclimatized to game viewing. Its proximity to Dar es Salaam and the amount of wildlife that live within its borders makes Mikumi National Park a popular option for weekend visitors from the city, or for business visitors who don’t have to spend a long time on an extended safari itinerary.

Most visitors come to Mikumi National Park aiming to spot the ‘Big Five’ (cheetah, lion, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), and they are always not disappointed. Hippo pools provide close access to the mud-loving beasts, and bird-watching along the waterways is particularly rewarding. Mikumi National Park borders the Selous Game Reserve and Udzungwa National Park, and the three locations make a varied and pleasant safari circuit. Swirls of opaque mist hide the advancing dawn. The first shafts of sun decorate the fluffy grass heads rippling across the plain in a russet halo. A herd of zebras, confident in their camouflage at this predatory hour, pose like ballerinas, heads aligned and stripes merging in flowing motion. Mikumi National Park abuts the northern border of Africa’s biggest game reserve – the Selous – and is transected by the surfaced road between Dar es Salaam and Iringa. It is thus the most accessible part of a 75,000 square kilometer (47,000 square mile) tract of wilderness that stretches east almost as far as the Indian Ocean.

The open horizons and abundant wildlife of the Mkata Floodplain, the popular centerpiece of Mikumi, draws frequent comparisons to the more famous Serengeti Plains. Lions survey their grassy kingdom – and the zebra, wildebeest, impala and buffalo herds that migrate across it – from the flattened tops of termite mounds, or sometimes during the rains, from perches high in the trees. Giraffes forage in the isolated acacia stands that fringe the Mkata River, islets of shade favored also by Mikumi’s elephants. Criss-crossed by a good circuit of game-viewing roads, the Mkata Floodplain is perhaps the most reliable place in Tanzania for sightings of the powerful eland, the world’s largest antelope. The equally impressive greater kudu and sable antelope haunt the miombo-covered foothills of the mountains that rise from the park’s borders. More than 400 bird species have been recorded, with such colorful common residents as the lilac-breasted roller, yellow-throated longclaw and bateleur eagle joined by a host of European migrants during the rainy season. Hippos are the star attraction of the pair of pools situated 5km north of the main entrance gate, supported by an ever-changing cast of water-birds.

About Mikumi National Park, Size: 3,230 sq km (1,250 sq miles), the fourth-largest national park in Tanzania, and part of a much larger ecosystem centered on the uniquely vast Selous Game Reserve.Location: 283 km (175 miles) west of Dar es Salaam, north of Selous, and en route to Ruaha, Udzungwa and (for the intrepid) Katavi. .

How to get thereA good surfaced road connects Mikumi to Dar es Salaam via Morogoro, a roughly 4 hour drive.Also road connections to Udzungwa, Ruaha and (dry season only) Selous. Charter flight from Dar es Salaam, Arusha or Selous. Local buses run from Dar to park HQ where game drives can be arranged.

What to do, Game drives and guided walks. Visit nearby Udzungwa or travel on to Selous or Ruaha. Accommodation, Two lodges, three luxury tented camps, three campsites.Guest houses in Mikumi town on the park border. One lodge is proposed at Mahondo and one permanent tented camp at Lumaaga

Located in southern Tanzania, on the Mozambique border, is home to important populations of whales, dolphins, four species of turtle and numerous birds. The park is a multi-purpose marine protected area with globally significant marine biodiversity values and it covers a total land and sea area of 650 sq km with 20,000 inhabitants. The area is recognised as being internationally important for its biodiversity, with mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs. There are 12 villages in the area and it is hoped that visitors to the marine park will help the local economy of this area, one of the poorest and least developed in Tanzania. The large area of the Marine Park ensures that the ten villages and five sub-villages that have traditionally depended on the marine resources of the Park are comfortably included within the Park.

Some of the best diving in Tanzania is found within the Marine Park and includes spectacular outer reef drop offs, extensive spur and groove formations, channel and patch reefs. Over 400 species of fish have been identified and more species of coral (over 258) than anywhere else on the East African Coast. The intertidal reef flats filled with life and the pristine white sands of Ruvula Beach complete this tropical paradise. Dive safaris are available on a single day’s dive or camping trips on Uvula Beach’s beautiful beach. With sufficient notice, tailor made Safaris can be arranged to meet individual requirements.  Visitors can also enjoy guided tours offered by numerous tour companies, whose boats are fitted with state of the art equipment to ensure a memorable and fulfilling experience. Companies operating in the marine park also offer diving lessons both within the park and at the nearby Mikindani Bay.

MPANGA KIPENGERE GAME RESERVE

Located in southern Tanzania, on the Mozambique border, is home to important populations of whales, dolphins, four species of turtle and numerous birds. The park is a multi-purpose marine protected area with globally significant marine biodiversity values and it covers a total land and sea area of 650 sq km with 20,000 inhabitants. The area is recognised as being internationally important for its biodiversity, with mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs. There are 12 villages in the area and it is hoped that visitors to the marine park will help the local economy of this area, one of the poorest and least developed in Tanzania. The large area of the Marine Park ensures that the ten villages and five sub-villages that have traditionally depended on the marine resources of the Park are comfortably included within the Park.

Some of the best diving in Tanzania is found within the Marine Park and includes spectacular outer reef drop offs, extensive spur and groove formations, channel and patch reefs. Over 400 species of fish have been identified and more species of coral (over 258) than anywhere else on the East African Coast. The intertidal reef flats filled with life and the pristine white sands of Ruvula Beach complete this tropical paradise. Dive safaris are available on a single day’s dive or camping trips on Ruvula Beach’s beautiful beach. With sufficient notice, tailor made Safaris can be arranged to meet individual requirements.

Visitors can also enjoy guided tours offered by numerous tour companies, whose boats are fitted with state of the art equipment to ensure a memorable and fulfilling experience. Companies operating in the marine park also offer diving lessons both within the park and at the nearby Mikindani Bay.

The small town of Mtwara is located on the coast of south-eastern Tanzania, along the rugged patch of coastline that leads to the country’s border with Mozambique. Elevated slightly along the Makonde Plateau, the area is one of the most remote locations in Tanzania. The town has one site of particular interest, St. Paul’s Church, which houses some remarkable murals of Biblical scenes painted by German priests. Mtwara’s proximity to the Mnazi Bay-Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park means that visitors can experience some of the most isolated dive sites on the coast. Mtwara was originally built by the British as a center for a vast agriculture scheme that involved groundnut plantations along Tanzania’s southern coast. The scheme was implemented after the Second World War, when the British had taken control of what was then Tanganyika from the Germans, and the groundnuts were expected to make up for post-war food shortages in the United Kingdom and to export to the rest of Europe. The plantations eventually failed, but the town of Mtwara still remains. Mtwara makes an excellent supply stop for trips to the Mnazi Bay-Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park and it is a good base for exploring nearby Mikindani.

The town of Mtwara acts as a gateway into Southern Tanzania for tourism and business alike. Access to and from Dar es Salaam is easy with frequent and regular flights and sailings. Mtwara is a laid back town and is spread out over a large area. To the north around Shangani are some good beaches, Shangani is where many of the more affluent people in Mtwara live. Towards the center of town lies the main commercial area, here you can find the Post office, banks as well as some more expensive shops. The market is located towards the southern end of town.

Nachingwea is a hidden tourist attractive area in Southern Tanzania, notably known for its rich African cultures, colonial history and the Mozambican liberation struggle for independence. Located in Lindi Region, Nachingwea District is a best known area in Tanzania where the first groundnut farms were introduced in 1947 and which attracted protests among the local Wamwera communities against forced labour by the British and South African settlers. Though not much involved in Maji Maji wars, Nachingwea is rich with diversified attractions; among the popular ones are the Dog Grave, Nachingwea to Mtwara railway line, remains of ancient animals at Kilimarondo, Mount Ilulu and Frelimo grounds.

Nachingwea is the best known area in Tanzania where the first groundnut farms were established as “Groundnut Scheme” in 1947 by British and South African settlers. There were 17 such farms, covering a big area of the district, attracting many white farmers. A railway line was laid to connect Nachingwea Township with the Mtwara port for transport and export of the crop and importation of farming inputs. Frequent protests from the locals stalled cultivation of the groundnuts and later the railway was uprooted in 1962 for unknown reasons. A visitor to this area can see an elevation of the land where the rail bars were laid. Nachingwea Township was established as a centre for Groundnut Scheme by one British settler Mr. John Morram. He chose the area to be his operation site for groundnut cultivation. He named the area “Nachingwea”, a name derived from a local Nngwea tree. He arrived at the present Nachingwea Township in 1947 to establish the groundnut farming project. The Tanganyika Groundnut Scheme was a project of the British government, but abandoned in 1951 as an unprofitable venture.

Tales of Mr. Morram are connected to a Dog Grave found near Heroes Ground in the Township. Elders there say the dog that was a servant to Mr. Morram was a messenger that was sent for shopping, also collection of letters from the post office, and other domestic duties. When it died, Mr. Morram buried it in a grave seen today, with dimensions of 3.1 metre long and 1.5 metre wide. There is no known cause for its death, though some elders say it was killed by an elephant in a fight, This grave of a dog could be the first such an attraction in Tanzania, and could easily be seen at the site. It has an elevation of two feet in the form of a pyramid outpost. There are several visitors from South Africa who pay a visit to this grave every year. Other attractions in Nachingwea are the “Chapondo Dance”, a traditional ritual performance to appease the spirits during dry spells, a sacrifice for rain. This ritual aimed to please the rain spirits is conducted only by grownups aging more than 30 years.

This performance is conducted by Wamwera communities with sacrifices of various crops and products available within these communities.Ilulu hill is the other attraction in Nachingwea by its history and prominence. It was a hiding place for Wamwera during the tribal wars with Wayao communities. From the peak of this hill, the Wamwera rolled down big pieces of rocks which killed and chased their traditional enemies. The history of the Mozambique liberation wars against the Portuguese is seen in Nachingwea through various sites where the former Mozambican President Samora Machel carried out offensive operations against the Portuguese. There is a three-kilometer long trench which the late Mozambican leader took refuge as a passage to get in and out of his residence and military training ground in Farm 17 Area, now a secondary school. Training grounds for liberation of Mozambique were handed over to the Tanzanian army and later changed into a secondary school (Farm 17 Secondary School) in 1995 which accommodates 300 boys and girls. Nachingwea can easily be reached from Dar es Salaam, Lindi and Mtwara by daily buses traveling to Southern Tanzania. A good number of tourist class guest houses and lodges are cheaply available in Nachingwea.

Upcoming tourist destination site in Southern Highlands, and Carved from Iringa region, the newly established Njombe region is an upcoming tourism attractive area, ideal for domestic and international visits. Administration: Njombe region has five administrative districts namely: Wanging’ombe, Njombe Rural and Njombe Urban with the latter crowned as the regional capital. The new region did not leave its parent region empty handed, instead by love and affection, it was allowed to take away its two former sister-districts of Makete and Ludewa by ‘their’ parent, Iringa region. Etymology: The name Njombe originated from a name of a tree species called ‘Mdzombe’ for singular and Mazdombe for plural which then dominated in one of its localities known as Mdandu. And it was in Mdandu where the Germans chose to build an administrative and defence block; the Boma.

Best for tourist investment, Njombe region stands among competitive regions for tourist development by its diversified natural and historical attractions. Identified among the top attractive sites in the Njombe region are the Nyumba Nitu natural forest, currently under conservation and management of local communities. Nyumba Nitu, meaning a Black house, consists of natural caves and a natural forest located at Mlevela village in Mdandu ward, some 15 kilometers away from Njombe Township. The forest has its root from Nyumba Nitu caves, since the caves are very dark for one to see and they are associated by the myth of black cows which dwelt in the cave.

Inside the caves, local Wabena people hid or took refuge during tribal wars between rival Wahehe fighters during Chief Mkwawa conquests in the Iringa region, way back in the last quarter of 19th century. The caves also provided a safe hideout from German forces during the Maji Maji uprising. A miracle rock or a big slab stone is the other, unique attraction in Njombe region. Known as “Lwivala Stone”, or Glittering stone, the slab-rock has a feature similar to a map of Africa. It is located in Lwivala natural forest where local communities perform rituals and traditional ceremonies. This 7.5-acre rock is grown with short grass with glittering outgrows during the rainy season. There are some unreadable inscriptions which local communities believe to have appeared naturally. It is located in Igodiva village, about three kilometres from Nyumba Nitu forest. Wattle and tea estates are the other attractions pulling tourists to Njombe region. Excursions and walking through expansive tea and wattle estates provide a scenic view of the southern highlands of Tanzania.

Luhuji waterfall in Njombe town is a thrilling tourist attraction, best for filming and picnics. Located in Luhuji River, the waterfall and rocks provide beautiful scenery for international film or movie makers. Old buildings including a Catholic Cathedral and a Lutheran church are other attractions available in Njombe town. A memorial monument to honour Africans who fought the Second World War is found in Njombe,bearing inscriptions of the veterans who fought under the command of the King’s African Rifles (KAR) of the British Army.

An early German built Primary Magistrate’s Court and a German administrative block are historical sites found in Njombe Township. A grave of the local Wabena warriors killed during the Maji Maji uprising in 1906 is found in Utengule village. The grave bears hundreds of bodies of the fallen locals who were killed by German forces. New in administration, Njombe region boasts several attractions which are still under development and exploration. Lake Nyasa beaches in Manda, beautiful scenery of the Eastern Arm of the Rift Valley escarpment and village settlements are tourist pulling magnets in the region. Mpanga Kipengele ranges and Kitulo National Park are natural attractions available in the Njombe region.

Paying a day visit inside Nyumba Nitu natural forest in Njombe would be an exciting and memorable adventure worth reckoning. The Nyumba Nitu natural forest is located in Mlevela village, some 15 kilometres from Njombe Township just after wattle estates which border the Nyumba Nitu village.The forest has its root from Nyumba Nitu caves and had derived its name from the dark caves which have been associated with a myth of black cows which dwelt inside the caves.Inside the caves, local Wabena people hid or took refugee during tribal wars between rival Wahehe fighters during Chief Mkwawa conquests in Iringa region, way back in last quarter of 19th century. The caves also provided a safe hideout from German forces during the Maji Maji uprising.

Several tales and myths surround Nyumba Nitu forest, where wild hens are found living since time immemorial. The Wabena communities are the owners of the forest where they pay homage to conduct rituals and sacrifices to their unseen ancestors. The natural caves could accommodate up to 100 people at a go, and have been a home of early people before houses or settlements were discovered. You can visit Nyumba Nitu to enjoy its thrilling atmosphere and share experience with local communities neighboring the forest.Mdandu historical site is part of Nyumba Nitu forest. It is an interesting area with a historical touch. Mdandu is the origin of the name Njombe which the region has been named, deriving its name from the Mdzombe tree, only available in this area.

There is an old German court where locals were prosecuted and hanged at a nearby tree. Mdandu was also a stopping centre for slaves from Makete to Bagamoyo and is located along the old slave trade route.

Ruaha national park is one of the few Tanzania’s famous wilderness areas where one can have a rare experience of game viewing spiced up by the fascinating landscape. The park is rich in plants and animals such as Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) which can not be found in any other national park. The park boasts of her almost untouched and unexplored ecosystem, making visitors’ safari experience very unique. The Great Ruaha River as other rivers like Mwagusi, Jongomero and Mzombe save as the lifeline of the park. During the dry season, these rivers become mostly the main source of water for wildlife. There are few natural springs with the same purpose. In the peak of the dry season, elephants obtain water from dry sand rivers using their front feet and trunks. The remaining waterfalls along the Great Ruaha River are also important habitats for hippopotamus, fish and crocodiles.

CLIMATE  Ruaha National Park has a bimodal pattern of rain forest; the short rainfall season begins November to February, while the long season is between March and April. The annual mean rainfall ranges between 500mm-800mm with the average annual temperature of about 280c. The park experiences its dry season between June and October when the temperature at Msembe headquarter reaches 350c.

PARK HISTORY The park’s history dates back to 1910 when it was gazetted Saba Game Reserve by Germany then the name was changed by British to Rungwa Game reserve in 1946. In 1964 the southern portion of the Game was gazetted as Ruaha national park and in 1974 a small section of the South Eastern part of the Great Ruaha River was incorporated into the park. The name “Ruaha” originates from the Hehe word “Ruvaha”, which means “river”. Ruaha National Park is part of the Rungwa-Kizigo –Muhesi ecosystem which covers more than 45000 km 2. In 2008 Usangu Game Reserve and other important wetlands in Usangu basin were annexed into the park, making it the largest park in Tanzania and East Africa with an area of about 20226km2.

PARKS SIGNIFICANCE Ruaha National Park has a high diversity of plants and animals including elephants, buffalos, antelopes and some rare and endangered species like wild dogs. The park serves as a water shade both for wildlife and human beings. This makes it economically significant as it supports agricultural activities downstream and contributes to hydro- electric power (HEP) for the country at Mtera and Kidatu dams.

TOURISM ATTRACTIONS

Birds

The park is one of the Tanzania birds’ paradise with more than 571 species and some of them are known to be migrants from within and outside Africa. Migrating species from Europe, Asia, Australian rim and Madagascar have been recorded in the park. Species of interest in the park include Ruaha red-billed hornbill (Tokus ruah) which is dominant in the area. The recently annexed wetland, the Usangu basin is one of the country’s important bird areas (IBA) as recognized by Birdlife International. Though birds can be seen all year around, the best time for bird watching is during the wet season.

Animals

Ruaha is believed to have a higher concentration of elephants than any national park in East Africa. It is also a place where magnificent mammals like Kudu (both Greater and Lesser), Sable and Roan antelopes can easily be spotted in Miombo woodland. The male Kudu have beautiful spiraled horns while male Sable antelope have impressive curved horns. The park is also a habitat for endangered wild dogs. Other animals in the park include lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, elands, impala, bat eared foxes and Jackals.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Apart from large animals, the park also harbors a number of reptiles and amphibians such as crocodiles, poisonous and non-poisonous snakes, monitor lizards, agama lizards and frogs. The Great Ruaha and Mzombe rivers are presumably the most preferred habitat for crocodiles.

Vegetation

The park is characterized by semi-arid type of vegetation, baobab trees, Acacia and other species. There are over 1650 plant species that have been identified. The park is the transitional point of two vegetation zones, the Zambezian (characterized by Miombo vegetation) and Sudanian (characterized by Acacia vegetation).

Historical and cultural sites

There are several historical and cultural sites in the park which offer a visitor a chance to explore the Southern Tanzanian tribes. The early trade routes used by the Arab caravan crossed here. In 1830 these coastal traders expanded their routes northward, and in 1857 to 1858 other European explorers such as Burton and Speke used these routes too. Chief Mkwawa used the same routes to visit his chiefdoms in Sangu and Gogo. The park area is often hailed as the land of the brave Chief Mkwawa, the Chief of the hehe people who resisted against the German attack in the late 19th century. The fierce and successful battle tactics against the German invasion made the Hehe tribe famous in the Southern highland of the then Tanganyika (Tanzania). The Hehe tribe under the leadership of chief Mkwawa was dominant around the Ruaha area. Some of the outcrops in the area are known as hiding places of chief Mkwawa who went into hiding after the fall of his empire (kalenga) to the German in 1894. In brief, it is believed that this ancient land (Ruaha National Park) holds many secrets of chief Mkwawa. Some of the cultural sites that were used for rituals are “Ganga la Mafunyo”, Nyanywa and Chahe, Painting rock at Nyanywa, the “Gogo”  chief “Mapenza” grave at Mpululu and “Mkwawa” spring area believed to be used by Chief Mkwawa. Other historical sites near the park include Isimila pillars near Iringa town, Kalenga, Mlambalasi, Lugalo and God’s bridge just to mention a few.

Ruaha National Park has a wide range of physical features from the Great Rift Valley, river systems, natural springs, wetlands, hot water springs, and kopje to the beautiful rolling hills and mountains.

Rivers, The river systems and watersheds are of economical, social and ecological significance for the park itself and country at large. Main rivers include the Great Ruaha, Mzombe, Mdonya, Mwagusi and Jongomero.

Rift valley

The Great Rift Valley crosses the park. The escarpment wall along the western valley side is about 50-100m high in the north-eastern parts, increasing in height to the southwest. It is considered that the valley of the Great Ruaha River is an extension of the Great Rift Valley. The Great Ruaha River flows for 160km along the entire eastern boundary through rugged gorges and open plains.

Natural springs, They occur throughout the park and they are associated with the base of the Western Rift Valley escarpment, most notably Mkwawa, Mwayembe, Makinde and Maji Moto springs. These are dry season refugees for wildlife and when most of the rivers get dry.

Undulating landscape, The park has undulating land and hills including Kilimamatonge, Nyamasombe, Nyanywa, Chariwindwi, Igawira, Mwayiui, Kibiriti, Magangwe, Ndetamburwa and Isukanvyiola. These act as kopjes creating good habitat for animals such as klipspringers which normally can be seen in some of these hills.

TOURISM ACTIVITIES

Tourism activities in the park include Game viewing, long and short wilderness walking safari, bird watching, picnic, bush meals (break-fast, lunch, dinner) in the untouched bushes. The wet season (January –April) is best for bird watching, lush scenery and wildflowers. The male Greater kudu is most visible in June which is their breeding season.

How to get there

By air, There are both scheduled and chartered flights into the park mainly from Arusha, Dodoma, Kigoma and Dar-es-salaam. Park’s airstrips are located at Msembe and Jongomero

By road, It is about 130km drive from Iringa town and 625km from Dar-es-salaam city. The road into the park is passable throughout the year.

Accommodation

There are park and privately owned facilities

Park facilities

– Self catering tourist bandas

– Special camping sites

– Public camping sites

– Rest house

– Hostel for school groups

– Park cottages

– Family cottage

– Single room with sitting room

– Single room without sitting room

Private facilities

Inside the park

There are several luxury tented camps operating in the park such as Jongomero, Kigelia, Mwagusi safari, Old Mdonya River, Kwihala and Flycatcher and one lodge namely Ruaha River lodge. These are privately owned.

Outside the park

There are several accommodation facilities just outside the park: these are hilltop lodge, Sunset lodge, Tandala tented camp to mention a few.

General Park Rules and Regulations

Kindly abide to the following park rules and regulations

– Do not disturb or feed animals.

– Do not make noise or any sort of disturbance which offend other visitors

– Do not pick or destroy flowers and plants

– Littering, burning cigarettes or matches is strictly prohibited

– Pet are not allowed in the park

– Never go for a walking safari without park official armed guides/rangers

– Always stay on the authorized trails during walking safaris

– Hunting, collection of plant and animal samples is not allowed

– Tourism activities should be conducted between 6am and 7pm. For the rest of the time, visitors are expected to be in their accommodation places (i.e. lodges, camps and/or campsites)

– Off road driving is strictly prohibited

Ruaha national park is one of the few Tanzania’s famous wilderness areas where one can have a rare experience of game viewing spiced up by the fascinating landscape. The park is rich in plants and animals such as Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) which can not be found in any other national park. The park boasts of her almost untouched and unexplored ecosystem, making visitors’ safari experience very unique. The Great Ruaha River as other rivers like Mwagusi, Jongomero and Mzombe save as the lifeline of the park. During the dry season, these rivers become mostly the main source of water for wildlife. There are few natural springs with the same purpose. In the peak of the dry season, elephants obtain water from dry sand rivers using their front feet and trunks. The remaining waterfalls along the Great Ruaha River are also important habitats for hippopotamus, fish and crocodiles.

CLIMATE  Ruaha National Park has a bimodal pattern of rain forest; the short rainfall season begins November to February, while the long season is between March and April. The annual mean rainfall ranges between 500mm-800mm with the average annual temperature of about 280c. The park experiences its dry season between June and October when the temperature at Msembe headquarter reaches 350c.

PARK HISTORY The park’s history dates back to 1910 when it was gazetted Saba Game Reserve by Germany then the name was changed by British to Rungwa Game reserve in 1946. In 1964 the southern portion of the Game was gazetted as Ruaha national park and in 1974 a small section of the South Eastern part of the Great Ruaha River was incorporated into the park. The name “Ruaha” originates from the Hehe word “Ruvaha”, which means “river”. Ruaha National Park is part of the Rungwa-Kizigo –Muhesi ecosystem which covers more than 45000 km 2. In 2008 Usangu Game Reserve and other important wetlands in Usangu basin were annexed into the park, making it the largest park in Tanzania and East Africa with an area of about 20226km2.

PARKS SIGNIFICANCE Ruaha National Park has a high diversity of plants and animals including elephants, buffalos, antelopes and some rare and endangered species like wild dogs. The park serves as a water shade both for wildlife and human beings. This makes it economically significant as it supports agricultural activities downstream and contributes to hydro- electric power (HEP) for the country at Mtera and Kidatu dams.

TOURISM ATTRACTIONS

Birds

The park is one of the Tanzania birds’ paradise with more than 571 species and some of them are known to be migrants from within and outside Africa. Migrating species from Europe, Asia, Australian rim and Madagascar have been recorded in the park. Species of interest in the park include Ruaha red-billed hornbill (Tokus ruah) which is dominant in the area. The recently annexed wetland, the Usangu basin is one of the country’s important bird areas (IBA) as recognized by Birdlife International. Though birds can be seen all year around, the best time for bird watching is during the wet season.

Animals

Ruaha is believed to have a higher concentration of elephants than any national park in East Africa. It is also a place where magnificent mammals like Kudu (both Greater and Lesser), Sable and Roan antelopes can easily be spotted in Miombo woodland. The male Kudu have beautiful spiraled horns while male Sable antelope have impressive curved horns. The park is also a habitat for endangered wild dogs. Other animals in the park include lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, elands, impala, bat eared foxes and Jackals.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Apart from large animals, the park also harbors a number of reptiles and amphibians such as crocodiles, poisonous and non-poisonous snakes, monitor lizards, agama lizards and frogs. The Great Ruaha and Mzombe rivers are presumably the most preferred habitat for crocodiles.

Vegetation

The park is characterized by semi-arid type of vegetation, baobab trees, Acacia and other species. There are over 1650 plant species that have been identified. The park is the transitional point of two vegetation zones, the Zambezian (characterized by Miombo vegetation) and Sudanian (characterized by Acacia vegetation).

Historical and cultural sites

There are several historical and cultural sites in the park which offer a visitor a chance to explore the Southern Tanzanian tribes. The early trade routes used by the Arab caravan crossed here. In 1830 these coastal traders expanded their routes northward, and in 1857 to 1858 other European explorers such as Burton and Speke used these routes too. Chief Mkwawa used the same routes to visit his chiefdoms in Sangu and Gogo. The park area is often hailed as the land of the brave Chief Mkwawa, the Chief of the hehe people who resisted against the German attack in the late 19th century. The fierce and successful battle tactics against the German invasion made the Hehe tribe famous in the Southern highland of the then Tanganyika (Tanzania). The Hehe tribe under the leadership of chief Mkwawa was dominant around the Ruaha area. Some of the outcrops in the area are known as hiding places of chief Mkwawa who went into hiding after the fall of his empire (kalenga) to the German in 1894. In brief, it is believed that this ancient land (Ruaha National Park) holds many secrets of chief Mkwawa. Some of the cultural sites that were used for rituals are “Ganga la Mafunyo”, Nyanywa and Chahe, Painting rock at Nyanywa, the “Gogo”  chief “Mapenza” grave at Mpululu and “Mkwawa” spring area believed to be used by Chief Mkwawa. Other historical sites near the park include Isimila pillars near Iringa town, Kalenga, Mlambalasi, Lugalo and God’s bridge just to mention a few.

Ruaha National Park has a wide range of physical features from the Great Rift Valley, river systems, natural springs, wetlands, hot water springs, and kopje to the beautiful rolling hills and mountains.

Rivers, The river systems and watersheds are of economical, social and ecological significance for the park itself and country at large. Main rivers include the Great Ruaha, Mzombe, Mdonya, Mwagusi and Jongomero.

Rift valley

The Great Rift Valley crosses the park. The escarpment wall along the western valley side is about 50-100m high in the north-eastern parts, increasing in height to the southwest. It is considered that the valley of the Great Ruaha River is an extension of the Great Rift Valley. The Great Ruaha River flows for 160km along the entire eastern boundary through rugged gorges and open plains.

Natural springs, They occur throughout the park and they are associated with the base of the Western Rift Valley escarpment, most notably Mkwawa, Mwayembe, Makinde and Maji Moto springs. These are dry season refugees for wildlife and when most of the rivers get dry.

Undulating landscape, The park has undulating land and hills including Kilimamatonge, Nyamasombe, Nyanywa, Chariwindwi, Igawira, Mwayiui, Kibiriti, Magangwe, Ndetamburwa and Isukanvyiola. These act as kopjes creating good habitat for animals such as klipspringers which normally can be seen in some of these hills.

TOURISM ACTIVITIES

Tourism activities in the park include Game viewing, long and short wilderness walking safari, bird watching, picnic, bush meals (break-fast, lunch, dinner) in the untouched bushes. The wet season (January –April) is best for bird watching, lush scenery and wildflowers. The male Greater kudu is most visible in June which is their breeding season.

How to get there

By air, There are both scheduled and chartered flights into the park mainly from Arusha, Dodoma, Kigoma and Dar-es-salaam. Park’s airstrips are located at Msembe and Jongomero

By road, It is about 130km drive from Iringa town and 625km from Dar-es-salaam city. The road into the park is passable throughout the year.

Accommodation

There are park and privately owned facilities

Park facilities

– Self catering tourist bandas

– Special camping sites

– Public camping sites

– Rest house

– Hostel for school groups

– Park cottages

– Family cottage

– Single room with sitting room

– Single room without sitting room

Private facilities

Inside the park

There are several luxury tented camps operating in the park such as Jongomero, Kigelia, Mwagusi safari, Old Mdonya River, Kwihala and Flycatcher and one lodge namely Ruaha River lodge. These are privately owned.

Outside the park

There are several accommodation facilities just outside the park: these are hilltop lodge, Sunset lodge, Tandala tented camp to mention a few.

General Park Rules and Regulations

Kindly abide to the following park rules and regulations

– Do not disturb or feed animals.

– Do not make noise or any sort of disturbance which offend other visitors

– Do not pick or destroy flowers and plants

– Littering, burning cigarettes or matches is strictly prohibited

– Pet are not allowed in the park

– Never go for a walking safari without park official armed guides/rangers

– Always stay on the authorized trails during walking safaris

– Hunting, collection of plant and animal samples is not allowed

– Tourism activities should be conducted between 6am and 7pm. For the rest of the time, visitors are expected to be in their accommodation places (i.e. lodges, camps and/or campsites)

– Off road driving is strictly prohibited

Vast, wild, unspoilt Africa…

Home to some of the most breathtaking wild-wildlife left on the African Continent and far from the crowds which visit the parks in the north of Tanzania. Nyerere National Park was established in November 2019 from part of the legendary Selous Game Reserve. As the largest National Park in Africa, Nyerere National Park covers an immense area of over 30,000 square kilometres (over twice the size of the Serengeti!). The park, which encompasses the mighty Rufiji River, is home to a diverse range of wildlife with huge populations of Hippo and Giraffe as well as Elephant, Buffalo and Lion among many others (visit our resources page for a checklist!), and together with the remaining part of Selous, Nyerere National Park is the last true stronghold for African wild dogs.

The Selous Game Reserve At A Glance…

• The largest and oldest protected area in Africa.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Largest population in the World of critically endangered African Wild Dogs.
• Commonly seen wildlife include: lion, giraffe, buffalo, impala, hippo, elephant, wild dog, crocodile, hyena, wildebeest, leopard, zebra, kudu plus many, many more and over 440 species of birds.
• Perfect for escaping the crowds.
• In addition to car safaris, boat and walking safaris are also possible (not available elsewhere) and driving off-road is permitted, allowing easier access to wildlife.

The Selous (pronounced “seloo”) Game Reserve has a long a varied history, and was first set aside as a wildlife reserve as early as 1896 by German Kaiser Wilhelm II and takes its name from renowned Hunter, explorer, writer and soldier Frederick Courtney Selous, who was killed during the First World War inside the reserve and was buried near to the spot where he fell (marked by a grave to this day). Crossed by explorers in 1859-60 (Burton, Speke and von Decken) and before that by slavery caravans delivering both slaves and ivory to the coast. In 1905 the Maji-Maji (Water-Water) uprising was inspired by ‘magic’ water, reputed to be sourced close to the Rufiji River, which was believed to make warriors invulnerable. Born in London in 1851, Frederick Courtney Selous set himself up as a professional hunter in Africa at the age of 20. Though he began his career as a big game hunter his books gained him a world-renowned reputation as a naturalist, due in no small part to his precise observations about ecology and wildlife. Selous was one of a small band of men who became legends in their own lifetimes back in the Victorian era, when tales of adventurous exploits in “darkest Africa” exemplified the spirit of the time.

Selous Game Reserve is Africa’s largest game reserve and one of favourite game viewing areas in Africa. Covering 50,000 square kilometres, is amongst the largest protected areas in Africa and is relatively undisturbed by human impact.  Africa’s largest and oldest game reserve is one of its most scenic wildlife destinations; the Selous is utterly beautiful.  The beauty of the park is matched by the quality of a safari here; boating, walking and fly camping complement standard game driving in thriving wildlife areas.  This is an outrageously good safari park and an essential component of any southern circuit itinerary.

The Selous is a superb safari destination for both family safaris and African honeymoons, all the better for the ease of getting there and the lack of crowds.  The park has the widest diversity of safari activities in the country, offering the boating safaris as well as standard game drives, walking safaris and legendary fly camping trips. The Northern section of Selous is home to a network of channels and lagoons that run off the Rufiji River.  This lush landscape provides a water supply for the region’s game and towards the end of the dry season the concentration of animals around these water sources is phenomenal.  It is here, around the river and lakes, that the majority of the camps are based; successfully relying on the animal’s need for water to provide game viewing areas.  Selous is in its peak season from July through to the middle of November – this when the dry season is raging and all the game homes are on the few permanent water sources.

The sheer volume of games in the Selous is outstanding with statistics putting most parks in Africa to shame.  Elephants, buffalo and lions are ‘arguably’ found in no greater numbers year round anywhere on the planet.  But it is the Selous’ reputation as the last true stronghold for African wild dogs that draws the enthusiasts.

Udzungwa is the largest and with the most biodiversity and a chain of a dozen large forest-swathed mountains that rise majestically from the flat coastal scrub of eastern Tanzania. Known collectively as the Eastern Arc Mountains, this archipelago of isolated massifs has also been dubbed as the African Galapagos for its treasure-trove of endemic plants and animals, most familiarly being the delicate African violet. Brooding and primeval, the forests of Udzungwa seem positively enchanted: a verdant refuge of sunshine-dappled glades enclosed by 30-metre (100 foot) high trees, their buttresses layered with fungi, lichens, mosses and ferns. Udzungwa alone among the ancient ranges of the Eastern Arc has been accorded national park status. It is also unique within Tanzania in that its closed-canopy forest spans altitudes of 250 metres (820 feet) to above 2,000 metres (6,560 ft) without interruption.

Although not a conventional game viewing destination, Udzungwa is a magnet for hikers. An excellent network of forest trails includes the popular half-day ramble to Sanje Waterfall, which plunges 170 metres (550 feet) through a misty spray into the forested valley below. The more challenging two-night Mwanihana Trail leads to the high plateau, with its panoramic views over the surrounding sugar plantations, before ascending to Mwanihana peak, the second-highest point in the range. Ornithologists are attracted to Udzungwa for an avian wealth embracing more than 400 species, from the lovely and readily-located green-headed oriole to more than a dozen secretive Eastern Arc endemics. Four bird species are peculiar to Udzungwa, including the forest partridge, first discovered in 1991 and more closely related to an Asian genus than to any other African fowl.

Of six primate species recorded, the Iringa red colobus and Sanje Crested Mangabey both occur nowhere else in the world – the latter, remarkably, remained undetected by biologists prior to 1979. Undoubtedly, this great forest has yet to reveal all its treasures: ongoing scientific exploration will surely add to its diverse catalogue of endemics. Location: Five hours (350 km/215 miles) from Dar es Salaam; 65 kms (40 miles) southwest of Mikumi.

Getting there Drive from Dar es Salaam or Mikumi National Park. What to do From a two-hour hike to the waterfall as well as camping safaris. Combine with nearby Mikumi or en route to Ruaha. Accommodation,Camping inside the park. Bring all food and supplies. Two modest but comfortable lodges with en-suite rooms within 1km of the park entrance.

Eastern Arc Mountains offer the best panoramic tourist Attractions. Not only the famous wildlife parks in northern Tanzania offer best tourist attractions by their animal diversity.Not only the famous  wildlife parks in northern Tanzania offer best tourist attractions by their animal diversity. Birdlife, natural forests, waterfalls and natural scenery are unbeatable tourist attractions easily found in the Eastern Arc Mountains, covering a large geographical area of eastern Tanzania. Their cool weather is exceptional. Southern Highlands of Tanzania is the most attractive destination, dominated by the Eastern Arc Mountains, made up of Uporoto, Kipengere and Livingstone ranges. The Eastern Arc Mountains are listed as a global biodiversity hotspot. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) recognizes the Eastern Arc Mountains as a “Global 2000 Hotspot”. Conservation International ranks the Eastern Arc Mountains together with the East African Coastal Forests as the 24th most important global biodiversity hotspot for plant endemism. Combined, these 24 top biodiversity hotspots hold within their borders, almost 50 per cent of the world’s plant species.

In the Eastern Arc, these high levels of flora and fauna species endemism are contained in only 5,000 square kilometers of highly fragmented and isolated forests; hence the synonymous title of “The Galapagos of Africa”. The Eastern Arch forests maintain vital water catchments badly needed by communities in the surrounding villages, dry lowlands and for several major urban centers in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania.Eastern Arc are also the source of timber and other forest products in Southern Highlands, notably the scenic Sao Hill, Mgololo and other forests in Iringa, Njombe and Mbeya regions. Timber is the leading economic activity to communities living in Mufindi, Njombe and Mafinga localities.

The mountains provide favourable weather conditions for tea plantations covering the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, and which are major economic activities in those areas. Uporoto Mountains, Kipengere and Livingstone Mountains in Mbeya are rich with avifauna (birdlife) and plants. The Eastern Arc mountains, on the other side, stands as the major source of incomes to local communities in Southern Highlands of Tanzania, while providing Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) in those areas. Under good management of resources, the Eastern Arc ranges would support economic development to local communities, hence, raise the level of income generation among local communities depending on their resources.

The Amboni Caves are the most extensive limestone caves in East Africa. They are located 8 km north of Tanga City in Tanzania off the Tanga-Mombasa road. The caves were formed about 150 million years ago during the Jurassic age. It covers an area of 234 km². According to researchers the area was under water some 20 million years ago. There are altogether ten caves but only one is used for guided tours. Amboni Limited, a company which was then operating sisal plantations in Tanga Region acquired the area in 1892. The company notified the British colonial government about the caves who in turn declared the caves a conservation area in 1922. It is not known when the caves were exactly discovered but reports indicate that ethnic groups such as the Segeju, Sambaa, Bondei and Digo who lived near the caves used it for prayers. In 1963, the then government of Tanganyika handed over the caves to the Department of Antiquities.

These caves have been the subject of local legends and a number of mythical and awe-inspiring stories have been attributed to the caves. To the local people the caves are regarded as supernatural formations where supernatural powers commonly known as “Mizimu” are believed to have been residing since the caves formation. There are chambers treated as sacred chambers for worshiping some spirits. One of them is called “Mzimu wa Mabovu”. Some believe that there is a powerful deity which can alleviate their sickness, sufferings or increase their fertility. These limestone caves are formed by a special nature of erosion. According to Mturi (1975:18-19), there are three theories which explain the formation of the Amboni Caves. The first theory is known as the vedose process. According to this theory, rain water absorbs carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and forms a weak carbonic acid which is capable of dissolving calcium carbonate minerals of which limestone is formed. When this acidulated rainwater seeps through the limestone it is dissolved and cavities and caves are formed.

The second theory is that of phreatic origin. According to this theory, the caves are formed by erosion from the sub water table. The rain water with carbonic acid rapidly seeps through the limestone and reaches the water table before being a saturated solution of calcium bicarbonate. At this stage it is still capable of acting as a dissolving agent for the calcium carbonate. The Amboni caves are believed to be the most extensive limestone caves in East Africa, located in Kiomoni village. The caves, a one and half kilometer stretch, are a fascinating historical site, which were used as hiding places for the locals. The Amboni caves are among the area’s most popular attractions that have attracted, over the years, hundreds of thousands of tourists both local and foreign. The caves are very dark inside and potentially lethal. Nearly all tunnels or chambers are accessible to tourists via a guided tour.

The Amboni caves are among the area’s most popular attractions and feature vast below-ground halls with towering formations. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and to bring a pocket-size camera, since it’s cumbersome to bring a camera with a large lens as walking is through tight squeezes. And before entering some of the tight spots, visitors are asked to leave large bags in an area to pick up later. The views of towering formations in the caves are an admiration. Nearly all its tunnels or chambers are accessible to tourists via guided tour. Walking through squeezes while getting treated to views of incredible formations makes the visit well worth it. The caves have religious significance to the local people who pray and make offerings in one of the shrines. For a section of locals, the caves have been long-known as the place to worship to pray for different needs. Chamber number one is used for the prayers, in what many people associate with superstitions. Different items are deposited here during players ‘gifts that the local villagers offer to the spirits. The caves’ upkeep is under the department of Antiquities in the ministry of natural resources and tourism.

Location: Located nearly 8 kms from Tanga town. Access is by road from the Tanga – Mombasa road. For access to the main forest block (Msitu wa Mbogo) turn left 5km after Tanga onto the B121 road to Mjessani. Park the vehicle 5.5 km along this road and walk south along paths for 2 km to reach the river. For access to Amboni Caves forest patches take the left turning to Kimono village 4 km after leaving Tanga on the main road to Mombasa. The road runs through the village and down to the caves. Park and proceed on foot along the river to reach the other forest patches further up-river. All sites can be reached directly from Tanga by foot within two hours.

The town of Bagamoyo is a home to world class Historical sites and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites with rich cultural heritage waiting for you to explore. This town was once a most important trading port along the East African Coast and a German East Africa Capital. Bagamoyo is home to many ethnic groups, including the Wakwere, Wazaramo and Wazigua. Different cultures including people of Arab descent coexist in Bagamoyo making the town a peaceful and friendly place for visitors from all over the world. The town of Bagamoyo was one of the most important trading ports on the East African coast and the penultimate stop of slave and ivory caravans travelling on foot from Lake Tanganyika on their way to Zanzibar. Missionaries active in abolishing the slave trade made Bagamoyo, whose name means ‘bury my heart’ in Kiswahili, a centre for their activities. Bagamoyo is a quiet village with a few German colonial buildings still standing. In the past, the town of Bagamoyo was one of the most important trading ports on the entire East African coast. Its port was the penultimate stop of slave and ivory caravans that travelled on foot all the way from Lake Tanganyika. Once the caravans reached Bagamoyo, the slaves and ivory were shipped by dhow to Zanzibar, where they were then dispatched all over the world. These days, Bagamoyo is a centre of dhow building in the region and along the Tanzanian Coast.

BAGAMOYO OFFERS THE FOLLOWING TOURS;

• Bagamoyo Stone Town tour
• Bagamoyo Biking tours
• Kaole ruins tour
• Crocodiles farm tour
• Visits to Caravan serai Museum
• Visits to Catholic Old church & Museum
• Mangrove forest tour
• Fish with local fishermen
• Marine tours
• Visit Ngome kongwe
• Visit to the Old port
• Fish market tour
• The white sand beach
• Explore Coral reef
• Visit Slave prison
• Visit Art market
• Traditional Swahili Massage,
• Hair braiding
• Cultural celebrations and events
• Swahili traditional weddings
• Swahili music performances and Traditional dances
• Swahili music band entertainments
• Swahili traditional games

HALF DAY TOURS:

Bagamoyo stone town tour (2-3 hours), Bagamoyo is surrounded by old buildings of the previous generation, beautiful Arab architecture with thick walls of Earth fitted with well-carved doors made of thick African hardwood. On your walk through narrow streets between Old buildings of Bagamoyo stone town you will visit the German Colonial Administrative block, Art market, Old post office, 1st Tanzania Primary School, Old Mosques, Hanging tower, Caravan Serai Museum and the fish market. On your walk along the Indian Ocean beach visit a centre for dhow sailboat building and get to know how local people build boats.

Kaole ruins tour (1-3 hours), Kaole village formerly known as ‘Pumbuji’ is one of the oldest villages that immigrants from Arabic countries choose as they landed on East Africa’s coast. The village has ruins dating back to the 13th Century. It is in this village where the Sultan of Oman preferred to settle and construct administrative and military headquarters. Today the ruins made-up of earth and corals and the Kaole Museum tells volumes of stories about Ivory trade, movement of traders, cruel slavery and the living culture of today’s Kaole people majority originating from Asia. Beyond the ruins, there is an old port surrounded by a Mangrove forest where one can go closer to nature and enjoy fresh air.

Bagamoyo Catholic Church & Museum tour, You will visit the Old tower of the first Catholic Church in East Africa, one of the Oldest Baobab tree, Cemeteries (Catholic, German and Indian), Dr. Livingstone tower, Old Fathers’ house and the Cross at the beach. Explore the museum with information about the slave trade, missionaries, life of the people and some collections of artifacts of the indigenous tribes.

Mwambani coral reef tour (1-3 hours), On your marine experience explore Mwamba Kuni coral reef and listen to stories about local people’s beliefs on coral reefs and its uses

Crocodile Farm Tour (2-5 hours), Visit a crocodile farm and learn how these wild predators are kept. Get to know their social behaviors, growth, live capture techniques, feeding/hunting techniques and local uses of various products.

Mapopo Island Tour (2-5 hours), Take an evening or Morning boat tour to Mapopo Island where thousands of bats have inhabited the island. Get to know the bat’s life and ecological importance of these flying mammals.

Ruvu River cruising (2-3 hours), Take a boat ride to explore crocodiles, hippos and various birds along the Ruvu River that flows from the Uluguru Mountains and some parts of Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Get to know how locals fish in the rivers and various uses of river water.

Fishing with local fishermen Experience (1-4 hours), Come and join a team of experienced village fishermen for a fishing experience. Do your best to fish what will be prepared for you during your lunch or dinner.Learn how to prepare Swahili Traditional food, Participate in cooking Swahili dishes with local Swahili Mamas of Kaole village.

Visit Bagamoyo College of Arts (1-2 hours), The Bagamoyo College of Arts (“Chuo cha Sanaa”) is an internationally famous arts college in Tanzania, teaching traditional Tanzanian painting, sculpture, drama, dancing and drumming. The college organizes monthly cultural events that people are freely invited to participate in.

Local Home visits (1-2 hours), Visit a local home where you will learn how coastal communities live. Listen to stories and share your time with local people by engaging in various home chores/daily activities. And Full day & multiple day tours, Various tours can be combined to explore Bagamoyo fully. Tour programmes can be tailored according to your time and budget. Extended tours to neighboring villages like Saadani and Mlingotini together with game drives in Saadani National Park can be organized on request. Saadani National Park is closer to Bagamoyo than any other town on the coast region. Get an Opportunity to visit the art market, artists at work and learn how to do sculpture, fine art and Makonde Carving.

Where to stay, There are several hotels/resorts, hostels, guest houses and camping sites within and around the town of Bagamoyo. The Bagamoyo Cultural Tourism office can assist in booking or direct you to a number of recommended accommodation facilities on request. Getting there, Bagamoyo is located 75 kms North of Dar-es-salaam, 1-1.5 hours drive. One can catch daily buses commuting between Dar-es-Salaam Mwenge local bus station and Bagamoyo Town.

Chumbe offers some of the most pristine and colourful coral reefs in the world, with over 200 species of coral providing a sanctuary for more than 400 species of colourful fish. To protect these coral reefs, diving is not permitted in the marine park. The reef is shallow enough to see everything very clearly with a mask, snorkel and fins. There is also a coral-rag forest, which is home to the endangered Ader’s Duiker, giant Coconut Crabs, hermit crabs and a variety of bird species. Knowledgeable guides take guests on daily snorkelling and forest tours. Chumbe can be visited for day trips or longer, staying in ‘eco-bungalows’ overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Chumbe Island contains a lighthouse (which is still operational and was built by the British in 1904), a ruined mosque and the lighthouse keeper’s house, now converted into a spectacular education centre and restaurant. All profits from tourism on Chumbe Island are reinvested into the conservation and education programs operating in the Park, and the island is staffed and managed by local Zanzibaris from the fishing community with voluntary support from overseas experts.

The work of Chumbe Island Coral Park Ltd towards the sustainable management and protection of the Chumbe coral reefs has been recognized by the UN Secretary General in his report to the General Assembly on Protection of coral reefs for sustainable livelihoods and development, in preparation for the Rio+20 – United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 4-6 June 2012. Under the heading “The role of national legislation in protecting coral reefs (including importance of inclusion of indigenous/local communities)”

Dar es Salaam is the largest city and economic capital of Tanzania. Located in a quiet bay off the Indian Ocean coast, the city has developed into an economic importance to become a prosperous centre of the entire East African region. Its bustling harbour is the main port in Tanzania. Its industrial area produces products for export and use throughout the country. Government offices all have their main base in Dar es Salaam, and diplomatic missions and non-governmental organizations in the country all have a presence in the bustling urban city.

Restaurants, shops, office buildings, and government buildings are all common features of Tanzania’s urban centre. During German occupation in the early 20th century, Dar es Salaam was the centre of colonial administration and the main contact point between the agricultural mainland and the world of trade and commerce in the Indian Ocean and the Swahili Coast. Remnants of colonial presence, both German and British, can still be seen in the landmarks and architecture around the city. The National Museum, the Village Museum, and many colourful markets are well worth a visit. Numerous historical landmarks, including St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the White Father’s Mission House, the Botanical Gardens, and the old State House make for an interesting walking tour around the waterfront and city centre.

Seven kilometres north of the city, is Bongoyo Island Marine Reserve which offers good snorkelling and diving sites for those who want to explore the water. The reserve boasts of its beautiful beaches, secluded islands and many varieties of marine species. Although the variety and population of coral and fish species are not as numerous as other sites on Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia Island, the Bongoyo Island Marine Reserve is well worth a visit and is a great way to spend a day out and see the coast. For other information about Dar-es-Salaam – see Dar-es-Salaam Tour.

The Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve System (DMRS) is a group of marine wildlife reserves in Tanzania, situated off the coast of Dar es Salaam Region. The reserve system consists of nine uninhabited islands, four north of Dar es Salaam (Bongoyo, Mbudya, Pangavini and Fungu Yasini) and five south of the city (Inner and Outer Makatumbe, Inner and Outer Sinda and Kendwa Island). It provides protection for several important tropical ecosystems; coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds.

Located in the heartland of Tanzania, Dodoma is the nation’s official political capital and the seat of government in the country. Comparably, it is much smaller and less developed than the country’s commercial centre, Dar es Salaam. Dodoma remains a centre for national politics. Situated on the eastern edge of the southern highlands, the city of Dodoma is surrounded by a rich agricultural area and pleasant scenery. Dodoma has many places and items of interest to recommend to the passing visitor. It is the centre of Tanzania’s growing wine industry and the Tanganyika Vineyards Company is active in promoting its products.

Historically, Dodoma was a stopover on the overland caravan route that travelled from the Swahili Coast inland toward Lake Tanganyika. Early in the 20th century, the city became a major point on the Central Line railway, which carried agricultural crops for export to the harbour in Dar es Salaam. In recent times, the town’s economic base has declined in favour of the coastal city, but in the early days of Tanzanian independence, there was a popular political motion to move the entire government to the town in the southern highlands. These days, the government legislature meets in Dodoma, and divides its time between the inland city and Dar es Salaam on the coast.

This leafy highland town is nestled in a fertile valley at about 1200m, surrounded by pines and eucalyptus mixed with banana plants and other tropical foliage. It’s the centre of the western Usambaras and makes an ideal base for hikes into the surrounding hills. Lushoto is also the heartland of the Wasambaa people (the name ‘Usambara’ is a corruption of Wasambaa or Washambala, meaning ‘scattered’). Local culture is strong. In Muheza and parts of the Tanga region closer to the coast, Swahili is used almost exclusively. Here however, Sambaa is the language of choice for most residents.

Lushoto and its people; it would be hard to know where to start.  It is a town that exists in a nebulous state of optimistic beauty after being hardened by stunning scenery and a breath of fresh air. Like all places where winter likes to settle in for a good, long stay, the people of Lushoto nearly always embrace every moment of cool weather. When you live, visit or grow up in Switzerland, Lushoto sounds about as close and familiar as Switzerland. It has sweeping landscapes with their towering peaks with farms, the breathtaking view and endless vistas (green and lush scenery) that interest many visitors. Lushoto boasts of a rich hinterland ideal for farming, which includes bananas, pears, pumpkins, tomatoes, potatoes, yams, maize, cabbage, carrots, capsicum, plums or apples and more that find their market within the Tanga region and beyond.

Its rainforest is one of the most popular biodiversity places in Africa. Now, it is a centre of one of the best cultural tourism programmes in Tanzania – The Friends of Usambara. The cultural tourism enterprise provides various activities for visitors, such as guided hikes and cultural visits to the Irente view point, Irente farm, Usambara farms, Magamba rainforests and more. Most of the incomes go to fund development projects such as drilling wells in remote areas, building primary schools and funding reforestation efforts. In Lushoto, people live a more traditional lifestyle, and the locals are genuinely happy to see visitors walk by, greeting everyone with big smiles.

Location and access:Lushoto is accessed via Mombo town on the Arusha to Dar es Salaam highway. Public transports to Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi and Tanga are available daily. Accommodation: Lushoto has several up-market facilities which include: Mullers lodge, The executive lodge, Irente Cliff lodge, Lawns hotel, Lushoto White House, Swiss farm Cottage, Irente Biodiversity Reserve, Mkuzu creek Resort and more.

USAMBARA CULTURAL TOURISM, Explore, learn and know how we live in the Usambara Mountain, the community history of the indigenous washambaa, and the immigrant local tribe of pare and mbugu, local royalty from the ancient to the German and British colonial era.

ONE DAY TRIPS FROM LUSHOTO

Irente Viewpoint (5-6 hours, 15km) From Lushoto, hike to this outlook for spectacular views of the village of Mazinde and the Maasai plains almost 1000 meters below. Eat lunch at the Irente Biodiversity Farm in their beautiful flower garden.

Magamba Rainforest (5-6 hours)

Walk through villages and farm land to the lush rainforest where you can see black-and-white Colobus monkeys. On the way back, pass by the historic royal village of the Kilindi (the Washambaa ruling clan) and an old German bunker dug during World War I.

Combined Trip—Magamba Rainforest & Irente Viewpoint (7-8 hours, 20km)

For shorter stays in the area, we recommend a combination hike to the Irente Viewpoint and Magamba Rainforest, where you can see Colobus monkeys.

Bangala River (5-6 hours, 15km)

Beginning at Mbuzini, descend slowly down the steep slopes of the Bangala River Valley toward the rising savannah heat. Visit a tree nursery, see traditional irrigation systems, and take in breathtaking views of the Maasai Plains.

Mkuzu Waterfall (5-6 hours, 15km)*

From Muller’s Lodge or Migambo Village, walk through the colorful forest to this local waterfall. Extend your tour by climbing Migambo peak (2400m high!).

Skyline (6-7 hours, 10km)

Jiwe La Mungu (“The footprint of man”)– Visit a famous cable system for transporting logs down the mountain, enjoy wonderful views of Maasai Plains. Learn about the people of the Usambara Mountains, such as the Pare and Shambaa.

Lushoto Town Tour (2-3 hours)

Explore Lushoto and learn about its rich history. View old structures from the town’s German colonial period. On Sunday and Thursday, this tour can be combined with a visit to the colorful Lushoto market.

Usambara Farm (4-5 hours)

Walk through the fertile farmlands of Jaegertal (“Hunter’s Valley”) to a fruit tree nursery. On your request the tour can be extended to include a hike to Vuli peak (2100 meters).

Combined Trip—Lushoto Town Tour and Usambara Farm (4-5 hours)

Tour Lushoto and learn about its German colonial past. Then walk through the fertile farmlands of Jaegertal (“Hunter’s Valley”) to a fruit tree nursery. On your request the tour can be extended to include a hike to Vuli peak (2100 meters).

Montessori Sisters of Ubiri (3-4 hours)

A short walk from Lushoto, visit this beautifully landscaped Catholic mission. Learn about, taste, and buy their locally made cheese, wine, and jams.

Growing Rock (5-6 hours)

From Soni, walk through the villages of Shashui and Kwemula to Kwamongo Peak (“God’s Peak”), famous for its multicolored butterflies and spectacular views of Lushoto and the Handeni plains. Stop by the Soni waterfalls on your way back to Lushoto.

Maweni Spice Tour (5-6 hours)

Hike from Soni to Maweni farm for a picnic in their beautiful garden surrounded by butterflies and a chorus of birds. Along the way, learn about the various spices grown in the Usambara Mountains.

Sakhrani Wine Tour (4-5 hours)

Departing from Soni, walk through coffee plantations on the way to Sakhrani where Usambara wine is processed. Upon your return, take in the Soni waterfall and visit the local market offering fresh fruits.

Ndelemai Forest (8 hours)

Departing from Soni, wind through coffee plantations and farmland. Explore the dense Ndelemai forest, and on your way back, stop for a visit in Magila Village, known for its traditional irrigation systems. Enjoy this walk through dense lush forests before catching a ride back to Lushoto.

MULTI-DAY TOURS FROM LUSHOTO:

Mtae: The World Viewpoint (2-5 days)

Trek through rainforests, traditional villages, and farmland; visit and sleep in a local home; see local pottery being made; watch the sunset from the top of a village; and experience the traditional life of the Shambaa people. This trip includes many opportunities to visit and learn about the development projects supported by our program. Return to Lushoto by bus, bike, or private transport.

Mazumbai Forest Reserve: The Galapagos of Africa (2-4 days)

From Soni or Bumbuli hike through tea and coffee plantations to the Mazumbai Forest Reserve, home to numerous bird species and black-and-white Colobus monkeys. Return to Lushoto by private transport.

Magamba, Irente, and Carter’s Viewpoint (2-3 days)

Trek through local villages and the Magamba rainforest to Irente viewpoint and then the Irente Biodiversity Farm, famous for their locally made organic food products. After staying overnight at the Farm, hike along the ridges of the mountains to Carter’s viewpoint. The next day, return to Lushoto or continue downhill to Mombo.

Lushoto, Rangwi convent to Mlalo viewpoint (2-3 days)

Trek from Lushoto to the Rangwi Convent overnight. Continue with a visit to a village of the Kilindi (the Washambaa ruling clan) and the headquarters of the Shambaa sub-chief to learn about the history of the Usambara chiefdom. This tour can be extended to include a visit to a Shambaa blacksmith at Tewe

Agro Community Cultural tours (2-3 days)

Stay with the local farmers, experiencing the village livelihood. Visit the royal sub chiefs of the mountains,get the chance to see the village festivals and learn how to step and Sing , the Shambaa and Mbugu traditional songs”

(West to East Cultural tour (5-6 days)

Have the general scope of the Usambara Mountains, trekking through the villages from the west to East via the natural forest of Mazumbai, Amani, and Nilo nature reserve to the Estern part of the Mountains.

Usambara Royal Villages Cultural tour (4-6 days)

Get the chance to learn and experience, the existing culture in the royal villages and the royal families from the ancient time of the Shambaa kingdom to the modern

Kilimanjaro Acclimatization( 3-5 Days)

Lets acclimatize together by walking to the higher altitude villages and have what you deserve to climb the roof of Africa even mount Meru in regard to physical health of the person.

Usambara bike tours ( 1-7 Days)

The Usambara Mountains is the best place for mountain bikes. We save both sportsmen and others who are in need to bike and experience the natural and cultural beauty of the Usambaras.

Mafia is renowned as an excellent world-class diving destination with some of the richest reefs in the world, The park covers the Southern part of Mafia Island and includes the inhabited islands of Chole, Juani Jibondo and Bwejuu and several uninhabited islets and the associated waters. Mafia Island and its chain of small islets lie approximately 120 km south of Dar es Salaam and 20 km offshore from the eastern extent of the Rufiji is one of the largest delta systems in Africa. To the east of Mafia Island is the Indian Ocean. The main island of Mafia is about 48 km long and 17 km wide at its widest point. Several smaller islands and islets are scattered to the west and south.

Mafia Island marine Park (MIMP) consists of eight small reserves along the Tanzanian coast under the Fisheries (Marine Reserves) Regulations of 1975, two of these are in what is now the Mafia Island marine Park (MIMP), namely Chole Bay and Kitutia Reef.

The marine park area at Mafia Island extends across some 822km2, more than 75% of it below the high water mark. The area hosts an outstanding mosaic of tropical marine habitats including coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves and intertidal flats. In addition a remnant block of threatened lowland coastal forest survives along the eastern seaboard of the island, roughly half of it within the marine park boundary. Two species of sea turtle use Mafia’s beaches as nesting grounds and the area has been recognized internationally as a critical site for biodiversity. Several sites of historic ruins lie within the marine park area, some dating back to the C 13th. Mafia Island’s separation from the mainland and its freedom from industrial development have ensured that its surrounding waters are some of the least contaminated in Tanzania. The marine park area has national importance as one of the few remaining reef complexes within Tanzania’s coastal waters in relatively intact condition.

Maziwe island is a very small unvegetated island surrounded by coral reefs located about 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) south east of the town of Pangani off the northern coast of Tanzania. Maziwe / Maziwi Island is one of the oldest Marine Reserves in Tanzania which is located about 15 miles from the coast of Pangani. It assumes that in 1912 the island was covered by a dense forest which was so lush. From 1970 the trees were cut down and the island reverted to a sandbank .Around 1983 the last tree was seen on Maziwe and what is left today is a sun-kissed sand island exposed during low tide. The Maziwe Island was established in 1975 and given a status of a Reserve to protect this most important breeding place for sea turtles of the East Africa Coast as well as to take care of the important reef system around.

Maziwe is also a diversity of nearly 400 species of fish,35 general hard and soft corals, sponges and algae as well as shoreline birds have been identified. The long reef slopes and beautiful coral gardens around the island are still visited by sea turtles looking for breeding places with records of about 200 nests of green and olive ridley turtles in a season when maziwe was still a forested island.

Attractions

Species of fish : In Maziwe Marine reserve you will find over 200 species of fish and 35 kinds of coral reefs which are found in the particular area. Birds: Many types of birds of different species are also found in and around the Island Reserve. Vegetation cover: The main island vegetation species that were found by then were huge trees like Casuarina cunninghamiana (Mivinje Bahari), Cocos nucifera (coconut plantations) fruit trees and other shrubs. Underwater adventures : The area is also ideal for underwater adventures and is among the best diving destinations along the Eastern African Coast with a wide variety of underwater marine life.

Activities:

• Swimming and Snorkeling – Maziwe Island remains an ideal place for swimming, snorkeling and diving in the deep sea.
• Sunbathing – Sunbathing and watching dazzling tropical fish is more impressive at this marine park.
• Fishing – Maziwe Island serves as a fishing camp to a number of fishermen from different areas.

Climate

• Rainfall – The coast has a tropical climate and it contains about two main rain seasons but heavy rains occur between mid March to May.
• Temperature – The temperatures average between 25°C to 30°C
• Best time to visit
• The Maziwe Island reserve is open and can be visited all round the year.
• Dolphins favour the area and are frequently spotted

Mnemba Island is a single small island located about 3 km off the northeast coast of Unguja, the largest island of the Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania, opposite Muyuni Beach. It is roughly triangular in shape, about 500 m in diameter and about 1.5 km in circumference. It is surrounded by an oval reef seven by four kilometres in extent. These reefs have been declared a Marine Conservation area. Mnemba Island and its reef are sometimes called Mnemba Atoll which is incorrect because an atoll is an island that encircles a lagoon, which is not the case for Mnemba Island. The surrounding waters and area around Mnemba Island are an important breeding ground for Green Turtles while a host of migratory wading birds use the island as a secure roost. The fragile coral reef ecosystems support countless fish species and microorganisms while gigantic Whale Sharks, Humpback Whales and dolphins frequent the deeper waters.

Diving & Snorkeling Sites Around Northern Zanzibar Island and Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area, Diving at Mnemba is a year-round event, with reasonably good conditions to be found on the atoll under almost all weather conditions and visibilities of 20 to 40 metres are the norm.Kichwani  Reef: Kichwani Reef is a deep, clear, drift dive from 20 to 40 meters depending on the divers experience. Many coral species are found such as Mushroom, Honeycombe, Brain and Staghorn Coral to name just a few. Below 30 meters, a vertical wall of reef fish, Trumpet fish and large Napoleon Wrasse are commonly seen; lucky divers can spot Reef sharks, Eagle and Manta Rays.

Wattabomi Site: Wattambomi is an excellent site for snorkels and novice divers. Schools of small reef fish, Regal Angelfish, Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse, Semicircle Angelfish, Moorish Idols, Blue Spotted Rays, Lionfish are commonly seen. Take your time looking for Flounders and Soles. These fish lie on their side buried in the sand, and are very well camouflaged.  For most of the year, you will be treated to the beautifully patterned Striped Dolphin but the Bottlenose, Spinner and common Dolphins are also seen in the clear waters around Mnemba Atoll. This is an excellent photographic opportunity both above and below the water. Aquarium Site: The Aquarium’s depth is 20 meters. There is usually a slight current at this site. Patches of sandy bottom occur quite close to the reef with Surgeonfishes, Moorish Idols, Parrotfish, Groupers, large Hawksbill and Green Turtles along with White Tip reef sharks.

West Gardens Site: Lies at a depth of 12 meters, and is a good spot for snorkels and novice divers. The Big Wall Site: Lies at a depth of 30 meters, which drops to 50 meters. You will descend down to 30 meters drifting along a vertical wall. On your silent drift along this wonderful wall you will be passed by different species of pelagic school’s of Rainbow Runner, Bluefin Trevally and common dolphin fish. Along the edge of the wall, you find some overhangs and small caves often filled with lobsters.

Morogoro lies in the agricultural heartland of Tanzania, and is a centre of farming in the southern highlands. Tobacco is grown in the region and consolidated here before going to the market. In addition to its agricultural importance, Morogoro is also the centre for missionary work that goes on in the country, and various missions and their schools and hospitals are a central feature of the town.

The town of Morogoro lies at the base of the Uluguru Mountains, part of the Eastern Arc chain. Its close location to the peaks makes Morogoro an important stop for hiking trips to the Ulugurus. The mountains are notable for their ancient forests, which botanists estimate to be around 25 million year old — some of the oldest forests on the continent. The ancient woodlands support an incredible array of bird and insect life, as well as diverse plant species. The indigenous Luguru tribe offers cultural tourism programmes around the Ulugurus and even outside Morogoro.

Pangani is a small town in East Africa’s coast that is 50 kms South of Tanga with a long history and culture. The town has Arabic, German, Asian and British Colonial rules influence. This is a place where Swahili, Arab, colonial traditions and modern hospitality blend together. This town is located at the mouth of the Pangani River that collects its water from Mt Kilimanjaro and Meru to the Indian Ocean. Here you will enjoy a coastline with clean beaches where endangered Green Turtles breed, historic sites, coral reefs, Old Port as well as great diversity of tropical marine dwellers. At the point where the massive Pangani River empties itself into the Indian Ocean, a village has grown. The Pangani River passes through the northern side of the town, separating the old buildings and the present-day market from the farms and small houses on the southern side. The river itself requires a ferry to cross, its dark brown waters filled heavily with alluvial silt as it meanders slowly into the ocean. On either side of the little town, coconut palms and sisal plantations undulate towards the horizon.

Once a centre of Swahili trade with the African mainland; the town of Pangani is now a sleepy backwater with little memories of days of splendor. The old German administrative boma still stands behind a colonnade of tall shade trees and the former prison, painted a fading ochre red, looks over the river’s lazy waters. Old houses along the main road offer lived-in examples of colonial and traditional Swahili architecture, the buildings slowly crumbling against the monsoon winds. Visitors passing through the area would do well to explore what remains of the old town on foot. Even a short walk rewards visitors with a glimpse of quiet life in the old trading towns along the Swahili Coast.

PANGANI OFFERS

• Historical town tour… Explore Historic buildings of Pangani town, slave market, old port and slave routes
• Pangani River cruising
• A boat trip to Maziwe Marine Park Island for swimming, sun-bathing, snorkeling and watching dolphins
• Village tours.. a welcome to Coast people’s home and stay with a family getting an insight of the Swahili culture. Participate in various activities with the family members

GREEN TURTLE EXPERIENCE:

• An opportunity to explore the life of Endangered Green Turtles. Visits to nesting sites and get to know their breeding behavior

CYCLING TOURS:

• Cycling tours around the town to the German fort, then proceed to Mwera, sisal plantations Kikongwe the first place where sisal was introduced to Eastern Africa by Dr. Richard Hindrof and adjacent villages. Other cycling tours can take you to Mkoma to see the Pemba channel, Mwana Unguja corals and bombarded German war ship to the beaches of Ushongo

FISHING WITH LOCAL FISHERMEN:

• Evening tour within and around Pangani town. Get an insight of local entertainments available in the area
• Farm tour:- visit local’s farms with coconut, various types of fruits and enjoy fresh fruits and coconut juice while rolling on criss-crossing the dominating coconut trees

SAFARI TO SAADANI NATIONAL PARK

An opportunity to travel or have a safari to Saadani National Park, Whereby there will be crossing Pangani river with a ferry (75 km / 3 hours’ drive). then another 35 km to Saadani village. Saadani National Park: dubbed Where bush meets beach is a unique shoreline wilderness combining marine, savanna, forest and riverine environments together with the historic village of Saadani. 70km north of Bagamoyo.

Where to stay:

A wide range of guest houses, hotels and lodges are available along the Indian Ocean beach and around the town of Pangani. Camping grounds are available in various places depending on the nature of your tour around Pangani and neighbouring places. Tourist information offices or tour guides can make arrangements for homestays and overnights in local guest houses, hotels and lodges when making hikes of several days within and around the Pangani area.

Facilities for hire: Camping facilities can be hired after providing a one day notice. Mountain bikes and engine boats can be hired in Pangani town at a reasonable price. Pangani Cultural Tourism Enterprise, a boat that can be available at any time. For those planning to leave for Zanzibar through Pangani or Saadani National Park, hired boats are available

Tour Guides:-

The guides of the Cultural Tourism Programme are indigenous to Pangani who speak good English and have experience in tour guiding in the area. The guides are very charming and will accompany you in leisure activities. Boat captains and the divers will guide you in all water related activities. Bookings for various excursions and tours can be made at the Pangani Tourist Information Centre (T.I.C) located at the Main bus stand. Pangani T.I.C has internet facilities. All Pangani registered guides are found at the office. Tanzania Tourist Board Tourist Information offices of Arusha and Dar- es -Salaam can assist in booking your tour in Pangani.

Getting there: Pangani can be easily accessed by road. There are daily buses leaving Dar- es -Salaam and Arusha to Pangani, via Tanga. It takes 6 hours to drive from Arusha and 7 hours from Dar- es Salaam. Pangani is 53km South of Tanga town where several minibuses to Pangani are available. Mini-buses leave once all seats are occupied and it takes an hour to Pangani.

One gets to relish the palm trees as they sway in a cooling oceanic breeze. White sand and blue water sparkle alluringly beneath the tropical sun, brand Saadani is a splendid place to visit. Traditional dhows sail slowly past, propelled by billowing white sails, whilst Swahili fishermen cast their nets below a brilliant red sunrise. Saadani is where the beach meets the bush. The only wildlife sanctuary in East Africa to boast an Indian Ocean beachfront, it also possesses all the attributes that make Tanzania’s tropical coastline and islands very popular with European sun-worshipers. Yet it is also the one place where those idle hours of sunbathing might be interrupted by an elephant strolling past, or a lion coming to drink at the nearby waterhole!

Protected as a game reserve since the 1960s, in 2002 it was expanded to cover twice its former area. The reserve suffered greatly from poaching prior to the late 1990s, but in recent years a marked turnaround has been seen, due to a concerted clampdown on poachers, based on integrating adjacent villages into the conservation drive. Today, a surprisingly wide range of grazers and primates are seen on game drives and walks, among them include giraffes, buffaloes, warthogs, common waterbucks, reedbucks, hartebeests, wildebeests, red duikers, greater kudus, elands, sable antelopes, yellow baboons and velvet monkeys. Herds of up to 30 elephants are encountered with increasing frequency, and several lion prides are inhabitants, together with leopards, spotted hyenas and black-backed jackals. Boat trips on the mangrove-lined Wami River come along with a high chance of sighting hippos, crocodiles and a selection of marine and riverine birds, including the mangrove kingfisher and lesser flamingo. The beaches form one of the last major green turtle breeding sites on mainland Tanzania.

Location: On the north coast, roughly 100km (60 miles) northwest of Dar es Salaam, and a similar distance southwest of the port of Tanga. How to get there, Charter flight from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam with a possibility of scheduled flights in the future. Thrice-weekly road shuttle from Dar es Salaam, taking four hours in either direction. No road access from Dar es Salaam along the coast – Follow the surfaced Moshi road for 160km (100 miles), then 60km (36 miles) on dirt. Road access from Tanga and Pangani except after heavy rains. 4×4 required.

What to do,  Game drives and guided walks, Boat trips. Swimming. Visit Saadani fishing village, which lies within the reserve, where a collection of ruins pays testament to its 19th century heyday as a major trading port.

Accommodation The Park offers various types of accommodation and their facilities for both Residents and Non-residents visiting the Park. Rest house near the beach, with a furnished sitting room, master bedroom, three single rooms and a fully equipped kitchen. Bandaz which are located along the beach, each with two rooms of four beddings and single rooms for couples with outside dining and kitchen equipped with cooking gas, deep freezer and utensils. These facilities offer campers an opportunity to sleep at camping sites by pitching tents at the public campsite which is located along the beach of Saadani, Special campsites: Kiwandi campsite located at Zaraninge forest, Kinyonga campsite located along Wami river and Tengwe campsite located in the wilderness zone. Visitors are advised to come with their own food that they may cook using park facilities.

There are other privately owned accommodation facilities inside and outside the park including Sanctuary Saadani Safari Lodge, Saadani River Lodge, KISAMPA, Saadani Park Hotel, Tembo Kijani Lodge and A Tent with A View Lodge. Please visit their websites for more information.

Tanga Coelacanth Marine Park (TACMP) is located on the northern coastline of Tanzania. It extends for 100 km along the coastline from north of Pangani River estuary to Mafuriko village just north of Tanga City. The Park covers an area of about 552 km² of which 85 km² are terrestrial and 467 km² are aquatic . It includes the bays of Tanga City and Mwambani, Tongoni estuary, and three small islands of Toten, Yambe and Karange. The uniqueness of the park includes: the occurrence and high rates of incidental catches of the CITES – listed and iconic Coelacanth, Latimeria chalumnae . TCAMP is also a home to other endangered species like dugong, sea turtles and migratory water birds. The dugong was 1st sighted in 2006 off Kigombe.

Moreover, the area has highly productive and diverse fisheries resources and coral reef communities.Toten Island, Toten Island is located in Tanga Bay directly opposite Tanga Harbour. The island is covered by a lush coastal forest with huge baobab trees and also has ruins of early settlements. When the Portuguese controlled part of the coast, Toten Island seemed to have been used for a prison. Later, according to historical records, the island was around 1854 occupied by a considerable number of inhabitants. Islamic monochrome and Chinese blue and white shards mostly of the 15th, 16th and late 18th and 19th centuries have been found here. There are also ruins of two mosques and German tombs of the turn of 19th century, as well as foundations and ruins of buildings of the German colonial era, when Toten Island served as a quarantine station and European graveyard, thus its name ‘Toten Island’, which is German for ‘island of the dead’. In 1884, the last inhabitants of the Island moved to Tanga. Research is needed to explore the history of the many ruins on Toten Island, which are also in urgent need of protection as historical sites. Toten Island also has small beaches and nature trails criss-crossing the forest and ruins and can be visited by boats, arranged by hotels and tour operators in Tanga.

Yambe Island borders the southeast coast of Tanga Bay opposite of the Ras Nyamakuu peninsula. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and totally covered by coastal rag and mangrove forests. Uninhabited, today, German records of the 19th century mention a small resident village of a local Arab ruler with his slaves. Maybe from his time or earlier, the island has ruins hidden in the forest, a walled grave and pillar tomb with large panels, enclosed by stones decorated with a herringbone pattern and a frieze of small panels. The herringbone pattern is a rare and unique feature of Yambe Island in such tombs, but also sometimes found in ‘mihrabs’ of mosques.

The Usambara are a part of the ancient Eastern Arc chain which mountains stretch in a broken crescent from the Taita hills in southern Kenya down to Morogoro and the southern highlands. They are estimated to be at least 100 million years old and the rocks forming them may be as much as 600 million years old. The mountains are home to an exceptional assortment of plants and animals and represent one of the highest degrees of biodiversity on the continent. The range is accessible from the towns of Lushoto in the west, and Amani in the east. The Usambaras are commonly split into two sub-ranges, the West Usambara and the East Usambara. The East Usambara is closer to the coast, receives more rainfall, and is significantly smaller than the west.

The East Usambara mountains belong to Eastern Arc Mountains, which is a chain of isolated mountains stretching in a great arc from Southeast Kenya to Southwest Tanzania. Geologically the mountains are very old – at least 100 million years. The total area of African rain forests diminished due to cold and dry periods which started about 2.5 million years ago. The Indian ocean maintained the moist climate required by the rain-forests. The individual Eastern Arc Mountains became isolated from the large African rain-forests and finally from each other. The Climate of the East Usambaras differs from much of the rest of Tanzania. Rain can and does fall at any time of the year although there is a seasonal pattern. Tanzania has a hot, dry season in December-March, and a cooler, dry season in May to October. The ‘short’ rains occur in November and ‘long’ rains in April-May. The climate on the coast can be hot and humid, however, because of the altitude (800-1400m), the East Usambaras are cooler and wetter than the surrounding lowland. The rainfall averages over 1,500mm a year with an average temperature of 20C.

The East Usambaras are fairly densely populated, and lie within the more densely populated North of Tanzania. The area contains some 18 villages with a total population of about 15,500. An additional 4,000 people live and work on tea plantations in the area. The population is growing rapidly through a combination of natural increase and in-migration. Different from the classic picture of East Africa – savannah – this is a lush and green area. The natural vegetation of submontane forest supports a wide variety of flora and fauna, much of which is endemic and for which the area is renowned both nationally and internationally. It is considered an international ‘hotspot’ for biodiversity. The East Usambaras are particularly well known for bird life, with over 350 recorded species. The Usambaras are a bird-watching paradise. Abundant and diverse species can be spotted and according to experts, the Usambaras is one of Africa ’s best bird-watching locations.

There are many endemic plant and animal species in the Eastern Arc Mountains – more than 2000 plant species of which about 25% are endemic. Out of the 276 tree species 50 are endemic! The East Usambara mountains are the closest to the sea (only about 40 km) and due to the moist climate the number of endemic species is remarkable. There are 16 tree species which can be found in the East Usambaras only. The forests of the East Usambaras have many rare species in all groups of animals, except mammals. High levels of endemism are found amongst molluscs, amphibians and reptiles. The East Usambaras have been compared to Galapagos Islands with regard to diversity of endemic species.

The genus Saintpaulia, or African violet as it is commonly known originates from North-East Tanzania. During the year 1982, Baron Walter von Saint Paul Illaire, the District Commissioner of Tanga Province, found wild plants with small blue flowers. The species was introduced to horticulture and since then it has enjoyed spectacular and ever increasing popularity as indoor plants. Nowadays, the East Usambaras is one of the few places where Saintpaulia still occurs – there are eight species growing in the area. Visitors come to the Usambaras to enjoy its nature, relax and hike. The main centre for visitors in the Western Usambaras is Lushoto town. In Lushoto, you can walk through the arboretum, hike in the forest, look for old buildings from the German and British colonial eras. A fascinating stop is the herbarium (pressed plant library) in Lushoto, which houses 1000s of pressed plants from Tanzania dating back to German times (1886-1916).

Located in the North-Eastern part of Tanzania, Lushoto is dubbed ‘the hill-station of Tanzania “. With the outlook dominated by the colourful mosaic of the Usambara Mountains, this lush area is a welcome retreat from the busy cities and game parks of the country.

The coast of Tanzania is perhaps most famous for the Zanzibar Archipelago, a cluster of islands that saw the growth and survival of Swahili civilisation and trade until the mid-twentieth century.

Zanzibar enchants and beguiles with its oriental mystique and forgotten exoticism — the very name evokes the Spice Islands and the dhow trade, sultans and palaces built of limestone and corals against the palm trees and the crashing surf. But there’s more to the islands of Tanzania than just Zanzibar.

Throughout the archipelago, deserted islands and sandbars beckon and abound. Some have slave caves and colonial graves, others have the ruins of sultan’s palaces and stately plantations. In Pemba, villages steeped in culture and traditions which preserve the Swahili way of life, almost oblivious to the world around them.

On the islands of Mafia, old trading towns line the walkway to abandoned ports and the gentle sea. Throughout the Swahili Coast, diving, swimming, and snorkeling offer superb vistas of thriving coral and marine life. Whether you’re content to stay on the mainland coast, or want to venture off into the atolls and islands of the Indian Ocean, the Tanzanian coast is a place of untouched beauty and enchantment.

Gombe Stream National Park, located on the western border of Tanzania and the Congo, is most famous for Jane Goodall, the resident primatologist who spent many years in its forests studying the behaviour of the endangered chimpanzees. Situated on the wild shores of Lake Tanganyika, Gombe Stream is an untamed place of lush forests and clear lake views. Hiking and swimming are also popular activities here, once the day’s expedition to see the chimpanzees is over. Gombe Stream’s main attraction is obviously the chimpanzee families that live protected in the park’s boundaries. Guided walks are available that take visitors deep into the forest to observe and sit with the extraordinary primates for an entire morning — an incredible experience and one that is the highlight of many visitors’ trips to Africa. Besides chimpanzee viewing, many other species of primates live in Gombe Stream’s tropical forests. Vervet and colobus monkeys, baboons, forest pigs and small antelopes inhabit the dense forest, in addition to a wide variety of tropical birdlife.

An excited whoop erupts from deep in the forest, boosted immediately by a dozen other voices, rising in volume and tempo and pitch to a frenzied shrieking crescendo. It is the famous ‘pant-hoot’ call: a bonding ritual that allows the participants to identify each other through their individual vocal stylizations. To the human listener, walking through the ancient forests of Gombe Stream becomes a spine-chilling outburst which is also an indicator of imminent visual contact with man’s closest genetic relative: the chimpanzee. Gombe is the smallest of all Tanzania’s national parks: a fragile strip of chimpanzee habitat straddling the steep slopes and river valleys that hem in the sandy northern shore of Lake Tanganyika. Its chimpanzees – habituated to human visitors – were made famous by the pioneering work of Jane Goodall, whom in 1960 founded a behavioural research program that now stands as the longest-running study of its kind in the world. The matriarch Fifi, the last surviving member of the original community – that was only three-years old when Goodall first set foot in Gombe – is still regularly seen by visitors.

Chimpanzees share about 98% of their genes with humans, and no scientific expertise is required to distinguish between the individual repertoires of pants, hoots and screams that define the celebrities, the powerbrokers, and the supporting characters. Perhaps you will see a flicker of understanding when you look into a chimp’s eyes, assessing you in return – a look of apparent recognition across the narrowest of species barriers. The most visible of Gombe’s other mammals are also primates. A troop of beachcomber olive baboons, under study since the 1960s, is exceptionally habituated, whereas the red-tailed and red colobus monkeys – the latter regularly hunted by chimps – stick to the forest canopy. The park’s 200-odd bird species range from the iconic fish eagle to the jewel-like Peter’s twinspots that hop tamely around the visitors’ centre. After dusk, a dazzling night sky is complemented by the lanterns of hundreds of small wooden boats, bobbing on the lake like a sprawling city.

About Gombe Stream National Park Size: 52 sq km (20 sq miles), Tanzania’s smallest national park. Location: 16 km (10 miles) north of Kigoma on the shore of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania. Getting there Kigoma is connected to Dar and Arusha by scheduled flights, to Dar and Mwanza by a slow rail service, to Mwanza, Dar and Mbeya by rough dirty roads, and to Mpulungu in Zambia by a weekly ferry.From Kigoma, local lake-taxis take up to three hours to reach Gombe, or motorboats can be chartered, taking less than one hour.

What to do

Chimpanzee trekking, hiking, swimming and snorkeling; Visit the site of Henry Stanley’s famous “Dr Livingstone I presume” at Ujiji near Kigoma, and watch the renowned dhow builders at work. .

NOTE

Strict rules are in place to safeguard you and the chimps. Allow at least 2 days to at least see them – this is not a zoo so there are no guarantees where they’ll be each day.

IPOLE WMA is located in Sikonge District, Tabora Region, some 96 km from Tabora Municipality (town). It covers an area of 2,540 kilometres of conserved forestland. IPOLE WMA, best for beekeeping and honey.

IPOLE WMA is located in Sikonge District, Tabora Region, some 96 km from Tabora Municipality (town). It covers an area of 2,540 kilometres of conserved forestland. The WMA has been a forest and wildlife conserved area (Game Reserve) since 1954, once protected as a Forest and Game Reserve. It is made up of Uganda and Suangala Game Reserve. Ipole WMA was established in 2006 and covers Four villages of Ipole Msuva, Idekamiso and Utimule. It shares its borders with Ugalla River Game Reserve and Ngongwa, Nyonga, Mpembapazi and Hulu Hill. Forest Reserves, Trophy Hunting is the major tourist activity taking place inside Ipole WMA, though the management’s future plan is to switch off from hunting safaris to Photographic safaris. Honey harvesting is a tourist activity to attract visitors interested in observing and enjoying bee-keeping and honey harvesting safaris through the natural forests of the WMA. Trophy hunting, beautiful scenery of pristine nature –full greenery of the natural miombo forest are the natural attractions in the WMA.

The WMA is rich in a diverse range of wildlife species, but rarely seen.  These are Sable and Roan Antelopes, Kudus, Hartebeests, Lions, Giraffes, Impalas, Elephants, Leopards, Warthogs, Monkeys, Aardvarks, Baboons, Hyenas, Buffaloes, Waterbucks and Birds. Ipole WMA is best for nature loving tourists where they can see and experience the real savannah through walking safaris. The WMA is accessible by road from Tabora Municipality in the south-west direction, along Tabora – Mpanda and Tabora – Chunya road. The distance from Tabora to Ipole WMA is about 110 kilometres. It is about 86 km from Tabora to Sikonge District and 24 kilometres from Sikonge to Ipole WMA. Most areas within the WMA are only accessible in the dry season, with no access in rainy seasons as the area lacks well-maintained roads.

Also by road from Mbeya via Kitunda ward to Ipole WMA and from Sumbawanga through Mpanda District via Inyonga to Ipole. The area can as well be reached by an air strip located within the Uganda Game Reserve at Koga (35 kilometres) and Kalulu airstrip (60 kilometres).The Airstrips are owned by a hunting company and do provide quick access to the WMA as well.

Investment Opportunities in Ipole WMA

It offers un-spoilt wildlife viewing in the country’s third-largest national park, in a remote location far off the beaten track. The national park is Africa at its most wild — unadulterated bush settings, spectacular views, and rich wildlife. The wilderness of Katavi National Park, located in the western area of Tanzania, is one of the most untouched areas in the entire country. Katavi’s dramatic scenery is as varied as it is pristine. Flood plains of thick reeds and dense waterways are home to a huge population of hippo and varied birdlife. In the woodlands to the west, forest canopies shroud herds of buffaloes and elephants. Seasonal lakes fill with dirty coloured water after the rains and animals from all corners of the park descend in them to drink. The park is also home to the rare roan and sable antelope species, and it is a must-see for the visitors intending to explore the wilds of the continent.

Isolated, untrammeled and seldom visited, Katavi is a true wilderness, providing the few intrepid souls who make it there with a thrilling taste of Africa as if it must have been a century ago. Tanzania’s third largest national park; it lies in the remote area southwest of the country, within a truncated arm of the Rift Valley that terminates in the shallow, brooding expanse of Lake Rukwa.

The bulk of Katavi supports a hypnotically featureless cover of tangled brachystegia woodland, home to substantial but elusive populations of the localised eland, sable and roan antelopes. Nevertheless the main focus for game viewing within the park is the Katuma River and associated floodplains such as the seasonal Lakes Katavi and Chada. During the rainy season, these lush, marshy lakes are a haven for myriad water birds, and they also support Tanzania’s densest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles. It is during the dry season, when the floodwaters retreat, that Katavi truly comes into life. The Katuma, reduced to a shallow muddy trickle, forms the only source of drinking water for miles around, and the flanking floodplains support game concentrations that defy belief. An estimated 4,000 elephants might converge on the area, together with several herds of 1,000-plus buffalo, while an abundance of giraffes, zebras, impalas and reedbucks provide easy pickings for the numerous lion prides and spotted hyena clans whose territories converge on the floodplains.

Katavi’s most singular wildlife spectacle is provided by its hippos. Towards the end of the dry season, up to 200 individuals might flop together in any riverine pool of sufficient depth. And as more hippos gather in one place, so does male rivalry heat up – bloody territorial fights are an everyday incident, with the vanquished male forced to lurk haplessly on the open plains until it gathers sufficient confidence to mount another challenge. Location; Southwest Tanzania, east of Lake Tanganyika. The headquarters at Sitalike lie 40km (25 miles) south of Mpanda town. Getting there, Charter flights from Dar or Arusha. A tough but spectacular day’s drive from Mbeya (550 km/340 miles), or in the dry season only from Kigoma (390 km/240 miles). It is possible to reach Mpanda by rail from Dar via Tabora, then to get public transport to Sitalike, where game drives can be arranged. If travelling overland, allow plenty of time to get there and back.

What to do? Walking, driving and camping safaris. Near Lake Katavi, visit the tamarind tree inhabited by the spirit of the legendary hunter Katabi (for whom the park is named) – Offerings are still left here by locals seeking the spirit’s blessing. Accommodation,Two seasonal luxury tented camps overlooking Lake Chada. A Resthouse at Sitalike and campsites inside the park. Basic but clean hotels at Mpanda.

The bustling town of Kigoma is the regional capital of western Tanzania and a central port in the area. Located on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, Kigoma is surrounded by rugged mountains and forests that make it a pleasing and beautiful location. In the past, Kigoma has been in competition with nearby Ujiji, but over the last decades Kigoma has gained a strong economic foothold in the region and its port is of central importance to the activities of the area. Historically, the town was the final stop of the Central Line railway, built in the 20th century to transport agricultural goods from the African hinterland to the East African Coast. The town makes a good overland base for visits and chimpanzee safaris to both Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park. Kigoma is at the end of road B381, leaving the national road B8 at Kasulu. Roads are passable and steadily being improved. Traversing the country takes 3-4 days. The ancient MV Liemba, built in 1913 by Germans, still plays up and down Lake Tanganyika between Kigoma and Mpulungu on the southern shores of the lake in Zambia, stopping at several cities along the coast. There are both first, second and third class onboard.

TO SEE AROUND KIGOMA:

• Ujiji, the nearby former Arab slave trading settlement, the famous meeting place of Stanley and Livingstone.
• Gombe National Park for chimpanzee viewing
• Lake Tanganyika

With a surface area of 68,800 sq km (26,600 sq mi), Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake. In addition, it’s the largest tropical lake in the world, and the planet’s second largest freshwater lake. Only North America’s Lake Superior is larger. An irregular quadrilateral in shape, its shores, save on the west, are deeply indented. Its greatest length from north to south is 210 miles (337 km), its greatest breadth 150 miles (240 km). Its coastline exceeds 2,000 miles (3,220 km). Its waters fill a shallow depression in the centre of the great plateau that stretches between the Western and Eastern Rift Valleys. The lake’s surface is 3,720 feet (1,134 metres) above sea level, and its greatest ascertained depth is 270 feet (82 metres). Many archipelagos are contained within the lake, as are numerous reefs, often just below the surface of the clear waters. Lake Victoria has more than 200 species of fish, of which the Tilapia is the most economically important. The lake’s basin area covers 92,240 square miles (238,900 square km).

The lake’s shores vary in aspect. The lake’s southwestern coast is backed by precipices 300 feet (90 metres) high, which give way on the western coast to papyrus and ambatch swamps marking the delta of the Kagera River. The lake’s deeply indented northern coast is flat and bare. A narrow channel leads into the Kavirondo Gulf, which has an average width of 16 miles (25 km) and extends for 40 miles (64 km) eastward to Kisumu, Kenya. The Ugandan cities of Kampala and Entebbe lie along or near the northern coast. At the lake’s southeastern corner is Speke Gulf, and at the southwestern corner Emin Pasha Gulf. Of the numerous islands in the lake, Ukerewe, north of Speke Gulf, is the largest, with wooded hills rising 650 feet (200 metres) above the lake. It is densely populated. At the lake’s northwestern corner are the 62 islands of the Sese archipelago, some of them of striking beauty. The Kagera River, the largest and most important of the lake tributaries, enters the western side of Lake Victoria just north of latitude 1° S. The only other river of note entering from the west is Katonga, north of Kagera. The lake’s only outlet is the Victoria Nile, which exits from the northern coast.

The search by Europeans for the source of the Nile led to the sighting of the lake by the British explorer John Hanning Speke in 1858. Formerly known to the Arabs as Ukerewe, the lake was named by Speke in honour of Queen Victoria of England. A detailed survey of the lake was made by Sir William Garstin in 1901. Plans for gradually raising the level of the lake’s waters were completed in 1954 with the construction of the Owen Falls Dam (now the Nalubaale Dam) on the Victoria Nile at Jinja, Uganda. The dam provides hydroelectric power on a large scale and makes the lake a vast reservoir. A second dam, Kiira, was later constructed 0.6 mile (1 km) from Nalubaale. It was completed in 1999 and began producing hydroelectric power the next year. The Lake Victoria region is one of the most densely populated in Africa; within 50 miles (80 km) of its shores live several million people, nearly all Bantu-speaking. There are local steamer services around the lake.

The park like its northerly neighbor Gombe is home to some of Africa’s last remaining wild chimpanzees, a population of roughly 900, they are habituated to human visitors by a Japanese research project founded in the 1960s. Tracking the chimps of Mahale is a magical experience., Mahale is located in the Western Tanzania to the South of Kigoma town, it is bordering Lake Tanganyika-the World’s longest, second deepest and least polluted freshwater lake-harbouring an estimated 1000 fish species. Best time to visit the park, The dry season (May -October) is the best period. During this period, chimpanzees are likely to be seen in big groups, the sunshine illuminates the fish in the Lake and the beach is an inviting place to relax. However, Mahale Mountains National Park is accessible all year round. A visit in the rainy season can also be a memorable experience, made remarkable by views of the neighbouring country DR Congo across the water and by incredible lightning storms that light up the lake at night.

Tourist Attractions

• The Chimpanzees
• Chain of Mountains (Mahale range)
• Forest fauna and flora (Angola colobus, red colobus, red-tailed and blue monkeys, forest birds, alpine bamboo, montane rain forest etc).
• Beach along Lake Tanganyika
• Local fishermen
• Sun set on the Lake horizon
• What to do
• Chimp tracking (allow two days)
• Hiking to the Park’s highest point “Nkungwe” (8,069ft) is held sacred by the local Tongwe people.
• Camping safaris
• Snorkeling
• Sports fishing and many more water sports activities

Park Accessibility,Mahale is accessible by air, road and boat. There are several flights, car and boat options to suit most travelers and chimps lovers:

Direct flights to Mahale This is the easiest way to reach Mahale. During the peak tourist season (June to October) the three tour operators with camps in Mahale schedule regular flights between the park and Arusha town. Between October and March flights arrive and leave twice each week. Between March, April and the first half of May Camps close therefore there are no scheduled flights. However it is also possible for visitors to arrange their own charter flights. Tanzania has a large number of charter flight companies such as Air Excel, Northern Air and Regional Air to mention a few. Private charters can be arranged from major cities of Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Mwanza or Zanzibar.

The airstrip at Mahale is suitable for light aircraft only with the capacity of up to 12 passengers. Travel to Mahale via Kigoma, Kigoma can be reached via several routes:

• By Air: Air Tanzania schedules daily flights from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma. The flight takes about 3 hours.
• By Road: Road provides accessibility to Kigoma, but it can be rough and impassable, especially in the rainy season. From Arusha it takes 2 or 3 days to reach Kigoma by car, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is required.
• By Rail: Trains from Dar es salaam leave 2-3 times a week. The journey takes about three days and two nights.

From Kigoma: Mahale can be reached by boat, by light aircraft or by car. Transport to Mahale by speedboats or timber boats from Kigoma can be arranged with the Park or private operators in Kigoma. The speedboats take between 4 and 5 hours to reach the park while timber boats can take up to 15 hours or more.

A large steamship – MV Liemba – leaves Kigoma twice a month [on Wednesday afternoon], carrying passengers and cargo the length of the Lake to Zambia. It makes numerous stops along the way, including one for Mahale, which is referred to as Lagosa (the old name) or famously known as Mgambo. MV Liemba takes around 10 hours to reach Lagosa-Mgambo from Kigoma, and it passes Mahale again on its return journey [either Sunday or Monday morning].

From Lagosa-Mgambo one may organize the park boats for a pick up. Mahale is 45 minutes from Kigoma town by light aircraft. A few safari companies offer private charter flights from Kigoma to Mahale and other National Parks in western Tanzania. Road; Either drive 2 hrs South of Kigoma via Simbo Village (160km ) crossing Malagarasi river to Herembe village (passable during dry season) or drive 122km to Sigunga Village upon arrangement with Park HQ for boat transfer to the Park maximum 1 or 2 hrs boat cruise respectively.

PARK REGULATIONS Mahale Mountains National Park is home to one of Africa’s most studied chimpanzee populations. The support that visitors give through payment of park entrance fees provides the Park with the means to safeguard and protect this unique population of chimpanzees and the beautiful forest that they inhabit.

Park rules and regulations

• Keep to the authorized trails.
• Do not disturb wild animals in any way. Do not make noise.
• Be considerate to fellow visitors – do not disturb them or the animals they are watching.
• Do not take any pets or guns into the park.
• Do not uproot, pick, cut or damage any plant or be in possession of any part of a plant indigenous to the park.
• Do not light any fire or discard any burning object.
• Do not discard any litter.
• Between 7.00p.m and 6.00a.m remain in the immediate vicinity of designated accommodation facilities (tented camps, tourist bandas, rest houses or campsites).
• A permit is valid for single entry within 24 hours only.
• Chimp Viewing Regulations
• Maintain a distance of at least 10m from the chimps at all times. This minimizes the risk of you transmitting bacteria and viruses to them.
• – Always wear a mask (provided by your guide) over your nose and mouth when you are close (<50m) to chimps.
• – DO NOT eat or drink while you are near the chimps – move at least 250m away.
• DO NOT leave personal belongings on the ground or where they are accessible to the chimps. They are curious animals and your belongings can transmit disease. If you need help carrying bags, your guide will be happy to assist you.
• DO NOT leave any rubbish behind. It can be harmful to all kinds of wildlife and it can transmit diseases to the chimps.
• – If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the chimps, please cover your nose and mouth to reduce the distribution of germs.
• Try not to go to the toilet in the forest. If it is unavoidable, move at least 250m from the chimps and ask your guide to dig a deep hole.
• It is not permitted to visit the chimps if you are sick or have infectious disease. Please be responsible and tell your camp managers if you don’t feel well. You are risking the chimps’ health by visiting them while sick. The manager will decide the best way.
• No person under the age of 12 is permitted to visit the chimps. This is for their own safety and because young people are more likely to transmit infectious disease.
• No more than 6 visitors (plus one guide) are permitted close to the chimps at any one time. If another group is with the chimps when you arrive, please wait at a spot chosen by your guide, at least 250m away from the animals.
• Maximum viewing time is one hour. If the chimps are moving and viewing is interrupted, your time will be paused until they have been relocated, but tracking is not permitted for longer than 3hours after the initial chimp sighting, even if the one hour total has not been reached. This is to minimize disturbance to the animals and to the forest.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

Mahale’s chimps have been studied and habituated for more than 40 years and are well accustomed to people. Nevertheless, they are wild animals and it is important that you avoid doing anything that may antagonize them or that they may see as a challenge or a threat.

• When near the chimps, please remember to keep your voices low. This will also help you to observe the other wonderful and varied wildlife of the Mahale forest.
• Do not point at the chimps or make any sudden movements.
• Avoid direct eye contact with them because they may perceive this as aggressive or threatening behavior.
• Do not use perfume, smoke or spit.
• When near the Chimps: Stay in a tight group, try to sit or squat rather than standing, as this minimizes disturbance. Also be sure that your group does not completely surround the chimps.
• In the unlikely event that a chimp charges towards you, move to the nearest tree, stand up and hold on tightly to the trunk. Above all, don’t panic or run, adhere to your guide’s instructions.
• If the chimpanzees move closer to you than the permitted distance (10 meters), don’t make any sudden movements to increase the distance. Simply move back slowly away from them.
• Camera flashes must be switched off. Flash photography can disturb and antagonize the chimps.

ACCOMMODATION

Park facilities: The park has five self-contained tourist bandas. Each banda has two rooms with twin beds and a private bathroom. Kitchen facilities are available for self-catering and cooks can be hired locally to prepare your meals. Visitors may bring their food staff and drinks. Bandas are suitable for budget travelers and students.

For bookings, please contact: Mahale Mountains National Park,

E-mail: sokwe@tanzaniaparks.com , mahale@tanzaniaparks.com

Private owned Facilities

Currently the park has three luxury tented camps owned and run by private investors:

Nomad Safaris Luxury Tented Camp. E-Mail: mahale1@nomad-tanzania.com

Capacity: 7 rooms, 14 beds.

Nkungwe Luxury Tented Camp. E-mail: kht96@hotmail.com , scl@raha.com

Capacity: 10 Rooms, 20 beds.

Flycatcher Safari Camp. E-mail: flycat@habari.co.tz

Capacity: 6 Rooms, 12 beds

Contact:

Chief Park Warden In-Charge

Mahale Mountains National Park

P.O. Box 1374

Kigoma, Tanzania.

E-mail: sokwe@tanzaniaparks.com , mahale@tanzaniaparks.com

Tel: +255 689 062326

+255 769 536127.

Tourism Information Office in Kigoma town.

Lubengera Street,

Tel: +255767536426

Fax: +25528204009

Email: gonapachimps@yahoo.com, chimps@tanzaniaparks.com

Hotline: +255767516733

Or you can also reach Mahale Mountains National Park Headquarters on the following satellite-phone number: +8821 621 277 242.

It is located on the shores of Lake Victoria in the north of Tanzania, near the Kenyan border. The town offers much amusement to the passing visitors and is a point of cultural interest for people wanting to experience the vibrant life of people around Lake Victoria. Musoma is an administrative town of the Mara region. Musoma sits on the eastern edge of Lake Victoria not far from the Kenyan border. There are boats that take you across Lake Victoria from Musoma. Located near Butiama, hometown of the first president of Tanzania, Musoma houses the Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere Museum. It exhibits a document of the rise of nationalism, the independence movement, and the early history of Tanzania, as well as displaying various items of interest that belonged to the late leader, including a copy of Plato’s Republic, which Mwalimu Nyerere translated into Kiswahili by hand.

There are few activities that can be undertaken while in Musoma which includes a town tour in which visitors are exposed to what the locals do during the day. To experience more of local life and to see how the locals do business, a visit to the fish market is recommended. The town has an old German building that is now used as a government office which offers visitors an introduction to historic mementos in the area. Mukendo hill is a place where panoramic views of the town and Lake Victoria are great. At the base of Mukendo hill there are a few caves that have a history of the legend who ruled the area. A visitor wishing to take photos of their lifetime in this place is never missed. Musoma offers a myriad beach hotels where several activities are also available for visitors such as boat trips to exotic Islands (Kibuyi Peninsula and Lukuba Island), deep fishing or just walking down the cool beach, the cool breeze alternating near the lake shore, they are all here, including biking, a sundowner, camping, visit to a fishing village and more. Tembo beach hotel and Matvilla beach hotel offers a handful of activities as well as camping facilities for overlanders.

Other accommodation facilities available near the beach include: Peninsula beach complex, Peninsula hotel, Acacia hotel, Ngerengere lodges (which has another facility out of town) and Lilian hotel. Town hotels include: Matvilla hotel, Setavin hotel, Mlima Mkendo hotel, Afrilux hotel, Hotel Orange Tree, Parents hotel and more are coming up. Furthermore, there are several local restaurants where delicious food is served which includes: Matvilla garden, Mara dishes, Palm beach, Rehema café, Hekima food house, Mkombozi, Safi food, Police Officers mess and Prisons food court.

The sunset here makes the view even more compelling because of the apparitions left behind dancing in the rippled water winding its way down towards the expansive lake. Also visible are the “Bismark rocks” vegetation on the lake shore, able to hold the strength of the crashing waves. The sound of the waves climbing as the evening tide rises is quite audible just before the crickets take over the melodies of the darkening evening.

The city of Mwanza is the major Tanzanian port on Lake Victoria and a major centre of economic activities in the region. The lake borders the country’s East African neighbours – Uganda to the north west, and Kenya to the north east. Export and transport among the countries is a foundation of Mwanza’s economy. Around the city of Mwanza, the land is primarily devoted to agricultural enterprise. Tea, cotton and coffee plantations throughout the area produce large volumes of cash crops that pass through Mwanza on their way to market. The town’s industrial harbour and busy streets make it a prosperous and busy place to explore.

For visitors, the city makes a good base from which to explore the nearby Rubondo Island National Park and the western parts of the Serengeti. Rubondo Island National Park offers pleasant day-hikes and bird watching around the lake shore. Mwanza’s proximity to the western Serengeti makes it a necessary stop for visitors who want to experience a less busty part of the park and see the magic of the Serengeti without the parade of safari vehicles and seasonal crowds. Mwanza is also the centre of the Sukuma tribe, the largest tribe in Tanzania, who have inhabited and farmed the region for centuries. Cultural tourism programmes to their local villages and farms can be arranged through the local cultural centres.

Located on the south-west shores of Lake Victoria, Rubondo Island National Park includes Rubondo Island and several other small islands of Lake Victoria. The park boasts for its rich and diverse variety of butterflies and bird life, easily viewable from the lake shore. The rare Sitatunga, an extremely endangered amphibious antelope, can sometimes be viewed escaping from the charging predators by hiding and camouflaging itself in the lake shore marshes. A visit to Rubondo Island National Park offers visitors a break from game viewing in the tranquil peace of a lake shore setting. Exploring the islands within the park creates an excitement for day trips. Fishing expeditions into Lake Victoria are easily arranged through the major lodges. Rubondo Island National Park is a relaxation from the rigorous safari circuit and a relaxing place from which to explore Lake Victoria.

Park attractions

• A variety of water birds , Eurasian migrants and introduced African grey parrots
• – High density of African fish eagles distinctly seen
• – Animal species including Sitatunga, Elephants, Giraffes, Hippos, Bushbucks, Pythons, Crocodiles, Chimpanzees (not fully habituated), Bush pigs and Suni
• – The Lake Victoria forming a spectacular sight for visitors with the deepest point in the lake (Irumo) forming part of the park
• – Magnificent view of one of the last remaining representatives of evergreen dense primary lowland Congolese forest with a unique habitat mosaic in the midst of high biodiversity value
• – Beautiful and attracting beaches such as Fly catcher, Mchangani and Michicoco
• – Important gulfs of Irumo and Kamea
• – Clear sighting of both sunrise and sunset
• – Cultural sites such as “Nditungamire”, “Maji Matakatifu”, “Altare” and “Solo” which explain the life of natives who once stayed in the park
• – “Birds Islands”, breeding sit for water birds
• – Crocodile Island

Bandas: Located about two kilometers from the Park headquarters with 1 unit of well maintained uniport with triple beds inside/self contained and 5 double bed rooms all self contained with hot shower service. Maximum capacity 13 pax per night. Rest House: Owned by TANAPA and located about two kilometers from Park headquarters with 2 singles, 1 triple beds room and 1 double bed sized room all being self contained with TV and hot shower. Maximum/full capacity is 7 pax per night. Youth hostel: Located at park headquarters. Capacity 36 persons (16 boys, 16 girls and two rooms with double beds to accommodate 4 teachers.)

Resting shelters: Four resting shelters located at bandas facing a magnificent view of the lake where visitors rest while enjoying the lake breeze during the day. Dining and Kitchen: A well maintained and fully equipped facility comprising dining and kitchen owned by the park, all visitors are advised to bring in some foodstuffs while the park provides kitchen and dining facilities. Note that the place is self catering. Campfire: The dining/kitchen facility faces a fireplace where fire is normally lit for visitors to stay nearby during evening times while enjoying their barbecue and drinks.

Shop: One shop owned by TANAPA Rubondo staff located at Park headquarters which sells some household items and beverages for both staff and visitor uses. Public Campsites: Malaga campsite which can accommodate up to 30 persons one per night. (Not operating currently) Picnic Sites: Four picnic sites two of which being located at Maji matakatifu, one at Pongo view point and one at Mamba trail, they all face a spectacular view of the lake at different sights which together bring the aesthetic value of the park thus adding to visitors satisfaction.

Park Activities

Game Drives, Bird Watching, Walking Safaris, (Rangers required.  Can be arranged in advance through Park Office (See park fees), visitors are advised to carry some dry stuff while going for long walks.

Saanane Island has been a fully fledged National Park since July, 2013, covering an area of 2.18 sq km comprising three islets and aquatic environment. The islets lie on the southern part of the main Island. The park made a record of being the first ever National Park to be located within the City and the smallest National Park in both Tanzania and East Africa. The Park is the home of mammals like Impala, Rock Hyrax, Velvet Monkeys and Wild Cats. The presence of “De-brazza’s Monkey” underscores its potential as the only Park in the country inhabiting the species.  Reptiles are also dominant; they include crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Agama Lizards, Pancake and Leopard Tortoises, Snakes particularly Python.

The aquatic part of the Park inhabits a variety of fisheries, mainly Tilapia and Nile Perch. The Park is located 2km Southwest of Mwanza city centre, which lies in the Gulf of Lake Victoria (Latitude 2.5 S and Longitude 32 E). GETTING THERE   One can travel by road or air from either Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro International Air Ports to Mwanza.  Also can travel by road or railway to Mwanza City from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Kigoma and Tabora. to mention a few. Moreover, people can travel by ship/vessel to Mwanza Port from Uganda, Kenya, Bukoba and nearby Islands. The Island is accessed by a regular short boat ride for about 5 minutes from Park Offices, on the mainland. Park Offices are easily accessed about 15 minutes short walk from the City Centre.

TO DO? Saanane Island is an ideal place for game viewing, bird watching, rock hiking, boat cruise, walking, picnics, bush lunch, photographing/filming, meditation and sport fishing.  Special occasions like weddings, engagement, team building, family day and birthdays can also be organized.

HISTORY

Saa Nane Island was named after its previous owner, Mzee Saanane Chawandi, a fisherman who turned into a farmer and later shifted to another island (after being compensated) to pave the way for conservation efforts in the early 1960’s. The Tanzania government officially owned the island in 1964 as the first ever government owned zoo. Originally its territory measured some 0.7 square kilometers comprising both dry land and water. However, Saa Nane National Park annexed and included two other smaller islets known as Chankende Kubwa and Chandkende Ndogo both located in the southern part of the main island into the bargain thus increasing its protected area to 1.32 square kilometers. The main objective was to promote intensive and conservation education in wildlife and to promote recreation to the people of Mwanza.

The sleepy town of Tabora, in the hinterland of western Tanzania, remains a key transit point in the country. The Central Line railway branches at Tabora to both Kigoma and Mwanza, and visitors travelling by train often use Tabora as a stopover point during their journeys. The regions around Tabora are famous throughout Tanzania for the honey they produce, and large jerry cans and bottles of the famous liquid can be bought in the village market.

Historically, Tabora was once a major trading point and stopover for caravans that connected Lake Tanganyika and Central Africa with the coastal town of Bagamoyo to the northeast. Its former importance is illustrated by the fact that the infamous trader Tippu Tip, who lived during the 19th century, made Tabora the centre of his vast trading empire of ivory and slaves. The town was also an important mission station during early European exploration of Tanzania. Stanley and Livingstone both stopped here on their journeys. During the German occupation, Tabora was one of the most populated and prosperous towns in the whole of East Africa.

Ukerewe is the largest island in Lake Victoria and the largest inland island in Africa, with an area of approximately 530 km². Ukerewe Island is situated in the Ukerewe District, nearly 50 km north of Mwanza to which it is linked by ferry, and it takes 3 to 4 hours to travel. Ukerewe Island is situated 45 km (25 nautical miles) north of Mwanza to which it is linked by ferry, but a shorter vehicle ferry crossing of only 3.8 km also links the island across the Rugezi Channel to a dirt road on the eastern lake shore, which runs to Kibara and Musoma. The shoreline of Ukerewe Island is carved into numerous bays and it is surrounded by at least a dozen smaller islands.

The shoreline of Ukerewe Island is carved into numerous bays and it is surrounded by 27 small islands surrounding the neighbourhood with 3 of them not occupied by humans and the rest are occupied by fishermen with their families. Its largest community is Nansio. It’s simple lifestyle and rocky terrain broken by lake vistas and tiny patches of forest, makes an intriguing, offbeat diversion. The few proper sights include agricultural activities in which the residents farm maize, sweet potatoes, millet, cassava and rice, including the main activity here, fishing. Seen from Nansio are 27 small islands surrounding the neighbourhood with 3 of them not occupied by humans and the rest are occupied by fishermen with their families.

There are visits to Kagunguli, the oldest Roman church built in 1895 located near a hill with the same name; the old school and dispensary which were built between 1902 and 1913 and surviving to date with few repairs are all still in use. The Chief’s palace, Bukindo built from 1922 to 1923, the modest European-style palace of the island’s former king, which is still in use is a must see place if you are in the area and find out from the palace guide why one of its rooms has remained closed more half a century.

Others include Irondo point where visitors see amazing views of Mwanza city, Entebbe in Uganda and Nairobi in Kenya; a chance to be part of a traditional dance group Buzzer staff band that is sure to leave you fascinated; a visit to the historic sites, including graves in the area. The dancing stone in Ukara, a neighbouring island is also another attraction in the area, including crocodile tree and the knife of truth and learning how the people eke out a living. As part of the activities here, visitors are introduced to local fishing, canoeing, biking, village tour and more. They are mildly interesting, but the deeply rural life between them is the real attraction.

Website: http://www.ukereweculturaltourism.com

Accommodation is available in a few small hotels in Nansio. The list includes: Labima hotel, Kondeni hotel, Holiday Motel, Monarch beach resort and Bwiru cultural thatched simple traditional houses. Camping grounds are available in some villages; the Ukerewe cultural tourism program will be able to guide visitors accordingly.

WHAT TO SEE /  DO IN UKEREWE

There are many great places to been seen, but among the key sights are the following:

1. RUBYA FOREST

Rubya Forest is the largest forest in the district. Is a very peaceful place with a fascinating environment. Also in the forest’s area are Fishing- activity area and natural Beach on Lake Victoria. It takes about 50 minutes by car to reach the place from Nansio.

2. RUTARE HILL

We can climb Rutare Hill which is great for viewing the scenery of Ukerewe. It takes an hour by bicycle to reach the Hill.

3. SPECIAL CULTURAL TOURS.