Tanzania

Tanzania, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
Tanzania, situated just south of the Equator, is the largest East African country (937 062 sq km) - is half the size of Western Europe and is bordered by shimmering lakes and the Indian Ocean. Tanzania is also bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi and the Republic of the Congo to the west and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south. The Indian Ocean lies to the east. Off Tanzania's white sandy beaches lie the sleepy islands of Pemba, Mafia and exotic Zanzibar, an excellent extension to Tanzania safari vacations. Lake Tanganyika, Africa's longest and deepest freshwater lake and the second deepest in the world, runs along Tanzania's western border. In the northwest, in a massive shallow depression, is the source of the Nile, Lake Victoria. The entire country is dotted with a host of other permanent and seasonal lakes and rivers, including the Rufiji and Great Ruaha, which together give Tanzania more surface water than any other African country. A mosaic of savannah grasslands, tropical forests, Riverine basins, mountain ranges, swamps, mangroves and coral reefs, Tanzania contains some of the largest and most beautiful wilderness areas in the world. Roughly encircling the interior is a somewhat broken curve of ancient hills - these mountains preserve remnants of a once widespread equatorial forest and are the last remaining refuge of animals and plants found nowhere else in the world. Tanzania is also home to the famous vast roaming herds of the Serengeti plains game and the snow-capped wonder of legendary Mount Kilimanjaro.

Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam is usually regarded as a convenient or not so convenient transit stop overnight just before or just after a safari or an on your way port of call to more exotic destinations such as Zanzibar, Pemba or Mafia Islands.

Dar es Salaam translated means Haven of Peace, the Sultan of Zanzibar named the port just before he died
During the Nyerere years, he appointed Dar as the capital of Tanzania but none of the embassies or overseas aid offices would move so it is still regarded as the capital city of Tanzania.

Life in Dar es Salaam revolves around the port with the business district spreading out from here in a series of side and main streets. Huge cruise liners and cargo ships still come into the port, once one of the busiest on the East African coast.
The city itself is an eclectic mix of Swahili, German, Asian and British architecture, reflecting its colonial past and more recent history. It is a relatively new city – Sultan Majid bin Said, then the sultan of Zanzibar, saw the potential of Dar as a deepwater port because of its strategic position at the centre of the East African coast. In 1866, he began work on his palace, built of coral blocks hewn on Changuu Island off Zanzibar. But he died before its completion and the palace fell into ruin – but not before he gave the tiny port its name
If you like cities, wandering the streets of Dar can be rewarding, lots of bustle in the Asian business district, along India Street and the intersecting Indira Ghandi Street. It will remind you a little of streets in India.
You will be able to buy just about anything.

Nyumba ya Saana, the House of Art. Begun in 1972 by an American nun, the co-operative supports nearly 200 young artists, with work ranging from batiks through carvings, oil paintings, pottery, weaving and clothing.
The Makonde carvers and Tinga Tinga painters at Mwenge are also worth a look.

Serengeti - The endless plains
A vast sea of grass swarming with wildlife, the Serengeti is the classic Africa of our imagination. The land displays endless horizons of plains and the spectacular wildlife sanctuary is parallel to none. It is known by the local Masai as “The Great Open Place”, the plateau stretches 15,000km. The Serengeti is recognised as the finest game reserve in Africa.

The world’s most famous game park is also home to nature’s grandest drama: the great migration. The Serengeti National Park and neighbouring Ngorongoro Conservation Area sustain the largest community of migrating ungulates in the world, including more than 1.2 million wildebeest and 200 000 zebra. Around 2 800 lions, 7 500 spotted hyenas and 200 cheetahs in the Serengeti and make up of the 1.5 million or so animals that take part in the great migration.

The southern Serengeti with its short grass plains are the calving grounds for the Wildebeest. After the Wildebeest had their calves they head north and return in the raining season.

Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world and forms the heart of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This expansive table land covers 265km of the crater floor. The open savannah, an untamed wilderness, is hedged by 600m walls. Huge flocks of pink Flamingo’s wade the seasonal water’s and herds numbering hundreds of Zebra’s and Wildebeest charge across these plains and make for a spectacular sight if ever one was so fortunate to experience it.

The plains and montane forest boasts an array of Africa’s most acclaimed wildlife where some quarter million large mammals can be found scattered across the plains. The Big Five can be observed here too and the abundance of antelope species makes this prime big cat country.

Lake Manyara National Park
The long dry season from June to September and again in January and February is the best time to visit Lake Manyara. During the rainy months, some roads are impassable and the mosquitoes are plentiful.

Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is accessible all year round, but April and May require a 4 wheel drive vehicle.

Tarangire National Park
Prime game viewing months at Tarangire National Park stretches from between July and December.
Tanzania ethnic groups guide

Today Tanzania contains a colourful tapestry of more than 126 loosely defined tribes, ranging from the few hundred ancient nomadic Kindiga hunters of Lake Eyasi to the million strong Sukumas of Lake Victoria. The major concentration of population is at the coast, the shores of Lake Victoria and the fertile soils of the northern mountains. Large areas of this vast country remain completely uninhabited. Not surprisingly, nearly a quarter of all of Africa's game is found on the savannahs of Tanzania, one quarter of which is made up of national parks and reserves.

You'll find that all the statistics point to one overwhelming fact - Tanzania is made for 'Safari' vacations.

Tanzania climate guide
From a vacations point of view, Tanzania offers warm days and cool early mornings and evenings throughout most of the country. At altitude the temperatures are moderate. There are two primary rainy seasons: the long rains roughly from April to May and the short rains during November.

WILDEBEEST MIGRATION

A vast sea of grass swarming with wildlife, the Serengeti is the classic Africa of our imagination. The world’s most famous game park is also home to nature’s grandest drama: the great migration.
The Serengeti National Park and neighbouring Ngorongoro Conservation Area sustain the largest community of migrating ungulates in the world, including more than 1.2 million wildebeest and 200 000 zebra. Around 2 800 lions, 7 500 spotted hyenas and 200 cheetahs in the Serengeti and makeup of the 1.5 million or so animals that takes part in the great migration.

December to March
Vast herds of wildebeest spend the rainy season in the volcanic open plains below the Ngorongoro Crater and in the Southern Serengeti where the grass growth is most productive with a high nutrient content. This area is the starting point for one of the great wonders of the world, the Serengeti annual wildebeest migration.

As the sea of grass provides little cover and the young are easy pickings for a variety of predators, wildebeest have therefore evolved synchronized birthing, which means, about 90% of calves are born within a three-week period. With such a sudden and massive surge of available food, predators do not make any significant dent in the newborn calf population. Wildebeest calves can run minutes after they are born. Within three days the calves are strong enough to keep up with the herd.

April to May
As the grass is depleted in the Southern Serengeti the herds move to the plains and woodlands of the Serengeti's Western Corridor. For the migrants there is a high mortality rate due to injury and perhaps fatigue, so large numbers of griffon vultures follow the herds on their journey. Northwest from the short grass plains is the Grumeti River. This watercourse is their first real obstacle and gigantic Nile crocodiles (growing up to 6 meters in length) are waiting for the hesitant wildebeest to stumble at the crossing. Their livelyhood are inextricably linked with the great migration. Moving with surprising stealth and speed, they prey upon the thirsty herds as they drink from and cross the river.

June
Following the rainfall, the wildebeest migration moves north before crossing the Kenyan border into the Masai Mara. Nothing stops the stamping hordes. Here again, they must cross a river, this time the Mara with its flotillas of hungry crocodiles. All is far from peaceful, for it is the rutting season and each male tries to establish a stamping ground. After moving westwards, the migration divides by some uncanny instinct, one group turning northeast and the other due north.

July, August, September and October
The mass of grunting wildebeests remain on the productive Mara grasslands until October or November during a time when the rest of the ecosystem is simply too dry to support them. And then, as the storm clouds gather in the south, the vast herds return to their breeding grounds, which, by the time they arrive, are once again green and lush.

November
The mass of grunting wildebeest remain on the productive Mara grasslands until October or November during a time when the rest of the ecosystem is simply too dry to support them, as the storm clouds gather in the south, the vast herds return to their breeding grounds, which, by the time they arrive, are once again green and lush.

The wildebeest migration is rarely ever precisely the same in terms of timing and direction, as local conditions influence grass growth. So it is that the wildebeest may move off the open plains earlier in some years, and remain in the northern woodlands for longer, in others.

Useful Tanzania Vacations Info

Credit cards
Credit cards are only accepted by the major airline companies and by most of the bigger hotels and lodges. Do not rely on credit cards as a source of cash while travelling in Tanzania. In some cases a surcharge will be added to credit card payments. We suggest that you take sufficient vacationslers checks/cash and use the credit card as a back-up only, for the duration of your Tanzania vacation adventure.

Tanzania vacations and climate
There are two seasons of rain in Tanzania: the long rainy period (monsoon) which runs from late March until June and a short rainy period, which runs from November until mid January. The long rains fall in heavy downpours, often accompanied by violent storms. The short rains tend to be much less severe.

Currency
The Tanzanian Shilling is the local currency, but travelers checks and cash in US$ are recommended. It is possible to change foreign currency at any Bureau de Chance, which generally give better rates than hotels and most banks.

Tanzania vacations and duty free
200 Cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. 1 Litre of wine or spirits, 0.25 litres of perfume.

Electricity in Tanzania
The local electricity supply is 220 volts, 50 cycles ac. You will need to supply your own international standard adapter for your electrical appliances.

Tanzania vacations - health requirements
Yellow fever vaccinations are a legal requirement for entry into Tanzania. Please note you will require a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon your entry to Tanzania. Malaria occurs below 1800 meters and you should use the recommended prophylactics. Please consult your doctor about these. Larium is very popular, but should be taken with care. Known side effects may lessen your chances of success on the mountain. Currently, other medication is also available which will be effective against the malaria strains currently found in Tanzania. Woman using oral contraceptives should consult their physicians before using prophylactics. The best way to prevent contracting Malaria for the duration of your Tanzania vacations tour, is to try and avoid mosquito bites by using an effect insect repellent, by sleeping under mosquito nets and to wear proper clothing after sunset. Meningitis can be present during the dry seasons.

Tanzania vacations - recommended immunisations

As a sensible precaution we recommend that you consider getting at least some of the following recommended immunizations:

• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Cholera
• Tetanus
• (Compulsory) Yellow fever

Please check with your local travel clinic for the latest recommendations.

Immigration and customs
An onward ticket and sufficient funds are required when entering Tanzania. Tanzanian people are friendly and will always offer a helping hand.

Tanzania vacation insurance
It is strongly advised to take out travel insurance which should cover baggage as well as personal accident and medical insurance.

Language
The official Tanzanian languages are Ki-Swahili and English. There are more than 120 tribal vernaculars.

Mainly Christian, Muslim and traditional beliefs. Please keep in mind that you are entering a different country with strong religious customs.

Tanzania vacations and security
As with any other town, walking alone at night is not advisable, and it is preferable to use taxis which are available at most hotels. Do not leave cash or valuables in your hotel room and use a safe deposit box.

Tanzania vacation Visa and entry requirements
Visas are required by most travelers to Tanzania. Visas are available at your local Tanzanian Embassy. Costs vary from country to country. Visas are valid for 6 months. It is possible, however, to obtain a tourist's visa for a single entry at any ONE of the FOUR MAIN ENTRIES into Tanzania -subject to the fulfillment of all immigration and health requirements-, for those who could NOT apply for visa from Tanzania Mission abroad.

These are:

• Dar-es-Salaam International Airport
• Zanzibar International Airport
• Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Namanga Entry Point (Tanzania-Kenya boarder point)

Payment, at all these points, is in US Dollars or its equivalent in Sterling. For all other entry points in Tanzania, visitors must hold valid visa prior to approaching those entry points in Tanzania. However, in order to avoid unnecessary delays, those who proceed to Tanzania from a country where there IS a Tanzania Diplomatic Mission or Consular Office are strongly advised to obtain their entry visa prior to departure to Tanzania.

Safari checklist - Travel essentials

• Valid passport and visa
• Photo copy of passport
• Airline ticket
• International health card with immunizations (Yellow fever)
• Travel insurance
• US$ cash/Travellers checks and credit card
• Small lock to lock the zippers together
• Sleeping bag for adventure camping
• Small diary and pen

Clothing

• Neutrally colored clothes
• 4-5 Short sleeve T-shirts
• 2-3 Pair of shorts
• Sweater
• Socks
• Underwear
• Hankies
• 2 Pair of casual trousers
• 2 long sleeve shirts
• Lightweight rain jackets
• Fleece jacket
• Walking shoes
• Lightweight shoes
• Swimsuit
• Warm sleeping outfit for camping
• Wide-brimmed hat

Accessories

• Toilet kit (soap, tooth brush, toilet articles, handy wipes, etc. It's best to bring small trail size containers.)
• Towel
• Sun screen and lip protection. SPF 30
• Ziploc bags, to protect camera, binoculars etc from dust
• Money belt
• Insect repellent

First aid

• Aspirin
• Imodium
• Valiods
• Painkillers
• Bandages
• Throat lozenges
• Eye drops

Other accessories

• Camera, lenses and extra film, where applicable (ASA 200 film recommended)
• Binoculars
• Pocket knife
• Insect repellant
• Reading and writing material
• Snacks
• Sweets
• Nuts
• Video camera
• Video tapes (if applicable)
• Battery packs
• Tri-pod

Sample safari menu

Delicious safari cuisine
The meals served in the lodges and camps are of a high standard and can range from local to western food. The chefs are fully trained and know the importance of preparing delicious cuisine after a day on Safari.
The menu below is a sample menu of what you can expect on our mobile and adventure safaris.

Breakfast

• Fruits
• Bread - toast with butter, jam, marmalade and honey
• Eggs
• Sausages
• Beans
• Porridge
• Tea / Coffee
• Mineral water and juice

Picnic lunch

• Sandwich
• Packet juice
• Boiled egg
• Roasted chicken
• Creams
• Chocolate
• Cheese
• Fruits
• Mineral water

Dinner

• Appetizer
• Appetizer of the season e.g. Avocado vinaigrette
• Soup
• Soup of the season, e.g. Tomato soup
• Western Main Dishes
• Rice and curry with vegetables
• Plain clips with vegetables
• Potato salad with beef curry
• Macaroni Salad with chicken curry
• Roasted chicken clips with salad
• Roasted potato with salad
• Roasted potatoes with fish and vegetables
• African Main dishes
• Roasted chicken salad with ugali
• Beef barbeque with Potato salad
• Matoke with beef fillet and salad
• Roasted potato beef barbeque with salad
• Fruits
• Tea / Coffee and mineral water

We serve both a Western and local dish at the same time.

Evening tea

• Tea / Coffee
• Roasted peanuts / popcorn / biscuits

We cater for vegetarians at the lodges as well as on our camping safaris.

 

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