Northern circuit – Home to the “Big five”
Serengeti National Park: Tanzania’s oldest and most famous national park,
best known for the awe inspiring wildebeest migration as well as one of the
Natural Wonders of the World.
Serengeti
national Park ……”the home of wildebeest migration in Africa”
Tanzania’s oldest and most famous national park, best known for
the awe inspiring wildebeest migration as well as one of the Natural Wonders of
the World.
The Serengeti is vast and beautiful; it's one of Africa's most
captivating safari areas. The sheer amount of game here is amazing: estimates
suggest up to about two million wildebeest, plus perhaps half a million zebra,
hundreds of thousands of Thompson's gazelle, and tens of thousands of impala,
Grant's gazelle, topi (tsessebe), hartebeest, eland and other antelope – all
hunted by the predators for which these plains are famous.
The
great annual wildebeest migration
This annual year around phenomenon, that has been taking place for
over two million years, was first recorded by Professor Bernard Grizmek and his
son, Michael in the 1930’s. There were less than 300,000 animals at that time.
The rinderpest epidemic is believed to have decimated the herds in the herds in
the early century. Today the main migratory are 1,300,000 wildebeest and
700,000 others like Thomson’s gazelle, Zebra and Eland.
Wildebeest
migration in Serengeti
Southern
corridor of Serengeti
The southern Serengeti short grass plains are ‘real’ grasslands
that have remained free of bush and woodland encroachment. Formed millions of
years ago, by the deposition of vast quantities of ash from volcanoes of the
Ngorongoro highlands. It is these alkaline rich of soil, producing sweet short
grass rich in minerals which attract the wildebeest back every year from the
Maasai Mara. It is a time when all the migrants will give birth, after an eight
and half month gestation, nearly 400,000 female wildebeest will drop their
calves within the space of two to three weeks. Is the capable area offering an
excellent game viewing on a year round basis through access to some of the best
wildlife locations the southern and central of Serengeti has to the most
breathtaking scenery the Serengeti has to offer.
Surreal rock formations protrude out from the plains and provide
cats with a perfect viewpoint to overlook their territories. Also the southern
plains is most famous for the period between December to March as the migration
heads into this fertile grassland to give birth to the next generation of
wildebeest and Zebra. During these months, vast herds of migratory animals
descend upon the southern plains – followed intently by range of predators.
Central
corridor of Serengeti – at Seronera…..”the heart of Serengeti”
The Seronera valley is well known for its high concentration of
resident game and quality game viewing. The Seronera River provides a constant
water source and creates a forest region which follows the course of the river
creating good cover for the elusive leopard.
Your game drive in central Serengeti offer an excellent variety of
habitats and combine migration viewing with the search for big cat as well as
rhino at Moru kopje – this is the massive a massive animals in Africa,
currently being the only area in the Serengeti where the illustrious animals
can be viewed.
Western wooded grassland – long dry season – June -
September
The timing of the calving is probably
linked to the timing of the mating (rut),at the end of the rains in Many and
June. They move off the plains, even when sufficient grazing remains in order
that they will all be compressed into the small area, which is necessary to
synchronize the rut. The rut appears to coincide with the full moon, suggesting
that the mating peak is triggered by the lunar cycle. Most matings happen at
night. taking place between full moons. For more information…..contact us!
Ngorongoro
crater
The Ngorongoro
Crater, at 2,286m. Above sea level, is
the largest unbroken caldera in the world. Surrounded by very steep walls
rising 610 meters from the crater floor, this natural amphitheatre measures
19.2 km in diameter and 304 sq km in area. It is home to up to 30,000 animals,
almost half being wildebeest and zebra. Buffalo, elephant, hippo, hyena,
jackal, lion, ostrich, serval, warthog, bushbuck, eland, hartebeest, reedbuck,
waterbuck and huge herds of both Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle are easily seen
on the crater floor. Thanks to anti-poaching patrols, the crater is now one of
the few places in East Africa where visitors can be certain of seeing black
rhino, with the number now approaching 25. Leopard may occasionally be seen in
the trees of the forest surrounding the crater while cheetah are also present
but rarely seen. Large herds of giraffe live on the rim of the crater and will
be seen on the drive to Olduvai Gorge and the Serengeti. Countless flamingo
form a pink blanket over the soda lakes while more than 100 species of birds
not found in the Serengeti have been spotted. The crater, which has been
declared a UNESCO as a
“World Heritage site”, lies within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area,
which covers more than 8,300 sq.km. It is bounded by Lake Eyasi in the
southwest and the Gol Mountains.
Lake
Manyara national park: at the edge of the rift valley escarpment,
famous for its tree climbing lions, hot spring water and migration of birds.(
one of the international bird area).
Lake Manyara is a shallow, alkaline lake that is part of the Rift
Valley wall; the lake is at the base of this dramatic western escarpment giving
it a beautiful and serene setting. In
addition to this peaceful setting, Lake Manyara’s main attractions are its rich
bird life, tree climbing lions and its hippos, which you can see at a closer
range than many other places. Lake
Manyara also hosts thousands of flamingos at certain times of the year and has
diverse vegetation ranging from savannah, to marshes and acacia woodland,
enabling a variety of wildlife habitats including butterflies.
Tarangire
national park: - Situated only 120 km from Arusha and
lying South East of Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park is famous for its
dense wildlife, which is most spectacular between June and December. During
this time of the year, thousands of animals migrate from dry Maasai steppe to
Tarangire River for water. Covering 2,600 sqkm, Tarangire is famous for its
large herds of elephants and buffalo. Other popular species seen here are lion,
giraffe, Impala, wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle. It is also the only known game
sanctuary in Tanzania containing fringe-eared Oryx. Gently rolling countryside,
dotted with majestic baobab trees and large herds of Elephant as well as
migration of animals during the dry season.
Arusha national park:Just
32km away from the town of Arusha is the Arusha National Park, which was
described by Sir Julian Huxley as” a gem amongst parks”. The park consists of
three spectacular features, the Momella lakes, Meru Crater, and the Ngurdoto
Crater.
On clear days, magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount
Meru can be seen from almost anywhere in the park. The wildlife is varied. The
vegetation ranges from forest to swamp. The park is famous for its 400 species
of bird life, both migrant and resident and the black and white colobus monkey.
Other animals frequently seen in the park are troops of baboons, elephants,giraffes,bufalos,hippos,leopards,hyenas
and a wide range of antelope species and because of its close proximity to
Arusha, it is an ideal place for a day excursion.
Ngorongoro crater: the “World Heritage site”,
The Ngorongoro Crater, at 2,286m. Above sea level, is the largest unbroken
caldera in the world. Surrounded by very steep walls rising 610 meters from the
crater floor, this natural amphitheatre measures 19.2 km in diameter and 304 sq
km in area. It is home to up to 30,000 animals, almost half being wildebeest
and zebra. Buffalo, elephant, hippo, hyena, jackal, lion, ostrich, serval,
warthog, bushbuck, eland, hartebeest, reedbuck, waterbuck and huge herds of
both Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle are easily seen on the crater floor. Thanks
to anti-poaching patrols, the crater is now one of the few places in East
Africa where visitors can be certain of seeing black rhino, with the number now
approaching 25. Leopard may occasionally be seen in the trees of the forest
surrounding the crater while cheetah are also present but rarely seen. Large
herds of giraffe live on the rim of the crater and will be seen on the drive to
Olduvai Gorge and the Serengeti. Countless flamingo form a pink blanket over
the soda lakes while more than 100 species of birds not found in the Serengeti
have been spotted. The crater, which has been declared a UNESCO as a lies within the Ngorongoro Conservation
Area, which covers more than 8,300sq.km. It is bounded by Lake Eyasi in the
southwest and the Gol Mountains.
Lake Manyara national park: at the edge of the rift valley escarpment, famous for
its tree climbing lions, hot spring water and migration of birds.( one of the
international bird area).
Lake Manyara is a shallow,
alkaline lake that is part of the Rift Valley wall; the lake is at the base of
this dramatic western escarpment giving it a beautiful and serene setting. In addition to this peaceful setting, Lake
Manyara’s main attractions are its rich bird life, tree climbing lions and its
hippos, which you can see at a closer range than many other places. Lake Manyara also hosts thousands of
flamingos at certain times of the year and has diverse vegetation ranging from
savannah, to marshes and acacia woodland, enabling a variety of wildlife
habitats including butterflies.
Tarangire national park: Situated only
120 km from Arusha and lying South East of Lake Manyara, Tarangire National
Park is famous for its dense wildlife, which is most spectacular between June
and December. During this time of the year, thousands of animals migrate from
dry Maasai steppe to Tarangire River for water. Covering 2,600 square km,
Tarangire is famous for its large herds of elephants and buffalo. Other popular
species seen here are lion, giraffe, Impala, wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle. It
is also the only known game sanctuary in Tanzania containing fringe-eared Oryx.
Gently rolling countryside, dotted with majestic baobab trees and large herds
of Elephant as well as migration of animals during the dry season.
Arusha
national park: Just 32km away from the town of Arusha is the Arusha
National Park, which was described by Sir Julian Huxley as” a gem amongst
parks”. The park consists of three spectacular features, the Momella lakes,
Meru Crater, and the Ngurdoto Crater.
On clear days, magnificent
views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru can be seen from almost anywhere in
the park. The wildlife is varied. The vegetation ranges from forest to swamp.
The park is famous for its 400 species of bird life, both migrant and resident
and the black and white colobus monkey. Other animals frequently seen in the
park are troops of baboons,
elephants,giraffes,bufalos,hippos,leopards,hyenas and a wide range of antelope
species and because of its close proximity to Arusha, it is an ideal place for
a day excursion.
Itinerary for luxury camping & lodge safaris – 6days/nights
Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara
Pick up Arusha drive to Lake Manyara distance of 1Hrs, what really
sets Lake Manyara apart is Birds life, particularly the concentration of Water
Birds. Many Species of Flamingo’s, pelican, duck, avocet, fish eagle, and
hornbill are among the more than 380 Identified Birds. The park is 330sq km in
size, the two- thirds of this total is Lake. The park is also notable for Lions
on Acacia tree, Elephants, zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, Giraffe, waterbuck,
Klipspringer and mostly not forgetting big hippo pool. You will have most
wonderful experience in Lake Manyara and you will be provided with pack lunch
and stay at Migunga tented lodge.( Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 2: Serengeti national park:
Early morning breakfast
then will drive you to Serengeti National Park distance from Lake Manyara to
Serengeti Park is 3Hrs. Serengeti is one of the Largest National Park Measuring
14,763 sq km.Serengeti means ' Endless - Plains'. Is the most reliable area in
the park to View Wildlife. It is possible to see many of the Serengeti’s residents
Wildlife. To enter the Vast Park in Northern Circuit with full day game drive
to experience the animals like Lions, Leopard, Cheetah, Buffalo, Zebra,
Wildebeest, Big Cats and Predator's. You will be provided with Pack lunch and
stay at Dik dik Campsite.(breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 3: Serengeti national park:
Early morning game drive
then return for breakfast at Campsite en-route full day game drives. It's a
time to see many Wildebeest Animals Residents and to experience lion kills
luckily with other Predators kill also; you will be provided with delicious
pack lunch with close animal Heritage around your vehicle. And stay at
Ngorongoro forest tented camp. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 4: Ngorongoro
crater via Olduvai Gorge:
Early morning game drive to Ngorongoro Park distance of 2Hrs and
en-route full day game drive, via Olduvai Gorge is the pre historic site where
Dr. Leakey discovered the remains of Homo habilis (“Handy man”) regarded as
mankind’s first step on the path of human evolution. Transiting for pack lunch
at Museum and stay at Ndutu safari lodge. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.(On the
Crater Rim)
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater to Tarangire:
Early
morning enjoy a hearty breakfast descend to Ngorongoro Crater, is one of the
largest Intact calderas in the world and the 8th wonder of the world. It is
8,292 sq km. the specialty of Ngorongoro is Black rhino’s, Lions, Leopard,
Zebra, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Topi, Elephants, Hyena and various gazelles. You
will find a Hippo pool at Ngoitokitok Springs and of course you will come
across the Maasai Grazing their Cattle. You will be Descend into 2000ft (Over
600meters) down the crater by a 4x4wheel drive Vehicle for a full day Crater
Tour, You will be provided with pack lunch and after a long drive for
relaxation at Tarangire Kigongoni Campsite. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 6: Tarangire national park to Arusha:
After breakfast, you depart
for Tarangire National Park. It is famous for its dense wildlife population,
which is most spectacular in the dry season between June and September. It is
during this period that thousands of animals- wildebeest, zebra, eland,
hartebeest, buffalo, and Oryx migrate from the dry Maasai steppe to the
Tarangire River in search of water. The predators -lion, leopard and others-as
is the custom in the savannas follow closely by birds are also abundant here
and over 550 species have been recorded, you will be provided pack lunch and
drive back to Arusha.
Eastern circuit
The benefit of the eastern circuit is
that it offers visitors based in Dar es Salaam a chance to see the wildlife and
scenery the country has to offer without the expense and time involved in
flying to Arusha or inside parts of Tanzania for a longer safari. Parks like
Saadani and Mikumi grow in popularity every year, and the Mafia Island Marine
Park is fast becoming a hot destination in the Indian Ocean. The national
parks, game reserves, and marine parks of the eastern circuit are perfect
weekend retreats for guests on business-related trips to Dar es Salaam.
Mafia Island
Mafia Island is a relatively unknown
island 160km south of Zanzibar Island, just off the coast of the Rufiji River
Delta. It boasts truly superb white sandy beaches and is home to Tanzania's
first marine park. Mafia Island is one of the world's best dive locations;
diving and snorkeling in the Mafia Island Marine Park is utterly amazing and
you can be almost guaranteed of a good dive experience with amazing coral and
abundant sea life!
Other activities: include deep sea fishing or
just relaxing and watching the sun sink slowly into the warm Indian Ocean.
Whale watching is a popular pastime too, as the nutrient-rich water flowing
from the Rufiji River creates the perfect feeding ground for humpback whales
and the gentle giants of the deep, whale sharks. Swimming with the whale sharks
is a unique experience and Mafia Island
remains one of the few places you can have a good chance of seeing and snorkeling
alongside these amazing 8-20 meters long fish.
The island has a population of only
14,000 with a small capital town, Kilindoni. Much of the island is covered with
coconut plantation.
Most of the lodges on Mafia are on the
south east side around Mafia's famous Chole Bay Marine Park where most of the
diving is to be found. There are a couple of lodges on the western side, giving
easy access to the areas preferred by the whale sharks.
Scuba Diving
Some dive sites rank among the best on
the African coast, some say among the best in the world. The prime dive sites
are at the north of the island, particularly off the Mnemba Atoll and in the
Pemba Channel. The south east coast is renown for drift dives and the south
coast, relatively recently opened up for diving, is revealing many rewarding
sites.
The ocean around the west coast of
Pemba Island is reputed to be provide some of the best sites in the world. The
waters, coral and marine life around Mafia Island, being a Marine Reserve, are
pristine and far less visited. Please ensure you only dive with a dive centre accredited
with an internationally known accrediting organization such as PADI, or
equivalent.
Snorkelling
Due to the extreme rise and fall of
tides on the islands, and East African Coast, snorkeling off the beach is
limited. The most rewarding snorkeling is to go out with the dive boats beyond
the reef which runs around the island, and it is these very reefs which provide
for spectacular snorkeling. A day or 2 at Chumbe Island is a “must” for serious
snorkelers.
Sailing
is limited and provided only at some
of the larger “resort” style hotels. However, many hotels arrange for guests to
go sailing with local fisherman in their “ngalawas.
Dolphin Trips
These take place primarily at the
south of the island. These can be booked by your hotel or direct with local
operators. Hotels on the south coast have their own boats for dolphin trips.
We feel that a very satisfying
excursion is provided by Safari Blue, a large operation but extremely well
organized, full day including snorkeling and seafood lunch on an island. Be
careful however, there are other operators using similar names such as Blue
Safaris. Remember, dolphins are fickle mammals and sightings cannot be
guaranteed.
Dhow Excursions
Arranged locally and take place
primarily at the north of the island in Nungwi village, or in Stone Town
visiting the islands and sandbanks off Town. For day long dhow safaris off
Town, sunset evening cruises, or sunset cruise with dinner at Mtoni Marine
Centre best to book with the very reputable One Ocean Dive Centre.
A visit to Mafia Island works well
when combined with the Selous Game Reserve - this creates a superb Tanzania
Safari featuring both bush and beach.
If you are keen to dive on Mafia
Island, then staying around the marine park is best, as you can just walk to
the boat from your lodge. Some new dive sites have however been discovered on
the south west side of Mafia, outside the marine park.
If you are just there to relax on the
beach, or snorkel with the whale sharks, then the west side (at Ras Mbisi
Lodge) is better.
·
West Mafia
·
West Mafia Things to see/do view all
·
Deep Sea Fishing
·
Scuba Diving
·
Snorkeling
·
Sunbathing
·
Sunset Cruises
·
Swimming Pool
·
Whale Sharks
The West coast of Mafia Island has
fantastic squeaky white sand beaches - the perfect place to relax and read or
sunbathe. It is on this side of the island that the whale sharks feed on the
plankton resulting from the Rufiji river delta and mangrove swamps of Mafia.
There are two lodges on this side of
the island - Ras Mbisi, half way up, and Butamia, slightly south of Kilindoni
town. Ras Mbisi is barefoot luxury on Mafia, with superb food. Butamia is a new
hotel owned by a dive instructor which has a dive outfit opening up new and unlived
reefs.
Destinations –
Western Tourism Circuit of Tanzania
“A Wealth of experiences awaits you
to……adventure of a lifetime”
Welcome to Mwanza city, is the perfectly positioned to serve as a
lake cruise tourism destination and is the widely considered as a gateway of
the great lakes countries in Africa”
We at Tanzania Unique Safaris & Travels offer
the World’s newest cruise destination on the Lake Victoria…” The Pearl of
Africa…This largest lake in Africa and the World’s second largest freshwater
lake covering an area of 67,850sqkms, after Lake Superior in North America, it
offers a truly outstanding holiday destination opportunities to explore the
colorful life on the Lake where soaking up the atmosphere of lifetime on the
Lake where fishing activities have not changed in the centuries! With spectacular rich of plenty fishes of
different species, Lake Victoria is the “sport fishing Mecca” is a fisherman’s
Paradise and fresh water fishing in Africa
that offers the chance to catch huge Nile Perch and Tilapia in stunning
surroundings.
Unique
Adventure in Tanzania
With spectacular rich of plenty fishes of different species, the “sport fishing Mecca” in the Lake
Victoria, record breaking catches. Tanzania is a fisherman’s Paradise and fresh
water fishing in East Africa’s stunning Lake Victoria that offers the chance to
catch huge Nile perch and Tilapia in stunning surroundings. Our speed boat or
dhow cruise navigating through meandering on the Lake, winding channels and
hidden islands that offer unusual and intimate
view of Lake that offer something completely new, angling on the Lake
for sport fishing like Tilapia and Sukuma – mother fish Sangara or Nile perch
can be an exhalation way to spend the sunset on the Lake.
If you’re fishing enthusiastic, Lake Victoria has everything you
could dream of! We organizes a relaxing
getaway boat cruising and dhow sailing trips on the Lake Victoria that
recognizes the social and cultural uniqueness of new tourism packages in
Western tourism circuit to the peaceful hideaway islands on the Lake which
offering a perfect blend of casual elegance and friendly quality of services in
the lush natural environment for fantastic marine life.
Boat or dhow cruise tourism should definitely be pursued as it
will open up a new tourism packages which offer you an experience, adventures,
uniqueness and education that engages the stimulates in minds and sense of
adventures to experience an African Sunset and touch the stars at night with
campfire at the hidden islands or fishing camps that capture the true feeling of African!
We are at Tanzania Unique Safaris
& Travels ltd, we believe that selling holidays are
selling dreams - come with us and we will make your African dreams come true
and experience one!!!
Tanzania's wild creatures do not live in segregation; each species
represents strand in the network forming the community of plants and animals in
which it has fixed its niche. Even the briefest safari will go over many such
natural communities and habitats. The eye soon discerns that the African wild
is not a remarkable entity in which animals occur at random, but an ordered
kingdom, where every creature has its appropriate place. Some species are
tremendously adaptive and survive in a wide range of environments. Others are
cramped to definite niches or microhabitats. It would take volumes to portray
all of Africa's flora and fauna, not to talk about their interaction and the habitats
in which they survive in.
Boat
to Rubondo Island - “Unique environment“
- 3days/2night
Rubondo Island is tucked in the southwest corner of Lake Victoria,
the world's second-largest lake, an inland lake sprawling between Tanzania,
Uganda and Kenya. With nine smaller islands under its wing, Rubondo protects
precious fish breeding grounds. The major attraction is the presence of many
sitatunga which are indigenous to the island and not found any park in
Tanzania. Other animals includes velvet monkey, hippos, crocodiles, genes,
marsh mongooses and pythons, several other animals have been transplanted on to
the island including giraffes, elephants, rhinos black & white colobus
monkeys as well as tilapia form the staple diet of the yellow-spotted otters
that frolic in the island’s rocky coves, while rapacious Nile perch, some
weighing more than 100kg, tempt recreational game fishermen seeking world
record catches. Rubondo is more than a water wonderland. Deserted sandy beaches
nestle against a cloak of virgin forest, where dappled bushbuck move fleet yet
silent through a maze of tamarinds, wild palms, and sycamore figs strung with a
cage of trailing taproots.
FULL DAY DHOW
TRIP – ROMANTIC, COCKTAIL PARTIES OR SPORT FISHING) - 5 - 10HOURS
Our full day dhow or speed boat trip
will offer you a novel and interesting experience life on the lake. If you have
been traumatized by the stresses of city living, we offer the ideal or hidden
place on the island in which to recuperate and do some introspection without
any intrusions. It is a very therapeutic place to refresh your mind! Also it is your chance to visit birds
breeding islands, especially a variety of water birds, Eurasian migrants and
introduced African grey parrots. At evening time, simply relax on the beach
while you enjoy a fresh and sumptuous Tilapia barbeque and refreshingly cold
drinks with catering from the professional chefs, that make your incentive day
out one to remember!
BOAT TRIP TO WESTERN - UKEREWE
& UKARA ISLANDS
Duration:
2 days/1 night
Day
01: Full day boat Safari to South – East and Western route.
Your tour starts at discovering the beauty of fishing village and
camps that are both good way and really interesting to see local fisherman how
they live in peace, these camps are only used for fishing, the fisherman leave
from this place and also come back here in the morning to sell the fish that
they caught. Also you have chance to find the background of the fishing camps
to picture the history you heard transform it to reality. Following the boat
cruising trip to the crescent islands relaxing on the beautiful tropical white
sandy beaches of Nansio lagoon, there is beautiful protected area within
sandbanks in the hidden places around the lake; you sail to the deserted
sandbanks in the islands for some lazy times on the unique view point for
sundowners! Here it is your memorable time to watch the sunset, changing the
sky from shades of pinks and blues to magnificent golden colors as you sail
back towards the glimmering lights of Mwanza city “the Rock city”. D/O at
Holiday resort / Monarch Beach Resort.
Southern circuit
The sheer vastness of southern
Tanzania makes for some spectacular game viewing and superb African vistas. An
additional benefit of a visit to the southern circuit is the remoteness of the
location, which means that most visitors rarely see another car during their
long game drives. Whereas wildlife and big game are the focus of the northern
circuit, a trip to the parks of southern Tanzania allows visitors to learn
in-depth knowledge about complex ecosystems and diverse living creatures that
are usually skimmed over in more crowded areas. A visit to the southern circuit
is a trip into an unexplored and wild Africa.
On the southern Swahili Coast, the
little-visited old town Mikindani is a good base for diving explorations and
trips to the abandoned ruins of the ancient Swahili trading post. The old
German boma in Mikindani is also a historical site of interest.
•Udzungwa Mountains National Park
•Selous Game Reserve
•Mikumi National Park
•Ruaha National Park
•Sadaani National Park
The Southern Circuit includes some of
the less visited, remote and remarkable sights in Tanzania. Because it is less
well known than the Northern Circuit it has fewer tourists and you will
frequently be the only vehicle on the landscape.
Safaris in the Southern Circuit
usually start from Dar es Salaam and its best to fly to Dar if you wish to
visit the south. Safaris on the Southern Circuit easily connect to Safaris in
the Deep South , Zanzibar, Mafia and Pemba
islands by ferry or plane, or the Northern Circuit by plane (or a day's scenic drive passing
Kilimanjaro , Usambara Mountains and
Mkomazi Game Reserve).
There are a few slightly more obscure
destinations in Southern Tanzania, which are not part of the normal tourist
trail.
•Kilombero Valley
•Uluguru Mountains
•Ukuguru Mountains
•Unguru Mountains
•Rubeho Mountains
•Rufiji Delta Ecosystem
•Mahenge Mountains
•Wami Mbiki Conservation Area.
Sanje Waterfall
Trek into the pristine Eastern Arc
Forest and climb to the top of Sanje Waterfall. This is a spectacular 180m
plunge over the Udzungwa escarpment into the Kilombero valley. The panoramic
view from the top allows you to see the vast Kilombero floodplain and the
Selous. The walk to the top of Sanje Falls takes about 2 hrs and requires
moderate fitness.
Further up river (1km) from the main
falls are two other falls of 30m and 40m respectively. A path winds through the
sub-montane forest along the river's edge, making for a gentle stroll through
the trees and giving you the opportunity to experience the forest at close
hand. There are tree ferns and a variety of epiphytes and bryophytes. It is
also possible to visit the base of the larger falls for another spectacular
view.
The plunge pools are excellent for
swimming and cooling off from the hot climb - a highly recommended experience.
be warned - the water comes straight off the mountains and is often very
chilly! There are endemic African Violets (St. Paulia Sp.) in the spray zones
of the falls.
The climb up to Sanje Waterfall passes
from Miombo woodland to lowland forest to sub-montane forest and the endemic
Udzungwa Red Colobus Monkeys are usually seen. The endemic Sanje Crested
Mangabey can be seen at the top, as well as troops of Black and White Colobus
and Sykes Monkeys. This is an excellent location for primate viewing.
If you choose to camp at the top of
the falls there is the chance to enjoy a spectacular sunrise breakfast looking
out over the falls. There is he chance to find pygmy bearded chameleons and
tree frogs around camp after dark and listen to the sound of tree hyraxes. This
is also a great place to watch falcons and Crowned Eagles hunt. There are also
beautiful White-naped Ravens present at the top of the falls
Mwanihana Peak
Mwanihana Peak is the second highest
peak in the Udzungwa Mountains and suitable for the keen hiker only. It is a
magnificent trek. You begin by ascending through the miombo woodland of the
valley edge, through lowland forest to sub-montane forest and eventually
montane forest. There is a lush highland valley to navigate. The second day
sees you climbing steeply through montane forest, and finally bamboo, before
reaching the summit which has giant ericas and has the dry moorland vegetation
type.
The hike passes through lots of big
game country and there will be plenty of chance to learn some tracks and signs.
For your safety (from elephant and buffalo) you will be accompanied by and
armed Udzungwa Mountains National Park ranger as well as a guide on the
Mwanihana hike.
The first night is spent 16km into the
park at the base of the 2265m Mwanihana. This campsite is called 'Njia Ya
Panda' or 'Climbing Path'. Here you will get up early, hike to the summit
(enjoy spectacular views of a spiders web of elephant trails laid out below
you) and then trek to the Mivumu (Sacred Place) campsite. This area is
particularly good for looking at Sanje Mangabeys
It is possible to complete the whole
35km and 2000m ascent of the Mwanihana trail in 3 days 2 nights starting from
the park headquarters in Mang'ula but an extra night in the forest near Mivumu
is recommended for some extra monkey viewing. Since the walk should begin
early, it is necessary to spend a night in the Udzungwa area at Udzungwa Forest
Camp before starting.
Baobab Valley
Baobab Valley is situated between
Mikumi and Iringa on the edge of the Udzungwa Mountains National Park which is
bordered here by the Great Ruaha River. As the name suggests there are many
Baobab trees (Adansonia digitata) in this valley and they create a beautiful
prim-evil feel when combined with the rugged mountain scenery.
Boabab Valley is an excellent location
for bird watching and general relaxation. There are several interesting walks
in the area and it is possible to visit traditional local communities in the
area. There is also sometimes the chance to go on a boat trip on the Ruaha
River depending on availability. There are sometimes hippo and crocodile
visible in the river and you will always be treated to spectacular golden
weavers on the banks.
The Tanzam Highway runs through the valley
and so all camps in this area are close to the road and there is some traffic
noise at night. The road meanders through the surprisingly dry side of the
Udzungwas. The steep slopes of the valley, carved by the Great Ruaha River, are
dominated by a prolific number of ancient baobab trees and amongst them it is
possible to catch glimpses of water-buck, kudu and the elusive leopard.
This is a good location to stop over
on the way to Ruaha and there will be time to appreciate the swimming pool and
relax cool drink and a view of the river.
Mang’ula Village
Mang'ula Village is located in the
Kilombero Valley about 60km from Mikumi. It is nestled against the Udzungwa
Mountains National Park and is home to the Park Headquarters. This friendly
village has three major tribes: the Wapogoro, Wandamba and Wabena.
the village is mainly agricultural
with many of the villagers working in the neighbouring sugarcane farms. There
is a certain amount of traditional cultivation as well and it is possible to
visit some of the local farms and see the ancient farming methods in practice.
Mang’ula has a primary school and
Orphanage both of which are appreciative of any donations or materials you may
be willing to leave. Please contact us for further info on this.
There is excellent bird-watching
around the village in the shamba and on the forest edge. Crowned Eagles,
Martial Eagles, falcons, black kites and Bateleurs may often be seen as well as
three types of Hornbill: the Silvery Cheeked, Trumpeter and Crowned. The
increase in biodiversity know as the edge effect is particularly pronounced at
Hondo Hondo Campsite (Udzungwa Forest Camp) and we recommend this site to
birdwatchers of all levels.
The village has an excellent
traditional drumming and dance troupe that will be happy to perform for you by
a roaring fire (prior arrangement only). This is an authentic experience, not a
rehearsed show put on for tourists. The group usually performs at traditional
ceremonies in the local villages.
Mang'ulais the place to stay before
climbing into the Udzungwa Mountains or heading deeper into the Kilombero
Valley.
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