The Meserani Snake Park is located some 20 km to the west of Arusha Town, just off the tar road that leads towards the world famous Serengeti National park. At the snake park there is a collection of snakes and other reptiles, some of the most fascinating animal of Africa. The Snake park has provided a new attraction for visitors on the northern Tanzania tourist circuit and building the park was quite an adventure.
This little-known mountain range is one of the gems of Tanzania. Lying north coast, the Usambara s are a relict patch of the great tropical forests that once spanned Africa from the Atlantic to the Indian Oceans, and have more in common with the forests of West Africa than those of East Africa .
The Usambaras are a treasure house of botanical and zoological and Ornithological diversity, with a huge number of endemic tree and plant species and the Birds of course… Although large tracts of the original forests have been levelled for tea planting, enough of the original wilderness remains to make this a hiking, birding and primate-spotting paradise.
Birders will want to keep eyes open for most of the species that are endemic to the Usambara forests and Tanzania in particular the Usambara eagle owl, Usambara alethe and the Usambara weaver are among others. This is one of the best places in East Africa to see notable birds like the green-headed oriole, Amani sunbird, bar-tailed and Narina trogons and Fischer s turaco. Amani was once a resort for holidaying German officials, and there is a basic guesthouse and a campsite set amidst the spectacular forest.
The Amani Nature Reserve is an extraordinary place for botanical study. Within its boundaries there are many endemic tree species as well as an interesting relationship between the high level of floral endemism and invading species.
It is possible to base from Mikumi to access the Southern Highlands such as the Udzungwe Mountains National Park for the Southern Tanzania Endemic species as well as access the Ifakara area and the Kilombero Flood plains with her specialities and rarities. Accommodation in Ifakara and Udzungwe is basic.
The greatest altitude range of forests in East Africa: The eastern escarpment is the only place in East Africa with unbroken forest cover from lowland forest communities at below 250km above sea level, through intermediate types, to mountain communities at over 2,000m.
Exceptionally species-rich forest: The Udzungwe contain plant species found nowhere else in the world, ranging from a tiny new African violet to 30m high trees.
Rich primate fauna:
The park hosts six species of primate, two of them endemic forms - the Iringa (Uhehe) red colobus monkey and the Sanje Crested Mangabey. The latter was only discovered in 1979.
Diverse large mammal community: The plateau contains resident populations of elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, wild dog, sable antelope, eland and water buck. there is also a rich small bovid community, with good numbers of red, blue and abbots duikers and bushbuck.
Richest forest bird habitat in Tanzania with several endemics. Recent studies have added several new species the park’s bird list (including a new species of francolin.) This gives the Udzungwe forests a ranking in the top three areas important for bird conservation in mainland Africa.
Spectacular mountain scenery with rainforest, wooded grasslands, rock faces, rivers and waterfalls: The falls on the Sanje River drop some 170m through the forest to the valley below. The mountain plateau allows views of over 100km.
This small Wildlife Jewel is dominated by Hills and Plains as well as part of the famous Miombo Woodlands, these varied habitat is an excellent spot of several special and rare Wildlife not seen any where in Tanzania.
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
Rare Species such as the Wild Dog, Sable Antelope, Greater Kudu and Roan Antelope have been recorded in Mikumi National Park. Bird Watchers may be in position to spot Miombo woodland specialties such as Racket Tailed Roller,Pale billed Hornbill, Shelley`s Sunbird, Wood Hoopoes and Hoopoes. The Boem`s Bee-eater and the Miombo Rock Thrush are the few other Species to add on.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Except March, April and May.
ACCESS
4 hours Drive in a 4WD from the Coast of Dar es salaam.
This continues great Eco system into the Maasai Mara of Kenya is the oldest and largest wildlife park in East Africa with a total land area of over 250000sq kilometres. Siringet (now serengeti) is a Maasai word for “flat endless plains”. Indeed your eyes, Scopes and Bins will be the limit to the freely roaming wildlife in the Serengeti country.
WHAT TO SEE
The wildebeest migration from Serengeti to Maasai Mara in Kenya and Vice versa. All the big cats and, the Big five except the Rhino may be spotted on a two to three days game drive depending on luck in the wilderness.
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
Wildebeest migration between June - October and December to May. Each year at about this time of the year, over a million large Mammals including Grazers and Carnivores come together to breed, a sight that even a fanatic Birder will find irresistible to ignore. This is the only place in East Africa with the highest concentration of wild life “The Serengeti shall never die”. Two Tanzania endemic bird species occur in the Serengeti - the Fischer’s Love bird and the Grey breasted Spurfowl. Other specialities in the Serengeti include the Usambiro Barbet, Yellow throated Sand grouse and the Silver bird…the list is endless.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
June through October, December and May.
ACCESS
6 Hours from Arusha in a 4 WD Vehicle.
It neighbours with lake Manyara Park, ecosystem almost similar.Covers an area of 2600sqKm.With large herds of Elephants, Thomson and Grant’s Gazelles, Gerenuk and Oryx may be spotted.
SAFARI HIGHLIGHT
Tarangire national park is best for the famous Baobab tree, Maasai giraffe & a birders paradise. The endemic Bird species include Ashy starling, Yellow collared Love bird and the Rufous tailed weaver can be found here. Other specialities include Yellow breasted Apalis, Slender Tailed Night jar, Lilac breasted Roller,Black faced Sand grouse ,Coqui Francoline ,Magpie shrike and the Red and yellow Barbet.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
June through December and January to mid April.
ACCESS
2 Hours Drive from Arusha in a 4 WD Vehicle.
Lake Manyara
WHAT TO SEE
This is where Florists and Botanists as well as Birders meet their world. A variety of vegetation species occur, ranging from monotone forest vegetation to plain savannah grassland. Here the Natural world is for you; spot tree climbing lions, zebras, Maasai giraffe and the breathe taking view of the spectacular lake Manyara. Bird life is prolific as you approach the lake shore, a variety of Gulls may be spotted and may be the Vulturerine Guinea fowl,Blue napped mouse Bird and the mountain Wagtail.
SAFARI HIGHLIGHT
Lake Manyara has the highest density of Elephants in East Africa ( at least 7 Elephants per sq kilometre). A profusion of colourful Birds awaits your discovery in the ground water forest as you spot pelicans and cormorants swimming among walloping Hippos and Flamingos in their pink on the lake. You will be able to update your Bird check list while in Lake Manyara, do not miss to visit the Hippo pool.
BEST TIME
Non stop visit to lake Manyara, all year round.
ACCESS
3 hours Drive in a 4WD vehicle from Arusha
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a wide protected area approximately 8.300 square kilo metres of several volcanic mountains and craters within the
This is popularly known as the “Eighth wonder of the world”, Noah’s ark, the
The area is managed by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority with the focus of balancing the requirements of the local Maasai people and their domestic stock, wildlife, the natural environment, and to manage the effects of tourism on the area. This amazing area comprises archaeological sites, extinct and active volcanoes, breathtaking mountains, forests, vast lakes and magnificent wildlife.
The crater area holds a large concentration of wild animals that one can not miss on a
Due to the varying topography, altitude varies from under 1.500m to 3.648m, and hence climate, a wide scope of habitats are found here ranging from dense montane forests, grassy plains with both fresh and salty water lakes, swamps, undulating plains covered in grass to upland woodlands predominantly made up of Acacia tree species.
BEST TIMES TO VISIT
All year except the rainy April. Come and see for yourself.
ACCESS
4 Hours drive from Arusha in a 4 WD Vehicle
Ngurdoto crater, within the Arusha national Parks (ANAPA) is a thrilling tourist attraction on its own. A caldera of an extinct volcano, Ngurdoto has a ring road that allows fabulous views down into the lush crater interior.
At the moment you can only drive up to the crater rim through the misty forest inhabited by the nimble black and white colobus monkeys that are the mascot of the park, Leopards are the main predator in this area and, strangely, there are no lions apart from the odd visitor.
Driving along the high ridges on the Crater edge provides a stunning view of the forests, glades and animal tracks that abound in this lush habitat.
The good news now is that the crater will be more thrilling to visitors as one would now be able to walk around the rim, half way.
In other words, Tanzania has once again added a new dimension into its already famous tourism industry. It has just introduced a new tourist product a walking safari around the ream of the world famous Ngurdoto Crater - at Arusha National Park.
Indeed, and typically Tanzanian, the tourist Mecca of the world has a further feature in game viewing Safaris and Trekking around the park which also include the Mount Meru.
“We are on the final touches of introducing another added value at the Ngurdoto Crater”, says thrilled ANAPA Chief Park Warden, Mr. Erastus Lufungulo.
He said the crater, known as a ‘mini Ngorongoro’, would start being accessed by walking tourists from July or August this year. Presently visitors can only access the ream half way by driving only.
Mr. Lufunguro said the on going works include clearing the foot paths and placing various guiding signs around the crater, adding that the works are almost complete and, when the walking trips are officially launched, “ANAPA would further be shrouded by its mystery and beauty”.
He said another uniqueness of the walking safari around the crater is that even older people would be able to walk around as the area is not steep. There would be several viewing points, staring at Leitong view point and ending at the highest viewing point known as Vikindu.
The three kilometre wide 400 metres deep volcanic caldera Ngurdoto Crater is famous for large herds of buffaloes, black and white colubus and blue
monkeys, among dozens other features in Arusha National Park.
TANAPA officials say, the additional attraction at ANAPA would further make the park demonstrate an incredible diversity of environments. In addition to preserving Mt. Meru, an extinct volcano of almost 15,000 feet, (4,566 metres) this park is also home to beautiful mountain lakes and craters.
The park has three distinct habitat zones that contribute to the amazing variety of wildlife in the area. From the lush green swamps surrounded by thick forest in the Ngurdoto Crater, up through the scenic beauty of the Momela Lakes, each a startlingly different hue, through to the chilly alpine like tundra on Mount Meru.
In addition to being an excellent park for birders, Arusha is one of the only places to see the black and white colobus monkey, flamingoes in huge congregations in the Momella lake
The remains of a large volcano, the Ngurdoto Crater is a steep sided bowl of lush swamps and riverine forest, home to elephant, buffalo, baboon, reedbuck, colobus monkeys, leopard and duikers.
Mosses, ferns, lichens and orchids thrive in the damp atmosphere of the Crater, giving way to huge mahogany, olive and date palm trees on the drier crater walls.
Descent into the Crater itself is not allowed, in effect creating a sanctuary within a sanctuary and leaving a large area of the park to the wildlife alone.
The Arusha National Park was ‘discovered’ by Sir Julius Huxley. Founded in 1960, it is 33,800 acres in size and consists of three spectacular features: the Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, and Mount Meru.
There is a beautiful mountain forest with unique species of plants and wildlife. The park is famous for its 400 species of bird life, both sedentary and migratory, and the black and white colobus monkeys. It is dominated by Mount Meru, an extinct volcano that rises 14,990 feet.
Tourists also have the opportunity to view a snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, weather permitting.
Arusha National Park is one of Tanzania’s smallest parks, covering an area of 137 sqkm . It is the closest national park to Arusha town – the Capital of northern Tanzania. The town and the Park derive their name from the Warusha people who traditionally lived in this area. However the Park also overlaps into areas where the Maasai lived and most of the place names in the Park are of Maasai origin.
The Park has a wide range of habitats, from the crater lakes where many water native and migratory birds can be viewed, through the highland montane forest, up to the impressive summit of Meru Mountain.
The forests contain a diversity of birds and other animals. The nice looking bushbuck easily glimpsed in the grades between the antique cedar trees, or the black and white colobus monkeys jumping from one branch to another. The appealing scenery of the area is reflected in the extraordinary sight of the ash cone and cliff face leading to the peak of Mount Meru.
Arusha National Park is one of the few in Tanzania where walking safaris take place, mainly because it is small with a few dangerous predators. Hikers pass through wooded savannah where buffalos and giraffes are regularly encountered. The ascent of MountMeru then leads into forests in flames with red-hot pokers and dripping with Spanish moss, before getting to the high open moorland spiked with giant lobelias. The alpine desert presents the ceaseless flowers and delicately-hoofed klipspringers along the trek. On both sides of the rocky summit, Kilimanjaro stands unveiled, withdrawn in the sunrise.
What to see on a Holiday to Arusha
Ngurdoto Crater- a miniature crater about 2 kilometres wide and a few feet deep with forested walls, Momella Lakes, Mt. Meru (4500M), Black & white colobus Monkey, all kinds of Big African game except Lion and Rhino. Hundreds of different species of sedentary birds to include the Silvery cheeked Hornbill, Hertlaub`s Turaco, Giant Kingfisher, a variety of wadders and Divers including Lilly troters, Yellow billed Stork and the Maccoa Duck respectively. Accommodations shall be arranged in Arusha Town.
Access
A 45 Minutes drive from ArushaTown.
Holiday Safari Highlights
Impressive views of Mount.Meru(4566 Metres), Elephants and Buffaloes, Maasai Giraffes, a variety of beautiful Birds most of them endemic to East Africa, Ngurdoto crater.
Best time to visit.
All year around except April and mid May. November.
Best views of Kilimanjaro December-February. To climb Mt Meru, June-February although it may rain in