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.
The 50 km long Olduvai Gorge between the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti has on several occasions shed the light over the origin of human kind.
Already in the 1920`s, Mary and Lois Leakey found the first fossil leftovers of the forefathers of Homo sapiens, and later they dug up a few primitive stone tools and animal fossils. The important breakthrough came in 1959, when Mary Leakey discovered a cranium of zinjanthropus (now called Australopithecus boisei), who lived about 1,75 million years ago. Shortly thereafter they found fossils which had even greater similarity with humans, and they came to the conclusion that this had to be a new species, Homo habilis (the able man), who lived in the Olduvai Gorge at the same time of the Zinjanthropus. Homo habilis had a large brain and was able to make primitive tools. In 1976 Mary Leakey made another revolutionary discovery in Laetoli close to Olduvai. This time it evolved around fossil footprints, which proved to be 3,6 million years old. They were set in volcanic ashes and were in amazingly good condition when she discovered them. Today we know that these footprints stem from the species australopithecus afarensis, a 1.30m tall creature looking more like a monkey than a human being.
The footprints from Laetoli have revealed that our forefathers have been walking upraised for about 4 million years, twice as long as believed earlier. In a 4-wheel-drive one can drive down the gorge and have a closer look at the findings. Most tourists settle for a brief look at the history in the museum, which is situated only 6 km from the main road between Ngorongoro and Serengeti. For a modest fee you get a lecture, a look at some of the findings, and access to study the exhibits and pictures of the pre historic animals. It is not possible to overnight at the Olduvai Gorge.
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.
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.
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
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
Our safaris take you to the best of Tanzania s wildlife abundant parks and reserves, as well as areas of cultural richness. We can also customize an itinerary to suit your special interests, budget, and time allowance.
Among the various safari destinations in Tanzania, the national parks provide the best safari attractions and activities for a holiday in Tanzania. These include;
* Arusha National Park
* Ngorongoro Crater
* Lake Manyara National Park
* Tarangire safari Park
* Serengeti wildlife Park
* Mikumi National Park
* Udzungwe Mountains Park
* Usambura Mountains and Amani Nature Reserve
* Olduvai Gorge
* Maserani Snake Park
Itinerary for Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti wildlife a and Lake Manyara safari- 7 Days with African Safaris Travel
Day 1: Nairobi - Tarangire
Depart Nairobi early in the morning crossing the border and arriving in Arusha for Lunch, or join this tour in Arusha. After lunch drive to Tarangire National Park and you will have a chance to look for Elephants, buffalo and other game on the way.
Day 2: Ngorongoro Wildlife park
Leave after breakfast, a game drive through the Park and then drive past lake. Manyara and across Karatu wheat plains to reach Ngorongoro in time for a late Lunch. The afternoon is at Leisure.
Day3: Ngorongoro
0800 hrs ,after breakfast, taking a picnic lunch with you, descend 2,000 ft. (670 M) into the crater floor, for full day game viewing. Break for lunch at Ngoitoktok springs picnic site. Ngorongoro is the only place one would expect for sure to see the endangered rhino. Needless to mention the animal varieties and abundance, the crater also offers colourful bird life of all distribution. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
Day 4: Ngorongoro- Serengeti safari
Depart after breakfast and stop first at Olduvai Gorgefor a visit to the museum. Lunch at the Gorge Museum. After Lunch, visit various sites of the Gorge to see where the remains of the pre- historic man were discovered by the famous archeologist Dr. L. S. B. Leakey. Visit an old masai homestead on the way. Proceed to Serengeti plains past Serenora and on to Lobo, with afternoon game viewing ,arriving at your lodge for a late evening. After lunch afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
Day 5: Serengeti Tour
Leave Lobo for Ndutu with game viewing in Serengeti and around Ndutu woodlands to locate Leopards and numerous plains games as well as Cheetahs, common species here. Overnight at Ndutu Safari Lodge.
Day 6: Serengeti - L. Manyara
After breakfast, with brief game viewing on your way out of Serengeti drive through Gibbs Farm for a delicious farmhouse lunch. Later, drive on to L. Manyara Lodge. Afternoon game drive, dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
Day 7: L. Manyara - Nairobi
After breakfast, drive to Arusha via Mto wa Mbu village for shopping of the Makonde carvings and other souvenirs. After lunch in Arusha drive to Nairobi via Namanga border town, arriving early evening.
Elgon National Park(1145 Sq km) isbetween 1,460- 4,320 metres above sea level. It is anexitinct volcano and the highet mountain in East Africa.The park has magnificent water falls, gorges, hotsprings, caves and is a home to over 300 Bird species and numerous wildlife varieties.
For years, mount Elgon remained the exclusive domain of the serious backpacker because good birding trails were non-existent and relatively intacthabitat a long day’s hike from the nearest road. This neglect by birders was further compounded by the presence of productive, more accessible forest areas in south western Uganda.
With the recent construction of the “Forest Exploration Centre” at Kapchorwa allowing birders access to excellent montane forest, this site can easily be incorporated into a 5-6 day “Eastern Extension” that includes the localities
for Fox’s Weaver and the arid savannah around Moroto.
The mountain is excellent for hiking and does not require any climbing equipment or skills. Full trekking course takes about 4 to 5 days to complete but there also 3-7km route that take 3days. The Sipi falls not far from the park are an addition to your experience.
The trekking circuit has 5 camping sites along it in addition to the accommodation at Kapkwata rest house and the Forest exploration centre.