Safari and Tour

Lake Victoria

Western and Lake Victoria Circuit

Famous for containing some of the last remaining wild chimpanzees in Africa, the Mahale Mountains National Park was gazetted in 1985, covers an area of 1 613 km² and is located about 128 km south of Kigoma town on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika. The western boundary of the park protects an adjacent 1.6 km wide strip of Lake Tanganyika’s waters.

The land in and around Mahale is the traditional homeland of the Watongwe and Waholoholo tribes. Japanese primate researchers began exploring along the shore of Lake Tanganyika, south of Kigoma as early as 1961. In 1965, the researchers established their first

camp, ‘Kansyana’, in Mahale and began habituating chimpanzees.

The terrain is mostly rugged and hilly, and is dominated by the Mahale Mountains chain that runs from the northwest to the southeast across the park. The highest peak (Mount Nkungwe) rises to 2 462 m above sea level.

Mahale offers a number of outstanding attractions for visitors, from tracking wild habituated chimpanzees, to mountain climbing, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking and relaxing on deserted, pristine, white, sandy beaches.

  • Walking safaris in the beautiful, lowland forest allow close encounters with a vast array of birds and animals, including a group of habituated chimpanzees. The opportunity to track chimps in their natural habitat is Mahale’s foremost tourist attraction.
  • An ascent of the highest peak in the Mahale Mountains ridge, Mt. Nkungwe, is one of the most spectacular activities available to tourists. It takes 2-3 days to reach the summit, and the best time for climbing is during the dry season (May – October). Whilst camping on the mountain at night, it is often possible to see the spectacle of ‘fishing fire’, as the kerosene lamps carried by small fishing boats light up across the Lake.
  • Lake Tanganyika contains more than 250 species of fish found nowhere else on Earth, many of which can be viewed by snorkeling in the shallows along Mahale’s shoreline.
  • Long walking trips can be arranged for viewing big game such as lion, elephant, hippo, buffalo, giraffe and leopard. These safaris may require up to 7 days.
  • Sport fishing on the fresh waters of Lake Tanganyika is possible under special licenses available to visitors.
  • Cultural tourism activities entailing visits to the nearby villages can also be arranged. Kigoma town and the historical town Ujiji are worth a detour. Kigoma is the capital of the Kigoma District and the economic center of the region. Ujiji is a historical town dating back to the days of German colonial rule in Tanganyika. In the 19th century, Dr. Livingstone traveled to Ujiji in a bid to stop the slave trade.
  • Other tourist destinations in western Tanzania that can complement a visit to Mahale Mountains National Park include Gombe Stream and Katavi National Parks, lying north and south of Mahale respectively.

Rubondo Island National Park

The Rubondo Island National Park is situated in the south western corner of Lake Victoria in Tanzania. It is Tanzania’s only park on Lake Victoria and attracts only a small number of visitors mainly bird enthusiasts and fisherman.

The island measures 28km in length and 4 km in width and consists of a partially submerged rift of volcanically formed hills with volcanic soil. The landscape consists mainly evergreen and semi-deciduous forest with patches of grassland. There are two distinct habitats – to the west is the papyrus swamps  lined  with  date  palms  and  to  the  east  are

rocky to the east are rocky areas and sandy beaches. The wildlife is quite diverse and includes hippos, otters, bushbucks, chimpanzees, Genet, colobus and dik dik; but the main attraction is the birdlife.

The island boasts nearly 430 recorded species including huge numbers of storks, bee-eaters, flycatchers, kingfishers, ibises, cormorants and the one of the highest concentrations of fish eagles in the world. Due to its geographical location it also attracts a large number of migrant birds. The forests are a wonderful display of butterflies fluttering about a seasonal display of orchids, coral trees and fireball lilies.

The island is best explored by boat or on a walking safari with an expert guide.

Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is Tanzania’s largest lake, the largest tropical lake in the world, and the second widest fresh water lake in the world in terms of surface area. Being relatively shallow for its size, Lake Victoria ranks as the seventh largest freshwater lake by volume. It is the source of the longest branch of the River Nile, the White Nile. It is a biological hotspot with great biodiversity.

The lake lies within an elevated plateau in the western part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. The lake has a shoreline of 2,138 miles and has more than 3,000 islands, many of which are inhabited. These islands include the Sese Islands in Uganda,  a  large  group  of islands in the northwest  of the lake that are becoming a popular destination for tourists.

Lake Victoria is relatively young with its current basin formed only 400,000 years ago. The lake’s shallowness, limited river inflow, and large surface area relative to its volume make it vulnerable to climate changes. Core samplings taken from its bottom show that Lake Victoria has dried up completely three times since it formed. These drying cycles are probably related to past ice ages, which are times when precipitation declined globally. The lake last dried out 17,300 years ago, and filled again beginning 14,700 years ago.

Look Tanzania safaris  will take you for bird watching and fishing  more over meet wasukuma the most famous on traditional dance around  Lake Victoria.

Historical Town

Bagamoyo Historical Town

Bagamoyo Historical Town is a small Tanzanian coastal place bordering the Indian Ocean to the west. Dar es salaam, Tanzania’s major city, is about 45km to the south of Bagamoyo.

Important historical places as the ancient slave market, Kaole archeological site, the old Arab fort are found in Bagamoyo. Bagamoyo was once a thriving trade center at the time of slave and ivory trade, when Dar es Salaam was an insignificant village.

However, the abolition brought about its decline; today Bagamoyo is a sleepy town. Fishing is an important economic activity for the people of Bagamoyo. Tourism is also important to the economy of Bagamoyo; many visitors came here to explore the ancient historical sites that serve as a testimony to Bagamoyo’s glorious past. Many modern hotels have been built in Bagamoyo sea side to cater for the increasing number of visitors.

The Bagamoyo beach is an ideal place for relaxation after a wildlife safari or climb of Kilimanjaro. The serene and picturesque surroundings coupled with the cool gentile afternoon breeze assure a relaxing moment in time.

Traditional Dhow builders, historical ruins, sleepy white washed fishing villages, boat trips. Day trips to Sadaani National Park.

Diving and Snorkeling

Diving and Snorkeling – Coastal Zone

In snorkeling, you stay on the surface, looking down through a mask and breathing through a snorkel.Some evidence suggests that snorkeling may have originated in Crete some 5,000 years ago as sea sponge farmers used hollowed out reeds to submerge and retrieve natural sponge for use in trade and commerce.

A great range of options for beginners, intermediate and advanced divers

When taken in comparison with some of the world’s best dive spots, such as Sipadan in Malaysia, or the Blue hole, Tanzania may not rank all that highly but this is to do it a disservice in our view. For many that are looking just to have a few scenic dives during their beach stay the island of Zanzibar will definitely tick the spot and, for those looking to “drop in” on something a little larger or spend a bit more time in the water then the islands of Mafia and Pemba, to the north and south of Zanzibar, will certainly suit and…if you are looking for somewhere a little special…then northern Mozambique is a short flight away.

Zanzibar Island Diving

As mentioned in our intro paragraph above, Zanzibar is not really somewhere that we tend to recommend to clients who would like to do anything more than a few dives as, with limited inner reef, there is not a whole load of different options. This being said though, please see our review of a few of the major dive areas below:

Mnemba Island – a great dive destination for those that are starting out as this small atoll has a  shallow wall dive down to around 18 meters with a sandy bottom. The coral cover here is very acceptable and, with some of the island’s best garden reefs, it is also possible to combine with an afternoon of snorkelling easily enough.

Kizimkazi Reef – arguably the only really good dive location on the island is right down in the south, right next to Unguja Lodge. This area is part of an inner reef system that runs out to the barrier reef which, as you are south facing, is not as deep or as complete as along the southern edges of the island. While the property doesn’t really have any beach to speak of, this is certainly a good contender for those that would like Zanzibar and some diving.

Off Stone Town – another interesting area to dive is off the western side of the island. While not reef diving as such, this inner channel, between Zanzibar and the mainland, has plenty of sunken wrecks to go and have a look at. As this is channel diving, there is slightly more current to contend with.

Recommended Properties: Mnemba Lodge, Unguja Lodge, Ras Nungwi, Echo Beach Hotel

Mafia Island Diving

This small and sleepy island to the south of Zanzibar has long been held as one of the two locations.That really does offer good diving and would provide a keen and experienced diver plenty to do over the course of a week.

Mafia Island Marine Park

The first of Tanzania’s official marine protection zones, created in 1996, Mafia Island Marine Park is starting to show signs that it is benefiting from the respite from the dynamite fishing that is commonplace amongst local fishermen. As such, it is now the best area for diving on the island and offers a whole range of different dives from cave diving, wall diving, bouldering and drifts.

As the reef for most of the first dives is the outer barrier, Mafia is not the ideal spot for those that are keen on snorkelling.

Recommended Properties: Ras Mbisi, Kinasi Lodge, Pole Pole, Chole Mjini

Pemba Island Diving

As with Mafia Island, Pemba Island, to the north of Zanzibar, is definitely one of the locations to head to if you are a keen diver. Usually known more for the larger fish shoals and pelagics that tend to come in here, it will, again, give a medium to advanced diver plenty to keep occupied for a week or so.

Bird Watching Safari

Bird Watching Safari

With some of the world’s most diverse environments, Tanzania is a mecca for birders

With a resident population in excess of 1,388 different bird species, and many more that come down and up here from Europe and Southern Africa, Tanzania is probably one of the greatest places on the planet for birders. From the gigantic Marshall eagle to the delicate Sunbird, the elusive Shoebill to the omnipresent Marabou, there is certainly something to please any keen twitcher!

Part of the reason that Tanzania has such vast numbers and varying species is down to the wide array of differing topographies and micro climates that exist in the country. Below we have run through a few of these in the main tourism locations…but….for the adventurous, it is also possible to head further afield to really try and find a few rarities (the shoebill in the central western wetland complex of the Moyowosi-Kigozi, for example)

The Eastern Arc Mountains and the Tanzania Endemic Bird Area

The ancient range of mountains, that dissect Tanzania from its north eastern edge to its south western edge, and that take in the Mountain ranges of Pare and Usumbara in the north, Uluguru north and south, Udzungwa and Mahenge in the south, are the oldest in East Africa and home so some of the greatest endemic biodiversity in the world.

Due to their isolation approximately 10 million years ago, the Eastern Arc Mountains became a haven for all types of flora and fauna and, today, this is one of the last places on the planet where it is possible to encounter truly endemic species and, for the truly intrepid birder, some totally new species.

Probably the most important of the reserves within the EBA is the Udzungwa Range National Park which is located to the north of the Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania. This park is home to many of the countries main endemic species. The nearby, Amani Nature Reserve is, however, a more accessible haven for those wanting to try and see these rarities.

Birding In the North of Tanzania

The national parks to the north of Tanzania have been formed through the moving together of two tectonic plates and, as such, this is an area that is both barren and fertile in equal amounts. The main National Parks of the Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Tarangire are very good for large raptors and scavengers, but, if you are looking to get away from the “flock” then please see a few additional areas below:

The Momella Lakes – located in the north of Arusha National Park, these lakes are fed by underground streams and are a mecca for water birds in particular. Species commonly seen here include flamingo, pelican, little grebe and a variety of herons, ducks and waders are also common.

Lake Natron – fed by underground springs and the Ewaso Ngiro River, Lake Natron is one of the famous Rift Valley Lakes and sits to the north of the Ngorongoro Crater, on the border with Kenya. This inhospitable region or caustic waters and parched earth is the main breeding ground for East Africa’s 2.5 million or so lesser flamingo who rally here in the summer months of August and September. As a sheer spectacle on its own, it is something worth seeing.

Rubondo Island – situated in the southern reaches of Lake Victoria, Rubondo Island is an often forgotten corner of Tanzania and, only now, is it becoming more developed and connected once more. This island has many great features but one of these is that, with its forested and freshwater habitats, it is very popular for bird species of all kinds.

Birding In the South of Tanzania

Bird Watching Safari to the northern parks of Tanzania, the main parks of the Selous Game Reserve Kilombero plains Mikumi  and Ruaha National Parks are superb birding destinations in their own right. More over little information on the Selous and a couple of other destinations that are less well known:

The Selous Game Reserve with most of the main camps in the park being located along the winding Rufiji River, the Selous is a superb park for seeing all number of bird species ranging from the fish eagle to the malachite kingfisher and the secretary bird.

Uluguru Nature Reserve a part of  the Eastern Arc Mountains.Probably one of the most exciting and accessible areas for birding in southern Tanzania and, for those looking to see any of Tanzania’s endemic species, it is a must visit.

Historical Site

Historical Sites

Historical Site along Iringa Town our guide are informative will take you experience tribal rule, colonial times, Independence and present day.  The tour is unique in Southern Tanzania.

Isimila Stone Age Site

20 km south of Iringa is the Isimila Stone Age site…..

A dry bed of a former shallow lake, where in 1951, amid a landscape of small canyons and eroded sandstone pillars, archaeologists unearthed one of the most significant Stone Age finds ever identified.

Tools found at the site are estimated to be between 60,000 and 100,000 years old along with other bone fossils including those of related to the modern giraffe but having a much shorter neck and an extinct hippopotamus with unusual periscope like projections. The museum has well-captioned displays highlighting some of the finds.

The site preserves important evidence of early hominids activities when groups of nomadic hunters and collectors used to hunt along the shores of the ancient small lake.

The Isimila central valley consists of a spectacular deep canyon caused by water erosion characterised by collection of strangely formed sandy pillars. The main pillar area is accessed via a walk down into a steep valley (about one hour round-trip), for which you’ll need a guide.

Iringa Town

‘Lilinga’ a Kihehe word for ‘fortress’ is how the local people described the impressive fort of Chief Mkwawa at Kalenga. However the Germans thought they heard “Iringa” and that is what they called their own fortress.

The rich history of Iringa Town from tribal rule to colonial times to present day.During German occupation, the German military constructed the town as fortified defense against marauding Hehe tribal warriors intent on driving them out of the region. Gangilonga rocks, site  just outside of the town, is a legendary spot where the Hehe chief at that time,Chief Mkwawa, met with his people and decide how to fight the German.

 

Arusha

Day Trip to Arusha National Park

After a leisurely breakfast you will depart for Arusha National Park,once the site of the action packed Hollywood movie Hatari, starring John Wayne and Hardy Kruger. Set between the slopes of Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro this small park is one of Tanzania’s hidden gems and one of the few places where you will have a chance to see the rare Black & White Colobus monkeys.

The parks contains a series of shimmering alkaline lakes, which attract flamingo’s and a variety of birds, along with elephant, buffalo, zebra, gazelle, wart hog, hippo and an amazing number of giraffe. One of the highlights of today’s visit is a short walk to a viewing area overlooking the miniature Ngurdoto Crater, which is completely reserved for the animals.

Enjoy a picnic lunch and a short walk on the Mt. Meru side, before heading back to Arusha arriving at the Lodge in the afternoon. Relax for the rest of the day.
Overnight – (all meals & activities)

Usambara Mountains

Usambara Mountains

Usambara Mountains, situated in the north eastern part of Tanzania, are known for their pleasant climate, beautiful view points and fertile slopes. Favored by the Germans and English during colonial times, the area is rich in historical buildings from the period. Excursions, which take half day or less, will include hiking and visits to Wasambaa villages, where visitors may have a glimpse of daily life of the local people.

Day 1:  
The tours begins in Lushoto with an uphill walk to Kwembago the ancient village of the Data family. A subclan of the royal kilindi line ages typical of most Shambala villages. Kwembago is situated along mountains range with panoramic views over Lushoto valley, The Maasai steppe and the surrounding mountain of the western Usambara Mountain. From Kwembago the working tour continues through Magamba rain forest where rare plants and animals life can be seen after two hours of working through the rain forest you drive to Mtae. Driving in tine to view the mult – colored suntel over the plain and distant pare Mountains. You stay a night at Mtae Hostel. (4 hours on foot 2 hours on drive)

Day 2:  
The day begins around 7:30am with stroll through the village of Mtae to a view point from which you can see Kilimanjaro on clear days. After which you begins to Climb the Shaghayu Peak 2220m which has spectacular views to the Pare Mountains across the borders with Kenya. On your way you pass Mpanga, a village whose name (cave) drives. From its grotto – like entrance traditional religions site viewed by local people as a mode of the sprints and Shangayu rain forest, where to viewed trees serve as play ground for various monkey species. (5-6 hours walk)

Day 3:   
This last days work takes you either to Mamboleo or Tema. These villages are noted for their soil conservation and traditional irrigation projects which concentrate on the development of stone or bench terraces to improve farming. You guide will give you full explanation about traditional Shamba farming method and how they fit to their local environment conditions. Mamboleo and Tema present picturesque example of how the Shamba have combined their traditional architecture – conical, thatched earthen houses – with introduced architectural styles such as the rectangular “Swahili” house. The following morning you leave for Lushoto by driving. (6-7 hours walk)

Day 4:
Start the walk at 7:30 a from Mtae passing through tropical Shangayu rain forest. Learn the traditional medicine from plants and the walk is cool and quire in the forest where you may see back and white colobus monkey,butterflies and chameleon. Walk through village where you learn and see the tradition activities performed by Shamba tribe which locals shires ideas. See their general life then stay in Mlalo village at the Hostel. (6–7 hours walk)

Day 5:
Mlalo has an alluring famous old German Church and missionary station. Then walk to the highest Usambara mountains called Mtumbi. Then visit several markets and the village the pottery woman project then drive back to Lushoto.Finish the trip or a night there and next day drive to Lushoto to end the adventure trekking. (5-6 hours walk)

Kitulo National Park

Kitulo National Park

Kitulo National Park covers an area of 412.9 sq km (159 sq miles. The temporary park headquarters at Matamba are situated approximately 100km (60 miles) from Mbeya town.Located in Southern Tanzania.

Perched at around 2,600 meters and (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 most important montane grassland community in Tanzania.

“Garden of God”

One of the most important watersheds for the Great Ruaha River, Kitulo is well known for its floral significance, not only a multitude of orchids, but also the stunning yellow-orange red-hot poker. A variety of aloes, proteas, geraniums, giant lobelias, lilies and aster daisies, of which more than 30 species are endemic to southern Tanzania.

Big game is sparsely represented, though a few hardy mountain reedbuck and eland still roam the open grassland. Locals refer to the Kitulo Plateau as Bustani ya Mungu – The Garden of God while botanists have dubbed it the Serengeti of Flowers, host to ‘one of the great floral spectacles of the world’.

And Kitulo is indeed a rare botanical marvel, home to a full 350 species of vascular plants, including 45 varieties of terrestrial orchid.Which erupt into a riotous wildflower display of breathtaking scale and diversity during the main rainy season of late November to April.

Biological wealth of the Gods garden

Kitulo plateau as bustani ya – a botanist and hiker’s paradise – is also highly alluring to birdwatchers. Tanzania’s only population of the rare Denham’s bustard is resident, alongside a breeding colony of the endangered blue swallow.Other such range-restricted species as mountain marsh widow, Njombe cisticola and Kipengere seed-eater.

Endemic species of butterfly, chameleon, lizard and frog further enhance the biological wealth of God’s Garden.

Park Highlights Include:

  • Locals refer to the Kitulo Plateau as Bustani ya Mungu – The Garden of God, while botanists have dubbed it the Serengeti of Flowers.
  • Wildflower displays peak between December and April. The sunnier months of September to November are more comfortable for hiking but less rewarding for botanists.
  • Good hiking trails exist and will soon be developed into a formal trail system. Open walking across the grasslands to view birds and wildflowers. A half day hike from the park across the Livingstone Mountains leads to Matema Beach on Lake Nyasa
  • The gap of Numbi valley is occupied by Juniper Forest, one of the most extensive in East Africa. Towering up to 50 M these are among the tallest junipers in the world.
Hot Air Balloon Ride Safari

Hot Air Balloon Ride Safari

Activity Duration: 2-3 hours

Location: Serengeti National Park

A most memorable morning in a hot air balloon over the Serengeti as the sun rises. You will be picked-up at your lodge at 5 am and taken to the launch site where you and your fellow passengers will be briefed by your pilot and you will watch your balloon inflate. The one-hour ride takes you gliding over the beautiful Serengeti Plains as the sun rises. After, enjoy a champagne breakfast under a baobab tree. This activity can take place in either the Central or Western Corridor.

From Serengeti Balloon Safaris they said …..join us in an extraordinary adventure. Float in a hot air balloon over the famous Serengeti National Park with its enchanting scenery and vistas.

Activity Duration: 2 – 3 hours

Hot air Balloon Ride Safari at Ruaha National Park

Ruaha is probably the most beautiful National park for the balloon flight in the world and the ultimate destination for safari experience.

Here the guests will meet their pilot, receive a briefing and watch the inflation of their balloon. At dawn it will take off, rising as the sun rises and floating in whichever direction the winds of the morning takes. The pilot can precisely control the altitude of the balloon: sometimes flying at treetop height, sometimes lower, offering a unique perspective and great photographic opportunities of the wildlife below.

At other times, pilot may ascend to 1,000ft or more, to see the enormity and wonderful panorama of Ruaha. From time to time the pilot must put more heat into the balloon with the powerful whisper burners. In between these burns, there is silence apart from the natural sounds below.

The flight is for about one hour, depending on conditions, and eventually it must land. You will celebrate in the traditional manner with champagne (well, an excellent sparkling wine) before sitting down to a full English breakfast prepared and served in the bush in

Hot Air Balloon Ride Safari Package Includes:

– One-hour Balloon ride
– Pick up and drop off from the selected lodge
– Excellent sparking wine
– Bush breakfast
– Balloon Concession Fees
– Hot air balloon certificate

Hot Air Balloon Ride Safari Package Excludes:

  • Any other apart from above
  • $475 USD
Saadani National Park

Saadani National Park-Savanna meet the Beach

The Wami river offers probably the best boat safari in Tanzania and is a favourite with visitors to Saadani National Park. The boat often passes flocks of flamingoes at the mouth of the estuary before entering the river with its abundant wildlife and profusion of bird life. Explored by foot the reserve is extremely rewarding and highlights how much game lives in close proximity to the beach.

The unique experience of tracking giraffe through prime bush then emerging onto a pristine beach in a matter of a few paces is not easily forgotten. Improved road conditions within the reserve have made the prime game viewing areas more easily accessible and the wildlife is now becoming used to 4×4 vehicles on the game drives.

Saadani National Park is in the unique position of providing the opportunity to observe Africa’s big game and bird life interacting with the sea. Foot safaris combining the bush and the beach, birdwatching by canoe on the Mafue river and game drives are all available from the lodge and a boat safari on the Wami river can be organised as part of a full day game drive. The nearby Madete Marine Reserve offers superb snorkeling and is a green turtle nesting site.