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– Tanzania safaris
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Tanzania National Parks and Reserves
Safaris can be made to all of the parks and reserves in Tanzania, although
it is usual to group them into the Northern and Southern circuits. (Even
more details of the parks
can be found here.)
Ngorongoro is a giant crater, which forms a natural bowl containing
a wide range of natural habitats and an amazing concentration of wildlife.
On a half a day safari you can see rhino, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah,
buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, impala, plus flamingos, pelicans
and many other birds.
Serengeti, along with Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar, is one of those
wonderfully evocative African names which just rolls off the tongue. All
the types of wildlife seen in Ngorongoro can also be seen here and –
for sheer numbers – this is the best safari park in Africa, especially
because the flat grassland makes game so easy to see. If you're just interested
in wildlife sightings, you'll see everything in Ngorongoro or Tarangire
that you'll see in Serengeti. However, you won't have the sensation of
space that only the vast plains of the Serengeti can create.
Lake Manyara is most famous for its huge flocks of birds, hippo
pools and also for large herds of giraffe. Other local specialities include
a pride of tree-climbing lions.
Tarangire is often overlooked by
visitors in favour of the 'big three' safari parks, but it's a real gem
of a park and worth including in a longer Tanzania safari. In the dry
season there's almost as much wildlife here as in Ngorongoro, but far
fewer people.
Selous – Tanzania and Africa's largest game reserve, is increasingly
becoming a favourite destination among discerning safari-goers. Dominated
by the mighty Rufiji river, it offers spectacular boat safaris, particularly
in the wonderful late afternoon sunlight, as well as varied woodland and
open terrain for game drives and foot safaris. Among the great diversity
of wildlife are some of Africa's largest populations, including wild dogs,
elephants, crocodiles, hippos and buffalo.
Ruaha is enjoying a growing reputation for spectacular game viewing
in dramatic and unspoiled surroundings. The great diversity of wildlife,
includes huge numbers of elephant and buffalo; many species of antelope,
among which the Greater kudu, roan and stable are prevalent, and many
predators – with regular sightings of the usually elusive wild dogs
and leopards. Birdlife is particularly spectacular as many migrant birds
rest in Ruaha, adding to the extensive list of residents.
Katavi is the great unknown gem of African safari destinations.
Its very difficult access has kept this area truly wild and the annual
safari visitor list is only a few dozen. Katavi can boast huge herds of
buffalo, elephant, hippo, waterbuck, zebra, eland, topi and many others.
Tanzania safari accommodation
Safari accommodation is usually in lodges in the parks but in some of
the southern parks mobile camps are used so that you can stay as near
to the game as possible. Cheaper safaris usually camp outside the parks
and the expensive 'classic' safaris have their own luxurious tented camps
deep in the bush.
Wildlife viewing
Most of the Tanzania safari parks only allow you to view the wildlife
from inside a vehicle. In the south, in Selous and Saadani, we can organise
foot safaris where daily walks will make you feel much closer to the game
and the bush.
Check out the itineraries
page or contact us to ask for more details
about Tanzania safaris and wildlife tours
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