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INTRODUCTION
TA N Z A N I A
see & do
THE MIGRATION Often described as one of the greatest wildlife spectacles, and certainly the largest collective movement of wildlife, the migration is the annual cycle of almost two million herbivores, mainly wildebeest and zebra. This spectacle occurs in the Serengeti, as the herds move in a circular fashion, following the fresh grasses. The animals spend much of the time from January to May in the volcanic plains of the Serengeti, below the Ngorongoro Crater area, where soils are fertile and grasses most rich. This is the calving season, when the wildebeest have a chance to rear their young quickly, before the plains begin to dry out. At this stage, the herds move northwest towards the Grumeti region and onwards into the Mara any time between June and September. Between October and early December, the animals snake their way back towards the grasses of the Serengeti and so the cycle continues. THE NORTH The Serengeti, meaning `infinite plains' in Maa, the language of the Masai, is perhaps the most famous national park in the world.
The name is appropriate, given the vast expanses of grassy savannah, which stretch as far as the eye can see, studded sporadically with acacia woodland and winding rivers. As well as being the park of migratory activities, it also has an abundance of resident game including some 9,000 giraffe, 5,000 elephant and many big cats. Also in the north of the country, the Ngorongoro Crater area is a unique natural animal reserve sometimes called the `Garden of Eden', and often the `Eighth Wonder of the World'. This wildlife haven enjoys fertile, volcanic soils and is a vibrant mix of pink hues as the flamingos gather at Lake Magadi and grazing elephant. In fact almost all the wildlife associated with Tanzania is prevalent here, with the exception of the giraffe. Lake Eyasi is also a stunning region, south of the crater and home to the fascinating cultures of the Hadzape and Mangati tribes. Also in the northern region is Lake Manyara, home to the famous though elusive tree climbing lion. THE SOUTH The park of Saadani tumbles uniquely towards the shores of the Indian Ocean, on the East coast of Tanzania. This park offers some spectacular scenery and a truly
distinctive experience with the azure waters on one side and African bush on the other. Selous, pronounced `Seloo' is the largest park in Africa, spanning 21,000 square miles and lies towards the south of the country. The park is said to be home to up to 100,000 elephant and is certainly a taste of rustic Africa. An undeveloped haven of nature and an absolute must for a safari enthusiast. Ruaha, the second largest park in Tanzania is separated from the Selous by the Udzungwa Mountains and also features undulating plateau's of shrub covered savannahs. THE WEST The western parks of Mahale and Katavi offer an insight into the true remoteness of the most untouched corners of this magnificent country. Mahale, is a park of contrasts and unimaginable beauty. The shores of Lake Tanganyika are powder cream sand, the waters crystal clear, but behind a lush cluster of verdant, thickly forested mountains where primates reside. Meanwhile Katavi, the untouched, rugged and fascinating park of golden grasses, densely populated with game is also rarely visited by tourists, making it even more special and ideal for the true safari enthusiast.
TANZANIA REGIONAL MAP
Lake Victoria
INFORMATION
Nairobi Speke Bay Serengeti Ngorongoro Crater
Lake Natron
Machakos
Kigali Rwanda
Ukerewe I.
Kilimanjaro Arusha Mt. Meru Lake
Eyasi
Kenya Malindi Mombasa Pemba I.
Zaire
Mahale
ang eT Lak i any ka
Masai Steppe
Tanzania
Kitavi
Kitunda Mtakuja
Lake Rukwa
Dodoma
Saadani
Zanzibar I. Dar-es-Salaam Mafia I.
Gt
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ha ua
Ruaha
Morogoro
Kipili
Lake Mweru
R
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ha
Mt
ns
Selour
INDIAN OCEAN
Capital: Dodoma, though Dar es Salaam remains the executive capital. Population: Over 36 million people, comprising 128 different tribes in over 560 000 square miles. Language: Kiswahili and English are the official languages and Arabic is widely spoken in Zanzibar. Time Difference: GMT +3 hours. Flight time: Approx 10 hours Currency: Tanzania shilling. Geography: Open plains and high plateaus from Lake Tanganyika, nearly 5,000 ft deep to Kilimanjaro, 19,000 ft high. Souvenirs: Stunning `Gogo' wood carvings, `Sighida' gaskets and Tanzanite jewellery. Note: Due to accommodation shortage or weather conditions safaris may be operated in reverse and alternative lodges used.
Lake Bengweulu
Lake Nyesa
call 01306 743000 I www.kuoni.co.uk I see your travel agent
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