HISTORY
Mama Maasai Tanzania is considered as the cradle of mankind because here, in the Olduvai Gorge, Dr Louis Leakey discovered the fossilized remains of Homo habilis, calculated to be 1.75 million years old and the forerunner of modern man.Tanzania was occupied by various African tribes most recently the Maasai from Kenya, who have retained their proud traditions. Arab merchants visited the coast some 2,000 years ago and settled in Zanzibar around the eighth century and later establish trade routes into the interior. The intermarriage of Arabs and local people created a new people with their own language- Kiswahili (Swahili) whose word for Journey “Safari” has become the international description of a trip into the Wild. The Portuguese established temporary settlements in the 16th century, supplanted by the Omanis in the late 17th century who developed the infamous slave trade. The scramble of Africa by the European powers at the end of the 19th century led to occupation of the mainland by Germany although Zanzibar become a British protectorate. After World War 1, Germany was forced to surrender its territory to the British. Tanganyika, as the mainland was then known, achieved independence in 1961. Zanzibar become independent two years later and shortly afterwards joined with the mainland to become the United Republic of Tanzania.
1. MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Climbing Kilimanjaro is one of the most rewarding and exciting Tanzania vacations you could choose. At 19,340 feet, the snow-capped Kilimanjaro dominates the Tanzanian skyline and is certainly an overwhelming sight. The ascent to its peak is a walk rather than a climb, so, despite being a huge mental and physical challenge, no specialist expertise is needed apart from the key word pole pole (slowly Slowly) . So long as you have a good fitness level and a healthy respiratory system definitely you will conquer the summit.
2. NGORONGORO CRATER
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| Ngorongoro Conservation Area |
Size: 8 288 km² / Established: 1959
Adjacent to the Serengeti National Park and bordered by the Great Rift Valley lays one of Africa’s densest wildlife areas and a treasure trove of prehistoric human history. The major draw of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the Ngorongoro Crater – one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas brimming with wildlife. About 25 000 large animals inhabit the 260 km² crater that is bordered by a 600 metre tall rim. The density of big game and mammalian predators makes the crater one of Africa’s most popular game viewing destinations.
3. Serengeti National Park
Size: 14 763 km² / Established: 1929
The Serengeti is easily Africa’s most famous national park and rightfully so. With an incredible density of predators and prey the Serengeti showcases the beauty and brutality of Africa’s wildlife like few other places. The annual wildebeest migration is among the biggest movements of biomass on earth; more than one million wildebeest are joined by 200 000 zebra and 300 000 Thompson Gazelle. It is also the Great Migration that gave Serengeti National Park World Heritage Site status in 1981. Desperate ungulates crossing croc-infested waters, cheetahs accelerating out of high grass, the thundering roar of a lion and vultures circling above will create memories of a lifetime.
4.Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar is an island known for its many spices, ivory, magnificent ancient buildings and its history; stone town included. For 1200 years Zanzibar was at the centre of trading due to its location. It was involved mainly in slaves cloves and ivory. Slaves were used widely for duties such as carrying elephant tusks until it was abolished in the nineteenth century.
5.Stone Town
The Old Stone Town is a testimony to the islands past. It is now a World Heritage Site and is full of old characteristic buildings and oak carvings reminding everyone what it once was. Zanzibar is unique to other beach destinations due to its history and culture; African and Arab combined. There are spice plantations, tremendous beaches and a tropical climate to match. Coming here would be fantastic to wind down after a safari or to come and explore the town and educate yourself on its magnificent history. Stunning colourful reefs make it ever so tempting to delve into the water and enjoy snorkeling and diving along with other watersports.
6.Ngurdoto Crater (Arusha National Park)
Arusha stands out among the parks of the Northern Safari Circuit. While this relatively small park doesn’t have the game viewing of its famous neighbours, it does offer spectacular scenery, a wide range of habitats, some 400 species of birds, the black-and-white colobus monkey and the park’s highlight – Mount Meru. The stratovolcano peaks at an elevation of 4 566 metres making it Africa’s fifth tallest mountain. Mount Meru dominates the landscape of Arusha National Park and offers great opportunities for hikers. From the peak hikers will enjoy the best views of the neighbouring Mount Kilimanjaro.At the foot of Mount Meru the Momela Lakes are filled with water birds, while giraffe and zebra can be seen in the grassy hills. The montane forests are alive with monkeys and birds, while the Ngurdoto Crater protects a marshy floor that attracts large herds of buffalo and warthog. The alpine desert near the peak is home to some unique evergreen flowers.Arusha offers visitors some curious creatures such as the shaggy-coated waterbuck and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Elephant and leopard are hard to spot in the park, while giraffe and buffalo are common sights in Arusha. Klipspringer can be seen on the higher slopes of Mount Meru and blue monkeys are the curious inhabitants of the montane forests. Hyenas can be seen in the early morning or late afternoon while dik-dik hide in the shrub.The diversity of habitats attracts a large number of birds. Raptors circle above the crags of Mount Meru, while the alkaline Momela Lakes are home to flamingos and waterfowl. The forests have colourful inhabitants such as trogons and turacos. Overall Arusha National Park is home to about 400 bird species.
The ascent of Mount Meru is a scenic climb that passes through magical forests on the bottom slopes and eventually emerges into the alpine desert with some of the best views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscape. The climb takes three to four days and is known as a good preparation and acclimatisation for Kilimanjaro.
The main attractions – Mount Meru, Ngurdoto Crater and the Momela Lakes can be seen within a day.
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