Tanzania Budget Adventures

Introducing Tanzania (Continued...)

ignificant areas, with forty per cent of its land protected as national parks. There are around 10,000 different plant species as well as a vast array of mammals, birds, and aquatic and reptilian life to encounter.

Mount Kilimanjaro is in the north-east of the country. It’s the fourth-tallest peak in the world, rising to a lung-busting 5,893 metres. In the north and west are the Great Lakes of Tanzania. The largest, Lake Victoria, is a mind-blowing 26,600 square miles across its surface! Another must see is Lake Tanganyika. This is Africa’s deepest and the world’s longest lake; Lake Tanganyika reaches four countries and plunges to 1,219 metres at its deepest.
The interior of Tanzania is a large plateau, characterised by plains and arable land. The eastern shoreline provides many beautiful beaches, with the islands of Pemba, Zanzibar and Mafia just offshore.
Tanzania has a mainly tropical climate. Summer extends from November to April with temperatures of 25 – 31C. Winter runs from May through October and is cooler (15 – 20C). Tanzania’s equatorial climate brings two seasons of rain: the masika (the long rains) that falls from mid March to the end of May, and the mvuli, (the short rains) which are intermittent throughout November and December.

Trekking

One of the most popular trekking holidays in Tanzania is the climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. There are several routes to the summit; these vary in length, duration and physical difficulty. Although Mount Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb, it is, on all routes, a trekking challenge. The Rongai route is considered to be the easiest and most scenic trail; while the Lemosho route is thought to be the most adventurous and the most challenging, yet also the quietest route to the summit.
Alternatively, there is the lesser known, but equally scenic trek to the summit of Mount Meru. This is Mount Kilimanjaro’s neighbouring peak and rises to 4,566 metres. The Mount Meru trek is often done prior to a Kilimanjaro trek as an acclimatisation climb.
Then there is the Crater Highlands. These soar up from the grasslands of the Rift Valley. They form a lush chain of mountains and volcanoes. If this is not enough, then there’s the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the surrounding Masai tribal lands to explore.

Safari

For most of us the word ‘Safari’ is synonymous with the name Serengeti. This enormous national park covers 8,700 square miles and is to be found in the north of Tanzania, on the border with Kenya. If you’re in search of the ‘Big Five’ then definitely head for the Serengeti’s grassy plains and Acacia forests. Among the lions, rhinos, buffalos, elephants and leopards are giraffes, hyenas, gazelles, some primates and approximately one million wildebeest!
In south eastern Tanzania is the gigantic Selous game reserve. It covers six per cent of Tanzania’s total land mass – a whopping 21,081 square miles! Selous is considered to be one of the world’s last, truly pristine wildernesses. A game reserve, by definition, is for the wildlife not the humans. So, here the roads are rough or non-existent and the living basic, but if you’re an intrepid type with a sense of adventure then travel to this reserve. The journey is always worth it; zebra, hippopotami, crocodiles, elephants, birds and the world’s largest population of African hunting dogs are found here in greater numbers than anywhere else.

Whitewater Rafting

The best place for whitewater adventure in Tanzania is the Rufiji River. This wide ribbon of water traverses across the southwest of Tanzania before emptying into the Indian Ocean. It’s a highway, a metropolis and a sanctuary for the local wildlife that call it home. Float past dense jungle forests, spot rare birds and reptiles and say good morning to Tanzania’s largest African elephant family.

Overland Tours

A popular overland tour is the Northern Safari Circuit. This encompasses the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and highlands, Tarangire National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Southern and western Tanzania is still relatively unexplored. This area is one of Africa's best wilderness regions. Top of the list are the Selous Game Reserve, Gombe Stream National Park and the Mahale Mountains National Park.
Over on the east of Tanzania is the small but animal-packed Saadani National Park. Travel overland through the park to the eastern coastline where elephants wander gracefully along the sandy beaches. From here hitch a ride on a Dhow (traditional African boat) to the island of Zanzibar; Delve into the spice markets and explore the under-water wonderland off the beaches.

Mountain Biking

The rugged topography of Tanzania sets it up well for challenging and rewarding riding. Most mountain biking trips are run in the north of Tanzania, in the area around the Kilimanjaro National Park and the Rift Valley Escarpment.
All but one of Tanzania’s national parks do not permit mountain bikers for safety reasons – fast moving bikes and startled large animals don’t mix well! The one exception to this is Lake Manyara National Park in the north. Check out the tree-climbing lions, incredible bird-life and beautiful scenery from the comfort of your saddle, in this compact game-viewing park.
There are also a few mountain bike races held in Tanzania annually, and they are not for the feint-hearted; here locals and foreigners compete side-by-side. One race runs part way up Mount Meru and the other is a team event that blitzes through the Rift Valley.

Classic Itineraries

Most flights to Tanzania land at Julius Nyerere International Airport, in the capital city Dar es Salaam. The city is vibrant and historic; relax and enjoy the hustle and bustle.
Daily buses leave from Dar es Salaam for Arusha, the nearest town to Mount Kilimanjaro. Once there, arrange your trek up the mountain.
After you’ve conquered its dizzy heights, explore the national park, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Rift Valley. If you’re keen for more trekking, there’s always Mount Meru, about 70 kilometres away
Ever onward, arrange transport from Arusha into the Serengeti National Park.
Follow your wildlife extravaganza with some time hanging out by Lake Victoria, just west of the Serengeti.
To finish your trip, head east to the Selous National Park and the equatorial coastline. The islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia invite you to relax and soak up the sun before heading home.