3 Major Places in Tanzania – Mountain Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Serengeti National Park.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Mountain Kilimanjaro is situated near Moshi town, south of the Kenyan border with magnificent natural phenomena and unmatched natural beauty. The significant meaning of the word “Kilimanjaro” is described in different theories. It’s claimed that Kilimanjaro has been understood as a mountain (Kilima) of greatness (Njaro). It was also suggested that it could possibly mean ‘The white mountain’ from a Kichagga word ‘Njaro’ to mean whiteness.Kilimanjaro Mountain is the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. The mountain possesses three cones: Kibo being the highest, dormant, and could erupt again. Mawenzi and Shira are extinct.Mount Kilimanjaro is well known for its exceptional mountain climbing experiences. So many tourists from all over the world travel to Tanzania to hike the summit of the tallest free-standing mountain. Different routes/trails provide a possibility for tourists to conquer this hike to the summit.Western routes: Lemosho, Shira, and Northern CircuitThe Lemosho route is considered one of the best since it has registered high victories to the peak.Northern route: RongaiSouthern route: Marangu, Machame, and UmbweThe Marangu Route is the oldest route to use while hiking. It is also convenient since it has sleeping huts and dormitories for hikers.The Machame route is the longest route but it is also considered a better alternative by hikers.The Umbwe route and Rongai route are considered among the hardest routes.The areas around the mountain experience both dry and wet seasons. It is risky during the wet season because of the slippery trails and mud. The best time to visit and hike Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry season in the months of December to March and June through September and October. The clear sky bestows a beautiful view. Having the right clothing is necessary for preparation to hike Mount Kilimanjaro due to the weather changes. Waterproof jackets and trousers, down jacket/thick fleece, good quality trekking trousers preferably made of quick-dry material, insulated gloves, and mitts, walking boots, scarf, sunglasses for eye protection.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area Tanzania
The well-endowed conserved land is home to all that any ardent fun hunting traveler is seeking while in Africa. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is sited on an area of about 8292 sq. km in the Northern part of Tanzania approximately the Arusha region in the Ngorongoro district.
Ngorongoro conservation area was initially part of the Serengeti National Park. Found in Arusha northern Tanzania and near the Kenyan border with an area covered of 8,292 square kilometers. In 1959 it was separated from the national park and made a conservation area. The main feature to look out for is the Ngorongoro crater, the world’s largest inactive caldera which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.Most tourists combine a safari to Serengeti National park with a tour to the Ngorongoro conservation area.
Some of the activities to do on a safari in Ngorongoro.
An interesting fact about the reserve is it allows human habitation where the indigenous Masaai people are allowed to graze at the crater especially during the dry season. Therefore, on the remarkable safari tourists come across the local Masaai people.Ngorongoro conservation area is a habitat for a variety of wildlife species like the big five and other animals including; warthogs, zebras, cheetahs, gazelles, and wildebeests. A wide range of birdlife; yellow wagtails, saddle bill storks, flamingos, crowned cranes, white storks can be spotted on a game drive or on a guided naturewalk. The best wildlife viewing time recommended is during the dry season from December to March and June to September. A photographic safari to capture beautiful sights of animals, birds, the Masaai tribesmen, and also the irresistible scenic savannah vegetation.Ngorongoro hosts Olduvai Gorge an archaeological site with a museum that showcases fossils of extinct animals and it is also well known as a discovery site for the first human remains.Hot air ballooning is an adventurous means to tour the crater and other areas within the conservation. It gives a magnificent view of the crater and the migration of the wildebeest.A visit to the bushmen in the remote areas of the park. Unlike some of the Masaai people who have taken up the western ways, the bushmen remain ancient and live off hunting and gathering. A visit to their homes allows the visitor to learn and discover their culture and ways of living.Picnics in the wilderness next to grazing wild game.
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is located in the Mara and Simiyu regions of Tanzania. It has an area cover of 14,763 square kilometers. Serengeti national park is prominently known worldwide for the park that hosts the massive wildebeest migration annually.Tourists come to Serengeti National Park to witness millions of migrating wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras as this can’t be watched anywhere else. These animals move in search of fresh water and pasture. The best time to visit and get a glimpse of the migration is between May to June and December to March.
Activities in Serengeti National Park
Game drive.
This can be a morning or night game drive. Game drives are popular because they enable tourists to spot animals in the park especially at the crack of dawn. Serengeti national park has the largest lion population in Africa and is therefore considered a Lion Conservation Unit. A pride of lions can be spotted at the Moru Kopjes rocks stretching while on a game drive and this is one sight that cannot be missed. Leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs can also be spotted.
Hot air balloon safari
This is an adventure that is highly recommended because tourists get a perfect aerial view of the park and the wild animals.
Nature walks
These allow you to do some bird watching and magnificent photography. Here are some of the bird species that can be spotted. Grey-headed Sparrow, Red-backed scrub, Variable Sunbird, Ostrich, White-crowned Shrike, vultures, and many more others. Tourists also get an opportunity to watch the hippos at the Retina Hippo Pool on foot.
A visit to the “Cradle of Man” Olduvai Gorge.
A fascinating archaeological site where the first human remains were discovered. Several other tools and fossils have been uncovered and can all be seen in the museum at Olduvai Gorge.
Exploring the Masaai community.
Serengeti National Park is a home for indigenous tribes like the Masaai pastoralists. They are easygoing and welcome people who have protected their culture for a long time. A visit to their community gives you a feel of their culture which includes traditional dance, traditional food, and some of the traditional beliefs.
A bush dinner
A bush dinner in the wilderness is one not to miss on a visit to Serengeti National Park. A delectable meal under the stars.Camping in the Serengeti close to wild game is a thrilling experience and mostly exciting if it’s a group traveling together.Other sites that can be visited include; the Bologonja Springs, a visit to the Lobo valley, and also a visit to Ngorongoro crater.Jewel Safaris offers perfectly organized and well throughout Safaris in Tanzania or East Africa safaris that are destined to serve all safari interests.