Tanzania +
Lake Manyara National Park
The national park measures 325 sq Km, while the lake covers 230 sq. Km. Since the 1920s, the region around L. Manyara provided sports hunting. A game reserve was established in 1957, and in 1960 received national park status. Most of the land is a narrow strip sitting between Lake Manyara to the east and the Gregory Rift wall to the west. It’s part of the Lake Manyara Biosphere Reserve, which UNESCO founded in 1981. Lake Manyara National Park also facilitates the migration of animals to Tarangire National Park, thanks to the Kwa Kunchinja Wildlife Migration Corridor. The park is highly accessible, which is part of its appeal.
Lake Manyara, at an altitude of 960 m, is a shallow alkaline lake appearing as a depression in the Rift Valley. Although it lacks an outflow, it has a number of permanent streams and springs draining the Ngorongoro Highlands and feeding into it.
The lake’s depth is not constant because it changes with the climate. During the dry season, its surface area shrinks due to evaporation. It also dries up entirely in extreme conditions. The lake covers two-thirds of the park when full.
Marshlands, a grassy floodplain and saline flats define the lake’s outer region. The park also features large baobab trees on the slopes around the west side, where the rift wall stands. Dense acacia woodland covers a narrow section of the rift wall. Mahogany and fig trees are present close to the gate, where a tall groundwater forest grows.
The park also boasts more than 600 flowering plants. You will find numerous common species and a few endemic and rare ones. This contrasting vegetation is part of what gives the national park remarkable vistas.
Birdlife in Lake Manyara
If bird watching is high in your itinerary, then stop by Lake Manyara National Park. The lake attracts thousands of flamingoes in the wet season. Expect to see the Lesser and Greater Flamingo along the lake’s edge. The Great white pelican is another species that frequent the lake. Even though the numbers decreased over the years, the park still provides birding enthusiasts with plenty to see. The area around the groundwater forest is a particularly popular spot for different species. Some birds found in the park include pink-backed pelicans, grey herons, yellow-billed storks, Marabou storks and palm-nut vultures.
The Wildlife
Admittedly, you won’t have the same variety as in other nearby parks. Nonetheless, the national park is a decent destination for a simple safari, especially if you are in a hurry. Most of the large mammals found at Lake Manyara are migratory. You can catch zebras, wildebeests, and Grant’s gazelles as they pass head to Tarangire. The park also receives plains game for a short period from the Mto wa Mbu Game Controlled Area.
The dry season attracts a significant wildebeest population, which grazes exclusively on the alkaline grasslands. Other herbivores found in the park are baboons, hippos, elephants, Cape buffaloes, waterbucks and giraffes.
Lake Manyara National Park has a small predator population that includes the black-backed jackal, spotted hyena, bat-eared fox, African civet and leopard. If you are lucky, then you might see a cheetah or African golden cat.
Watch out for black-maned lions climbing trees and perching themselves on branches. The sight is one every wildlife photographer hopes to land. Lake Manyara is one of only two regions where lions with this trait live.
When to Go
You can tour Lake Manyara National Park all year, but the dry season between July and November is the most opportune. Tourists enjoy undisturbed game viewing during this time due to thinning vegetation. Animals are also easier to spot as they frequent water holes.
For bird watchers, the wet season (November-May) is ideal. Waterbirds are in plenty, allowing you to see more species than during the dry season. Additionally, tourist numbers dwindle during this period, enabling bird watchers more time and space.
Despite its size, Lake Manyara warrants a visit, especially if you want a simple day tour that packs a punch. Contact Explorer Kenya to plan a Lake Manyara National Park safari, while at it, check out the rest of our offerings for the Northern Tanzania circuit.
Mt Kilimanjaro
Tanzania officially the United Republic of Tanzania is a country in East Africa within the African Great Lakes region. It is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north; Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west; Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south; and the Indian Ocean to the east. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest and the largest free-standing mountain in the world is in northeastern Tanzania. Tanzania covers a total area of 945,087 square kilometers including 59,050 square kilometers of inland water.
Tanzania’s population of 51.82 million is diverse, composed of several ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups. Tanzania is a presidential constitutional republic, and since 1996, its official capital city has been Dodoma, where the President’s Office, the National Assembly, and some government ministries are located. Dar es Salaam, the former capital, retains most government offices and is the country’s largest city, principal port, and leading commercial center.
Best time to visit: Tanzania can be visited year-round although the best time for traveling is between June to October when the temperatures are below the summer peaks and also it is the time when wildebeest migrate from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to the south of Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve. On the beachside locations, e.g. Zanzibar the spice Island, it is fine to visit during the hotter months that is between December to January when the ocean breeze makes the high temperature bearable.
Climate: Climate in Tanzania is tropical, hot, and humid in the coastal areas, cool and temperate in the northwestern highlands. There are two rainy seasons – Short rains between late October to December and long rain is between March to early June. The hot season is between January to early March and August to early October. Tropical clothing is worn throughout the year, but during the cold season, we advise you should always be warm enough, especially in the evenings.
Tanzania contains some 20 percent of the species of Africa’s large mammal population, found across its reserves, conservation areas, marine parks, and 17 national parks, spread over an area of more than 42,000 square kilometers and forming approximately 38 percent of the country’s territory. Wildlife resources of Tanzania are described as “without parallel in Africa” and “the prime game viewing country”. Serengeti National Park, the country’s second-largest national park area at 14,763 square kilometers is located in northern Tanzania and is famous for its extensive migratory herds of wildebeests and zebra while also having a reputation as one of the great natural wonders of the world. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, established in 1959, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site inhabited by the Maasai people. Its Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact caldera in the world.
SIX DAYS MAASAI MARA SERENGETI NGORONGORO SAFARI ENDING ARUSHA
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
From bird watching to game viewing to photography tours, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NGA) is perfect for all kinds of adventures. The region varies in altitude, climate and landforms, affording it different habitats. Its biodiversity is one of the criteria that made the protected area a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you are planning a safari and intend to see as many animals as possible, then the Ngorongoro Conservation Area should be at the top of your list. Explorer Kenya can help you put together the ultimate wildlife safari to Ngorongoro. Whether it’s a family trip or a solo adventure, get ready for a magical experience. Why’s that? Because NGA is a must-visit location. This guide explains more.
Brief info
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Located in the Ngorongoro district in northern Tanzania, NGA was established as a single-use area in 1959. It means the region is designed to accommodate the co-existence of animals and humans. The semi-nomadic Maasai have been living in the area and practising pastoralism for centuries. However, human settlement and subsistence farming are limited according to the Ngorongoro Wildlife Conservation Act of 2009.
NGA was initially part of the Serengeti National Park. However, it became necessary to split a section from the park due to tensions caused by the displaced communities. Moving the people living in what was the national park to the conservation unit ensured they could continue with sustainable economic activities. Controlled land use reduces the effects humans have on wildlife. Authorities also ensure the human population stays within the allowed capacity in the reserve.
The conservation area is one of a kind in Tanzania, which is one of many reasons to tour it. Like the district, the conservation unit is named after the Ngorongoro Crater.
NGA has distinct habitats that are part of its contribution to the Serengeti ecosystem. The region goes from highland catchment forests to short grasslands; montane long grass plains to savannah woodlands. It prides itself on offering largely undisturbed lands, hence maintaining the integrity of the ecosystem.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area connects to the Serengeti National Park and the rest of the ecosystem through functioning corridors to facilitate the Great Migration.
Ngorongoro Crater
For many people, the name Ngorongoro is synonymous with the famous volcanic caldera. The Ngorongoro Crater is breathtaking, with a gorgeous landscape that earned it a spot on the list of the natural wonders on the planet. Besides its prolific wildlife, the crater has enchanting vistas.
With a floor covering 260 sq. Km and 600 m deep, the crater is the world’s biggest, unfilled, inactive volcanic caldera. It resulted from a volcano forming and, later collapsing, approximately two to three million years ago. In 2013, it was voted one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders.
The Ngorongoro, Empakaai and Olmoti craters form part of the eastern Rift Valley. In Olmoti, the Munge Stream, which is the primary water source, drains the crater to the north into the seasonal Magadi salt lake. Another stream, Lerai, empties the crater to the south, feeding into Lerai Forest and Lake Magadi during heavy rains. Ngorongoro also gets water from Ngoitokitok Spring, located on the crater’s eastern wall. A huge swamp next to the spring attracts a variety of animals. The crater floor has several small springs that serve as water sources for animals and humans, particularly during drought periods.
Communities living in the region grazed livestock within the crater, but the activity has since been prohibited.
Wildlife in the Ngorongoro
It’s not for nothing this protected area is the premier game viewing destination in Tanzania, and perhaps, Africa. NGA hosts various animal species, ensuring visitors experience the region’s diversity. Most of the wildlife, mainly consisting of ungulates, lives inside Ngorongoro Crater. It has a sizeable population of the blue wildebeest, Grant’s zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, eland and waterbuck. Since it’s part of the Serengeti ecosystem, the region sees over a million wildebeests pass through here during the annual migration.
Some of the large mammals you can see here include Cape buffaloes and hippos. The crater is also one of a few places in the world where you can see the endangered black rhino. It provides habitats for several other globally threatened species.
If you are hoping for elephant sightings, look around the Gorigor Swamp, where the large mammals with their massive tusks graze. The crater has one of the densest lion populations. You can catch several prowling along the plains. Other big cats, including leopards, are present in the crater.
Visitors can also view game outside of the crater. The area around Ndutu Lake, west of the conservation unit, offers an impressive population of lions and cheetahs. Other animals found in the region include African wild dogs, spotted hyenas, hartebeests and jackals.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to over 500 bird species, offering more than enough bird watching opportunities.
Olduvai and Oldupai Gorge
You can’t say to have experienced a complete NGA tour without seeing the Oldupai and Olduvai Gorges. The two sites are why the region is called ‘the cradle of humanity.’ They are the locations where archaeologists discovered the earliest known human species specimens. Olduvai Gorge stretches for 50 km along the eastern Serengeti Plains. It’s a steep-sided ravine resting in the rain shadows of the Ngorongoro highlands.
The gorge is considered one of the world’s most significant prehistoric sites and, thus, has been the subject of extensive research. It is expected the area could reveal more evidence of human evolution. If you appreciate archaeology, then Oldupai and Olduvai Gorges should be on your itinerary.
Visit Ngorongoro
Games drives are some of the most popular activities in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. They allow visitors to see the different animals from various spots in the reserve. However, you can also take safari walks in some sections of the conservation unit. Walks are perfect for photography tours because you can enjoy awe-striking panoramas from different vantage points.
If you intend to take in the captivating landscapes at a leisurely pace, then a picnic is an excellent idea. You can arrange to eat in the plains while drinking in a glorious sunrise or sunset.
Camping is another way to experience NGA. The area has campsites where guests can set up and marvel at the beauty of the conservation unit at night. Watch predators in their element and see what else the region has to offer under the cover of night. If you are planning a backpacking trip, then consider camping in Ngorongoro.
When to Go
June to October and December to January, the dry season, is ideal for touring the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. During this time, wildlife is easy to spot because the vegetation is not dense. Animals also frequent water holes, providing uninterrupted sightings and perfect photo opportunities.
You would never run out of things to do in The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, making it a safari destination worth your time and money. Let us give you the experience of a lifetime by planning your NGA safari tour, whatever your preferences.
TOUR TO NGORONGORO
SIX DAYS MASAI MARA SERENGETI NGORONGORO SAFARI ENDING ARUSHA
Tarangire National Park
Are you searching for a park where you can see diverse wildlife with few tourists around? Then Tarangire National Park in northern Tanzania is perfect for you. The national park is a little gem that promises enriching adventures minus the hassle of large crowds. It’s among the less-popular parks in Tanzania. Despite the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti hogging all the attention, Tarangire remains a decent find. A tour of the national park delivers glorious surprises thanks to the huge animal population. Explorer Kenya includes a visit to Tarangire National Park in its northern circuit packa
Tarangire National Park
Named after Tarangire River, the national park is in the Manyara region of northern Tanzania. It covers an area of about 2,850 sq. Km, and is part of the Tarangire ecosystem. During the dry season every year, the Tarangire ecosystem facilitates the migration of wildebeest and zebras. Animals from nearby calving areas also move to the national park when it’s dry. Tarangire River, which crosses the park, is the main freshwater source. It’s the primary reason animals flock to the reserve.
This Park has a high density of baobab trees. Come see for yourself some of the most ancient trees in the region, this park doesn’t disappoint. Some baobab trees have been standing for several hundred years. The rest of the landscape consists of swamps, river valleys and granite ridges.
Due to the thin vegetation, the area offers unobstructed views. The small crowds that visit the park make each activity feel intimate.
Tarangire is particularly serene, making it an ideal pick when looking for a place where you can get away from the regular bustle.
Birding in Tarangire
The park’s setting allows it to shelter numerous bird species. Bird watching enthusiasts will love everything about Tarangire. It has over 500 recorded species. From regionally-endemic avianlife to migratory species, the reserve has so much in store.
Check out the swamp region for exciting bird-watching opportunities. The quiet environment lets visitors relax and watch birds at a leisurely pace. Examples of popular sightings include hornbills, brown parrots, crested francolins, Kori bustards, hammerkops, bee-eaters, guinea fowl, swifts and striped swallows.
Wildlife in Tarangire
You wouldn’t tell from its limited prominence, but Tarangire National Park hosts some of the largest wildlife populations in the country. The offerings are as diverse as those in Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Elephants are the park’s main draw. The area attracts herds of up to 300 elephants. In the peak season, the population is said to reach 3,000. Various other animals find their way into the park to enjoy the grassy fields resulting from dried marshes. You can encounter buffaloes, Thomson’s gazelles, elands, waterbucks, dik-diks, impala and olive baboons.
Several predators, including leopards, African wild dogs and lions, also frequent the region. The park features abandoned termite mounds, which house dwarf mongooses.
Safaris are the principal activity at Tarangire National Park. The woodlands, baobabs and acacia shrubs make game viewing uncomplicated. Driving in a 4×4 Land Cruiser lets you see most of the park and enjoy excellent animal sightings.
However, walking safaris are also an option. They provide the best opportunities for bird watchers and photographers. You get to see animals up close and interact with the diverse nature this region offers.
Several camps, such as Swala, Kuro and Tarangire Treetops, are present, allowing guests to stay near the park. Some camps have flying tours, which let tourists experience the splendour of Tarangire from the sky. You can also take night drives to discover more about the park.
When to visit
Tarangire shines during the dry season of June to November. It’s a seasonal park, where most of the animals migrate from nearby regions for greener pastures in Tarangire. Therefore, it boasts a high wildlife concentration in the peak season. Although the off-season doesn’t offer a lot of variety, you can still enjoy interesting sightings.
marvel at the striking views and adventurous game viewing for which the park is famous.
Ruaha National Park
Despite being Tanzania’s largest national park, Ruaha is one of the least crowded safari destinations in the country. The reason for the small tourist population is that the park can be inaccessible, especially during the wet season. When planning a tour of the Southern circuit, Ruaha National Park should be a top consideration. It is relatively unexplored, with rich wildlife that guarantees exciting game viewing. The few crowds allow you to enjoy a degree of exclusivity with every tour.From bird watching to game viewing to photo safaris, Ruaha National Park serves a variety of needs. Plan a fun group or solo adventure to this biodiverse destination.
The park gets its name from the Great Ruaha River. It currently covers an area of approximately 20,226 sq. Km. Ruaha’s history goes back to 1910 when Germany gazetted the region as the Saba Game Reserve. The British later changed to Rungwa Game Reserve. It was gazetted as Ruaha National Park in 1964 when the southern section of the reserve received full park status. In 2008, the Usangu Game Reserve and several other wetlands were incorporated into the park, making it the biggest in Tanzania and East Africa. Ruaha National Park makes up part of the Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem that covers 45,000 sq. Km. The ecosystem consists of the Mbomipa Wildlife Management Area, Muhesi, Kizigo and Rungwa Game Reserves.
The park boasts a wild environment denoted by rocky escarpments, scenic hills and ancient baobab trees. In the dry season, the golden savannah stretches as far as the eye can see. When it rains, the baobabs bloom and the land changes to a lush green, lending the park to stunning vistas.
Ruaha National Park
Thanks to the park’s relatively remote setting, it houses sizeable populations of different animals. Therefore, it delivers satisfying game viewing. If you are hoping to see more than a few lions at a time, then Ruaha is the place to be. It hosts 10% of the global lion population. Don’t be surprised to encounter prides of up to 20 animals. Since 2005, the national park has been a Lion Conservation Unit.
Other predators you can expect to find here are cheetahs prowling across the plains; leopards stalking prey in the thick woodlands, and wild dogs scattered in different sections of the park. Ruaha National Park has large elephant herds. When it’s dry, you can chance upon the land giants digging for water in the riverbed.
Other herbivores found at Ruaha include the African buffalo, giraffe, hippopotamus and sable antelope. You can also find crocodiles sunning on the river banks.
The area has tree houses where visitors can marvel at the awe-inspiring views and wildlife.
Bird Watching
Ruaha National Park has a prolific birdlife, with over 550 recorded species. It’s a bird watcher’s paradise, where enthusiasts can catch common, rare and endemic types. The Eleonora’s falcon is one of the rare species found here. One of the regionally-endemic birds in the area is the Ruaha red-billed hornbill. The park is also in the path of migratory birds from Australia, Europe and Asia. As declared by Birdlife International, the Usangu basin is among the nation’s important bird areas (IBA).
When to Go
The dry season from June to October promises great sightings because animals flock around the river and other water sources. Due to the large elephant presence, safari walks are not allowed. You can plan a trip during the short rains between November and January to capitalise on bird watching opportunities. Ruaha National Park delivers authentic African safaris, thanks to the largely undisturbed land and diverse wildlife population. Although it’s a tad off the beaten path, you can be confident about creating unforgettable memories. The park offers excellent value for money.
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Serengeti National Park
The Great Migration defines the Serengeti National Park. As the location of the world’s greatest natural spectacle, Tanzania’s oldest national park is a dream safari destination. Every year, thousands of tourists flock to the country to witness millions of wildlife leave in search of pasture and water. As magical as this phenomenon is, the park offers so much more.
In the Maasai language, ‘Serengeti’ loosely translates to ‘never-ending plains,’ and they truly are. The park, located in northern Tanzania, stretches across 14,763 sq Km of short, open grasslands. It boasts over 1.5 m hectares of virgin savannah. Different kinds of animals roam the plains that go as far as the eyes can see. The honey-coloured horizons, untouched wilderness and natural wonders set the stage for the perfect adventure safari.
Serengeti National Park tours are some of our bestselling packages to East Africa. The migration season is particularly a busy time. If you want an action-packed safari that promises unique experiences, then visit Serengeti National Park.
Brief Info
Serengeti National Reserve
Serengeti’s history goes back several centuries, even before European exploration. In 1930 a game reserve covering 2,286 sq km was established in what is presently eastern and southern Serengeti. It was a sport hunting region until 1937. It received Protected Area Status in 1940 and officially became a national park in 1951 after the finalisation of the park’s boundaries. A board of trustees was put in place to oversee the park’s administration.
Originally, Serengeti National Park included the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. In 1959, 8,300 sq Km was cut off from the park’s eastern section to provide a multiple land use area for the Masaai, creating the conservation unit. In 1965, after the establishment of the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, the Lamai Wedge was created, linking the Mara River and Kenyan border. It became part of the Serengeti National Park and formed a permanent corridor for the wildebeest migration.
The national park is part of the larger Serengeti ecosystem, which consists of the regions where the annual migration occurs. It includes the Masai Mara National Reserve to the north; Loliondo Game Controlled Area to the west; Maswa Game Reserve to the south; Grumeti and Ikorongo Game Reserves to the east. The Mara River is the only perennially-flowing river that serves the ecosystem.
The Serengeti National Park has a highly productive ecosystem and impressive biological diversity, making it one of the first places to be considered for a UNESCO World Heritage Site classification at the Stockholm Conference in 1972. It received the status in 1981. The park is also a Biosphere Reserve.
The Great Migration
The Serengeti ecosystem facilitates the longest overland migration in the world, covering a route of about 800 Km. Each year, approximately 1.5 million wildebeests and several hundred thousand zebras, gazelles and common elands move north, to Kenya’s Masai Mara, to look for permanent water holes and pasture. The migration is cyclical, with animals moving between Tanzania and Kenya throughout the year.
It all begins in March when herds move to central Serengeti, then pass through the Western Corridor in April and May. During the crossing, the animals have to get through the Grumeti and Mara Rivers, which are infested with more than 3,000 crocodiles. Once the dry season ends in October, herds make their way back to the Serengeti National Park.
Seeing the Great Migration in person is the only way to understand all the fuss. You wouldn’t have enough words for the awe-inspiring scenes that unfold. Imagine a cloud of dust materialising on the horizon, with hooves thumping so hard, your body shakes. Or the sight of crocodiles lying in wait to pounce on the weakest of the bunch as herds splash through muddy water. Watching lions, leopards and cheetahs hunt the migrating mammals is a view like no other.
Game Viewing and Bird Watching
Wildlife rules the Serengeti. It’s one of the best destinations to view game. It offers an astounding variety of animals, but the most attractive feature is the ability to drive for kilometres in a 4×4 across the sprawling plains. Visitors don’t have to struggle for vantage points for incredible sightings. The area also features granite formations called kopjes that make great observation spots.
The national park harbours a long list of animals from different species. As you might have guessed, wildebeests make up the largest population. An array of large and small animals contributes to the biodiverse environment. They include hartebeests, elands, topis, antelopes, hippopotamuses, warthogs, giraffes and buffaloes.
The park is also famous for hosting the most prominent predator-prey interactions globally. Wild dogs, lions, cheetahs, spotted hyenas and leopards are some of the top predators you can see here.
Apart from game viewing, the Serengeti National Park is a treasure trove for bird watchers. Over 500 species await your discovery. The park houses the highest ostrich population in the country. Some other species you can expect to find in this park are the red-billed buffalo weaver, kori bustard, Africa fish eagle, pink-backed pelican and black heron. If you are fortunate, you could spot at least one of the regionally endemic species, like the Tanzanian red-billed hornbill.
For the Heritage
For tourists who love culture, Serengeti provides a rich heritage to dive into. The region has an interesting and long history of human occupation. You will encounter the Masaai, the most recognised tribe from the Serengeti. As you interact with them, learn about their norms and cultural practices, which keep attracting attention worldwide. The national park is also home to several indigenous tribes.
When to visit
What you want to get out of your safari determines the best times to schedule a trip to the Serengeti. The park and the entire region is magnificent all year, with something exciting in store for everyone.
June through August is peak migration season. So, if your itinerary includes the greatest show on earth, then this is the ideal time. However, the specific location you intend to visit matters. Note that this period is the busiest in the national park. In November and December, catch the mighty herds as they return to Serengeti.
If you wish to see wildebeests calving, then plan your travel between January and March. During this time, witness the birthing process and young ones learning to feed. You also get to see predators hunting the young.
The perfect Serengeti safari is different for everyone. Therefore, define your needs and explain them to us for a well-structured tour.
The Great Migration is the stuff of thrilling NatGeo documentaries, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. So, book your Serengeti National Park safari now. Visit the Serengeti for a whole lot more all year round.