F A C T S H E E T T H E T A N Z A N I A A F R I C A H U B O V E R V I E W Popular conceptions of what constitutes ‘quintessential Africa’ are arguably inspired and informed by some of the highlights of Tanzania – iconic and powerful as they are. The vast Serengeti, with the phenomenon of the annual migration of the wildebeest; the Ngorongoro crater, the largest caldera in the world; and the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro – have all long been enormous drawcards to Africa. However, the country also boasts less celebrated areas with equally rich ecosystems and dense wildlife… and fewer guests. The lesser-known parks and reserves in south of the country offer a more remote safari experience; and the diverse range of wildlife encounters extends to the best chimp viewing in Africa in the west of the country. Finally, the turquoise seas of the Indian Ocean beckon for some incredible marine experiences, notably from some of the islands, famed for their beauty, coral reefs and rich sea-life. K E Y F A C T S K N O W N F O R CAPITAL CITY TOURIST HUB(S) Iconic safari destinations including the Dodoma Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar Serengeti & the Ngorongoro Crater The annual Great Migration of wildebeest & RELIGION LANGUAGE zebra Christian, Muslim Swahili, English Nyerere NP, four times the size of the CURRENCY TIME ZONE Serengeti Tanzanian Shilling GMT +3hrs Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro The Zanzibar Archipelago’s beaches & Omani- FLIGHT TIME (to Dar es Salaam) style Stone Town London 11h20m | New York 17h40m | Dubai 5h20m Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains NP Raw wilderness of Katavi NP Over 570 bird species in Ruaha NP A C C E S S I B I L I T Y The flamingos of Lake Manyara & Lake Natron Air | The main arrival hubs by air are Arusha Huge herds of elephants in Tarangire NP (Kilimanjaro International airport, code JRO), Dar es Salaam (Julius Nyerere International airport, code W H O F O R DAR) & Zanzibar (Abeid Amani Karume International airport, code ZNZ). A smaller airport, Arusha airport Wildlife Enthusiasts (code ARK) is used for light aircraft (safari) First timers and safari aficionados alike connections around the country and is more centrally Honeymooners located than the international airport. Families Road | Within Tanzania roads are regularly used for Photographers tourism and are therefore reliable. Self-drive is Fly & Flop possible but it is recommended (and more usual) for Conservationists visitors to have a driver/guide for the duration of their safari when travelling by road. P A C K I N G W H E N T O G O Light layers of clothing in neutral colours. Bright coloured clothing is not suitable for Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec The Serengeti walking safaris. Packing checklist: Layers – long and short sleeve shirts and trousers | Ngorongoro Crater & North Warm fleece or jumper for cooler evenings | Waterproof jacket | Comfortable, sturdy shoes | Western Tanzania Flip- flops/sandals | Swimming attire | hat/ Nyerere & Ruaha NP baseball cap | Sunglasses and Sun-cream | Spice Islands & Personal items – toiletries, small medical kit the Coast etc | Torch, plug adapter s and charging Zanzibar equipment | Binoculars and camera | Books etc for siesta time Good Better Best W W W . T H E A F R I C A H U B . C O . U K T H E K E Y R E G I O N S A F R I C A H U B N O R T H E R N C I R C U I T A R U S H A Often referred to as the safari capital of Tanzania, Arusha is located in the northern highlands of the country beneath the twin peaks of Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro. It has easy access to the main National Parks on the northern circuit and many will need to overnight in the city before setting out on safari. The town is well known for its plentiful coffee plantations, and its stunning views of Mt. Meru in the distance. The Maasai Market Curio & Craft and the Maasai Women Fair Trade Centre are super to pick up some souvenirs. Other attractions include the Meserani Snake Park and for nature in its purer form the Arusha National Park is worth visiting with amazing views of Mt Kilimanjaro. M O U N T K I L I M A N J A R O Mt Kilimanjaro is located inside the Kilimanjaro National Park and is Africa’s highest mountain at 5,896m. It is also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, covering an area of 100km long and 65km wide. There are three volcanic peaks including Mawenzi, Shira and Kibo, which is where the Uhuru summit stands. There are six usual trekking routes to the summit with a handful of other more demanding hikes. The minimum recommended hike time is 7 days though ambitious hikers could do it in 5. Longer hikes allow a more leisurely experience and help with altitude sickness. The two main trekking seasons are January to March & June to October. Earlier months are colder and are often quieter. Prices vary but generally the cost covers a whole team supporting the climb to ensure a safe and successful summit. S E R E N G E T I N A T I O N A L P A R K The Serengeti National Park is the most popular park in Tanzania, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 1952, it is home to the famous annual Great Migration with over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra migrating clockwise around the park from October/November through to July/August. The park covers 14,763 km2 and has over 500 birds and 300 mammal species, including the big five. There are a number of accommodation types, but ‘mobile camps’ are most popular for those following the migration. They move location throughout the year to be best placed for the herds. Activities besides game drives include hot air ballooning and some neighbouring conservation areas and reserves offer the chance to do horse- riding, night drives and walking safaris. L A K E M A N Y A R A Located beneath the cliffs of the Manyara Escarpment in northern Tanzania, Lake Manyara is on the way to the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, and is a short drive from Tarangire National Park. It is therefore a perfect starting point for safari or fits in as a day trip when driving to/from Tarangire. The park is 330km2 of which the majority is the lake. It has a variety of ecosystems to support its rich wildlife and birdlife, including ground water forests, bush plains, baobab strewn cliffs, and algae-streaked hot springs. It is a birder's heaven with over 350 species including thousands of pink flamingos. The park is also famous for its tree-climbing lions. Activities here include day and night game drives, canoeing on the lake (when water is high enough), cultural tours, mountain biking and walking safaris. N G O R O N G O R O C R A T E R The largest unflooded & unbroken caldera in the world, the Ngorongoro Crater is around 20km across, 600m deep, and 300km2 in size. A ‘must’ on a Tanzanian itinerary, it is said to have the highest density of wildlife in Africa. The crater floor does get very busy, however if guests stay near to one of the gate entrances it is possible to have some time alone on the crater floor before the crowds arrive. The rim of the crater is over 2,200m high offering amazing views. Other activities include visiting local Maasai villages. Not far from the Crater is Olduvai Gorge, often considered the ‘cradle of mankind’. Remains of the earliest humans have been found here. Olduvai is often included as a short stop between the Serengeti and the Crater, with the relatively new museum being a highlight. T A R A N G I R E N A T I O N A L P A R K Located just a few hours’ drive from Arusha (or a short flight), Tarangire is often included before the Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti. It is roughly 2,850 km2 and composed of granitic ridges, river valley, and swamps. The park has the highest population density of elephants compared to the rest of the country, and rarer more desert-adapted animals live here including long-necked generuk, oryx and ostriches. The park also has around 550 bird species, some endemic to Tanzania. It is worth being aware of tzetze flies here which have a sharp bite and can be problematic particularly if visitors wear black or dark clothing. This does not put visitors off including Tarangire in a trip however you may get asked about them. W W W . T H E A F R I C A H U B . C O . U K T H E K E Y R E G I O N S A F R I C A H U B L A K E N A T R O N Located in northern Tanzania at the border with Kenya at the base of Ol Donyo Lengai volcano, Lake Natron is a mineral-rich soda lake which is also the most important breeding ground for Lesser Flamingos in the world. The dramatic views and scenery plus the flamingos are the real attraction here.