Geography of Tanzania: relief, climate, population, national parks. National parks of Tanzania National park project in Tanzania
Parks of Tanzania: national parks, reserves, nature protection zones Tanzania, natural parks.
Any UNESCO
National parks Tanzania - Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Ruaha, Tarangire and others - centers of eco-tourism recognized throughout the world. Numerous reserves, the most famous of which are Selous, Ngorongoro and Rungwa, preserve unique species flora and fauna equatorial Africa. Selous Reserve, Ruaa and Mikumi Parks make Tanzania a hub for numerous safaris and air tours, as well as the filming location for hundreds of films. Total in Tanzania 12 national parks, Ngorongoro Nature Reserve, 13 game reserves, 38 protected areas and about 120 national cultural sites.
Arusha National Park, one of the smallest in Tanzania, is located only 32 km from the city. Its main must-sees are Lake Momela, Mount Meru and the Ngurdoto Crater. About 400 species of birds nest in the park, both local and migratory, and among the animals you can meet here, you can meet baboons, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, hippos, leopards, hyenas, zebras and many species of antelope.
35 species of large mammals can be seen in the Serengeti, including the so-called “big five” - elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard and buffalo. The Ngorongoro Nature Reserve is included in the UNESCO list " Natural heritage peace." It is bounded in the southwest by Lake Eyasi and in the north by the Gol Mountains. The park is home to gazelles, buffalos, elands, warthogs, lions, hyenas, cheetahs and leopards. In the reserve you can observe more than 100 species of birds that do not live in the Serengeti.
Tarangire National Park is located on the eastern shore of Lake Maniara and covers an area of 2600 square meters. km. Tarangire is famous for its abundance of wild animals. Lake Manyara National Park is located between the alkaline lake of the same name and the rocks of the Great African Rift. The most entertaining sight in the park is lions climbing trees.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest single mountain in the world, which is also a dormant but not extinct volcano. Climbing Kilimanjaro can be done throughout the year, but is best done from August to October and January to March. The main attractions of this peak are the volcanic centers of Shira in the west, Mawenzi in the east and snow-white Kibo in the center.
In total, Tanzania has 12 national parks, the Ngorongoro Nature Reserve, 13 game reserves, 38 protected areas and about 120 national cultural sites.
South Tanzania
Southern Tanzania is home to some of the most pristine nature reserves and reserves in Africa. The most famous among them are the Selous Reserve and the Ruaha National Park.
The Selous is the largest protected wilderness area in Africa with the largest elephant population in Tanzania. Lions, impalas, giraffes, antelopes, baboons, zebras, buffaloes, hippos and wild dogs are also common here. The nature in the reserve is very diverse: from savannas to forests, from meadows to rocks, cut through by the Rufizhi River and its tributaries Kilambero and Luwegu. There are predatory animals in the Kilombero River tiger fish and the amazing Vandu catfish with primitive lungs that allow them to move from one body of water to another directly over land. The park offers walking and driving safaris, as well as boat trips. The best time for them is the dry season from June to October, when thirst drives wild animals from secluded places to the rivers.
Ruaha - relatively inaccessible wild park, more than compensating for the travel difficulties of travelers who reach it, with the amazing diversity of its plant and animal life. big river Ruaha protects and nourishes evergreen forests and swamps, and it is thanks to her that a huge population of elephants lives in the park.
Mahale Mountains National Park
In Western Tanzania, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, there are two reserves: Mahale Mountains National Park and Gombe Park, famous large populations chimpanzees and almost the same number of scientists studying their behavior in the natural environment.
The small Mahale Mountains National Park is 120 kilometers away south of the city Kigoma, on a peninsula in the eastern part of Lake Tanganyika. In the center of the reserve there is a mountain range, the height of which reaches 2462 m above sea level. Among the representatives of the fauna here, it is worth highlighting the huge, about a thousand individuals, population of chimpanzees. In the north, tourists have every chance of meeting elephants, buffalos and other animals, and in the southern part of the park there are many species of antelope, lions and giraffes. In the park you can take a walking safari through the mountains and along the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
Northern Circle
The Northern Circle is the most developed, but at the same time the wildest. Its route covers many parks and reserves in Northern Tanzania, the most famous of which are the Ngorongoro Game Reserve, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, Tarangire, Arusha and Lake Maniara parks. The Serengeti ecosystem consists of the Maasai Mara Park in Kenya and the western part of the Ngorongoro Park, the Serengeti National Park proper and the Maswa Park in Tanzania. The animal migration goes in a circle, starting in the Masai Mara and then clockwise to the southeast.
A specific route through objects should be chosen based on the movement of the rain area: animals move after the moisture. Wild boars, zebras, gazelles and some species of antelope migrate over long distances. They are followed by predators - lions and hyenas. Giraffes and elephants travel significantly shorter distances.
- Are there any safaris in Tanzania where you can go off the roads to take unusual photos?
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Kilimanjaro
“The crown of Tanzania” is Mount Kilimanjaro (from Swahili - “the mountain that sparkles”). It is impossible not to recognize it - rising directly above the flat plains, covered with a snow cap at the top, it has become a real symbol of the country.
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Ruaha
Ruaha National Park
Today it is one of the most popular and visited nature reserves in the country. In addition, Ruaha is the second largest national park in Tanzania. It got its name from the Great Ruaha River, which flows through mountain gorges along its eastern border and flows into the Rufiji River.
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Tanganyika
Lake Tanganyika lies within the East African Rift, one of the greatest geological phenomena on Earth. This lake is the second deepest lake in the world after Baikal (1470 m). And just like Baikal, it differs exclusively clear water, allowing you to see the bottom at a depth of up to 33 meters.
Tanzania is a country in East Africa. It consists of the mainland (Tanganyika), washed on the east by the Indian Ocean, and the large coastal islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia. Tanzania is part of the British Commonwealth.
Most of the country is located on the East African Plateau. The territory of Tanzania covers part of the largest lakes in Africa - Lake Victoria in the north, Lake Tanganyika (which is often called the twin of Lake Baikal) in the west, and Lake Nyasa in the south of Tanzania. The highest mountains in Africa are Kilimanjaro (5895 m). The total length of land borders is 3,402 km, of which with Burundi - 451 km, with Kenya - 769 km, Malawi - 475 km, with Mozambique - 756 km, with Rwanda - 217 km, with Uganda - 396 km and with Zambia - 338 km.
Area of Tanzania: total - 945,087 km2. Coastline: 1424 km. The island territories consist of the Zanzibar archipelago (the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia, etc.).
Tanzania has two capitals: the administrative center is the historical capital of Dar es Salaam, and the legislative center is Dodoma, where the government moved the main bodies in the 1970s.
Tanzania is a republic. The head of state and head of government is the president, elected by the population for a 5-year term, with the possibility of a second consecutive term. December 14, 2005 at presidential elections The candidate from the ruling Revolutionary Party, Tanzanian Foreign Minister Jakaya Kikwete, won, gaining more than 80% of the votes. His main opponent was Ibrahim Lipumba, the candidate of the opposition Civil United Front. Parliament is a unicameral State Assembly (Bunge), 274 deputies, of which 232 are elected by the population for a 5-year term, 37 women deputies are personally appointed by the president, and 5 deputies are appointed by the autonomous parliament of Zanzibar.
Relief of Tanzania
Most of Tanzania's territory is located on the East African Plateau. Along the western and southwestern borders there are deep tectonic valleys and highlands of Giant Craters (Meru volcanoes, Africa's highest mountain Kilimanjaro (5895 m) and others. Coast Indian Ocean is a narrow strip of lowlands.
The lower and drier part of the plateau occupies the whole of southern Tanzania. The soils here are of a lighter composition, are susceptible to erosion and are quickly depleted. There is little precipitation, and it is distributed unevenly across the seasons. The tsetse fly, a carrier of sleeping sickness among humans and Nagana disease among domestic animals, is found here.
The central and northern parts of the plateau rise to 1200-1500 m. In some places it falls moderate amount precipitation, fertile soils are common.
The country's territory includes part of the largest lakes in Africa - Lake Victoria in the north, Lake Tanganyika (which is often called the twin of Baikal) in the west, Lake Nyasa in the south of Tanzania, as well as drainless salt lakes Rukva, Natron, Eyasi. The main rivers of the country are Pangani, Rufiji (the only navigable river in the lower reaches) and Ruvuma flow into the Indian Ocean.
Climate of Tanzania
The climate is subequatorial monsoon, hot, seasonally humid. Average monthly temperatures from 12-15 to 25-27 degrees C. In the north there are two rainy seasons (March - May and September - November), in the south there is one (November - April).
The greatest amount of precipitation falls on the western coast of Lake Victoria (up to 2000 mm per year), the least - on the inland plateaus (about 250 mm). In most of Tanzania, the dry season lasts 5-7 months. Change of dry and wet seasons especially noticeable in the mountainous northeast and on the Masai plateau.
There are drought problems forest fires. It happened that drought led to a decrease in the water level in reservoirs feeding hydroelectric power stations to a critical level, as a result of which strict rationing of electricity supply was introduced throughout the country. Heavy rains also cause significant damage. So, as a result of heavy rains at the end of 1997 - beginning of 1998. Agricultural facilities were destroyed, roads were washed away, bridges were demolished.
The climate on the islands is humid, the average daytime temperature is plus 28-30 degrees, sea breezes make the weather very pleasant. The water temperature in the Indian Ocean is 24-26 degrees. In the central part (1200-1700 m above sea level) average temperature- plus 22-25 degrees, nights can be cool.
Flora of Tanzania
In the west and south of the country there are tropical dry deciduous woodlands, in the coastal lowlands - park savannas, in the central and north-eastern regions - grassy savannas. Moist evergreen forests and shrubs grow on the slopes of the mountains. Despite its proximity to the equator, Tanzania is characterized by Various types savannas: shrubby, park, mountain park, grassy. Along with miombo forests (light tropical forests of deciduous trees), savannas occupy most of the territory. Mangroves are found along the ocean coast and at river mouths. Dense tropical forests remain only around lakes in the west of the country and in the floodplains of some rivers. Even conifers, such as cedar and pine, grow on the slopes of high mountains. Pterocarpus Angolanis is found in park forests, valuable wood which is used for the manufacture of high-quality furniture and wall cladding.
Wildlife of Tanzania
Tanzania is one of the few countries on the African continent where representatives of the rich tropical fauna. The savannas are home to several species of antelope (wildebeest, kongoni, topi, stenbok, springbok and others), as well as lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, elephants and giraffes.
Characterized by an abundance of monkeys, of the monkeys in the far north-west there are chimpanzees, and in the Kilimanjaro region - gorillas. Along the rivers there are hippos and crocodiles.
The world of birds is unusually rich and diverse. There are especially many waterfowl. In the higher regions of the country, ostriches can occasionally be seen. Poisonous snakes include the black mamba and the African viper.
However, the animal world has become significantly impoverished as a result of prolonged extermination. Large animals are preserved mainly in nature reserves and national parks, the largest of which are Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Ruaha, Arusha, Manyama, Mikumi, Kilimanjaro, Rungwa. Particularly famous is the Serengeti National Park (15.5 thousand sq. km), the only one in the world where natural seasonal migrations of wild animals occur. Ngorongoro is located in the area of a huge volcanic crater; its caldera, the largest in the world, is distinguished by an extraordinary richness of fauna.
National parks of Tanzania
There are 15 national parks in Tanzania, which are managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority or TANAPA, headquartered in the city of Arusha. According to international studies The service is one of the most productive in Africa - it employs 1,650 people who serve 15 existing and one planned national park (Saanane). The main objective of the service is to preserve the existing biodiversity and rich natural heritage of the country. There are facilities in the national park system world heritage(4 sites out of 7 in Tanzania) and biosphere reserves (2 sites out of 3 in the country) UNESCO.
In the north of the country, in the center there are national parks Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Mkomazi, Lake Manyana, Rubondo Island, Serengeti, Taranjir. Arusha Park is located in close proximity to the city of Arusha, the northern safari center of the country. The park has recently been expanded to include forest reserve Mount Meru. Kilimanjaro Park, which also recently received additional area, is designed to protect the most high point Africa. Lake Manyara includes Lake Manyara, located along the rift wall. Mkomazi Park, located on the border with Kenya, is the country's youngest park, established in 2008. Rubondo Island in the southwestern part of Lake Victoria is home to the Rubondo Island National Park. The Serengeti National Park includes the Ngorongoro Crater. In the future, it is planned to increase the area of the park. Tarangire National Park is located on the river of the same name.
In the northeast of the country, on the coast of the Indian Ocean between the cities of Tanga and Dar es Salaam, Saadini Park is located. To the east, in the Udzungwa Mountains, lies the Udzungwa Mountains Park. Gombe Stream National Park is located on the northern shore of Lake Tanganyika in the western part of the country. Mahali Mountains Park is also located on the shores of the lake in the Mahali Mountains. In the center of the country is Ruaha Park. With its recent expansion in size, the park has become the largest in Tanzania. In the southwest of the country, near Lake Rukwa at the end of the rift valley, there is Katavi Park. In the south of the country there is Kitulo Park, also known as the Garden of the Gods. Currently, the issue of increasing the area of the park at the expense of the forests of Mount Rungwe is being considered. In the southeast are the Selous Nature Reserve and Mikumi Park.
Population of Tanzania
Population 38.860 million (estimated as of October 2009). In the country, only the city of Dar es Salaam has a population of more than 1 million people. Annual growth - 2%. Fertility - 4.5 births per woman. Infant mortality is 69 per 1000 births. Average duration life - 50 years for men, 53 years for women. Infection with the immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is 6.2% (2007 estimate).
Ethnic composition - in the mainland - 99% blacks, mainly Bantu peoples (hehe, Shambhala, Sukuma, Kuria, Ha, etc.), 1% - Asians (mostly Indians), whites, Arabs. In Zanzibar there are mainly Arabs, blacks and mestizos of Arab-Negro origin.
The official languages are Swahili and English, Arabic is widespread in Zanzibar, and there are many local Bantu languages on the mainland. Religions - in the mainland - Christians 30%, Muslims 35%, aboriginal cults 35%; in Zanzibar - more than 99% Muslims.
Source - http://ru.wikipedia.org/
http://www.afri.su/countries/tanzania/
enjoys fame as one of the most beautiful countries Africa. On the territory of which the largest and most beautiful national parks and reserves of the country are located.
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK:
Serengeti National Park is one of the largest reserves in the world(its area is 14,763 sq. km.) and the oldest national. park on the African continent (established in 1951), located in the north Tanzania near the border with Kenya. The Serengeti ranges from 920 to 1850 m above sea level and its landscape varies from long and short grass in the south to savannas in the center and forested hills in the north. The real forests are located in the western part of the park. The Serengeti has one of the largest concentrations of wild animals in the world (about 3 million). Here there is a unique opportunity to see the “Big Five” in full force - the lion (their population in the Serengeti is 3000), leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros and elephant. Other common animals include giraffes, wildebeest, gazelles, zebras, impalas, cheetahs (more than 500), crocodiles, hippos and others, as well as more than 500 species of birds. The park is known for its absolutely colossal migration of animals between July and August, when millions of animals living here are forced to migrate in search of pastures during the dry seasons in some areas of the park.
MOUNT KILIMANJARO:
Highest single mountain in the world, which is also a dormant but not extinct volcano. Climbing Kilimanjaro can be done throughout the year, but is best done from August to October and January to March. The main attractions of this peak are the volcanic centers of Shira in the west, Mawenzi in the east and snow-white Kibo in the center.
NGORONGORO CRATER:
The area of the reserve is 8288 sq. km. located in the north Tanzania between lake parks Manyara and Serengeti. The reserve was created in 1959 with the aim of preserving Ngorongoro crater and Olduvai Gorge. The Ngorongoro Crater is included in the UNESCO list of Natural Heritage of the World. It is the sixth largest crater in the world, with a depth of 610 meters and an area of 260 square meters. km (crater diameter from 16 to 19 km). The Ngorongoro Crater was formed 2.5 million years ago. It used to be a huge volcano, but after the largest eruption its top collapsed and formed a caldera (crater). Its landscape is very diverse: volcanoes, mountains, plains, lakes, forests. The Ngorongoro Crater is unique in that over the years it has developed its own habitat for many species of animals that do not have the opportunity to get out. In this regard, the crater is one of the most “densely populated” animal areas African continent, inhabited by 25,000 large mammals, mainly zebras and antelopes. Gazelles, buffalos, warthogs, elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas, hippos, and monkeys also live here. On the territory of the crater you will see “white” and “black” rhinoceroses, which are an endangered species in the world! More than 100 species of birds have been recorded, many of which are found only here. Countless flamingos form a pink blanket over Lake Magadi, which is located inside the crater. Not far from the crater is the Olduvai Gorge, which is called the site of the richest excavations of the prehistoric period.
LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK:
Was founded in 1960. It is located in the Great Rift Valley, in the northern part Tanzania. The park is located between Lake Manyara itself and the 600-meter cliffs of the Great African Rift and occupies 325 square meters. km, 229 of which are on the lake. The remaining small part of the land contains meadows, mountains, forests and swamps. The park contains the only one in Tanzania a tropical forest, where hordes of baboons and blue monkeys live. In the park there are buffalos, elephants, giraffes, antelopes, zebras, and hippos. Main feature The park features lions climbing acacia trees. Lake Manyara is a bird's paradise for waterfowl, there are more than 380 species of them: huge flocks pink flamingos, pelicans, storks, ibises, cormorants, cranes, etc. (Category Tanzania)
SELOUS NATIONAL PARK:
The largest protected wilderness area in Africa with the largest elephant population in Tanzania. Lions, impalas, giraffes, antelopes, baboons, zebras, buffaloes, hippos and wild dogs are also common here. The nature in the reserve is very diverse: from savannas to forests, from meadows to rocks, cut through by the Rufizhi River and its tributaries Kilambero and Luwegu. The Kilombero River is home to predatory tiger fish and amazing vandu catfish with primitive lungs that allow them to move from one body of water to another directly over land.
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK:
The park is located 120 km south of Arusha on an area of 2600 sq. km. It takes its name from the river that flows along the entire park. Distinctive feature The landscape is a floodplain and savannah with lonely baobabs and acacias. In June after the period long rains The dry season begins in the Masai steppe and animals return to the banks of the Tarangire River. Typical inhabitants of the park are zebras, wildebeest, lions, leopards, water deer, giraffes and others. If you're lucky, you can also observe pythons, for which the park is famous, in their natural habitat.
Volmar Safaris offers various
We have already listed the most significant parks in the country, now we will tell you about them in more detail: about prices, time, distance and opportunities to save.
So, let's go!
"Serengeti"
Let's start with the largest, most famous and expensive park in the country - the Serengeti. Its area is 14,763 (!) square kilometers, and the number of animals living on the territory is simply off the charts. Here you will see all representatives of the Big Five of Africa (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros), and it is almost guaranteed, unlike other parks. In general, the name of this place comes from the Maasai word siringet, which means “endless plain.” This is exactly what you will feel when you find yourself in its open spaces: wild world, untouched by human civilization.
The price for entering the park is small, only 50-60 USD, but you are unlikely to be able to go there for less than 500 USD. We'll tell you why: you won't be able to visit any national park in Tanzania They won’t let you in without a car and a guide, and the car must be a safari jeep, and the guide must be a certified Tanzanian. Both cost money: the most budget “set” will cost you 300 USD per day.
How to get there
The problem with the Serengeti lies in its size and distance from regional center, cities .
The drive from there to the entrance to the park is already 300 km, half of which is off-road, plus the road back, so not a single adequate guide will take you to the Serengeti for a day or even two. To see at least a quarter of the park, you will need at least one full day, so three days is the minimum period for which you will need to rent a car and a guide.
Cost of visit
Next is the price of gasoline: in the best case scenario, you can spend 80 USD in three days, but most likely this amount will increase to 100 USD. Add here food (even if you eat like Thumbelina, you will never eat less than 60 USD in three days) and accommodation: the cheapest camping spot in the park with your own tent will cost you 30 USD per night.
And now the most interesting thing: 50-60 USD is the price for entering the park for ONE DAY. Multiply this amount by three and... add another 100 USD. It turns out that in order to get to the national park, you MUST pass through the Ngorongoro Nature Reserve, and there admission ticket costs 50 USD. True, on way back you will have to pay the same amount again - you are still driving through the park, no matter which way! “No, you can’t take another road, they don’t exist,” any guide will definitely tell you.
We calculate: 300*3 + 80 + 60 + 30*3 + 60*3 + 100 = 1,410 USD for one and a half days in the national park. How do you like this? But don’t be discouraged, now we’ll tell you how you can save money.
Lifehacks
If you're not on Facebook yet, it's worth doing. There are several groups in which travelers from all over the world are looking for safari company. This is done solely to reduce the cost of a car, guide and gasoline, dividing the amount between all participants. The maximum number of passengers in a safari jeep can be five or six, depending on the make of the vehicle and the number of driver guides. Let's imagine that you are very lucky and find five more safari companions. We divide the rental car + guide and gasoline by five, add the price for camping, food and entrance to the parks. What happens: 196 + 430 = 632 USD. That's better, isn't it?
The main problem in this situation will be finding travel companions:
- firstly, for this you need to have at least basic English,
- and secondly, it is simply physically difficult to organize 5 foreigners in a country unfamiliar to you.
But this system has been in effect for several years now, it’s a proven method, which means everything is real.
There is another way, but it is more suitable for backpackers who have a lot of free time and some skills. In Tanzania, many travel companies and private guides need websites, but only a few know how to create them, and they charge exorbitant amounts of money for their work. So here's what you can do: find a tour company or guide with a car and offer your FREE services in creating a website, and in return ask to take you to the park for a few days. The method is effective, since many companies and private individuals find it much cheaper to take you to the Serengeti for a couple of days than to pay for the creation of a website: we learned the information from one guide who happily agreed to our offer. You just need to know English well and be able to work on platforms like Wordpress.
Accommodation
If you are a lucky person whose budget is unlimited, we can please you: in the park there are many lodges(luxury hotels that are as close to nature as possible), where you can rent a luxurious room for an unlimited period.
Their prices start from 300 USD per night and they can offer you very comfortable conditions: Internet, hot shower, swimming pool, restaurant. It is best to look for them and book in advance, after comparing prices, as they are popular among European and American tourists.
The second most affordable option is private campsites. Most often these are large tents equipped with all the necessary amenities. Prices start from 150 USD, and a place in them can also be reserved online.
And finally the most a budget option residence - public campsites. The most popular are Seronera Public Campsite and Simba Campsite. The cost of one night there is 30 USD. You can pitch your own tent, but we do not recommend this as the campsites do not have fences and animals roam right in the middle of the camp. No, they won’t attack you, but if an elephant steps on your tent, nothing pleasant will come of it. Our advice: rent a safari jeep with an awning on the roof. Yes, you will have to pay about 50 USD extra to the travel company, but this is a completely justified security measure. There are toilets and showers on the campsite, but with cold water. There is no electricity, so make sure you have additional lighting. It is not recommended to leave the tent after dark, and you won’t want to :). After sunset, the nature around you will be filled with the voices of wild animals, and predators will begin their night hunt. But believe us, such an overnight stay will be remembered for a lifetime!
"Tarangire"
In addition to the Serengeti, Tanzania has many more reserves of different price ranges and sizes. The price for entry to them is approximately the same and ranges from 40 to 60 USD, but if you can’t get to the huge Serengeti for less than three days, then, for example, one day is enough to visit Tarangire Park. Its area is 2,850 square kilometers, and it is famous for the largest population of elephants in all of Tanzania. In addition to these giants, Tarangire is home to a huge number of ungulates, lions (but it is difficult to see them) and more than 550 species of birds.
How to get there
It is located much closer to the city than the previous one, about 130 km from Arusha. You will get there in a safari jeep with a guide, so about the departure time and route planning: be prepared to wake up early in the morning, as the guide will pick you up at 7-8 in the morning. In general, when booking a tour, all information about the trip will be presented in detail, and your accompanying person will be able to answer any questions that arise. In our case this was exactly the case.
Regarding food: you will be asked to buy a lunch box (chicken or meat, rice, juice, banana, meat pie) for 5 USD, plus you can take whatever you want with you. You will be able to have lunch upon arrival at the national. park, so don't forget to have breakfast. And, of course, no one will forbid you to have a snack right in the car.
Cost of visit
Entry costs 53 USD per person. Renting a guide and a car will cost the same 300 USD per day, and if you do not spend the night in the park, taking into account food and gasoline, you will spend about 250 USD in total if you travel together. Again, if you find travel companions, the price can be greatly reduced.
In case you still want to stay in the park for the night, you can find many accommodation options in lodges from 150 USD. But keep in mind that you will have to pay again for the second day of your stay in the park, so we advise you not to stay overnight on its territory, especially since one day is enough for a full-fledged safari.
Lake Natron
Another park we would like to talk about is Lake Natron. The park is not called the lake itself, but the area surrounding it: the sun-scorched savannah, inhabited by the Maasai tribes, whose way of life has not changed for many centuries, is part of the Great Rift Valley.
The lake itself is interesting because it is covered with a crust of salt and, thanks to special microorganisms, is colored several times a year. pink color.
It is also considered one of the largest flamingo habitats in Africa, which also attracts tourists from all parts of the world and at any time of the year.
How to get there
Getting to the lake is difficult, since 100 km of the route passes through the savannah, and this is completely off-road, dusty and shaking. Nearest tourist city is, so you will depart from it.
But your reward for the long journey will be a magnificent view of the valley: of Maasai settlements grazing their skinny cattle, of the great East African Rift, of strolling zebras and antelopes - this is where you can see the real Africa!
Cost of visit
On the road through the savannah, three checkpoints will await you, at each of which you will have to pay for entry: in the first two, 10 USD each, and in the last one, near the lake, 15 USD. In addition, you will no longer have to pay for the visit. In principle, a day may be enough to go to the lake and return, but it is unlikely that after such a difficult road you will want to get back into the car.
By the way, you can enter the park without a guide, which will greatly reduce costs, but a safari jeep and an offline map are required here. As for us, we hitchhiked to the lake and spent the night in a tent right in the middle of the savannah. The one way journey took two days. The route was laid out using maps.me maps, since Google maps simply do not find the road leading to the lake. The landscapes that we encountered along the way literally made us freeze with delight: the endless, sun-scorched expanses of the Masai lands, giant thick baobab trees, the amazing grandeur of the Great Rift Rift and representatives of one of the most ancient tribes on Earth. Sleeping in a tent was a little creepy, because hyenas were running next to us, and the corpses of half-eaten gazelles evoked all sorts of creepy thoughts. But absolutely nothing terrible happened to us: predators try to stay away from Masai villages, so it’s quite safe to spend the night near settlements. The main problem is ourselves local residents: It’s not every day that they see white people spending the night in a tent, and, as curious people, they will definitely come to get to know you, which means that you can forget about rest. By the way, we did not pay a single cent for passage through the villages, explaining to the money collectors that we were not rich tourists, but travelers who barely had enough money for food. And they understood us.
Accommodation
Near the lake there are many campsites and loggias, making it the ideal place for a relaxing holiday in the heart of Africa. Prices start from 200 USD, and for this money you will get all the necessary amenities: water, electricity, shower, bed.
If finances do not allow this type of accommodation, then Lake Natron is one of the few places where you can pitch a tent outside the campsite. The most that can disturb you is a herd of zebras coming to a watering hole. As a last resort, you can spend the night in the car. You can replenish supplies of food and water in any of the villages in which you will pay for travel.
Finally
As you can already see, a holiday in Tanzania is not a cheap pleasure. In this country, literally everything is designed for a tourist, and the color of your skin will invariably give you away as one. But the screaming beauty of nature, the world of wild animals and the ancient land that has preserved its pristine nature are worth it. Without seeing all this, you will never be able to say that you have seen the world.
Before I begin the story of my trip to the national parks of Tanzania, I want to say that based on the impressions I experienced, I came to the conclusion that every person should visit the national parks of Tanzania at least twice - once as a child with his parents, and the second time as a a parent with his children.
So, I'll start in order:
In Tanzania, I stayed in Moshi (Kilimanjaro Airport). This city is located right at the foot of the high mountain in Africa Kilimanjaro (5895 m). Therefore, if your plans, in addition to visiting parks, are to conquer the top of this mountain, then Moshi is the city where it is optimal to start your journey.
Tarangire National Park.
The first point of my trip was Tarangire National Park, which is located in the north of the country, about 120 km from the city of Arusha. This park makes an indelible impression not only on the rich flora, but also a variety of animals and birds. The first thing that tourists encounter on their way are huge baobab trees towering above the tall grass.
Here you can see wildebeest, zebra, Thomson's gazelle, buffalo, eland and cow antelope. This park has one of the largest populations of elephants in Tanzania - about 6000. By the way, the elephants make a very vivid impression, because you can observe them from a very short distance (from about 3 - 5 meters). Tarangire is home to about 300 species of birds. This is one of the few places in Africa where the tsetse fly is found. They have survived after many years of human struggle against them. By the way, the tsetse fly is a similarity to our gadflies and also bites unpleasantly, but I will say that meeting it or being bitten by it is the exception rather than the rule...
After visiting Tarangire Park, my driver-guide took me to the lodges for the night. Lodges are a uniquely African invention for travelers. Lodges are usually located in the territories of national parks and reserves in Africa, where safaris and trekking are traditionally held. Lodges are special places for tourists to stay, equipped in the wildlife. Sometimes they are called ethno-hotels.
Conditions in the lodge are usually comfortable, and meals are provided on site. From an architectural point of view, this is a permanent building where all services, bars, restaurants, and a veranda for observing animals are concentrated. Guest rooms are usually located in separate bungalows. Lodges have been created specifically so that travelers can enjoy magnificent scenery and wildlife. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a whole delegation consisting of managers and service staff of this lodge. At the entrance I was offered a wet towel and soft drink... Honestly, it’s nice when you are expected and kindly greeted like a good old friend... I later jokingly said that everything was good, but there weren’t enough singing gypsies...)) In order not to dwell on the topic of the lodge any longer, I want to say that it is very comfortable hotel rooms and, depending on the cost of accommodation, you can have not only a toilet and shower, but also a jacuzzi... I also stayed in such rooms. The cost of such a room is about $500 per day (the average room costs about $200). But I admit, when you go on a safari, this additional comfort makes the trip more enjoyable...
The buffet is fully adapted to European cuisine. In the evening, an armed ranger accompanied me from my room to the restaurant and back. This safety element is not optional, but mandatory for every visitor and is aimed at protecting visitors from wild animals... Moreover, in Africa the Sun rises at about 6.00 in the morning, and at 18.30 it’s already so dark that you can’t even poke your eyes out, and considering. Since all the lighting in the lodge and heating of water are carried out through solar panels, the light bulbs along the paths are very dim and illuminate only a small section of the path under your feet... Therefore, an accompanying person with a flashlight is definitely not superfluous here...)) And in conclusion of everyday moments, I want to warn you that A safari through the parks is not only an unforgettable experience, but also a good layer of dust after each day of safari. Therefore, depending on the number of days of the safari, an additional 2 to 5 sets of outerwear (T-shirts, shirts) will definitely not hurt. If you are lucky with a travel company like me, then I had a refrigerator in my car, in which there was always chilled food. drinking water and a lunch box not tired of the Sun. And one more thing, some tourists, in order to save their money, stay overnight in tents specially designated for this purpose. If in Russia this is even exciting, then in Africa it can be the reason for ruining your holiday... I’ll explain why... Firstly, you will have to carry all these tents on the roof of your jeep, which, by the way, opens and makes it possible for better review terrain. But if there are things there, the view will only be through the car windows. Secondly, you will have to take with you a specially trained Tanzanian cook who will prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner for you, and this is at least time that you take away from yourself, as well as additional space in your luggage for food for the entire duration of the safari ...
Lake Manyara National Park.
The park is located 125 km west of the city of Arusha. The height of the park above sea level ranges from 960 to 1478 meters. The park is a narrow strip between the alkaline Lake Manyara in the east and the Gregory Rift in the west.
The main attraction of the park is Lake Manyara, the coastal zone of which is literally replete with pink flamingos and other birds. This satiety is formed not only by the birds themselves, but also by their reflections from the surface of the water. The spectacle seen cannot be expressed in words, and the proverb about “it’s better to see once than to hear a hundred times” applies precisely to this case...
Almost all parks are dotted with termite mounds ranging in height from one to three meters.
The fauna is also rich and diverse. The park is inhabited by numerous herds of elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffalos and many other animals. Another attraction of the park is the hot springs... Without exaggeration, I will say, because... I checked it myself - hot water flows straight from the underground bins...
I haven’t experimented myself, but I think I’ll cook egg, putting it in this source will not take much time... By the way, looking ahead, I will say after visiting the parks I was lucky enough to visit one of the lakes, which is heated by underground hot springs. Not only is the water very clear with a turquoise tint, but it also has comfortable temperature+27 - +29 degrees. This suggests that although the volcanoes in Tanzania are silent, their breathing is everywhere here.
One more point that I would like to dwell on... For some reason, it is generally accepted that it is better not to visit parks during the rainy season... I will say differently, best time to visit parks - during the rainy season... Firstly, there is no such rain as we are used to seeing in Russia, which can pour like buckets for weeks. Over the course of two weeks, I saw rain twice, the duration of which was approximately 10 - 15 minutes. The rest of the time the sun was shining. But meanwhile, in the parks, instead of the faded yellow grass, fresh greenery of various shades appears, and numerous bushes and trees begin to bloom.
Secondly, during the rainy season there are not many tourists, therefore, the animals come closer to the roads on which safari vehicles can travel, and there are also no problems with cheaper rooms in the lodges...
Ngorongoro Biosphere Reserve.
Ngorongoro is a huge crater in Tanzania on the edge of the Serengeti savanna, which arose as a caldera as a result of collapse large volcano about 2.5 million years ago. Located northeast of Lake Eyasi and northwest of Lake Manyara.
The depth of the crater is 610 m. Its edges rise 2286 m above sea level. The diameter of the Ngorongoro crater ranges from 17 to 21 km, its total area is approximately 265 km². At the bottom of the crater is Lake Magadi, famous for its flamingo population. The Ngorongoro Crater is unique in that over the years it has formed its own habitat for many species of animals that do not have the opportunity to get out.
The crater is home to about 25 thousand animals and has the highest density of predators in all of Africa. Especially common in Ngorongoro are zebras, buffalos and different kinds antelopes such as wildebeest, elands and gazelles. They are hunted by lions and leopards living in the crater. In addition to them, Ngorongoro is also home to black rhinoceroses, elephants and, which is unusual for these latitudes, hippopotamuses.
Large migratory flows of animals from the Serengeti often pass through the Ngorongoro Crater.
The mountain range surrounding this park reminded me very much of the motifs in Vladimir Obruchev’s book “Sannikov’s Land”. This is one of the few places on the planet where you can see a live rhinoceros. I’ll say right away that this is very rare, but there are always chances, because... Rhinoceroses try to stay away from people and often just sleep. Ngorongoro is perhaps one of the few parks where animals are not afraid of humans at all and come so close that in some cases the photographer can do without a telephoto camera.
This is the place where you can see with your own eyes the direct process of lions hunting buffalos, zebras or antelopes.
The relief of the crater is one large steppe, along which the whirlwinds of tornadoes glide. The wetland is constantly floating and this floating is visible even to the naked eye. A very strong impression is left by the huge rounded stone boulders that are scattered not only throughout the crater itself, but also throughout the Serengeti Park. Looking at them, you understand how powerful the volcano was, throwing out these multi-ton boulders from its depths over vast distances.
Serengeti National Park.
The Serengeti ecosystem is one of the oldest and best preserved on Earth. More than 80 percent of the Serengeti is occupied by protected areas - Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Nature Reserve in Tanzania, Masai Mara Nature Reserve in Kenya, etc. The Serengeti lies at an altitude of 920 to 1850 m above sea level and its landscape varies from grassy plains in the south to savannas in the center and extensive wooded areas to the west.
The Serengeti is home to more than 4.5 million wild ungulates (antelope, zebra, buffalo, rhinoceroses, giraffes, hippos), as well as elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, etc.
Made the strongest impression on me great migration animals. In particular, I observed the wildebeest migration. You can imagine how, from horizon to horizon, a column of thousands of herds of these animals makes the transition from the Serengeti Park (Tanzania) to Kenya.
They look for new pastures and places for watering during the dry season, and for this they travel long distances, risking their lives. For myself, I called the Serengeti Park an animal kindergarten... Apparently, this place is very favorable for feeding the young of various animals. Whole colonies of hippopotamuses, lions and wild boars(pumbaa).
This is a place where giraffes and elephants are in great abundance, not to mention monkeys, antelopes and zebras, of which there are simply huge numbers in every park. Of all the parks, this is perhaps the only one in which yellow changes to green. Wherein various shades green gives the landscapes unusually beautiful views.
Oldoinyo-Lengai stratovolcano.
Ol Doinyo Lengai is a stratovolcano in northern Tanzania. One of the youngest and perhaps the most active volcano East Africa. It has a unique lava composition. In the language of the local Maasai tribe, the name of the volcano means “Mountain of God.”
It is located near Lake Natron and is part of the Great Rift Valley volcanic system in East Africa. Height above sea level – 2962m.
Already at the entrance to this volcano, the terrain changes right before your eyes. Straight steppe roads give way to mountain serpentines.
The air temperature begins to rise due to the proximity of the volcano. I would like to note that the extreme activity of this volcano was recorded in 2013. In the foothills of this volcano lies a valley with Lake Natron, which is also a habitat for pink flamingos. Despite the activity of this volcano, this valley is inhabited by a large number of Maasai people. The Maasai are a semi-nomadic African indigenous people who have almost completely preserved their traditional way of life. Due to the popularity of ethnic tourism, the Maasai have become one of the attractions of Tanzania.
Many tourists with great interest get acquainted with the life of these tribes. The Masai, spoiled by the attention of strangers, also take advantage of this and if you want to photograph them, then be prepared to pay $1 for photographing one Masai. The number of pictures is unlimited. In the Oldoinyo-Lengai region, everything is much simpler. The local manager of the lodge negotiates with the head of the Masai tribe, pays him $15-20 and you are taken to one of the settlements (about 30 people) where you can photograph anyone and as much as you like. These are not decorative settlements, but real ones. When leaving the valley, there will be three checkpoints on your way where you will need to pay government tax. It is $15, but if your driver-guide knows how to bargain, then there is a chance to save and pay a lower amount. This is par for the course in Tanzania.
In concluding my story, I cannot keep silent about tanzanites. The mineral is mined only in the Arusha province in northern Tanzania. Tanzanite is found in blue, purple and yellow-brown colors, the latter, after heat treatment, also become blue-violet in color and are used in jewelry.
Good quality stones are ultramarine or sapphire blue in color. When exposed to electric light, it takes on an amethyst-violet hue. When heated to 400-500 C, brownish and yellowish shades disappear and the blue of the stone deepens.
And finally, I will say that tanzanites have not only a very beautiful dark blue color, but also an equally beautiful price...)) average cost One carat of tanzanite ranges from $400 to $500. Here the price depends on the color, size and cut of the stone, as well as on your bargaining ability. And you definitely have to bargain...)) The stones range in size from approximately one to four carats. If you want to buy a nugget, the price varies from $25 to $100.
If you still decide to photograph people in Tanzania, it is better to ask them about it. Their native language Swahili, but many speak English well. In Swahili, “I want to take a picture of you” would be: “MimI naOmba kuIga pIche.” The staff at the lodge are happy to ask about Russian words. So I taught them a new word, “crackers,” which are very appropriate for their very tasty creamy soups. Of course, some Russian-speaking tourists also leave their linguistic mark in Tanzania, so “move your buns” - this is one of the “masterpieces” of the Russian language manifestation that my sons heard...))