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25TH SEPTEMBER 2023 THE TRAVEL GUIDE DISTRIBUTED WITH


Tanzania — a country with so much more than Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti and Zanzibar


Naturally, these words conjure up childhood dreams of safaris and climbing Africa’s highest moun- tain — certainly the most popular attractions for visitors in this country. However, Tanzania has so much more to offer if travellers are prepared to stray from mainstream tours and go off the beaten track. Mkomazi National Park, home


OXPECKER ON MAASAI GIRAFFE IN MKOMAZI NATIONAL PARK


to the Big Five and still a well- kept secret, has several highlights including the Mbula and Kisima rhino sanctuaries, probably the best places in Tanzania to see these fascinating giants. Tis park is also a birdwatching paradise, where enthusiasts can spend days trying to spot some of the rare endemic birds, including the violet wood hoopoe or the Friedmann’s lark, among the more than 400 species. A trip to the wild dog sanctuary is an interesting option and guided walks with an armed ranger can be organised, too. Mkomazi is also home to mammals rarely seen on the typical northern safari circuit like eland, gerenuk, lesser kudu and fringe-eared oryx. From Mkomazi View Camp, which is located within the park, the options for exploring this multi-faceted gem are numerous. Tarangire National Park is


PHOTOGRAPHIC BIRDING GUIDE


another underrated attraction where visitors can easily spend more than just one night. Famous for its majestic baobab trees, Tarangire provides excellent game viewing opportunities along its river banks. It’s home to four of the Big Five and numerous other species like the rare tree-climbing rock pythons and bat-eared foxes. Te Silale Swamps in the southern part of the park attract large elephant herds, espe- cially during the drier months of the year. Night game drives, balloon safaris and game walks are other great ways to explore this park. Tinking of taking a walk on the wild side? Game walks, accompanied


by armed rangers, are a fascinating way to explore the wilderness in several national parks,


including


Arusha National Park. Here, visi- tors can get up close to giraffes and other plains animals while being safely accompanied by an experi- enced ranger. Guided walks in the Usambara Mountains, along the rim of the famous Ngorongoro Crater and other areas of the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands, can be organ- ised, too. For those seeking more of a challenge, a four-day trek climbing Mount Meru (14,980ft), an impressive volcanic feature that offers sweeping views over the plains and towards Kilimanjaro, is an alpine highlight. And nothing beats watching the sun rise from Meru’s summit. Exploring the small coffee farms that dot the slopes of Mount Meru or heading out on nature walks with a Maasai guide also offer fascinating insights into the many different cultures Tanzania is home to. Most visitors travel to Tanzania


in the peak season — from July to October and in February; however, the quieter months are lovely, too. From March to May, the Serengeti becomes lush and green and the herds of zebras and wildebeest with their young are scattered across the plains in the south and centre of the park. Photographers are spoilt with clean, crisp air offering spectac- ular golden hour opportunities. An absolute highlight is a balloon safari over the plains of the Serengeti with a champagne breakfast to top it off. Te season from November to mid-December is less visited, too, though it’s when the Great Migration in the Serengeti is on its way from the northern Mara River region to the southern plains. No matter which time of year you visit, the Serengeti View Camps, located at Togoro and Rongai, are ideal for exploring the wider areas of one of the most famous national parks on Earth.


ENDANGERED BLACK RHINO IN MKOMAZI NATIONAL PARK


LEOPARD IN SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK


Looking for a safari with a difference? Get in touch for more information:


Wilkinson Tours — E: info@wilkinson-tours.com, wilkinson-tours.com African View Lodge & Camps — E: info@africanview.co.tz, african-view.com


BAOBAB TREES IN TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK


SAFARI IN NGORONGORO CRATER HIGHLANDS


ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK


CAMPFIRE AT SERENGETI VIEW CAMP


SADDLE HUT (3500 M) ON MOUNT MERU, 4566 M


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