This small Wildlife Jewel is dominated by Hills and Plains as well as part of the famous Miombo Woodlands, these varied habitat is an excellent spot of several special and rare Wildlife not seen any where in Tanzania.

SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
Rare Species such as the Wild Dog, Sable Antelope, Greater Kudu and Roan Antelope have been recorded in Mikumi National Park. Bird Watchers may be in position to spot Miombo woodland specialties such as Racket Tailed Roller,Pale billed Hornbill, Shelley`s Sunbird, Wood Hoopoes and Hoopoes. The Boem`s Bee-eater and the Miombo Rock Thrush are the few other Species to add on.

BEST TIME TO VISIT
Except March, April and May.

ACCESS
4 hours Drive in a 4WD from the Coast of Dar es salaam.

It is possible to base from Mikumi to access the Southern Highlands such as the Udzungwe Mountains National Park for the Southern Tanzania Endemic species as well as access the Ifakara area and the Kilombero Flood plains with her specialities and rarities. Accommodation in Ifakara and Udzungwe is basic.

The greatest altitude range of forests in East Africa: The eastern escarpment is the only place in East Africa with unbroken forest cover from lowland forest communities at below 250km above sea level, through intermediate types, to mountain communities at over 2,000m.
Exceptionally species-rich forest: The Udzungwe contain plant species found nowhere else in the world, ranging from a tiny new African violet to 30m high trees.

Rich primate fauna:
The park hosts six species of primate, two of them endemic forms – the Iringa (Uhehe) red colobus monkey and the Sanje Crested Mangabey. The latter was only discovered in 1979.
Diverse large mammal community: The plateau contains resident populations of elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, wild dog, sable antelope, eland and water buck. there is also a rich small bovid community, with good numbers of red, blue and abbots duikers and bushbuck.

Richest forest bird habitat in Tanzania with several endemics. Recent studies have added several new species the park’s bird list (including a new species of francolin.) This gives the Udzungwe forests a ranking in the top three areas important for bird conservation in mainland Africa.

Spectacular mountain scenery with rainforest, wooded grasslands, rock faces, rivers and waterfalls: The falls on the Sanje River drop some 170m through the forest to the valley below. The mountain plateau allows views of over 100km.

This little-known mountain range is one of the gems of Tanzania. Lying north coast, the Usambara s are a relict patch of the great tropical forests that once spanned Africa from the Atlantic to the Indian Oceans, and have more in common with the forests of West Africa than those of East Africa .

The Usambaras are a treasure house of botanical and zoological and Ornithological diversity, with a huge number of endemic tree and plant species and the Birds of course… Although large tracts of the original forests have been levelled for tea planting, enough of the original wilderness remains to make this a hiking, birding and primate-spotting paradise.

Birders will want to keep eyes open for most of the species that are endemic to the Usambara forests and Tanzania in particular   the Usambara eagle owl, Usambara alethe and the Usambara weaver are among others. This is one of the best places in East Africa to see notable birds like the green-headed oriole, Amani sunbird, bar-tailed and Narina trogons and Fischer s turaco. Amani was once a resort for holidaying German officials, and there is a basic guesthouse and a campsite set amidst the spectacular forest.

The Amani Nature Reserve is an extraordinary place for botanical study. Within its boundaries there are many endemic tree species as well as an interesting relationship between the high level of floral endemism and invading species.

The Meserani Snake Park is located some 20 km to the west of Arusha Town, just off the tar road that leads towards the world famous Serengeti National park. At the snake park there is a collection of snakes and other reptiles, some of the most fascinating animal of Africa. The Snake park has provided a new attraction for visitors on the northern Tanzania tourist circuit and building the park was quite an adventure.

The 50 km long Olduvai Gorge between the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti has on several occasions shed the light over the origin of human kind.

Already in the 1920`s, Mary and Lois Leakey found the first fossil leftovers of the forefathers of Homo sapiens, and later they dug up a few primitive stone tools and animal fossils. The important breakthrough came in 1959, when Mary Leakey discovered a cranium of zinjanthropus (now called Australopithecus boisei), who lived about 1,75 million years ago.

Shortly thereafter they found fossils which had even greater similarity with humans, and they came to the conclusion that this had to be a new species, Homo habilis (the able man), who lived in the Olduvai Gorge at the same time of the Zinjanthropus. Homo habilis had a large brain and was able to make primitive tools. In 1976 Mary Leakey made another revolutionary discovery in Laetoli close to Olduvai. This time it evolved around fossil footprints, which proved to be 3,6 million years old. They were set in volcanic ashes and were in amazingly good condition when she discovered them. Today we know that these footprints stem from the species australopithecus afarensis, a 1.30m tall creature looking more like a monkey than a human being.

The footprints from Laetoli have revealed that our forefathers have been walking upraised for about 4 million years, twice as long as believed earlier. In a 4-wheel-drive one can drive down the gorge and have a closer look at the findings. Most tourists settle for a brief look at the history in the museum, which is situated only 6 km from the main road between Ngorongoro and Serengeti. For a modest fee you get a lecture, a look at some of the findings, and access to study the exhibits and pictures of the pre historic animals. It is not possible to overnight at the Olduvai Gorge.

This continues great Eco system into the Maasai Mara of Kenya is the oldest and largest wildlife park in East Africa with a total land area of over 250000sq kilometres. Siringet (now serengeti) is a Maasai word for “flat endless plains”. Indeed your eyes, Scopes and Bins will be the limit to the freely roaming wildlife in the Serengeti country.

WHAT TO SEE
The wildebeest migration from Serengeti to Maasai Mara in Kenya and Vice versa. All the big cats and, the Big five except the Rhino may be spotted on a two to three days game drive depending on luck in the wilderness.

SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
Wildebeest migration between June – October and December to May. Each year at about this time of the year, over a million large Mammals including Grazers and Carnivores come together to breed, a sight that even a fanatic Birder will find irresistible to ignore. This is the only place in East Africa with the highest concentration of wild life “The Serengeti shall never die”. Two Tanzania endemic bird species occur in the Serengeti – the Fischer’s Love bird and the Grey breasted Spurfowl. Other specialities in the Serengeti include the Usambiro Barbet, Yellow throated Sand grouse and the Silver bird…the list is endless.

BEST TIME TO VISIT
June through October, December and May.

ACCESS
6 Hours from Arusha in a 4 WD Vehicle.

It neighbours with lake Manyara Park, ecosystem almost similar.Covers an area of 2600sqKm.With large herds of Elephants, Thomson and Grant’s Gazelles, Gerenuk and Oryx may be spotted.

SAFARI HIGHLIGHT
Tarangire national park is best for the famous Baobab tree, Maasai giraffe & a birders paradise. The endemic Bird species include Ashy starling, Yellow collared Love bird and the Rufous tailed weaver can be found here. Other specialities include Yellow breasted Apalis, Slender Tailed Night jar, Lilac breasted Roller,Black faced Sand grouse ,Coqui Francoline ,Magpie shrike and the Red and yellow Barbet.

BEST TIME TO VISIT
June through December and January to mid April.

ACCESS
2 Hours Drive from Arusha in a 4 WD Vehicle.

What to see at Lake Manyara
This is where Florists and Botanists as well as Birders meet their world. A variety of vegetation species occur, ranging from monotone forest vegetation to plain savannah grassland. Here the Natural world is for you; spot tree climbing lions, zebras, Maasai giraffe and the breathe taking view of the spectacular lake Manyara. Bird life is prolific as you approach the lake shore, a variety of Gulls may be spotted and may be the Vulturerine Guinea fowl,Blue napped mouse Bird and the mountain Wagtail.

Safari highlight
Lake Manyara has the highest density of Elephants in East Africa ( at least 7 Elephants per sq kilometre). A profusion of colourful Birds awaits your discovery in the ground water forest as you spot pelicans and cormorants swimming among walloping Hippos and Flamingos in their pink on the lake. You will be able to update your Bird check list while in Lake Manyara, do not miss to visit the Hippo pool.

Best time to travel
Non stop visit to lake Manyara, all year round.

Access
3 hours Drive in a 4WD vehicle from Arusha

Itinerary for Tanzania Wildlife Safari- 10 Days

Note: This may be a Luxury, middle range or budget safari depending on the accommodation facilities you want. That is Hotel, safari lodge/tented camp or camp respectively.

Day 1: Arusha – Arusha National Park – Tarangire
Depart Arusha town for Arusha National Park game viewing. At first a few-hour walking safari, where you will mingle with Giraffes, Buffalos, Zebras, various antelopes and fluffy-tailed Black and White Colobus Monkeys. After lunch a game drive to Momela Lakes full of Pink Flamingos and volcanic Ngurdoto Crater. In the afternoon transfer towards Tarangire National Park for dinner and overnight. Overnight: Lodge/Hotel/Tented Camp/Camp

Day 2: Tarangire National Park
A whole day game drive in Tarangire National Park, where large population of Elephants can be seen all year round. Tarangire is also known for its density of wildlife; thousands of animals including Wildebeests, Zebras, Elands, Elephants, Buffalos, Hartebeests and rare Oryx migrate from Maasai steppe to the Tarangire River looking for water with Lions, Leopards and other predators following them. Unusual ancient Baobab trees are scattered all around the park. Overnight: Lodge/Hotel/Tented Camp/Camp

Day 3: Tarangire – Lake Manyara
After breakfast depart to the lush Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive. This little park is situated at the footsteps of the Great Rift Valley and provides a home to a wide range of different animals including Elephants, Buffalos, Giraffes, Hippos and more than 400 species of birds, but its most famous feature are the unusual tree-climbing Lions, resting on Acacia branches six to seven meters above the ground. Overnight: Lodge/Hotel/Tented Camp/Camp

Day 4: Lake Manyara – Lake Eyasi
In the morning a drive to Tanzania’s largest soda lake, Lake Eyasi. After lunch sightseeing around the lake, where large flocks of Pink Flamingos can be observed. Overnight: Tented Camp/Camp (there are no Lodge facilities!)

Day 5: Lake Eyasi – the Real Bushmen – Ngorongoro
After early breakfast transfer to where Haadzabe tribe or the Real Bushmen reside where you will join them on the morning hunt for food and find out how to survive in the wilderness. You will get to know their unique culture and way of living which has not changed for thousands of years! You will be taught how to make fire without matches and a word or two in their unusual Overnight: Lodge/Hotel/Tented Camp/Camp

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater – Ngorongoro
After breakfast descend inside the eight wonder of the world or the natural Zoo as the Ngorongoro Crater is also known. You will have the whole day to explore its rich wildlife and search for the Big Five. Picnic lunch. Overnight: Lodge/Hotel/Tented Camp/Camp

Day 7: Ngorongoro – Maasai Boma – Olduvai Gorge – Serengeti
After breakfast head off to the world’s most famous park, Serengeti National Park, with an optional stop by the colorful Maasai tribe, the pastoral nomads who vigorously resisted change and still live the same as they have for centuries, and/or the cradle of mankind as Olduvai Gorge is also called. After lunch, afternoon game drive in Serengeti National Park, with the size equivalent to Ireland, a home to more than four million different animals and also the place, where remarkable annual Great Migration occurs! Overnight: Lodge/Hotel/Tented Camp/Camp

Day 8: Serengeti wildlife
The whole day is spent searching for Lions, Spotted Hyenas, Leopards, Cheetahs, Servals, Caracals, Giraffes, Buffalos, Topis, Hartebeests, Waterbucks, Impalas, Reedbucks, Bushbucks, Kirk’s Dik-diks, Hippopotamus, Crocodiles, Warthogs and diverse birdlife. Overnight: Lodge/Hotel/Tented Camp/Camp

Day 9: Serengeti – Lake Natron
Sunrise game drive around north-eastern Endless Plains, as Serengeti was named by Maasai. After lunch a drive to one of the Tanzania’s most beautiful soda lakes, Lake Natron, famous for its population of several hundred thousands of Lesser Flamingos who come to the lake to breed. Dinner and overnight. Overnight: Tented Camp/Camp (there are no Lodge facilities)

Day 10: Ol Doinyo Lengai – Arusha
Early in the morning between 3.00 a.m. and 4.00 a.m. your will be transferred to the foot of “the Mountain of God”, Ol Doinyo Lengai, to start the trek to its peak at 2878 m. Descent from the mountain around noon, with a lunch tour of the Lake Natron. In the afternoon return to Arusha.