 Tanzania
Tanzania is twice the size of neighbouring Kenya, with one third less population.
Over 15% of Tanzanian land is dedicated to parks, reserves and conservation
area. For the purpose of safari, its game areas can be divided into two
Sectors, the Nothern, and the more remote Southern sector. In the North,
the famous game areas include Tarangire, Lake Manyara, NgoroNgoro and the
Serengeti. Much is written about all of these, and they form a fairly busy
tourist circuit, where it is sometimes hard to escape others. The Serengeti,
6,300 square miles of wild Africa, bordering Kenya's Mara, is an unforgettable
sight, particularly during the wildebeest migration which in that area is
best seen in January through March. The NgoroNgoro crater is still one of
the natural wonders of the world, even though tourism has truly discovered
it! In the South, the Selous and Ruaha are much less traveled and highly
recommended, accessed usually through Dar Es Salaam. The island of Zanzibar
is both a stimulating and restful experience. Far in the West, Lake Tanganyika,
Mahale Mountains and Katavi, though difficult and expensive to reach, should
be visited. As in Kenya, weather is good all the year round, except the
rainy seasons of April, May, October and November.
Highlights:
 Mount Kilimanjaro: at 19,340ft, dominates the skyline both in Kenya and
Tanzania. The glaciers have receeded greatly this century, but seasonally
the snow cap is still impressive. As Africa's highest peak, it is climbed
by thousands of people every year, and the trick now is to avoid the crowds!
The hike should never be underestimated, as it is definitely tough, with
the altitude taking its toll on fit and fat alike! A minimum of seven days
needs to be allocated to this project. It is no longer cheap, and there
are a number of routes that are both scenic and more remote.
Years ago I climbed the populous Marangu route, and in August 2003 I climbed the mountain with a Safari Experts team.
View Fascinating Landsat photos
 Selous Safari Camp - Luxury tented Camp on the Rufiji river - Selous: The Selous game Reserve, at 21,000
sq miles, is the largest game area in Africa, and with very few tourist
facilities, this beautiful camp on the edge of quiet water just off the
Rufiji river, features on verandah game viewing!. Camp owner Charles Dobie
is here enjoying an after lunch game drive without moving an inch!! Shortly
after I took this picture, the elephant moved up and shook all the palm
nuts off the tree onto his tent. It was rather to close to get further pictures!
Activities from this 12 tent camp are boat trips along the Rufiji to view
the marvelous aquatic bird life, as well as the crocodile and hippos. In
addition there are game drives in open vehicles and walks.
Another spectacular option in the Selous is Sand Rivers, set in a vast paradise of dry river beds, miombo woodland and floodplains that appear suddenly from the dense bush.
The finest way to see the Africa of old is to take a 6-Day Walking Safari with one of Africa's best known guides - Richard Bonham
 A typical mobile tented camp: Throughout East Africa, the mobile camp is "the
way to go", as it recreates the days of yore, and there simply is nothing
to surpass the feeling of sleeping out, or under canvas, in Africa. This
way you soak up the night sounds and complete the safari experience. The
traditional camp has all the amenities you will need, but certainly is not
the cheapest way to go, as the logistics are substantial in providing ice,
hot water at all times, as well as four course cordon bleu meals!
 Chimpanzees at Mahale Mountains: On the North East shores of the worlds
longest and second deepest lake, Lake Tanganyika is set Roland and Zoe Purcell's
Mahale Mountains camp. This Ottoman style extravaganza is a must for those
wishing to get truly away! There is no easy or cheap way to get there, but
that is much of the magic. In addition to the nearly 1,000 chimpanzees that
alive in the area, only 10% are habituated to humans, there are many other
primates and forest animals to be seen. Goggling for cyclids in the clear
waters of the lake whose bottom is 600ft below sea level is a real thrill.
A 2hr flight to Katavi will bring you vast quantities of game with not another
soul in sight. June until October is the best time in this area.
 Relative comfort at the Ngoro Ngoro Crater: Perched right on the edge of
this worldfamous crater, the newly rebuilt Crater lodge offers
luxury and style that almost seems out of place in Africa - that is until
you live it! Specatcular views of the crater floor, 1800 feet below, are
to be had from every room of this 30 roomlodge, which is divided into 3
small villages, each with their own intimate dining area. The crater itself
is one of the wonders of the world, brimming with wildlife in this 100 sq
mile unique ecosystem.
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