Wild Wild Africa – Incomparable African Safaris in the Top Game reserves in Tanzania

Tanzania national parks and game reserves are home to an amazing diversity of wildlife, making for incomparable Africa game watching safaris. Among these game reserves, the five parks below stand out as the best of the best.

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha national park occupies 12,950 sq km, making it the second largest national park in Tanzania. Located 128 km from Iringa, this park is named after the great Ruaha river, which attracts many thirsty animals to its banks, among them lions, leopards, hyenas, water bucks, and reed bucks. The river also hosts several hippos and crocodiles. Other animals found in Ruaha include zebras, wild dogs, giraffes, lesser and greater kudu, impala, and several antelope species. Ruaha national park is unique in that it combines Southern Africa and Eastern Africa flora and fauna.

Ruaha’s topography is ideal for hiking and walking safaris. In the rainy season between March to April and October to November, the bird population peaks to a high of over 350 bird species – including some Eurasian migrants. Ruaha’s climate is hot and dry, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius in October. The Ruaha is was until recently totally inaccessible, but there is now a year round road access to the park. From Dar es Salaam, road travel takes 10 hours while a charter flight takes 1 and and half hours. The best time for a safari is over the dry season- May to December.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is situated between Lake Manyara and the wall of the Great Rift Valley – rising 610 metres above. The park supports a thriving population of birdlife and hence it is one of Tanzania’s best birding destinations. Common birds in the park include waterfowl as well as some migrants. The lush green vegetation of the national park offer some of the best places to view leopards. Tree-climbing lions can also be spotted on the grassy shores of the lake.

The periods between December and February and between August and September constitute the best times for going on safari in Lake Manyara national park. However, it is still possible to see animals throughout the year. Most parts of the park are easily accessible, making it possible for you to see all its major attractions in two hours. Lake Manyara National park has three habitats: groundwater green forests, acacia woodlands, and open floodplains.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is part of Tanzania’s famous northern safari circuit. Occupying about 2,600 sq km, the park is named after the Tarangire river. It has a a high concentration of wild animals including elephants and over 570 species of birds, rendering it a haven for birdwatching lovers.

Visitors who want to take game drives around Tarangire should do so during the dry season from June to September. This is the best time to view wildlife as animals tend to congregate while drinking the waters of River Tarangire. In addition the vegetation is not so dense, unlike the case during wet season. While at Tarangire chances of spotting python seem to more than even for some or other reason maybe because they have taken to climbing the trees in the area.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in’79, Ngorongoro Conservation Area covers an area of over 7,000 square miles in Northern Tanzania. At the north-west, Ngorongoro conservation area joins up with the Serengeti plains, an area through which the wildebeest horde during their great migration between Masia Mara in Kenya and Serengeti.

The main focal point of the conservation area is the 264 sq km Ngorongoro crater. Every year, more than 350,000 tourists visit the crater, whose floor is home to many different animals. Wildlife watching in the crater remains a richly rewarding experience, which is perhaps why Ngorongoro conservation area is one of the most popular destinations for an African safari in Tanzania.

Great herds of gazelle, antelope and zebra can be seen grazing along the river beds as well as large herds of elephants moving from one corner of the park to the other. It is also possible to see prides of lions sleeping lazily under the shady trees or at least hear a lion’s roar echoing off the walls of the crater. This is an exciting, though at times, shocking experience. Birdwatchers will also enjoy visiting Ngorongoro. Lake Ndutu in the area is home to a thriving population of birds. Some of the bird species you will see here include stocks, ducks and flamingos among may more.

Serengeti National Park

In the local Masai language, the word “Siringit” means unending plains. Serengeti’s name is derived from this word, describing the national parks open grassy plains. Occupying 12,950 sq km, this national park is part of the same ecosystem with Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya. This vast plain is the home of over 30 large mammal species and about 500 bird species.

The world’s longest and largest overland mammal migration takes place in the Serengeti plains. Dubbed the “great wildebeest migration”, the event is recognized as the most spectacular wildlife show in the world, and is ranked alongside the Ngorongoro crater and the mighty Victoria falls among the ten natural wonders in world travel.

It is almost impossible to accurately predict the dates for the migration from Serengeti to Masai Mara, though generally it takes place between July and August. The reverse journey occurs around October. The event involves nearly 2 million herbivores moving from Serengeti to the Mara then later back to Serengeti in search of green pasture. One of the most dramatic moments of the migration is when the animals cross the Mara river.

To get to Serengeti, you can travel both by road or by flight. It takes about 8 hours by road from Arusha, 320km away. By air, you can take a flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha to Kirawira airstrip or Seronera airstrip or any of the other airstrips in Serengeti.

Find great Tanzania holiday packages and also make your reservation for hotels in Tanzania in the author’s website.

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Why You Should Pick Seychelles As Your Next Travel Destination

You will never lack something to do in Seychelles, a country where life is shaped by tourism. Options are many, from food, drinks, walks, cinemas and dance-halls, all ever set to offer the best value out of your time and money.

Victoria, the island’s capital, presents a real picture of Seychelles lifestyle with the city portraying a rich culture influenced by French and British colonies and traces of Chinese, Indian and African. The morning in the city is kept alive by Victoria market and the diversity of inhabitants from all corners of the world. Clothes, jewellery and mementos can be found in boutiques. Though there are a few locally crafted items, most of the souvenirs are plastic tat made in China with a Seychelles sticker attached. The coconut derived products, hand-dyed pareos and silk paintings stand out as some of the best.

For the visitors passionate about art, Revolution Ave at the Kaz Zanana ‘the pineapple house’-a wooden gallery offers wonderful pieces of art such as silk painting, watercolor images and collages that depict everyday life. Fiennes Esplanade located slightly in the outskirts and is appropriate for the visitors who may not be into flashy lifestyles. However many items here are expensive and it is the only place where some boutiques can be found. Camion Hall on Albert St was set up by the government to promote local craftsmen.

The most suitable restaurants for top class meals are found in the beach hotels where the environment and food is perfect for the visitors who are looking forward to derive pleasure in enjoying a meal.In tests, nothing matches a marinated red snapper or grilled jackfish. Seychelles cuisine is dominated by fish and rice. In the center of the capital, like everything else, meals are expensive with Pirates Arms on Independence Ave being the most popular place, boasting of huge, busy rooms equipped with screens mostly dedicated to satellite music channels. They have fantastic sandwiches at about 6.Rendezvous, is a wooden jungle restaurant overlooking the Clock Tower. Its main courses start from extensive 12; cocktails are brought large plastic cacti. The restaurant is nicely located and structured, open air-allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Victoria.

Beau Vallon,a ten minute bus journey away is a better choice for eating, with points such as the excellent Boathouse, which specializes in a substantial Creole buffet that costs from 17 for two courses and all drinks, and the good Italian Al Mare.

The National Fishing Competition takes place in Beau Vallon Regatta every year in April and offers a climax for cultural events while Swimming/tug of war contests on the beach and yacht racing are performed in August-September plus the Regatta in La Digue. Creole Festival happens in October’s presenting a vibrant atmosphere. Environment is focused on in November during the Subois. This is also a celebration of the Seychelles’ underwater World.

Most tourists go to this island specifically for their honeymoons and most of them will rarely get to the many bars, casinos or discos that are always lively. Mainstream hotels do a good job of making sure their guests are kept entertained.

Pirates Arms presents an ample drinking point and also serves as a main place to meet in town, the service being friendly with several slot machines.

Common in many of the larger hotels are live shows, and guests are ever driven to excitement especially towards the end of the shows when they get humble invitations to get involved.

Gaming houses varying from fairly routine collections of slot machines, to three full-fledged casinos are form a glamorous entertainment that stands out as best in offer Sychelles.

Only one Cinema exists in Seychelles featuring movies from Hollywood blockbusters to Bollywood selections, French and Chinese too. An alternative worth consideration is the Hotel DVD libraries.

A vacation or a honeymoon in Seychelles will satisfy the best of mind’s eye. You are assured of romantic dinners, excellent hotel treatment and unending stream of activities and attractive events to keep you refreshed.

Are you thinking of having a Seychelles Vacation? Please Visit the author’s Travel to Africa website where you will find helpful information on Seychelles Vacations including Seychelles tours, flights and hotels. Africapoint.com is an Africa travel portal which has helped thousands of travelers come to Africa.

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Thinking of a Holiday in Egypt? Luxor is one city you must visit

Egypt is an attractive country- a status it has maintained and increasingly remains an attractive destination for tourists. When you arrive in Egypt, your attention is quickly drawn to the outstanding buildings, pyramids and a culture that is both rich and full of diversity.

Luxor in particular is remarkably great as a city in Egypt and many people consider it to have the world’s largest open air museum. Its eye-catching features include the well maintained monuments and artifacts which contribute its lovely nature. Luxor as a city is defined by three different areas which include the small town of Karnak (north of Luxor), Thebes-called Waset by locals and Luxor city itself. All these areas are widely talked about when describing Luxor.

A tomb that was discovered by Howard Carter the renowned archeologist is thought to have done the magic for Luxor’s popularity and is now seen as the bedrock of the Egyptian excitement and civilization. Tutankhamen is the name of the tomb. Semi autonomous status in Egypt is only enjoyed by no other city apart from Luxor. A good number of buildings here are built on the principle of a code that embraces the “ancient methods” Notable examples are the National bank of Egypt, railway station and spa.

A wonderful feeling adventure and tranquility is so easily derived from this immensely beautiful city. In addition, facilities and amenities identifiable with modern day city are equally at large with restaurants, clubs, and hotels readily available in abundance. For those tourists who love to shop, they will not be disappointed as there are quite a number of open air markets that offer a variety of alternatives for one to choose from.

Luxor used to be the economic powerhouse of Egypt and still continues to support the country’s economy though it is currently not the powerhouse. Its income is mainly drawn from tourism which transcends down to the Greek and Roman dynasties when immense tourism activities filled the place just as it is happening at present The hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops of the city are critical pillars in keeping the tourism industry alive.

Luxor is a relatively small city with three major streets that include Sharia al-Mahatta, Sharia al-Karnak and the Corniched, next to the Nile. It can be noted therefore that the city is relatively small-and this perhaps adds to its unique attributes as tourists can have the chance of traveling across the whole city within a short period of time. Sharia al- Mahatta Street is located in front of the train station along the Nile and stretches to connect with garden of Luxor temple. Sharia al Karnak Street is also known as Sharia al Markaz and it meets the Sharia al- Lokanda. A range of Egyptian souvenirs, colorful restaurants, cafs and bazaars line up this stretch while the alabaster and pottery works also form a great attraction.

The Luxor Museum of Mummification is entirely dedicated to mummification and was opened in’97 It is one of the most beautiful and attractive places to pay a visit. Not bold, it comprises a big room with guides to take tourists round while explaining the significance of each piece on display and has over 56 archaeological objects. Each object is complete with story boards that explain the step by step process of mummification. It also narrates interesting beliefs held by the community during the mummification period. Advancements of ancient society in the area of medicine and chemistry are some o the great lessons you will learn during the tour.

The Luxor temple which was built by New kingdom Pharaohs Amenhotep and Ramesses the second, is located in the heart of the city and was dedicated to the worship of the god Opet. Surprisingly despite being old, it is well kept. While inside this temple one experiences a feeling of being in time machine.

Another place worth paying a visit is Luxor museum which is more of a store house of arts and antiquities rather than a museum. This museum was established in the early’75 with most of the relics and artifacts found here dating way back to the pre-dynastic period through to the Islamic dynasty. The building is two storied, modern with a ramp connecting the floors. One of the historic figures of Egypt-Iamu Negh is right in this museum. Though small in size, it will definitely reward you with vast experience.

The largest remaining religious complexes in the world are believed to be the temples of Karnak. They span over an area of about 1500 square meters by 800 square meters and are thought to be over 1500 years old. During ancient times it was called Ipet-isut which meant the most select of places and remained Egypt’s sacred place of worship for a long time. It comprises of pylons, kiosks, sanctuaries and obelisks all dedicated to the native’s Theban gods. The temple is connected to Sharia al- Karnak Street through the dromos-a long stone Processional Street first introduced by Nectanebo the first and lined with sphinxes on either side. The dromos on Karnak temple are well kept and at the entrance is a Roman chapel made of burnt bricks and was dedicated to the worship of the Roman god Serapis.

A reserved and respected burial ground was dedicated to the Egyptian kings due to the firm believe that their status was not lost in death and therefore were expected to rule even after death. This ground was called the Valley of the Kings and was the final point of rest in preparation to meet the gods in the journey into the afterlife. The tombs of Tutankhamen and Ramesses the second were discovered in the’20’s and are equally attractive discoveries of the recent past.

The valley of the Queens was another special burial ground that was reserved for queens and their children for them to rest as well before they reunited with gods. Presently, there are only four tombs that can be viewed by the public. One of them is Nefertari which is a must visit for tourists.

Are you thinking of travelling to Egypt? Visit the author’s Africa Travel website where you will find useful information on Egypt Packages and resources while planning your Egypt Holiday. Grab a totally unique version of this article from the Uber Article Directory

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Travel to Tanzania – the Paradise of East Africa

Wonderful parks, rich cultural heritage, captivating islands : welcome to Tanzania- a favourite destination that will leave you with long lasting memories. The people of this East African Country have no equal when it comes to hospitality. Amidst the mountains are forests with a rich biodiversity and home to thousands of bird species- whose daily tuneful melodies will enchant you while on vacation in this East African Heaven.

Covering an area of over fourteen thousand square kilometers, the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania Compares only with Kenya’s Maasai Mara and South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Rightly so, the Serengeti National Park is considered one of the best national parks in Africa with its plains being home to gazelles, zebras, cheetahs, lions, and the wildebeest whose annual migration between November and May is a spectacle to behold.

Indeed the migration of the wildebeests was included among the Seven Wonders of the World and rightly so. The phenomenal and instantaneous exodus of the wildebeests in their thousands finds root in the quest for grazing land and a chance to mate. With Vicious Predators either laying in wait or in hot pursuit, the weak, the old and the too young stand very little chance of survival.

The Ngogongoro Conservation Area , rising high above the plains of Serengeti, spans from Lake Natron to Lake Enaysi to Lake Manyara. Resting in this Conservation Area is the active volcanic Mountain-Ol Doinyo Lengai, that in the beautiful Maasai language means Mountain of God and that whose last eruption was in 1983. The Ngorongoro crater is six hundred and ten metres deep, twenty kilometers in diameter and covers an area of three hundred and eleven square kilometers. Save for the Impala, the Topi and the Giraffe, this crater shelters the majority of plain dwelling mammals and it goes without saying that there is nowhere else in Africa that you will find as many predators concentrated in one area as in the Ngorongoro Crater. Should you decide to take a hike in this area, the sighting of the endangered Black Rhino should be most rewarding not to mention birdlife that includes flamingoes that are attracted to the area by the soda-containing crater floor.

There are so many other parks that we’ll have to summarize to give space to other great wonders in Tanzania but we have to cover the Selous Game Reserve first. This park is so big it out-sizes Switzerland and takes up to one sixth of Tanzania’s total surface area to make it one of the biggest parks in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has a high concentration of elephants and lots of stalking lions and other game.

Other parks include Lake Manyara, Arusha National Park,Mikumi National Park, Tarangire, Ruaha, Katavi, Mahale Mountains, Rubondo Island and Udzungura Mountains and Gombe National Parks. There are Marine Parks at Kilwa Reserve, Latham Island Reserve, Rufigi Delta and Tanga Coral Gardens. Proposed National Parks include Kizulo Plateau and Saadani. Now, this is definitely a very large selection option for you so knock yourself out and make the best out of your trip.

And now, how can the end of this article be neared without mentioning the challenge-tossing Tanzanian Physical feature that has attracted lots of tourists every year in the quest to climb the highest mountain in Africa? Mount Kilimanjaro, resting near Moshi with a spectacular snowy peak, is a good challenge for those who not only want to enjoy a spectactular view of Africa from the Peak but also have many tales thereafter of the wonderful experience in having conquering the highest mountain in Africa.

Spanning across over fifty Kilometres and with a depth of a hundred metres is the Olduvai Gorge which is a historical canyon that was the discovery site of three species of hominid fossils that date back to as early as over three million years ago. The way Olduvai came up was as a result of a river eroding rock in the area following which layers of volcanic soil were exposed and it here that Dr. Louis and Mary Leakey made the discovery of hominid fossils. Also standing in the Olduvai Gorge is a museum that has many ancient discoveries.

It is in Tanzania that you will find Lake Tanganyika which is the world’s longest and second deepest fresh-water body. It is around this Lake that traditional dhow fishing boats are built and this lake is also the gateway to Gombe National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park. You should be on the look out for a pleasantly mesmerizing feeling that comes with being around the grandeur of this Lake.

Finally , through this lines, travel to Zanzibar-one of Africa’s most renown Islands. This tropical island in the Indian Ocean is well known for its beautiful beaches and an easy-going way of life that is perfectly in rhythm with the gently swaying palm trees that amongst the many dhow boats, seem to beckon one aboard. The island finds its history in fishing and spice trade and many centuries down the line, the sources of livelihood have not changed much in Zanzibar and neither has the strong Arabic influence more so on the Island’s architecture. To sum it up, visit the island and see for yourself!

Finally, in one sentence: Africa is blessed with many wonderful destinations, yet few of this beat Tanzania which you should seriously think of as you choose your next destination.

Visit the author’s travel website www.africapoint.com for useful resources regarding Tanzania Vacations including Tanzania Hotels and Flights. Africapoint is an online travel agency that also organizes tours safaris in Tanzania, Kenya, and many other African countries.

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