Tanzania, officially the United Republic of Tanzania, is a country in East Africa within the African Great Lakes region. It borders Uganda to the north; Kenya to the northeast; Comoro Islands and the Indian Ocean to the east; Mozambique and Malawi to the south; Zambia to the southwest; and Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, is in northeastern Tanzania.
The journey to Serengeti starts in the town of Arusha, located near Mount Kilimanjaro, the gateway to many safari destinations. After meeting my friends in Arusha we enjoyed local BBQ consisting of chicken, beef , goat and a variety of game meats. From here, we board a jeep to start the trek due west of Arusha towards Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a protective area and a World Heritage Site located 110 miles west of Arusha in the Crater Highlands area of Tanzania. The crater is formed when a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself two to three million years ago, is 2,000 feet deep and its floor covers more than 100 square miles. This site is considered one of the most amazing natural wonders of the World where more than 25,000 large animal species live .
The journey continues 100 miles Northwest of Ngorongoro towards the first gate at Serengeti National Park. The Serengeti region includes approximately 12,000 square miles of land and hosts the second largest terrestrial mammal migration in the World, which helps secure it as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and one of the ten natural travel wonders of the World.
Serengeti offers a variety of accommodations from luxury lodges to camping sites to fit all budgets. I chose camping as the best way to enjoy nature and the outdoors. The tour companies provide guests with a tent and sleeping bag. Make sure to bring towels, a spare battery charger for mobile phones and cameras, plenty of mosquito repellent and sunblock. A normal day starts at 5 am, this is generally the best time to spot the wildlife, as the temperature is cool and the animals are still very active. Be prepared to stay at the game park for 10-12 hours to enjoy nature and wildlife. After a long day at the park, we usually finish at a camp site, a different site as the previous night considering the vast size of the park. Upon arrival you are greeted by the locals and provided with a tent and sleeping bag. The tour company also counts with its own chef that makes a meal upon arrival at the campsite for guests to enjoy. A common area is also available for guests to shower and use sanitary facilities.
I suggest 3-5 days to tour this amazing land. The easiest way to travel to this part of Africa is by landing at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) which is located near Arusha where guests can start the safari. Another alternative is to travel via Nairobi, Kenya which is 4 hours away. Make sure to have all needed documentation in hand including Tourist Visa and Immunization Card to include a Yellow Fever Vaccine to cross the Kenya /Tanzania border.
The best time to visit Tanzania is from July to October when the country is at its driest and coincides with the animal migration river crossings.
For best tours contact my friend Lucas Moremi at Tambarare Safaris www.tambararesafaris.co.tz .
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