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The Best Parks & Gardens
Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area: Another of Tanzania's World Heritage Sites, the area includes the 265-sq.-km (102-sq.-mile) crater itself, and the crater highlands, where the local Masai are permitted to live and graze their livestock. The sides of the crater, which is actually a collapsed volcano, are 600m (2,000 ft.) deep and the grasslands, swamps, forests, and lakes within support a staggering 20,000 to 30,000 animals including the Big Five. These can easily be seen on a half-day's game drive, though the floor of the crater can become congested with vehicles. There are great views from the lodges sitting on the rim of the crater.
Serengeti National Park: Tanzania's most famous park holds the greatest concentration of plains game of any park in Africa and is the location of the annual wildebeest migration. Covering 12,950 sq. km (5,000 sq. miles), its landscape varies from grassy plains in the south, savannah dotted with acacia trees in the center, and hilly, wooded grassland in the north. Most visitors enter the park from the southeast after dropping down from the escarpment of the Ngorongoro Crater where the road passes the Olduvai Gorge. The park's centrally located campsites are unfenced and make for some exciting nights sleeping to the sounds of wild animals. The lodges and camps range from large impersonal hotel-style places favored by tour groups to intimate and isolated luxury tented camps.
Tarangire National Park: Less visited than other parks, Tarangire can be visited on the way to the Nrorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. The floodplains, grasslands, and acacia woodlands are home to a full range of animals, including exceptionally large herds of elephants and over 500 species of birds. The tall sausage and baobab trees are a favorite haunt of leopards and tree-climbing lions. The lodges here are a little less crowded than the other parks.
Arusha National Park: Although not known for great herds of game, and lions and elephants are not resident, this park is dominated by Mount Meru, the fifth-highest mountain in Africa at 4,566m (15,220 ft.). The lower slopes are acacia woodland where buffalo and giraffes are frequently encountered, and then the ascent of Meru leads into forests and high open heath spiked with giant lobelias. It takes 3 days to hike to the top of the mountain, but along the lower slopes, paths to rivers and waterfalls make a relaxing day hike for visitors who don't want to attempt the rather arduous climb.
Lake Manyara: A small scenic park and another on Tanzania's northern circuit, Manyara is usually visited for a few hours en route to the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. It lies beneath the impressive Rift Valley escarpment. The game viewing area is to the north of Lake Manyara, where the soda water attracts large flocks of flamingos. Elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and wildebeest are regularly spotted, but the legendary tree-climbing lions are rarely seen.
Kilimanjaro National Park: The highest peak on the African continent at 5,895m (19,650 ft.), Kili, as it's affectionately known, is also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world that can be simply walked up. Most climbers reach Uhuru Point at the top with little more than a walking stick, warm clothing, and determination, though altitude sickness can be a problem. The forested lower slopes are home to leopards, buffalo, and elephants, while the upper slopes have moorlands leading to the snow-capped peaks. There are six routes to the summit that take 4 to 6 days for the return climb; accommodations are in huts and campsites.
Selous Game Reserve: One of the largest wilderness regions in Africa at 50,000 sq. km (19,305 sq. miles) and covering 5% of Tanzania, the Selous is dominated by the Rufiji River with its lagoons, sandbanks, and lakes surrounded by a forest that attracts large herds of game. It's one of the most remote and least visited parks in Africa and the very few lodges operate on a high-income, low-impact policy. It has been designated a World Heritage Site for its wildlife diversity and undisturbed nature.
Ruaha National Park: This 10,000-sq.-km (3,860-sq.-mile) park protects a vast tract of rugged, semi-arid bush in central Tanzania. The best game viewing is along the banks of the Great Ruaha River, where the big cats are present as well as packs of the highly endangered African wild dog. It's also home to kudu, sable, and roan antelope, and, like the Selous Game Reserve, has an unusual combination of eastern and southern African wildlife and birds. The luxury all-inclusive lodges offer an intimate safari experience. Trips to Ruaha are often combined with the Selous as the two are on the same scheduled flight route.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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