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Photo: James Blue

Africa's Wildlife Wonder

A world leader in the preservation of wild lands, Tanzania has made a long-term dedication to conservation that has resulted in over 25% of the country being protected within unfenced boundaries.

These vast wilderness regions hold many of the worlds most renowned national parks and conservation areas, making it one of the most popular and rewarding safari destinations in Africa. The magnitude of the natural wonders found in Tanzania is simply breathtaking.

Northern Tanzania includes the world famous Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Mt Kilimanjaro National Parks, as well as the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area. In the southeast lies the expansive Selous Game Reserve, and in the West the Katavi, Mahale Mountains, and Gombe Stream National Parks, the latter made famous by the pioneering chimpanzee researcher Jane Goodall.

Just off the eastern shore lie the white sand beaches of Zanzibar and other pristine Indian Ocean islands.

Last but not least, in the center of Tanzania is East Africa’s largest and most ecologically diverse park, Ruaha National Park.


Ruaha National Park is immense, spanning nearly 8,000 square miles. Include the contiguous reserves and the entire ecosystem covers over 23,000 square miles.

While the sheer size of Ruaha is astounding, it’s the diversity of flora and fauna that make it truly unique. Ruaha is located in a transition zone, where southern and eastern African species overlap, resulting in an unprecedented variety of plants, mammals and birds.

Amongst the myriad of wildlife species found in Ruaha are thriving populations of sable and roan antelope, greater and lesser kudu, wild dogs, and all the big cats (Ruaha holds 10% of the world’s lion population.) The birdlife is spectacular with 573 species recorded.

The landscapes of Ruaha vary significantly – from open savannas resembling the Serengeti, to rocky broken hills, to Miombo woodlands in the higher elevations. Majestic and ancient baobab trees dominate the habitat.

Ruaha is largely unexplored and untouched. The lure of Ruaha is this vast unknown that only true wilderness can offer. If you’re looking for an authentic safari experience without the crowds, one that recalls the wild Africa from centuries past, Ruaha is the perfect choice. It is certainly Tanzania’s best kept game-viewing secret.

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The Serengeti National Park is world-renowned for its unprecedented wildlife viewing. Considered the crown jewel of Africa, the Serengeti showcases nature like nowhere else.

Second only to Ruaha in size, the Serengeti is massive, encompassing nearly 6,000 square miles, and over 12,000 sq mi for the entire ecosystem. This size offers the opportunity explore vast areas of the park in wild solitude, despite its popularity.

The Serengeti hosts the greatest concentration of plains game in Africa. It is famous for its annual great migration of nearly two million animals: primarily wildebeest, but also eland, zebra and gazelles. Naturally, scores of apex predators are never far behind. Leopard, cheetah and Africa’s largest population of lions make for thrilling encounters during safaris.

Included within the Serengeti ecosystem is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Ngorongoro Crater, which is deemed one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. It’s truly a spectacular phenomenon of naturally concentrated wildlife. Photographic opportunities abound in the crater and throughout the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

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A visit to Zanzibar is one of the best ways to dust-off and unwind from a safari or photo workshop.

Known as the Spice Islands, the history and culture-rich Zanzibar archipelago is a paradise offering some of the finest white sand beaches found anywhere in the world. These amazing beaches are surrounded by coral reefs and warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

Located approximately 25 miles from the Tanzanian mainland, the island is a romantic, colorful and mesmerizing mix of influences from mainland Africa, Europe, the Arabian Peninsula and the Indian subcontinent.

A truly wonderful and relaxing way to end your dream safari.

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Photo by James Blue

Culture

Tanzania is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, with over 120 tribes speaking as many different languages. That said, for unity, the government has made Kiswahili (Swahili) the official language.

Tribes of particular interest to those visiting Tanzania are the tall and proud Masai, the Chaga and Datooga tribes who excel as farmers and traders, the Hadzabe people (Bushmen), whose hunter-gatherer lifestyle has changed little in 10,000 years, and the Makonde, who are famous for their artistic carvings.

Embracing these diverse cultures and getting to know the intricate ways they all work together, yet remain independent, is one of the delights of visiting Tanzania.

Cultural tourism is accepted and encouraged, particularly when visits to the villages are pre-arranged. We have had nothing but great experiences and a warm welcome when taking guests to learn about these new and interesting ways of life.

If you can dedicate some time to visit some of these interesting cultures — in particular those living far off the beaten tourist path – the experience is sure to be a rewarding highlight of your stay in Tanzania.

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