Monday, October 6, 2014

See Nature In All Its Glory During A Tanzania Safari

By Jocelyn Davidson


One of the most spectacular sights in the world is the migration of thousands of wildebeest in search of greener pasture. This happens every January or February in East Africa. The grassy plains come alive with not only wildebeest but also zebra, various species of antelope and predators such as lions waiting for easy pickings among the stampeding masses. If you want to see Mother Nature in all her glory, you can't go wrong with a Tanzania safari.

Like most East African countries, Tanzania is quite big. The Indian Ocean makes up its eastern boundary while its neighbors include Kenya, Uganda, the DRC, Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique. Destinations such as Zanzibar with its beautiful Arabic-influenced old buildings are evidence of a glorious past and the development opportunities that tourism brings are hinting at a bright future ahead.

No visit to Tanzania is complete without a safari to witness the animals in the wild and to experience the African veld in all its glory. There are many safari operators that offer packages in the country. They have packages suited to your specific needs, whether you want to go hunting, shoot animals with a camera instead, want to experience local village life or simply want to enjoy a romantic honeymoon.

The Tanzanian people have realized that their wildlife is one of their greatest treasures and they've created a range of parks where the many different species are protected. Popular destinations with tourists include the area around Mount Kilimanjaro, the Ngorongoro Crater, the Olduvai Gorge and the Udzungwa Mountains. However, the Serengeti is the one everyone wants to experience, especially in January and February when the wildebeest migrate. Other animals that call the different parks their home include zebras, warthogs, giraffes, monkeys, elephants and predators such as lions, leopards and crocodiles. The many bird species add some extra color.

It's perfectly possible to rough it with a budget package. However, there's no reason why you can't enjoy the bush in style. Luxury lodges and tented camps make it possible to experience the outdoors in the ultimate comfort. You'll also enjoy mouthwatering meals cooked for you with the greatest care and you haven't really seen a sunset until you've seen one on the African plains while sipping on a cocktail. Most importantly, you'll be able to go on game drives with guides who know exactly where to look for those animals.

The best time to visit is during the dry season, which normally falls within the first few months of the year. Even though it is almost unbearably hot, the lack of rain means that animals tend to congregate near watering holes where they're easy to spot. The vegetation is less dense too, so it's more difficult for the wildlife to hide among the trees. Bear in mind that malaria is a risk, although this illness is more prevalent during the rainy season.

As one of Africa's premier tourist destinations, Tanzania has a well-developed tourism infrastructure. If you come here for the wildlife, you'll probably need to fly into either Dar es Salaam or into Kilimanjaro International Airport near Arusha. There are direct flights from destinations elsewhere in Africa as well as from Europe, the Middle East and India.

Visiting is easy if you opt for a safari package. Many of these are all inclusive and you can book online or with the help of a travel agent. However, remember to book your holiday in advance.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment