Tanzanian Safaris - Serengeti Game Sanctuary with Destination Africa Tours

SERENGETI

The Serengeti National Park is arguably the best-known wildlife sanctuary in the world. "Serengeti" means "endless plains" in the Masai language, and within its boundaries are more than three million large mammals living in total freedom. About 35 species of plains animals can be seen here including the so-called "big five" - elephant, rhino, lion (more than 2, 000 of them), leopard and buffalo. In May or Early June, huge herds of wildebeest, gazelle and zebra begin their spectacular migration from the plains to the permanent water in the north and west of the park. Columns of wildebeest 40 kilometres long have been seen, a truly awe-inspiring site. In their wake follow the predators: loin, cheetah and hunting dogs with vultures circling overhead. Visitors should make sure their cameras are loaded, they might witness a kill. Other common species found here include, hippo, giraffe, eland, impala and other antelope types, baboons, monkeys and the profusion of almost 500 bird species. Small rivers cross this landscape of acacia bush, forest and rocky outcrops and are inhabited by crocodiles.

NGORONGORO CRATER

The Ngorongoro Crater, situated 2,286 sq. m. above sea level, is the largest unbroken calderas in the world. Surrounded by very steep walls rising 610 meters from the crater floor, this natural amphitheatre covers an area of about 260 sq. m. - that's 100 sq. miles - and is home to up to 25, 000 larger mammals, almost half of the zebra and wildebeest. There are also gazelle, buffalo, eland, hartebeest and wart hog. Such vast numbers attract predators a plenty, mainly loin and hyena but also cheetah and leopard. More of birds not found in the Serengeti have been spotted here. Ostriches, koori bustards, secretary birds and crested crane can be seen, while countless flamingos from a pink blanket over the soda lakes. The crater has been declared a World Heritage Site. The Ngorongoro Crater lays within the Ngorongoro Conservation area, which covers more than 8, 000 sq. kilometres It is bounded by Lake Eysai in the Southwest and the Gol Mountains in the north. Roughly in the centre are the Olbalal Swamp and the arid Olduvai Gorge.

OLDUVAI GORGE

Located within the Ngorongoro Conservation area is the Olduvai Gorge, 1180 kilometres from Arusha. Its here that Dr Louis Leakey discovered the remains of Homo hales or "Handy man" regarded as mankind's first step on the ladder of human evolution. But many more fossils have been discovering here including those of prehistoric elephants, giant horned sheep and enormous ostriches. Footprints of humanoids believed to be three million years old have also been found. Guides operate lecture tours of the sites.

TARANGIRE

Also comparatively close to Arusha is the Tarangire National Park which gets its name from the river that threads it's way though the length of the reserve. It is famous for its dense wildlife population, which is most spectacular between June and October, the dry period. During this period thousands of animals - wildebeest, zebra, eland, elephant, hartebeest, buffalo and fringe-eared Oryx - migrate from the dry Masai steppe to the Tarangire River looking for water. Lion and other predators follow the herds. As the watercourses fill up, animals start drifting away and soon only the resident species are left - giraffe, rhino, waterbuck, impala, kudu and dik-dik. Giant baobab trees grow here, which, because their branches look just like roots, legend has it that a displeased god turned them upside down at the time of the creation.

LAKE MANYARA

Most famous spectacle in the Lake Manyara National Park are the tree climbing loins which spend most of the day spread out along the branches of acacia trees six to seven meters above the ground. Nestling at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment the park is noted for its incredible beauty. As visitors enter the gate they enter the lush ground water forest, whose tall trees are home to troops of baboons and blue monkeys. Further along the forest opens up into woodlands, grassland, swamps and beyond, the soda lake itself, covering 390 sq. kilometres and sanctuary to over 350 species of bird including flamingo, storks, pelican, sacred ibis, cormorants and Egyptian geese. It is a bird-watchers paradise. The park is also noted for its numerous buffalo, elephant, giraffe, impala, hippo and a great variety of smaller animals.

Our safaris cater for every taste and budget and can be tailor made to suit you. From basic camping to luxury lodges, simply let us know your requirements.

POSSIBLE ITINERARIES

The following itinerary is based out of Moshi in Tanzania and can be done after your Kilimanjaro adventure or by itself as a stand-alone safari.

Day 1 : Early morning drive from Moshi to Lake Manyara National Park. Afternoon game drive in Lake Manyara game park. Dinner and overnight at a camp site or Lake Manyara Hotel.

Day 2 : After breakfast, drive to Ngorongoro Crater. Afternoon game drive in the crater. Overnight at Ngorongoro camp site or Ngorongoro Lodge.

Day 3 : Early morning game drive to the Serengeti. Afternoon game drive in the Seronera area. Dinner and overnight at Seronera camp site or Seronera Lodge.

Day 4 : After breakfast, continue with a game drive en-route back to Moshi. Return to Moshi via some local craft markets.

This itinerary can be lengthened or tailor made to suit your taste and budget.
Basic camp sites or luxury lodges exist in all the areas.
We cater for small groups, individuals and larger groups.

Visit Climbing Kilimanjaro for our complete and dedicated guide to climbing Kilimanjaro.