Kilimanjaro is located near the town of Moshi and is a protected area, carefully regulated for climbers to enjoy without leaving a trace of their presence.
It has been forever since the last time I posted. The good news is am well and ready to take you through the unforgettable Tanzania. I have gone through the valley of death and the mountains of life metaphoric and literally. I experienced a lot in life during the time I was away from this enjoyable hobby of mine. Lets get started with a graduation picnic that happened at Saanane Island National Park .
My friend had her Masters degree in Education and she had no idea on how to celebrate this amazing milestone. I came up the idea of 'Graduation picnic'. She intended to have few friends and family members to join her. After pitching my idea to her about Saanane Island National Parkshe agreed right away. We started planning it and this is how amazingly things turned out
And here is a video when we were having sparkling wine aka champagne in the boat like the rich ones. Best part!
Tarangire National Park has tales one can't ever forget. This spectacular savanna environment host the largest terrestrial animal "the elephants" (Loxodonta Africana) and dotted with monumental baobabs like no other national park on the Northern Circuit of Tanzania. Recently I had an opportunity to camp at Kwakuchinja adjacent to Tarangire, and this is how I can tell my endless story about Tarangire. The mysterious gigantic monumental baobabs (Adansonia diditata)
It is that a large propotion baobabs found in Tarangire are estimated to be more than 2000 years old and there are no young ones to be found. This is most probably due to heavy browsing by elephants and fruits are eaten by other animal species such as monkey. Given that there are no younger generations available, the future of baobab in Tarangire is naturally some what uncertain.
Read me Please!
Baobab trees
The incredible large groups of elephants
Tarangire is the most famous Northern Circuit national park that boost of having large groups of elephants.
I had the chance to have photo taken with elephants as background at Tarangire river.
Elephant family at the Tarangire river
Simply magical!
All animal extravaganza!
Tarangire have varieties of species to enjoy watching, one to die for is the beisa oryx despite that it is not a guarantee. I think this make this animal so interesting because you will need to pull out your adventurous spirit to be successful. It is worthy it! But the occurence of other common species such as zebras, buffalo and others is high.
The stupid faced wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus)
colorful zebra (Equus quagga)
The playful vervet monkey (Cercopithecus pygerythrus)
Bird watching
This is among the most spectacular thing one has to enjoy effortlessly. More than 500 bird species are recorded in Tarangire NP, just at the main gates your first encounter is most likely to be these amazing avifauna. The true diversity of the bird life is particularly in evidence early in the morning, when the chorus is at its finest, and an extra bonus is provided on the flood plains by the arrival of the water birds in the wet season.
The Superb starling (lamprotornis superbus)
The White-headed buffalo-weaver (Dinemellia dinemelli)
The Small Serengeti Plain within Tarangire
Serengeti NP is the most famous and popular national park in Tanzania, well know for the easy visibility of wildlife due to its plain area. The good news is Tarangire has it own small serengeti were by the area is similarly characterized as the Serengeti national park. I dare you!
Small Serengeti Plain
At the plain, challenged by a traffic due to the presence of a Cheetah
After a big win during the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa where Tanzania top the accolades by having three natural attraction topping the list, Ngorongoro keeps the beat on. The three natural attractions included the incredible Serengeti migrations, Mountain Kilimanjaro and Ngorongoro Crater. The naming was earlier this year and you can read more here Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
Ngorongoro celebrated earlier today the winning in style by running the Ngorongoro Marathon for a good cause of fighting against Malaria in the country. Isn't it cool? The Marathon took place in Karatu Arusha and it included various entourages and famous people from different categories, such as musicians and others. Some of big names in Tanzania that participated include: the best male artist of the year 2012, the one and only Barnabas the beauty queen of 2000 and the President of Tanzania Women Achievement Awards (TWAA) Miss Irene Kiwia to name a few. There were more than 250 athletes who participated the race. Am quoting from the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, his excellence Honorable Lazaro Nyarandu that the officials of Ngorongoro Conservation Area(NCA) didn't participate. The quotation is via his twitter handle. I think they didn't think out of the box what impact it would have brought by participating in the race. I dare say it is a shame to let go of such an opportunity as this one, for I hope there were both indigenous and guest who could love to here something about Ngorongoro. Well I hope they have learnt their lesson and I hope next time all will be well.
Ngorongoro Marathon Participants.
From Left Mr. Kijoko the Karatu DC with honorable Lazaro Nyarandu.
The oldest participant
Spectators watching at Barnabas at the finishing line.
His excellence Honorable Nyarandu covered the Marathon live via his twitter handle. I liked his strategy and his execution of the event I give him a round of applause for without his efforts I could probably not be able to learn what was happening and far worse not post this important Marathon.
First international runner arrives at the finish line #Ngorongoro Marathon
— Lazaro Nyalandu (@LazaroNyalandu) April 6, 2013
I love the spirit here #Ngorongoro Marathon.Country could excel even more if we stand united for what's in store for this land #Tanzania
— Lazaro Nyalandu (@LazaroNyalandu) April 6, 2013
Super tired after the 21km marathon! Soooo much fun! Amazing stories to tell! 0nce again much thanks to @lazaronyalandu for the big support!
— Irene Kiwia (@reneephoebe) April 6, 2013
I posted 4 photos on Facebook in the album "Ngorongoro Marathon" fb.me/1G9j8vB8Q
— Zara Tours Tanzania (@ZaraTours) April 6, 2013
The winners are:
Dickson Marwa from Kilimanjaro 1st place for males.
Jackie Sakara from Singida 1st place women
Zakia Mrisho from Singida 2nd place women
Zara tours was never left behind they grabbed and sized the opportunity very well. Thank you all participants, sponsors and everybody else who made this happen successfully and special thanks to social media especially twitter for streaming live the events. You made it possible even for my readers to have a glimpse of what was happening today in Karatu. All photos a courtesy of Honarable Lazaro Nyarandu.
Note:
The International day of Malaria is on 24th of this month, what are you planning to do to fight against this killer disease?
It is so sad to learn about a place you once knew it for it magnificent breath taking scenery, that things will fall apart soon. The great Ruaha what will become of you? "Its 20 years since this problem started and despite the huge sums spent on research, look where we are now!" I quote that from Ruaha National Park blog. The first time I read the post I was so excited that at last there is some one who cares. To my surprise it is more than a month now and people are not responding about it. I wonder why people don't even comment and give out their ideas on what could be the possible solution to revive the once known Ruaha the Great River. Ruaha river is found within the 23,000 square kilometres Ruaha National Park. It is refered as the best kept secret of East Africa, may be this is why the bad condition of the river is also not know to many. I wish everyone who loves Tanzania know how the wildlife and the entire nation depends on Ruaha. I wrote this poem to see if it would help. Note that am not a poet forgive my poem if it is not that melodious.
From right Ruaha as it should be 1996 and left it is dry 2005.
The Great Ruaha River, what will become of you?
Ooh Ruaha, my life source
I cry of you Ruaha the great
I can't stand and watch your death
I mourn before your death comes
You shower me with joy
You protect me from death
You provide me with food
I mourn before your death comes
Am hippo your best friend
I sing, dance, play and give birth
I will die without your existence
I mourn before your death comes
Am the jungle king lion
I hunt what so ever I like
But your death is my death
I mourn before your death comes
As mischievous as I can be
You are what I can't do without
Greetings from Mr. Monkey
I mourn before your death comes
Am giraffe, the majestic one
I walk in pride, your the reason
I bow to worship as I drink
I mourn before your death comes
You speed the cycle of rain
You cool the park with moist
Am afraid, the Sun will kill us
I mourn before your death comes
Global warming, global warming
An International song without respect
You sing without taking measures
What will become of me, Ruaha?
You cut down trees and don't plant
Cultivation is beside me as I speak
Mdonya and others don't reach me
I sit and wonder, what has happen?
Poor me, I love you all
I need your protection as well
Take care of me and I'll respond
Sincerely, Ruaha the great.
Would you be kind this time and share your views and ideas to protest Ruaha and regain it title the great river! kindly comment or email your views here tanzaniatravelclub@gmail.com or donate here at Ruaha National Park
It is well known that everything and anything is as fully enjoyed if and only if you get to the climax point. Consider this example: Biology has taught us that ejaculation is the climax point for men when making love. You and I need to feel that we are satisfied to the fullest. And this is the reason why we act, think and talk they way we do, so that we get satisfied. Travel and Tourism is among-est the popular way of re-energizing, refreshing and or re-boosting back our enthusiasm towards life. That is why we opt for vacations and holidays now and then. You have had your share of vacations and holidays in your favorite destinations, but this time is Tanzania's time. Oh yeah! am serious about this. Apart from the 15 famous National Parks and various Game Reserves that I bet you know at least 4 of them, there is much more other things to do than visiting the parks. You can't leave Tanzania for any reason without doing at least 3 of these activities and sports.
Hot Air Balloon flights
Flights by hot air balloon take off as dawn breaks over the Serengeti National
Park, the perfect silence of the early morning plains broken only by the soft
roar of the balloon. Far below, wildebeest scatter, looking everywhere but up
at the silent visitor that floats over their world. Giraffe stand next to
acacia trees, untroubled by the airborne visitors. After the thrill of landing,
a champagne breakfast awaits, the air becoming warmer as the sun climbs in the
sky and curious zebra look up from their grazing at the chink of cutlery in the
still, warm bush.
Deep sea and inland fishing
The water around
Zanzibar and Pemba islands is considered by experts to offer some of the best
fishing in the world, especially the Pemba Channel, between Zanzibar and Pemba,
and around Mafia Island, south of Zanzibar. Big game fish include barracuda, kingfish,
sailfish, billfish, wahoo, dorado and blue marlin. Rivers are stocked with
trout around Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru. Large rivers such as the Kilombero and
Great Ruaha offer fabulous sport fishing for tiger fish, and large Nile perch
can be caught in the great lakes, especially Lake Victoria.
Diving and snorkeling
The coral reefs off Tanzania’s coast around Zanzibar and Mafia Island offer
some of the world’s finest scuba diving and snorkeling. Diving is possible all
year round, although the Kusi Monsoon (strongest June-Sept) is accompanied by
choppy seas and strong currents that make the more exposed reefs inaccessible.
There can also be strong winds in December and January. Visibility is best from
November to March, before the long rains set in.
Horse riding safari
Horse riding safaris are available from a few
camps in Tanzania, for all standards of rider. Wild animals are not afraid of
horses in the same way that they are of cars or pedestrians, allowing visitors
to approach the wildlife much more closely than usual.
Mountain climbing and hiking
For most climbers who visit Tanzania, the 5,869m
Kilimanjaro is the top prize. Mt Meru, another of Tanzania’s volcanic peaks, is
also popular, with the varied animal and plant life to be found on its slopes a
major draw. Meru is Africa’s fifth highest peak, with fabulous views of Mount
Kilimanjaro and the Momela Lakes from the summit. The challenging ascent to the
crater of Ol Donyo Lengai passes through some fantastic scenery, with panoramic
views of the Rift Valley. The track to the top of Lengai is very steep, and a
true challenge attempted only by hikers with a good level of fitness.
Paragliding and microlight flights
There are some fabulous areas to para-glide. Very few people para-glide in
Tanzania, therefore it is a novelty. Always seek permission from the local
village, explain what you are doing and where you think you will land (it is
illegal to fly over national parks). Just some of the areas to fly are the
Usambaras, the Rift Valley and numerous hills around Mt Meru. Microlight
flights are now also available over Lake Manyara National Park and the Great
Rift Valley.
Boat safaris
The soft chug of an outboard engine, or the whispering flap of a canvas sail;
boat safaris in Tanzania are a tranquil and relaxing way to watch wildlife.
This is one of the best ways to see the Selous Game Reserve, up the huge muddy
brown sweep of the Rufiji River, leopard whisking away from rocks at the boat’s
approach. Sail into chimpanzee territory on a dhow, skimming over the fresh,
crystal waters of Lake Tanganyika, or travel up the Wami River in Saadani,
surrounded by amazing bird life, hippos and alligators.
Walking Safaris
A walk through the African bush is a wonderful way to experience Africa
intimately. Smells and sounds become distinct and varied, and smaller creatures
gain significance. They are no longer simply rushed past in the race for the
bigger game. When larger animals do appear, they are met at eye level; the land
is truly shared between humans and animals. Safety is not an issue – all walks
are accompanied by armed, experienced guides and game rangers. Walks can be
from a few hours to a full day with picnic lunch. Many hotels and camps will
offer guided walks in the national parks or community areas.
Cultural Tourism
In Tanzania, a land of superb landscapes and spectacular wildlife, another
attraction stands equally tall – the people. Tanzania’s people are among the
most welcoming and approachable on earth, with a range of fascinating cultures
ready to be shared with visitors. From the Wa Chagga of the slopes of
Kilimanjaro to the now world-famous Maasai, a cultural excursion or a longer
stay among local people is likely to become one of the most rewarding
experiences of any holiday in Tanzania.
Spa Treatments.
The perfect way to ease tired limbs after an
exhilarating day's game viewing or in preparation for the beach, there are now
many hotels, resorts and lodges in Tanzania and Zanzibar offering world class
spa facilities to keep you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Whale Watching.
Tanzania's Indian Ocean is home to one of the
least known populations of Humpback Whales in the world. Researchers from
Stockholm University and the University of Dar es Salaam are studying the
Humpback Whales found near Zanzibar to learn more about their population and
conservation status. The herds of migrating whales arrive in the waters around
Zanzibar in late July, and August is now becoming the most popular month for
sightings.
Kitesurfing.
Kitesurfing has become the hottest and most popular up-and-coming activity in
Zanzibar. Kitesurfing centres are popping up all along the east coast of
the island, providing adrenaline seeking visitors with the chance to undertake
lessons and get out on the waves while on holiday.
What do you think? Isn't Tanzania worthy a visit? Ofcorse Yes! I personally welcome you to this authentic wonderful land of Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and the Serengeti filled with the most generous beautiful people.
Make sure you have big, fun plans in your live, because life only comes once, you better make the most out of it. "Don't per-sue happiness, create it." You can learn more about Tanzania tourism viaTanzania Tourist Board, Tanzania National Park (TANAPA), Tanzania Tourism on lineand other useful links on the navigation tabs above. Welcome and enjoy your stay! oxox oxox @KaribuBongo.
The
lion is said to be majestic, the leopard ferocious and shrewd. But
elegant and graceful best describes the cheetah. The cheetah is smaller
than the other two cats, but by far the fastest at speeds of 70 miles
per hour it can run faster than all other animals.
Now
restricted to sub-Saharan Africa, wild cheetahs once were found in most
of Africa, the plains of southern Asia, the Middle East and India.
Do you have any problem with me?
Physical Characteristics
The
cheetah is built for speed. It has long, slim, muscular legs, a small,
rounded head set on a long neck, a flexible spine, a deep chest,
nonretractable claws, special pads on its feet for traction and a long,
tail for balance. Although fast, the cheetah cannot run at full speed
for long distances (100 yards is about the limit) because it may
overheat.
Cheetahs have
distinctive black "tear stripes" that connect from the inside corner of
each eye to the mouth that may serve as an antiglare device for daytime
hunting.
Habitat
Cheetahs are found in open and partially open savannas.
Behavior
Cheetah
mothers spend a long time teaching their young how to hunt small live
antelopes are brought back to the cubs and released so they can chase
and catch them. Unlike most other cats, the cheetah usually hunts during
daylight, preferring early morning or early evening, but is also active
on moonlit nights.
Cheetahs
do not roar like lions, but they purr, hiss, whine and growl. They also
make a variety of contact calls, the most common is a birdlike chirping
sound.
Am real getting exhausted.
Diet
Once
a cheetah has made a kill, it eats quickly and keeps an eye out for
scavengers lions, leopards, hyenas, vultures and jackals will
occasionally take away their kills. Although cheetahs usually prey on
the smaller antelopes such as Thomson's gazelles and impalas, they can
catch wildebeests and zebras if hunting together. They also hunt hares
and other small mammals and birds.
Although
known as an animal of the open plains that relies on speed to catch its
prey, research has shown that the cheetah depends on cover to stalk
prey. The cheetah gets as close to the prey as possible, then in a burst
of speed tries to outrun its quarry. Once the cheetah closes in, it
knocks the prey to the ground with its paw and suffocates the animal
with a bite to the neck.
You are all mine for lunch.
Caring for the Young
With
a life span of 10 to 12 years, the cheetah is basically a solitary
animal. At times a male will accompany a female for a short while after
mating, but most often the female is alone or with her cubs. Two to four
cubs are born in a secluded place. Their eyes do not open for a week or
two, and they are helpless at first. When the mother is hunting, she
leaves them hidden, but by 6 weeks of age they are able to follow her.
They are suckled for 2 to 3 months but begin to eat meat as early as 3
weeks.
By 4 months the
cheetah cub is a tawny yellow and almost completely spotted; the tail
has bands of black and by adulthood a white tip. The grayish mantle
disappears more slowly; the last traces are still visible when the cubs
are adult-sized at 15 months.
'Just try me by getting close to my sweet cubs'.
Predators
A
shy creature that roams widely, the cheetah is not seen as easily as
some other cats. Never numerous, cheetahs have become extinct in many
areas, principally due to shrinking habitat, loss of species to prey
upon, disease and a high rate of cub mortality. In some areas 50 to 75
percent of all cheetah cubs die before 3 months.
Kilimanjaro. The name itself is a mystery wreathed in clouds. It might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans. Or it might not. The local people, the Wachagga, don't even have a name for the whole massif, only Kipoo (now known as Kibo) for the familiar snowy peak that stands imperious, overseer of the continent, the summit of Africa.
Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa. When you see it, you understand why. Not only is this the highest peak on the African continent; it is also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding coastal scrubland – elevation around 900 metres – to an imperious 5,895 metres (19,336 feet).
Kilimanjaro is one of the world's most accessible high summits, a beacon for visitors from around the world. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman's Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates. And their memories.
But there is so much more to Kili than her summit. The ascent of the slopes is a virtual climatic world tour, from the tropics to the Arctic.
Even before you cross the national park boundary (at the 2,700m contour), the cultivated footslopes give way to lush montane forest, inhabited by elusive elephant, leopard, buffalo, the endangered Abbot’s duiker, and other small antelope and primates. Higher still lies the moorland zone, where a cover of giant heather is studded with otherworldly giant lobelias.
Above 4,000m, a surreal alpine desert supports little life other than a few hardy mosses and lichen. Then, finally, the last vestigial vegetation gives way to a winter wonderland of ice and snow – and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the continent.
About Kilimanjaro National Park
Size: 1668 sq km 641 sq miles).
Location: Northern Tanzania, near the town of Moshi.
Getting there
128 km (80 miles) from Arusha.
About one hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro airport.
What to do
Six usual trekking routes to the summit and other more-demanding mountaineering routes.
Day or overnight hikes on the Shira plateau. Nature trails on the lower reaches.
Trout fishing.
Visit the beautiful Chala crater lake on the mountain’s southeastern slopes.
When to go
Clearest and warmest conditions from December to February, but also dry (and colder) from July-September.
Accommodation
Huts and campsites on the mountain.
Several hotels and campsites outside the park in the village of Marangu and town of Moshi.
NOTE:
Climb slowly to increase your acclimatisation time and maximise your chances of reaching the summit.
To avoid altitude sickness, allow a minimum of five nights, preferably even more for the climb. Take your time and enjoy the beauty of the mountain.
NOTE 2: NEW RATES FOR PORTERS AND GUIDES (JUNE '08)
Porters
USD 10 per day Cooks USD 15 per day Guides USD 20 per day
Gombe Natinal Park An excited whoop erupts from deep in the forest, boosted immediately by dozen other voices, rising in volume and tempo and pitch to a frenzied shrieking crescendo. It is the famous 'pant hoot' call: a bonding ritual that allows the participants to identify each other through their individual vocal stylisations. To human listener, walking through the ancient forests of Gombe Stream, this spine-chilling outburst is also an indicator of imminent visual contact with man's closest genetic relative: the chimpanzee.
Gombe is the smallest of Tanzania's national parks: a fragile strip of chimpanzee habitat straddling the steep slopes and river valleys that hem in the sandy northern shore of Lake Tanganyika.
Its chimpanzees - habituated to human visitors - were made famous by the pioneering work of Dr. Jane Goodall, who in 1960 founded a behavioral research program that now stands as the longest running study of its kind in the world. The matriarch Fifi, the last surviving member of the original community, only three - years old when Dr. Jane Goodall first set foot in Gombe, born 1958 and died in 2004.
Chimpanzees share about 98% of their genes with humans, and no scientific expertise is required to distinguish between the individual repertoires of pants, hoots and screams that defines the celebrities, the power brokers and the supporting characters. Perhaps you will see a flicker of understanding when you look into a chimp's eyes, assessing you in return - a look of apparent recognition across the narrowest of species barriers.
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