10 popular global personalities on a Tanzania Safari

In 2013 I posted about top 10 reasons to visit Tanzania, if you were not convinced this is the ultimate call to action. I went through different website to prepare a list of 10 global personalities who ever graced the majestic land of authentic wonders Tanzania. In one way or the other I believe there is at least one star you look up to from the list. May be this should trigger your safari appetite to visit Tanzania next year.

A.                Hollywood Celebrities

1.       Oprah Winfrey

On July 2013 Oprah and partner Stedman escaped to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania for exclusive game drives and wildlife sightings and the memorable hot air ballon ride. Read more......

It's Oprah world in Serengeti!

2.       Justin Timberlake and wife Jessica Biel

Newly weeds should emulate Justin and Jessica’s taste and style by honeymooning in Tanzania just like them. Read more.......

Newlyweds Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake can be seen getting on a private plane at the Kilimanjaro International airport in Tanzania on October 21, 2012.
Credit: Splash News

3.       Terrence Jepkins

The think like a man star and E! News presenter visited Tanzania to “give back, learn new cultures and marvel at God’s work”. Read more.......

Live from mE! is this Terrence's Family? (photo: Belle Naija)

B.            World renowned athletes

4.       Lionel Messi

Selfie battle between Kobe Bryant and Lionel Messi Turkish Airlines advert has it all. Take a look....

Uhuru Peak and Messi!

5.       Luis Figo leads Real Madrid stars to Tanzania

Football legends such as Luis Figo, Micheal Owen, Fernando Morientes , Fabio Cannavaro, Fernando Hierro, Reuben De la Red, Christian Karembeu, , Michel Salgado ,Steve Mcmannaman, Ruud van Nisterlooy, Jose Maria Gutierrez Hernandez ‘Guti’, and Fernando Redondo visited various Tanzania safari tourist sites like the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Mount Kilimanjaro and many more. Read more.....

Figo at a press conference in Tanzania (photo: taarifa.co.tz)

C.               World billionaire’s club

6.       Howard Buffet

An American billionaire visited Tanzania twice in less than a month? This is too good to be true but it is an immutable fact. See full story

Jump Buffet jump like a Maasai!

D.               The Royals (Prince & Princess)/politicians

7.       Saudi Arabian princess Haifa Bint AbdulAziz al Mogrin

 “It is unbelievable, I used to read about the Serengeti in various literatures but today I am overwhelmed from what I can see here” declared the princess.  Fortunately enough I was among the Saudi Tanzanian Youth Dialogue Forum delegate which took part earlier this year initiated by the princess and Tanzania parks. I had the pleasure to eat, sightsee, discuss with the princess and fellow delegates both from Saudi Arabia and Tanzania. It was a safari of a life time. Read more......

Exclusively Me and the Princess of Saudi Arabia in Arusha National Park!

8.       Japanese Prince Akishino and his lovely wife Princess Kito

July, 2014 the royal family had an impeccable experience in Tanzania by visiting Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park. Read more.......

Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Hon. Lazaro Nyalandu (MP) welcomes Prince Akishino and his wife Princess Kito from Japan at Manyara Airstrip ready for their visit to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. (Photo: Pascal Shelutete)

9.       Former US President’s daughter  Chelsea Clinton

August 2013 the president’s daughter visited Tarangire National Park exploring  the beauty of the Park which is famous for a large collection of baobab trees, spectacular large mammal’s population and variety of bird species. Full story....

No ivory trade just a statue (Photo: TANAPA)

E.            Religion/Spiritual leaders

10.   The late Doctor Myles Munroe

In less than a month before his tragic death with wife and some delegates from his organization, this phenomenon public speaker and preacher had his final safari in Tanzania at Kilimanjaro National Park.

Post by Myles Munroe.

I have given you some inspirational role models and I hope you start parking for a life time safari experience in Tanzania. Karibu Tanzania!

Note: If you know any other global stars who have stepped their feet in Tanzania, please do not hesitate to keep us informed via the comment box.

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Win 10 double Tickets to Swahili International Tourism Expo

***Terms and Conditions:
- Tickets are valid for the 3-4 October 2014
- Participants must be over the age of 16 years old, proof of age can be called for
- Prize excludes any transport, visas to and from S!TE
- Drinks and meals are excluded
- The prize cannot be exchanged for cash.
- The judge’s decision is final
- Staff and direct family of Tanzanian Tourism Board and Pure Grit Project and Exhibitions Management Ltd are not eligible to enter.
- Neither the prize sponsors and or the competition organizers can be held responsible for any loss sustained by the winner resulting from the prize.
- Tickets are to be collected on the day from the registration desk
- Tickets cannot be transferred
- Proof of identification must be produced when collecting the tickets

Good Luck

For more information please contact, aalia@puregrit.co.za

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The best African Safari country.

Am so excited to write this or to paste this piece of information from The Huffington Post. But before that I want to remind you that earlier this year Tanzania was celebrating the big win after scooping three position among seven, during the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.

Over 1,000 safari travelers and industry experts participated in the largest survey of its kind to reveal the best safari country of Africa. The results are in and Tanzania came out the clear winner.

SafariBookings.com, an online marketplace for African safari tours, conducted a two-year-long study, gathering reviews from more than 1,000 safari-goers and reputable industry experts to see which African country is best for African safaris. With a score of 4.8 out of 5 stars, Tanzania took the spotlight as the clear winner, beating Botswana by about a tenth of a point. Rounding up the top five were Kenya, Zambia and South Africa.

The study was based on 2,305 reviews from safari travelers and 756 reviews from industry experts, most of whom are reputable guidebook writers working for Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Frommer's, Bradt and Footprint. Over half of the safari travelers have undertaken multiple safaris and have a good idea about what's offered. This secures the fact Tanzania deserves this top spot.

Annual Wildebeest Migration, Serengeti National Park

The key reason that Tanzania was rated the best is because it is home to two of the most famous safari destinations in the world, the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. Both parks offer stunning scenery and some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. Serengeti National Park is primarily known for the annual migration of over 2.5 million wildebeest and zebra. The Ngorongoro Crater is a popular safari destination, because the wildlife viewing in its immense volcanic caldera is superb throughout the year and sightings of game species such as lion, hippo and rhino are almost guaranteed.

While the Serengeti and Ngorongoro are located in the Tanzania's northern circuit, there are equally impressive safari parks in the country's western and southern circuits. In the less visited western circuit are Gombe and Mahale Mountains national parks, both excellent parks to see chimpanzees. Katavi National Park is known for its abundance of large mammals such as hippos and buffalos.

Chimpanzee, Mahale Mountains National Park

In the southern circuit, there is Ruaha National Park and Mikumi National Park, where safari travelers are sure to see large predators. Finally, there is Selous Game Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in the world. It features boat safaris where sightings of crocodiles and hippos are common.

The study broke down the best time to visit Tanzania by "monthly user ratings." Overall, every month of the year received above four stars in terms of an excellent travel month. This came as a surprise. The afternoon rains (which are typical for the wet season) seldom interfere with a safari, so that reason wouldn't be suspect for a low rating, but wildlife viewing in the southern and western parks is not as rewarding during the wet season. On the other hand, most northern parks offer excellent wildlife viewing year-round.

For the full report, including the ratings of the other safari countries and Tanzania's major parks, please visit http://www.safaribookings.com/blog/2/

Photographs by Ariadne van Zandbergen / Africaimagelibrary.com

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Get rewarded by finding the most elusive pygmy hippos in Mafia Island.

"Waswahili walisema lisemwalo lipo kama halipo laja" Swahili said, what is said exists and if it doesn't it is coming. I hope that is clear with you.

Rumor has it that there are world famous pygmy hippos in mafia Island. I don't know exactly how I should frame this but the rumor has two facets. To some it's a mere lie but to others its so real and true like heart beatings. When a monster web source declare something most of us believe it all. Wikipedia reported that the existence pygmy hippos is just an illusion because there are no confirmed sighting.

My long time online friend who runs Ras Mbisi lodge in Mafia Island, Michelle Vickers recently published a post and got my attention. Here is what she had to say and wrote on her blog.

"Ever since we first arrived on Mafia, we have been looking for the elusive rumored Hippos that are reputed to live around the lakes at Chungaruma close to Ras Mbisi. We've seen droppings, we've had staff tell us they'd seen them that morning, I've seen the skeletons at the Fisheries Office in Kilindoni. Never seen one. However 2 guests that stayed in January this year did, and today they sent me a photo, here it is. They do exist :)"

In the red ring is a pygmy hippo in Mafia Island as seen this January. Photo courtesy of Ras Mbisi guests.

In the red ring is a pygmy hippo in Mafia Island as seen this January. Photo courtesy of Ras Mbisi guests.

Ras Mbisi story made me dig dipper about the elusive hippos, as nick named. I went further by going through other informative sites to learn the entire mystery of their existence. Here are some other interesting stories in highlight.

CHANGES FOR THE MAFIA ISLAND HIPPOPOTAMUS ECO-TOURISM PROJECT

Over the next few months the Tanzania Marine programme wants to initiate a conservation and ecotourism project for the Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious). The island of Mafia harbours a relatively small population of hippos; these inhabit a network of lagoons found North-West of the island. Being it a nocturnal and semi-aquatic mammal poses numerous challenges when monitoring this species. There is no exact number of the actual population size in this area of Mafia Island, however, the Frontier team has managed to record around 20 to 40 individuals throughout their census. 

The next testimony left my jaw dropped! Super shocked. If the recording is this old what else can I say?  This source is from Mafia Island Blog.

.......Here live a number of small hippos which may have crossed from the mainland or were washed to the island by floods of the Rufiji River system. They have been on Mafia many years, since Dr Baumann records their presence in 1895.........

The above are some of confirmation I found, but then again I had to confirm it with Tanzania Tourist Board via twitter conversation and this is what they had to say:

I kindly ask @tztouristboard to confirm the existence of pygmy hippos in Mafia Island cc @rasmbisi thank u 4 ur efforts on that.
— John Lema (@KaribuBongo) May 11, 2013

Oops! I had to wait for a week for The "board" to confirm, typical Africa! Anyway here you have it:

'@karibubongo:Hi! am curious to know the truth if the are pygmy hippos in Mafia #Island@lazaronyalandu' They're there, but not easily seen
— TanzaniaTouristBoard (@TzTouristBoard) May 18, 2013

What makes me go mad with my heart and adrenalin up so high is my curious adventure in mind in search of the hippos. I pray and hope not to be unlucky like these fellows 1 or 7 who really narrowed my chances to take on the adventure. If Naaman had to deep himself into river Jordan seven times to be healed from leprosy. (From the Bible). Perhaps I can get lucky with the hippos if I have to first deep myself into the Oceanic water of Mafia Island. Or maybe voodoo and potion might help!!

This mystery also gave me an idea that may be Tanzania should search for hippos and not eggs on Easter Holidays. How cool could that be?

I argue the Republic United of Tanzania under the Ministry of Natural Resources and tourism or Tanzania Tourist Board, to run a campaign or competition in search of hippos and reward those who would be successful. This might turn out to be an exotic exercise like no other and probably lure more tourists into the Island. “Easter Hippos Search” Isn’t that awesome and promising? It’s our call!

I have come up with my own proverb that goes by “As elusive as pygmy Mafia Island hippos.”
See you in MAFIA ISLAND coming Easter.

Note: Tanzania has lot of world heritage sites, and we have been depending on tourism for foreign exchange. We want to keep on gaining and benefit from these natural resources for today and the future ahead. After saying so I argue you to be a responsible tourist so that we can enjoy the natural wonders by conserving them and passing them on to the next generations. Thank you for your understanding.

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Macon Dunnagan, and two others are appointed by Tanzania as the U.S. "Goodwill Ambassadors of Tourism."

Thank you Hon.Amb. Kagasheki for your appointment of the three Goodwill Ambassadors to promote tourism to Tanzania in the United States. Am impressed with your decision in regard of Macon Dunnagan.  Macon Dunnagan is truly an ambassador at heart, I came to know about him on twitter. He is my follower and am following him back, ever since we got connected have learnt some things that he is doing for Tanzania. Very devoted and enthusiastic on what he loves most, hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. That is why he hold the records. Congratulations to you Macon Dunnagan and the other two, now that you are official I believe the best is yet to come.

Macon Dunnagan on the left doing what he love (Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro).

Tanzania’s Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Honorable Ambassador Khamis S.Kagasheki, MP, announced the appointment of three Goodwill Ambassadors to promote tourism to Tanzania in the United States, Patrick Steenberge, President, Global Football; Macon Dunnagan, Kilimanjaro Expedition Director; and  Dr. Philip Imler, Founder and President, Seven Natural Wonders.

Hon.Amb. Kagasheki, in making the announcement, said that “Tourism is the leading earner of Foreign Exchange in Tanzania, and the United States is Tanzania’s most significant tourist generating market. For this reason, we recognize the pivotal role that Goodwill Ambassadors can have on impacting key agenda items of the country through marketing, promotion and facilitation of strategic partnerships in their special areas of influence.”

Each of the three Goodwill Ambassadors has already made a huge impact on Tanzania Tourism. Patrick Steenberge, President of Texas-based Global Football, was the visionary who brought the first ever college American football game played on African soil to Tanzania in May of 2011. The game itself, played between Drake University from Iowa and an all-star team from the CONADEIP conference of schools in Mexico, generated enormous press coverage including ITV Tanzania, ESPN Magazine and a 45-minute documentary broadcast on CBS Sports Network. But the true highlight was the goodwill and friendships that were created when the players and their families and friends who joined them in Tanzania, completed a charity climb of Kilimanjaro and participated in volunteer projects to benefit the local communities. The visiting players and coaches also held American football clinics to introduce more than 500 local youngsters to the sport.  The impact in the sports world and in the communities is on-going for Tanzania and Global Football is planning a second game and philanthropic visit to Tanzania in the near future.

Macon Dunnagan, based in Charlotte, North Carolina is the Kilimanjaro Expedition Director for Zara Tours and has led many charity climbs up Kilimanjaro. He has climbed “the Roof of Africa” 26 times, and by September 2013 will have completed his 30^th summit. He is also the current record holder for climbing Kilimanjaro four times in 28 days and has used his position to raise funds for Ovarian Cancer Canada’s "Expedition of Hope" and the Rotary District 7680’s "End Polio Now". In 2001, Dunnagan published his first book Sons of Kilimanjaro and has been a frequent speaker behalf of Tanzania at trade shows throughout the  US.

Dr. Philip Imler, Founder and President, Seven Natural Wonders, was in Tanzania in February to announce Serengeti National Parkas the number one winner for Africa in a worldwide voting campaign for the “Seven Natural Wonders of Africa”. Tanzania’s world famous Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest free standing mountain in Africa and the Ngorongoro Crater were also among the top winners for Africa. The contest, and Tanzania being the only country with the most winning nominations, generated enormous prestige and publicity for Tanzania Tourism.

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Top 10 reasons to visit Tanzania.

This largest country in Eastern Africa has natural attractions that every rival country envy. After scooping three top accolades at Seven Natural Wonders of Africa what else is to be said about this paradise. From the largest to the smallest national park in Africa both are found in the remoteness of the country. Despite having 15 national park excluding game reserves, you are guarantee to meet massive animals eye -to- eye if you come in season. Dar es salaam makes the country be known Africa's Dubai due to its commercial activities and modernness, still culture is one key element that lure tourists from around the world.

Canoeing
While other African countries suffocates their tourists by congesting them into one or two water bodies. Tanzania offers a vast range more than any other African country. You can choose to canoe or other water related activities in any of these; Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Nyasa and the Indian Ocean to mention a few. There is room for everyone and a choice to do it around town or in the wilderness. In Momella Lake, the giraffe can be clearly seen from a very close range, giving you a taste of the true nature of Africa. In Lake Manyara and the Momella lakes the Flamingos flock in great number and can be seen on mass from great distances, and Lake Duluti has a particularly wide range of many different beautiful bird species. 

Canoeing at Lake Momella.

Bushcamping

Ranging from uberstylish chalets primed for a Vogue photo shoot to more rustic bamboo and thatch affairs, bushcamps tend to be remotely situated and intimate, with no more than half a dozen rooms. Sitting down to a candlelit dinner of expertly prepared haute cuisine and a couple of drinks is simply awesome.  The evening is spent around the campfire listening to the sound of the African night - the distant roar of Lion and the doleful, whooping, "laugh" of the Hyena nearby is an unforgettable experience.

The Great Wildebeest Migration (Serengeti)

Topping the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa nothing compares to the live watch of the great migrations. The best time to see the migration is usually between June and August when the wildebeest congregate and prepare to cross the Grumeti River. However the route and timing of the migration is unpredictable so visitors must plan carefully to be assured of seeing the spectacle. During the early wet season (December to April) the animals are found on the short grass plains around Lake Ndutu, the Moru Kopjes, the Gol Mountains and Seronera in the south of the park.

A vital Culture and Traditions
Tanzanian's Social fabric charm is the prime attraction for cultural and eco-tourism. The folklore, the traditional "ngomas" and the dancing styles vary from one tribe to another. When dancing, the Makonde vibrate their bottoms in "Sindimba" frenzy and the "Zaramo" bounce the undulating "Mdundiko" procession. The Maasai in their leaping dance going simultaneously with rhythmic chant of their deep voices which can scare even a he lion! The use of live snakes by the "Sukuma" such as embracing huge pythons and struggling with during the "Bugobogobo" dance turn such occasions into unforgettable scenes to a visitor. Each of the 120 tribes has its ngoma and dancing all of which styles are quite fascinating and sometimes sexy.

A traditional dance in Tanzania.

Festivals
Tanzania's annual events range from traditional festivals that celebrate local culture and arts to sporting competitions combining physical challenges with breathtaking and exotic scenery. Other festivities include those which commemorate political events in Tanzania.
On Zanzibar, many of the celebrations and things to do are of a religious nature, and Muslim holidays are always cause for much merriment. Particularly popular here is Mwaka Kogwa and the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), both of which are staged in July, and the musical extravaganza in February that is the Sauti za Busara.

Remains of the colonial.

Being the home of the earliest man the Australopithecines, discovered at  Laetoli near Olduvai Gorge in northern Tanzania, by archaeologist Mary Leakey in 1978. Tanzania is still the home of colonial remains in various spots like the Bagamoyo slave market ruins which is the UNESCO World Heritage, the ancient colonial buildings in the capital city of Dar es salaam to mention a few.

St. Joseph Church in the center of Dar es salaam

 Urban Vibes

Tanzania’s capital of Dar es salaam deserves to be more than simply a pit stop or way station between interior regions – its modernity and cosmopolitan mix of people offer a window to understanding the country as a whole. The city’s young and stylish hit the happening restaurants and clubs, many of which are in and around city center and Arcades Shopping Center or shopping mall. While admittedly overwhelming to the senses, the city’s outdoor markets are worth experiencing to see how ordinary Dar es salaam indigenous  or famously known Wabongo  do their everyday shopping. 

Mountain Kilimanjaro (The Roof of Africa)
Above the gently rolling hills and plateau of northern Tanzania rise the snowy peaks of Mt Kilimanjaro, its slope and glaciers shimmering above the clouds. 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. The mountain’s ecosystems are as strikingly beautiful as they are varied and diverse. Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro is the highlight of many visitors’ experience in Tanzania. Hiking on the ‘rooftop’ of Africa is the adventure of a life time, and anyone from seasoned trekker to a reasonably fit first-time enthusiast can scale the snowy peak. Despite Mount Kilimanjaro there are other mountains in Tanzania worthy knowing about. 

Walking Safaris

Tanzania offers an adventure to explore the most spectacular wilderness and cultural tour and safari on foot. Having 15 national parks means more intimacy, closer look and feel of Africa's wilderness. A legacy of Tanzania’s pioneering conservationists, ambling through lush grass or dusty sandbanks on the trail of a herd of elephants is a thrilling experience. And even if you don’t see the animals themselves, the guides or rifle-carrying scouts will explain how much is revealed by the animal scat and paw prints. TV detectives have nothing on these guys.

Tourist in close contact with elephants in a walking Safari

Zanzibar
The dazzling archipelago in the Indian Ocean is one of the most popular places to visit in Tanzania. Zanzibar’s sparkling white beaches, crystal clear water, and great variety of things to do make it a must for anyone visiting Tanzania. While there, you can snorkel or scuba dive, go on a spice plantation tour, visit Stone Town, swim with the dolphins, or just lie on the beach and soak up the sun.

Note: Tanzania has lot of world heritage sites, and we have been depending on tourism for foreign exchange. We want to keep on gaining and benefit from these natural resources for today and the future ahead. After saying so I argue to be a responsible tourist so that we can enjoy the natural wonders by conserving them and passing them on to the next generations. Thank you for your understanding.

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How talent is much needed by Tanzania Tourist Board for Tourism Posters Competition.

ANNOUNCEMENT ON TOURISM POSTERS COMPETITION

The United Nation World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has announced a Tourism posters competition in which every member country including Tanzania is invited to submit one sole poster designed to promote tourism of each particular country in electronic format. A panel of judges who will be appointed by the UNWTO will select 7 best posters that will appear on UNWTO website for two years until the next edition in 2015.

 In this regard, Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) wishes to invite talented individuals to design posters for the said purpose having an impressive creativity, beauty, and high level of graphic design and communication which will be seen to depict what Tanzania has to offer as a unique tourist destination. Posters should be submitted to TTB in a file no larger than 5 MB by April 30th, 2013 via the following email address: marketing@tanzaniatourism.go.tz. A prize will be given to the best artist whose poster will be chosen as the first winner.

For more information please contact:

The Managing Director,

Tanzania Tourist Board,

IPS Building 3rd floor,

Samora Avenue/Azikiwe Street,

P.O. Box 2485 Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania

Tel: 255-22-2111244/5

Email: md@tanzaniatourism.go.tz

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Ngorongoro Marathon and the fight against Malaria in Tanzania.

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

Breaking: Artist, Mr Barnabas completes the run #Ngorongoro Marathon twitter.com/LazaroNyalandu…
— 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?

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An International Exhibition kicks off in Mwanza one day before Easter.

An international exhibitions kicked off today at the Gold Crest hotel. The exhibitions features four countries including India, Pakistan, Syria and the host country Tanzania. A couple of weeks a go, I posted on seasonal activities and outings and I thought exhibitions just sums things up. I happen to attend the grand opening today and I came up with this story that I think if your in Mwanza now you should plan to visit.

In general there are not many new things, though some did caught my attention. The stalls are well arranged and it is easy to access the entire place freely and in simplicity. The venue is also small that makes it far to easy to go around the exhibition in no time. It is more ideal for the ladies because many stuffs are for them though there is suits and shirts corner and other few stuffs for the gents.

The best thing here is that it creates such a buzz to get you enthusiastic about life. Since tomorrow is Eater it make you feel like you are searching for the eggs. I personally love the Syrian Restaurant, ooh yeah it is always a good time. The aroma and all those nice smell you will definitely pull a chair and get down to business, you know what I mean! And if it is about an item I will surely pick the water fountain. One thing that I didn't like is the lack of the welcome mood because there is no an information desk. Happy Easter Holiday!

So Syrian.

A killer bed cover, very crazy!

Just Eastern dresses.

Any girl would love this

Water fountains

Busy people

Shoes and more shoes

A demo for every one.

Women are highly favored

Black Bongo wallet

We love demos

out of words!

Finally at the Restaurant.

A map to locate the venue at the Gold Crest Hotel Mwanza, second floor and you are in the exhibition.


View Larger Map

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Ruaha the largest national park in East Africa is on the verge of death due to global warming.

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

you might like to know more about Ruaha river via Sue Stolberger and the park at Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA).

Please read a poem about Legendary the late Taarab artist Bi. Kidude here: Yalaiti Leo na Kesho peponi. (Today and tomorrow in heaven)

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