Northern Circuit Archives - Habitat Adventures Travel

Tarangire National Park

habitat23 — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 07:59:54 +0000

Tarangire National Park

Overview

Tarangire National Park has some of the highest elephant population density in Tanzania, and its sparse vegetation, strewn with baobab and acacia trees, makes it a beautiful and distinct place to visit.

Tarangire is a popular stop for people traveling through the northern safari circuit on their way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. It is only a few hours’ drive from Arusha. The park is divided into two game-controlled areas, and the wildlife is free to roam throughout.Thousands of gazelles, wildebeests, zebras, and giraffes migrate to Tarangire National Park’s scrub plains before the rains, where the last grazing land remains.

Tarangire provides unrivaled game viewing, and elephants abound during the dry season. Pachyderm families forage around the ancient trunks of baobab trees and strip acacia bark from thorn trees for their afternoon meal. Tarangire is a memorable stopover because of the breathtaking views of the Maasai Steppe and the mountains in the south.

While migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest, and eland crowd the shrinking lagoons, herds of up to 300 elephants scratch the dry river bed for underground streams. It has the highest concentration of wildlife outside of the Serengeti ecosystem – a feast for predators – and is the only place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope like the stately fringe-eared oryx and peculiar long-necked gerenuk can be seen on a regular basis.

During the rainy season, the seasonal visitors disperse over a 20,000 sq km (12,500 sq mile) area until the green plains are exhausted and the river calls once more. However, Tarangire’s elephant herds are easily encountered, wet or dry. The swamps, which are green all year, are home to 550 bird species, the most breeding species in one habitat anywhere on the planet.

On drier ground, you can see the Kori bustard, the world’s heaviest flying bird; the stocking-thighed ostrich, the world’s largest bird; and small groups of turkey-like ground hornbills. Screeching flocks of the dazzlingly colorful yellow-collared lovebird, as well as the somewhat drabber rufous-tailed weaver and ashy starling, are all endemic to the dry savannah of north-central Tanzania.

Termite mounds are frequently visited by colonies of the endearing dwarf mongoose and pairs of red-and-yellow barbets, which attract attention with their loud, clockwork-like duetting. Tarangire’s pythons, like its lions and leopards, climb trees and lounge in the branches where the fruit of the sausage tree conceals the twitch of a tail.

Other Destination

Kigali City

Akagera National Park

Volcanoes National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Murchison Falls National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable

Udzungwa National Park

Tarangire National Park

Serengeti National Park

Saanane Island National Park

Ruaha National Park

Nyerere National Park

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mkomazi National Park

Mikumi National Park

Mahale Mountains National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

Katavi National Park

Gombe National Park

Arusha National Park

The post Tarangire National Park appeared first on Habitat Adventures Travel.

Serengeti National Park

habitat23 — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 07:56:00 +0000

Serengeti National Park

Overview

The Serengeti National Park is without a doubt the most well-known wildlife sanctuary in the world, unparalleled in terms of natural beauty and scientific value, and it has the highest concentration of plains game in Africa. Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park was established in 1952. It is the site of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle, the great migration of wildebeest and zebra.

The resident lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, and bird populations are also impressive. There are numerous options for lodging, ranging from luxury lodges to mobile camps. The park is larger than Connecticut, covering 5,700 square miles (14,763 square kilometers), with only a few hundred vehicles driving around. The Park is divided into three sections.

Serengeti National Park Origin

The popular southern/central part (Seronera Valley) is known as the Maasai “serengit,” or “land of endless plains.” It’s typical savannah, dotted with acacias and teeming with wildlife. The Grumeti River runs through the western corridor, which has more forests and dense bush. The least visited section is in the north, where Lobo meets Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve.

Within the 30,000 km², two World Heritage Sites and two Biosphere Reserves have been established. Its unique ecosystem has inspired writers ranging from Ernest Hemingway to Peter Mattheissen, filmmakers such as Hugo von Lawick and Alan Root, as well as numerous photographers and scientists, many of whom have contributed to the creation of this website.

The park Ecosystem

The Serengeti ecosystem is one of the most ancient on the planet. Climate, vegetation, and fauna have remained largely unchanged over the last million years. Around two million years ago, early man appeared in Olduvai Gorge. Some life, death, adaptation, and migration patterns are as old as the hills themselves.

The Serengeti is perhaps best known for its migration. During the short rains in October and November, over a million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras flow south from the northern hills to the southern plains, then swirl west and north after the long rains in April, May, and June. The ancient instinct to move is so strong that no drought, gorge, or crocodile-infested river can stop them. The wildebeest migrate through a variety of parks, reserves, and protected areas, as well as habitat. Join us as we explore the Serengeti ecosystem’s various vegetation and landscapes and meet some of its most fascinating inhabitants.

Other Destination

Kigali City

Akagera National Park

Volcanoes National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Murchison Falls National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable

Udzungwa National Park

Tarangire National Park

Serengeti National Park

Saanane Island National Park

Ruaha National Park

Nyerere National Park

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mkomazi National Park

Mikumi National Park

Mahale Mountains National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

Katavi National Park

Gombe National Park

Arusha National Park

The post Serengeti National Park appeared first on Habitat Adventures Travel.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

habitat23 — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 07:34:59 +0000

Ngorongoro Consarvation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a designated protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the Arusha Region, in northeastern Tanzania.

Overview

The crown jewel of Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a deep, volcanic crater, the world’s largest unflooded and unbroken caldera. Moreover, the Ngorongoro Crater is a breathtaking natural wonder that is about 20 kilometers across, 600 meters deep, and 300 square kilometers in size. Additionally, the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most famous sites, with the highest density of wildlife in the continent.

The Ngorongoro Crater

The Crater, sometimes referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world,” has achieved worldwide acclaim, attracting an increasing number of visitors each year. You’re unlikely to escape other vehicles here, but you’ll be rewarded with incredible wildlife viewing in a truly breathtaking setting. Ngorongoro is unlike anywhere else in Africa!

Furthermore, the Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world. It is home to approximately 30,000 animals at any given time, forming a spectacular bowl of about 265 square kilometers with sides up to 600 meters deep. Addittionaly, the rim of the Crater is over 2,200 meters high and has its own climate.

The Crater Floor

The tiny shapes of animals making their way around the crater floor far below can be seen from this vantage point. Most of the year, swaths of cloud hang around the rocky rim, and it’s one of the few places in Tanzania where it can get chilly at night.

The crater floor is home to a variety of habitats, including grassland, swamps, forests, and Lake Makat (Maasai for “salt”), a central soda lake fed by the Munge River.

Wildlife is drawn to these various environments to drink, wallow, graze, hide, or climb. Although animals are free to move in and out of this enclosed environment, the rich volcanic soil, lush forests, and spring source lakes on the crater floor (combined with relatively steep crater sides) tend to encourage both grazers and predators to stay all year.

Wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places in Tanzania to see the critically endangered Black Rhino, as a small population thrives in this idyllic and protected environment. It is currently one of the few remaining areas where they can breed in the wild. You can also expect to see leopards and magnificent black-maned lions here. Many flamingos are also drawn to Lake Magadi‘s soda waters.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Maasai Village Trips

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area was established in part to protect the environment for the Maasai people who were relocated from the Serengeti Plains. They are essentially nomadic people who build temporary villages in circular homesteads known as bomas. There are now opportunities to visit a couple of these, which have been made available to tourists. You can see how the huts are built in a strict pattern based on the wives’ chronological order. Moreover, you can imagine what it must have been like to rely on warmth and energy from a fire burning at the heart of a cattle dung dwelling with no chimney.

These proud cattle herders have a long history as warriors, and despite the fact that they are no longer permitted to build villages inside the crater, they continue to herd their cattle into the crater to graze and drink, despite the predators nearby.

If you liked Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you might also like Maasai.

Other Destination

Kigali City

Akagera National Park

Volcanoes National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Murchison Falls National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable

Udzungwa National Park

Tarangire National Park

Serengeti National Park

Saanane Island National Park

Ruaha National Park

Nyerere National Park

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mkomazi National Park

Mikumi National Park

Mahale Mountains National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

Katavi National Park

Gombe National Park

Arusha National Park

The post Ngorongoro Conservation Area appeared first on Habitat Adventures Travel.

Mount Kilimanjaro

habitat23 — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 07:29:18 +0000

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is a large dormant volcano in Tanzania, known as the highest mountain in Africa and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain.

Overview

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain and one of the continent’s most beautiful sights, stands at 5896 meters and has three main volcanic peaks: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Moreover, the name “Kilimanjaro” itself is shrouded in mystery. It could refer to the Mountain of Light, the Mountain of Greatness, or the Mountain of Caravans. Mt. Kilimanjaro rises above the gently rolling hills and plateaus of northern Tanzania, its slopes and glaciers shimmering above the rising clouds.

Mount Kilimanjaro Location

Mount Kilimanjaro is located near the town of Moshi. Furthermore, it is a protected area where climbers can enjoy themselves without leaving any trace of their presence. The ecosystems of the mountain are as strikingly beautiful as they are varied and diverse.

Much of the mountain’s lowland slopes are farmland, with coffee, banana, cassava, as well as maize crops grown for subsistence and cash sale. On the lower slopes, a few larger coffee farms remain, but much of the land outside the national park has been subdivided into small plots. Once inside the park, thick lowland forest covers the lower elevations and transitions to alpine meadows as the air thins. The landscape near the peak is particularly harsh and barren, with rocks and ice dominating above a breathtaking African view.

Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing

Most visitors’ experiences in Tanzania revolve around climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Few mountains can match Kilimanjaro’s grandeur and breathtaking views of Amboseli National Park in Kenya, the Rift Valley, and the Masaai Steppe. Hiking on the ‘rooftop of Africa,’ the highest point on the continent at 5896 meters, is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, especially because, if done correctly, everyone from seasoned trekkers to first-timers can scale the snowy peak.

Kilimanjaro’s name is shrouded in obscurity. It could refer to the Mountain of Light, the Mountain of Greatness, or the Mountain of Caravans. Or it may not. The Wachagga have no name for the entire massif, only Kipoo (now known as Kibo) for the familiar snowy peak that stands imperious, overseer of the continent, Africa’s summit.

The Most Accessible High Summit in The World

Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a metaphor for East Africa’s captivating beauty. When you see it, you realize why. This is not only Africa’s highest peak but also the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. It is particularly impressive that Kilimanjaro’s rising in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding coastal scrubland – elevation around 900 meters – to an imperious 5,895 meters (19,336 feet).

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most accessible high summits in the world, attracting visitors from all over the world. Most climbers reach the crater rim with only a walking stick, appropriate clothing, and also determination. Those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman’s Point on the crater’s rim, will receive their climbing certificates. But Kili is much more than just her peak. Ascending the slopes is like taking a virtual climatic world tour, from the tropics to the Arctic.

Distinctive zones of Mount Kilimanjaro

Even before reaching the national park boundary (at 2,700m), the cultivated foothills give way to lush montane forest, home to the elusive elephant, leopard, buffalo, as well as the endangered Abbot’s duiker, and other small antelope and primates. The moorland zone is even higher, with a cover of giant heather studded with otherworldly giant lobelias.

A surreal alpine desert above 4,000m supports little life other than a few hardy mosses and lichen. Finally, the last vestiges of vegetation give way to a winter wonderland of ice and snow – and undeniably the breathtaking beauty of the continent’s roof.

If you liked Mount Kilimanjaro, you might also like Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Trekking Routes

Other Mountain

3 Days Mount Meru Climbing

4 Days Mount Meru Climbing

Mount Ol doinyo Lengai

Udzungwa Mountains

The post Mount Kilimanjaro appeared first on Habitat Adventures Travel.

Mkomazi National Park

habitat23 — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 07:25:52 +0000

Mkomazi National Park

Mkomazi National Park serves as a vital sanctuary for two critically endangered species: the captivating black rhino and the friendly African wild dog, both of which were successfully reintroduced in the 1990s.

Overview

Mkomazi is a virgin breathtaking beauty exhibiting unique natural treasures and an immense sense of space – which adds to the fulfillment of high visitor enjoyment expectations. Moreover, it is a much needed bridge between northern circuit and coastal attractions.

Thousands of people pass through Mkomazi on one of Tanzania’s busiest highways every day. Visitors to these and the northern circuit safaris are now especially welcome to discover the treasures of this wedge of hilly semi-arid savannah. Additionally, Mkomazi is home to large herds of giraffe, eland, hartebeest, zebra, buffalo, as well as elephant.

Mkomazi National Park is an important haven for two critically endangered species: the charismatic black rhino and the sociable African wild dog, both of which were successfully reintroduced in the 1990s. Unlike black rhino, wild dogs, by nature nomadic, can be found almost anywhere in the park. But black rhinos are restricted to a fenced sanctuary, ensuring their survival for the enjoyment and prosperity of future generations.

The Magnificent Wildlife

Mkomazi is home to several dry – country specialists that are uncommon elsewhere in Tanzania, such as the magnificent fringe – eared oryx with its long back – sweeping horns and the handsome spiral – horned lesser kudu.

The gerenuk, a gazelle distinguished by its slender neck, as well as strange alien-like head. Furthermore, it has a habit of standing tall on its hind legs as it stretches for acacia leaves that other browsers cannot reach, is the oddest of all.

This new National Park takes its name from a Pare tribe word that means “scoop of water,” referring to a small amount of water. It is especially compelling that more than 450 avian species have been recorded. Among them are dry-country endemics such as the cobalt-chested vulturine guinea-fowl, large ground birds such as ostrich, kori bustard, secretary bird, ground hornbill, and also some migratory species such as the Eurasian roller.

Mkomazi National Park – More Info

Northern Tanzania is divided into the administrative regions of Kilimanjaro and Tanga. The park is bounded on the west by Kenya’s Tsavo National Park. The Zange entrance gate is 112 kilometers (69 miles) from Moshi, 550 kilometers (341 miles) from Mwalimu J. K. Nyerere International Airport – Dar es Salaam, 142 kilometers (88.7 miles) from Kilimanjaro National Park, and 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the town of Same.

How to get there

Mkomazi is easily accessible by road, as it is located on the surfaced highway connecting Arusha and Dar es Salaam. The Park is particularly accessible by special arrangement through the gates of Njiro, Kivingo, and Umba. Moreover, the park is easily accessible from nearby tourist attractions such as the Eastern Arc Mountains, The Coast, and Kilimanjaro Mountain.

If you liked Mkomazi National Park, you might also like Mikumi National Park.

Other Destination

Kigali City

Akagera National Park

Volcanoes National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Murchison Falls National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable

Udzungwa National Park

Tarangire National Park

Serengeti National Park

Saanane Island National Park

Ruaha National Park

Nyerere National Park

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mkomazi National Park

Mikumi National Park

Mahale Mountains National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

Katavi National Park

Gombe National Park

Arusha National Park

The post Mkomazi National Park appeared first on Habitat Adventures Travel.

Lake Manyara National Park

habitat23 — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 06:47:52 +0000

Lake Manyara National Park

With more than 400 bird species, Lake Manyara National Park is an excellent introduction to Tanzania’s birdlife.

Lake Manyara National Park Overview

Lake Manyara National Park, located on the edge of the Rift Valley beneath the cliffs of the Manyara Escarpment, offers diverse ecosystems, incredible bird life, as well as breathtaking views. Lake Manyara National Park, located on the way to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, is undoubtedly worth a stop in its own right.

Its ground water forests, bush plains, baobab-strewn cliffs, and also algae-streaked hot springs provide incredible ecological variety in a small area. It is particularly rich in wildlife and bird life.

Birdlife & Game Viewing

Lake Manyara’s alkaline soda is home to an incredible variety of bird life that thrives in its brackish waters. Pink flamingos stoop and graze by the thousands, leaving colorful specks against the lake’s grey minerals. Yellow-billed storks swoop and corkscrew on thermal winds rising from the escarpment, while herons flap their wings in the sun. Even the most hesitant bird-watchers will undeniably find something to marvel at within the national park.

Another reason to visit this park is to see the famous tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara. They are the only species of their kind in the world, and they live in the ancient mahogany and elegant acacias during the rainy season. They are a well-known but relatively rare feature of the northern park. In addition to the lions, the national park has the world’s highest concentration of baboons, which makes for interesting game viewing of large families of the primates.

Lake Manyara is a scenic gem that stretches for 50 kilometers along the base of the rusty-gold 600-meter-high Rift Valley escarpment, with a setting described by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa.” Manyara’s compact game-viewing circuit provides a virtual microcosm of the Tanzanian safari experience.

The Grassy Floodplain

The road winds through an expanse of lush jungle-like groundwater forest from the entrance gate, where hundred-strong baboon troops lounge nonchalantly along the roadside; blue monkeys scamper nimbly between the ancient mahogany trees; dainty bushbuck tread warily through the shadows, and outsized forest hornbills honk cacophonously in the high canopy.

The grassy floodplain, with its expansive views eastward across the alkaline lake to the jagged blue volcanic peaks that rise from the endless Maasai Steppes, contrasts with the intimacy of the forest. Large buffalo, wildebeest, and also zebra herds congregate on these grassy plains. As do giraffes, some of which are so dark in color that they appear black from a distance.

Diverse Ecosystems of Lake Manyara National Park

Manyara’s legendary tree-climbing lions and impressively tusked elephants frequent a narrow belt of acacia woodland inland of the floodplain. Squadrons of banded mongoose dart among the acacias, while Kirk’s dik-dik forages in their shade. In the far south of the park, pairs of klipspringer are frequently seen silhouetted on the rocks above a field of searing hot springs that steam and bubbles adjacent to the lakeshore.

Manyara is an excellent introduction to Tanzania’s birdlife. More than 400 species have been identified. Moreover, a first-time visitor to Africa could reasonably expect to see 100 of them in a single day. Thousands of pink-hued flamingos on their perpetual migration, as well as other large water birds like pelicans, cormorants, and storks, are highlights.

If you liked Lake Manyara National Park, you migt also like Mahale Mountains National Park.

Other Destination

Kigali City

Akagera National Park

Volcanoes National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Murchison Falls National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable

Udzungwa National Park

Tarangire National Park

Serengeti National Park

Saanane Island National Park

Ruaha National Park

Nyerere National Park

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mkomazi National Park

Mikumi National Park

Mahale Mountains National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

Katavi National Park

Gombe National Park

Arusha National Park

The post Lake Manyara National Park appeared first on Habitat Adventures Travel.

Arusha National Park

habitat23 — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 08:02:56 +0000

Arusha National Park

Overview

Arusha National Park is a treasure trove of diverse ecosystems and breathtaking views of Mt. Meru, the crater that gave the region its name. It is a popular day trip destination for visitors who are about to embark on longer northern circuit safaris from Arusha.

The slopes, summit, and ash cone of Mt. Meru, the Momela Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, and the lush highland forests that blanket its lower slopes are all part of the small national park. The game viewing around the Momela Lakes is relaxed and quiet, and many visitors stop to look for troupes of rare colobus monkeys playing in the canopy while passing through the forest.

Mt. Meru Climb

Visitors to Arusha National Park enjoy climbing Mt. Meru or exploring the smaller trails that traverse its lower slopes. The three to four day trek to the crater’s summit is a more peaceful, and some say more difficult, alternative to the nearby Mount Kilimanjaro’s famous peak. Paths to rivers and waterfalls on the lower slopes provide a relaxing day hike for visitors who do not want to attempt the rather difficult climb. The Park’s attractions and pleasures include ancient fig tree forests, crystal clear waters cascading from mountain streams, and the opportunity to see colobus monkeys.

Arusha National Park, the closest national park to Arusha town, northern Tanzania’s safari capital, is a multi-faceted jewel that is often overlooked by safari goers, despite offering the opportunity to explore a beguiling diversity of habitats within a few hours.

Arusha National Park – More Information

Visitors to Arusha National Park enjoy climbing Mt. Meru or exploring the smaller trails that traverse its lower slopes. The three to four day trek to the crater’s summit is a more peaceful, and some say more difficult, alternative to the nearby Mount Kilimanjaro‘s famous peak. Paths to rivers and waterfalls on the lower slopes provide a relaxing day hike for visitors who do not want to attempt the rather difficult climb. The Park’s attractions and pleasures include ancient fig tree forests, crystal clear waters cascading from mountain streams, and the opportunity to see colobus monkeys.

Wildlife

The entrance gate leads into a shadowy montane forest teeming with curious blue monkeys and colorful turacos and trogons – the only place on the northern safari circuit where the acrobatic black-and-white colobus monkey can be seen. The spectacular Ngurdoto Crater stands in the middle of the forest, its steep rocky cliffs enclosing a wide marshy floor dotted with herds of buffalo and warthog.

That far north, rolling grassy hills encircle the tranquil beauty of the Momela Lakes, each with a distinct green or blue hue. There are shallows that are sometimes pink from thousands of flamingos. The lakes are home to a diverse range of resident and migratory waterfowl, as well as shaggy waterbucks, which display their large lyre-shaped horns on the water’s edge. Giraffes glide across the grassy hills, between grazing zebra herds, while dik-diks dart into scrubby bush like overgrown hares on spindly legs.

Even though elephants and lions are rare in Arusha National Park, leopards and spotted hyenas can be seen slinking around in the early morning and late afternoon. The veil of cloud on the eastern horizon is also most likely to clear at dusk and dawn, revealing the majestic snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro, which is only 50km (30 miles) away.

Mt. Meru – Africa’s fifth highest mountain

But it is Mount Meru, Kilimanjaro’s unassuming cousin and Africa’s fifth highest mountain at 4,566 meters (14,990 feet) that dominates the park’s horizon. Meru, with its protected peaks and eastern foot slopes, provides unparalleled views of its famous neighbor while also serving as a rewarding hiking destination in its own right.

The ascent of Meru begins in wooded savannah, where buffalos and giraffes are common, and continues into forests aflame with red-hot pokers and dripping with Spanish moss, before reaching highly open heath spiked with giant lobelias. As the hike progresses, everlasting flowers cling to the alpine desert, and delicately-hoofed klipspringers mark the way.

If you like Arusha National Park, you might also like Katavi National Park.

Other Destination