Monday, October 6, 2014

Experience The African Wilderness With A Tanzania Safari

Tags

By Jocelyn Davidson


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

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

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

The country's famed wildlife is mainly found in several national parks and conservation areas. These include the Arusha National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Mount Kilimanjaro and the Udzungwa Mountains National Park. The most famous of the parks, however, is the Serengeti, scene of some of the most dramatic migrations. Among the animals you may be able to spot are lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants, leopards, warthogs, monkeys and of course wildebeest, not to mention a plethora of bird species.

If you're on a budget, you may want to opt for a safari company that offers basic packages where you're roughing it. However, it's well worth splashing out on a package that includes luxury accommodation, gourmet meals and guided game-watching trips. There's nothing more romantic than enjoying a cocktail as the sun sets and later retiring to a tastefully furnished tent while listening to the sounds of hyenas in the distance.

The Tanzanian climate is notoriously hot and it may be tempting to visit during rainy season, when things cool down a bit. However, the dry season is a much better time to visit. This is when the migration takes place. The vegetation is not quite as dense and it's easier to spot the animals, especially when they come to the watering holes for a drink. Besides, the risk of malaria is lower during the dry season.

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

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




About the Author:




EmoticonEmoticon