Explore Tanzania’s Safari Routes on Self Drive With Arusha Car Rental
Explore Tanzania’s Safari Routes on Self Drive With Arusha Car Rental: Tanzania, located in East Africa, boasts remarkable sites such as Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Ngorongoro Crater. These renowned locations are situated in the northern portion of the country, providing an unparalleled safari experience. This remarkable country possesses concealed treasures in the south, west, and along the Indian Ocean coastline. As a traveler, whether experienced or novice, you may be contemplating your destination: north, south, west, or along the coast. For these and other pertinent inquiries, please remain with this essay to its conclusion. We investigate all the safari circuits and their distinctive features, including lesser-known aspects.
Northern Circuit.
The northern region of Tanzania constitutes the renowned ‘Northern Circuit.’ This circuit is abundant with renowned attractions – parks, reserves, conservation areas, mountains, and lakes – that attract thousands of visitors globally to Tanzania. Here, you will encounter premier wildlife safaris, including trekking the Great Migration and ascending Mount Kilimanjaro.
Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater are two destinations highly coveted by several safari enthusiasts. Approximately seventy-five percent of visitors to Tanzania frequent these wildlife sanctuaries. There is a valid rationale behind this. The wildebeest migration traverses the ‘endless plains’ of the Serengeti, while the Big Five flourish in the Ngorongoro Crater.
Mount Kilimanjaro rises in the north and is possibly the tallest freestanding peak in the world. This dormant volcano, standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 ft) above sea level, is a coveted destination for several trekkers. It represents a ‘new beginning’ for enthusiastic hikers aspiring to conquer all of the ‘world’s seven summits.’ Located a few kilometers away, Mount Meru, situated within Arusha National Park, is Africa’s fifth-highest mountain, rising to 4,566 meters above sea level.
Additionally, there are other minor parks in the North that attract a limited number of people. Lake Manyara, renowned for its tree-climbing lions and exquisite pink flamingos, serves as an ideal surprise destination for numerous safaris in the northern circuit. Additionally, Tarangire National Park, renowned for its elephant population, offers the optimal location for observing the maximum concentration of wildlife, particularly during the dry season.
Southern Circuit.
To evade crowds in the north, proceed to the south. This exceptional safari zone features unspoiled wildlife, natural beauty, and remarkable vistas. This document presents the major parks in Tanzania, with Nyerere being the largest and Ruaha as the second largest.
In Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve), fauna traverse the expansive wilderness unimpeded. Envision expansive elephant herds, packs of wild dogs, wildebeests, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and other wildlife, all observed from the comfort of an open safari vehicle—just you and the driver. Enhance your safari with a distinctive experience, particularly during the evening: glide gently along the river or partake in an extraordinary safari beneath a translucent fly sheet.
Conversely, Ruaha National Park hosts the highest elephant population in the country. As these gentle giants traverse the trees and forests, substantial prides of lions roar across the expansive savannahs and acacia-dotted plains. The likelihood of encountering the African hunting dog, which is exceedingly rare in the North, is considerable.
Mikumi National Park and Udzungwa Mountains National Park, adjacent to one another, exhibit remarkable fauna in the southeast. The former is referred to as the ‘mini Serengeti’ because of its vast plains, such as Mkata, and an extraordinary density of wildlife.
Individuals visit Mikumi to evade the frenetic activity of Dar es Salaam, the nation’s commercial hub. Udzungwa is ideal for hiking and observing uncommon primates such as the Iringa red colobus, Sanje crested mangabey, and Kipunji monkeys, as well as avian species like the Udzungwa partridge and rufous-winged sunbird.
Western Circuit.
This circuit is more isolated than the southern circuit. Nonetheless, it is home to some of the world’s rarest species: chimpanzees. Gaining entry to this concealed safari zone may prove challenging, although an hour spent with our primate relatives (chimpanzees) is enchanting. Accessing Gombe and Mahale necessitates an initial flight to Kigoma Airport, succeeded by a boat journey to the park.
Chimpanzee safaris are exclusively available in these parks. Visitors traverse deep jungles for one hour in pursuit of chimpanzee tribes. While traversing these woodlands, you encounter several primates that share their habitat with the chimpanzees. In Mahale, one may observe several species, including leopards, lions, and wild dogs.
These parks are situated along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Here, you will discover exquisite beaches featuring white, powdery sand and crystalline waters. Diving is feasible, yet it remains in a developmental stage.
Katavi National Park, located in the southwest, remains isolated and pristine. Nevertheless, the wildlife traverses freely, particularly the African megafauna such as elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and hippos. Lions, leopards, crocodiles, hyenas, and other antelope species, including reedbuck, gazelle, topi, and hartebeest, can also be observed.
Coastal Circuit.
The coastal or eastern circuit has unspoiled islands featuring white sandy beaches. This circuit includes Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia, the Mainland Coast, and other small, ultra-luxurious islands along the Indian Ocean coast. Zanzibar boasts some of the finest beaches, characterized by smooth sand and lush palm trees. If you enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, Nungwi and Kendwa in the north are ideal. If you prefer tranquility, Bwejuu, Kizimkazi, Michamvi, Paje, and Pongwe in the east are excellent choices.
Pemba, an isolated island situated north of Zanzibar, serves as a sanctuary for divers and snorkelers. The beaches are serene and enchanting for experiencing the refreshing winds. The island boasts excellent diving and snorkeling sites. Misali Island, located 10 kilometers from Pemba, provides an exceptional diving and snorkeling experience. Mafia Island is an undiscovered treasure for those wishing to dive with whale sharks, including approximately 200 individuals in its premier marine park.
Tanzania’s coastal circuit encompasses not only diving excursions and beach activities but also cultural exploration. Stone Town possesses a profound history and culture, originating from the Arabs, Portuguese, and Persians. Here, one can explore historic edifices, encompassing historical palaces and baths formerly utilized by Sultans and other sovereigns.
The essential conclusion.
These circuits are designed not to perplex you, but to aid you in orchestrating your memorable expedition. Whether you like to investigate the wildlife-abundant northern circuit or the secluded southern region, we are available to assist you in organizing this expedition. Contact our specialists Arusha Car Rental to initiate planning.
