The Serengeti National Park ( The Seventh wonder of the world)

AREA : 14763 Sq. Km.
ALTITUDE: 1400 Metres

The Serengeti National Park is as big as Northern Ireland, and the most popular wildlife sanctuary in the world. It has been a protected area since the 1940′s, and was accorded national park status in 1951. In 1981, the Serengeti was inscribed onto the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. The park is fantastic in its natural beauty and unequalled in its scientific value. This vast expanse of land is known to contain about 4 million different types of animals.

The plains of Serengeti are mainly crystalline rocks overlain by volcanic ash with numerous granitic rock outcrops (kopjes). In the north and along the western corridor are mountain ranges of mainly volcanic origin. Two rivers flowing west usually contain water and there are a number of lakes, marshes, and waterholes.

Large herds of antelope of all sorts including: Patterson’s eland, Klipspringer, Dikdik, impala, Zebra, gazelles, water, bush and reed buck, topi, kongoni, cotton’s oribi, grey bush duiker, roan antelope buffalo, and wildebeest. Plus: lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, bat eared fox, hunting dog and jackal. Smaller mammals: spring hare, porcupine, warthog, hyraxes, baboon, vervet monkey, colobus monkey, patas monkey, and mongooses. Larger mammals: giraffe, rhino, elephant, hippopotamus. Nearly 500 species of bird, including vultures, storks, flamingoes, martial and fish eagles, ostrich. Reptiles: crocodiles, a number of species of snakes and lizards

The following statistics of wildlife population is a small indication of the immensity of the Serengeti: 700,000 Thompson gazelles, 65,000 Topi, 50,000 Grant gazelles, 1,500,000 wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, 2,000 lions, 800 leopards, 4,000 hyenas, 200 wild dogs, 500 cheetahs, 500 species of birds, more than 30 species of large herbivores…the list goes on.

In May and early June you can witness the annual migration of millions of zebra and wildebeest in search of water and forage as the seasons change.

Vegetation: Serengeti’s low vegetation means that game viewing is relatively easy. It varies from open grass plains in the south, savannah with scattered acacia trees in the centre, hilly wooded grassland in the north, to extensive woodland and black clay plains in the west. There are many small rivers, lakes and swamps scattered about.

Animals live in absolute freedom on the endless plains.

Ngorongoro Crater
The 8^th wonder of the world

AREA : 300 Sq. Km.
ALTITUDE: 2286 Metres

Ngorongoro crater is located west of the great rift valley which runs from the Red Sea to Lake Nyasa in southern Tanzania. Ngorongoro was an active volcano some eight million years ago, whose cone collapsed, leaving a crater. It is the largest unbroken caldera in the world, the second largest extinct crater in the world, and today shelters the most beautiful wildlife haven left on earth with a spectacular concentration of wildlife and stunning views.

The Crater is oval in shape, 300Sq. Km in area, 610m deep. There are 25,000 larger animals within the crater itself. This is undoubtedly the best place to see black rhino in Tanzania as well as prides of lion that include the magnificent black-maned males.
All of the big five are seen – elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo. Other game includes: cheetah, hyena, zebra, warthog, impala, hartebeest, eland and lots of other members of the antelope family and smaller mammals of sorts.

Birdlife includes:- Kori bustard, secretary bird, crested crane, maribou stock, goliath, heron, beautiful fish eagles, and thousands of colourful flamingoes. More than a 100 species of bird not found in the Serengeti have been found in the crater.

Vegetation: The crater rim is wooded with mountain forest vegetation. Blooming in acres of flowers e.g. pink, blue and white lupines, candle white lilies, blue hyacinth.

Kilimanjaro National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

AREA : 319 Sq. Km.
ALTITUDE: 945 Metres

Although it is Tanzania’s smallest park, Lake Manyara is one of the most diverse reserves in the country. The beautiful Lake Manyara covers two thirds of the park, while the rest consists of steep mountainside, swamps, dense woodlands, open grassy areas and hot springs.

Lake Manyara is one of the many alkaline lakes of the Great Rift Valley. It was formed abut three million years ago and is quite shallow, with an average depth of about three metres. The lake attracts hundreds of birds species. In high vegetation near the park entrance, baboons and black monkeys charter between cicada shrills. More than 350 species of birdlife are found in Lake Manyara – including pelicans, Egyptian geese, ducks, waders, herons, storks, grebes, ibises, kingfishers and the flamingoes. The extraordinary birdlife has made this place world-renowned among ornithologists,

The park is famed for its unique tree-climbing lions. The rare sight of seeing the king of the beasts sprawled in the bough of a tree is an unforgettable sight

The wall of the Great Rift Valley forms the backdrop before which lies the ground water forest, areas of open grassland near the lake foreshore, and the Soda Lake.

Recommended safaris for Lake Eyasi:

- Active safari
- Bird watching safari
- Cultural safari
- Hiking safari
- Photography safari
- Romantic / honeymoon safari

Lake Eyasi is a soda lake located at the southwest corner of Ngorongoro Crater in the conservation area highlands. The lake is around 1050 km² (400 square miles) and is 1040 m (3400 feet) above sea level. The main tributary is the Sibiti River and the secondary tributary is the Baray River. The Baray River has now become one of the primary onion growing regions for Tanzania and East Africa.

The Hadzabe bushmen live in this region, as do the Datoga and Mbulu tribes. A visit with the bushmen is worthwhile and they will graciously show you where and how they live and hunt. They subsist entirely off the bush and by bow hunting. Everything they use is made from local materials, including their bows which are strung with giraffe tendon and their arrows which are coated in lethal poison. Their language resembles that of Kalahari bushmen tribe (who were featured in the 1980 film ‘The Gods Must Be Crazy’) with clicking noises used.
The Datoga and Mbulu people are pastoralists, like the Masai people.

The scenery of Lake Eyasi differs dramatically to that of the surrounding areas. Compared to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Highlands this area seems downright tropical. Palm trees border the lake and make homes for birds such as Fischer’s lovebird. Other trees in this area include the umbrella thorn acacia and sand paper bush. The weather is nearly always very hot and intense, as the lake is located in floor of the Rift Valley, the oldest rift in the world. The rift is thought to have opened over 65 million years ago, shortly after dinosaurs became extinct.

Lake Eyasi’s water levels vary greatly between the rainy and dry seasons. During the dry season the lake is virtually nonex Haistent and animals are forced to share what water is left, which makes for easier wildlife viewing. The lake can get quite deep during the rainy season and it attracts hippos who like to cool off in its brackish waters.

Bird lovers will be in paradise here, as the lake attracts vast numbers of birds of all sizes and colors. Some main birds to be found here include: Africa spoonbill, flamingos, gray headed gulls, great white pelicans, pied avocet and yellow-billed storks. The main fish found in the lake are catfish and lungfish.

This region is particularly suited for exploring on foot, and day or half day hikes are highly recommended. It is also possible to go on a hunting trip with the Hadzabe or to visit the other tribes. Almost any time of year is a good time to visit Lake Eyasi with only April and May being questionable as they are when the long rains occur.

Serengeti View Hike With Sun Downer Drinks And Pick-Up:

This hike is perfect for: Guests who have the afternoon at leisure but have less time than needed for the “Circle Hike”; or for guests who are looking for a more luxurious hiking option. This hike is also perfect for guests who are departing for the Serengeti in the morning. Guests can start the hike at 07:00 and their driver can meet them on the road en route to the Serengeti three hours later.

Where do we go ? Depart from the lodge reception up the wall of the Crater then hike into the Melanga depression and cross the depression. Continue to hike towards the Serengeti plains where a vehicle meets hikers with sundowner drinks and snacks. All hikers are driven back to the lodge after enjoying the view.
What is involved: Walking guide, NCAA armed ranger, water packs, sundowner drinks and snacks, vehicle transfer back to the lodge.

Departure time: 07:00 and 15:00
Latest departure: 15:30
Length of hike: 3 to 3 ½ hours
Level of strenuousness: Easy to Moderate

Rubondo Island National Park
Size: 457 sq km

A pair of fish eagles guards the gentle bay, their distinctive black, white and chestnut feather pattern gleaming boldly in the morning sun. Suddenly, the birds toss back their heads in a piercing, evocative duet. On the sandbank below, a well-fed monster of a crocodile snaps to life, startled from its nap. It stampedes through the crunchy undergrowth, crashing into the water in front of the boat, invisible except for a pair of sentry-post eyes that peek menacingly above the surface to monitor our movements.

Rubondo Island is tucked in the southwest corner of Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest lake, an inland sea sprawling between Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. With nine smaller islands under its wing, Rubondo protects precious fish breeding grounds.

Tasty tilapia form the staple diet of the yellow-spotted otters that frolic in the island’s rocky coves, while rapacious Nile perch, some weighing more than 100kg, tempt recreational game fishermen seeking world record catches.
Rubondo is more than a water wonderland. Deserted sandy beaches nestle against a cloak of virgin forest, where dappled bushbuck move fleet yet silent through a maze of tamarinds, wild palms, and sycamore figs strung with a cage of trailing taproots.

The shaggy-coated aquatic sitatunga, elsewhere the most elusive of antelopes, is remarkably easily observed, not only in the papyrus swamps it normally inhabits, but also in the forest interior.
Birds are everywhere.

Flocks of African grey parrots – released onto the island after they were confiscated from illegal exporters – screech in comic discord as they flap furiously between the trees.

The azure brilliance of a malachite kingfisher perched low on the reeds competes with the glamorous, flowing tail of a paradise flycatcher as it flits through the lakeshore forest. Herons, storks and spoonbills proliferate in the swampy lake fringes, supplemented by thousands of Eurasian migrants during the northern winter.

Wild jasmine, 40 different orchids and a smorgasbord of sweet, indefinable smells emanate from the forest.

Ninety percent of the park is humid forest; the remainder ranges from open grassland to lakeside papyrus beds.

A number of indigenous mammal species – hippo, vervet monkey, genet and mongoose – share their protected habitat with introduced species such as chimpanzee, black-and-white colobus, elephant and giraffe, all of which benefit from Rubondo’s inaccessibility.

Tarangire National Park

AREA : 2600 Sq. Km.
ALTITUDE : 1100 Metres.

Tarangire is situated on the south of large open grass plains of southern Masailand. The name Tarangire is derived from the Tarangire River which provides permanent water for wildlife.

In the dry season, Tarangire has a high concentration of wildlife, second only to Ngorongoro Crater. Animals found in Tarangire, include lion, leopard, oryx, gnu and greater and lesser kudu. Also included are: wildebeest, zebras, Thompson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, buffalo, elephant, impala, and eland.

Over 300 species of birds are recorded in the park. Some Eurasian migrants are found, which are present from October – April. Tarangire is an ornithologists paradise rich in birds of prey and an incredible diversity of fauna

Vegetation: Principal features are the grassland and flood plains which consist of open grassland, acacia trees, rich woodland, found besides tributaries and orchard bush. This park is symbolised by the Baobab tree, dotted throughout the park growing in open acacia woodland.

In addition to the ordinary game drives, many of our guests have asked if we could include something ‘different’ for one afternoon during the safari. In response to this demand, the ‘Serena Active’ excursions have been developed that can be added onto almost all northern circuit safaris. These excursions can only be done when staying at the Serena Lodges, and should be pre-booked.

–Cycling Safari:

This activity is perfect for: Guests who enjoy biking and want to cover more terrain than walking.

Where do we go ? Leave the lodge and descend down the Rift Valley escarpment. Ride on a single-track path though Mto Wa Mbu village then ride to the lakeshore. Meet a vehicle with drinks and snacks and get driven back to the lodge.

What is included ? Guide, Trek 6000 front suspension mountain bikes, helmets, gloves, water packs, drinks/snacks, and transfer back to lodge.

Suggested departure time: 0730 or 1500
Length of excursion: 3.5 hours
Level of strenuousness: Moderate (it is downhill or flat most of the way)

–Village Walk:

This activity is perfect for: Guests who want to have a “real” (not acted) cultural experience.

Where do we go ? Drive down to Mto Wa Mbu with your village guide then take a leisurely stroll around the farming areas. Experience a kindergarten, milling machine, church, local homes, and farmlands.

What is included ? Local guide, water packs, round trip transport, village contribution.

Suggested departure time: 0800 or 1530
Length of excursion: 3 hours
Level of strenuousness: Low (all ages can enjoy this activity)

–Forest Hike:

This activity is perfect for: Guests who want to have a good hike and who enjoy observing a peaceful natural environment.

Where do we go ? Leave the lodge reception on foot, walk along the edge of the escarpment, descend down into a nearby gorge, explore groundwater springs, and end the hike at the Lake Manyara National Park entrance gate to be driven back to the lodge.

What is included ? Guide, water packs, snacks/drinks at end, and transport to lodge.

Suggested departure time: 0730 and 1500
Length of excursion: 3 hours
Level of strenuousness: Moderate

–Rock Climbing/Abseiling:

This activity is perfect for: Guests who want a challenge!

Where do we go ? Abseil and climb on a cliff a 10 minute walk from reception.

What is included ? All the equipment and instruction to allow a beginner to participate.

Suggested departure time: 0730 or 1500
Length of excursion: 3 hours (depends on the number of guests)
Level of strenuousness: Moderate

–Lake Manyara Canoeing Safari:

A game drive on water! Lake Manyara National Park has one road in and out. Now for the first time, guests can game drive and a canoeing experience to see game from a new angle.

This activity is perfect for: Guests who would like to experience a different but easy activity option. It is also good for guests who do not have plenty of time in the National Park.

Where do we go ? Qualified guides drive guests to the canoeing launching site in game drive vehicles. Here guests receive all safety information and set off on the water in the company of the canoeing guide. Canoeists glide over the smooth lake water 20m offshore drifting past herds of Giraffe, Buffalo, and Elephant. We end with a refreshing drink stop.

What is included ? Two and a half hour canoeing safari and qualified guide, good quality and safe two man canoes, life jackets, water packs. Transfer to and from the Lake Manyara National Park gate in open game drive vehicles, Lake Manyara canoeing safari T-shirt and certificate.

Departure times from gate: 07:30 and 14:30
Length of excursion: approximately 31/2 to 4 hours
Level of strenuousness: Moderate (we always canoe with the wind from behind)

–Nature Walk:

This activity is perfect for: Guests who have limited time, but still want to stretch their legs and learn something.

Where do we go ? Walk along the edge of the Great Rift Valley.

What is included ? Qualified naturalist.

Suggested departure time: 0630 or 1730
Length of excursion: 1 hour
Level of strenuousness: Low

–Children’s Guide Program:

This activity is perfect for: Children who need something special for them.

Where do we go ? Around the lodge, playing games, making field guides, planting trees.

What is included ? Guide and age-appropriate field guide materials.

Suggested departure time: 0730 or 1630
Length of excursion: 1.5 hours

One of the most unique and remarkable scenes is the annual migration. Usually in May/June, thousands of wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, gazelle and buffalo migrate from the central plains westwards or northwards in search of water and pasture.

One column turns to the north while another column turns to the west, later turning eastwards to join the northern column. Then, together the whole herd finally returns to the central plains, completing the circle. Over 1000kms are thus covered.

As the herds move to new grazing ground, they are followed by predators such as lions, hyenas, jackels and hunting wild-dogs waiting for weak prey while vultures soar overhead waiting for their share of the kill.

Best time for visiting is December – May when the animals are gathered on the short grass plains south of the park around Ndutu and Naabi Gate, dispersed and moving back and forth in search of water and fresh grass until the end of the long rains.

Calving takes place in February/March, when 90% of female wildebeest give birth, flooding the plains with thousands of young ones.

In May, when the plains begin to dry up, the wildebeest, together with other animals begin the long track westwards or northwards, once again.

The migration involves between 500,000 – 1,000,000 animals out of the 4,000,000 found in Serengeti.