The National Parks of southern Tanzania have gradually earned a reputation amongst connoisseurs as the best-kept secret on the African safari circuit, offering remote, untouched swathes of game-filled wilderness with an exclusivity borne of isolated access.

 Selous Game Reserve

The largest in Africa, Selous Game Reserve represents the African wilderness at its most untouched. Navigating the network of lakes and rivers in a boat offer a hippo’s-eye view of the big game safari lands, whilst the privileged perspective afforded from encountering the wildlife on foot relives the experiences of the explorers, settlers and big game hunters of safari’s golden age.

 Ruaha National ParkTanzania’s second largest National Park is still relatively unknown, making it ideal for those seeking the trails less-travelled and the wildlife less-visited. The miombo woodland and characteristic sand rivers of Ruaha supports a unique range of wildlife, borne of the Park’s location at the cusp of the eastern and southern species.Remote location, limited bed space and boundless bush will ensure that even as awareness grows of the abundant wildlife roaming these lands, the safari experience of Tanzania’s southern safari lands will remain of the true and pure variety. 

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There are mixed reactions over the new system of paying of entry fees to local game parks by electronic transfers. The now four-month old prepaid coupon system, according to some tour operators, has plenty of bugs that need to be fixed, including card-reading failures at payment points, the inconvenience of joining long queues while buying the electronic vouchers at bank counters and the fact that the system has tendency to collapse, especially on weekends.As far as a number of local tour operators and driver-guides are concerned, when the Tanzania National Parks Authority decided to take ‘e-commerce’ to the bush, things just got wilder not better.The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators admitted to have heard some complaints regarding the problems caused by the new system but the Association’s Executive Secretary, said TATO supports the e-card payment method. TATO supports e-commerce and it is a way forward in the local tourism industry. However the association members wanted more financial institutions and other parties involved in such transaction instead of just two banks.Starting from 1st October, 2007 the Tanzania National Parks started using electronic payment systems at its revenue collection centers parallel run with the old system.Both the tour Operators and the entire Public were later to be informed that with effect from 1st November, 2007 payment of Park fees would only be done through the Electronic Cards at all park entrance gates that had already installed the facilities.The first Phase of this new system has already covered Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Tarangire, being served by EXIM bank and the Kilimanjaro and Arusha National Parks whose electronic transactions are now done through CRDB.EXIM and CRDB both private commercial Banks are the two monetary institutions that initially designed the electronic coupon payment systems in the parks and so far both enjoy the monopoly of controlling fee collection in the parks.The old system of Payment by Cash and Cheque was rendered obsolete as from last November.Fees for Serengeti National Park stand at US$ 50 per person aged above 16 years and US$ 10 for those aged between 5 and 16 years for 24 hour tour. Kilimanjaro National Park on the other hand charges US$ 60 per person aged above 16 years and US$ 10 per the minors aged 10 and 16 years for the 24 hours tour. Fees for Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Arusha National Parks are charged at US$ 35 per person aged above 16 years and US$ 10 per person aged between 5 and 16 years for 24 hours game viewing.Katavi, Mikumi, Ruaha, Rubondo and Udzungwa National Parks’ fees stand at US$ 20 per person for those aged above 16 years, and US$ 5 for each visitor aged between 5 and 16 years for the 24 hours expedition.The most expensive wild destination so far is Mahale Mountains National Park in the South-West, whose fees peak at US$ 80 per visitor aged above 16 years and US$ 30 per person aged between 10 and 16 years for a similar 24 hours park tour.Approved camping fees are charged at US$ 30 per person, per day at public campsites and US$ 50 per person per day at ‘Special’ campsites.Permit for motor vehicles to enter the parks are charged between Tsh. 10,000 for local small cars and US$ 40 for foreign ones and Tsh. 100,000 for local vehicles or US$ 300 for non-Tanzanian registered ones depending with size.

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Accommodation in Udzungwa.

Udzungwa National Park has neither a lodge nor has it hotel facilities. It is in Mikumi National Park where there is Mikumi Wildlife Camp and Vuma Hill Tented Camp that the closest highly recommended upmarket accommodation is situated. From there still, day trips can be done.
It is however noted to be having some;
§ Camping inside the park.
§ Two modest but comfortable lodges with en-suite rooms with 1km of the park entrance.

A 1,990 sq km (770 sq. miles) park has mainly got one way of transport to reach it and that is through driving. The drive is basically a five hours time (350 km/215 miles) from Dar-es-Salaam; 65 km (40 miles) southwest of Mikumi.

After getting to this park which can be visited throughout the year though the dry season of June-October is better, there are mainly two activities to be done there namely; having safaris, and combining with nearby Mikumi or en route to Ruaha.

Udzungwa is a magnet for hikers, not a conventional viewing destination.

A superb network of forest trails includes the popular half-day ramble to Sanje waterfall, which plunges 170 meters (550 feet) through a misty spray into the forested valley below.

Because of an avian wealth embraining over 400 species from the lovely and readily-located green-headed oriole to more than a dozen secretive Eastern Arc endemics, Ornithologists are attracted to Udzungwa.

The more challenging two-night Mwanihana Trail leads to the high plateau, with its panoramic views over surrounding sugar plantations, before climbing Mwanihana peak, the second-highest point in the range.

Udzungwa has got four bird species that includes a forest partridge, which was first detected in 1991 and more closely related to an Asian genus than any other African fowl.

It is of less wonder that very soon all the treasures of this great forest will be revealed. Its diverse catalogue of endemics will increase surely because of the on-going scientific exploration.

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With a total of 2,000kms, Udzungwa Mountain National Park contains the greatest altituted range of forests in East Africa, infact, the Eastern escarpment is the only place in East Africa with unbroken forest cover from lowland forest communities at below 250m above sea level, through intermediate types, to mountain communities at over 2,800m.

Because of this therefore, it is of less wonder to note that Udzungwa National Park, which is located 65km South of Mikumi National Park, has got one of the highest numbers of species regularly found in the whole world.

In the dense rain forest or onto the high plateau, is where numerous breath-taking day-hikes can be arranged together multiple day excursions. Udzungwa National Park a paradise for hinkers and backpackers has got no roads entering it. One of the good trips is that up to the Sanje River waterfall, which plunges for 170 meters through the forest to the valley below.

There are many different mammals that reside in Udzungwa National Park, which include elephant, sable, eland, buffalo, waterbuck, leopard, African wild dog, and lion. Of the primate, six species are found here, yet two are endemic, that is to say; the Sanje Crested Mangabe which was found in 1979 and the Iringa (Uhehe) Red Colobus monkey. Still there exists a rich small bovid community including many Red, Blue and Abbots duikers, as well as bushbuck.

Udzungwa is noted to avail the richest forest bird habitat in Tanzania.

It is not so advisable to visit Udzungwa during the rainy season of march to may, but rather the dry season of June to October is advisable and it is believed to be the best season for visiting.

Accommodation Udzungwa

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Tarangire Treetops- Tarangire Conservation Area.

Tarangire Treetops a luxury safari lodge located on the eastern border of Tarangire National Park in Tanzania is situated in the 57,000 acres of Tarangire Conservation Area. The Lodge is only 98 kilometers from Arusha.

As you enter the lodge, your eyes land on the Reception, which shows an artistically constructed area, built in local material that leads to the main restaurant, with panoramic views of the landscape, hugged around a baobab tree.
At Tarangire treetops’ left side are a few steps that lead to the swimming pool with sim chairs which guests use when relaxing from wildlife viewing and game spoting. What Tarangire Treetops refer to as “Tree homes” are literally lodge rooms that are built a round real live trees in a way that strikes a balance between assuring that the ecosystem is maintained in the best way possible. There are high standards of personalized attention, room, meals and service which guests at Tarangire Treetops enjoy.

With rooms that have ensuite bathroom facilities like running water, standard shower and flushing toilets, Tarangire Treetops has got original giant en-suite tree houses which are equipped with private verandas that have sweeping views over the surrounding bush.

Culinary and Dining Experience at Tarangire Treetops.
Most evenings at Tarangire Treetops are spent in the dining area socializing with family and visitors you find there, and here still, International and African meals are prepared and served.

Activities at Tarangire Treetops.
§ Day wildlife viewing and game driving safaris.
§ Maasai village visits.
§ Ornithological safaris.
§ Night wildlife watching and game driving safaris.
§ Relax on your chair on the veranda, gazing between trees, or enlighten yourself with some reading, or noting down a journal or your sketchbook.
§ Walking safari around Tarangire Conservation Area.
§ Specially planned dinners in the bush.
§ Take a trip in the pool after safari game driving or anytime you feel like cooling yourself.

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Tarangire Sopa Lodge.
January 1995 saw the opening of Tarangire Sopa Lodge, an all-suite lodge of 75 suites with scenic views and good game viewing possibilities. It is situated on the eastern side of the Tarangire River opposite Tarangire Hill. This lodge, which is 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the park entrance gate, has basically two means of transport that guests can use to reach it. That is to say; driving, which takes about an hour to get to this area rich in wildlife, or one can use chartered flight from Arusha, which takes 20 minutes, followed by a 45-minute drive through plentiful wildlife to the lodge.

The lodge has still got carpeted suites, which contain small comfortable, en-suite bathroom, large bedroom with two queen-sized beds, and balcony.
Bathrooms are fitted with walk-in shower, washbasin, bidet, shaving socket, lavatory and hair dryer.
It is through the sliding doors, which are fitted with secondary mosquito screens that you can have the access to the balcony. The lodge avails non-smoking suites and all beds are fitted with mosquito nets.

Every suite has got a mini fridge, complimentary bottled water and glasses. Bathroom services at Tarangire Sopa Lodge involves shampoo as well as shower gel. Every day, freshly laundered towels plus washcloths are provided. Electricity s there full time, hot and cold running water is available at every 6 am to 8 am and 6 pm to 8 pm. Meanwhile cold water is also available fulltime.

Culinary and Dining Experience at Tarangire Sopa Lodge.
Tarangire Sopa Lodge has got so many meal facilities, which include;
§ The restaurant: This lies in the main building and it has got spectacular views of the bush and resident wildlife. This area, which is non-smoking, has got meals which, are freshly produced and these are a combination of African, Asian and European dishes. While breakfast is served buffet style, lunch and dinner comprise of four courses namely; starter soup, incorporating vegetarian options, main course and pudding.
§ All day and evening, Lounge and Tuska Bar provides soft drinks, tea, coffee, wine, cocktails plus liqueurs.
§ Superb facilities for conferences and meetings of all kinds are provided by the Sunset Meeting Room.
§ Apart from a wide range of liqueur, coffees and chocolates, which are available, the coffee shack is also open throughout the day for complementary tea and coffee, situated near the reception area.
§ Pool bar: The pool bar, which is known for providing soft drinks, wines, beer, tea, cocktails and liqueurs, is believed to be situated at the swimming pool and is surrounded by a patio area as well as small sheltered umbrella areas. However, if one makes a request for outdoor lunches and buffets, they can be provided as well.

Activities at Tarangire Sopa Lodge.
§ Ornithological safaris.
§ Day wildlife watching and game driving safaris.
§ Sundowners.
§ Swimming pool on the lodge grounds mostly enjoyed by children.
§ Specially planned dinners in the bush.
§ Maasai village visits.

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Tarangire Safari Lodge.
Tarangire Safari Lodge which is 120 kilometers from Arusha and whose airstrip is situated close to the lodge, is believed to be one of the original accommodations in the park, no wonder therefore the very first owners had a chance of choosing the best location to host their guests. Just on the ridge with spectacular panoramic views of the park is where the accommodation lies. During the visits to this lodge, many guests staying for many nights tend to plan for a few afternoons to go and stay on the ridge with their binoculars as they continue spoting animals go by.

The location of the lodge has got an amazing aspect, in other words, its location favours visits even during the dry months. This is true because of the fact that there is a river at the foot of the ridge, which attracts wildlife to the water source, and therefore gusts are assured of spotting animals here throughout the year.

Tarangire Safari Lodge has got two sets of accommodation namely; Canvas tented accommodations or Bungalow style rooms and they all overlook Tarangire national Park. It is important to note that the tents have beds, electricity and ensuite with solar heated showers.

Culinary and Dining Experience at Tarangire Safari Lodge.
While serving the meals at this lodge, the existance of many different guests is highly considered, and every attempt is made to share the heritage and culinary delicacies that come with that.

In the dining room, which is centrally located and close to the swimming pool, is where the meals are served.

Activities at Tarangire Safari Lodge.
§ Swimming pool on the lodge grounds mostly enjoyed by children.
§ Sundowners.
§ Specially planned dinners in the bush.
§ Day wildlife and game driving safaris.
§ Relaxing on the patio, one can sight various animals passing below, including herds of up to 300 elephants.
§ Ornithological safaris.
§ Maasai village visits.

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Tarangire Porini Camp.
Tarangire Porini Camp, which was set up in 1998, with the purpose of offering personalized service to visiting guests and offering an ultimate bush experience amidst natural surroundings, is located on 200 acres of unspoilt wilderness on the border of the magnificent Tarangire National Park and Tarangire Conservation Area, which are well known due to their herds of elephant and other animal life species.

Tarangire Porini Camp has got tents, which have got en-suite facilities and a private verandah. The bathroom facilities at the camp are bucket style showers and long drop eco-toilets. The tents in Tarangire Camp are literally in the wilderness and the guests can be sure of complete privacy because these tents are very well spread from each other.

Culinary and Dining Experience at Tarangire Porini Camp.
In the main area near the entrance, is where the Dining hall lies. Guests normally gather around the fireplace in the evenings, and there they basically talk about the day’s safari explores in the African wilderness.

Activities at Tarangire Porini Camp.
§ Maasai dances and traditional folklore.
§ Walking safari around Tarangire reservation area.
§ Specially planned dinners in the bush.
§ Day wildlife viewing and game driving safaris.
§ Night wildlife viewing and game driving safaris.
§ Maasai village visits.
§ Ornithological safaris.

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Tamarind Camp-Tarangire Conservation Area.

Tamarind Camp a semi-permanent and high quality safari camp is believed to be the fourth biggest national park in Tanzania, and its large habitats favour an equally rich valley of mammals, birds as well as flora, which makes it a delight to adventure. On privately owned Maasai land just 15 metres from the entrance of Tarangire National Park is where Tamarind Camp lies. It is very well situated in a grove of beautiful Acacia Tortilis trees and recently renewed. It is important to note that the Tamarind is located in 200 acres of Acacia woodland and bush, right on the boundary of the park.

Tamarind Camp is also a benefactor to the local community of Mosakin village, through direct donations from client revenue. So far, a new water line and support to the local school have been brought due to these exact payments.

The lodge has got tented accommodation, which is luxuriously comfortable and has en-suite bathrooms as well as nice handcrafted furnitures that is got from hard wood. The camp has got tents, which are well spread out and mostly face the adjacent park boundary, marked only by a tree-lined sand river. Every tent is brought while equipped with mats, safari chairs, soft furnishings in individual style, flashlight, table, luggage rack, candles and kerosene lanterns.

Tamarind Camp has also got a variety of wildlife that a guest expects to view during the visit to Tarangire National Park. Some of the animals include the following: -
Zebra and wildebeest, which are usually spotted feeding on the nearby plains, while elephant and lions normally occupy the area around the camp.

Culinary and Dining Experience Tamarind Camp.
During breakfast, lunch and candlelit dinners, the guests use insect-proof tents, which are normally locally furnished.

Activities at Tamarind Camp.
§ Day wildlife viewing and game driving safaris.
§ Walking safari around Tarangire Conservation Area.
§ Specially planned dinners in the bush.
§ Night wildlife watching and game driving safaris.
§ Ornithological safaris.
§ Maasai Village visits.

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Swala Tented Camp- Tarangire national Park.
Swale comes from the Kiswahili word Impala referring to the antelope that are pleasant guests of the camp. The camp is situated in a remote pocket of Tarangire National Park, and it is positioned in a copse of majestic acacia trees at the edge of the Gurusi wetlands and the open savannah beyond. The stands of ancient baobab trees, large family herds of elephants, many bird life species as well as dry season concentrations of wildlife makes Tarangire the classic Africa of love which has been feted by adventurers, immortalized in documentaries and sought after by the discerning guests.
As part of their commitment to this forgotten corner of Tanzania, the staff and management team at Swala have initiated a pioneering Community Conservation Project that has recently led to the constructing of a school for the children of a village that borders Tarangire.

Swala provides an experience that is luxurious in its style and exclusive in its setting, the ambience of old, wild Africa with a breath taking location that defines the safari as surely as the wild life that resides in it.

Swala has got nine private tents, which have bathrooms with showers complemented by fittings and fixtures got from local materials to mirror the understated elegance of the time-honoured safari style.

In order to maintain the wildlife experience in this camp and for the guests to view them throughout the year, there are elevated terraces on the tents, which are appointed towards the waterhole and these contribute a lot in attracting wildlife throughout the year.

You will continue to get the gentle sounds from the wildlife that reside in the camp, and these include; water buck, lion, Impala, plus various elephant herds.

Culinary and Dining Experience At Swala Camp.
The meals of full service, pan-African cuisine and fine wines adding to the “country house under canvas” ambience, are taken in the comfortable dining tent. The guest will in most cases be assured of staying with the personalized African friendly, professionalism and knowledge of Swala’s accomplished hosts, personal tent attendants, safari guides and Maasai askaris who accompany the guest at the tent at night.

Activities at Swala Tented Camp.
§ Sundowners.
§ Ornithological safaris.
§ Maasai village visits.
§ Wildlife viewing from the camp.
§ Waling safari around Swala Camp.
§ Day wildlife watching and game driving safari.
§ Specially planned dinners in the bush.

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