Author: Taher

Towards the end of last year, big news reached us from Lake Manyara National Park: something totally new and unique had opened its doors, they said. So we went to find out for ourselves what all the fuss was about.

I am always keen to try out different ways of exploring Tanzania, especially when you can experience it in a totally new perspective. Recently, I went on a day-trip to Lake Eyasi driving quad bikes!

Before visiting Mwanza, I always assumed it would be a laid back relaxed city with not much to do. I finally went to check it out recently – and was surprised. Our chosen accommodation was the Malaika Beach Resort, which is located some ten minutes from the airport.

The city of Mwanza is located on the southern shores of the second largest fresh water lake in the world, Lake Victoria. With a population of more than 700,000, Mwanza is also considered the second largest city in Tanzania and thanks to its location it is a major port city.

For most people, snakes are on the list of animals “I don’t want to meet”. Which I understand in some respect. Most visitors going on safari in Tanzania usually spend only a couple of days in the bush. Over the years, I have come to realise that most of them never get to see snakes in the wild.

Lake Natron and its surrounding area is a place rich in cultural and natural diversity. The area is off the beaten track and only a handful of people go there. The climate can at times be unbearable as the African sun blazes down upon the land. Temperatures can soar up to 50 degrees Celsius in the summer months from January to March. This should not keep you from visiting though, as it is totally worth it.

If you have watched the “Lion King” movie, you have seen Pride Rock. A huge kopje that sticks out majestically from the surrounding flat grassland. If you want to see these spectacular kopjes not only on TV, then the Serengeti National Park is your best bet.

If you want to go back in time and experience life along the Swahili Coast at its most authentic, then Stone Town is a must. Amidst a maze of old houses, bazaars and shops, you feel as if you travelled back in time.

Most visitors travelling to Tanzania to experience a safari head to the Northern Circuit, where highlights like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater await them. I agree, these parks have an unmatched reputation, but there even more amazing places you can visit. The south of Tanzania is home to the Ruaha National Park one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets.

When booking a safari in Tanzania, it is important to decide in which kind of accommodation you want to spend your holiday. If you are looking for comfort and convenience, a lodge safari is probably right up your alley. However, if you want to be a little closer to the action and experience nature first hand, it is best to book a camping safari.

I recently went out on a camping safari with a group of guests and our journey took us to the dry and extremely hot Lake Natron area. Lake Natron sits below the Gregory Rift which is a branch of the East African Rift Valley. The lake itself is massive, stretching some 57 km long and 22 km wide.

One of my favourite cats to see in the bush is the cheetah. The best place to see them is probably the Serengeti National Park. Over a thousand cheetahs reside here, if not more. This being said, it is still not always easy to spot these athletic cats. Competition in the bush is tough and cheetahs try to stay away from potential danger. Which in turn means that they prefer to stay undercover.