Tanzania is the ultimate safari destination; this article will highlight some of the adventures and activities you can have whilst on safari. Here we discuss a few different ways to enjoy your safari, to spice it with a little adventure.
Taking a safari on horse back is possible the best way to experience and see animals in the bush. The Western Kilimanjaro area is probably the most dramatically beautiful settings in Tanzania. The adventure safari itself brings breathtaking views and exhilarating encounters with some of Tanzania’s wildlife such as elephants, zebras, wildebeests and gazelles – all against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro. Exploring your environment on horseback is the perfect way to experience the Tanzania bush. The Kilimanjaro Horse Safari offers a wonderful and unique experience of true Tanzania.
An adventure canoeing safari has been introduced around one of lakes located in the Arusha National Park. The recently introduced canoeing safari on one of the parks momela lakes, has quickly become popular with visitors to the park. The canoeing Safari is being operated by an Arusha-based company, Green Footprints Adventure Limited. Within short period of its launching, already176 tourist have ventured for canoeing into the lake. More info can be seen on the Tanzania Parks website http://www.tanzaniaparks.com/
Sea fishing is available from most coastal towns and from the spice islands of Zanzibar, Pemba or Mafia. There is a wide variety of fishing available all with distinct seasons for each type of game fish. Fresh water fishing is possible from all the lakes and some rivers such as the Rufiji River in the Selous.
The hot air balloon safaris leave in the early morning from the Serona Valley in the central Serengeti. This part of the Serengeti has good concentrations of animals year round; ensuring whenever you take your flight there will be plenty to see. It is expensive but if you have come this far a few more dollars is worth the experience of seeing Tanzania from the air. There is only one company providing this service and it can be booked through all tour operators. The web site is http://www.balloonsafaris.com/
A different type of safari would be going to Tanzania and camping on a high plateau called the Kitulo Plateau and here high above the madding crowd is a secret sea of orchids. This National Park of wild flowers – in all its glorious color – is a delight to anyone who appreciates and loves the orchid in its natural setting. The Kitulo Plateau became Tanzania’s fourteenth National Park because unlike the Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater, this park was not created for the protection of fauna but for the protection of the flora and in particular the orchid. Most good safari companies can give information about this.
Walking across the varied landscapes of Ngorongoro Conservation Area is an adventure although it is a hard slog and not for the faint heated ending with a climb up the active volcano Ol Donyo Lengai, 2878m (9650ft), in the heart of Maasai country. From the summit looking to the north are the hot barren salt flats of Lake Natron stretching into the distance, beyond lies the Kenyan border. To the south stretch the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands. On a good day, to the east is the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro and to the west the forested escarpments of the Great Rift Valley. This climb is for the physically fit only, the climb is sheer and the rocks underfoot are unstable and crumble. There is no shade on the mountain and protection from the sun is crucial. There are several specialist companies that excel at this safari.