Types of Tourism in Tanzania
LAKES
In the north of Tanzania is part of Lake Victoria. It is the third largest lake in the world and the largest lake in Africa. Its area is 68 thousand square meters. km, and the depth reaches 40-80 m. Lakes Tanganyika and Nyasa stretch along the western and southwestern borders of the country that formed in tectonic faults. They have steep, high banks. The depth of Lake Tanganyika is 1470 m, slightly less than that of Lake Baikal, its bottom is located 660 m below sea level. The area of Lake Tanganyika is 34 thousand square meters. km. Lake Nyasa has a depth of 706 m and an area of 31 thousand square meters. km. These lakes will be of interest to lovers of wildlife. A large number of animals and birds live on their shores, and crocodiles and various fish live in the waters.
In the northeast of the country, within the East African Rift Zone, there are several salt lakes – Manyara and Natron. Around them live flamingos, storks and herons. You can watch birds here only from a distance, because it is difficult to move along the shores of the lakes due to the viscous soil. Check top-medical-schools.org for travel information in Tanzania.
VOLCANOES
On the territory of Tanzania there are extinct volcanoes Kilimanjaro (5895 m), Meru (4567 m), Ngorongoro (2286 m), as well as the only active volcano in the country – Aldonio Lengai (“Mountain of God”) (2890 m). All of them are concentrated in the northeast of the country and are located in the East African Rift Zone. This area is known as the Giant Crater Highlands, and its landscapes are similar to those of the moon. The Ngorongoro Volcano Caldera is the largest in the world. Its diameter reaches 22 km, the area is 311 square meters. km, and the walls rise to a height of 610 m.
The active volcano Aldonio Lengai erupted for the last time in 1983.
BEACH HOLIDAYS
From East Tanzania washed by the Indian Ocean, its coastline has a length of 804 km. The main sandy beaches of the mainland of the country are located in the vicinity of Dar es Salaam . There are no beaches in the city itself, the nearest one is located in Oyster Bay, 10 km from the city. Also popular are the beaches of Ras Kutani, 50 km south of Dar es Salaam and Kunduchi beach, 24 km north of the city. There are practically no public beaches in Tanzania, they are mostly owned by hotels. The most popular beaches in the country, where most tourists rest, are located on the islands of Mafia, Pemba and Zanzibar. Of these, Chloe Bay on Mafia Island, which is part of the Marine Park with coral reefs, can be distinguished. Nungwi, Mangapwani, Matenwe, Mapenzi, Kiwenga, Uroa, Pingwe, Breuu and Jambiani in the north and east of Zanzibar and Wumavimbi in Pemba.
DIVING
The best place for diving in Tanzania are the islands in the Indian Ocean, which are surrounded by coral reefs. Underwater visibility here ranges from 10 to 30 m, currents are quite strong in the straits between the islands. The best time for diving is from October to March.
The main dive sites of Zanzibar – reefs Morogo and Boribo, where manta rays can be seen among other inhabitants of the ocean in January; Turtle cave with lots of turtles. Between the nearby islands of Pange and Bawe there is a ship that sank in 1897, the Great Nozerner. It lies at a depth of 12 m, a large number of clown fish live here.
The Level Bank site is suitable only for trained divers, the average diving depth is 17 m, and the maximum depth is 40 m. It is located in the Pemba Strait north of Zanzibar.
Diving off the northeast coast of Mnemba Island takes place along coral walls and gardens. In March you can see whale sharks here.
Main dive sites The Pemba Islands are located on the east coast because the reefs here are more beautiful and the marine life is more diverse than on the west. But these places are more suitable for trained divers, as there are strong currents here.
On Mafia Island in the Chloe Bay area is the Marine Park, which is considered a great place for beginners and for those who want to learn how to dive.
DEEP SEA FISHING
On the islands of Mafia, Pemba, Zanzibar, as well as in Dar es Salaam and Koh Phangan, you can practice deep sea fishing. The fishing season here runs from September to March. The catch consists of fish such as bonito, barracuda, yellowfin tuna, marlin and large pelagic fish.
SAFARI
Safari is one of the most popular types of recreation in Tanzania. There are many protected areas where you can see wild animals in their natural habitat. Safari is arranged in jeeps and small buses, in some places and on foot. The most popular are two routes – a safari in the northern parks of the country and a safari in the southern parks.
Northern safari usually lasts more than 7 days. The most popular destinations are Serengeti Park, Ngorongoro Game Reserve, Lake Manyara Park and Tarangire Park. The northern parks of Tanzania are always full of tourists, because the infrastructure is more developed here – there are many hotels and campsites where you can stay. Safari in northern Tanzania starts from the city of Arusha.
The southern safari covers Ruaha and Selous parks. They are less visited by tourists, but that’s why they are more interesting, because you get the feeling that you are one on one with wildlife.
HUNTING More than 50 specialized hunting grounds have been established in Tanzania. Every tourist who wants to go hunting must obtain a permit. The permit is issued directly at the place of arrival for a fee. The most popular among hunters is the Selous Reservation. The main trophies are leopards, lions, buffaloes, hippos, gazelles, zebras and antelopes. Prices for hunting in Tanzania very big. One day of hunting for one type of animal or bird will cost you at least 1,500 US dollars.
HIKING
Hiking can be practiced in the highlands of Tanzania. One-day and longer trips are arranged here. In the vicinity of the Ngorongoro Crater there are many villages where people from the Maasai people live. By visiting these villages, you will get acquainted with their culture and traditions.
Climbing Kilimanjaro very difficult and require serious physical preparation, but they are worth it. They take about 4-6 days. The most popular routes on Kilimanjaro are Maranga and Mahama. Marangu is considered easier to climb, while Mahame offers paths through forests and wild natural areas. You can also climb Meru Volcano , which is located near the Arusha National Park.
EXCURSIONS
Tanzania’s excursion program includes trips to the national parks of the country, excursions to mountain landscapes, sightseeing of the main sights of ancient cities and the ruins of ancient palaces and settlements.
