Kilimanjaro Mountain

KILIMANJARO

NATIONAL PARK

Highest Peak In Africa

Kilimanjaro National Park covering an area of some 75,575 ha protects the largest free standing volcanic mass in the world and the highest mountain in Africa, rising 4877m above surrounding plains to 5895m at its peak. With its snow-capped peak, the Kilimanjaro is a superlative natural phenomenon, standing in isolation above the surrounding plains overlooking the savannah.

FACTS

  • Location: Northern Tanzania, near the Kenya border.
  • Elevation: Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).
  • Volcano: Composed of three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira; Kibo is the highest.
  • World Heritage Site: UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
  • Ecological Zones: Features five distinct climate zones: cultivated land, rainforest, heath, alpine desert, and Arctic summit.
  • Glaciers: Known for its rapidly receding glaciers and snow-capped summit.
  • Trekking Routes: Popular routes include Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, and Umbwe.
  • Biodiversity: Home to diverse flora and fauna, including unique plant species and wildlife.
  • Tourism: A major tourist destination, attracting thousands of climbers annually.
  • Cultural Significance: Holds cultural and spiritual significance for the local Chagga people.
  • Challenges: Climbers face altitude sickness and varying weather conditions.
  • First Ascent: First successfully climbed by Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller in 1889.
  • National Park: Part of Kilimanjaro National Park, established to protect its unique environment.

NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA

NGORONGORO

CONSERVATION AREA AUTHORITY

a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Ngorongoro District, west of Arusha City in the Arusha Region, within the Crater Highlands geological area of northern Tanzania. The area is named after Ngorongoro Crater, a large volcanic caldera within the area. The conservation area is administered by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, an arm of the Tanzanian government, and its boundaries follow the boundary of the Ngorongoro District in the Arusha Region. The conservation area also contains Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world.

FACTS

  1. Location: Northern Tanzania, near the Serengeti and Great Rift Valley.
  2. Ngorongoro Crater: World’s largest inactive volcanic caldera, about 610 meters deep and 260 square kilometers in area.
  3. UNESCO Site: Designated in 1979 for its natural beauty and ecological significance.
  4. Wildlife: Home to around 25,000 large animals, including the Big Five and numerous bird species.
  5. Human Habitation: The Maasai people live and graze livestock within the conservation area.
  6. Olduvai Gorge: Important paleoanthropological site with early human fossils.
  7. Conservation: Managed to balance wildlife protection, Maasai needs, and tourism.
  8. Lerai Forest: A forest on the crater floor, home to elephants and monkeys.
  9. Climate: Temperate with a rainy season from November to May and a dry season from June to October.
  10. Tourism: Popular for game drives, walking safaris, and cultural experiences with the Maasai.
  11. Biodiversity: Diverse habitats supporting a wide range of plant and animal life.
  12. Elevation: Crater rim is about 2,286 meters above sea level.
  13. Formation: Created by a volcanic explosion and collapse millions of years ago
 

MAHALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

MAHALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

—— THE MAHALE MOUNTAIN RANGE

Mahale Mountains National Park lies on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika in Kigoma Region, Tanzania. Named after the Mahale Mountains range that is within its borders, the park has several unusual characteristics. First, it is one of only two protected areas for chimpanzees in the country. (The other is nearby Gombe Stream National Park made famous by the researcher Jane Goodall.) Mahale Mountains National Park harbors the largest known population of eastern chimpanzees and due to its size and remoteness, the chimpanzees flourish. It’s also a place where chimpanzees and lions co-exist. Another unusual feature of the park is that it is one of the very few in Africa that must be experienced on foot. There are no roads or other infrastructure within the park boundaries, and the only way in and out of the park is via boat on the lake.

FACTS

  • Named after the Mahale Mountains range that is within its borders
  • it is one of only two protected areas for chimpanzees in the country
  • Mahale Mountains National Park harbors the largest known population of eastern chimpanzees and due to its size and remoteness, the chimpanzees flourish
  • a place where chimpanzees and lions co-exist
  • There are no roads or other infrastructure within the park boundaries, and the only way in and out of the park is via boat on the lake.

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

Aardvark Tanzania Safaris

Serengeti National Parks

Serengeti National Park is one of the world’s most iconic wildlife destinations, renowned for its sweeping plains and the awe-inspiring Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras journey across the savannah, pursued by predators like lions and cheetahs. With breathtaking sunsets and abundant wildlife, the Serengeti offers an unmatched safari experience, and Aardvark Safaris is here to make your adventure unforgettable.

Let us Plan Or
Contact Us

Serengeti National Park.

Serengeti National Park is a world-renowned wildlife sanctuary in Tanzania, famed for its annual Great Migration where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse its vast plains. The park is home to the Big Five – lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos – and offers unparalleled game viewing year-round. Its diverse ecosystems, ranging from grasslands to woodlands, support an incredible variety of species. Visitors can experience the Serengeti’s beauty through game drives, hot air balloon safaris, and guided walks, making it a quintessential African safari destination.

Located in northern Tanzania, the Serengeti forms part of the country’s renowned northern safari circuit. Spanning almost 15,000 square kilometres, (it’s slightly bigger than Connecticut) of vast grassy plains, flat-topped acacia trees, rocky kopjes and undulating savannah landscape, this region is a contender for one of the best wildlife experiences in Africa.

FACTS

  • Location: Northern Tanzania, extending to southwestern Kenya (where it becomes the Maasai Mara).
  • Size: Covers approximately 14,750 square kilometers.
  • Great Migration: Famous for the annual Great Migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles.
  • Big Five: Home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino), along with cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, and numerous other species.
  • Birdlife: Hosts over 500 bird species.
  • Ecosystems: Features diverse ecosystems including savannahs, woodlands, riverine forests, and kopjes (rocky outcrops).
  • UNESCO Site: A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.
  • Climate: Equatorial with a dry season (June to October) and a wet season (November to May).
  • Activities: Popular activities include game drives, hot air balloon safaris, birdwatching, and walking safaris.
  • Tourism: Attracts tourists for its abundant wildlife, scenic landscapes, and the Great Migration.
  • Conservation: Efforts are in place to protect the park’s biodiversity and ecosystems.
  • Cultural Visits: Opportunities to visit Maasai villages and learn about their traditional way of life.
  • Filming Location: Frequently featured in documentaries and films due to its iconic wildlife and landscapes.

LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK

LAKE MANYARA

NATIONAL PARK

Home to tree climbing Lions

Lake Manyara National Park is a protected area, situated between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley. It is administered by the Tanzania National Parks Authority, and covers an area of 325 km2 (125 sq mi) including about 230 km2 (89 sq mi) lake surface. More than 350 bird species have been observed on the lake. The lush green vegetation consisting of tall trees of the ground water forest, the tree climbing lions, the soda lake inhabited with thousands of pink-hued flamingos, large water birds and the troops of baboons and blue monkeys and the rift valley escarpment make your safari to this area unforgettable. The park derives its name from a plant called Euphorbia tirucalli, known as Emanyara in Maasai language.

FACTS

  1. Location: Northern Tanzania, along the western edge of the Great Rift Valley.
  2. Size: Covers approximately 330 square kilometers, with the lake making up about two-thirds of the park.
  3. Wildlife: Known for diverse wildlife, including tree-climbing lions, elephants, hippos, giraffes, and large flocks of flamingos.
  4. Birdlife: Home to over 400 bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatching.
  5. Landscape: Features diverse landscapes including alkaline soda lake, dense woodlands, hot springs, and grassy floodplains.
  6. Biosphere Reserve: Part of the Lake Manyara Biosphere Reserve, recognized for its ecological significance.
  7. Activities: Popular activities include game drives, birdwatching, canoeing (seasonal), and walking safaris.
  8. Vegetation: Varied vegetation zones ranging from groundwater forests to open savannahs.
  9. Proximity: Close to the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, making it a convenient stop on the Northern Safari Circuit.
  10. Cultural Visits: Opportunities to visit local Maasai villages and learn about their culture.
  11. Seasonal Changes: Wildlife and bird populations vary with the wet and dry seasons.
  12. Tourism: Attracts tourists for its scenic beauty and rich wildlife viewing opportunities.
  13. Conservation: Efforts are in place to protect the park’s ecosystems and biodiversity.
 

ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK

ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK

—— Arusha National Park covers Mount Meru

A prominent volcano with an elevation of 4566 m, in the Arusha Region of northeastern Tanzania. This second highest mountain in Tanzania offers unforgettable experience and serves as an acclimatization refuge before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The park is small but varied with spectacular landscapes in three distinct areas. In the west, the Meru Crater funnels the Jekukumia River; the peak of Mount Meru lies on its rim. Ngurdoto Crater in the south-east is grassland. The shallow alkaline Momella Lakes in the north-east have varying algal colours and are known for their wading birds. This beautiful Park has often been called a "little germ" and rightly so. It is only ½ an hour by tarmac road from Arusha town, the safari center of Northern Tanzania. With mountains, valleys, lakes, and small plains clothed in green, it has a wonderful feeling of peace and solitude.

FACTS

  • varied with spectacular landscapes in three distinct areas
  • This beautiful Park has often been called a "little germ"
  • It is only ½ an hour by tarmac road from Arusha town

TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

TARANGIRE

NATIONAL PARK

origin from Tarangire river

The name of the park originates from the Tarangire River that crosses the park. The Tarangire River is the primary source of freshwater for wild animals in the Tarangire Ecosystem during the annual dry season. The Tarangire Ecosystem is defined by the long-distance migration of wildebeest and zebras. During the dry season, thousands of animals concentrate in Tarangire National Park from the surrounding wet-season dispersal and calving areas. The Park covers an area of approximately 2,850 square kilometers (1,100 square miles.) The landscape is composed of granitic ridges, river valleys, and swamps. Tarangire extends to you a very cordial welcome. We are thrilled to have you here and we appreciate for trusting us. Whether you are visiting here for a day trip or having an overnight, Tarangire has something for everyone. The park is impressively splendid for its famous concentration of wild animals, especially the elephants and it is also one of the finest birding destinations in East Africa.

FACTS

  • Location: Northern Tanzania, southeast of Lake Manyara.
  • Size: Covers approximately 2,850 square kilometers.
  • Wildlife: Known for large herds of elephants, as well as lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and buffaloes.
  • Birdlife: Home to over 500 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
  • Baobab Trees: Famous for its ancient and massive baobab trees.
  • Tarangire River: The park’s lifeline, attracting wildlife during the dry season.
  • Migration: Witnesses seasonal migration of wildlife, especially elephants and zebras.
  • Landscape: Features diverse landscapes including riverine forests, swamps, acacia woodlands, and open savannahs.
  • Climate: Characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, with the dry season from June to October being the best time for wildlife viewing.
  • Cultural Visits: Opportunities to visit nearby Maasai and other indigenous communities.
  • Activities: Popular activities include game drives, walking safaris, and birdwatching.
  • Proximity: Often visited in conjunction with other parks in the Northern Safari Circuit, such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
  • Conservation: Efforts are ongoing to protect the park’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife.