Top 10 Things to Do in Serengeti National Park

The image of the towering funnel of Mount Kilimanjaro is burnt into most people’s memories. After all, once viewed, it is a sight one is unlikely to forget. However, a lot of people are not aware of the fact that Mount Kilimanjaro is not just the mountain itself- it is also the national park surrounding it. This 291-square-mile park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and houses a number of attractions you should not miss while on a trip to Tanzania. Here are some of the top things to do in Kilimanjaro National Park.

Go off the beaten path at Lake Manyara, Tanzania. Experience nature like nowhere else: the park’s diverse vegetation is said to support up to 11 ecosystems at once, making it unsurprising that a Lake Manyara safari lures in a large number of visitors year after year. However, despite its relatively small size, navigating through the national park can be a daunting task.So plan ahead! Find specific activities to partake in while visiting Lake Manyara, so you can make the most out of your Tanzania tour. Here are some of the top things to do in Lake Manyara National Park.

Nestled in the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar is a mesmerizing archipelago off the Tanzanian coast that beckons travelers with its pristine white sandy beaches and a treasure trove of experiences. On a trip to Tanzania, a visit to Zanzibar is a must. The idyllic beach paradise is where you want to be after an epic safari adventure in Tanzania. Soak up the culture, sun, and tropical vibes. Whether it is exploring the historically significant wonders of Stone Town through captivating tours or diving in the crystalline waters of Nungwi Beach, listed below are the top 10 things to do in Zanzibar.

Visit the ‘cradle of civilization' while on your Tanzania trip. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a natural and ecological marvel, a place where our ancestors walked over 3 million years ago. Surrounding an old volcano that collapsed to form a caldera, the conservation area is a natural enclosure providing stunning sights and a wide variety of flora and fauna that will definitely blow your mind away. The area is spread over 3000 miles- to ensure that you cover all the spots you must see, you definitely need to know the top 5 things you should not miss out on while on a Ngorongoro safari.

Tanzania boasts a rich tapestry of natural wonders and cultural treasures. From the towering peak that looms over untamed savannah brimming with wildlife, Tanzania invites visitors to its globally acclaimed natural splendor all year round. There is so much more to the ‘Jewel of East Africa’ than meets the eye. Spend a day with the local tribes and pay homage to their rich cultural heritage. Or, step off the beaten path and venture into the enchanting landscapes, ranging from pristine beaches to extensive wilderness. In this guide, we will map out the 8 best things to do in Tanzania, while exploring many of its well-known attractions as well as hidden gems, so you can make the most out of your Tanzania trip.

Stalk the stalker, watch it pounce upon its prey, see millions of animals crossing a river, track gorillas, live in the wild and discover unusual species while you’re at it. A wildlife safari is one of the biggest charms of any African adventure and Tanzania is perhaps the best country for a journey into the wild. Tanzania’s national parks are designed to suit all kinds of interests, preferences and comfort levels, and you can be rest assured that there is a safari which is perfect for you. But before you embark on your safari adventure, you need to make one of the biggest decisions – which park to visit and which park to leave out. Serengeti or Ngorongoro feel like the most obvious places to be, but it is equally possible that you have a much better time in one of the lesser-known parks. Bookmundi recommends you to ask yourself the following questions as they should help you zero in on the best national park in Tanzania. When do you plan to take a Tanzania trip? Which animals attract you the most? Do you prefer crowds or wish to explore the park without having to come across other tour groups? Game drives, hot air balloons, fly camping, walking expeditions into the wild – which of these attract you the most? Would you like to watch a few predators or thousands of game animals? What kind of accommodation are you looking for? Are you a budget traveler or are you searching for luxury? Below we are listing highlights, lowlights, and facts about some of the top national parks in Tanzania:

From over-the-top Serengeti lodges and stunning private villas, to quaint tented camps and mid-range budget hotels, there is no shortage of places to stay at the Serengeti National Park. You can find something perfect in just about every region of the park, and on private reserves bordering the park, many of which take luxury and exclusivity to the next level.

Think of Lake Manyara as a baby safari, as an acclimatizing period before you go deal with the big boys. The natural beauty found here is second to none, but the game viewing opportunities in the area feel somewhat pale, especially when compared to the ones found in the Serengeti. All that glitters might just be gold! Lake Manyara covers 330 sq. kms., making it one of the smallest national parks in Africa, but its small size does nothing to prevent it from supporting as many as 11 ecosystems and offering countless experiences. This can also be attributed to its varying altitude, which ranges from 953 meters to 1,445 meters. Animals are so easy to spot due to its size Since roughly two-thirds of the park is covered by the lake, a majority of the animals can be found in concentrated areas, making animal sightings easy and pleasurable. Lake Manyara National Park gets the following relevant safari ratings. One of the best places on the planet to see pink flamingos Lake Manyara is most famous for its tree-climbing lions and thousands of flamingos, but it also hosts animals such as elephants, wildebeests, giraffes, buffalo, water bucks, impala, warthog, zebra, klipspringer, Kirk’s dik-dik and leopards. The park has a huge population of baboons as well, many of which rank among the largest in Africa. Tree climbing lions at Lake Manyara National Park Ever seen images of tree-climbing lions on acacia trees – that’s Manyara for you! Lions can be found climbing trees in other parks as well, but it is somewhat of a specialty here. Checking out an entire pride of lions resting in an acacia tree is sure to be the best experience of your African safari. And if you happen to capture that on film, expect your Instagram account to go crazy within moments! Who knows, you might even end up winning one of those Instagram contests! Easy access to night safaris and special camps inside the park Game drives during the daytime have always been popular, but Lake Manyara is one of those few national parks in Africa to introduce night safaris as well as camps inside the park. This opens up a wealth of opportunities for adventure and nature lovers and presents activities such as mountain biking, village trips, hiking and trekking.

Unlike other trails, the Lemosho Route starts at a very low altitude. It is a long and difficult, but it is lets you gain elevation gradually and introduces you to mesmerizing natural beauty at every step. An easier alternative to the Shira Route Approaching the mountain from the west, the route begins with a long drive from Moshi. The minimum duration for this route is six days, but 8 days is ideal, so climbers get time to get acclimatized and enjoy the panoramic views from multiple sides of the mountain. Antelopes, buffalo and elephants can be seen on the lower slopes During the first two days of the trip, trekkers traverse through beautiful rainforests, where small animals such as the Colobus and blue monkeys are visible. In comparison to the Machame route, which simply intersects the Shira Plateau, Lemosho crosses the Plateau from east to west, providing marvelous views of Kibo Peak. Elephants in Kilimanjaro National Park Scenic views with relatively low traffic Other attractions that can be explored while trekking the Lemosho Route include the Lava Tower, where climbers get to enjoy panoramic vistas and the Great Barranco Wall, which presents a difficult and thrilling challenge. Climbers will rest overnight in tents and after reaching the summit, the descent is made on the Mweka Route (designated descent trail for the other routes). Extremely high success rates After a few days of climbing, the Lemosho route 7 days itinerary merges with the Machame route all the way up to the summit and the descent down Mwaka. Due to the extra days on the lower altitudes, this is the best trek in terms of acclimatization.

Approaching Mount Kilimanjaro from the southwest, the Machame Route is the second most popular of the Kilimanjaro routes. It is also known as the “Whiskey Route Kilimanjaro" since it is more arduous than the “Coca Cola” (Marangu) route owing to its longer and steeper walks, and lack of sleeping huts. Higher success rate than Marangu Beginning at the south-west side of the mountain, the route takes around six days to complete; however, seven days is advised for a day should spent for acclimatization for safety reasons and for a higher probability of a successful summit. Climbers will sleep in designated campsites in tents. Trekkers have two options to reach Uhuru Peak. Majority of the trekkers choose the long Barafu Trail that offer the scenic view of the Rebmann Glacier. The other route is on the Western Breach Route, which is more thrilling and traverses through Lava tower and the Arrow Glacier. Scenic beauty and sheer diversity The trail starts off by traversing through the lush, green rainforest to the moorlands and then to dry and dusty Shira Plateau. After climbing up to the Uhuru Peak in the Arctic climate zone, the descent is made on the steep Mweka Route, which allows trekkers to experience the dry mountain desert and the lowland forest. So, take this route if you want a more challenging and scenically varied trail to the mountain and don’t mind crowds.

Starting near the Kenyan border, the Rongai Route is the only approach that starts from the north of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is considered one of the easier routes with a gradual climb to the summit. A remote alternative to the crowded Marangu While Rongai takes a minimum of six days, a seven-day itinerary is recommended as one day should be spent for acclimatization. The scenic diversity is not as great as the western routes, but Rongai is the only route in which you get to experience African wildlife during the early stages of your climb. Combines African wildlife with exotic treks The Rongai route starts at a fair distance from from Moshi, making this route more expensive, as transportation costs to and from Moshi must also be included. The route takes you past pristine rainforests and African wilderness, and despite feeling drier, it’s actually quite scenic and beautiful. Just don’t make the mistake of comparing the scenery to the western routes. Preferred route during the rainy season Although the route is gaining popularity of late, climbers who seek a remote hike can expect low traffic. However, the trail will join the Marangu route at Camp Kibo and the descent is common for both routes. If you’re looking for a nice quiet hike up the mountain without having to deal with a lot of traffic, this is the route for you. Dawn Hut in Kilimanjaro National Park

If you’re looking for the ultimate experience, it doesn’t get better than Umbwe. Your legs, thighs and calves will curse you all day long, but your eyes and senses will delight at the scenery on display. Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all! The most mesmerizing scene can be found early in the trek, as you leave the rainforest behind and walk between skinny heathers. Narrow this ridge may be, but the mouth-watering imagery on each side ranks as the second-most dramatic views that Kilimanjaro has to offer. Relentlessly uphill, yet mesmerizingly beautiful The Umbwe Route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south. It is an extremely steep and direct climb that goes all the way to Barranco Camp before turning east and traversing under the Southern Ice Field. Sure, the scenery is mesmerizing and the slopes stay untouched, but this private climb is never easy. The most challenging route You ascend quickly to a higher altitude and that’s never easy. The Umbwe route doesn’t offer easy acclimatization and this means that the route specifically caters to experienced trekkers and strong hikers only. Camping in the Kilimanjaro Umbwe route