TANZANIA: between safari and populations

Tanzania is a very diverse country and hosts many interesting areas for those who want to visit it, here there are in fact many national parks and conservation areas, lakes, mountains and volcanoes, savannahs and forests, a hospitable and friendly population and several tribes who still live in a traditional way.

This trip offers the opportunity to explore the Tarangire National Park, the Lake Manyara National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater where it is possible to spot all the Big 5, inside the crater in fact, as well as many other species of animals also present in other parks, there are black rhinos.

Finally, you will have the opportunity to get to know some populations who make this country so interesting and tied to traditions: the Datoga, with their unique scarifications and their ability to work iron; the Hadza who still live in a primitive way like their ancestors, the Masai, breeders, warriors and known for their colorful accessories, and the Makonde, skilled wood carvers.

Safari at the Tarangire National Park

The Tarangire National Park is known as the park of the giants, due to the presence in its territory of the majestic baobabs and because there are many elephants here.

The Tarangire is famous for its large herds of elephants and enchanting scenery; but there are numerous animals found within the park: lions, zebras, giraffes, leopards, warthogs, various antelopes and numerous species of birds.

Safari at the Lake Manyara National Park

The Lake Manyara National Park is located on the shores of the alkaline lake with the same name that is home to many species of water birds.

Despite its small size, the park has different habitats, from equatorial forest, to shrub savannah, open savannah, alkaline lake, volcanic sources; in 1981 the park was declared a Biosphere Reserve.

The park is known for its tree-climbing lions, but elephants, buffaloes, zebras and numerous species of antelope and many species of birds can also be seen.

Safari at the Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is located in the conservation area with the same name and is the ancient imploded caldera of a volcano; today on the edge of what remains of the volcano there is a dense equatorial forest, while on the bottom there is an open savannah where many animals live including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, black rhinos, buffaloes, hippos, various species of antelope and many birds.

Going down inside the crater and reaching the bottom is exciting, you pass the forest where in the morning there is a light fog until you reach the savannah where you start the safari in search for animals.

Visit to Mto wa Mbu and the Lake Eyasi

In the large village of Mto wa Mbu you will visit the banana and rice plantations, you will be able to learn the secrets of traditional medicine and you will assist, and if you wish, you can participate, in the preparation of lunch based on local Tanzanian dishes.

The day continues with a visit to a Makonde workshop and you will be able to witness the processing and carving of wood. This tribe has handed down, from father to son, the tradition of this noble art; you can taste the banana beer and visit other artisans or the local market.

Near Lake Eyasi we will visit a Hadzabe camp, a very primitive tribe of hunter-gatherers and have the opportunity to participate in a simulated baboon hunt.

You also know another very interesting population, the Datoga, they are skilled blacksmiths, while the women show off the traditional signs of light scarifications on their faces.

Useful info

Antimalarial prophylaxis is not mandatory but it is recommended, especially close to the rainy season when the risk of infection increases.

It is advisable to bring comfortable clothing with neutral colors, especially for the safari, also sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars and a zoom camera should not be missing, also for safaris.