History of Tanzania

Tanzania has a fascinating history, Arab traders were the first to colonize it and the Portuguese explorers reached the coastal regions in 1500. They held some control until the 17th century, when the sultan of Oman took power. Tanganyika became the colony of German East Africa in 1885. Tanzania suffered a dark period of slave trade and had the most elaborate caravan routes to the coast where slaves were transported to different parts of the world. After World War 1, it was administered by Britain under a League of Nations mandate and later as a UN trust territory.

Tanganyika became independent on Dec 9, 1961 and Zanzibar on Dec 10,1963. On April 26, 1964, the two nations merged into the united republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The name was changed to Tanzania six months later

Tanzania is yours to discover as we invite you to come on safari with us and we will take you to the best Tanzania has to offer. Imagine witnessing the great annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles with you own eyes and not through the lens of someone else's camera.

Tanzania contains many large and ecologically significant wildlife parks, including the famous Ngorongoro Crater, The Cradle of Mankind, Serengeti National Park in the north, and Selous Game Reserve and Mikumi National Park in the south.

Tanzania has considerable land area of wildlife habitat, including much of the Serengeti plain, where the wildebeest and zebra participate in a large scale annual migration into Kenya and return annually . Up to 250,000 wildebeest will die each year in the long and arduous trek to find foliage in the dry season.




Tanzania Attractions



Arusha
Only 137 sq. km, this National Park is plentiful in many large species such as Buffalo, Giraffe, Leopards and Spotted Hyena to name a few. Black and white Colobus monkeys are common sights here as well. Among the forest lies the Ngurdoto Crater, where herds of Buffalo and Warthog appear almost constantly. Also noteworthy here is the incredible view of neighbouring Mount Kilimanjaro.
Gombe
This small (52sq. km) park is famous for it's chimpanzee population as well as numerous other primate species. The park is also home to over 200 bird species.
Katavi
Lake Katavi is the main focus of this large (1727 sq. km) park. The dry season (May-Oct) is prime time to view Tanzania’s densest concentration of hippos. Also to be seen are large amounts of game such as giraffe, zebra and impala to name a few.
Mount Kilimanjaro
This park boasts the highest peak in Africa. It is also the most accessible. There are 6 common trekking routes to the summit as well as other trails for the more advanced climber.
Kitulo Plateau
It's gorgeous scenery is sometimes referred to as the Serengeti of flowers to the Garden of God. The sheer beauty of the flora here is perfect for photographers.
Mahale Mountains
Home to approximately 800 wild chimpanzees, this 1600 sq. km park also features other primates and many wild bird species. Chimp tracking is a popular activity by visitors to this national park.
Lake Manyara
330 sq. km, of which most of it is lake when the water levels are high. Baboon troops number in the hundreds scattered along roadsides in this National Park. The grassy plains and marshes are common spots for Elephants, Hippos etc. It is also home to tree climbing lions.
Mikumi
The 4th largest park in Tanzania. Large game readily available for your viewing pleasure. With over 400 bird species recorded in this park, it is a must for bird watchers.
Ngorongoro Crater
Quite possibly the most impressive wildlife conservation area in the world. As the world's largest collapsed volcanic crater it is also home to tens of thousands of big game animals. The landscape of the crater contains bushlands, forests and lakes.
Ruaha
Tanzania's 2nd largest park (10,300 sq. km) hosts the largest population of elephants (10,000) of any east African National Park, as well as a large variety of antelope. Day walks are available in this park as well as hiking trips through the bush.
Rubondo
While small at 240 sq. km, this park is almost all lush, dense forest. A number of indigenous mammal species - hippo, vervet monkey, genet and mongoose are among the species to be found here.
Saadani
This park is on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Elephant herds numbering 30 or more are becoming quite common here. This small park has everything from big game animals to a variety of primate species.
Selous
This game reserve is the largest game reserve in Africa. It is estimated that almost 10% of all elephants in Africa, reside in this game reserve. Along with many more species such as wildebeest, zebra and impala this game reserve will surely satisfy your hunger for wild animals.
Serengeti
This is Tanzania's oldest and most popular National Park. It covers 14763 sq. km and is quite possibly the best game viewing park in all of Africa. The great migration displays over 1.5 million wild animals taking part in this instinctive march.
Tarangire
This 2600 sq. km National Park is home to the greatest concentration of wildlife with exception to the Serengeti. Large herds of Elephants, Wildebeest, Zebra and Gazelle are common sights while on Safari in this park. There are over 500 varieties of birds frequenting the swamps of Tarangire.
Udzungwa
Typically this park is sought after by hikers and bird watchers rather than game viewing. Found here are the "Iringa Red Colobus" and "Sanje Crested Mangabey". These two primates are not found together anywhere else in the world.