Tanzania's natural endowment as a wildlife safari destination is unrivalled. Wild animals roam in vast areas as God intended on that sixth day of
creation. These areas are designated as national parks and game reserves and have a high reputation for being uncrowded and unspoilt. The magnificent collection of game sanctuaries to north of country, near border with Kenya, is referred to as The Northern Circuit. This is most popular and accessible wildlife safari route in Tanzania. I can positively say that this is one of finest game viewing areas anywhere in world. The game aside, spectacularly diverse cluster of eco-systems and habitats is a dazzling experience for many a visitor. The stars of Northern Circuit are Serengeti and Ngorongoro, very dear to hearts of nature lovers. But no less sparkling and indeed complementing two are other members of circuit: Arusha, Tarangire and Lake Manyara. In terms of wildlife, abundance and diversity of wildlife here is difficult to imagine.
On top of heap are highly regarded "big five": elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard and lion. And then a wild array of plain animals: wildebeest, zebra, eland, hartebeest, oryx, reedbuck, giraffe, Thompson gazelle, and many more of same genre. But do not forget merciless predators: cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena and vultures. The Northern Circuit is an ornithologist's paradise too, and over 500 species of birds are on record. On safari, you will be a witness of shocking and fascinating dance of life and death on daily play by this combination of animals.
The starting point for northern safaris is usually Arusha town. The town sits near base of Mount Meru and is in sight of mighty Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. From Arusha, nearest protected area to see wildlife is Arusha National Park, just 32 km away. In this park of 137 sq km area, you will see baboon, colobus and vervet monkeys, duikers, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, leopard, hyena, zebra and a wide range of antelopes. More than 400 species of birds have been recorded, including Eurasian migrants, who visit between October and April. One of unique attractions of park is that walking safaris are allowed and you can get off your vehicle for a nature walk. Due to its proximity to Arusha, park is very popular for day trips.
Wildlife aside, Arusha National Park is a treasure with a rich tapestry of habitats including grassland, montane forest, heath and alpine desert and soda and fresh water lakes. Three spectacular features stand out: Momela Lakes, Mount Meru, and Ngurdoto Crater. Mount Meru stands at 4,575 m and is Africa's fourth highest mountain. It is however overshadowed by nearby Kilimanjaro, which rises above it by over 1300 m. It is regrettable that snobbish instinct of many climbers makes them to overlook Mt Meru. The mountain can be scaled in three to four days with overnight accommodation in alpine huts.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, is located in Great Rift Valley - that monumental fracture of earths crust. The area is filled with volcanoes, mountains, plains, lakes and forests. Covering 8,288 sq km, its main features are Ngorongoro Crater, Empakai crater, Oldonyo Lengai Mountain and archeological site of Olduvai Gorge. Olduvai Gorge is prehistoric site where Dr. Louis Leakey discovered remains of Homo habilis ("Handy man") regarded by scientists as mankind's first step on path of human evolution. Be sure to have a look at remains of our worthy predecessor, whose valiant industry spurred by necessity, got him making simple stone tools.
Unlike in national parks, colorful Maasai people, their livestock and wildlife coexist within conservation area. The Ngorongoro Crater is largest caldera in world that has its walls intact. The crater floor is a drop of 600 m and covers an area of 260 sq km with a diameter of 19 km. This magnificent natural amphitheatre is a stunning attraction in its own right and is one of wonders of natural world. The crater supports a year round resident population of a variety of wildlife. You will have no trouble spotting lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and many species of plain animals- wildebeest, zebra, reedbuck, Thompson gazelle and many more. The crater floor is dotted with watering holes and holds almost 30,000 wild animals. Ngorongoro is four hours by road from Arusha or one hour by air. And from either Lake Manyara or Tarangire you will be on road for two hours.
Lake Manyara National Park spreads between cliff of Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara, a shallow soda lake. The park covers 330 sq. km, 70% of which is occupied by lake. The varied ecosystem consists of ground water forests, acacia woodland and open grassland along lakeshore and sustains a wealth of wildlife, including Big Five -lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo. Other animals to be seen in park include baboons, impala, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, ostrich and hippo.
Lake Manyara is famous for elusive tree-climbing lions, which can occasionally be seen along branches of acacia trees. It is also an ornithologists' paradise and is host to over 400 species of birds. The water birds hovering around lake include pelicans, spoonbills, Egyptian geese and hammerkops. In addition, migratory flamingoes arrive in hundreds of thousands creating a spectacular sight over soda lake. You will arrive at Lake Manyara after driving from Arusha for two hours or flying for just half an hour.
