Two Walking Safaris In The Tanzania Wilderness

The first walking Safari is a real adventure across part of the Udzungwa Mountains National Park. There are no hotels or lodges in this park. This area is a series of mountain rangers and interlocking valleys - ranging from the top of the Kilombero Valley at 300 meters above sea level to peaks of around 2,570 meters above sea level. These mountains are fantastic, wild and largely untouched by humans. The Udzunwa Mountains are unique in Tanzania as the park was created primarily for the protection of flora rather than fauna.

The Lumeno trail is a hard 65km long and follows the path of the Lumeno River, which is sourced in the heart of these mountains. There are three campsites along the trail that are roughly spaced at 7 to 8 hour walk intervals. They are basic campsites. Remember in Africa basic means just that, basic ? simply a peace of ground cleared for your tents. It usually takes three to four days to complete this hike.

The trail passes through three types of vegetation: Woodland, Grassland and Tropical Forest. Some of the wildlife you will see on this trail includes the red colubus monkey, yellow baboon, the wonderfully named sanje mangabey, as well as bigger game such as the buffalo and elephant. Because of the vastness of the park you will be required to be accompanied by a guide and because of the wildlife an armed ranger will also be with your party.

Many birds species are common along this trail including Pel?s fishing owl, which is an indicator of how rich the river is in fish. There are river rapids along this trail with jumping fish and diving otters.

The hiking of this trail must be done in the dry season ? June to November ? as in the rainy season the river becomes swollen and turbulent making the river dangerous to cross. The flooding can also hide huge crocodiles, which can be a greater danger than the swollen river.

This is not an experience for the faint hearted, however, if you love the wilderness this is an experience not to be missed.

The second walking safari is much more genteel but no less an adventure. We move north to the Tarangire National Park. The park is named after the Tarangire River that runs through the center and drains into Lake Burungi. Tarangire is famed for its many herds of elephant and the prolific and huge baobab trees.

The Tarangire is home to many of the African mammals including lion, leopard, African buffalo, and lesser and great kudu and also boasts a multitude of bird species birds.

The Tarangire has the highest concentration of wildlife during the dry season, starting in July and lasting until February ? with maybe a break for the short rains in November. This alone is reason to make this park a top priority for a safari in the dry season. There are very few camps that are located in the south or the middle of Tarangire wilderness area. These camps are ideally placed to access the yearly migrations of wildlife throughout the ecosystem, and to view the impressive concentrations at waterholes for a 6-7 month season each year.

Tarangire wilderness area offers the visitors a rare treat by offering excursions into the bush on foot. These walking safaris are close to the camps and one tented camp [Olivers Camp] allows longer walking adventures in the endless woodlands and plains habitat. Off road driving is another privilege of this area, something that is not available in any other National Park in Tanzania.

The variety of habitats here include open plains, acacia woodlands, tree lined sand rivers, swamps and challenging hill climbs. The walking opportunities in this area range from a gentle stroll near the camp, to a full day out on foot across the Park exploring the recently opened wilderness area.

The migratory herds of wildebeest, buffalo, zebra and elephant offer the visitors to this part of the Tarangire great wildlife viewing every day. The big cats are never far away from the huge herds of grazers in their never ending search for water during the dry season.

For tourist information and links for safaris and general information on Tanzania see http://www.tanzania-info.co.uk Information on community initiatives within East Africa see http://www.tunaweza.com