Tanzania's Attractions
Diversity is the operative word when describing Tanzanian culture, with tribal cultures differing greatly across the country. The people of Tanzania do share a few traits; hospitality, curiosity and a great deal of laughter. Tanzania is an inspiringly beautiful country boasting a host of sites not to be missed, and we would be more than happy to help volunteers organize any pre or post volunteering safaris. Below are just a few of the things you can see. To find out more about what Tanzania has to offer, visit the Tanzania National Parks website.
Mt. KILIMANJARO
Coined the Roof of Africa, Kilimanjaro stands 5895m above sea level, making it the highest freestanding mountain in the world. With a variety of landscapes at different altitudes, climbing the mountain or just being in its presence is a truly exciting and unforgettable experience.
NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area lies Ngorongoro Crater, 20km wide and home to the BIG FIVE and the Maasai peoples in their truest form. A short distance from the crater takes you back in time. Far back. Olduvai Gorge is where the oldest signs of human life were discovered, in the form of a 1.75million year old Zinjanthropus skull and 3.5million year old Laetoli footprints. From these early beginnings, man and wildlife have coexisted harmoniously in this magical place.
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Just over an hour s drive from Mwanza City lies the SERENGETI. As Tanzanias largest (15,000 sq kms) and most famous National Park, it takes its name from the Maasai word Siringet, referring to an endless plain. During the annual migration, more than a million wildebeast cross the Serengeti. Your visit will be a chance to see Africa at its most untamed. Giraffes, zebras, Gazelles, Elands, Impala's and Warthogs all share the plains with their main Predators: Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards and the scavenging Hyenas.
ZANZIBAR
Known as The Spice Island, Zanzibar s riches were partially built on the trade of exotic spices. See history unfold before you as you walk the streets of Stone Town or travel back in time at Beit ul Ajeib (The House of Wonders). Visit the Spice Farms that built an empire and sample authentic Swahili cuisine. You can even visit the birthplace of Freddie Mercury (Queen). Zanzibar is the place to relax on pristine beaches or go scuba diving.
SELOUS GAME RESERVE
At 55,000 sq kms of land mass (an area exceeding the size of Switzerland) Selous is the LARGEST game reserve in Africa. Apart from being rich in a variety of bird life, it is also the remaining habitat of the endangered Black Rhino. The reserve is also home to outsized Crocodiles, herds of Elephants and Buffaloes, Hippos, Leopards, Cheetahs and 25 percent of Africas Wild Dogs. There are many things to do on a trip to the magnificent Selous, like a mesmerizing boat ride down the river Rufiji, or an exciting foot safari led by armed rangers.
MWANZA
On the shores of Lake Victoria, Mwanza enjoys some of Tanzaniasmost breath-taking sunsets. It s countless rock formations make it one of the most unique places to visit. There are various short trips that can be arranged in and around Mwanza including islands and other shore-towns in the region (e.g. Bukoba, Ukerewe and Rubondo). From Mwanza, one has access to the other countries that surround the lake (Kenya, Rwanda & Uganda). These countries offer a variety of different attractions including: Mountain Gorillas and chimpanzees, white water rafting, the source of the Nile, the Genocide Memorial-Museum, the Maasai Mara, beautiful beaches and many more national parks.