Corona virus has down casted and dejected everybody a cross the global, travel industry has been hit hard and brought to standstill. Tanzania is the first country to announce its welcome to international travelers in Africa. Tanzanian President Magufuli announced Tanzania’s reopening of tourist activities on 18th may 2020 and Tanzania tourist attractions has been receiving a few tourists since then.
President John Pombe Magufuli during a Sunday service mass in his home town Chato said “ economy comes first , if we let our economy sleep we will not have salaries, the country’s economy is on the right path and we will lift quarantine requirements for tourists in order to boost the economy” . “We have had a number of viral diseases including Aids, measles and life must go on” President Magufuli added.
President Magufuli Addressing the Nation
“Corona Virus infections in the country have gone down enormously and I am looking forward to welcome and encourage foreign tourists and business persons to visit Tanzania normally. I have directed the ministry of tourism to attract airline companies to fly tourists and passenger planes to Tanzania with immediate effect” President Magufuli said
Is it Safe to Travel to Tanzania Now?
Just like Tanzania many countries around the world have began easing lock down measures to prepare travel industry to open too as countries are looking at tourism revenue to help restart their economies especially African countries as it is believed that large sums of revenue close to $2 trillion will be lost as well as big number of jobs close 80 million worldwide according to World Travel and Tourism council.
The fact is people love to travel and business people must travel that is why the world is pushed to ease lock down measures to make away for tourism regardless of continued spread of Corona Virus however some other countries are still advising their citizens to avoid all non essential international travel .
Most air lines are expected to reopen international routes in June or July. Many African countries have borders still closed even for their own residents and for residents who get their way through they are subject to 14 days quarantine and they are focusing on domestic tourism instead though some countries are still locked down.
Is Gorilla trekking still closed to tourists due to Corona Virus outBreak?
For the case of Gorillas and Chimpanzee countries Rwanda, Uganda and Congo, Gorilla trekking and Chimpanzee trekking is still closed, it is more likely that Corona virus will easily be transmitted to these primates.
As this is the time people would be looking forward to summer holidays which is tempting beaches ,parks ,hotels and campgrounds to slowly reopen in some countries and guidelines are varying from each county’s health officials and the rate of the virus spread in each country.
According to the Tanzania president Magufuli these measures will be taken to welcome the foreign Tourists as entry and stay requirements.
- Mandatory temperature tests on arrival
- No mandatory 14 days Quarantine will be subjected to the tourists
- Mandatory wearing of a face mask
- Washing water with soap and water and sanitizing
- Social distancing by One meter in gatherings and public passenger transport.
How many Covid-19 Cases has Tanzania Had?
Africa got its first case of Corona Virus on 14th February in Egypt and Tanzania got it first case on 16th march since the first out break many African countries took preventive measures to slow and prevent the spread of the virus which helped to reduce the spread of the Virus in the Communities. Most of African countries got their first Corona Virus as imported cases from China, Europe and Dubai. Countries that took quick preventive measures like closing borders and public gatherings have had less or no community Corona virus spread.
Among the 7 east African countries Tanzania has been accused of not implementing strict measures to curb the spread of Corona Virus, Tanzania never closed places of worship and its borders with neighboring countries. Tanzania has had 509 cases since , 183 recoveries and 21 deaths as of June 5, 2020 how ever there are accusations that the president is hiding the media the true number of cases that is why some people are not welcoming the idea of reopening tourist activities saying that it is still too early.
Which preventive Measures did Tanzania take to curb the spread of Corona Virus?
The prime minister Kassim Majaliwa issued a statement on 17th march putting a ban on public gatherings which include schools, football leagues sports, music events political meetings and community events . Later alone on 19th March Tanzania took the major precautions that include travel restrictions and bans, tracing contacts, hand washing and social distancing recommendations of which the President believes these measures are enough and they have helped Tanzania a lot in handling Corona Virus.
Major tourist attractions in Tanzania
Tanzania is a popular East African Country; it is one of Africa’s top tourist destinations with most famous wildlife parks and natural attractions. From the Africa’s highest snow peaked Mount Kilimanjaro, the wilderness wildlife safaris in the national park and wild life reserves, the historical sites to the dozens of beautiful white sandy beaches of Zanzibar and the natural wonders of Pemba and Mafia Islands, Tanzania is a full package to tourists it receives over 770000 tourists each year .
1. Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is an inactive volcano in the north eastern Tanzania close to Kenyan boarder, Mount Kilimanjaro is the Africa’s highest peak at 5892 meters above the sea level it is the highest free standing mountain in the whole world. It was recognized as Africa’s leading tourist attraction 2016 by World Travel Awards.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the fourth most topographic prominent peak on Earth it is Tanzania’s iconic image and Africans most magnificent sight. Mountain Kilimanjaro is positioned near the equator but it is snow capped. The Mountain has 3 volcanic cones shira, kibo and mawenzi the highest peak is Uhuru peak on Kibo at 5892 m above sea level which is one of the seven summits of the world, Mawenzi at 5149m above the sea level and shira at 4005 m. Mawenzi and Shira are extinct but Kibo, the highest peak, is dormant, The most recent activity was about 200 years ago; the last major eruption was 360,000 years ago.
This world heritage site was formed over 1 million years ago by volcanic movement along the rift valley, Mount Kilimanjaro rises from farm land on the lower level to rainforests and alpines meadow then to the barren lunar landscape at the peaks. The Rain forests are a home to wild life that includes buffaloes, leopards. Monkey elephants and elands… the Alpine zone is where the bird watchers will find abundance of bird species.
Mount Kilimanjaro is a major tourist attraction in Tanzania for mountaineers and trekkers from around the world; Tanzania has other mountains which are also tourist attraction sites which include Mount Meru, Pare Mountains, Usambara mountains and the Eastern Arc mountain range among others.
The Oldest person to Climb mount Kilimanjaro is Anne Lorimor who reached Uhuru peak on 18 July 2019 at the age 89, The youngest is Theodore Margaroli from London at age of 10 .and then the most ambitious and interesting climbers are Wheelchair user Bernard Goosen from South Africa who scaled Kilimanjaro in 6 days in 2007, Kyle maynard who has no fore arms and legs crawled to the summit of mountain Kilimanjaro in 2012. A number of 57456 tourists were recorded to have visited Kilimanjaro National park in 2013 by Tanzania National park authority and the park generated US51 million according to the most recent available statistics.
When planning a lifetime adventure safari in Africa it is worth including mountain Kilimanjaro and spend time appreciating this grand old mountain that forms the roof of Africa, Climb to the summit in hopes of standing at uhuru peak –the highest point on Africans continent or simply gaze and photograph its majesty views which rolls over the plains and the parks below.
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed in as few as five days, but seven or more days is recommended to properly adjust to the high altitude conditions. Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time although out the year but the best period is during dry season in the months of June to October or December to Febuary.
2.Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National park presents arrange of the best wild life and adventure experiences in the world, Serengeti national park is famous for the annual wildebeest migration where over 2 million wildebeest accompanied by about 250, 00 Zebras and a few Grant’s gazelle, Thomas’s gazelle, elands and impalas move through the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystems in search of green pasture and better quality water, in a regular pattern.
Serengeti migration has been ranked as one of the “Seven Natural Wonders of Africa” and one of the “Ten natural Travel wonders of the world”. The wild beast migration is the largest mammal migration in the world. the migration is regarded as the greatest show in the world it is an endless dynamic partner of wild life movement, it is never the same each year .This wild beast migration is commonly termed as Serengeti Migration but it can be also be witnessed in Kenya’s masai mara.
Serengeti national park offers one of the best pronounced wilderness experiences in the world with its magnificent biodiversity ,abundant wildlife about 300 species of mammals of which 80 are large mammals and 500 bird species from the bigfive-lions,leopards ,ephants,buffallos and black rhino to Impalas gazelles ,elands tops and kangonis and the hippo and crocdiled filled rivers among others
Serengeti Wildebeest Migration
Serengeti national park one of the most famous national park in Africa, it is located in northern part of Tanzania. The park is in the great Serengeti ecosystem which extends to the southwestern Kenya, the greater Serengeti eco system is 18600 square miles including other game reserves and parks; The Ngorongoro conservation area, Kenya’s Masai Mara National park The Serengeti ecosystem is famous for the wildebeest migration route.
Serengeti national park derived its name from the Masai phase “siringet” which translates to endless plains, it covers 5,700 square miles
Apart from the great wild best migration these are some of other activities to do in
Serengeti national park
- Go for a Game drive (day and night game drives)
Early morning game drive is perfect way to spot the big cats-lions leopards, cheaters, hyenas, the African wild dog and all other many animals, sunrise and a number of bird species ,this game drive is a rewarding way to stay your day at Serengeti. The night game is also a special opportunity to spot a number of nocturnal animals and predators
- Go for a hot air balloon safari
The Serengeti air balloon safari is un comparable experience ,the feeling is very rewarding witnessing the sunrise over the endless plains, sporting animals ,watching the famous wild beast migration this bird eye view is unique way to see Serengeti and it biodiversity. This is an adventure you do not want to miss and it the best way to celebrate your anniversary or birthday.
- Camp in Serengeti Open plains.
Whatever you budget is your visit to Serengeti wouldn’t be complete if do you not spend at least one night in a tent it is a magical experience falling asleep to the sounds of wilderness –lion roaring, laughing hyenas, bird sounds, rustling elephants ….
When you are not comfortable pitching a tent then luxury tented camps offs you a balance with modern comfort. Bush meals are also perfect way of enjoying Serengeti views, the wild Bush dinner is great way to watch the sun set and enjoying meals under the stars with campfire .Bush Breakfast is good for sun rise during a relaxed day
- Visit Moru Kopjes
These are rocks formations in the central Serengeti grass plains they are little maintains like ,these are a home to the Serengeti white rhino and also place to see big cats for the lions – at “The lions kings pride Rock” you will see lions stretching and sun bathing and relaxing on the these unique rocks. The kopjes provide shade and water pools to animals .The Gong rocks also provide historical information to masai cattle herders they are believed to be ancient musical instrument painted by the masai herders.
- Visit to the Dupai historical Gorge
The dupai gorge the site is famous because about 60 human ancestors were discovered hereby Leakey. Like over 2 million years ago this area is one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world, olduvai museum and laetoli archaeological site which famous for the 27m long trail of hominid (human ancestors) foot prints
- Explore the local Masai culture
Take a walk to the masai village to get closeness to flora and fauna of Serengeti, learn about these semi-nomadic who live in the Serengeti ecosystem, their traditional ways of life, their clothing, their dance, their housing. If getting closer to the community is on your bucket list then you do not want to miss the masai village visit experience when in Serengeti.
What is the best time to visit Serengeti National park?
The biggest highlight of Serengeti is the Great wild beast Migration which is highly dependent on the rain partners per year the migration therefore it doesn’t follow a set schedule or a set route however from the past experience to see the wildebeest migration we recommend December to July then to see predators we recommend June to October.
How many days should I plan for Serengeti Safari?
When planning a visit to Serengeti you need to take took account its big size and the rich biodiversity there other many spots to explore in Serengeti like, Retina Hippo pool in the central of the park ,Grumeti River in the western corridor, Bologonja Springs in the northern part. We recommend at least 3 or 4 days to have a full experience of Serengeti
3. Zanzibar Beaches
Zanzibar has one of the best beaches in the world after the wild life adventures and treks this archipelago island will not only offer you a cool breathe from the ocean waters but also a sense of calmness ,helps you relieve stress, regulate hormones and give you a dose of vitamin D, it puts you in a meditative state a visit to Zanzibar is therapeutic.
Zanzibar Island is an African gem located in the eastern coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is situated just south of the equator the average temperature here is 27 in the dry moths. Zanzibar is made up of two major islands of Pemba and Unguja and many other small ones
The Island offers a special combination of outstanding beaches, taking dips in the warm ocean, inhaling the sweet aromas during the spice tours, diving to marvel at the beautiful creatures under the water and the cultural delight of the stone town perfect for scuba divers
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry month from June to October during this period is a bit cool not very dry and not very congested best period for honeymooners and then December to February is dry and hot and it is mainly filled with family holidays but it all perfect for any traveler
How many days do I need in Zanzibar?
We recommend at least 5 days depending on how much you want to explore, Zanzibar holiday is majorly for leisure history, interactions with traditional healers and magicians
4. Ngorongoro conservation Area
Ngorongoro conservation Area referred to as the “Garden of Eden” due to its beauty and a paradise to over 30,000 animals, over 500 bird species and a home to the Vast volcanic Ngorongoro Crater which is the largest inactive and intact volcanic Caldera in the whole world and it is also one of the worlds famous archaeological research for more than 80 years it shows important evidence of human evolution and human-environment dynamics.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located northern Tanzania, Ngorongoro shares border with the eastern area of Serengeti National park.
The main feature of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the Ngorongoro crater, the crater was formed as result of a large active volcano believed to the same size as Mount Kilimanjaro who cone collapsed in ward after a major explosion and eruption about 2 to 3 million years ago. Ngorongoro crater was officially ranked as one of The Seven Natural Wonders of Africa in 2015 the crater was also listed together others in the region (Olmoti and Empakai) as UNESCO world heritage sites in 1979
Ngorongoro_Flamingo_Lake
Apart from the famous Ngorongoro crater ,Ngorongoro conservation Area consists of Mountain forests, green grass lands, lakes, swamps and rivers ,the big 5 game –Elephants, Lion, Leopard ,Buffalo, Rhino,)Huge herds of wildebeests, Zebras, Gazelles and many more animals plus over 500 species of birds ,Hominid fossils at the Olduvai Gorge and laetoli date back to about 2 million years ago, the masai tribe of the semi-nomadic who graze their livestock alongside wild animals.
At Ngorongoro crater area and ndutu area you will see thousands of baby wild beasts being born these are areas of the wildebeest calving season the area harbors arrange of world endangered species and also one of the great spots to see the endangered animals like Black rhino and golden cats
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the only place in the world to witness unique setting with diverse scenery abundant wildlife and birdlife, an ecosystem is no other, only place to witness the best sunset in life, chill as the sun slowly touches the green grass of savannah at a close distance
How many days do I need to Visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area?
Two days are enough and Ngongoro can be explored together with Tarangire National Park
What is the best time to Ngorongoro crater Area?
The best time to Visit Ngorongoro is between June to September
5. Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National park is famous for tree climbing lions, breathtaking scenery, one of the African alkaline water lakes and big herds Elephants, Flamingos and other animals
Lake Manyara National Park is located in the northern side of Tanzania in protected areas of Arusha and Manyara regions between Lake Manyara and the rift Valley; it is 126 km west of Arusha approximately 90 minutes drive from Arusha town to Manyara National Park
Lake manyara National park harbors big number of elephants, masai giraffes, Impalas, buffalos, Cheetahs, Hippos, Wild beasts, waterbucks, warthog leopards, tree climbing lions huge herds of baboons Flamingos and an incredible number of bird species inhabit at the lake shores.
Incredible bio diversity awaits you in Manyara National Park
6. Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National park is known as a famous as a birding destination, large numbers of wildlife mostly in dry season of June to October when Tarangire river is the only water source for in the region, beautiful landscape with big number of scenic baobab trees ,acacia bush ,plain swamps and rock kopjes
Tarangire National Park is located in Tanzania’s Manyara Region, northern circuit of Tanzania this park is a day’s journey from Arusha
Tarangire National park has one of the highest concentrations of migratory animals during the dry season –wildebeest ,Zebra, buffalo, Gazelle ,heart beast, Elands, Impala and tons of birds with more than 300 bird species recorded in the park which include buzzards, Flamingos, vultures, herons, storks, kites falcons eagles among others ,plus large population of elephants
Tarangire National park is a good deal for Elephant lovers and birders, the land scrape is diverse and different from other parks, and the park also offers more quiet and authentic safari experience
Tanzania has fascinating flora and fauna- wildlife, volcanoes, world class beaches, beautiful scenic landscape and the rich culture the country has got an ending list of attractions which also include Selous game reserve,Mdubya Island, Oi Doinyo Lengai ( Mountain of God ),Bonyoyo Island,Arusha National park,etc
Traveling during this period when the world is faced with a crisis of Corona Virus is not a simple decision to take, we recommend that you follow your local authority guidelines and also check with your destination and ask yourself these questions
Whether Is Corona Virus spreading where you are going and if the boarders are open also assess your risk of being affected
Whether corona virus is spreading in your community and remember even if you do not have symptoms you can spread to other people if you are infected as you travel.
And if you have to travel wash your hands/sanitize often, avoid touching your mouth and eyes, avoid contact with other people and keep a distance and wear a mask while in public
Engagi Safaris is a reliable tour operator, with professional staff. Our tour consultants are well trained with a passion, to help you understand all the details about the safaris you wish to inquire about.We have the best drivers and guides who are very highly skilled and knowledgeable about all aspects of tourism, and you can be rest assured that you will have a wonderful experience.
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