SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

The Serengeti (14,500 sq.kms/5,600 sq.m) is undoubtedly the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the world, unequalled for its natural beauty and the greatest concentration of plain game anywhere. It lies between the shores of Lake Victoria in the East and Kenya's "Serengeti" - the Maasai Mara, to the northwest. Hills rising out of the seemingly endless plain, riversand small lakes, magnificent rocky outcrops and the occasional swamp all add to the park's fascination.

In addition to the vast herds of wildebeest, Zebra, Thomson's Gazelle and other plain game, the Serengeti is reknown for its lion and other plain predators, including the wild dog, spotted hyena and jackal. Leopard may often be seen along the Seronera River. The wealth of bird and water fowl. During May and June, or sometimes earlier, Lake Ndutu at the foot of the Ngorongoro highlands is the starting point for one of the great natural wonders nature, the serengeti migration. Nearly two million wildebeest and a quarter of a million Zebra move in winding columns several miles in length towards the Maasai Mara to the north and west.

Udzungwa Mountain National Park, has a total area of 2,000km². It contains the greatest altitudinal range of forests in East Africa - the eastern escarpment is the only place in East Africa with unbroken forest cover from lowland forest communities at below 250m above sea level, through intermediate types, to mountain communities at over 2,800m. Because of such a wide range in altitude and habitat types, Udzungwa National Park has one of the highest numbers of species endemism worldwide. Udzungwa National Park is located 65 km south of Mikumi National Park.
With no roads entering Udzungwa National Park it is a paradise for hikers and backpackers alike. Numerous breath-taking day-hikes can be organized along with multiple day excursions into the dense rain forest or onto the high plateau. One beautiful trek is up to the Sanje River Waterfall, which plunges for 170 metres through the forest to the valley below. The view from the top is magnificent!

Udzungwa National Park supports a diverse, large mammal community including elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, african wild dog, eland, waterbuck and sable. Six species of primate are found here and two are endemic, the Iringa (Uhehe) Red Colobus monkey, and the Sanje Crested Mangabey, which was discovered in 1979. There is also a rich small bovid community including good numbers of Red, Blue and Abbots duikers, and bushbuck.

Udzungwa has the richest forest bird habitat in Tanzania. Several endemics has just been discovered recently (including a new species of francolin and the Rufus-winged sun bird).

The dry season occurs from June to October, when it is best to visit. During the rainy season from March to May visits are not recommended.