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Posts Tagged ‘tanzania’

What You Didn’t Know about the Great Wildebeest Migration

Monday, April 11th, 2011

Wildebeest-migration

Are you dreaming of a front row seat to Mother Nature’s most dramatic play of survival, death and life – playing out in front of your gob smacked eyes on your Kenya adventure?

Wildebeest-Migration-Map

Overlanding Africa lets you in on fascinating facts for you to better appreciate the Great Migration on your Kenya holiday or Overland trip.

  • Each year around 2 million Wildebeest and over 1 million Zebra, Eland and Gazelle undertake the daunting Great Migration between the Southern Serengeti plains in Tanzania, and the Masai Mara plains in Kenya.
  • Thousands of Wildebeest die, either drowning in the flooded Mara River, breaking their legs after jumping down cliffs or falling prey to hungry predators.
  • The enormous herds gather at the waters edge trying to find the courage to cross the dangerous Mara River. It takes only one Wildebeest to jump in and then the rest will follow; crossing at up to 20 000 Wildebeest per hour!
  • Predators like Lion, Hyena, Wild-dog and Leopard follow the Wildebeest, Zebra and Gazelle to the Masai Mara plains thus creating the greatest game concentration anywhere on earth.
  • After about 3 months of relaxing and grazing on the Mara plains, the herd leaders begin to smell the Serengeti short rains. This usually occurs at the beginning of November (however the exact dates and times vary from year to year) and lead their herds across the Olduvai Gorge back across to Tanzania.
  • The herds arrive back in the Serengeti Plains just in time for calving season, usually in late January through mid March, when over 80% of the Wildebeest give birth over a period of a few weeks.
  • Less than half the calves born survive past their first Great Migration crossing, falling easy prey to predators.
  • The Great Migration takes place continuously, there is no exact schedule and it can all vary depending rainfall.

Booking your seat at the Wildlife Extravaganza

So you want a ticket to the greatest game viewing show on earth, but don’t know if you can afford an ultimate Kenya safari experience?

Hi there welcome to Overlanding Africa! We are masters of everything from a budget Kenya trip to epic Overland adventures – all organized just for you to experience the Great Migration without having to sell your kidneys for the memories!

For more information on any of the Overland trips you can visit our overland tour page, contact one of our friendly Overlanding Africa experts or post your comments below.

Have you been on a Kenya Safari or Overland trip lately and seen the Great Migration? Share your Kenya safari experiences, photographs and highlights with Overlanding Africa by e-mailing info@overlandingafrica.com.

Keep Discovering.

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The 5 Best Kept Secrets of Zanzibar

Friday, January 7th, 2011

Zanzibar BeachesWith its vibrant culture and great diversity of landscapes beneath the tropical East African sky, Zanzibar is Tanzania’s ultimate paradise.

The turquoise waters along the coast of Zanzibar are teeming with abundant sea life and stunning coral reefs for snorkelling and diving. Besides the narrow winding alleys and jostling bazaars of Stone Town, or the endless white soft-sand beaches with its many idyllic palms, Zanzibar has a few best kept secrets and I’m going to share a few with you.

The Zamani Beach Club Grill and Bar
Behold the horizon and beyond. Freshly cut coconut, succulent grilled jumbo prawns and crescents of pearly white sand beach with it’s crystal clear waters…  divine! Zamani Beach Club Grill and Bar is open everyday from 10:00 until sunset.

Diving in Zanzibar
Top sites include Kizidi Reef, a mini wall just 10 minutes by boat from Kizimkazi – one of Zanzibar’s best-kept secrets. A wonderful display of soft and hard corals, loads and loads of fish including some big groupers and rays, and the occasional turtle make this an excellent spot for snorkelers, novices and experienced divers alike. Look out for the tiny critters such as Leaf fish and cute little Nudibranchs.

Stone Town Fish Market
The best and cheapest place to eat in Stone Town, if not Zanzibar, is at the open air fish market in the Forodhani Gardens on the waterfront. The smell might put you off but definitely a must see as its a great look at local life in Zanzibar. Opens at night.

The House of Wonders
The House of Wonders is home to the Museum of History and Culture of Zanzibar and the Swahili Coast. The building is the largest in all of Stone Town – four stories with huge verandas. It takes you through Swahili history, culture, and economy – from the beginning days to present. Visit this early on during your stay so you can appreciate better the experience of being in Zanzibar.

Sunset Bar at Africa House Hotel
With history dating back 150 years the Africa House Hotel boasts previous owners who were a wealthy slave trader from Oman, and the Sultan of Zanzibar. From the Sunset Bar on the first floor you can chill out and relax, drink in hand, and watch the colorful sun set over the ocean while fishermen glide by in their dhows. Stunning.

For further information on East Africa, Zanzibar or overland trips in Tanzania contact OverlandingAfrica.com or post your comments below.

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Mt Kilimanjaro – Things To Know Before You Go

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

Kilimanjaro SunRising 19,340 feet above sea level Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and the world’s highest free-standing mountain.

Today, about 15,000 people attempt to climb Kilimanjaro each year, as a spiritual journey or as a personal challenge. This truly amazing experience will change your life and test your endurance.

What you need to know before you go:
Get Fit and Break in those Hiking Boots
Get physically fit, no need to be Superman fit, but be physically ready to make sure you reach the summit. Break in those hiking boots before you come or you will end up with blisters for feet.

Book in Advance
Make your reservations in advance and make sure everything is in place before you arrive. This will also give you a chance to see what equipment you can rent from the operator instead of having to schlep it with you.

Choose your Route
There are three popular routes; Machame, Rongai and Marangu. Each have their own pro’s and cons. Decide which one is best for you.

Go Slowly
You will hear the Swahili phrase “pole pole” alot. It means to go slow and it is good advice or you may not reach the summit.

Be Mentally Prepared

This is definitely a mental as well as physical challenge. You should prepare yourself to endure this journey and the elements.

Tips on what to pack:
- Wet wipes
- Snacks
- Adequate sun protection
- Thermal flask
- Camera & Film

If you want to know more see the Team at OverlandingAfrica.com

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Top 10 Tanzania Highlights

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive

Have you ever ridden a camel or swum with dolphins? Why not?

From snorkeling in some of the clearest Zanzibar water, to following the footprints of lions on a game drive in the Serengeti – Tanzania has it all!

The excitement of a hot air balloon safari is rivaled only by being within a car length of a Big 5 animal whilst on a game drive. Achieve the ultimate and climb Kilimanjaro or have ‘High Tea’ complete with scones, jam and cream at a local tea plantation.

Enough adventure for one day? Head out on a dhow and sip on cocktails while watching the sun set over the azure waters of the Zanzibar archipelago.

Sounds good? Check out the Top 10 Tanzania Highlights:

- Ride a Camel in Arusha
- Trek Mt Kilimanjaro
- View game in the Ngorongoro Crater
- See the migration herds in the Serengeti National Park
- Have fun on the Stone Town Spice Tour
- Swim with Dolphins in Zanzibar
- Scuba dive the crystal clear Zanzibar waters
- Sail in a dhow and go snorkeling
- See the tea plantations near Iringa
- Take a balloon ride in the Amboseli National Park

For trips that cover these awesome highlights contact us at www.overlandingafrica.com

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