KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK

This park comprises the 756km² area above the 2 700m contour of the highest mountain in Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro. At 5 895m, it is also one of the world's highest freestanding mountains. It was formed 750,000 years ago and is made up of three extinct volcanoes – Kibo (5,895m), Mawenzi (5,149m) and the Shira Plateau (3,962m).

 

The most popular route for climbing the mountain is the Marangu Route. The best time for climbing is in the dry seasons, August to October and January to March.

 

Mount Kilimanjaro is divided into five distinct zones, starting with cultivated farmlands on the lowest levels. Higher up is the rainforest zone, followed by heath and moorland with alpine vegetation. Just before the barren, snowy summit is highland desert…

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ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK

This park lies within the Ngurdoto Crater, a volcano that has probably been extinct for a quarter of a million years. Covering 137km², the terrain ranges from open savannah through acacia scrublands to Afro-montane cloud and rain forest, and Afro-Alpine vegetation similar to Mount Kilimanjaro.

 

There are several alkaline lakes, and the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater is not to be missed. Mammal species include elephant, buffalo, various primates, giraffe and leopard.

 

Hiking is allowed if accompanied by an armed guard, and the climb up Mount Meru is superb, often giving the best views available of Mount Kilimanjaro.

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LAKE MANYARA

This is one of the most diverse of Tanzania's national parks, a tiny (325km²) combination of Rift Valley Lake, dense woodlands and steep mountainside. Manyara was established specifically to protect the elephant herds that have made the area world-renowned. But heavy poaching in the 1970s and 1980s decimated the herds, although they are now recovering and returning to their former strengths.

 

Manyara is a birding paradise (more than 380 species), especially for waterfowl and migrants, and the forests are one of the best places to see leopards. Lions hunt on the grassy shores of the lake, and are known for their habit of climbing trees. Best game viewing months are December to February and May to July, tapering off in August and September.

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