4 0510 issue tanzania - travel world news · a visit to world-renowned ngorongoro crater is an...

kar i b un i

TANZANIA!

Dear Travel Agents,

In this special Tanzania supplement we want to take this opportunity to introduce you to a part of Tanzania few peopleknow about, the gems of the South—Ruaha National Park, theSelous Game Reserve, Pangani, Tanga and Songea. Even if you have not yet been to Tanzania, most of you are familiar withsome of our famous icons and World Heritage sites,Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, Serengeti NationalPark, famous for the great wildebeests migration, as well as theNgorongoro Crater, which is often called the 8th Wonder of theWorld. But in the south, with fewer tourists, the experience isdifferent, some say even more authentic. Ruaha National Park isnow the largest park in East Africa and the second largest national park in all of Africa. The Selous Game Reserve is the largest in the world. Now, as the air connections between North and South expand with Coastal Aviation

offering scheduled flights between the Serengeti and Ruaha National Parks startingJune 2010, and as the choice of accommodation increase in the South, your clients canhave a diversified safari experience all in one destination—Tanzania. Let us also not forget the opportunities for total relaxation on the miles of white sandy

beaches along the Indian Ocean. Marine parks, water sports and world class divingsites are found off the shores of mainland Tanzania, its coastal islands like Mafia, aswell as on the exotic spice islands of Zanzibar. The most frequently heard comment from first time visitors to Tanzania is “I came for

the wildlife, but took home the memories of the warm hospitality of the people.” If culture is the focus for your clients, Tanzania has 125 different tribes, with their rich

cultural traditions and languages, all living in harmony. Tanzania’s Cultural TourismProgram, Visit the People, which currently comprises 26 villages in the North, offers visitors a rare opportunity to meet the local people and participate in a diverse range ofdaily activities such as cooking, fishing and making handicrafts.

We look forward to saying Karibuni Tanzania (welcome to Tanzania) to you and your clients.

Hon. Shamsa S. Mwangunga

wwwwww..ttrraavveellwwoorrllddnneewwss..ccoomm •• Travel World News50 • MAY 2010

TANZANIA

Message from Hon. Shamsa S. Mwangunga, MP Minister of Natural Resources & Tourism, The United Republic of Tanzania

HON. SHAMSA S.MWANGUNGA, MP

Tanzania, the largest country inEast Africa, is devoutly focusedon wildlife conservation and sus-tainable tourism, with approxi-

mately 28 percent of its land protected bythe Government. It boasts 15 NationalParks and 32 game reserves.

It is the home of the tallest mountain inAfrica—legendary Mt. Kilimanjaro; TheSerengeti, named in October, 2006 as theNew 7th Wonder of the World by USA Todayand Good Morning America; the world-acclaimed Ngorongoro Crater, often calledthe 8th Wonder of the World; OlduvaiGorge, the cradle of mankind; the Selous,the world’s largest game reserve; Ruaha,now the second largest National Park in Africa; the spice is-lands of Zanzibar; and seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.Most important for visitors, the Tanzanian people are warmand friendly, speak English (which, together with Kiswahili,are the two official languages); and, making the picture per-fect—the country is an oasis of peace and stability with a democratically elected, stable government.

Treasures of the NorthTanzania is most famous for the splendid icons of what is

known as its Northern Circuit. Arusha, the Safari capital ofTanzania, is the jumping off point for travel in the North.International flights to Arusha fly into Kilimanjaro Airport,and most domestic and safari flights depart from ArushaAirport.

Ngorongoro Crater AreaA visit to world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater is an integral

part of any first-time Safari to Tanzania. But too often it’s simply an overnight, with travelers just coming to seeNgorongoro Crater. In actual fact, this crater is one of eight,and many visitors miss the excitement and diversity of the en-tire Ngorongoro Conservation Area. There is so much to ex-perience beyond the Ngorongoro Crater that travelers are en-couraged to incorporate at least two- or three-night stays inthis area.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the world’s mostunique ecosystems. It is the only conservation area whereman and wildlife coexist in harmony—one of the reasons it

was accorded the status of a World Heritage Site and listed asone of the International Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO’sMan and Biosphere Reserve Program.

Kilimanjaro: ‘The Roof of Africa’Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. The ultimate

in adventure travel, scaling the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is a heavy challenge, more from the rigors of altitude than the actual difficulty of the hike itself. The climb, which takes on average five days, takes hikers through thick forests and alpine grasslands, desolate rockface and brilliantwhite glaciers.

Serengeti National ParkSerengeti National Park is easily Tanzania’s largest and

most famous park because of the annual animal migration ofover one million and a half white-bearded wildebeest and ze-bras; it has 5,700 square miles of protected area. Large pridesof lions laze in the long grasses, plentiful families of ele-phants feed on acacia bark and trump to each other across theplains, and giraffes, gazelles, monkeys, eland, and the wholerange of African wildlife appears in awe-inspiring numbers.One of the highlights of the Serengeti National Park is the op-portunity to take a hot-air balloon safari, organized bySerengeti Balloon Safaris. The journey takes off flying lowover the plains—as the sun comes up and turns grasslandsfrom blue to gold. After landing, guests have a champagnebreakfast complete with crystal glasses and white linen table-

Travel World News •• wwwwww..ttrraavveellwwoorrllddnneewwss..ccoomm MAY 2010 • 51

TANZANIA

Tanzania’s Treasures Reveal Gems in the Southas Well as Its Famed North

Agents should promote some Southern exposure when packaging this prized African destination.

The exhilaration of a climb to the top of beautiful Kilimanjaro is unparalleled.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 52

cloths in the middle of the African bush, as zebra and ante-lope graze nearby.

Lake Manyara National ParkLake Manyara National Park offers varied ecosystems, in-

credible bird life, and breathtaking views. It is a great placeto spot Manyara’s legendary tree-climbing lions and impres-sively tusked elephants. Its groundwater forests, bush plains,baobob-strewn cliffs, and algae-streaked hot springs offer in-credible ecological variety in a small area, rich in wildlife andgreat numbers of birds. Canoeing excursions in Tanzania arean active option for the visitor with a few days to spend ex-ploring the northern lakes. Excursions on the shores of LakeManyara involve canoeing past thousands of pink flamingosin its shallow waters.

Tarangire National ParkTarangire National Park has some of the highest population

density of elephants anywhere in Tanzania, and its sparsevegetation, strewn with baobab and acacia trees, makes it abeautiful and special location.

In the Northeast—Off the Beaten TrackTanga Region

Coming soon on the Tanzania tourist map: the Tanga region,just north of Dar es Salaam. Situated along the Indian Ocean,Tanga boasts sun-drenched beaches, beautiful vistas of theUsambaras Mountains, whispering rivers and lush greenvegetation. Until recently, Tanga has not been part of thelarger Tanzania tourism picture. However, the region is nowmore accessible than it was in the past—by tarmac road fromDar es Salaam, and by air and with speedboats from Dar esSalaam as well as Zanzibar.

Four areas of Tanga are the current focus for tourism devel-opment. Tanga city is the capital of the region. Situated on theshores of the Indian Ocean, Tanga’s port is second after Dares Salaam. The city is rich in history, natural attractions, pe-riod architecture and interesting aquatic activities. South ofTanga City lies Pangani, a prominent trading center in the19th century. Pangani has some of the most spectacular un-spoiled beaches in the country, making it an excellent beachholiday destination. To the further south is the little knownSaadani National Park, offering the unique bush/beach expe-rience.

To the West of Tanga and on the Eastern side of theUsambaras mountains lies a beautiful hill station namedAmani. The flora and fauna and the tea plantations nestled inthe slopes of these hills make Amani a serene and peacefulretreat for eco-friendly tourists.

Gems of the SouthTravelers must come and discover the wonders of Tanzania’s

Southern Circuit! The sheer vastness of southern Tanzania,still undiscovered by many, makes for some spectacular gameviewing and opportunities off the beaten track. Dar esSalaam, the commercial capital of Tanzania, is the jumpingoff point for the South.

Ruaha National ParkRuaha, which boasts 10,000 elephants, the largest popula-

tion of any East African national park, protects a vast tract ofthe rugged semi-arid bush country that characterizes centralTanzania. Its lifeblood is the Great Ruaha River that coursesalong the Eastern boundary of the park. A fine network ofgame-viewing roads follows the Great Ruaha and its seasonaltributaries, where, during the dry season, impala, waterbuck


TANZANIA

The resource-rich habitat of Ruaha teems with wildlife like these buffalo herds.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

TANZANIA FROM PAGE 51

Pangani has some of the most spectacular unspoiled beaches in thecountry.

Tanzania National Parks

Tanzania conserves more than25% of its land, and is home toan estimated 20% of Africa’s

large mammals, so its game viewingis widely regarded as the best inAfrica. But the 15 parks managed byTanzania National Parks offer a lotmore the than just exceptional gameviewing.Bird watching is outstanding at all 15parks but the Serengeti, with over500 species recorded; Mkomazi andRuaha with more than 450; and LakeManyara, Mikumi and Udzungwawith over 400 are closely followed byKitulo and Rubondo Island.Tanzania’s 15 parks are also aparadise for flower lovers. Localsrefer to Kitulo as ‘The Garden ofGod’ while botanists have dubbed itthe ‘Serengeti of Flowers’. Host toone of the great floral spectacles of

the world, it is home to over 350species of plants including 45varieties of orchid. Rubondo Islandalso boasts some 40 different typesof orchid while all other parks featuretheir own unique floral display.Gombe and Mahale Mountains viewith each other as the best place inthe world to track wild chimpanzees.Gombe’s chimpanzees being madefamous by the pioneering work ofJane Goodall who, in 1960, foundedher famous behavioural researchprogram. Chimpanzees may also beseen at Rubondo Island where theywere introduced in 1966 and havenow become habituated.Hot Air Ballooning is currently onlyavailable in the Serengeti but thereare plans to offer this unique andwonderful experience in Mikumi,Tarangire and Ruaha.

Mount Kilimanjaro and Arusha’sMount Meru obviously offer theultimate in mountain climbing butlesser peaks in Kitulo and Udzungwaprovide less challenging but equallyinteresting climbing and trekking.Boat trips, fishing, swimming andsnorkelling are possible in Gombe,Mahale, Rubondo Island andSaadani while canoeing safaris arepopular on Arusha’s Momela Lakes,on Lake Manyara and aroundRubondo Island.Not a conventional game viewingdestination, Udzungwa is a magnetfor hikers. Other parks with excellenttrails are Kitulo, Mkomazi, Ruahaand, of course Kilimanjaro whilewalking safaris are offered in Arusha,Katavi, Kilimanjaro, Kitulo, LakeManyara, Mikumi, Mkomazi, Ruaha,Rubondo Island, Saadani and Tarangire.

At the present time, night game drivesare only allowed in Lake Manyara.

For further information contact:The Director General

Tanzania National ParksPO Box 3134, Arusha, Tanzania

Tel: +255 27 250 3471Fax: +255 27 250 8216

E-mail: [email protected]@tanzaniaparks.comwww.tanzaniaparks.com

More than conventional game viewing

and other antelopes risk lives for a sip of life-sustaining water.The risk is considerable—with prides of 20-plus lions lordingover the savannah, the cheetahs that stalk the open grasslandand the leopards that lurk in tangled riverside thickets. Ruahais also home to over 450 bird species and now includes theIhefu Wetland, the natural water reservoir for the GreatRuaha River.

The Selous Game ReserveThe Selous Game Reserve is Africa’s largest game reserve

and covers more than five percent of Tanzania’s total area. Itsrivers, hills and plains are home to roaming elephant popula-tions, the area’s famous wild dogs, and some of the last blackrhino left in the region. Due to its natural diversity and un-touched state, the Selous Game Reserve was proclaimed aWorld Heritage Site in 1988 and today continues to live up toits esteemed status. The Selous offer tourists the added attrac-tions of boating safaris on the Rufiji River and walking safaris.

Katavi National ParkIsolated, untrammeled and seldom visited, Katavi is a true

wilderness, providing the few intrepid souls who make itthere with a thrilling taste of Africa as it must have been acentury ago. Tanzania’s third largest national park, it lies inthe remote southwest of the country, within a truncated armof the Rift Valley that terminates in the shallow, brooding ex-panse of Lake Rukwa.

Saadani National ParkSaadani is where the beach meets the bush. Located on the

Indian Ocean beachfront, it is the only marine/bush nationalpark in East Africa. The beach possesses all the attributes thatmake Tanzania’s tropical coastline and islands so popularwith sun-worshippers. Yet it is also the one place where thoseidle hours of sunbathing might be interrupted by an elephantstrolling past, or a lion coming to drink at the nearby water-hole! About a three-hour drive from Dar es Salaam, it’s also apopular day trip from the beach resorts scattered alongTanzania’s northern coast.

Mbeya RegionThe city of Mbeya, near the Zambian border deep in the

southern highlands, is the major agricultural capital in thecountry’s southwest region. The Mbeya mountain range liesto the north, and the Poroto range lies to the southeast. LakeNyasa, which serves as a boundary for Tanzania and Malawi,is among the leading tourist attractions in the southern high-lands. The half-mile deep lake and shoreline offer pristinebeaches for water sports and sunbathing. The lake is the thirdlargest body of water bordering Tanzania, over 300 miles longand 31 miles wide. From the Lake Nyasa Shores are theUporoto Ranges, Kipengere and Livingstone mountain

ranges and the Rift Valley features; all of which the TanzaniaTourist Board (TTB) and the Tourism Division in the ministryof Natural Resources and Tourism have identified for devel-opment and marketing. At the Chimala and Matamba escarp-ments, a road with 52 rather sharp turns has been con-structed, and these hairpin bends offer a thrilling, panoramicand breathtaking drive as it snakes through six miles of spec-tacular waterfalls.

Tanzania is a treasure-filled country apart from all the rest.Its peace is real—quiet contentment in a land of magic wherenature still reigns supreme. The awe plus thrills a trip to thisgorgeous and exciting destination brings should not bemissed in one’s lifetime.Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), www.tanzaniatouristboard.com; Tanzania National Parks, www.tanzaniaparks.com;Ngorongoro Crater, www.ngorongorocrater.org; Zanzibar, www.zanzibartourism.net; Tanzania Embassy, Washington, D.C., www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org; Tanzania Mission to the UN, New York City, www.tanzania-un.org


TANZANIA

The colorful, rich and varied landscape of the postcard-pretty Saadani region.

Giraffes and many other huge beasts casually stroll the Serengeti.

TANZANIA FROM PAGE 52

TANZANIA SHOWCASED AT THE NEW YORKTIMES TRAVEL SHOW

A 16-person strong tourism delegation from Tanzania partici-pated for the fourth consecutive year in the New York Times TravelShow held recently at New York’s Jacob Javitz Center. The highlights of the show were the two drawings for a Tanzania Safari,offered by Nanuri Safari Company and Asante Safaris. The twolucky winners of trips for two to Tanzania were Dotti Kirk, Dot.Away Travel of Perryville, Maryland, and Sarosh G. Jacob ofNew York City.

The Tanzania delegation to the New York Times Travel show wasled by the Honorable Halima Mamuya, MP, a board director of theNgorongoro conservation Area Authority (NCAA) and included Mr. Bernard Murunya, Chief Conservator, Ngorongoro Crater Area Authority (NCAA); Suleiman Saleh, Tanzania Embassy inWashington; Deogratias Malogo, , Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB); Emmanuel Dioclese, Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA);Ignas Gara, Kitavi National Park, TANAPA; Asantael Melita,NCAA; Karen Hoffman, Jane Thompson, Susan Brinnitzer, CrystalChan, and Annie Gordon, TTB USA; Gaudence Temu, FortunataTemu, and Evelyne Gaudence, Equitanz Resort/Bongo Tours & Safaris; John Benedict Malago, Nanuri Safari Company Ltd;and Edwin Van Zwam, Moivaro Lodges and Tented Camp/Fumba Beach Lodge.Tanzania Tourist Board, www. tanzaniatouristboard.com; New York Times Travel Show, www.nyttravelshow.com

MBALI MBALI LODGES AND CAMPSANNOUNCES EXPANSION WITH NEW SERENGETI SORORI

Mbali Mbali Lodges and Camps, a family-owned circuit of safari properties in the some of the most remote and wild game areas across Tanzania, has announced that their newestlodge, Serengeti Sorori, will open this June. This latest lodgerounds out Mbali Mbali’s circuit by connecting the famedSerengeti National Park with the pristine, remote Western regionof Tanzania. With the help of their flight partner Zantas Air,guests can now experience all Tanzania has to offer in one memorable circuit.

“Over the past decade, we carefully selected the most ideal locations for our camps and lodges situated across Western Tanzania, and have specialized in operating in these in-credibly remote locations bringing travelers face-to-face withAfrica’s most impressive wildlife,” explains Taki Lalji, ManagingDirector of Mbali Mbali Lodges and Camps. “Now we have thepleasure of rounding out our circuit with Serengeti Soroi. This new lodge, offering true luxury in the bush while remainingtrue to our roots of providing outstanding value and wildlife experiences.”

Soroi Serengeti Lodge is set on a hill and built among rocksoverlooking the vast plains of Musabi. With great attention to design, the lodge offers comfort and luxury while maintaining a uniquely African atmosphere and continued commitment to value.

Each private tented chalet is elevated, built on wooden stilts andwell spaced across the hill, giving guests breathtaking views ofMusabi.

The Serengeti Soroi Camp can be accessed by scheduled dailyflights landing at the Seronera Airstrip, private charters or self-driven vehicles. Mbali Mbali Lodges and Camps, [email protected],www.mbalimbali.com; Zantas Air, www.zantasair.com

2010 FIFA WORLD CUP—SOCCER AND THE BIG FIVE WITH CORDIAL TOURS

A great opportunity to visit Tanzania—the Land of Kilimanjaro,Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Zanzibar during 2010 FIFA World Cup, is now being offered by Cordial Tours and TravelServices Ltd. These two travel companies will join together topresent the big five of soccer and the big five of Tanzania withinthe same day.

Travelers may choose one to four days of fantastic game safaris at Serengeti and Ngorongoro, watching the big five ofTanzania, spend two days for beach leisure at Zanzibar, the Islandof Species, or take at least five days climbing the roof of Africa,Kilimanjaro.

More information about this fabulous opportunity is availableon the Cordial Tours website.Cordial Tours, www.cordialtours.com


TANZANIA

Dotti Kirk, of Dot.Away Travel, was the lucky winner of a safari trip fortwo to Tanzania given away at the New York Times Travel Show. Thetrip was presented by Nanuri Safaris. (From left) Bernard Murunya,Chief Conservator, NCAA, United Republic of Tanzania; Hon. HalimaMamuya, M.P., NCAA Board Director, United Republic of Tanzania;Dotti Kirk, Dot.Away Travel; Essau P. Pwelle, African BanjoistPerformer; John Benedict Malago, Managing Director, Nanuri SafariCompany Ltd.

T A N Z A N I A R E S O U R C E D I R E C T O R Y

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Ruaha @ 10:00 hrs

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Seronera @ 13:50

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Mwanza @ 16:00 hrs

South Bound Flights

Mwanza @ 0830 hrs

Grumeti @ 09:35

Seronera @ 10:55

Manyara @ 11:50

Arusha @ 12:00/13:30

Tarangire @ 14:00 hrs

Ruaha @ 1500 hrs

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ZARA Tanzania Adventures is Tanzania’s leading Kilimanjaro trekking operator and

one of the country’s biggest and most experienced safari companies. As we operate

our own hotels and safari camps, we can offer the best value of any operator in Tanzania.

TANZANIA TOURISM DELEGATION WELCOMEDAT NY SKAL CLUB LUNCHEON

A Tanzania delegation, led by the Hon. Halima Mamuya, M.P,Board Director of Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority(NCAA), were welcomed at a New York Skal Club luncheon inFebruary by NY Skal president, Juan Sepulveda. The delegation,in addition to Hon. Mamuya, in New York City for the New YorkTimes Travel Show, included Bernard Murunya, Chief Conservator,NCAA; Suleiman Saleh, Second Secretary, Tanzania Embassy inWashington DC; Ignas Gara, Chief Warden, Kitavi National Park,Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), as well as Karen Hoffman (aNY Skal member) and Jane Thompson, both of The BradfordGroup, which represents the Tanzania Tourist Board in the U.S.

Skal International, an Association of Travel and TourismProfessionals, was founded in 1934. Its mission is to promoteglobal tourism and friendships. Skal has chapters in most majorcities throughout the world. The organization has nearly 25,000members.Tanzania Tourist Board, www.tanzaniatouristboard.com; New York Skal Club, www.nyskal.com

TURKISH AIRLINES TO LAUNCH SERVICE TODAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA, IN JUNE

The Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) has announced that TurkishAirlines will launch scheduled service from Istanbul to Dar esSalaam, the commercial capital of Tanzania on the Indian OceanCoast. The Turkish Airlines flights to Dar es Salaam are expectedto begin June 2010 in time for the peak tourism season in Tanzania.

According to Mr. Amant Macha, TTB’s acting ManagingDirector, “Tanzania applauds this move by Turkish Airlines and itis a good indicator of the passenger demand for tourism and trade

between our two countries. We expect that this new service willboost the number of Turkish visitors by about 25,000. We also an-ticipate that this will be yet another gateway for the American mar-ket, who would be interested in combining these two very popular,but different destinations. “

Ihsan Baytan, Director, Turkish Airlines in New York, said thatflights from New York’s JFK to Dar es Salaam will have good con-nections through Istanbul. He also added that Turkish Airlines inNorth America looks forward to working together with theTanzania Tourist Board to promote packages to Tanzania with op-tional layovers in Istanbul.Tanzania Tourist Board, www.tanzaniatouristboard.com; Turkish Airlines, www.turkishairlines.com

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS IN TANZANIAWORTH EXPERIENCING

Tanzania’s Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair, set for June 4–6,2010, is the largest and most ambitious travel industry event inEast Africa. It is unique because it’s an outdoor event that offers areal safari experience. Over 250 exhibitors and thousands of re-gional and international visitors are expected to attend the fair,which is open to the trade June 4, and to the public June 5–6.Travel industry suppliers, large and small, including tour operators,tourist boards, hoteliers, and support service representatives andequipment manufacturers are typical participants. Internationaltravel trade journalists regularly cover the event along with localmedia, and “familiarization trips” are being offered to encourageinternational travel agents to attend.

Movie buffs shouldn’t miss the Zanzibar International FilmFestival (ZIFF) July 10–18, 2010. This is an annual film festivalheld in Zanzibar, Tanzania. There is nothing more exotic thenwatching a film on a balmy, Zanzibar evening in an outdoor Romanamphitheater. It has been described as the largest cultural event inEast Africa. Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair, www.karibufair.com; Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), www.ziff.or.tz;Tanzania Tourist Board, www.tanzaniatouristboard.com


TANZANIA

(Left to right) Suleiman Saleh, Second Secretary, Tanzania Embassy inWashington DC; Jane Thompson, The Bradford Group; Ignas Gara,TANAPA; Hon. Halima Mamuya, M.P., NCAA Board Director; JuanSepulveda, SKAL president; Bernard Murunya, Chief Conservator,NCAA; Karen Hoffman, The Bradford Group and TTB USA.

TWN

Celebrating 103 years since the end of the infamousMaji Maji rebellion, Songea town in the Ruvumaregion has been declared a historical tourist site inthe southern highlands of Tanzania. The sprawl-

ing business town was promoted to that status after the three-day festival in February organized jointly by the regional ad-ministration and the National Museum of Tanzania honoringthe heroes hanged there in 1906.

Activities for this special event also included the speciallaunch of the Maji Maji Memorial Museum. Data preservedthere will help Ruvuma Region to continue to attract touristsand assist government revenue. It will be the only museumin the region showing the original tools and weapons used bythe Ngoni and Matengo warriors during the Maji Maji war.It stands at the place where they were buried in a mass gravebehind the building.

The Maji Maji rebellion came about as a result of local tribesin the southeastern part of the country (notably the Matumbi,Yao, Ngoni and Mwera) rejecting German colonial occupa-tion of this part of Africa at the turn of the 19th century. TheGermans who took control of a large chunk of land in what ispresent-day Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, ruled with aniron fist. Each year on February 27, the Ngoni people inRuvuma commemorate the freedom fighters that resisted theoccupiers of then-Tanganyika in early 1906.

The rebellion was actually an uprising by several Africantribes in German East Africa against the German colonialrulers, in addition to the hardships caused by the rinderpestfamine that spread through Africa in the 1890s and other deprivations. As a result of the scramble for Africa amongmajor European powers in the 1880s, Germany had ended upwith several colonies on the “Dark Continent.” These wereGerman East Africa (now Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, andpart of Mozambique), German Southwest Africa (present-dayNamibia), Cameroon, and Togoland (today split betweenGhana and Togo).

The occupiers had a relatively weak hold on German EastAfrica, but they did maintain a system of forts throughout theinterior of the territory and were able to exert some controlover it. Since their hold on the colony was weak, they resortedto using violently repressive tactics to control the population.They began levying head taxes in 1898, and relied heavily onforced labor to build roads and accomplish various othertasks.

In 1902 the governor also ordered villages to grow cotton asa cash crop. Each village was charged with producing a com-mon plot. The headmen of the village were left in charge ofoverseeing the production, a position that left them vulnera-

ble to criticism and rage from the population. And using reg-ular villagers with other things to do to produce cotton wasextremely unpopular across Tanzania. In many places theysimply refused to work the land, or refused payment. Theseunpopular policies had serious effects on the lives of Africans.

The social fabric of society and men’s and women’s roleshad to change to face the needs of the communities. Sincemen were forced away from their homes to work, women hadto assume some traditional male roles. In addition, the factthat men were away strained the resources of the village andthe peoples’ ability to deal with their environment and remainself-sufficient. These effects created a lot of animosity againstthe government at this period. Adding to the hardship, in1905 a drought threatened the region. This, combined withopposition to the government’s agricultural and labor poli-cies, led to open rebellion against the Germans in July.

The natives turned to magic to drive out the German colo-nizers and used it as a unifying force in the rebellion. A spiritmedium named Kinjikitile Ngwale claimed to be possessedby a snake spirit called Hongo. Ngwale began calling himselfBokero and developed a belief that the people of German EastAfrica had been called upon to eliminate the colonizers.German anthropologists recorded that he gave his followerswar medicine that would turn German bullets into water. This“war medicine” was in fact water (maji in Swahili) mixedwith castor oil and millet seeds. Empowered with this new liq-uid, Bokero’s followers began what would become known asthe Maji Maji Rebellion.

Besides the Maji Maji warriors’ hanging place, the Ruvumaregion of today is identified by rich tourist attractions—cul-tural heritage, historical sites and scenery, among them theMatongo Forest Reserve, Luhira Game Reserve, and theGerman Boma originally built in Songea in 1902.Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), [email protected], www.tanzaniatouristboard.com


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The annual Maji Maji festival in Songea now on the tourism circuit.

Historic Songea Town in Tanzania Declared a Tourist Site

OMONG’WE TRAVEL & TOURS PROMOTING PANGANI

When tourists plan to travel to Tanzania, most of the time placeslike Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar top theirlists. These famous destinations are all known for their beauty andnatural wonders. However, there have been other new destinationsin Tanzania that cater to various niche markets. One of these isPangani.

Pangani lies about 28 miles south of Tanga. It is a historic townthat was the center of an armed movement to resist German colo-nial conquest of the entire mainland Tanzanian coast in 1888.Pangani also became a center for smuggling slaves across the nar-row channel to Pemba after Sultan of Zanzibar signed treaties withGreat Britain outlawing the ocean-going trade in slaves in 1873.

Apart from its historic sites, recently Pangani has become famouswith tourists because of its tropical, unspoiled nature. Coconut-fringed beaches have various eco-friendly lodges. Pangani offersmany activities such as cultural tours, Pangani River cruises, watersports like diving, snorkeling, kayaking and a trip to MaziweIsland, one of the oldest marine reserve islands in Tanzania. TheMaziwe sand bar is home to protected coral reef, green turtles andspinner and bottlenose dolphins. Conditions are excellent for snor-keling and diving.

Omong’we Travel & Tours expertly arranges travel to Pangani andother famous travel destinations in Tanzania such as Serengeti,Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. They are able to customizean end-to-end package that will include travel, accommodation andvarious activities according to individual travel desires and needs.Omong’we Travel, [email protected],www.omongwetravel.com

COASTAL AVIATION RESCHEDULESRUAHA/SERENGETI FLIGHTS

Coastal Travels Ltd. is bringing Northern and Southern Tanzania“closer” together. As of June 2010, they are rescheduling flightsto connect Serengeti National Park in the North and RuahaNational Park in the South via Arusha. This will make it easier for

a Tanzania Safari to include both Northern and Southern Circuits,ensuring a fuller, more diverse travel experience.

The Serengeti National Park, named the new Seventh Wonder ofthe World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is host to thelargest and longest overland animal migration in the world. Sinceit is a world-renowned icon, and adjacent to the Ngorongoro Crater,it is the most popular and most traveled destination on the safaricircuit. Ruaha, the second largest National Park in Africa, is oneof Tanzania’s “undiscovered jewels,” receiving far fewer visitorsthan Parks in the North, yet providing a totally different and richerSafari.

Amant Macha, Marketing Director, Tanzania Tourist Board said“Until recently, most first-time visitors only had time to seeTanzania’s famous icons in the North, Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, LakeManyara, and Tarangire. Now, as flight service improves betweenthe North and South, the visitor can also discover in the same visit,the excitement and beauty of the South—Ruaha, the Selous,Mikumi, Kitulo.”

For Coastal’s Arusha to Ruaha flight, the aircraft takes off at1:30 pm. This gives plenty of time for guests to land in Arusha be-fore transferring to Ruaha flying via Tarangire. The flight arrivesin Arusha at approximately 4 pm, depending on stops(Tarangire/Dodoma). The return flight departs Ruaha at 9:30 amand arrives in Arusha around noon, depending on stops. It connectsto Serengeti at 12:30 pm.

The complete list of destinations in the South is: Tanga, Pemba,Zanzibar, Mafia, Songo Songo, Kilwa, Selous, Ruaha and Dar esSalaam.Coastal Travels Limited, www.coastal.cc; Tanzania Tourist Board,www.tanzaniatouristboard.com

ANTELOPE SAFARIS SHOWS OFF AFRICAAntelope Safaris Limited, established in 1994, has offices in

Tanzania’s business city of Dar es Salaam and in Arusha, the hubof safari activities. Services include air ticketing, car rentals, ac-commodations and city tours. They also organize photography, cul-tural, religious, nature and adventure eco-tours.

Tanzania is famous for its game parks, to be sure, but the entirecountry displays vast and undisturbed natural wonder, andAntelope Safaris shows it all.

The West is home to the chimps, and the magical beauty of LakeVictoria. In the north, the abundant, wild Serengeti, Tarangire,Lake Manyara and Arusha national parks can be offset by a climbto snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. OrNgorongoro Crater, teaming with lions, cheetahs, leopards, zebras,rhinos and gazelles. Southern Circuit safaris are in Mikumi,Katavi, Ruaha and Africa’s largest reserve, the Selous. Flying tothe pristine beaches on the East Coast of Zanzibar makes asparkling detour with its blue beaches, fresh seafood and exoticfruits. Antelope Safaris, [email protected], www.antelopesafaris.com


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ABSOLUTE ADVENTURE TRAVEL *281 217 8111 / 713 807 9620www.absoluteadventuretravel.com

ADVENTURES IN AFRICA *866 778 1089www.adventuresinafrica.com

THE AFRICA ADVENTURE COMPANY *800 882 9453www.africa-adventure.com

AFRICA DREAM SAFARIS *877 572 3274www.africadreamsafaris.com

AFRICAN MECCA *866 527 4281 email: [email protected]

AFRICAN TRAVEL INC.818 507 7893 ext 115www.africantravelinc.com

ASANTE SAFARIS *914 636 6017www.asantesafaris.com

BORN FREE SAFARIS & TOURS *800 472 3274www.bornfreesafaris.com

COX & KINGS *800 999 1758www.coxandkingsusa.com

DEEPER AFRICA *888 658 7102www.deeperafrica.com

FRIENDLY PLANET TRAVEL, INC.800.555.5765, Ext # 2020www.friendlyplanet.com

FOX SAFARIS818 891 1973http://www.foxsafaris.com/foxsafaris.php

G.A.P. ADVENTURES *800 465 5600www.gapadventures.com

GO AHEAD TOURS 800 590 1170www.goaheadtours.com

GOOD EARTH TOURS & SAFARIS877 265 9003http://www.goodearthtours.com

[email protected]

INTERNATIONAL EXPEDITIONS 800 633 4734www.ietravel.com

JUNCTION AFRICA(877) 659-4653www.junctionafrica.com

LION WORLD TOURS / SAA VACATIONS *800 387 2706www.lionworldtravel.com

MICATO SAFARIS *800 642 2861www.micato.com

MOSAIC RHINO TOURS951 353 2299www.mosaicrhinotours.com

MY SERENGETI SAFARI888-50-SIMBAwww.myserengetisafari.com

NATURAL MIGRATIONS 866 988 7575www.naturalmigrations.com

PRIVATE SAFARIS LTDTel: 678 662 3210http://www.privatesafaris.com

ROTHSCHILD SAFARIS800 405 9463http://www.rothschildsafaris.com

SAFARI VENTURES *888 341 7771www.safariventures.com

SOMAK HOLIDAYS USA877 40 SOMAK (east coast)800 75 SOMAK (west coast)

email: [email protected], www.somak.com/usa

TAUCK WORLD DISCOVERY *800 788 7885www.tauck.com

THOMSON SAFARIS *800 235 0289www.thomsonsafaris.com

* Tanzania Tourist Board award-winning tour operators

BOOK TANZANIA WITH THE FOLLOWING DESTINATION SPECIALISTS

402010201040THE WAY TO GO FOR 40 YEARS

THE PLACE TO MEET IS TANZANIA’S KARIBUTRAVEL AND TOURISM FAIR

Now in its 11th year, Tanzania’s Karibu Travel and Tourism Fairis the largest and most ambitious travel industry event in EastAfrica.

As such, it has become “the place to meet,” for the region’s travelindustry partners from around the world. The 2010 Karibu Fair,taking place June 4–6 just outside of Arusha, Tanzania’s safaricapital, promises to be the largest ever. The annual event is orga-nized by the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO),Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) and the Ministry of NaturalResources and Tourism (MNRT).

According to Amant Macha, TTB’s Acting Managing Director,“Tanzania is very proud that the Karibu Fair, what started as amodest initiative, has evolved into a major travel industry show-case for all the East African destinations.”

Part of the uniqueness and excitement of The Karibu Travel andTourism Fair is that it is an outdoor event that offers a real safariexperience. Over 250 exhibitors and thousands of regional and in-ternational visitors are expected to attend the 2010 Fair, open tothe trade June 4 and the public June 5 and 6. Travel industry sup-pliers, large and small, including tour operators, tourist boards,hoteliers, and support service representatives and equipment man-ufacturers are typical participants. International travel trade jour-nalists regularly cover the event along with local media, and “fa-miliarization trips” are being offered to encourage internationaltravel agents to attend.

James Haigh, Sales and Marketing Manager, Singita GrumetiReserves in Tanzania, in speaking about the Karibu Fair com-mented “I go to the Karibu Fair because I have found that it is theone event where one can meet all the major players, buyers and sup-pliers, in the East African tourism industry.”

Macha added “Since America continues to be Tanzania’s num-ber-one source market for tourists, we are making a special effortto attract more travel agents from the U.S. market. There are cur-rently over 1,400 qualified Tanzania Travel Agent Specialists in the

U.S., and we hope to encourage them to participate by offering spe-cial pre- and post-safaris.”Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair, www.karibufair.com; TanzaniaTourist Board, www.tanzaniatouristboard.com

SOUTHERN SUN DAR ES SALAAM PROGRAMSREWARD FREQUENT GUESTS

Southern Sun Dar es Salaam is superbly located: it borders theBotanical Gardens and the diplomatic offices of Dar es Salaam andis within walking distance of the central business district.

Its 152 well-appointed guest rooms include two suites, 10 execu-tive rooms and one room equipped specifically for physically chal-lenged guests. The hotel offers corporate and business support ser-vices that include complimentary WiFi Internet access andconference capabilities, 24-hour room service, laundry/dry-clean-ing services and ample secure parking.

Frequent business travelers accumulate Sun Rands, the currencyof Southern Sun’s award-winning Frequent Guest program, whichthey may apply toward free holidays for themselves and their fami-lies, in addition to other exclusive privileges. In addition, FrequentGuests receive a five-percent discount off SunBreaks rates and afurther five-percent discount when booking online with SouthernSun Hotels.

Known for its “best breakfast in town,” the Dar es Salaam hotel’sKivulini Restaurant overlooking swimming pool and BotanicalGardens creates stir-fry and buffet lunches too. Or, guests may feaston the exotic fusion of Swahili and continental cuisine in the hotel’sBaraza Grill, Cafe & Bar.Southern Sun Dar es Salaam, [email protected],www.southernsun.com

‘MORE THAN WELCOME PACKAGE’ ATMÖVENPICK HOTELS IN AFRICA

All across the African continent, travelers can benefit from a spe-cial “You are more than welcome package” from Mövenpick Hotelsthrough June 30. This means they can stay at any Mövenpick hotelor resort in Egypt, Tanzania, Mauritius, Morocco or Tunisia andget best available rate, guaranteed late checkout and upgrade toSea View or best available room.

In Dar es Salaam, Mövenpick’s Royal Palm Hotel combines EastAfrican culture and tradition with international standards. Free ac-cess to swimming pool, sauna and fitness center are included. An18-hole golf course and tennis courts are nearby.

Conference capabilities for up to 600 are state-of-the-art. RoyalPalm’s 230 rooms include Executive Rooms with their own privateExecutive Lounge, Junior Suites, Diplomatic Suites and aPresidential Suite. All have controllable air-conditioning, direct-dial phone/voicemail, high-speed Internet, satellite TV, hairdryer,safe, mini-bar and coffee-making facilities. A new “InteractiveTelevision” system, unique for the East African region, offers awhole range of in-room entertainment.Mövenpick Royal Palm Hotel, www.moevenpick-hotels.com


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Tanzania’s Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair is an outdoor event that offers participants a real safari experience.

EQUITANZ RESORTS COMFORTABLY CARE FORITS VISITORS TO MAJESTIC AFRICA

Equitanz Resorts consists of two resorts: Afrikan Sunstar Resortand Fortune Mountain Resort.

Afrikan Sunstar Resort is located in Karatu-Arusha some fourmiles-plus from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area entrance gate.Given its central location, African Sunstar Resort is perfect forthose visiting Tarangire, Lake Manyara National Parks or even en-route to Serengeti or Lake Eyasi. It provides 10 cottages inclusiveof 20 clusters, with two doubles/twin each and three executivesuites, all with a magnificent view of massive Ngorongoro.

All accommodation is very comfortable: exclusively furnished,with en-suite bathrooms, with a main building consisting of a lobby,restaurant, bar and an open-air terrace affording a lovely view of the famous African sunset. Guests can also relax at the swimming-pool facilities with poolside bar while they enjoy exoticcocktails, a well-chilled beer or other varieties of drinks from afully-stocked bar.

Fortune Mountain Resort is located in Marangu, only three milesto the Kilimanjaro National Park gates. It is ideal as a base beforeand after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, cultural tours, also forthose on vacation, honeymoon or weekend getaway. It offers 18 bigluxury rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Other facilities include aKibo Restaurant and Mawenzi Bar, Shira Lounge as well as a cus-tomized porters party garden area to celebrate the success ofclimbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.Equitanz Resorts, [email protected]. www.equitanzresorts.com

IN-DEPTH EXPERIENCES IN AFRICA WITHBONGO TOURS & SAFARIS

Bongo Tours & Safaris is a well-established tours and safariscompany based in Dar es Salaam but with operational offices inArusha and Moshi, Tanzania. The company organizes tailor-madesafaris ranging from photographic safaris, cultural tourism, bird-watching safaris as well as mountain climbing ones, for exampleMountain Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and the hills of NgorongoroConservation Area.

Services are also offered such as fixed-departure safaris, compre-

hensive transfers, hotel reservations, team-building activities andconference packages. Once-in-a-lifetime experiences are createdfor clients as they’re taken to explore and experience the wildthrough different national parks such as Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro,Serengeti, Tarangire, Manyara, Ruaha, and Selous, as well as vis-its to the beautiful beaches in Zanzibar, Bagamoyo, Mafia, Pemba,Kilwa and other places depending on the client’s needs. BongoTours can also organize tours to any of the East African countries.

Equipped with an excellent field driver and guides, Bongo goesthe extra mile to explore the product, trying as much as possible toavoid the beaten tracks, and not just “scratching the surface” ofthose places shown. Clients become involved in the country, its culture, its people and its wildlife—giving them rewarding lifetimeexperiences.

The style of Bongo’s safaris includes the use of quality lodges,tented camping adventures, biking, flying, and drive-in adventures.Services range from standard to luxurious accommodation. Privatecustomized safaris are also available. Apart from comfort, specialemphasis is put on safety and security of their clients at all times.

An accomplished safari outfitter, Bongo Tours & Safaris wel-comes opportunities to show clients around the great land ofKilimanjaro—The Roof of Africa, and the Spice Islands ofZanzibar.

Indeed, Tanzania is famed for its natural endowments, and BongoTours & Safaris likes to be remembered as ‘Master of The AfricanJungle’ because of its intimacy with the land. Bongo in Swahilimeans “brain,” and you cannot navigate your way through thehighly competitive tourism industry without using ingenuity to un-derstand and satisfy the needs of clients. Hence, the name.Bongo Tours & Safaris, [email protected], www.bongotours.com

OWNERS OF MARA BUSHTOPS CAMP TO OPENANOTHER IN SERENGETI

Award-winning Mara Bushtops Camp in the Masai Mara gamereserve is getting a sister in the Serengti National Park.

The five-star Serengeti Bushtops Camp will open June 1, 2010—in time for the great migration. The camp is located in the north-western part of the Serengeti, not far from the Mara River. Thenearest airstrip is Kogatende.

There are 12 tents, each with a private decking of over 1,290square feet with a unique sunken lounge and a hot tub. There is 24-hour power and butler service available. Dining is on a la cartebasis and is complimented by the camp’s wine cellar. Full-day andhalf-day game drives are offered in open 4x4’s with experienceddriver guides. Bush picnics, sundowners and walking safaris com-plete the experience.

“Bushtops hopping” between the Mara and Serengeti is offeredvia a flight link to/from Migori Airstrip with a border crossing atIsabenia and a road transfer to/from Serengeti Bushtops.Orion Hotels, [email protected], www.orion-hotels.net


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4 0510 issue tanzania - travel world news · a visit to world-renowned ngorongoro crater is an...

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