Tag: mikomazi

Tanzania’s Safari Circuits

by Boma Africa, posted in ADVENTURE, AFRICA, boma africa, BOMA COMMUNITY SCHOOL, Boma la Mama, culture, EAST AFRICA, Gallery, insect, kilimanjaro, LINDSAY KIMMET FOUNDATION, LION, Maternal Health, Midwife, Midwives, mountain, NGO, NON PROFIT, NON PROFIT TOUR CO, northern circuit, PRIMARY SCHOOL, SAFARI, serengeti, TANZANIA, tanzip, TOURISM, TRAVEL, trekking, VOLUNTEER, WILDLIFE, ZIPLINE

When you set out on safari in Tanzania you will realize you have landed in the heartland of Africa. Endless plains, vast blue skies, caravans of elephants, and baby baboons playing in shade of tall grasses: the mystery and beauty of the people and landscape will not cease to amaze. All the imaginings and dreams you envisioned about Africa will become reality as Boma Africa shows you the best of Tanzania.

The Swahili word “safari” literally means to travel, so even before you land in Tanzania, you have begun! From the moment of your arrival, Boma Africa will take care of everything, ensuring your safety, comfort, and amusement! You just have to enjoy the ride while you experience the best of African Safari.

There are four distinct safari circuits in Tanzania: Northern, Southern, Western, and Coastal.

The Northern Circuit is the most frequented by tourists likely because many famous Tanzanian sights such as Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti and Mt. Kilimanjaro are here. Other attractions include Mt. Meru, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Lake Natron, Lake Eyasi, Usambara and Lake Victoria. All the parks, towns, and attractions are close to each other, so one can experience the whole circuit via private car, spending only a few hours enroute in between each one.

Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is 328.4 square kilometers, and is located 62 km from the popular tourist town of Arusha. This national park has three impressive geological features: Ngurudoto Crater, Momella Lakes, and Mount Meru. Wildlife is abundant, and if you are lucky you may spot a leopard chilling in the big trees branches of the wild palm!

Special attractions of Arusha National Park include walking safaris, canoeing, and climbing to Socialist Peak, the summit of Mt. Meru. Mt. Meru takes 3-4 days to climb, and is a great acclimatization climb for those heading to Kilimanjaro. See LINK TO->Trekking for more details.

Kilimanjaro National Park

Kilimanjaro National Park has an area of 1668 square km. It is world famous for the scenery of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa. Day hikes are possible within the park, as well as 5-10 day climbing excursions to reach its Uhuru peak. Read our LINK TO->Kilimanjaro page for more information.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara is 330 square kilometres, and includes groundwater forest, plains, and the alkaline lake, all of which host a massive variety of wildlife. Primates are common in the jungle- like forest, while hippopotamus bathe in the shallow pools. This park is famous for tree climbing lions, hot springs, and adventures such as canoeing and biking.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire, just 2 hours from Arusha is a convenient starting point for safari, and makes an ideal day trip. Its 2850 square km have a strong resemblance to the Serengeti plains. Famous for herds of elephants hundreds strong, and gigantic baobab trees, Tarangire has a permanent water source which draws animals from far and wide in the dry season. When you see the sausage fruits hanging from their trees, check twice, be sure it’s not a leopard’s tail!

Serengeti National Park

World famous and indescribable, the plains of Serengeti offer the classic picture of African wildlife. Here is where you are likely to see lions on the hunt for zebra, or the colossal migration of a million wildebeest. Serengeti is a designated world heritage site, as one the largest wildlife refuges worldwide, covering 14763 square km.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Though it stretches well beyond the rim, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is known for its stunning caldera. An extinct volcano, the crater floor has permanent water and rich pasture, making an ideal habitat for wildlife. Some of Tanzania’s last black rhinoceros live within the crater, though they can be difficult to spot. This conservation area is also a World Heritage Site, acknowledged for the harmonious relationship between its Maasai habitants and wildlife.

Usambara Forest Reserve

A beautiful forest with rich botanical diversity. This is a trekking destination, and is most ideal for admiring flora and birding.

Mikomazi National Park

A perfect midway point between the Northern and Coastal Circuits, Mikomazi National Park is by-passed by many, but should not be missed. Features of this park are the successful re-introduction of wild dogs and the endemic black rhinoceros. This is the only park in Tanzania that has the massive rhinos within a fenced sanctuary. At 3245 square km, Mikomazi borders Kenya’s Tsavo National Park, and has recently been converted to a National Park rather than a Game Reserve.

Lake Victoria + Mwanza

Mwanza is a major Tanzanian port connecting to Uganda and Kenya via Lake Victoria, the world’s second largest fresh water lake. This fishing and agricultural community is the gate-way to the Islands of Lake Victoria, the Western Serengeti , Rubondo National Park, and Sukuma culture.

Lake Natron

Spending four hours on an uneven and dusty road will bring you to the shores of Lake Natron, the foot of Oldoinyo Lengai, and genuine Maasai-land at the village of Engaresero. Here bird watching on the lake, deep Maasai culture excursions, and climbing the active volcano Lengai are experiences that will endure in your memory for a lifetime.

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Leopard in the grass. Photo by Jarrad Seng. Boma Africa

10 things to know before climbing Kilimanjaro

by Boma Africa, posted in ADVENTURE, aerial park, AFRICA, boma africa, BOMA COMMUNITY SCHOOL, Boma la Mama, culture, EAST AFRICA, Gallery, insect, kilimanjaro, LINDSAY KIMMET FOUNDATION, LION, Maternal Health, Midwife, Midwives, mountain, NGO, NON PROFIT, NON PROFIT TOUR CO, northern circuit, PRIMARY SCHOOL, SAFARI, serengeti, TANZANIA, tanzip, TOURISM, training, TRAVEL, trekking, VOLUNTEER, WILDLIFE, ZIPLINE
  1. Choose your route
    • There are 6 routes on Kilimanjaro and the length of climbs ranges from 5 days to 9.  Some include camping at the crater rim, some have huts for sleeping, and some have a higher successful summit rate than others.  Click here to read more about the Kilimanjaro routes.
  2. Choose your outfitter (Boma Africa, obviously!)
    • There are many travel agents that sell the tours to a second hand outfitter “on the ground” in Tanzania or Kenya. It’s worth confirming who will be executing your climb so that you can have all the information on their safety standards and services provided.  www.bomaafrica.com
  3. Training
    • Being in good health and fitness is an asset when attempting to summit Kilimanjaro. Cardiovascular training, along with some climbing/ mountainous hiking can help to prepare you.  To reduce the risk of altitude sickness you can spend some time at higher altitude before your climb. You can do this by doing some hiking at home, or in and around Arusha.  Read more about preparing for your climb here!
  4. Break in  your boots
    • A good pair of boots is a must on Kilimanjaro. They should have good ankle support, water proof, and warm, and of course, be comfortable!  IF you are buying new boots for this epic adventure, make sure you break them in before you come. Nothing is worse than finishing off day 1 with a giant blister!
  5. Practice your day pack
    • Same as above- if you are getting a new day pack, break it in!  Practice putting in all the items you will be carrying for the day to make sure everything fits and you will be comfortable.  Typically you would carry rain gear, 3L of water, your lunch box, sunscreen, a hat, lipsyl, your camera, and extra layers of clothing, that either get peeled off or get put on as the day goes by.  What to expect on the mountain is explained in more detail here.
  6. Think about Medication
    • You may want to discuss with your physician to see if taking medication to help prevent altitude sickness is a good option for you. Also ask about other medications or vaccinations you might need for travel to Tanzania.
  7. Bring an SPF lipsyl
    • Make sure you bring a lipsyl with SPF!
  8. Remember “Pole Pole”- walk slowly!
    • Walking slowly will increase your chances of submitting successfully!  Conserve your energy and give your body time to adjust to changes in altitude.  This will be on the of the first Swahili words you will learn from your guides, Pole, pole- Slowly!
  9. Drink a sip of water every 10 minutes
    • Hydration is important in any physical endeavour, and dehydration can increase the risk of altitude sickness. Taking frequent small sips throughout your climb keeps you well hydrated and fit to climb to Uhuru peak!  To see your packing list, click here.
  10. Turn back if reccommended
    • Your guides are trained to recognize the signs of altitude sickness and fatigue. If they have concerns regarding your health they will recommend beginning to descend. While this can be very disappointing, it’s important to take their advice seriously.  Kilimanjaro is a friendly mountain, climbed by thousands, young and old, from around the world every year, but needs also to be taken seriously as altitude sickness can be a very serious health hazard.  More on safety here.

Questions?  Email us at info@bomaafrica.com

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