I am in the South of Tanzania, just a 2 hour drive from the border of Mozambique.
The main tribe in this area came originally from Mozambique and is called Makonde. It is a matrilineal tribe, so children follow the maternal line and traditionally the man would move to the woman’s village. If he has several wives he would travel from village to village. Modern ‘work model” economy has changed life for this tribe and more and more women are dependant on men.
The main industry here is cashew nuts and Tanzania is known as one of the world’s best cashew producers. Unfortunately I am not here at the right time of year to see the beautiful cashew fruits but was completely shocked and amazed to see how cashews grow! When they are ripe they just fall off the tree and the farmer harvests them from the ground.
They are quite expensive here, assuming due to the global price of cashews. Tanzanians do snack on them, but they aren’t a common ingredient in meals.
We are offering an amazing yoga safari in October, 2018!
Imagine… sunrise yoga in the Serengeti, steaming chai masala, elephants wallowing at the watering hole, and the vibrancy of Africa beating in your heart…
Of course Tanzania is featured, it’s so amazing! They highlight the serene Ruaha National Park- it’s Tanzania’s largest park and is found on the Southern Safari circuit so is relatively quiet when it comes to tourist volume.
Ruaha National Park
This is Tanzania’s second largest park, and deemed also the second wildest park in Tanzania. Game routes follow the Ruaha River, where wildlife of all kinds migrates to catch a drink of life nourishing water. Leopards and lions wait in the grasses while antelope shyly make their way to the water’s edge, quickly sipping before escaping to safety! Ruaha has the distinction of housing a great diversity of antelope, affecting this park’s ecosystem to be unique, abundant, and magnificent.
Every time I go running up the wall of the rift valley here in Mto wa Mbu I pass the school and the community centre. In addition to the AMAZING view and the great workout , what makes me really happy is that there are children playing on the Sue and Martin Parnell playground! The playground is locally built and is the only public playground around. In addition there are new homes popping up around the area.
It has been 4 years since it was built and it is in need of some TLC. Such a gift for the students at the school, and the children living in the area that have a place to play! Repairs and upgrades that we would love to get done include;
creating a shade area for the hot days/ afternoons
putting sand/ soft ground down
repairing the merry go round that had an arm fall off
replace the wooden slide with a rolling PCV pipe slide
replace the wooden seats in the teeter- totter
install new additions
we already acquired about 20 old tires that we can use to build some cool climbing/ agility structures
WANT TO HELP?
We are accepting donations for playground upgrades!
You are planning your next holiday… Africa has always been on your bucket list- but why choose Tanzania?
1.Mount Kilimanjaro
Climbing Kilimanjaro is truly an amazing and extraordinary experience. The spectacular views, unique flora, and achievement of trekking this mountain cannot be duplicated. For many, Kilimanjaro is a lifelong dream, for others a last minute adventure. If you decide to climb Kilimanjaro, be ready to reach deep, triumph over fears and challenges, and celebrate your climb for many years to come!
Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa, and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world! It highest point, Uhuru Peak, is 5895 metres (19341 feet) above sea level.
Kilimanjaro is an inactive strato-volcano with three different volcanic cones, Shira, Kibo/ Uhuru, and Mawenzi.
Kilimanjaro is 3 degrees (330km) south of the equator and 88 from the Great Rift Valley. It is in Northern Tanzania, near to the border of Kenya.
Many years ago, Kilimanjaro was a popular destination for different tribes of East Africa, as it is the only place one can find snow! Shifting of peoples and intermarriage led to the development of new ethnic groups. The current tribe of Kilimanjaro region, the Chagga, is actually a newer tribe, made up of the many settling people of those past years. These people live in the first region of Kilimanjaro, the cultivated zone, and you will pass their homes and villages on the way to the park gate.
2. Zanzibar
Sultry and mysterious, the island of Zanzibar is the biggest of the “Spice Islands”. Tourists flock to Zanzibar for the beautiful beaches, snorkelling, spice tours, centuries old Arabic architecture and the ambiance that isn’t replicated anywhere in the world. It is a perfect paradise for indulging after climbing Kilimanjaro or a bone-jarring safari on rough roads.
Stonetown was awarded status as a World Heritage Site in 2000 and is accessed by a short flight from Arusha or a two hour ferry ride from Dar es Salaam.
3. Serengeti
Cheetah Photo by Jarrad Seng
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.
4. Tribes
Maasai Custom by Jarrad Seng
The Maasai are a semi nomadic pastoralist tribe, living in windowless smoky mud huts. A visit to their Boma reveals their everlasting traditional lifestyle, large polygamous families living and raising cattle for sustenance of life. Scattered throughout Kenya and Tanzania, the Maasai are known for their rites of circumcision, warrior status, and resonating chanting. Including a stopover to a Boma on your safari will be an evocative and unforgettable experience.
Hadazabe Bushman photo by Andrew Knapp
The Hadzabe are one of the last nomadic hunter-gatherer societies that traditionally subsist on roots and fruits gathered by the women, and the meat hunted by the men. Their most common prey is baboon, and the second, zebra! Visiting the Hadzabe at the shores of Lake Eyasi gives you the opportunity to glance into their lifestyle, by seeing their grass huts and communities or by participating in hunting, gathering, jewellery making and more.
5. Glamping
The tented camps in Tanzania are just stunning. Accommodation ranges from regular tent camping (with a private chef and tent crew) to the definition of “glamping”. These camps offer five star cuisine and gorgeous design, and are set amongst the diverse ecological backgrounds of Tanzania. Imagine sipping a glass of wine or cup of coffee in the middle of the Savannah as you watch herds of elephants or zebras walk right past your tent.
Stars & Palms, Lake Eyasi. Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma AfricaAcacia Rainbow. Tarangire National Park. Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma AfricaLake Eyasi. Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma AfricaNgorongoro Crater. Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma AfricaStrong roots, parasite tree. Udzungwa. Boma AfricaLake Natron. Photo by Leesha Mafuru. Boma AfricaMt. Meru. Boma AfricaThe Boma, Ngorongoro Highlands. Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma AfricaCrater Highlands Rift Valley Wall. Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma AfricaWaterfalls Trekking. Lake Natron. Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma AfricaView from Oldoinyo Lengai Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma AfricaBoma Africa at Oldoinyo Lengai. Photo by Inno Mafuru.
Leesha and Lau coordinated an incredible experience for me and my friend to work a local hospital in karatu. We worked in the labor and delivery ward and greatly enhanced our skill set as birth doulas. It was the kind of experience that I would never have been able to coordinate on my own. True local insider access. They also kindly coordinated a safari on our last day with their awesome staff Patrick and Ossman. It felt like we were kickin it with good friends all day. Patrick was our driver and we spent a lot of time with him- he is now one of my dear dear friends. I’m so grateful for him and the love he has for his country. I always felt safe and well taken care of! We stayed across the street from Leesha’s at Mama’s house which was comfortable and hospitible with a beautiful family. I couldn’t have imagined a better experience. And I didn’t feel like I tourist which I greatly appreciated! I highly recommend organizing your travels in Tanzania through Boma.
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.
Leopard in the grass. Photo by Jarrad Seng. Boma Africa
The is the first mantis I have seen in Tanzania… she showed up in the house, on the light switch, no less!
I only had my phone, so the picture isn’t as great as I had hoped, but what a cool little guy!
Mantis are known for their large, strong forearms which they use for trapping, and gripping their prey. They are ambush predators and large ones can even eat small birds, lizards, frogs, and vertebrates!
The praying mantis get their name from their upright posture, where they stand with their forelegs together, as if praying.
Mantis were thought to have super natural powers in some civilizations. They are also infamous for the fact that the female will sometimes eat her male partner after mating!
Tarangire Sunrise by Jarrad SengMayara Elephant by Andrew KnappLioness by Andrew KnappCrown Cranes by Boma AfricaSykes Monkey by Boma Africa“Pumba” Warthog. Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma AfricaEagle takes flight in Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma AfricaZebras in the dust. Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma AfricaLeopard in the grass. Photo by Jarrad Seng. Boma AfricaHyena takes her share. Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma AfricaDik Dik. Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma Africa.Mama & Baby. Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma AfricaAcacia Rainbow. Tarangire National Park. Photo by Andrew Knapp. Boma AfricaZebra Hunt in the Ngorongoro Crater. Photo by Andrew Knapp Boma Africa.
Sultry and mysterious, the island of Zanzibar is the biggest of the “Spice Islands”. Tourists flock to Zanzibar for the beautiful beaches, snorkelling, spice tours, centuries old Arabic architecture and the ambiance that isn’t replicated anywhere in the world. It is a perfect paradise for indulging after climbing Kilimanjaro or a bone-jarring safari on rough roads.
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