TAWA TOURISM Explore New products, ...new taste of Tanzania’s safari packages... • Game reserves • Wildlife Parks • Cultural Heritage Sites • Beach & Islands TAWA HEADQUARTERS Dar-es-salaam Road, TAFORI Building, Kingolwira Area, P.O. Box 2658, MOROGORO – TANZANIA E-mail: cc@tawa.go.tz Tel: +255 (0) 23-2934204-11 TANZANIA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY TAWA M A M L A K A Y A U S I M A M I Z I W A W A N Y A M A P O R I TAWA AT A GLANCE................................................ ......................................................TAWA IN NUMBERS 27 Game Reserves Covering a total area of 97,187.06 Km2 23 Game Controlled Areas Covering a total area of 39,100 Km2 14.4 % 400 10 30 % 3 Wetlands of International Importance Ramsar Site covering a total area of 42,700 Km2 Wildlife Management Areas Covering a total area of 28,223.13 Km2 of the world’s Cichlid species are found in Lake Nyasa Lundo Island ɉVKVSHFLHV in Lundo Island - Lake Nyasa Important Bird Areas (IBAs) by Birdlife International, 12.5% of all IBAs in Tanzania 36,287.06 Km2 total land size in Tanzania is Conserved by TAWA Overseeing 21 67 Oversees operation of privately owned Wildlife Captive Facilities across Tanzania TAWA M A M L A K A Y A U S I M A M I Z I W A W A N Y A M A P O R I 5 W W W.TAWA .GO.T Z | TANZ ANIA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORIT Y TOURIST MAP OF TANZANIA GAME RESERVES AND TOURISM SITES Æ I Æ I Æ I Æ I Æ I Lindi Tabora Mbeya Katavi Ruvuma Morogoro Iringa Singida Kigoma Manyara Pwani Arusha Dodoma Tanga Mara Rukwa Geita Kagera Simiyu Njombe Mtwara Shinyanga Mwanza Kilimanjaro Dar es salaam Tabora Zoo Ruhila Zoo Kilwa Ruins Lundo Island Makuyuni Wildlife Park Selous GR Rungwa GR Ugalla GR Inyonga GR Kizigo GR Moyowosi GR Uwanda GR Rukwa GR Kilombero B Muhesi GR Piti GR Lukwati GR Luganzo-Tongwe GR Lwafi GR Maswa GR Kilombero A Wami-Mbiki GR Igombe GR Pololeti GR ( A) Mpanga_kipengere GR Msanjesi GR Swagaswaga GR Mkungunero GR Ikorongo GR Liparamba GR Grumeti GR Pololeti GR ( B) Lukwika Lumesule GR Kijereshi GR Pande GR ± 0 170 85 Km Tanzania Game Reserves and Tourism Sites Legend Æ I Tourism_sites Roads Makuyuni_wildlife_Farm Regions Game_Reserves International Boundary Water_Bodies_and_Ocean Datum: WGS 1984, Zone 35S, 36S & 37S KENYA MOZAMBIQUE RWANDA BURUNDI CONGO ZAMBIA MALAWI UGANDA TANZ ANIA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORIT Y | W W W.TAWA .GO.T Z TAWA M A M L A K A Y A U S I M A M I Z I W A W A N Y A M A P O R I 6 WHERE I WILL TAKE YOU! WHERE YOU WILL OVERNIGHT! A warm welcome to Tanzania’s hinterland.... TAWA M A M L A K A Y A U S I M A M I Z I W A W A N Y A M A P O R I 7 W W W.TAWA .GO.T Z | TANZ ANIA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORIT Y TAWA M A M L A K A Y A U S I M A M I Z I W A W A N Y A M A P O R I TANZ ANIA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORIT Y | W W W.TAWA .GO.T Z KIJERESHI ‘Explore the turning point of the Great Wildebeest Migration’ Overview Kijereshi Game Reserve was established in 1994 with a total area of 66 km 2 . The reserve is situated in north-western Tanzania, within the Serengeti ecosystem. It borders Serengeti National Park to the northeast and Lake Victoria to the west. The combination of its small area size, large concentration of game species across the reserve due to its proximity with Serengeti, and good accessibility provide a relaxing game viewing experience in a relatively short period of time. Location and Weather Lake Victoria, which is less than 3kms from the western border of the reserve, favours the semi- arid climate of the area. Annual mean temperature ranges between 18°C and 31°C in Cold and hot seasons, respectively. The long rainy season, which starts from March to May, has an annual maximum rainfall of around 850mm. Unique features and attractions Scenic Beauty: The reserve is composed of grassland plains, savannah, riverine forest, and woodlands dominated by Acacia trees in the eastern part. Wildlife: Animal species available in the Reserve include lion, African buffalo, African elephant, impala, wildebeest, jackals, Maasai giraffe, zebra, ostrich, hyena, warthog and a number of bird species. The widespread acacia trees and sparsely distributed shrubs in the reserve provide a good vantage point for visitors to see the wildlife from a distance. Tourism Activities The are offers unmatched tourism experiences in the Serengeti ecosystem that includes; • Game drives • Night game drives to view nocturnal wildlife • Walking safaris, • Camping safaris, • Bird watching safaris, • Cycling, • Bush meals and Sundowner Where to stay The reserve has two public campsites with toilet facilities, provisional kitchen and dining shades. Visitors can opt to stay outside the reserve in lodges and hotels located on the shore of Lake Victoria and those inside the Serengeti National Park. Getting there Kijereshi Game Reserve is 130kms from Mwanza City, along the Mwanza-Musoma highway and about 100kms from Musoma. There is an airstrip, which enables visitors to access the reserve using chartered flights. For further information / booking Contact: Kijereshi Game Reserve Office Email: kijereshigr@tawa.go.tz TAWA M A M L A K A Y A U S I M A M I Z I W A W A N Y A M A P O R I 9 W W W.TAWA .GO.T Z | TANZ ANIA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORIT Y TAWA M A M L A K A Y A U S I M A M I Z I W A W A N Y A M A P O R I TANZ ANIA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORIT Y | W W W.TAWA .GO.T Z LAKE NATRON ‘The hub of Lesser flamingos’ Overview Lake Natron Game controlled Area (GCA) is located within the Lake Natron Basin, a Ramsar Site Wetland of International Importance, with 224,781ha (2,248km 2 ) between Monduli and Longido districts to the east and Ngorongoro to the west at 2° 30’ S, 36° E. Lake Natron is a salt- lake located in northern Tanzania, close to the Kenya border, in the eastern branch of the East African Rift Valley. Location and Weather Covering an area of 3,000 km 2 , the Lake Natron GCA was designated by the government notice of 1974. The Lake area covers a maximum of 57km long and 22km wide equivalent to an area of 1,254kmž. The surrounding area receives irregular seasonal rainfalls, mainly between December and May totalling 800mm per year. Temperatures at the lake are frequently above 40 °C (104 °F). The alkalinity of the lake can reach a pH between 9.5-12. The ecosystem is also rich in Maasai cultural heritage. The Maasai community near Lake Natron continues to practice their age-old pastoral ways of keeping livestock, moving their herds in harmony with nature’s patterns. The time-tested ways of the Maasai pastoralism are environmentally sustainable and beneficial to wildlife and Lake Natron ecosystem. Unique features and attractions Wildlife: The area harbours easily and rarely spotted species of wildlife ranging from African buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, waterbuck, eland, oryx, hyena, lion, leopard, jackal, hare, Greater & Lesser kudus, giraffe, impala, Thomson gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, tortoise, baboon, ostrich, flamingo and hundreds of terrestrial bird species. The Lake: The Lake lies low in the Great Rift Valley surrounded by a landscape blotched with thorn trees and bushes. Its water flows from the southern Ewaso Ng’iro river which arises in central Kenya, Engaresero river in the southwest, passing near Engaresero village, Pinyinyi river which drains the north-west area in Loliondo district in Tanzania and by mineral-rich hot and cold springs. It is quite shallow, less than three meters deep and varies in its width depending on its water level. Lake Natron is the world’s most important breeding site for Lesser flamingos, a species which is classified as “Near Threatened” in IUCN’s red list. Its beauty with thousands of flamingo flocks is astonishing. These beautiful birds congregate here mostly from August to October to feed on abundant algae whose pigments are responsible for the birds’ pink colour. This forms one of the most important bird-watching and volcano trekking destination on this planet. Oldonyo Lengai: On the southern side of Lake Natron there is a majestic scenery of the Ngorongoro highlands with a standing active volcano from the floor of Rift Valley - Oldoinyo Lengai (the Maasai name meaning ‘the Mountain of God’). This cone shaped mountain is the only active volcano in Tanzania that produces natro- carbonatite lava, a unique occurrence of volcanic carbonatite. The temperature of its lava is only around 510 °C (950 °F) as it emerges and thus referred to as the coolest lava. A few older extinct carbonatite volcanoes are located nearby waiting you to explore. The mountain rises from the Gregory Rift Valley floor to the height of 2,960m. TAWA M A M L A K A Y A U S I M A M I Z I W A W A N Y A M A P O R I 11 W W W.TAWA .GO.T Z | TANZ ANIA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORIT Y Trekking this active volcanic mountain takes place at night. Ascending starts between 22:00 and 00:00; then conquers the summit around 6:00a.m. Descending starts before it gets hot. Visitors enjoy breath taking and hair-raising views of the gorges and surrounding volcanic features of the Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Natron and the Ngorongoro highland. Trekking this active volcanic mountain takes place at night. Ascending starts between 22:00 and 00:00 then conquer the summit around Engaresero Waterfalls: The area harbours beautiful waterfalls that offer magical hiking beneath rocky Engaresero river gorges. Tourists leave their 4X4 safari vehicles after driving 3kms from the Engaresero village office; then start walking along the Engaresero river gorges towards the waterfalls. The nature walk to and from the waterfalls takes two hours. Engaresero Hominid Footprints: These are among the oldest modern human tracks in the world dating 120,000 years ago. The Engaresero footprints were discovered in 2006 and are the best-preserved pathways of early modern humans. These footprints present scientific record of the earliest modern man. Tourism activities The area offers the following tourist experiences: • A visit to Lake Natron to view flamingoes; • Bird watching around the Lake; • Game drive • Visit to the hot spring; • Hiking to the waterfalls; • Visit to the Engaresero hominid footprints; • Hiking up the Rift Valley escarpment; • Trekking to Embalulu crater and Leparakash plains; • Oldonyo Lengai trekking, and • Experience of the Maasai culture Where to stay A number of lodges and campsites are available within and around Engaresero village. camping grounds are available where one could bring own camping gears and food. Getting there By Road: Lake Natron lies about 220kms north- western of Arusha town on the lower slopes of Oldonyo Lengai on the floor of the Rift Valley. There are three options of road access. One can drive through Arusha-Longido-Lake Natron route or take Arusha-Mto wa Mbu -Lake Natron or drive from Serengeti National Park Klein’s gate -Loliondo – Lake Natron. By Air: There is one airstrip at Lake Natron where chartered flights can be accommodated. The airstrip is located between Lake Natron and Oldonyo Lengai, close to most of the camps in the area. For further information: Contact: Lake Natron Ecosystem Office E-mail: lakenatronecosystem@tawa.go.tz or lakenatronrs@tawa.go.tz TANZ ANIA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORIT Y | W W W.TAWA .GO.T Z TAWA M A M L A K A Y A U S I M A M I Z I W A W A N Y A M A P O R I 12 ENGARESSERO WATERFALLS MT. OL DOINYOU LENGAÏ TAWA M A M L A K A Y A U S I M A M I Z I W A W A N Y A M A P O R I TANZ ANIA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORIT Y | W W W.TAWA .GO.T Z LUNDO ‘The paradise of ornamental fish’ Overview Lake Nyasa is a romantic and adventurous tourism lovers’ paradise. The lake is also known as the “Lake of Stars”. It is one among Rift Valley lakes with most of its physical features resembling those of Lake Tanganyika. These features make the lake unique and provide numerous opportunities for water sports. The lake is enormously rich with diverse ornamental fish species and is one of the most appealing lakes offering unforgettable underwater views. Lundo Island is located at Lake Nyasa and was known before colonial rule where the chief who ruled the neighbouring villages resided in a village called ‘‘Lund’. This name was mistakenly pronounced and later known as Lundo. The Island covers an area of 19.85 ha is rich in biodiversity with unique offerings including ornamental fish, superb beaches and diverse wildlife species. Location and Weather Lundo Island is located in Nyasa District, Ruvuma Region at latitude 36 L 693385 UTM 8752107 at an altitude of 471 meters (1,545 ft) from sea level. Lundo Island experiences a single rainy season, from December to April. cold months are from June to July and warm months are from September to November. Unique features and attractions Ornamental fish: The Island harbours more than 400 species of fish that live in the crystal- clear water of Lake Nyasa. Among fish species available are Zebra Gold breast orange top, Tropheops Weed Tanzania, Elongatus spot, Variable Tanzania, Msobo, Zebra Mbambabay compact, Tropheops Red fin, Tropheops chilumba, Elongatus sand, Elongatus mbamba and Elongatus luhuchi. Clear fresh lake water: The lake is filled with clear water which allows tourists to view fish and other aquatic resources. clear and fresh water provides unique swimming experience. In contrast to other lakes, the water of Lake Nyasa is Bilharzias free. Wildlife: The island is home to wildlife species such as impala, dik-dik, pangolin, lizards, snakes, Rock hyrax and otta. Birds: The island harbours bird species such as swallows, weavers, Fish eagle, pigeons, kingfishers, hawks, hammerkop, cormorants, doves and swifts. White sand beach: The lake shores are characterized by beautiful white sand beaches that provide visitors with relaxed and romantic environment for maximum enjoyment. Tourism activities The island offers a number of tourist activities including: • Boat safaris, • Walking safari, • Canoeing, • Bird watching, • Swimming, • Fish massage, • Camping, • Sport-fishing, • Game viewing, and • Filming and photographing Where to stay Currently, visitors can opt to camp in the island where there are basic facilities and platforms for placing tents. Another option is to have an overnight in hostels, hotels and guest houses located in the towns of Mbamba Bay, Mbinga and Songea town. Getting there Tourists can access Lundo Island by road and air from Dar es Salaam to Songea town. Lundo Island offices are located in Mbamba Bay, 165 kms south-west of Songea town through Mbinga District. For further information: Contact: Lundo Island Office Email: liparambagr@tawa.go.tz TAWA M A M L A K A Y A U S I M A M I Z I W A W A N Y A M A P O R I 15 W W W.TAWA .GO.T Z | TANZ ANIA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORIT Y TAWA M A M L A K A Y A U S I M A M I Z I W A W A N Y A M A P O R I TANZ ANIA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORIT Y | W W W.TAWA .GO.T Z MAKUYUNI ‘A paradise of rarely spotted wildlife’ Overview Makuyuni Wildlife Park is located in northern Tanzania, Makuyuni ward, Monduli District, Arusha region. Makuyuni Wildlife Park which covers an area of 49km 2 is renowned as part of the larger Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem well known for its remarkable conservation values and home to a magnificent unique array of wildlife species Location and Weather The park supports the connectivity and migration of wild animals within the Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem. It allows migration between Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Randilen and Burunge Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), Manyara Ranch and Essimingor Forest Nature Reserve. It is located between latitudes 3025’30” S and 3031’30” S and longitudes 3604’30” E and 3608’30” E. The area lies in the semi-arid zone characterized by a prolonged dry season of up to seven months. The rainfall is unreliable and variable in distribution. The area has two distinct seasons of wet season, which starts from March to May and the dry season, from July to November. The average annual rainfall ranges between 500mm and 700mm, while the mean annual temperature ranges between 200° c and 300° c. Unique features and attractions Wildlife: The area is within Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem. The area harbours unique and rarely spotted species such as oryx, Lesser kudu, Greater kudu and African wild dogs. Other common available species that can be seen includes African elephant, Maasai giraffe, lion, African buffalo, zebra and impala. The area is also a paradise for bird watchers as it is home to colourful birds such as starlings, hornbills, rollers, eagles, owls, African hoopoe, weavers and doves. Scenery: This park has undulating hills with varying shapes, potential for hiking, picnic, sundowner, bird watching and enjoying the scenic beauty of the area. The Lossimingori mountain ranges and escarpments form an outstanding combination of plateau flat highland areas, valleys facing Lake Manyara basin, Tarangire hill and lowland dry acacia wooded grasslands providing a magnificent view. Cultural tourism: The area is endowed with a sacred site (Oretetiii), under a fig tree, representing local traditions, rituals and sacrifices used by the Maasai tribe; making it more attractive. TAWA M A M L A K A Y A U S I M A M I Z I W A W A N Y A M A P O R I 17 W W W.TAWA .GO.T Z | TANZ ANIA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORIT Y Getting there By road: The main gate of the park can be reached by road 70km from Arusha and 95km from Babati via the Great North Arusha-Babati highway, and 7km from Makuyuni village. It is 71km from Karatu via Makuyuni and Mto wa Mbu villages. For further information/booking: Contact: Makuyuni Wildlife Park Office E-mail: mwp@tawa.go.tz Tourism activities The main tourism activities in the park include; • Game drive (day time), • Night Game drive, • Walking safaris, • Wilderness trekking, • Camping safaris, • Bush meals, • Sundowner, • Wilderness cycling, • Bird watching, • Picnicking, • Cultural tours, Where to stay There are several options for overnight stays in the area If you want to be closer to nature and listen to different bird songs, you can opt to camp in different campsites in MWP. In the vicinity there are several tourist lodges at the Randilen and Burunge WMAs, Makuyuni village and Mto wa Mbu. TANZ ANIA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORIT Y | W W W.TAWA .GO.T Z TAWA M A M L A K A Y A U S I M A M I Z I W A W A N Y A M A P O R I 18 TAWA M A M L A K A Y A U S I M A M I Z I W A W A N Y A M A P O R I TANZ ANIA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORIT Y | W W W.TAWA .GO.T Z MPANGA KIPENGERE ‘The land of magical waterfalls’ Overview Mpanga Kipengere Game Reserve has a total size of 1,574 km 2 and was gazetted under the Government Notice No. 483 on 25 th October, 2002. The reserve borders three districts of Wanging’ombe (to the east), Makete (to the south), and Mbarali (to the north and north-west). The scenic south-western parts of the reserve, which are plateau-like ridges of mountains forming part of the eastern escarpment of the East African Rift Valley, are the highest. . Weather Although average temperatures range from 22° c to 16° c, between May and July night-time temperatures may drop below freezing point in the Kipengere plateau leading to frost. It is a rainy area, especially in the western and southern parts of the reserve where total annual rainfall is not less than 1400mm; most of which falls in the months of March to May. Unique features and attractions Waterfalls: Visiting the reserve is quite special and a lifetime experience. There is an abundance of natural hydrological features such as rivers, streams and cascading waterfalls. Eight waterfalls are currently accessible in the reserve: Nyaugenge, Nyaluliva, Lyamakunohila, Ikovo, Kipengere, Nyihemi, Melela and the famous Kimani Waterfall. These falls provide another wilderness experience of swimming in the crystal-clear natural pools. Scenic beauty: Mpanga Kipengere Game Reserve has an array of beautiful flora in its scenic beauty. The Kipengere ranges, Mpanga highlands and Chafukwe Mountains are lovely landscapes for recreation, where tourists can enjoy the beautiful scenery of green mountains, plains and valleys. Colourful Miombo plants, which are dominant species in the reserve, not only support water catchment areas but also complement the scenic value of the area. Flowers: Plant species with attractive flowers include tuberous Orchids, Helichrysum species, Protea group, Rhizome and corm-bearing Iridaceous species dominate the area. Wildlife: The reserve harbours a variety of small to megafauna including rodents, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish. The area is also rich in birdlife including the resident Denham’s bustard and migratory birds such as Blue swallow and Abdim’s stork. Endemic species: Mpanga Kipengere forms an important home of endemism. It is also home to Tubercle-nosed chameleon, Marsh widow, Njombe Cisticola, Kipengere seedeater and a rare species of bird known as Fufumka. Cultural heritage: There are cultural heritage features within the reserve as well which are resourceful for a deeper understanding of local culture and liberation heritage. TAWA M A M L A K A Y A U S I M A M I Z I W A W A N Y A M A P O R I 21 W W W.TAWA .GO.T Z | TANZ ANIA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORIT Y The Chief Mkwawa cave provides evidence of fights that happened in the movements against colonial rule. Tourism activities The reserve offers diverse and unique tourism activities such as: • Walking safaris, • Hiking to the waterfalls, • Camping, • Stargazing, • Swimming, • Bird watching, • Filming and photographing. Where to stay The reserve has 10 furnished cottages embedded with kitchens and necessary facilities. Another option for nature lovers is camping near the Kimani Waterfalls where public campsite is installed with kitchen, bathroom, seating areas with shades. Getting there By road: The highway from Dar es Salaam to Mbeya through Ilembula, Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TANZAM Road) along the reserve’s northern boundary and provides easy and reliable access to the game reserve. Distance from Mbeya to the entrance is 88.3kms. By air: The visitors may opt to fly to Mbeya and land at Songwe Airport which is 90kms away from the reserve. For further information/booking Contact: Mpanga Kipengere Game Reserve Office Email: mpangagr@tawa.go.tz TANZ ANIA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORIT Y | W W W.TAWA .GO.T Z TAWA M A M L A K A Y A U S I M A M I Z I W A W A N Y A M A P O R I 22