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MAMO MOUNTAIN TREKS & SAFARIS Ltd
NORTHERN CIRCUIT
LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
AREA: 319 Sq.Km.
ALTITUDE: 945 Metres
Lake Manyara is one of the most popular and attractive National Parks. A small area in size, it contains a variety of habitats and diverse animals and birds. Lake Manyara is famed for its tree-climbing lions and numerous migratory birds, including thousands of flamingoes.
In high vegetation near the park entrance, Baboons and Black monkey charter between cicada shrills. A beautiful scene to witness is the large flock of flamingoes descending on Lake Manyara, forming a line of shimmering pink which stretches for miles along the lake. More than 350 species of bird-life are found in Lake Manyara – like Pelicans, Egyptian, Geese, Ducks, Waders Herons, Storks, Grebes, Ibises, Kingfishers and of course the Flamingoes.
The wall of the Great Rift Valley forms the backdrop before which lies the ground water forest teeming with animals, areas of open grassland near the lake foreshore, the loveliest soda lakes. There are 5 distinct vegetational zones:-
a) Ground water forest with towering mahogany and fig trees.
b) Extensive marshland reeds
c) Plains of open grassland
d) Parklands scattered with acacia trees
e) Scrubland on the face of the Rift wall.
Accommodation:
Lake Manyara Hotel is built on the rift wall at a high altitude, thus offering a magnificent view of the lake and the park.
NGORONGORO CRATER:
Eden of African – 8th Wonder of the world!
AREA: 300Sq. Km.
ALTITUDE: 2286 Metres
Ngorongoro Crater is located in Northern Tanzania, west of the Great Rift Valley which runs from the Red Sea to Lake Nyasa in Southern Tanzania. It is the second largest extinct crater in the world, and has a spectacular concentration of wildlife. Ngorongoro was an active volcano some eight million years ago, whose cone collapsed, leaving a crater. The crater rim is wooded with mountain forest vegetation.
The Crater is oval in shape, 300sq. km. In area, 610m deep. Most of the big five are seen – Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Leopard and Buffalo.
Bird life includes Kori bustard, the Secretary bird, the Crested Crane, the Maribou stock, the Goliath, the Heron and the beautiful fish eagle birds, and thousands of flamingoes.
Others include Wildebeest, (50% of the population) Eland, Antelope, Dikdik, Zebra (25% of the population), Gazelle.
Predators include Hyena, Bat-eared Fox, Jackal, Cheetah, Lion.
Vegetation:
Blooming in acres of flowers e.g. Pink, Blue and White lupines, Candle white lilies, Blue hyacinth.
Accommodation:
Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge – 2286 metres above sea level, is situated on the rim of the crater, offering a breath-taking view of the crater.
OLDUVAI GORGE:
In the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a site of our NEARNDERTHAL MAN – THE Zinjathropus. In 1959 the Zinj skull discovered by Dr. Leakey at the Olduvai Gorge. Zinjathropus is believed to have lived 1/8 million years ago. According to Dr. Leakey, Homo Habilis, the Nutracker man, had a brain and hands capable of making tools and he was direct ancestor of modern man. In the 1970’s the foot-prints of animals and early hominids dating back to 3.5 million years were found by Mary Leakey at Laetoli some 45kms south of Olduvai Gorge.
In 1974 fossils of hominid tooth were discovered, dating back to 2.4 million years. Engaruka Site, discovered not very far from Olduvai is believed to be an ancient settlement of a later civilization. Between half a million and a million years ago, “Homo Erectus” a type of man, wondered around making use of hand axes. Many such tools were found at Olduvai. Modern Man, or “Homo Sapiens” evolved later and gradually improved the techniques of tool-making.
More than 150 different species of extinct mammals have been identified from the fossils, as well as many birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. An on-site Museum explains the archeological significance of the discoveries. Thie area, it seems, is the “Cradle of Mankind”.
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
AREA: 14763Sq.Km.
ALTITUDE: 1400Metres
Serengeti is as big as Northern Ireland. It is the most popular wildlife sanctuary in the world, fantastic in its natural beauty and unequalled in its scientific value. Serengeti contains about 4 million different types of animals. This park is a vast expanse of land with the largest concentration of animals. Animals found include the big five – Rhino, Leopard, Lion, Buffalo and the Elephant.
Also include are 700,000 Thomspon’s gazelle, 50,000 Grant’s gazelles, 1.5m Wildebeest, 200,000 Zebras, 2000 Lions, 800 Leopards, 500 Cheetahs, Lizards, Crocodiles and many more.
There are about 500 species of birds, more than 30 species of large herbivores.
Vegetation:
Serengeti’s low vegetation means that game viewing is relatively easy. It varies from open grass plains in the south, savannah with scattered acacia trees in the center, hilly wooded grassland in the north, to extensive woodland and black clay plains in the west. There are many small rivers, lakes and swamps scattered about. Animals live in absolute freedom on the endless plains.
Accommodations:
Seronera Wildlife Lodge.
The Lodge is situated in the heart of the Serengeti and is ideal for witnessing the seasonal migration of vast herds of plains animals. The lodge has 75 rooms with private bathrooms.
Lobo Wildlife Lodge:
The lodge is built into the faults and contours of a massive rock promontory overlooking the Serengeti plains. Breathtaking views of the Serengeti plains can be enjoyed from the lounge or swimming pool, carved out of a rock formation. The lodge has 75 rooms with private bathrooms.
MIGRATION:
One of the most unique and remarkable scenes is the annual migration. Usually in May/June, thousands of Wildebeest, Giraffe, Zebra, Gazelle and Buffalo migrate from the central plains westwards or northwards in search of water and pasture.
One column turns to the north while another column turns to the west, late turning eastwards to join the northern column. Then, together, the whole herd finally returns to the central plains, completing the circle, over 6000kms are thus covered.
As the herds move to new grazing ground, they are followed by predators such as Lions, Hyenas, Jackals and hunting dogs waiting for weak prey while vultures soar overhead waiting for their share of the kill.
Best time for visiting is December – May when the animals are gathered on a short-grass plains south of the park around Ndutu and Naabi gate, dispersed and moving back and forth in search of water and fresh grass until the end of the long rains.
In May, when the plains begin to dry up, the Wildebeest, together with other animals begin the long track westwards or northwards once again.
The migration involves between 500,000 – 1million animals out of the 4 million found in Serengeti.
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
AREA: 2600Sq.Km
ALTITUDE: 1100 Metres
Tarangire National Park covers an area of 2600Sq. Km. It is situated on the south of large open grass plains of southern Masailand. The name Tarangire is derived from Tarangire River which provides permanent water for Wildlife.
In the dry season, Tarangire has a high concentration of wildlife, second only to Ngorongoro Crater.
Animals found in Tarangire, include the Black Rhino, Lions, Leopards, Oryx, Gnu and greater and lesser Kudu. Also include are Wildebeest (25,000), Zebras (32,000), Thomspons Gazelle (3,500), Grant’s Gazelles (3,250), Buffaloes (6,000), Elephants (3,000), Impalas (30,750), Elands (5,500).
Over 300 species of birds are recorded in the park. Some Eurasian migrants are found which are present from October – April.
Among the birdlife, one can see Starlings, Doves, Eagles, Guinea Fowls, Water Fowls, Parrots, Storks, Ostriches and Secretary birds.
Vegetation:
Principal features are the grassland and flood plains which consist of open grassland, acacia trees, rich woodland, found besides tributaries, and orchard bush.
At all times of the year, there are animals in the valley below the tented camp from where you can watch in comfort. During the dry season thousands of animals migrate from the waterless southern Masailand to the remaining floods of Tarangire River. Large numbers of Wildebeest, Zebras, Elephants, Elands and Oryx gather and stay in Tarangire until the onset of the rains, when they move to good grazing grounds.
Accommodation:
Tarangire Safari Lodge:
Exclusive and informal tented camp, situated on a bluff overlooking the Tarangire River.
Tarangire Sopa Lodge:
The Lodge built as a ‘low profile’ structure, nestles into a wooded hill side valley overlooking Tarangire Hill. The baobab studded landscape also plays host to a vast variety of resident and migratory bird life.
ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
AREA: 137Sq.Km
ALTITUDE: 1500 Metres (at Momella)
This park include Ngurdoto Crater, Momella Lakes, and the fabulous as-cone of Mount Meru. Animals found in the park include Colobus monkey, Bushbuck, Buffalo, Red forest duicker, Hippo, Rhino, Reedbuck, Waterbuck, Elephant, Giraffe, Leopard, Baboon, Bushpig, Wild-dog, Sykes monkey, Vervet monkey, Mangoose and Warthog. Birdlife includes Grebe, African pochard, Ibis, Heron and Egret.
The Ngurdoto Crater is 20km across and 100 metres deep. The Momella Lakes 10km north of Ngurdoto Crater, were formed about Quarter a million years ago, perhaps when Mt. Meru exploded and spewed volcanic debris and liquid mud over the surrounding area. Visitors can view wildlife from excellent vantage points.
From Rhino crest and other observation sport, one can see herds of Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino, Giraffe and Warthog. Sometimes Lions and Elands can also be seen.
Vegetation:
Higher forest at 2140m elevation giving way to bush and thickets at lower elevation.
