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Sport & Activities
Safaris: Less busy than neighbouring Kenya, Tanzania’s national parks and game reserves provide some of the world’s best destinations for viewing wildlife in their natural habitat. Tanzania is home to one of Africa’s most magnificent game reserves, the Selous Game Reserve, as well as the endless plains of the Serengeti National Park, where one of the world’s great natural spectacles, the annual migration of some two million wildebeest followed by their predators, can be observed. The Selous Game Reserve is inaccessible during the rainy season (from March to May) owing to floods. Numerous tour operators can organise tailor-made safaris, either by vehicle, on foot, on horseback or by balloon. Some areas, such as the Mahale Mountains National Park, are only accessible by plane or boat. In parks such as the Arusha National Park, it is possible to drive around without a guide, but those on foot must take an armed guide or ranger. Accommodation is either in luxury lodges or designated camping sites. For details, contact the Tanzania Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section). For further information on national parks and game reserves, see also National Parks in the Resorts & Excursions section.
Mountaineering: It is possible to climb Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, but it is essential to have the right equipment (such as warm clothing, boots, gloves and a hat) and some experience. All climbers should be aware that guides and porters are essential even for the lower peaks. Organised climbs with food and staff can be arranged at some cost through selected hotels. It is advisable to book well in advance. Alternatively, climbers can bring their own supplies and hire staff and equipment (arctic sleeping bags and extra trousers) at the park gate. Although Kilimanjaro may be attempted by any strong mountain walker, visitors should be aware of the dangers of high altitude sickness which, in extreme cases, can be fatal. There are no known indicators as to who might suffer from altitude sickness (fitness, age and experience are irrelevant) and the only cure is an immediate descent to lower altitudes.
Watersports: Tanzania has 804km (503 miles) of coastline with superb beaches. Scuba diving and snorkelling are particularly good around the islands of Zanzibar and Mafia, which have recently gained a high reputation amongst divers. Mafia’s Chloe Bay is part of a protected marine park, with an unbroken reef running the length of the island. There are also many secluded beaches. Offshore from Zanzibar are several islands ringed with coral reefs. Both Zanzibar and Mafia are also renowned for excellent deep sea fishing. There are numerous resorts and operators offering diving and fishing excursions. The main fishing season is from September to March. Dolphin safaris and Dhow trips are also popular.
Spice tours: Organised tours to Zanzibar’s spice and fruit plantations are available all over the ‘Spice Island’ (as Zanzibar is also known). Along the way, visitors will be invited to taste and buy spices, herbs and fruit. Sadly, because of a decline in world prices, the spice industry and, particularly, its mainstay product – cloves – is now near collapse.
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