AN INSIDERS VIEW – DAVID’S TOP 10 IN SOUTH AND WEST TANZANIA

Below is a personal insight into what I enjoy most about traveling through the south and west of Tanzania

1= WILDERNESS CAMPING IN SELOUS AND RUAHA
On a personal note I find no better way to be on safari than pitching a private camp in an area as close as possible to wildlife action and with views to die for.
Watching a glorious Selous sunset with a cold beer then seeing an orange full moon rise over Lake Manze in Selous with an immense star filled sky is probably as good as it gets.
That is until I go to Ruaha and after a whole day following a family of lion with no other car in sight return to camp and enjoy a star clad dinner in a sand river bed listening to the hyena and lion creeping ever closer. The sounds, smells and sights provided by private camping in the wilderness to me epitomize the safari experience and I really cant choose a favourite between Ruaha and Selous.

3. CHIMPANZEE TRACKING IN MAHALE MOUNTAINS
The last time I visited Mahale the chimps were at the very top of the mountain, the hike up was extremely strenuous and we ended up hacking our way through thick bush towards the area where our tracker was waiting.
The deafening screeching of the chimpanzees as we approached made the hairs on the back of my neck rise then I felt a gentle nudge on my leg as a full grown male strolled past me having silently followed our path. Do we watch the chimps or are they watching us? One of the most rewarding hours you will spend on safari in Africa.

4. LUPITA ISLAND LAKE TANGANYIKA
Without question the most tranquil lodge I have visited in Tanzania. A private island on Lake Tanganyika, no attention to detail has been spared at Lupita – this has to be the ultimate getaway for relaxation and peace of mind.
And after climbing Mahale Mountains that massage feels sooooo good.

5. WALKING SAFARI IN SELOUS
Waking up at Lake Manze and setting out on foot it is impossible not to feel the excitement and anticipation that makes every safari so different. The hippo are returning to the lake, buffalo and elephant are cautiously heading down to have an early morning drink before the heat of the day kicks in, the predators are still out after a night’s hunting, the dawn chorus of birds is now changing tune to make warning calls as we approach – a sensual overload.

6. DRIVING THROUGH THE ULUGURU MOUNTAINS
A safari is a journey and there is no more beautiful drive than from Morogoro to Selous via the Uluguru Mountains. Passing several rural villages, sections of rainforest, mystical quartz stone formations, children playing in the rivers whilst their mothers do the washing, then eventually the great Selous opens up before you – a great road trip on a pretty ‘interesting’ road!

7. SNORKELLING WITH WHALE SHARKS MAFIA ISLAND
Some creatures are just so mesmerizing it is a real privilege to be able to encounter them – gorillas, chimpanzees, the big cats on land to name but a few.
In the ocean swimming with a whale shark has to be included on this list and is one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences possible in Tanzania, this should be on the list of things to see before you die.

8. HIPPO POOL AND CROCODILE CAVES IN KATAVI
The Ikuu hippo pool and the crocodile caves nearby are unique in my experience in Tanzania and are worth the trek out to Katavi by themselves. As the water vanishes in September and October close to 500 hippo crowd together in the last mud left at Ikuu and upwards of 20-30 crocodile clamber over each other to gain some respite from the heat in small caves. A truly remarkable spectacle.
Oh and seeing a herd of over 1,000 buffalo in Katavi isn’t too bad either.

9. SWIMMING AT THE BASE OF SANJE FALLS, UDZUNGWA MOUNTAINS
Too much hanging around in Landcruisers can make the legs ache so the Udzungwas make a pleasant change in scenery and climate and give the chance to hike around a bit. After walking up to the base of Sanje Falls and admiring the awesome views over the Kilombero valley, the refreshing dip in the pool and power shower under the falls makes this one of my favourite lunch sites in the south.

10. DHOW CRUISE TO KILWA KISIWANI HISTORICAL SITE
Kilwa is unique in Tanzania as being the only historical site in such pristine condition. The ancient Omani historical site was once one of the wealthiest cities in the world and provides food for thought on how the great trade caravans once crossed the continent, the treasures they carried and the number of slaves forced from their homes.
Cruising out to the island with the local boys on a traditional dhow is a timeless experience in itself.

Wherever you may roam enjoy your safari

David Barker – Director Authentic Tanzania