AMANI NATURE RESERVE

Amani Nature Reserve is located in the North-east corner of Tanzania within Tanga region in Muheza and Korogwe districts (5 005’S and 5014’S latitude and 38040‘E and 38032’E longitude). ANR is bordered by Ubiri in the North western part in Korogwe district, Mbomole and Sakale villages in the North, while in the East North is bordered by Msasa, Kisiwani Mashewa and Kimbo villages in Muheza district, in the south is bordered by 10 villages of Potwe ndondo, Potwe mpirani, shambakapori, Kwamzindawa, Mkwakwani , Mnyusi, Kwagunda, Mnyuzi, Gereza, Magunga Cheke.

Amani Nature Reserve was officially established on 8th May, 1997, with an area of 8,380ha.and officially established in 1997as Central Government Forest Reserve under the Director of Forest and Beekeeping Division. Amani Nature Reserve has the total area of 8,380ha. The boundary has a length of 149 km goes through to the villages of Potwe ndondo, Potwe mpirani, shambakapori, Kwamzindawa, Mkwakwani , Mnyusi, Kwagunda, Mnyuzi, Gereza, Magunga Cheke in southern part and Ubiri in the North western part in Korogwe district. To the Northern part of the Nature Reserve it passes through Mbomole and Sakale villages while in north eastern and south eastern it goes through Msasa, Kisiwani Mashewa and Kimbo villages in Muheza district.

Amani, once a botanical garden, is located in the Usambara Mountains approximately 50 kilometers northwest of Pangani. A visit to Amani offers an opportunity to hike through beautiful montane forests viewing forest animals, flowers and plants. Amani is part of the Eastern Arc mountain range which stretches from southern Kenya to southern Tanzania. The range has been listed by Conservation International as one of the world's twenty hotspots of biodiversity and there have been many efforts in recent years to protect the range's forests. The Usambara Mountains are possibly the most diverse mountains in the Eastern Arc Range and Amani is a must see for those interested in botany. There are hundreds of endemic plant species and several reptiles, amphibians and birds unique to the Usambaras.
Activities
Hiking, Walk routes in the nature forest, Drive routes, night walks, camping, butterfly farming visit, and bird watching these are the activities offered in the reserve and you can see in details.
 

Water falls
There are two big waterfalls namely Derema and Ndola in the Reserve. Waterfalls are good attractions for the tourists.
 

Picnic sites
Three picnic sites, River site (Zigi), hill pick (Mbomole Hill) and in-situ forest site (Kiganga) are available. The picnic sites are also supplied with sanitary equipment.
 

Fauna and Flora
It is homeland of many rare, threatened and endemic flora:
 

Visitor trails
Nine visitors trails labelled mapped and well documented in the leaflets and trail guide books are available (Mbomole Hill, Monga trail, Ndola trail, Turaco Bird trail, Kwamkoro Nature trail, Derema trail, Zigi trail, Amani Research centre tour, and Sigi spice tour.
 

View Points
There 3 view points namely Kiganga Hill, Ngua and Mbomole Hill viewpoints.

WORLD "S BEST PARKS

TANZANIA DESTINATIONS

Tanzania Destinations


Serengeti
Experience a soul-stirring feeling of space. Serengeti comes from the Masai word meaning 'Endless Plains'. It is these grasslands and savannahs that ensure that the area is jam-packed full of game. Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater is the best self-contained safari destination in the world. Often referred to as the 'Garden of Eden', the rich pasture and permanent water of the crater floor shelters a large population of animals.

Arusha
Arusha is the safari capital of East Africa. A bustling, vibrant town with streets filled with 4X4 game viewing vehicles criss-crossing the pot-holed roads and Masai warriors in full regalia strolling around. Gombe
A Gombe safari is a great opportunity to meet a chimpanzee up close. After a day of hiking you can take a swim in the crystal clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest and second-deepest lake.

Kilimanjaro
Visit the world's largest free standing mountain - measuring in at 5000 metres. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a great adventure and you’ll experience an enormous sense of achievement looking down at Africa. Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara is a great safari spot for bird viewing and also has a healthy population of ungulates such as buffalo and wildebeest.

Selous
Accessibility to the Selous is difficult - and it is for this reason that most of our safaris are fly-in. You will experience untouched Africa at its wildest when you visit the Selous. Katavi
A Katavi Safari is really off the beaten track and is perfect for the explorer who wants to get into the wilds of Africa. Thousands of plains game roam freely in this untouched wilderness.

Mahale
A Mahale safari offers the best opportunity in Africa to see chimpanzees in an unspoilt wildlife sanctuary. The Greystoke luxury tented camp also has a hardwood dhow for gentle sailing trips over the lake. Tarangire
Experience the unrivalled landscape of open plains dotted with thousands of baobabs. On a Tarangire safari you are also guaranteed to see large herds of elephants!

Ruaha
Ask a Tanzanian what they recommend, and the chances are that it will be a Ruaha Safari. The Ruaha National Park is a rugged wilderness that is characterised by dry slopes and wide open plains. Dar Es Salaam
To most travellers, Dar es Salaam is just a convenient port of call on the way to more exotic destinations of Zanzibar, the game parks, Pemba or Mafia Islands.

MAFIA ISLAND

MAFIA ISLAND
Mafia Island, Tanzania, lies off the mouth of the Rufiji River in Southern Tanzania. It is one of the least developed parts of an undeveloped country, yet it has been, and continues to be, part of important historical processes. Although its spectacular marine life is becoming increasingly well known, especially since the setting up of the Mafia Island Marine Park, little other information is widely available.

Mafia, along with the other islands lying off the east coast of Africa, has shared in the long and interesting history of the area. The East Coast forms a part of the Indian Ocean littoral, and the peoples of this region have been traders and sea-farers for centuries. It is an area exceptional in Africa because it is mentioned in written accounts which go back as far as two thousand years.

Mafia's infrastructure is poor: it has electricity only in the district capital and in Utende, the main tourist area. There are few houses which have running water. Travel to the island is either by small aircraft from Dar es Salaam, at a cost which is beyond the reach of most islanders, The few roads on the island are in poor condition and there is a paucity of vehicles, which means local people rely primarily on bicycles or walking. Telecommunications until recently have been minimal with only a few radio-linked lines to the mainland and beyond. . The major cash crop, coconuts, While fishing has become increasingly important over the last couple of decades, it is restricted in the south of the island within the boundaries of the Marine Park

The oldest ruins on Mafia are located at Kisimani Mafia near to Kilindoni. Many of them have now been washed into the sea, but, according to the archaeologist Neville Chittick, who conducted excavations there in the 1950s, the earliest strata of mosques date from around the tenth and eleventh centuries. Another British archaeological expedition on Juani island in the 1950s uncovered coins dating from the thirteenth to the fifteenth centuries (Freeman-Grenville 1957). Some archaeologists consider Kua was built before that, while others attribute a later date.

KINASI LODGE

KINASI is a small, private lodge situated in a coconut and cashew plantation facing Chole Bay on Mafia Island. It provides a high standard of accommodation in only lanteen bungalows (one is a family unit with two bedrooms), each with a large verandah and ensuite bathroom. The bungalows have been constructed in rendered concrete block, with palm-leaf (makuti) roofs, and concrete foundations and floors. There is all-day mains electricity and hot and cold water supply from three permanent wells on the property. Rooms are not air-conditioned but are cooled by fans and the large shutter doors and windows.

The intention has been to create a resort that is relaxing and stylish, with a very personal feel. KINASI is beautifully furnished with antiques and hand-crafted furniture. The dining room is appointed with crockery and hand-blown glassware made specially as original works of art by East African artists.

Catering is based upon local seafood: fresh fish, prawns, crab, lobster, octopus and calamari, with fresh vegetables and fruit flown from the mainland. Breads, rolls, pizzas and variety of yoghurts, preserves and sauces are all home made, from traditional recipes. Seafood barbecues and Swahili cuisine are established KINASI customs.

Most of all there is tranquility and privacy in beautiful, natural surroundings, and friendly staff will do their best to look after you with service to your rooms, morning tea and coffee with fresh biscuits and cakes, sundowners and cocktails, delicious food and attention to any requests you may have. KINASI started as a private home, and that is how guests should feel - as if they are in their own home. So enjoy Mafia and this little retreat with various activities; the swimming pool, gardens and beach, and the relaxed atmosphere and good company.

Mafia Island is in the true sense an island paradise for the active beachcomber who is serious about enjoying the sea and islands, adventure divers, game fishermen, bird-watchers or just for simple feet-up relaxation. Be as active as you wish...or simply relax and do nothing.

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MAFIA ISLAND LODGE

The Mafia Island Lodge stands amidst tall palms on a sandy beach in Chole Bay, in the heart of the marine park near Utende village on South coast of Mafia. The main lodge has a relaxing atmosphere with a large open restaurant, bar and lounge area. Board games, table tennis and volleyball are also available. Other facilities include a gift shop, laundry service, excursions, snorkeling, sailing and scuba diving. 34 comfortable rooms are set among the coconut palms with their own veranda overlooking the bay. They are all self-contained with air conditioning. Twin and double beds are available. Among the 35 rooms there are 2 family rooms with a living room. Hot and cold water is available 24 hours a day.

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POLE POLE

Pole Pole is located in the Chole Bay area, near Utende village on the southeast coast of the Mafia Island Marine Park. It lies on the beach, within a tropical garden, overlooking a spectacular view of the Mafia Archipelago and the Indian Ocean. This is a low environmental impact resort with a state of-the-art phyto-purification plant which is a special process of treating wastewater to prevent environmental pollution. Pole Pole, considered one of the most exclusive eco-resorts in the world, is renowned for its great cuisine, unpretentious and laid-back atmosphere, warm but discrete hospitality. Balancing luxury and respect for local culture and environment it is the perfect place to relax after a safari and the ideal base for exploring the underwater wanders of Mafia Island. Accommodation 7 ‘Luxury bungalow suites‘, elegant and spacious, are set among the coconut palms overlooking the bay. The rooms are furnished with carved and antique pieces. * Twin and double beds * extra bed can be provided * Zanzibari bed * chairs * table * armchair * self-contained - the bathroom is spacious and comfortable * two ceiling fans Two bungalows are ‘family’ type with: * two rooms separated by the bathroom and a small corridor for privacy * large private verandahs * Zanzibari bed * chairs * table * armchair * self-contained - the bathroom is spacious and comfortable * two ceiling fans Cuisine The cuisine is a combination of diverse culinary traditions and cultures, with an Italian style touch of class. Swahili dinners are served once a week or on request. The resort caters for special dietary requirements whenever possible. Most of the food we serve is organically grown and bought on the island to help fishermen and farmers benefit from tourism development. Drinks A selection of alcoholic beverages, wines, beers, juices and cold drinks are always available at the bar. The bar remains open until all guests have retired. The ice served with drinks is safe and drinkable. Bottled water, served every day in jugs in the bungalows and available at the bar/restaurant, is drinkable and safe. Other facilities Library Massage Communication: - the use of mobile phones is limited

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CHOLE MJINI LODGE

Chole Mjini Eco-Lodge is located across from Mafia Island and set on a tiny islet called Chole. Chole is a historical Mecca having architectural ruins built by Shirazis from Persia, Khoja Ismaili Asians, Omani Arabs, and some with German modifications. The island is far from modernity as life is on any "semi-isolated" island but this remote Islet gives visiting guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in a world not seen before. Chole Mjini Eco-Lodge is built a few steps from the historical ruins. The accommodation is built intellectually and literally inside baobab trees and resonates a true ecological perspective. Chole Mjini has no phones, electricity or vehicles. The project is the combined effort of the de Villiers families and Emerson Skeens (partner - Emerson and Green Hotel in Zanzibar) who apart from attracting tourism to Chole have helped setup local playschools, kindergarten and primary schools to educate the Chole children as well as medical clinic to serve the healthcare needs of the local community. Guests wanting to visit Chole Mjini are assured of a peaceful, back to basic and a discerning holiday unlike any before. Rooms • There are seven naturally aired rooms built on trees, complete with necessary bedding and traditional décor. • All rooms have been built on stilts with local wood and material. • The bathrooms are shared with a long-drop design, and are located on the ground floor. • Showers are taken under the open skies. • Hot water is available boosted by a kerosene lamp. (Water at Chole Mjini is captured from the rain as well as extracted from the boreholes). Cuisine At Chole Mjini the atmosphere is relaxed and food is simply delicious. The meals are served under the thatched dining-lounge room prepared in local coastal style. There are no daily regiments or strict plans. Dinner normally brings the guests around at the central table where they can exchange the experiences of the day over a nice meal, which is hosted by the de Villiers. Activities • Relax on Chole Island beach. • Sightseeing i.e. boat-building, hand-manufacture of coconut coir rope, a protected species of fruit eating "flying foxes", etc. • Participate in the community-based activities. • Diving • Visit Maweni where coral rocks emerge from the bay surrounded by an extremely interesting reef. • See Fungo Marimbani, a strip of dazzling white sand, which appears during low tide, surrounded by crystal-clear water. • Visit Juani Blue Lagoon. A long channel linking the huge inland bay with the open sea

FACT ABOUT ZANZIBAR

ZANZIBAR HOLIDAY
Zanzibar beckons you with its picturesque views of romantic dhows with white sails, endless beaches fringed with palms, ancient ruins, exotic spices, and veiled women. The island has a thrilling history, which is reflected today in the architecture, culture and traditions of the Zanzibari people.

A combination of a Safari and beach holiday in Zanzibar can be arranged. We would be delighted to organise a Safari and Zanzibar Package for you. We offer exclusive Zanzibar Packages, Excursions and Cultural tour programs. A Special Offer of 14 days Safari and Zanzibar is available. Furthermore, we would be pleased to tailor make a package specifically to meet your exact requirements ranging from your personal interests, budget and accommodation, to make it affordable for you.
Zanzibar is purely magical!

Accommodation in ZanzibarAn exquisite choice of Zanzibar Hotels, Resorts, Bungalows and even Houses await you. (See Zanzibar map). Beach enthusiasts will have their fun too as there is an abundance of hotels/ resorts adjacent to beaches. The nature lover will find their haven on Chumbe Island just off the shores of Zanzibar. Here you will find and award winning eco lodge. Within Stone Town (A World Heritage Site), you will find the perfect spot for honeymooners, namely 236 Hurumzi with its fantastic architecture and traditional furniture as those used by the sultans from days gone by. Day Tours in ZanzibarZanzibar offers the tourist many highlights; they vary from environmentally friendly excursions tours in Zanzibar - cultural tours, Spice Tour, City Tour, Dolphin Tour, the famous Stone Town Tour, and Jozani Forest tour with its endemic Red Colobus monkey or explore remote islands in the Menai Bay. For example the Spice Tour, offers an in depth look into the variety of spices and their uses both in medicinal and cosmetic use (e.g. black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, to name but a few). These spices were introduced by the Sultans of Oman many centuries ago. Read more… Water SportsA wide range of water sports can be pre-booked. We recommend PADI diving in Zanzibar and Pemba. (See diving in Zanzibar). See: Tide Table NEW: Diving with whale sharks on Mafia Island. Eco Tourism A quintessential example of Eco tourism can be experienced here.(See: Chumbe Island) Are you an explorer? If so, we rent out self –drive and guide driven 4x4 vehicles, minibuses and motorbikes. Please enquire for rates in advance.

click here for:- 7 days Zanzibar Cultural Safari

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FACTS ON ZANZIBAR Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets. It lies 25–50 km (15–30 mi) off the east coast of mainland Tanzania. It is made up of many islands, the main two being Zanzibar and Pemba. Zanzibar Island (known locally as Unguja, but as Zanzibar internationally) Zanzibar was once a separate state with a long trading history within the Arab world; it united with Tanganyika to form Tanzania in 1964. A major feature of Zanzibar is Stone Town (A World Heritage Site) – which dates back to the 19th century. Zanzibar remains a semi- autonomous state. HISTORY Arab traders discovered the Islands and used them as a base for voyages between Africa, Asia and India. The Arabs settled in Stone Town out of convenience using it as a point from which they could trade with the east coastal towns. They traded in Spices, Ivory, and Slaves. Plantations were developed to grow spices, hence the name ‘Spice Islands’ was coined. Zanzibar lured many traders, such as the Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, Greeks, Indians, Omanis, Persians, Portuguese, and eventually the British. The British were the ones who brought about the abolition of slave trade in the 19th century. POPULATION The combined population of Zanzibar including Pemba is approximately 1,000,000. RELIGION Religion was influenced by the Arabs, Persians, Indians, Portuguese, British and the African mainland. About 95% of the local population is made up of conservative sunni Muslims. The remainder are Hindu or Christian and some follow traditional beliefs. As well as many mosques, Stone Town hosts an Anglican and a Catholic Cathedral and a Hindu Temple. LANGUAGE The main language spoken is Kiswahili. English is widely spoken and many people also speak Arabic. With the influx of tourism one may find other European languages such as French and Italian being spoken by some local people, especially around the tourist areas. Learning a few Swahili words whilst in Zanzibar may prove helpful in making many friends. (See: Swahili Phrases) CURRENCY The local unit of currency is the Tanzania Shilling (Tsh). American dollars in cash or travelers cheques are acceptable in many places. Credit cards are still almost unknown in Zanzibar, and if you do manage to find a place to use them there will usually be a surcharge of at least 10%. Bartering about prices is common in Zanzibar market places. Hotel, restaurant and tour operator prices are generally non-negotiable. INSURANCE It is essential that adequate travel insurance is taken out at the time of confirming your booking. This should cover any medical situation (such as hospitalization), as well as cancellation, curtailment of arrangements and your baggage. When you travel with African Legends, you are automatically covered by our emergency evacuation insurance, through AAR. This guarantees all reasonable, practical assistance in obtaining emergency medical services/ evacuation to hospital should you suffer either severe illness, or from an injury whilst traveling with us. As this is for EMERGENCY EVACUATION only it does not cover the cost of treatment once in hospital and it in no way replaces your normal travel insurance, which must be purchased prior to travel. CLIMATE Zanzibar experiences tropical weather for most of the year, with the exception of April and May, which are seasonally subject to the long rains. Short rains can occur in November but are characterized by short showers, which do not last long. The tropical heat is seasonally often calmed by windy conditions, resulting in pleasant sea breezes, particularly on the North and East coast. Due to the nearness to the equator, the islands are warm all year round but officially summer and winter peak in December and June respectively. Zanzibar averages 7-8 hours of sunshine daily. SEASONS SUMMER - November to May Hot, some humidity with some rains in November, May and June. WINTER - June to October Warm with rains in June, otherwise sunny. BEST - December to March and July to October COMMUNICATION A direct international dialing service is available from the major hotels. Both local and long distance calls are metered on a time basis and every second counts in terms of costs. Internet facilities are available in most major towns. PHOTOGRAPHY Although film is available at most hotels and supermarkets, it is recommended that you bring film and batteries with you. WATER Drink only boiled or bottled water or canned drinks TIME DIFFERENCE GMT +3 ELECTRICITY Power system is 220-240 volts ac, plugs 13amp usually square 3-pin. CLOTHING When visiting Zanzibar, it is important for women to dress modestly out if respect for Muslim cultural beliefs, men should not wear shorts on the main island and women should wear dresses that cover the shoulders and knees. SHOPPING Locally crafted products can be found in shops and Bazaars in Stone Town. Local produce can be purchased in the local markets. Buying local goods benefits the community. PASSPORTS & VISAS All visitors must have a valid passport and visa to enter Tanzania. Visa fees vary according to the country you originate from. Visas can be obtained from Tanzania Diplomatic Representatives abroad. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS Visitors traveling to Tanzania need a valid international certificate for vaccination against Yellow Fever and Cholera. Anti-malaria medication is recommended when traveling within East Africa. Anti-malaria tablets are recommended to be taken a few days prior to arrival, during your stay and for a short period after returning home. Please consult your doctor no less than 10 days prior to travel. Pre-cautionary measures that you can take to prevent contact with mosquitoes include: - insect repellent, wear long sleeved clothing and trousers in the evenings, and sleep under a mosquito net. AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX Airport departure tax on international flights is to be paid in Cash USD Only. In some cases some airlines include the departure Tax in their ticket price. Please check with your travel agent to avoid disappointment or confusion. Back to Top