Other Activities............................................................................................................
The coral reefs off Tanzania's coast at Zanzibar and Mafia Island offer some of the world's finest scuba diving. Diving is possible all year round,although the Kusi Monsoon (strongest June-Sept) is accompanied by choppy seas
and strong currents that make the more exposed reefs inaccessible.
There can also be strong winds in December and January. Visibility is best from November to March, before the long rains set in.
Deep Sea Fishing
The water around Zanzibar and Pemba islands is reckoned by experts to offer some of the best fishing in the world, especially the Pemba Channel, between Zanzibar and Pemba islands, or around Mafia Island, south of Zanzibar. Big Game fish include barracuda, kingfish, sailfish, billfish, wahoo, dorado and blue marlin.
Inland Fishing
Some rivers are stocked with trout around Mt Kilimanjaro.
Activities& Sports
and Mt. Meru. Large rivers such as the Kilombero and Great Ruaha offer fabulous sport fishing for Tiger fish. On the great lakes, especially Lake Victoria, one can fish for large Nile Perch.
Paragliding
There are some fabulous areas to paraglide. Very few people paraglide in Tanzania, therefore it is a novelty. Always seek permission from the local village, explain what you are doing and where you think you will land. Just some of the areas to fly are the Usambaras, the Rift Valley and numerous hills around Mt.Meru. It is illegal to fly in or over any National Parle Golfing.
Although Tanzania is not a golfing destination, there are numerous golf courses throughout the country. The local clubs are always very welcoming to any visitor who may wish to swing the odd club. Contact your tour operator for details as to the nearest golf course to where you might be staying.
Boat Safaris
The soft chug of an outboard engine, or the whispering flap of a canvas sail; boat safaris in Tanzania are a tranquil and relaxing way to watch wildlife. The shore floats by, its forest or cliffs full of watchful eyes, taking in the visitors passing through their domain. Boating safaris can be taken in the Selous game reserve, up the huge muddy brown sweep of the Rufiji River, leopard whisking away from rocks at the boat's approach. Picnic breakfast is served on rocks at the water's edge, accompanied by the grunts of hippo. Or sail into chimpanzee territory on a dhow, skimming over the fresh, crystal waters of Lake Tanganyika.
Horse and Camel Rides
Day rides are available from a few camps in Tanzania, for all standards of rider, and game animals are not afraid of horses in the same way that they are of cars or pedestrians, allowing visitors to approach the wildlife much more closely than usual.
Mountain Biking
For the fit and adventurous, mountain biking through the African landscape is truly an exciting experience. Avoid roads and traffic and ride through deserts and forests, up mountains and down valleys, through tiny villages and bustling market towns, then into the true wilderness past herds of antelope, giraffe and zebra.
Canoeing
Canoeing trips are available in the Arusha National Park, a wonderful experience, drifting past herds of elephant, giraffe, hippo and buffalo as you cruise along the shores of the lake surrounded by countless flocks of birds.
Walking in the Wild
A walk through the African bush is a wonderful way to experience Africa intimately. Smells and sounds become distinct and varied, and smaller creatures gain significance. They are no longer simply rushed past in the race for the bigger game. When larger animals do appear, they are met at eye level; the land is truly shared between humans and animals. Safety is not an issue - all walks are accompanied by armed, experienced guides and game rangers.
Walks may be for almost any length of time, a few
hours or a full day with a picnic lunch. Many hotels and camps will offer guided walks in the national parks or community areas.
Balloon Flights
Flights by balloon involve with a drive through the dark of the early morning in order to start as dawn breaks over the Serengeti, the perfect silence of the early morning plains broken only by the soft roar of the balloon. Far below, wildebeest scatter, looking everywhere but up at the silent visitor that floats over their world. Giraffe stand next to acacia trees, untroubled by the airborne visitors. After the thrill of landing, a champagne breakfast awaits, the air becoming warmer as the sun climbs in the sky and curious zebra look up from their grazing at the chink of cutlery in the still, warm bush.
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