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Some lesser known destinations in Tanzania- here are some tips to secret destination in Tanzania. Places where you will find unspoiled destinations that few other tourists to Tanzania bother to travel.

1. Lake Jipe is a destination not many people within Tanzania know of - its existence or location is a place that straddles the borders of Tanzania and Kenya. This lovely lake is sandwiched between the stunning Pare Mountains and the majestic Kilimanjaro. This lake is small at only 30 km sq. It straddles the border between Kenya and Tanzania; with many water birds and is one of the few places in East Africa that the Lesser Jacana and Purple Gallinule are common.

An exciting way to experience the lake and the wildlife is to take a local canoe. These wooden canoes sit three people and a young Tanzania tribesman will sit at the rear and paddle you around the lake. Don’t haggle too much about the price, allow these young men to make a little money from tourism to feed their families. A good portion of the lake has become a little overgrown with papyrus; however it looks nice and is also used by the local people for thatching their houses. This destination can be accessed using public transport.

2. The East Usamabara Mountains of Tanzania is accessible with care and a robust 4 x 4. In these mountains is the Amani Game Reserve [Amani being Swahili for peace]. This Game Reserve is made up of lush cool forest and teaming with rare birds. Thirteen species of birds are registered on the list of threatened species. It is these mountains where the world’s favorite flower, the African violet, was discovered. Trekking through these sometimes very cool and wet forests is the equivalent of being transported back to pre historic times. The effort and time spent travelling to this area is rewarding indeed; the experience so moving to be almost magical or spiritual. Once you have climbed up and through the sometimes quite steep forest, you emerge onto the Amani Plateau. This is a place where few tourists bother to visit, if you like unusual nature destinations away from the crowds this should be on your list of places to visit. This destination can be accessed using public transport.

3. The Udzungwa Mountains National Park was created primarily for the protection of flora rather than fauna; a first in Tanzania. This park is a series of mountain rangers and interlocking valleys, it is the place that time forgot, it is a park without roads, here you must leave the comfort of your 4 x 4 and walk! This park is becoming increasingly popular for either a day or two day visits. Longer trails over several days are organized but only experienced hikers can mange this difficult train. These mountains, because of low density tourism are pristine and largely untouched by humans.

4. Uru village is on the rather unfashionable side of Kilimanjaro; it is not listed as a tourist destination. There are no trials for the tourists, no curios, and no young people wanting to give you a guided tour for a small fee. If you have a day to spare; and want to see the real Tanzania, the real Africa then take a cultural visit to a village such as this. It is especially good for people who want to get away from the tourists and feel they are in Africa proper. A few hours spent here, exploring the small paths that wind up and down the mountainside is well worth the effort of the walking [watch out for the fire ants!]. It is also an enjoyable experience to have lunch with a local family before returning down the mountain. This is a cultural visit but without being contrived in any way. You experience this cultural without realizing you were ever on a cultural This destination can be accessed using public transport.

Kenyan Missions http://www.tunaweza.com

Health Issues whilst on Safari

Hiking in hot or sunny weather often causes heat exhaustion.  The signs/symptoms are weakness/fatigue, headache, vertigo, thirst nausea/vomiting, faintness, and high body temperature. The treatment is to lay flat in shade, remove clothing to cool the patient, soak the body with cold water, re-hydrate patient and monitor body temperature.

Heat stroke is more serious with the signs/symptoms being delirium, coma, rapid pulse, rapid breathing; skin hot and dry, body temperature above 40c [104 f]. Treat as for heat exhaustion but this condition can be fatal, so seek medical assistance quickly – evacuate if possible.

Wildlife: Try to avoid interaction; normally the wildlife will try to avoid you. Buffalo or elephant may attack if surprised or provoked. When hiking in forest or dense bush, clap often or call out if met by an aggressive animal and at all times follow the instructions of your armed guide. Never feed wild animals.  Baboons and monkeys are highly dangerous and they can steel by force as they have learnt to get food from the tourists.

Weather in Tanzania has a rainy season, November through to May, with sometimes a dryer season January to March, dividing the season into short and long rains. It never rains all the time. The dry season is June to October, the coldest month being July with high altitudes reaching temperatures below freezing.

If you become lost, remain where you are. Your guide will look for you and find you quicker if are on the trail – this sometimes happens in fog or dense forest. A day pack should include instant body shelter, warm clothing and a water proof jacket, matches or lighter, a mirror or whistle for signaling, food and drink [especially water], basic first aid, torch and a compass.

Some areas have stinging nettles, so no shorts in these areas as stings cause temporary but painful irritations

Safari ants are small, shiny brown ants moving rapidly in columns across trails. They are common and carnivorous; they crawl up your trouser legs and start to chew. Tuck trousers into socks and watch where you step and especially where you stand still.

Acacia thorns, “cat claws” of the wait-a-bit thorn tree, rip skin and clothing. The thorn is long and straight and can pierce soft soled shoes and even car tyres, so take care and try not to wear sandals.

Ticks may be found long grass. To remove a tick, grasp the head and jerk out of skin.

Snakes will usually avoid humans the puff add being one exception. This snake is sluggish and slow to move. When moving around in the dark, use a torch to avoid a most unwelcome encounter with the puff adder.

Scorpions lurk in the dry country under rocks, behind bark and sometimes climb into boots, clothing or equipment left out at night. The sting from a scorpion can cause severe pain for several hours.

When on a walking safari, mountain climbing, or walking round the safari camp, it is advisable to be aware of the following guidelines on health and safety in the African Bush.

Altitude related illness: These illnesses can kill you and every year tourists die from altitude related illnesses. Higher altitudes are colder, even in Africa.  There is less oxygen and to walk slowly is essential, especially for hikes or climbs above 1,500 to 3,000 meters above sea level. You should be breathing easily with no panting and no extreme physical exertion. Drink water regularly and eat a light diet with lots of carbohydrates. It is essential to keep warm.

Hypothermia or exposure: This is a life threatening condition with a lowering of body temperature and can occur with a temperature as high as 10 c [50 f] usually caused by cold wet clothing or simply being poorly clothed for the conditions. The signs/symptoms include clumsiness, stumbling, apathy, lethargy, confusion, disorientation, and eventually unconsciousness. Treatment for this is to immediately place the patient in a warm, dry environment - a sleeping bag is ideal, with one or even two people inside the sleeping bag with the patient. Warm, energy rich drinks help, as does rest, with a return to camp as quickly as possible.

Acute Mountain sickness: This affects many people above 2,050 meters [or 10,000 ft]. The signs/symptoms include headache, nausea fatigue, malaise, loss of appetite, restless or no sleep. The treatment is to slow down, remain in camp, drink water, and rest your body. It is important to adjust to altitude slowly. In case of severe headaches, loss of coordination, breathing difficulties, evacuate immediately for a quick decent to a lower altitude and seek medical attention. This condition kills tourists every year in Tanzania!

In conclusion: To protect yourself – dress correctly and drink plenty. Climbing in mountains or highland, prepare for extremes. Watch yourself, for day time temperatures can reach 35 c with little shade yet it may well be freezing at night at higher altitudes. Fine weather can turn into fog or rain quickly. Always carry a waterproof and dry clothing in a plastic bag to keep warm. Wool and synthetics are better than cotton or down – to keep cool, cotton is the better option. Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses, skin protection and do drink plenty of water whilst eating a diet high in carbohydrates for energy. Avoid alcohol at high altitudes.

Tourist Information & Business Contacts with Tanzania Run Businesses

We are able connect you directly with Tanzanian run businesses, tour operators, NGO's, community groups and information burro's. From big business to one man shows, from entertainment to accommodation to safaris we have the contacts to help you with you holiday, business interests, community work or school projects.

Tanzania awaits you, the hospitably for which this country is renown ensures your first contact leaves you eager to explore and communicate with this fascinating country and friendly culture.