Be aware of Musth a dangerous seasonal behavior of male elephant

My last visit to Tarangire National Park exposed me to a behavior of grown male elephant known as Musth. The bull elephant was very uncomfortable in a way my peers thought it was sick. It changed tune and started acting aggressively towards our vehicle and other nearby tourists. We had to leave the place at once and It caught my attention and here is what I found out.

Musth from scientific point of view is a periodic condition of bull or male elephant which is characterized with aggressive behavior resulting from a rise of production hormones. The hormone is called testosterone which is found in mammals, birds and other vertebrates where in mammals it is secreted by testicles of males and ovaries for female, it's a principle element for male sex hormone whereby a small amount of it is produced from adrenaline glands.

A bull elephant in Musth may be identified in the national park or game reserve through a discharge of fluid called temporin from temporal ducts on both sides of his head. The temporin fluid contain protein and other smelling cholesterol materials which some amount of it passes through the mouth of the elephant creating uncomfortable situation causing him to react vigorously towards anything coming his way
Another contributing factor for harshness during Musth is that this period may be accompanied by a swelling of temporal glands which passes through the eyes and causes acute pain comparable to severe root sore toothache. Some male elephants try to counteract this by digging their tusks into the ground.

Please observe the flow of temporin fluid between the ears and eyes of the bull elephant.

Do not go closer to any elephant bull when you observe such signs, it was reported that a woman was killed by a bull in Musth in Marangu village in Tanzania. Be ware and be worn!

The diary of Serengeti Ecosystem lions

On our world today a good number of people have their personal books famously known as diary We have read a lot about different stories from these personal note books and probably watched one or two movies of such topics example the Diary of a black mad woman. Have you ever wondered how lions of Serengeti ecosystem put down their daily stories? First and forward most Serengeti ecosystem includes; Serengeti national park, Ngorongoro Conservation area, Ikona wildlife management area, Loliondo game controlled area to mention a few.

This is a pictorial diary of the lions, take a look and enjoy.

Zanzibar's ten best places to be, see, and things to do.

It is well know that it is real overwhelming to choose places to be, things to see and do when your on tour. Zanzibar can be very dramatic if you can't find your way to the very best that it can offer. That is why you need knowledge about the very intriguing places that worth being and take part. Karibu Bongo is dedicated to inform you on the ten best places, things to see and do while in Zanzibar to have a lifetime experience.

With the help from Zanzibar Travel and Tourism directory 2012/2013, we proudly announce the ten Zanzibar's best.


10.  Festivals! - Sauti za Busara, ZIFF, Jahazi & Mwaka Kogwa
Get into the groove at one of the the Zanzibar's three largest annual festivals - Sauti za Busara (Sounds of  Wisdom). the Music festival takes place in February, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds in celebration of African music. Sauti za Busara is the fusion of old and new, classic and contemporary like historic Zanzibar itself. The festival is a magical meeting place, a melting casserole of diverse cultures, styles and visions - where town meets country, young greets ild. The ZIFF Festival of the Dhow Countries, East Africa's largest cultural event and takes place each June/July. It is a hotbed of activities, with cinema, music, performing arts, literature and exhibitions across the island. Mwaka Kogwa, also in July, celebrates Shirazi new year in Style and is not to be missed.


9. Take a local cooking class
Learn to cook traditional Swahili food and wow your friends with your culinary expertise when you get home. There's no better way to get to know culture than learning how to cook a traditional meal - and there are plenty of opportunities to learn in Zanzibar. Organized by most tour companies, local cooking classes offer an authentic experience for those wishing to get down and dirty in real Zanzibar kitchen. These hands on lessons are a great way to meet local people and try out your Swahili.


8. Swim with Dolphins
If your looking for unforgettable experience, head south to Kizimkazi and go swimming with the dolphins. About an hour's drive from Stone Town, Kizimkazi is the place for dolphins sightings, home to both humpback and bottle-nose dolphins on your trip, they are sighted on 90% of excursions, so make sure you have your camera ready. There are several tour operators who can arrange dolphin excursions, but it is important to make sure that the tour operator follows the guidelines for responsible dolphin viewing, set in place by the Institute of Marine Science. The dolphins, lovely and wild as they are, won't hang about when four motorboats are roaring excitedly towards them.

7. Ngezi forest 
The Ngezi forest reserve is located on the northwestern corner of Pemba Island. It is the only large patch of tropical forest of Pemba that once covered the entire island. Ngezi Forest, with an area of about 30 km square, is also one of the few areas maintain population of indigenous and endemic forest and animal species, many of which are in danger of extinction. Ngezi can be accessed by road from Konde on the new road that stretches along the villages on the eastern side of Pemba. A fantastic way to see the forest is by bicycle. The forest opens up on the east to Vumawimbi Beach, an isolated and untouched stretch  of beach that will make you feel you  are the only person in the world.

6. Misali Island 
The island of Misali, 17km off the west coast of Chake Chake, is one of the Pemba highlights, offering idyllic beaches, nature trails for spotting flying foxes (bats), good snorkeling and superb diving. It is also has a touch of historical romance, as the legendary pirate Captain Kidd is said to have buried his treasury here. Misali's real treasury is its rich ecosystem, which boasts 42 types of coral , over three hundred species of fish, a rare subspecies of vervet monkey, endangered colonies of flying foxes, nesting sites for green and hawksbill turtles, and a large if rarely seen population of nocturnal coconut crabs.

5. Unwind on the beach 
Need to soothe your soul? Then Zanzibar's Beaches are the place to relax, unwind and breath in new life. After a lengthy safari there is no better way to end your holiday than on the white, blissful beaches of Zanzibar, lazing away, sipping cocktails and living the island paradise dream. Zanzibar has miles of beautiful and unspoiled beaches just waiting to be enjoyed. There are more than 30 beaches in Zanzibar with some of them so isolated, time has literally stood still. Some are so peaceful and remote that the only noise breaking the silence is likely to be the ocean. read more


4. Snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll
Recently declared a marine conservation area, Mnemba Island is acoral atoll, surrounded by thriving, vibrant reefs and the crystal clear Indian Ocean. The waters are teeming with an overwhelming number of beautiful tropical reef fish, and a wealth of marine creatures, from the majestic whale shark to rare gem-like species of nudibranchs. Large pelagic creature can often be seen passing by in the blue, and green turtles graze peaceably amongst the head of plate and honeycomb corals. A resident pod of curious bottle-nosed dolphins offer the chance for visitors to interact with these splendid marine mammals in natural and spontaneous environment.

3. Dinner at Forodhani
When it comes to street food, no visit to Zanzibar is complete without experiencing the Forodhani night market in Stone Town. In the late afternoon, the waterfront opposite the House of Wonders becomes a hive of activity as traders prepare for the busynnight ahead. Trestles tables are set up, charcoal braziers coaxed into life, vegetables sliced and cubes of meat and fish skewered onto long kebab sticks. Just before sunset, when the first hungry visitors begin to arrive, tables are laden with rows of lobster tails, prawns, squid, kingfish, marlin and tuna. The fresh seafood is accompanied by towers of spicy naan bread and chapatis, meat kebabs,samosas, and fried potato balls.

2. Pange Sandbank
Nothing is more exciting than becoming a cast- away for the day on one of the most beautiful sandbanks that surround the island. Powder white sands, clear blue skies and the Indian Ocean in an array of colors surround you with the hush of waves gently lapping against the shore. Only a 20 minute boat trip from Stone Town, the sandbank is a perfect spot for snorkeling the calm and shallow waters are home to enormous array of coral and tropical reef fish, such as clown-fish, parrot-fish, Moorish idol and many more. 

1. Stone Town Tour.
Zanzibar's Stone Town is a recognized UNESCO world Heritage Site, and the setting for a long and winding history. It was in Stone Town that sultans lived, princesses loved and slaves were bought and sold. Stone Town is also patchwork of architectural styles originating along the Swahili Coast, Arabia, Asia and beyond. It is through these beautiful buildings and along the narrow streets that a stone town tour will teach you of the Island's rich blend of cultures and fascinating history.

The magic behind the Maasai colorful attires (Shuka).

f you are such a fashion fanatic or lover you might if not must read or watched Louis Vuitton spring/summer 2012. Am talking about the Maasai shuka, the fashion runway was colorful than never before this is my on opinion. The inspiration behind was from East African one of a kind Maasai tribe which are mainly found in Tanzania and Kenya.

If you have ever visited Tanzania you must have seen these magnificent group of people in there local settings or residence. Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers you 100% chance to meet, see and learn one, or two things from the Maasai, because they dwell with their livestock in the area. Hopeful you know how they dress super colorful in there shukas. If you you haven't visited Tanzania and have no clue about the Maasai, here is part of their rich tradition and basically I will show you how they rock in their traditional attires. The traditional way Maasai shuka is simply draped around the body but you can do it your own way and rock it! You can learn from my photos below.

Me on the left and A Maasai I met at 4 season hotel earlier this year.

Make a jacket out of the Maasai Shuka  

Drape it like you got no time.

Make a suite 

Let it flow like a pony tail.

Tie a knot and relax

Green is the color of life

Ngorongoro Marathon and the fight against Malaria in Tanzania.

After a big win during the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa where Tanzania top the accolades by having three natural attraction topping the list, Ngorongoro keeps the beat on. The three natural attractions included the incredible Serengeti migrations, Mountain Kilimanjaro and Ngorongoro Crater. The naming was earlier this year and you can read more here Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.

Ngorongoro celebrated earlier today the winning in style by running the Ngorongoro Marathon for a good cause of fighting against Malaria in the country. Isn't it cool? The Marathon took place in Karatu Arusha and it included various entourages and famous people from different categories, such as musicians and others. Some of big names in Tanzania that participated include: the best male artist of the year 2012, the one and only Barnabas the beauty queen of 2000 and the President of Tanzania Women Achievement Awards (TWAA) Miss Irene Kiwia to name a few. There were more than 250 athletes who participated the race. Am quoting from the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, his excellence Honorable Lazaro Nyarandu that the officials of Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) didn't participate. The quotation is via his twitter handle. I think they didn't think out of the box what impact it would have brought by participating in the race. I dare say it is a shame to let go of such an opportunity as this one, for I hope there were both indigenous and guest who could love to here something about Ngorongoro. Well I hope they have learnt their lesson and I hope next time all will be well.

Ngorongoro Marathon Participants.

From Left Mr. Kijoko the Karatu DC with honorable Lazaro Nyarandu.

The oldest participant

Spectators watching at Barnabas at the finishing line. 

His excellence Honorable Nyarandu covered the Marathon live via his twitter handle. I liked his strategy and his execution of the event I give him a round of applause for without his efforts I could probably not be able to learn what was happening and far worse not post this important Marathon.

Top 10 reasons to visit Tanzania.

This largest country in Eastern Africa has natural attractions that every rival country envy. After scooping three top accolades at Seven Natural Wonders of Africa what else is to be said about this paradise. From the largest to the smallest national park in Africa both are found in the remoteness of the country. Despite having 15 national park excluding game reserves, you are guarantee to meet massive animals eye -to- eye if you come in season. Dar es salaam makes the country be known Africa's Dubai due to its commercial activities and modernness, still culture is one key element that lure tourists from around the world.

Canoeing
While other African countries suffocates their tourists by congesting them into one or two water bodies. Tanzania offers a vast range more than any other African country. You can choose to canoe or other water related activities in any of these; Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Nyasa and the Indian Ocean to mention a few. There is room for everyone and a choice to do it around town or in the wilderness. In Momella Lake, the giraffe can be clearly seen from a very close range, giving you a taste of the true nature of Africa. In Lake Manyara and the Momella lakes the Flamingos flock in great number and can be seen on mass from great distances, and Lake Duluti has a particularly wide range of many different beautiful bird species. 

Canoeing at Lake Momella.

Bushcamping

Ranging from uberstylish chalets primed for a Vogue photo shoot to more rustic bamboo and thatch affairs, bushcamps tend to be remotely situated and intimate, with no more than half a dozen rooms. Sitting down to a candlelit dinner of expertly prepared haute cuisine and a couple of drinks is simply awesome.  The evening is spent around the campfire listening to the sound of the African night - the distant roar of Lion and the doleful, whooping, "laugh" of the Hyena nearby is an unforgettable experience.

The Great Wildebeest Migration (Serengeti)

Topping the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa nothing compares to the live watch of the great migrations. The best time to see the migration is usually between June and August when the wildebeest congregate and prepare to cross the Grumeti River. However the route and timing of the migration is unpredictable so visitors must plan carefully to be assured of seeing the spectacle. During the early wet season (December to April) the animals are found on the short grass plains around Lake Ndutu, the Moru Kopjes, the Gol Mountains and Seronera in the south of the park.

A vital Culture and Traditions
Tanzanian's Social fabric charm is the prime attraction for cultural and eco-tourism. The folklore, the traditional "ngomas" and the dancing styles vary from one tribe to another. When dancing, the Makonde vibrate their bottoms in "Sindimba" frenzy and the "Zaramo" bounce the undulating "Mdundiko" procession. The Maasai in their leaping dance going simultaneously with rhythmic chant of their deep voices which can scare even a he lion! The use of live snakes by the "Sukuma" such as embracing huge pythons and struggling with during the "Bugobogobo" dance turn such occasions into unforgettable scenes to a visitor. Each of the 120 tribes has its ngoma and dancing all of which styles are quite fascinating and sometimes sexy.

A traditional dance in Tanzania.

Festivals
Tanzania's annual events range from traditional festivals that celebrate local culture and arts to sporting competitions combining physical challenges with breathtaking and exotic scenery. Other festivities include those which commemorate political events in Tanzania.
On Zanzibar, many of the celebrations and things to do are of a religious nature, and Muslim holidays are always cause for much merriment. Particularly popular here is Mwaka Kogwa and the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), both of which are staged in July, and the musical extravaganza in February that is the Sauti za Busara.

Remains of the colonial.

Being the home of the earliest man the Australopithecines, discovered at  Laetoli near Olduvai Gorge in northern Tanzania, by archaeologist Mary Leakey in 1978. Tanzania is still the home of colonial remains in various spots like the Bagamoyo slave market ruins which is the UNESCO World Heritage, the ancient colonial buildings in the capital city of Dar es salaam to mention a few.

St. Joseph Church in the center of Dar es salaam

 Urban Vibes

Tanzania’s capital of Dar es salaam deserves to be more than simply a pit stop or way station between interior regions – its modernity and cosmopolitan mix of people offer a window to understanding the country as a whole. The city’s young and stylish hit the happening restaurants and clubs, many of which are in and around city center and Arcades Shopping Center or shopping mall. While admittedly overwhelming to the senses, the city’s outdoor markets are worth experiencing to see how ordinary Dar es salaam indigenous  or famously known Wabongo  do their everyday shopping. 

Mountain Kilimanjaro (The Roof of Africa)
Above the gently rolling hills and plateau of northern Tanzania rise the snowy peaks of Mt Kilimanjaro, its slope and glaciers shimmering above the clouds. Kilimanjaro is located near the town of Moshi and is a protected area, carefully regulated for climbers to enjoy without leaving a trace of their presence. The mountain’s ecosystems are as strikingly beautiful as they are varied and diverse. Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro is the highlight of many visitors’ experience in Tanzania. Hiking on the ‘rooftop’ of Africa is the adventure of a life time, and anyone from seasoned trekker to a reasonably fit first-time enthusiast can scale the snowy peak. Despite Mount Kilimanjaro there are other mountains in Tanzania worthy knowing about. 

Walking Safaris

Tanzania offers an adventure to explore the most spectacular wilderness and cultural tour and safari on foot. Having 15 national parks means more intimacy, closer look and feel of Africa's wilderness. A legacy of Tanzania’s pioneering conservationists, ambling through lush grass or dusty sandbanks on the trail of a herd of elephants is a thrilling experience. And even if you don’t see the animals themselves, the guides or rifle-carrying scouts will explain how much is revealed by the animal scat and paw prints. TV detectives have nothing on these guys.

Tourist in close contact with elephants in a walking Safari

Zanzibar
The dazzling archipelago in the Indian Ocean is one of the most popular places to visit in Tanzania. Zanzibar’s sparkling white beaches, crystal clear water, and great variety of things to do make it a must for anyone visiting Tanzania. While there, you can snorkel or scuba dive, go on a spice plantation tour, visit Stone Town, swim with the dolphins, or just lie on the beach and soak up the sun.

Note: Tanzania has lot of world heritage sites, and we have been depending on tourism for foreign exchange. We want to keep on gaining and benefit from these natural resources for today and the future ahead. After saying so I argue to be a responsible tourist so that we can enjoy the natural wonders by conserving them and passing them on to the next generations. Thank you for your understanding.

Serengeti national park, the home of wildbeest

A million wildebeest... each one driven by the same ancient rhythm, fulfilling its instinctive role in the inescapable cycle of life: a frenzied three-week bout of territorial conquests and mating; survival of the fittest as 40km (25 mile) long columns plunge through crocodile-infested waters on the annual exodus north; replenishing the species in a brief population explosion that produces more than 8,000 calves daily before the 1,000 km (600 mile) pilgrimage begins again.
Tanzania's oldest and most popular national park, also a world heritage site and recently proclaimed a 7th world wide wonder, the Serengeti is famed for its annual migration, when some six million hooves pound the open plains, as more than 200,000 zebra and 300,000 Thomson's gazelle join the wildebeest’s trek for fresh grazing. Yet even when the migration is quiet, the Serengeti offers arguably the most scintillating game-viewing in Africa: great herds of buffalo, smaller groups of elephant and giraffe, and thousands upon thousands of eland, topi, kongoni, impala and Grant’s gazelle.
The spectacle of predator versus prey dominates Tanzania’s greatest park. Golden-maned lion prides feast on the abundance of plain grazers. Solitary leopards haunt the acacia trees lining the Seronera River, while a high density of cheetahs prowls the southeastern plains. Almost uniquely, all three African jackal species occur here, alongside the spotted hyena and a host of more elusive small predators, ranging from the insectivorous aardwolf to the beautiful serval cat.
But there is more to Serengeti than large mammals. Gaudy agama lizards and rock hyraxes scuffle around the surfaces of the park’s isolated granite koppies. A full 100 varieties of dung beetle have been recorded, as have 500-plus bird species, ranging from the outsized ostrich and bizarre secretary bird of the open grassland, to the black eagles that soar effortlessly above the Lobo Hills.
As enduring as the game-viewing is the liberating sense of space that characterises the Serengeti Plains, stretching across sunburnt savannah to a shimmering golden horizon at the end of the earth. Yet, after the rains, this golden expanse of grass is transformed into an endless green carpet flecked with wildflowers. And there are also wooded hills and towering termite mounds, rivers lined with fig trees and acacia woodland stained orange by dust.
Popular the Serengeti might be, but it remains so vast that you may be the only human audience when a pride of lions masterminds a siege, focussed unswervingly on its next meal.
About Serengeti
Size: 14,763 sq km (5,700 sq miles).
Location: 335km (208 miles) from Arusha, stretching north to Kenya and bordering Lake Victoria to the west.
Getting there
Scheduled and charter flights from Arusha, Lake Manyara and Mwanza.
Drive from Arusha, Lake Manyara, Tarangire or Ngorongoro Crater.

What to do
Hot air balloon safaris, walking safari, picnicking, game drives, bush lunch/dinner can be arranged with hotels/tour operators.  Maasai rock paintings and musical rocks.
Visit neighbouring Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge, Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano and Lake Natron's flamingos.
When to go
To follow the wildebeest migration, December-July. To see predators, June-October.
Accommodation
Four lodges, six luxury tented camps and camp sites scattered through the park; one new lodge will be opened next season (Bilila Lodge); one luxury camp, a lodge and two tented camps just outside.
More info on accomodation
NOTE
The route and timing of the wildebeest migration is unpredictable. Allow at least three days to be assured of seeing them on your visit - longer if you want to see the main predators as well.