Lobo Area
In the northern Lobo area we found the massive migrating herds. On our previous visit a few years ago, we were lucky to be camping in a 'special site' - in a kopje. All very nice and secluded, but we found that although the public sites are shared with others, one can feel the same spirit of adventure and share the vastness of the park in the same manner. On this occasion we sat back and watched a hot air balloon drift nearby. Maps and Directions
We used our 'Illustrated Road Atlas of Africa', the Collins Tourist Map for Kenya and Tanzania, the Brandt Guide to Tanzania and the Footprint Handbook 2000 for East Africa. Generally the roads were good and well marked, less those areas we indicated in the text. Campsites and National Parks were well signposted. In addition we had 2 Hoopoe sketch maps, one of Tarangire and the other of the Serengeti, which were excellent.
Impressions
We thoroughly enjoyed Tanzania. It is a country of many contrasts, the south differing from the north, and Zanzibar and Dar different again, not only the people, but the whole infrastructure. Although allegations of corruption are levelled against Tanzania, we were not affected at all by this. However, the tourist areas, especially the northern safari circuit are expensive, park fees particularly are exorbitant. Despite increasing fees, more tourists are visiting, especially to climb Kilimanjaro, presenting the government with an interesting conundrum between eco-tourism and revenue.
Foodstuffs were available, though difficult to find, as the concept of a supermarket did not exist. Also fresh milk was not evident, although other fresh products could be obtained from farm shops. The highlight for us was crossing the Sand River and following the migrating herds into the Mara.
