Following its 2008 merger with Usangu Game Reserve and other notable wetlands, Ruaha is counted among Tanzania's biggest national parks, spanning more than 20,000km². It is also a sizeable elephant haven and home to buffalo, huge populations of lion, leopard, and a profusion of bird species, including kingfishers, plovers, egrets, hornbills and sunbirds. Crocodiles and hippos thrive in the Great Ruaha River, which flows along the sanctuary’s eastern border and in the dry season between July and November, animals flock to the last remaining water sources, presenting an exceptional wildlife spectacle. There are a number of accommodation options available but some close for the wet season in March and April.
Located on the eastern coast of Zanzibar, at the southern end of the beautiful Kiwengwa Beach, Pongwe is a resort area known for its pristine natural beauty, featuring palm-dotted white-sand beaches lapped by calm crystalline waters. Pongwe’s natural beauty draws travellers from far and wide. This tropical beach paradise boasts a glittering crescent bay ideal for snorkelling and swimming. Visitors can enjoy a fishing trip on a traditional wooden dhow boat, soak up the African sun on unspoilt beaches, or jump on a snorkelling trip to the nearby Mnemba Atoll to discover a fascinating underwater paradise teeming with an array of marine life including turtles, sharks, dolphins and abundant coral gardens.
