Forest reserve in Coastal regions neighbouring Daressalaam
Forest reserve in Coastal regions neighbouring Daressalaam : Dar es Salaam is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa. The Three coastal forests surrounding the city are Pugu Hill, Kazimzumbwi, and Vikindu forest. These forests are the lungs of Dar es salaam city (they purify the dirt air and give fresh air). These forests also regulate weather conditions. The rain in Dar es salaam city is all because of these forests. Forest reserves in the coastal region (Pwani) which borders Dar es salaam city are as follows.
VIKINDU FOREST RESERVE
Vikindu Forest Reserve is in Mkuranga District, Coast region. This forest is one of the forests found in the coastal Region in the Kazimzumbwi forest range. The origin of this forest started from the days of colonial rule under the British when this forest began to be protected/owned by the British government under Queen Elizabeth. During those years, this forest was protected and known as Kazimzumbwi, but the forest divides to form Vikindu-Mkuranga district and Kazimzumbwi-Kisarawe district, Pwani region.
Vikindu forest has an area of 1,769 square kilometers and has more than 12 villages. Namely, Vikindu and Kipara, Mpakani, and many more. In this forest, you can find ecological tourism such as,
Forest Walks: There are walks in the forest of more than 17 kilometers go and return. There is also a 2-4 kilometer walk, according to one’s ability.
Photography: Within the Vikindu forest, there are photographic activities. Two places suitable for photographing are; the bridge and a pond where one can take pictures while in the water, riding a canoe, and the outside environment.
Plants (Flora): The Vikindu Forest Reserve has more than 65 types of trees. The tree types are Afzelia, Julbenadia, Brachestigia, Adansoniadigitata, and Combretum species, to mention a few. Also, the tree forms about five communities. There are medicinal plants, wood trees, construction poles, fruit trees for animals, and other trees that grow with more than one use.
Wildlife (fauna): In this forest, there are small animals where there are monkeys (white colobus), wild boars, deer, elephant shoes, snakes (python), black butterflies, Antelopes, wild pigs, butterflies, beetles, and many other insects.
Camping: Inside the forest of Vikindu, there is camping which is very affordable at a price. One person pays 15,000 Tanzanian shillings ($6).
Apart from ecological tourism, various activities in the vikindu forest include beekeeping and selling honey, Forest walking, picnics, Canoeing, Cycling, Camping, bonfires, and Bird watching. The forest is so close to the city of Dar es Salaam and is the best for a day trip.
PUGU HILL FOREST RESERVE
Pugu Hill Forest Reserve is about 20 kilometers from the city center of Dar es Salaam, close to Kisarawe District. It got the name Pugu Hill because it is in a hilly region of Pugu ward. The former name was Mogo Forrest, and a part of this area is one of the oldest forests in the world. Before the announcement of the Kisarawe District, the Pugu forest belonged to the Ilala District of Dar es Salaam city. It is the perfect Town escape from Dar es Salaam. The communities surrounding the Pugu forest have a total population of about 20,000. The forest reserve has remarkable biodiversity and is an excellent place for; beekeeping exploration, overnight camping, relaxation, photographic shoots, nature walks, and biking. Other activities are exploring bird life (a bird watcher paradise of over 80 bird species), cave exploration (visiting the cave’s famous colony of bats), and hiking (there are several hiking trails to choose from). It receives many visitors during the weekends. If you want a more private tour, you should go to Pugu hill during the weekdays. The forest is beautiful and evergreen with a good viewpoint of the whole city of Dar es Salaam.
ZANZIBAR FOREST AND NATIONAL PARK
Zanzibar is home to one of the 16 national parks in Tanzania with Tree heights and is the rarest primate in Africa. Jozani – Chwaka Bay National Park is home to several plants and animal species. Among the things to see when visiting the park are; The Forest (Jozani Forest), The Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkeys, and A Mangrove Board Walk.
Zanzibar forest national park is about 38 kilometers southeast of Zanzibar stone town. With around 5000 hectares of space, this park makes the largest in the archipelago. With a most popular route tour taking more than an hour, the first thing is a walk into the forest. Due to its biodiversity, the park’s impressive flora and fauna are one of the highlights Zanzibar has to offer. Currently home to different species of animals and plants often seen through the trail that park ranger will take you around all the wild explaining the medicinal properties and uses of several plants.
Next, the forest is the home to Africa’s rarest monkeys, the Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkeys, which are only on the Island and nowhere else in the world. You will see the monkeys feeding on leaves and fruits in the forest. They are very friendly monkeys, and sometimes they come down to smell and kiss you on the shoulder.
About one kilometer away from the forest is a mangrove boardwalk which is the third thing to see when you visit the park. It takes visitors above the swamp, where the guide explains the uses of the Mangrove trees and their importance.
MAGOROTO FOREST RESERVE
Magoroto is the most beautiful place in Tanzania. Magoroto in Muheza Tanga is not only beautiful, but it has secrets hidden behind the mountains (Waterfalls, Rare vegetation, and Insects).
The site of Magoroto is in the mountains of East Usambara in the northeast of Tanzania. The East Usambara Mountains are part of a mountain range called the Eastern Arch that stretches from southern Kenya to southern Tanzania. These mountains are known for their high levels of biodiversity and many types of flowers. Magoroto is a great place to visit with your friends or on a solo trip. There is a lot to see and learn, but it is also a safe place. Activities include Hiking, Mountain biking, Bonfire, Camping, BBQ, Bird watching, Forest walk, Village walk, Spice tour, Factory tour, Fishing, Rafting, Swimming, and Board games. If you are looking for a weekend getaway, a perfect road trip destination, a hiking spot, or place to connect with nature, then Magoroto Forest Estate in Muheza-Tanzania, is the place you should be.
Generally, Tanzania is a beautiful country with one of the unique Forests in East Africa. You are welcome to explore its beauty from the perspective of a local to its city. There are so many things for you to enjoy, from learning how to make our traditional foods, visiting a local village, experiencing the most exciting touristic activities, and taking a luxurious safari to National Parks.
