Set on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, close to the Kenyan border in Northern Tanzania, the vibrant town of Moshi is known as a coffee producing hub boasting vast coffee plantations. The majestic snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro towers over this little African town. Moshi serves as the gateway to the Kilimanjaro National Park and provides an excellent base from which to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.
Located in Tanzania’s scenic northern highlands, Karatu is a small, colourful town surrounded by rolling green hills and fertile farmland. Travellers heading for the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater often pass through Karatu, which lies beneath the towering Ol Deani Volcano. The town serves as a popular overnight stop for visitors exploring the region’s many game parks. Karatu offers a variety of activities, including browsing bustling local markets, sampling beer at a local brewery, visiting traditional homesteads, or taking guided walks through the Ngorongoro Forest in search of waterfalls and caves. Whether seeking cultural experiences, hiking and biking opportunities, or simply a relaxing break between safari drives, visitors will find plenty to enjoy in this welcoming town.
The Seronera region, in the central Serengeti, is set directly on the Great Migration route, and offers excellent viewing of this incredible annual phenomenon, when countless wildebeest flood across the plains. While migratory game populations fluctuate seasonally, Seronera is still a wildlife hotspot at other times of the year, sheltering the Big Five, among many other species. Visitors can enjoy hot air balloon trips and walking safaris as well as guided game drives.
The northern Serengeti stuns with rolling hills, lush riverine forests and dramatic granite outcrops. It’s the hotspot from July to October, when wildebeest and zebras charge across the Mara River in epic crossings. But don’t get obsessed with just the crossings—this beautiful part of the park is packed with wildlife! From elephants and buffalo to leopard, zebra, eland and gazelle, there’s plenty to see. Birdwatching is a treat both around the camp and on game drives, and don’t miss a balloon safari for a breathtaking view.
