At the foot of Mount Meru, whose volcanic cone dominates the northern skyline, Arusha is the administrative capital of the Arusha Region and the principal gateway to northern Tanzania's renowned safari circuit. Alongside its thriving tourism industry, the bustling city is a leading centre for business, diplomacy and international conferences in East Africa, hosting regional institutions and major political, commercial and conservation events throughout the year. German colonial buildings, modern offices and lively markets reflect Arusha's evolution from a colonial outpost into northern Tanzania's commercial hub, while cafés, hotels, craft centres and galleries contribute to its cosmopolitan atmosphere. Less than an hour from the city, Arusha National Park offers game drives and canoeing on the Momella Lakes beneath Mount Meru, while nearby coffee estates and cultural experiences introduce visitors to the region beyond the safari circuit.
Set within the ecologically important migratory corridor of Manyara and Tarangire, Lake Burunge-Manyara is one of three major lakes in Tanzania’s Manyara region that provide incredible game viewing opportunities. Lookout decks along the shore offer close-up encounters with the wild animals which come to drink or hunt, as well as with 300 bird species. Game drives, guided walks, canoeing, and cultural tours to the neighbouring Mbugwe and Maasai villages are just some of the activities visitors can look forward to. Neighbouring Tarangire National Park is another highlight of the area, only 30 kilometres away.
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 the area and move 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. A number of small campsites provide accommodation and visitors can enjoy hot air balloon trips and walking safaris as well as guided game drives.
As previously described
Tucked between the iconic peaks of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngabobo is a charming village at the foot of Kilimanjaro, surrounded by the lush landscapes of the East African Rift. Home to the Maasai community, the village is set against a backdrop of rolling hills adorned with acacia trees and vibrant flora.
