Tarangire National Park, situated within Tanzania’s spectacular Manyara Region, is an awe-inspiring national park comprising of granite ridges, river valleys, mixed vegetative landscapes, and free-roaming wildlife. During the annual dry season, the Tarangire River is a magnet for thirsty wildlife. Large herds of elephants and migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland gather and not surprisingly the predators follow. With lion being among the most commonly spotted animal, it is a rare day that a visitor does not spot this majestic animal prowling or grazing. Tarangire is also the one place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope such as oryx and gerenuk are seen regularly. This expansive area is also known for its spectacular baobab trees, its breathtaking views of the Masaai Steppe and the wondrous mountains to the south.
Situated in the East African country of Tanzania, Lake Natron is fed by mineral-rich hot springs and is less than three meters deep. High levels of evaporation leave loads of salt and minerals behind, the volcanic carbonate colours the water a striking red and the temperature can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius. All of which makes it a perfect breeding ground for the endangered Lesser Flamingo; however, it is known as the deadliest lake in the country, the high sodium carbonate level in the water is known to calcify and petrify wildlife who get too close. Visitors can climb the Ol Doinyo L'Engai, an active volcano; explore the surrounding terrain, including rugged mountains, grassy plains, and gorges; and spot a variety of wildlife.
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.
Not to be confused with the Kenyan lake of the same name set only a hundred kilomtres away, the Tanzanian Lake Magadi is an exquisite soda lake in the Ngororongo crater, named the Swahili word for salt. This is a wonderful destination for nature photographers, a scene that changes exquisitely through the seasons, moving through lush greens into striking oranges and bright pinks. Along with the changes come captivating, changing groups of animals including rhino, eland and lion, as well as golden jackals who come to hunt the flamingos. Spread over 11.2 square kilometres, the lake cultivates a unique ecosystem with its blue-green algae, which nourishes the plants and small creatures here. The surrounding crater is filled with incredible other natural attractions and a much wider variety of wildlife.
Bordering the Lake Manyara National Park in the Arusha Region of Tanzania, the village of Mto wa Mbu lies the East African Rift Valley. It serves as a convenient stopover for tourists visiting the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. Visitors can look forward to an authentic cultural experience which could include visiting a traditional home, sampling banana beer, enjoying a delicious Tanzanian meal, and browsing the weekly Maasai Market. The village is set within two wildlife corridors and a variety of animals can be spotted in the area. Look out for giraffe, elephant, hippo, wildebeest, baboon, zebra, and monkey. Other popular activities include walking, hiking, and biking tours.
