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.
Tucked between the Kidero Mountains in the south and the Eyasi Escarpment in the north, Lake Eyasi is situated in a remote, dry, arid landscape just south of Tanzania’s renowned Serengeti National Park. This seasonal lake features dry salt beds and is home to a variety of birdlife such as flamingos and pelicans. Beautiful surroundings of woodlands, forests, and ancient baobabs beckon to be explored, with numerous excellent walking trails. Visitors can learn about local cultures by visiting the pastoralist Datoga people as well as the nomadic hunter-gatherer Hadzabe group. Other popular activities include bird watching, hiking, walking safaris, and soaking up the spectacular views. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby enthralling Oldeani Mountain, the atmospheric swampy valley area of Yaeda, and the spectacular Serengeti.
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.
Located in the southern reaches of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, the Southern Serengeti is a vast wilderness of open short-grass plains renowned for its role in the Great Migration and exceptional wildlife viewing. This remote safari region is at its best between December and March, when hundreds of thousands of wildebeest gather to calve, attracting an abundance of predators, including lions, cheetahs and hyenas. Beyond the migration, visitors can enjoy rewarding game drives, exceptional birdwatching and sweeping views across expansive plains beneath vast African skies. The region's seasonal camps, peaceful atmosphere and remarkable concentration of wildlife create an immersive safari experience, offering an unforgettable glimpse into one of Africa's most celebrated natural ecosystems.
As previously described
