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.
Situated in Tanzania’s central-northern region with the Lake Manyara to its east and the Manyara Escarpment to its west, the Lake Manyara National Park offers breathtaking views and a large variety of habitats supporting an array of wildlife. This small park is home to surprising biodiversity and features a magnificent landscape of acacia woodlands, forests, baobab strewn cliffs, algae-streaked hot springs, swamps and the lake itself. The park supports over 400 species of bird and the largest concentration of baboons anywhere in the world. Other species to spot include giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, warthog, the Cape clawless otter, and the Egyptian mongoose. Don’t miss the opportunity to see thousands of flamingos on the lake, the renowned tree-climbing lions, and large families of elephants strolling through the forest.
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.
