Resting at the foot of Mount Meru, the sprawling city of Arusha is known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the remarkably scenic surrounding area which includes majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Parks. Arusha is a good spot to take a day or two off from the safari circuit as it features a temperate climate and lush surrounds. Visitors can look forward to exploring the wildlife-abundant Serengeti National Park; the magnificent Arusha National Park; and taking on the challenge of climbing Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth highest mountain.
Set on the southern edge of the Serengeti and west of the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area border, Mwiba Wildlife Reserve is covered with rolling hills, thickets, rock kopjes, and interspersed by seasonal rivers containing permanent water holes and more than 20 natural springs. The undulating nature of the site delivers a colour-infused landscape that is home to thriving wildlife populations such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffalos, hyenas, among others. Over thirty freshwater springs provide water for these animals throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy walking safaris, picnic breakfasts, game drives, bush cuisine and rejuvenating sundowners at Mwiba Lodge - arguably the most luxurious lodge in the greater southern Serengeti migration area.
Once little more than a ramshackle fishing village, Nungwi has been transformed into one of Unguja island’s busiest beach destinations and its second most populated village after its capital, Stone Town. Situated at the island's northernmost tip, Nungwi is blessed with some of Zanzibar’s most idyllic swimming beaches as the water surrounding this section of the island is fairly deep and mostly unaffected by the change of tides. The village is also renowned as a party hotspot with plenty of boisterous nightlife and a thriving social scene hosted by the village’s slew of hotels, bars, shops and restaurants. Spend your days lazing on the spectacular beaches, floating in the idyllic turquoise waters or indulging in a massage. Then, as the sun sets, join the revellers as the town comes alive, cocktails flow freely and the beach bonfires begin to blaze. Daily itineraries tend to be gloriously simple: sunbathe, swim, party, repeat!
