Tanzania is in many ways a natural extension of Kenya. The Serengeti-Masai Mara Ecosystems (supporting the most diverse migration of grazing mammals on earth) stretches over 24,000km² of land with the Serengeti in Tanzania in the south and the Masai Mara in Kenya to the north.
Tanzania includes the spice islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia and contains Africa’s highest point—Kilimanjaro, at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet).
- Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa and is just over twice the size of California
- There are over 120 languages are spoken, with English and Swahili being the official languages
- Africa blackwood trees (Mpingo trees) provide the most expensive hardwood in the world
- Home to Mount Kilimanjaro; the highest free-standing mountain in the world
- The largest crab in the world, the coconut crab, can be found in Zanzibar
- More than a quarter of both Kenya and Tanzania is protected through National Parks, nature reserves and protected areas
- Kenya and Tanzania have the greatest numbers of wild large mammals on earth
A quaint town on the Southern slopes of Mount Meru in the lush coffee growing highlands of Northern Tanzania, Arusha is known as the safari hub of Tanzania Northern safari circuit. The famous Northern Circuit includes the Serengeti National Park, Kilimanjaro National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park.
Discover the ‘bean-to-cup’ process on a Coffee Tour Estate where you roast, grind and taste your own coffee or experience the sights, sounds and smells of the local Tengeru Market. Arusha is the centre of the Tanzanite trade; a highly sought-after purple-blue gem found only in Northern Tanzania.
The 2,850 square kilometres Tarangire National Park is an integral part of the Northern Tanzania safari circuit, Tarangire is a relatively small park surrounded by private conservancies that extend it’s eco-system substantially.
During the dry months of July to November, the perennial Tarangire River, running through the heart of the park becomes the sole source of freshwater for the abundant wildlife within the Manyara National Reserve. A migration of animals in search of water and green pastures provides exceptional game viewing including wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, lesser and greater kudu as well as predators such as lion, leopard and hyena. The elephant population during these months is known to reach upwards of 3,000 in the park at one time.
Located in Northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater is best known for its natural beauty and abundance of diverse wildlife; which makes it one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations. Surrounded by Tanzania’s highlands, this UNESCO-listed crater is said to be the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.
Visitors can look forward to spotting the world-renowned Big Five and a host of other wildlife species including large herds of zebra and wildebeest. It is famed as one of Tanzania’s best tourist attractions offering visitors an array of wonderful activities including excellent bird watching, trekking, wildlife viewing, mountain biking and visiting a local Maasai village. Don’t miss the opportunity to jump on an excursion to the magnificent Olduvai Gorge.
The vast, rolling savannah of the Northern Serengeti, is known as the hub of the great migration. The landscape is characterised by vast stretches of savannah interspersed with acacia trees and riverine woodlands.
Wildlife can be seen along the banks of the Mara River and visitors can view the annual spectacle of the half a million migrating wildebeest. Commonly spotted wildlife include: a multitude of plains game such as buffalo, zebra, gazelles, impala, giraffe as well as lion and leopard. Visitors can look forward to bird watching, hot air ballooning, game safaris and guided bush walks.