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.
The Chem Chem concession lies in the renowned migration corridor between the famed Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks, covering over 20 000 hectares. The landscapes here are characterized by vast grasslands dotted with ancient baobab trees, inhabited by a variety of wildlife including herds of elephant, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, impalas, and over 400 species of bird. Visitors can look forward to dining under the African night sky, day and night wildlife safaris, and visiting a traditional Maasai village. Other popular activities include horse riding, bird watching, fishing, guided bush walks, 4x4 trails, hiking, picnicking, and game drives.
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.
Travellers heading for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater will pass through the town of Karatu in the green hills of Tanzania’s northern highlands. Presided over by the towering Ol Deani Volcano, this small, colourful town serves as a popular overnight stop for visitors exploring the area’s many game parks. The town offers a variety of activities including browsing the bustling marketplace, sampling beer at a local brewery, visiting a traditional homestead, or taking a guided walk through the Ngorongoro Forest in search of waterfalls and caves. Whether you are looking for cultural tours, hiking and biking opportunities, a chance to enjoy an authentic rural Tanzania experience, or simply a break between safari game drives, this underrated town has plenty to offer.
Located only an hour's drive from Stone Town, near the village of Paje on the beautiful eastern coast of Zanzibar, the seaside resort town of Dongwe features endless white-sand beaches meeting crystal- clear azure waters. Travellers from around the globe flock to this little corner of paradise for the quintessential beach-island getaway. Dongwe is encircled by lush tropical vegetation with an offshore coral reef teeming with colourful tropical fish and an array of other marine life. It boasts a wide selection of wonderful fully-equipped beachside resorts. Visitors can look forward to a variety of activities including: swimming with wild dolphins, enjoying fascinating forest excursions, and sampling delicious local cuisine, which known for its variety of aromatic spices.
