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.
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.
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.
Just off the north-east coast of Tanzania, Mnemba Island is a private island surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Zanzibar Archipelago and its encircling coral reef. The atmosphere is quiet and exclusive, with powder-soft sand, rustling palms and little beyond the sound of waves and traditional fishing boats in the distance. Renowned for its clear waters and vibrant marine life, the island offers exceptional snorkelling and diving, where dolphins, green sea turtles and shoals of reef fish are frequently seen, along with occasional rays and reef sharks. Days unfold slowly between barefoot beach walks, dhow cruises and ocean swims. While access is limited and accommodation is intentionally understated in scale, the island’s appeal lies in its seclusion, natural beauty and unhurried coastal atmosphere.
