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.
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.
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.
Northern Tanzania's Southern Serengeti, together with Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Park, form Africa’s most famous wildlife park. The image of acacia trees on an endless grass plain epitomises Africa for many. The annual wildebeest migration through the Serengeti and the Masai Mara is the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. Large prides of lions, and herds of elephants, giraffes, gazelles, and eland can be seen, making for some phenomenal photography opportunities. Hot air balloon rides provide further inspiration. Visitors can also look forward to cultural tours to delve into the rich heritage of the Masai people.
Mnemba Island is privately owned and located off the northeast coast of Unguja Island, Zanzibar. The reefs surrounding the island are part of a marine conservation area and is a popular site for scuba divers. A guest lodge is available on the island where guests can experience many outdoor activities such as diving, boating, snorkelling, and other thrilling watersports. The island is easily accessible by boat from the main island of Zanzibar. Visitors can look forward to exploring the underwater coral wonderlands of the Mnemba Atoll, relaxing on picturesque white-sand beaches, and spotting an array of marine life such as turtles, humpback whales, whale sharks, dolphins, seabirds and over 600 species of tropical coral reef fish.
