Resting at the foot of Mount Meru, the city of Arusha is known as the gateway to northern Tanzania's safari circuit. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding region, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Thanks to its elevation, Arusha enjoys a pleasant climate with moderate temperatures throughout the year. Visitors can explore the wildlife-rich Serengeti and Arusha National Parks or take 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.
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.
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.
Paje is a tiny fishing village on the east coast of Zanzibar’s Unguja Island. The village is best known for its excellent kiteboarding conditions especially for beginners as the local reef-protected lagoon is blessed with a consistent side-onshore wind for much of the year. The settlement rests on a magnificent strip of coastline offering ideal conditions for swimming in the warm, azure waters when the tide is in or exploring the coral reef once the tide has gone out. Paje boasts two supermarkets and a number of small shops selling locally-produced souvenirs. If you are seeking a laid back, peaceful vacation spot where you can embrace the slow pace of island life, look no further than the remote little seaside village of Paje.
Situated on the western coast of Zanzibar’s Unguja Island, UNESCO-listed Stone Town is the oldest part of Zanzibar City and is the cultural heart of the island. The town’s photogenic winding alleys are fringed by grand historic buildings, bustling bazaars, a glorious sultan’s palace, and the intriguing House of Wonders - named as such for exhibiting running water and electricity as never before in 1883. Stone Town also boasts numerous sacred buildings - over fifty mosques, six Hindu Temples, a Catholic, and an Anglican Cathedral - all of which are beautiful in unique ways. Other highlights include sunset dhow cruises; spice tours to aromatic distilleries; and neighbouring Changuu Island, home to stunning sandy beaches, a historic prison, and dozens of giant, ancient tortoises.
