The name Tanzania conjures up images of wildebeest stampeding across vast savannah, rain forests teeming with monkeys and birdlife, and great plains brimming with legions of game. All of these natural wonders and more are on offer in this exceptionally diverse African nation. Visitors typically visit Tanzania to partake in at least one of the four well-known Tanzanian tourist experiences: a relaxing seaside vacation on the picturesque island paradise of Zanzibar, an underwater tour of some of the world’s most renowned dive sites around the gorgeous Spice Islands, a safari adventure in some of Africa’s most impressive game reserves, or a hiking excursion around Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Whichever of these incredible holidays you choose, you will undoubtedly be welcomed by some fabulously friendly and peaceful inhabitants who, despite being divided into 120 different ethnic groups and cultures, live in harmony with one another and provide some of the most wonderfully exotic local cuisine you could imagine. With all of this diversity on offer, the most difficult part of your Tanzanian holiday experience is likely to be deciding where to go!
Set 23 kilometres east of Arusha, Usa River is the capital of Tanzania’s Meru District and lies between the Ndurdoto Crater and Arusha National Park. Dotted with numerous eco-lodges and other accommodation options, the town provides an ideal base for exploring the magnificent surrounding natural landscapes. Visit the seven Momela Lakes to see vast swathes of pink flamingos, and look out for buffalos and waterbuck. The park offers an array of safari tours and the chance to see unique primates such as blue monkeys, albino baboons, and colobus monkeys (this is the only place in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit where they can be found). The spectacular Mount Meru is a fantastic achievement to climb and provides unparalleled vistas of Kilimanjaro. At Usa River’s Cultural Arts Centre, take part in drum-making and Tanzanian cooking classes or visit traditional Maasai and Meru bomas.
Set within the ecologically important migratory corridor of Manyara and Tarangire, Lake Burunge-Manyara is one of three major lakes in Tanzania’s Manyara region that provide incredible game viewing opportunities. Lookout decks along the shore offer close-up encounters with the wild animals which come to drink or hunt, as well as with 300 bird species. Game drives, guided walks, canoeing, and cultural tours to the neighbouring Mbugwe and Maasai villages are just some of the activities visitors can look forward to. Neighbouring Tarangire National Park is another highlight of the area, only 30 kilometres away.
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 between the Central Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve to the north, the Northern Serengeti is a remote African wildlife wonderland. 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.
Ikoma is situated in Tanzania, east of the Serengeti National Park, at the base of the majestic Mt. Meru, Ikoma is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater are both within easy driving distance, making Ikoma the perfect base for exploring the region. In addition to its natural wonders, Ikoma is also home to a number of great activities, including hiking, biking and bird watching. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder Ikoma is one of Tanzania's most popular tourist destinations. Other Highlights in the surrounding area include Lake Ndutu, and the Olduvai Gorge. Ikoma is also home to a number of Masai villages, where visitors can learn about the traditional culture and way of life. With its unique location and range of activities on offer, Ikoma is an ideal destination for those looking to explore the natural beauty and culture of Tanzania.
As previously described
As previously described
