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.
Chem Chem Safari, located in the heart of northern Tanzania, offers an exclusive safari experience on a private conservation area nestled between the Tarangire and Manyara National Parks. Spanning over 10,000 hectares, the reserve is known for its pristine landscapes, which include savannahs, woodlands, and seasonal wetlands. The area is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including large herds of elephants, buffalo, and a variety of other wildlife species.
Guests at Chem Chem Safari can enjoy a range of activities designed to immerse them in the natural beauty and wildlife of the region. These activities include guided game drives, walking safaris, and cultural encounters with local communities. The safari experience is enhanced by luxurious accommodations, including elegant tented suites that blend seamlessly into the environment while offering high levels of comfort and privacy.
Chem Chem Safari is dedicated to conservation and sustainable tourism, working to protect and preserve the wildlife and natural habitats within its area. The camp’s design and operations are aimed at minimizing environmental impact while providing guests with an intimate and immersive safari experience. The best time to visit Chem Chem Safari is during the dry season from June to October, when wildlife viewing is optimal. For more information and to plan a visit, potential travelers are encouraged to contact the camp directly through their website.
Karatu is a small town in northern Tanzania, located in the Arusha Region with an estimated population of around 22,000 (as of 2006). It sits on the eastern edge of the Great Rift Valley, approximately 20 kilometers south of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and 140 kilometers west of Arusha, the regional capital.
Karatu is well-known for its proximity to several popular travel destinations, including the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, and Serengeti National Park. The town serves as a gateway to these attractions and offers various accommodations, restaurants, and services for visitors.
The area surrounding Karatu is heavily agricultural, benefiting from the year-round rainfall on the southern edge of the Ngorongoro Crater massif and its elevation (Karatu itself is at 1,534 meters). These conditions are ideal for growing coffee, bananas, and vegetables. In the late 19th century, the authorities of German East Africa recognized these advantages and encouraged the settlement of German farmers in the region.
Karatu is the endpoint of the paved main road from Arusha and is the last stop before reaching the major national parks in northern Tanzania. As a result, it has earned the nickname "Safari Junction." The town features several hotels and campsites, as well as shopping options for food and souvenirs.
In addition to its proximity to national parks, Karatu offers a pleasant climate and stunning scenery with rolling hills and lush green coffee plantations. The town also has a small market where visitors can purchase fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
Situated in the heart of Tanzania, the Central Serengeti encompasses the world-famous Seronera Valley which is known for its prime wildlife-viewing opportunities. This picture-perfect landscape is characterised by endless stretches of savannah-covered open plains interspersed by rocky outcrops of granite and scattered with acacia woodlands and covered in a network of rivers and streams. The Central Serengeti forms part of the great wildebeest and zebra migration and provides an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife such as giraffe, impala, waterbuck, hippo, elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, hyena, jackal, serval and much more. Popular activities include: game viewing, cultural tours, horse riding safaris, and hot air ballooning over the spectacularly scenic terrain.
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.
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.
