Tanzania - Africa's Best Safari Destination - Home of the Serengeti National Park & the Roof Top of Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro
The name Tanzania evokes visions of sweeping savannahs filled with thundering wildebeest herds, mist-shrouded rainforests alive with monkeys and birds, and vast plains where Africa’s greatest wildlife roams free. From the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro to the palm-fringed beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania is a country of breathtaking contrasts and unparalleled natural beauty.
With its warm-hearted people, diverse cultures, and world-class destinations, Tanzania stands as one of Africa’s most captivating travel experiences — a place where adventure, relaxation, and discovery meet in perfect harmony.
Location and Geography
Situated in East Africa, Tanzania is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, and Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia to the south. To the east lies the glittering Indian Ocean, home to the idyllic Zanzibar Archipelago.
Covering nearly 950,000 square kilometres, Tanzania is one of Africa’s largest countries, encompassing vast plains, volcanic highlands, lush forests, and tranquil lakes — including Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Nyasa. This geographical diversity supports a remarkable array of wildlife, ecosystems, and cultures.
Top Attractions and Experiences
Tanzania offers travellers four main experiences, each distinct yet equally unforgettable:
1. Safari Adventures
Home to some of Africa’s most legendary parks, Tanzania’s northern and southern safari circuits offer unrivalled game viewing.
Serengeti National Park: Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the planet’s most extraordinary natural spectacles.
Ngorongoro Crater: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife in a spectacular volcanic setting.
Ruaha and Selous (Nyerere) National Parks: Discover vast, remote wilderness areas where elephants, lions, and leopards roam freely.
2. The Spice Islands of Zanzibar
Just off Tanzania’s coast lies Zanzibar, an enchanting island paradise of turquoise seas, coral reefs, and historic towns.
Relax on white-sand beaches in Nungwi, Paje, and Jambiani.
Explore Stone Town, a UNESCO-listed cultural treasure of winding alleys, carved doors, and spice markets.
Dive into world-renowned coral reefs, or sail on a traditional dhow into a golden sunset.
3. Mount Kilimanjaro
Rising to 5,895 metres, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and one of the world’s most iconic trekking destinations.
Climbers ascend through distinct ecological zones — from lush rainforest to alpine desert — before reaching the snow-capped Uhuru Peak, the “Roof of Africa.”
4. Marine and Coastal Adventures
Beyond Zanzibar, the Mafia and Pemba Islands offer spectacular diving and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters rich with marine life. The Tanga Coelacanth Marine Park provides sanctuary for rare species like the prehistoric coelacanth and gentle dugongs.
People and Culture
Tanzania’s true beauty extends beyond its landscapes — it lies in its people. Home to more than 120 ethnic groups, including the Maasai, Chaga, Sukuma, and Hadzabe, Tanzania is a tapestry of languages, traditions, and beliefs.
Despite this diversity, Tanzanians share a strong sense of unity and peace, bound together by Swahili — the nation’s lingua franca. Visitors are greeted with warmth and hospitality, experiencing the “Hakuna Matata” spirit that defines the country’s easy-going charm.
Local cuisine is a reflection of this cultural blend: from spiced coconut curries on the coast to nyama choma (grilled meat) and ugali (maize porridge) in the interior. Food, music, and storytelling are woven into daily life, enriching every travel experience.
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (June – October): Ideal for safaris and mountain treks. Wildlife congregates around water sources, offering excellent game viewing.
Green Season (November – May): Perfect for birdwatching and lush landscapes. The calving season (January–February) in the Serengeti is particularly rewarding for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Why Visit Tanzania
Tanzania is Africa in its purest form — wild, beautiful, and deeply soulful. Whether you’re watching elephants cross the Serengeti, exploring coral reefs off Zanzibar, or summiting Africa’s highest mountain, every moment feels timeless and awe-inspiring.
Add to that the warmth of the Tanzanian people and the rich blend of cultures, and you have a destination that captures the heart of every traveller.
With such an abundance of experiences — from safari plains to island retreats — the hardest part of your journey will simply be deciding where to go first.
Key Highlights
Serengeti National Park – Home of the Great Wildebeest Migration
Ngorongoro Crater – UNESCO World Heritage Site and wildlife sanctuary
Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest peak and iconic hiking destination
Zanzibar Archipelago – Historic Stone Town and idyllic beaches
Selous (Nyerere) National Park – One of Africa’s largest protected reserves
Warm, Welcoming People – Over 120 ethnic groups living in harmony
Mount Meru – Tanzania’s Second Highest Mountain
Rising gracefully within Arusha National Park, Mount Meru stands as Tanzania’s second-highest peak and one of Africa’s most captivating mountains. This dormant stratovolcano reaches an impressive 4,566 metres (14,980 feet) and offers a breathtaking blend of scenic beauty, ecological diversity, and adventure. Often overshadowed by its taller neighbour, Mount Kilimanjaro, located just 70 kilometres to the east, Mount Meru provides a quieter, more intimate trekking experience — perfect for hikers, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Location – Northern Tanzania, Within Arusha National Park
Located just 45 minutes from Arusha town, Mount Meru lies within Arusha National Park, in the heart of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit. The mountain’s dramatic slopes rise from the park’s savannah plains, framed by lush forests and crater lakes, and crowned by a horseshoe-shaped caldera created by a volcanic explosion thousands of years ago.
Its proximity to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) and Arusha city makes it easily accessible and a favourite acclimatisation climb for those preparing to summit Mount Kilimanjaro.
Unique Features
Africa’s Fifth-Highest Mountain: Standing at 4,566 metres, Mount Meru offers a spectacular and less crowded alternative to Kilimanjaro, with equally rewarding views.
UNESCO World Heritage Setting: Nestled within Arusha National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Mount Meru’s lower slopes teem with wildlife and lush vegetation.
Crater and Ash Cone: The mountain’s summit ridge encircles a striking ash cone, providing one of East Africa’s most dramatic volcanic vistas.
Diverse Ecosystems: Ascending Mount Meru takes trekkers through multiple biomes — from savannah plains and montane forests to heather and moorland, culminating in alpine desert near the summit.
Wildlife Encounters: It’s one of the few treks in Africa where hikers may see giraffes, buffaloes, warthogs, baboons, elephants, and antelopes along the lower slopes.
Panoramic Views of Mount Kilimanjaro: From the summit, climbers are rewarded with awe-inspiring sunrise views of Mount Kilimanjaro floating above the clouds.
Activities in the Area
Mount Meru and Arusha National Park offer a rich variety of adventures and natural experiences:
Mountain Climbing & Trekking: Follow the Momella Route, the standard trail to the summit, usually completed in 3–4 days. The climb is fully guided by armed rangers to ensure safety among wildlife.
Wildlife Viewing: Enjoy sightings of giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, elephants, warthogs, and guereza colobus monkeys along the lower forest trails.
Birdwatching: Spot some of Tanzania’s 400+ bird species, including the Hartlaub’s turaco, silvery-cheeked hornbill, and tawny eagle.
Cave Exploration: Explore small caves and volcanic formations carved into the mountain’s slopes.
Camping & Photography: Overnight stays in Miriakamba Hut and Saddle Hut offer spectacular stargazing and photographic opportunities.
Guided Walking Safaris: Experience Arusha National Park on foot — accompanied by rangers — to spot wildlife and enjoy the park’s waterfalls and forest trails.
Travel Information
How to Get There
By Road: Mount Meru is located 45 minutes (30 km) from Arusha town, accessible via the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park.
By Air: Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) is approximately 1 hour’s drive from Arusha and the park entrance, with regular connections from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Nairobi.
Travel Distances
Arusha → Mount Meru (Momella Gate): ~30 km / 45 minutes
Mount Meru → Kilimanjaro International Airport: ~1 hour (55 km)
Mount Meru → Arusha National Park HQ: ~15 km (20 minutes)
Mount Meru → Mount Kilimanjaro: ~70 km (2 hours)
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (June – October & December – February): Best for trekking and clear summit views, with stable weather conditions and excellent visibility.
Wet Season (March – May & November): The mountain is lush and green, ideal for photography and birdwatching, though trails can be slippery.
Why Include Mount Meru in Your Tanzania Safari Itinerary
Mount Meru offers the perfect balance of wildlife, adventure, and solitude. Its smaller crowds, abundant wildlife, and panoramic summit views make it an ideal warm-up climb for Mount Kilimanjaro or a standalone trekking destination for nature enthusiasts.
The journey up Meru is not just a physical challenge but a passage through Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems, culminating in one of Africa’s most stunning volcanic craters.
Key Attractions
Mount Meru Summit (4,566 m) – Tanzania’s second-highest peak
Ash Cone & Crater Rim – dramatic volcanic scenery
Arusha National Park Wildlife – giraffes, elephants, zebras, and colobus monkeys
Momella Lakes – scenic lakes with flamingos and waterbirds
Mount Kilimanjaro Views – stunning sunrise vistas
Forest & Heather Zones – lush hiking trails with diverse flora
Guided Walking & Camping Safaris
As previously described
