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!
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.
Lake Burunge is one of three major lakes in the Manyara Region of Tanzania. Located in the migratory corridor of Manyara and Tarangire, Lake Burunge serves as an ideal base for exploring the area, as it is just a stone's throw from the impressive Tarangire National Park. There are several tented camps along the lake's shore, from which guests can enjoy uninterrupted views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. Visitors can look forward to enjoying sun downers from their lakeside deck, going on thrilling game drives in the national park, and relaxing around a roaring open fire in the evenings. Other popular activities include guided nature walks and cultural visits to a number of neighboring Mbugwe villages.
Lake Eyasi basin is remote; a dry area of desolate beauty, which offers a great natural experience. Across the shallow lake and the dry salt beds the dramatic Alipi escarpment wall rises 650 meters up into the Endulen area of the Ngorongoro conservation area. To the north of the Alkaline lake, springs surrounded by ground water forest and woodland abound, supporting a new influx of Tanzanian farmers growing onions and beans, while the hill ridges surrounding the Lake valley to the east and north support a wild and scenic area dominated by ancient Baobabs, Gnarled Commiphoras and huge rock kopjes. The area is the home to a group of traditional tribes, offering an intriguing chance to glimpse their lifestyles. The pastoralist Datoga people in their traditional mud huts, their women decorated with beautifying facial scarification and the young and fierce warriors who stand guard over their herds, are easily visited, as are the traditional Hadzabe, a nomadic tribe that hangs on tenaciously to their hunting and gathering life style. Apart from cultural activities, the area offers superb hiking, bird watching and scenic beauty.
Travelers heading for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater will inevitably 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, colorful 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 Iraqw homestead, or taking a guided walk through the Ngorongoro Forest in search of waterfalls and elephants 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.
Set in the Arusha Region, Ndutu is situated in the northern part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area within the magnificent Serengeti. The surrounding landscapes are covered in sweeping grasslands which provide the perfect habitat for the migratory route for hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, antelope and zebra. Visitors can look forward to exploring the forest around Lake Ndutu, spotting an array of wildlife, and visiting the fascinating archaeological site at the Olduvai Gorge. Don’t miss the opportunity to jump on a game drive to view the spectacular herds of the annual Great Migration, enjoy a scenic hot air balloon ride over the plains and take a guided tour with the local Maasai and learn about culture and traditions. Other commonly spotted species include: leopard, lion, cheetah, caracal, serval, African wildcat, and a variety of prolific birdlife.
