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.
The Chem Chem concession lies in the renowned migration corridor between the famed Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks, covering over 20 000 hectares. The landscapes here are characterized by vast grasslands dotted with ancient baobab trees, inhabited by a variety of wildlife including herds of elephant, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, impalas, and over 400 species of bird. Visitors can look forward to dining under the African night sky, day and night wildlife safaris, and visiting a traditional Maasai village. Other popular activities include horse riding, bird watching, fishing, guided bush walks, 4x4 trails, hiking, picnicking, and game drives.
Set on the southern edge of the Serengeti and west of the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area border, Mwiba Wildlife Reserve is covered with rolling hills, thickets, rock kopjes, and interspersed by seasonal rivers containing permanent water holes and more than 20 natural springs. The undulating nature of the site delivers a colour-infused landscape that is home to thriving wildlife populations such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffalos, hyenas, among others. Over thirty freshwater springs provide water for these animals throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy walking safaris, picnic breakfasts, game drives, bush cuisine and rejuvenating sundowners at Mwiba Lodge - arguably the most luxurious lodge in the greater southern Serengeti migration area.
Singita Serengeti Grumeti is located adjacent to the Western Corridor of the Serengeti, bordering the national park, and encompasses 350,000 acres of magnificent unrivalled wilderness. Vast river valleys meander through the plains, grasslands, woodland, and forest. The area forms part of the famous migratory route, which is travelled by hundreds of thousands of animals every year through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Called The Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth it has, since time immemorial, been the dramatic backbone of this enormous wilderness. Visitors can look forward to seeing all members of the ‘Big Five’, as well as large herds of wildebeest and zebra and numerous bird species. Activities on offer include game drives, guided walks and more.
Rwanda’s capital and biggest city stretches across lush undulating hills surrounded by towering mountains, the largest of which is Mount Kigali, rising 1850 metres above sea level. Kigali is the country’s financial, commercial and cultural hub, served by an international airport and featuring a wide range of accommodation options. It also offers a collection of restaurants and points of interest, including the Kigali Genocide Centre, an atmospheric market and numerous craft shops. With its interesting architecture, busy streets, meandering boulevards, and green hillsides, Kigali is said to be one of the most attractive cities in Africa and is definitely worth a visit.
Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rwanda, and set high on the jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains, the Volcanoes National Park is best known as a sanctuary for the region’s rare mountain gorillas. Visitors flock here to experience face to face encounters with these intriguing creatures. Regulated treks through the reserve allow visitors to spend an hour at a time with these incredible primates in their natural habitat. While the gorillas are without a doubt the main drawcard, visitors can also look forward to exploring a network of scenic hiking trails, with the beautiful day hike to the crater lake on Mount Bisoke being a particular highlight. Make sure to visit the fascinating Karisoke Research Centre and the tomb of the world-famous Dian Fossey.
