Tanzania Safari

To many, Tanzania is the ultimate destination in Africa.

From the heady scents of the Spice Island of Zanzibar to the awesome sight of a million wildebeest in the Serengeti, from the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro to the wilderness of Selous and Ruaha, this is Africa at its most exotic.

The Northern Safari Circuit is based around the safari town of Arusha. Here you will find Kilimanjaro National Park, Mount Meru National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, Lake Manyara and Terangeri National Park. It is also the starting point for a safari into the famous Serengeti.

The Serengeti

The Serengeti is host to one of the last great migrations on earth. Over one million wildebeest and zebra make the annual trek following the rains. To catch the migration takes careful planning. In February, you head to the south of the region on a luxury mobile safari at Ndutu. Later in the year, you must make for the north, where a stay at Kleins Camp, Grumeti River Lodge or one of the Serena Lodges will ensure you get a front row view of this incredible spectacle.

Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area

Close by the Serengeti is the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. A World Heritage Site, it offers a unique glimpse of Africa. Staying at one of the lodges on the rim, you will be driven into the crater in a four-wheel drive vehicle for a whole day's safari. Don't expect to be on your own, as many other people have the same idea! A two-night stay will give you all the experience you need. The road to the crater from Lake Manyara takes you past Olduvai Gorge where the remains of early man were discovered.

Lake Manyara

The main attraction of Lake Manyara are the tree climbing lions. There are many other animals to see, including elephants, hippo and plains game. At certain times of the year, thousands of flamingoes come to feed on the lakeshore. Maji Moto Camp - meaning hot water in Swahili - lies within the park, close to sulphurous hot springs, hence its name.

Tarangire National Park

The quiet and little known Tarangire National Park has its own elephant migration, best visited between July and September. This is the dry season, when animals congregate around the permanent flowing Tarangire River.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 19,730 feet above the sweltering plains of Africa. Its snow-capped peak was claimed as impossible by early Victorian explorers. A climb up to the peak of the highest mountain in Africa is one of the truly great adventures. Anyone who is reasonably fit can climb the mountain, and our unique route, with a night spent camping in the crater, is described in our Kilimanjaro sample itinerary.

Selous National Park

Selous National Park is one of the last true African wilderness. This relatively quiet park is best visited during the dry season. The Selous is one of the largest national parks in the world and is home to a vast variety of wildlife. At the Selous Safari Camp, your days can be as action-packed as you wish. You can walk through the bush, drift down the river in a boat, or watch the wildlife from specially designed open vehicles.

Ruaha National Park

Like Selous, Ruaha is Africa as it once was, wild and untouched, relatively quiet and best visited in the dry season. Birds and animals, including lion, leopard, cheetah, antelope, elephant and plains game abound. A combination of a safari in Ruaha and Selous, followed by a short stay at the beach, either at Ras Katani or Zanzibar offers the ideal southern circuit of Tanzania.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar - the very name conjures up an exotic aroma of spices, Arab trading posts, dhows, and splendid beaches. Spend a couple of days wandering through the narrow streets of Stone Town, absorbing the sights and sounds of this historic town.

The Coast

After visting Stone Town, take yourself off to a beach on the east of the island. For diving enthusiasts, there is Ras Nungwi in the north, while Breezes Beach Club is a must for the serious watersports enthusiast.

Mnemba

For a totally ' bare beach experience ', you must head for your very own tropical island. Mnemba, just off Zanzibar, offers you the Robinson Crusoe experience, but with every luxury.