Highlights of Tanzania
Serengeti National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Serengeti's endless plains are patrolled by Africa's big cats, elephant, buffalo, gazelle and giraffe. The oldest national park in Tanzania, it is also home to the annual migration of over two million wildebeest, along with more than 200,000 zebra and 300,000 Thomson's gazelle, as they make their way across the park in search of fresh grazing. This is the longest overland migration in the world, and predators are waiting to take advantage of the sheer numbers of prey on the plains. The Serengeti is Tanzania's largest national park at 14,763 sq km (5,700 sq miles).
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire, whilst not as well known as the Serengeti, is certainly a highlight and a great addition to any safari in Tanzania. The park's landscape is dotted with ancient baobabs and majestic acacia trees, while the year round water supply draws plains game from far and wide to gather at the river. Relax on the decking of your luxury tented camp gazing out at the waterhole as elephant and impala gather before you. The dry season (June - September) is the best time for spotting mammals.
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro crater is the largest unbroken caldera in the world and the first sight of it is breathtaking. The fertile slopes and steep forest covered walls are home to around 30,000 animals including the rare black rhino. The various ecosystems found within the 260 square kilometre crater floor support buffalo, elephants, wildebeest, zebras, elands, gazelles, hippos, numerous bird species as well as a high concentration of predators.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is not only the highest mountain in Africa but also the largest free standing mountain in the world. Seeing the mountain rise out of scrub land to reach a height of 5,895 metres (19,336 feet) is a breathtaking sight. Composed of an extinct volcano, this is one of the most sought after, and awe-inspiring, peaks on the continent. Kilimanjaro is one of the most accessible 'high summits' in the world and is suitable for climbers with no mountaineering experience, although a good level of fitness is required. Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro with us provides one the safest, most comfortable and ethical climbs on the mountain. Not only is our equipment of the highest standard but our thorough client monitoring system ensures a safe summit and as important, a safe descent. All of our staff from porters to head guides receives bi annual training in first aid, language, geology, botany and fauna. Our inclusion in KPAP, Kilimanjaro Porters Assistant Project, guarantees that all porters are well cared for, receive suitable wages and carry manageable loads. A rewarding week long climb takes you through various ecosystems. Hike amongst lush mountain forests on the lower slopes then through tall grasses and heather as you make your way to the stark and beautiful alpine desert terrain before reaching the peak's summit.
Selous Game Reserve
The Selous holds the title of the largest game reserve in the world. Despite being larger than Switzerland, the Selous has some of the finest virgin bushland in Africa where the last of the big-tusked elephants and large maned lions roam. The Selous is visited by fewer visitors than the more famous parks in the north, this means that in the Selous you can stretch your legs on a walking safari or take to the river on a motorised boat safari to experience the feeling of having this portion of Africa all to yourself.
Zanzibar
The name Zanzibar evokes images of palm fringed coastlines framing white sandy beaches and the warm crystal clear water of the Indian Ocean. It's no surprise then that the sultans of yesteryear chose this location as their key trading post. Venture through the UNESCO listed Stone Town marvelling at the unique architecture, Arab forts, local markets and discover the spices that made this island famous.
Saadani National Park
Located in the east of the country, Tanzania's youngest national park offers a unique combination of both marine and mainland flora and fauna in a culturally fascinating setting. The extraordinary Wami River which is home to pods of hippo, basking crocodiles and riverine birds forms the southern boundary of the park. The eastern boundary is set along the Indian Ocean where the white, sandy beach stretches to the horizon as far as the eye can see. Saadani is home to four of the Big Five with the rhino being the only one missing. It is probably the only place where those idle hours spent sunbathing might be interrupted by an elephant strolling past, or a lion coming to drink at a nearby waterhole! An amazing array of unique activities are available at the park including game drives and walking safaris within Saadani National Park as well as croc and hippo-spotting boat safaris up the Wami River. Alternatively, guests can snorkel with turtles and dolphins off the sand banks or while the hours away sunbathing on the glorious ocean front.
