Classic Northern Tanzania

With commanding views of magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha is nestled in the shadow of Mount Meru, and an ideal launchpad to reach the country’s most renowned game reserves. Looming over Arusha, the dramatic 4556 meters peak of Mount Meru is a great alternative to Mount Kilimanjaro for fit hikers as it is less crowded and less likely to engender altitude sickness.

Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park is stunningly beautiful. You might spot a famous tree-climbing lion stretched on the branches of a flat-topped acacia tree, whilst lake views are made lovelier with a 400-strong bird species, including pelicans. Journey further to the Ngorongoro Crater, which has one of the highest wildlife densities on earth with antelopes, wildebeest, zebra and the Big Five. One of the natural wonders of the world, the wildlife of Ngorongoro co-exists peacefully with the local Maasai people and their cattle. Surrounding foothills offer lush green landscapes dotted with small villages and picturesque coffee and tea plantations that you can explore by bicycle or on foot.

The Central Serengeti is the heart of the sprawling Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, the world’s best-known wildlife sanctuary. A prime wildlife viewing spot, this area is packed with predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards. The Seronera River carves out a verdant valley here, making it one of the richest ecosystems in the Serengeti. See the rocky granite outcrops known as kopjes, a favorite hideout of the Big Cats. At Moru Kopjes, you might chance upon the last of the elusive black rhinos in their natural habitat. The ancient rock art paintings of Gong Rock and Lake Magadi with its pink flamingos are nearby. Don’t miss the Retina Hippo Pool located at the confluence of two rivers. The Serengeti is best known for the unique annual spectacle known as the Great Migration, where vast numbers of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles travel across the park in a pattern. In April and November, the Central Serengeti turns into a hotspot of wildebeest sightings. Hot air balloon safaris are an excellent way to view wildlife here.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the crown of Tanzania. With an altitude of 19,340 feet, it is the highest peak in Africa, the highest freestanding mountain in the world, and one of the largest volcanoes. On a clear day this impressive formation can be seen from more than 100 miles away, and although it is only three degrees below the Equator, its peak is permanently covered with snow and ice. The base of the immense mountain has a diameter of about 43 miles!