TANZANIA is a vast and stunning country with many world-class national parks and game reserves. Lying just south of the equator, Tanzania is East Africa's largest country and safaris have long been a way of life here. There are three distinct safari regions to consider when planning a trip to Tanzania: the well known ‘northern circuit’, the vast, wild parks and game reserves in the centre and south of the country, and the remote parks of western Tanzania. In addition to the wildlife riches, the country boasts Mt. Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak as well as beautiful tropical islands, beaches and amazing marine life.

Tanzania Highlights: Serengeti & the North, Central & the South, the West, Zanzibar & Pemba

The Serengeti and the Northern safari circuit is the most well-known region of Tanzania and includes the Serengeti National Park, The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park.

The Greater Serengeti’s vast ecosystem, of which the Serengeti National Park is a part, hosts Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacle, the annual migration of more than a million wildebeest and zebra. In addition, it supports dense populations of predators such as cheetah, lion, leopard and spotted hyena.

The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world. The open grassland that covers the mineral-rich floor of this striking bowl is home to vast herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, Thomson's gazelle, Grant's gazelle and tsessebe, as well as East Africa's endangered black rhino. Additionally, the crater supports the densest concentration of predators in Africa - lion, spotted hyena and leopard abound.

The Central and Southern safari circuit is less developed than the north, but both Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve offer exceptional opportunities to experience a memorable safari.

Ruaha National Park is a remote and spectacular wilderness area with stunning gorges and breathtaking scenery. The largest elephant population of any Tanzanian national park is found in Ruaha, and it is also an excellent park for predators.

The Selous Game Reserve, is Africa’s largest game reserve with grassy plains, open woodland, mountains and forests. It is home to extensive large mammal populations, including elephant, buffalo, hippo, lion, wildebeest and zebra.

The Western safari circuit includes two lesser known parks, Mahale Mountains National Park and Katavi National Park, which are found in the extreme west of Tanzania. Due to the remoteness of this area and its limited accessibility, Katavi is often combined with Mahale on a fly-in itinerary to this region.

Mahale Mountains National Park is set among the forested slopes of the Mahale Mountains , and extends to the powder-white sandy beaches of Lake Tanganyika. This national park is home to around 1,000 chimpanzees including the “Mimikire” clan of wild but habituated chimpanzee populations, which have been studied since 1965.

Katavi National Park, is some distance east of the lake. Its flood plains of thick reeds and dense waterways are home to a huge population of hippo and varied birdlife. In the woodlands to the west, forest canopies shroud herds of buffalo and elephant.

The Islands of Zanzibar and Pemba are two of the largest islands in this archipelago off the east coast of Tanzania. The name Zanzibar conjures up the image of tropical white sandy beaches lined with palm trees, centuries of history, and buzzing markets offering exotic spices and food. Easily accessible from the mainland, and offering facilities for all tastes and budgets, it’s a wonderful place to unwind after the excitement of a safari.

Stone Town, Zanzibar’s old quarter, has been declared a World Heritage Site for its historic and cultural significance. Many of the buildings here date from the 19th century slave trade. Narrow winding alleyways lead to palaces, mosques and old Arab houses, famous for their elaborately carved wooden doors and frames.

The east coast of Zanzibar is lined with soft white sandy beaches and warm tropical breezes blowing over the Indian Ocean. This region offers excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities as well as some stylish accommodation.

Pemba Island, lying northeast of Zanzibar, is much less developed as a tourist destination. However, it is a good option if you really want to get away from it all. It has some beautiful beaches and interesting Shirazi ruins.