Safari is a way of life in East Africa's second largest country. Few destinations can rival its diversity of wildlife and landscape. From the classic savannah of the Serengeti to the beaches of Zanzibar, a Tanzania safari is an adventure like no other. And that's before you even discover the off the beaten track gems of chimpanzee trekking in the Mahale Mountains or the beautifully wild and unique landscapes of Nyerere and Ruaha.
The Serengeti ecosystem spans the Mara and Arusha Regions of Tanzania. The protected area within the region includes approximately 30,000 km² of land, including the Serengeti National Park and several game reserves. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is home to The Big 5 and plays its part in the great annual migration of wildebeest.
Ngorongoro is the biggest intact volcanic caldera on Earth. It is also a natural sanctuary for some of the densest populations of large mammals in Africa, although there are no giraffe. Covering 8,288 km², the enclosed Ngorongoro Crater has effectively formed its own ecosystem and is home to many animals who have no reason to leave!
Covering more than 20,000km², Ruaha has built a reputation as Tanzania's best kept game viewing secret. Despite the size of the park there are still only a handful of camps and its wild and untamed feel is what sets it apart from other reserves. It is quite hard to get to but the variety of wildlife and the scarcity of tourists makes the effort worth it.
At 30,893 km2, Nyerere is Africa's largest stand alone park. It was carved out from the Selous Game reserve, a huge wilderness area and safari destination in Southern Tanzania. Good numbers of Big Cats and other large game animals can be found and because this park is largely less frequented by tourists, the animals here tend to be less exposed to humans. No bad thing!
At just 325 km², the wonderfully picturesque setting of Lake Manyara was once described by Ernest Hemmingway as the most beautiful in Africa. It offers a complete safari experience and is known for its tree-climbing lions and large concentration of baboons. It does not offer The Big 5, however it is home to 400 bird species and is a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
Situated in the western part of Tanzania, Katavi is a relatively untouched wilderness paradise. It boasts a wonderful array of habitats which range from flood plains of thick reeds and dense waterways to open grasslands, forests and pristine lakes. Home to an abundance of wildlife including large plain animals, crocodiles and hippos are frequently spotted on the Katuma river.
Lying on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, this park is absolutely breathtaking. Made famous by the wonderful M Group of chimps, habituated by researchers and the conservationist Jane Goodall, trekking into this wilderness to encounter these incredible primates is an experience like no other. As is a stay at the magnificent Greystoke.
Zanzibar, perfect for relaxation after an action-packed safari or as an exotic escape it its own right. Lying in turquoise waters, the tropical islands of the Zanzibar Archipelago welcome you with exquisite beaches, world-class diving, local markets and spice farms. So if you're ready for quiet, a sense of timelessness or a different pace of life, treat yourself to Zanzibar.
Safari Ambitions