Tanzania has remained untouched and unspoiled in spite of being a premier destination spot for tourists. It has some of the most spectacular scenery and richest wildlife in the world that includes chimpanzees, now rarely seen in the wild. The Northern Circuit is the most popular safari area, which is best reached from Arusha Town. A spectacular landscape that includes volcanic country, the scenic rift valley escarpments, the vast stretches of the Serengeti, the towering Mt. Meru and the “Crown of Africa” – Mt.Kilimanjaro.

The Coastal Circuit includes all the major towns and cities, such as Dar-es-Salaam, Bagamayo, Pangani, and the off shore islands – Zanzibar and Mafia Islands. The Southern Circuit is African bush land at its best with vast, uncharted territories that are home to a teaming multitude of big game.

This includes the Selous Game Reserve, which is the largest protected wilderness in Africa. The other places worth visiting are the chimpanzee sanctuaries at Gombe Stream National Park and the Mahale Mountains National Park. The Northern Circuit This is by far the most popular, covering Mt. Kilimanjaro, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, The Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro crater.

Arusha National Park:

Though small, this is one of Tanzania’s most beautiful and interesting. The main features are the Ngurdoto Crater (often referred to as the little Ngorongoro), the Momela Lakes and the majestic Mt. Meru, all of which can be covered by foot. The diversity of landscape has resulted in a wide variety of vegetation and a spectacular range of flora and fauna. The Ngurdoto crater has a swampy floor and overlooks an extensive area of open grassland where the Burchell’s zebra can be found. The Momela Lake is particularly attractive for its enormous variety of birds, particularly flamingos. Mt. Meru, almost as impressive as Mt. Kilimanjaro, is especially known for its sheer cliff face, which rises over 1500 metres. Animal life is also abundant here.

Mt. Meru:

This extinct volcano, with a spectacular crater on top, rivals Mt. Kilimanjaro in its scenic splendour and impressive façade. The prolific wildlife, which includes zebra, waterbuck, Klipspringer, hippopotamus, buffalo, elephant, hyena, mongoose, warthog, baboon, vervet and colobus monkeys, is an added attraction. The Ngurdoto crater, Momela Lake and the lower slopes of the Mt. Meru can be covered in a day’s drive. But a trek to the summit takes three days and is an experience not to be missed.

Mt. Kilimanjaro:

A trek to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is the dream of most travellers coming to Tanzania as it provides a gorgeous view of the surrounding plains from the top as well as being a very challenging and enjoyable climb. It is ‘walkable’ any time of the year but the Christmas- New Year period is the most sought after for mountain climb packages, as the weather is cool and dry.
The dense forests support a wide variety of wildlife including elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard. Camping, trekking and the grandeur of the scenery are the main attractions of the Kilimanjaro tour.

Lake Manyara National Park:

This is usually an integral part of a safari package to the Serengeti and makes a pleasant change from the dry grasslands for its thick green forests and teeming bird life. The birds, which come here to nest in great numbers, can be seen around the lakeshores, particularly the greater and lesser flamingos. Sightings of giraffe, wildebeest, baboon and hippo are common, but the famous tree-climbing lion is more elusive. Lake Manyara is an ideal place to come for a relaxed weekend getaway.

Tarangire National Park:

An integral part of the Northern Safari Circuit, Tarangire is a distinctive stretch of Savanna country that offers considerable pleasure and excitement to a visitor. The gently undulating bush and grasslands of Tarangire provide an ideal habitat for innumerable animals that roam about freely within the Park area. During the dry season, the park is full of zebras, wildebeest and Kongoni but at other times too, a variety of animals are visible. A drive through Tarangire is a rewarding experience because of the uninterrupted view of the surrounding landscape that ensures better sighting of animals and clearer photography.

The Serengeti National Park :

The Serengeti National Park is of course world famous for its enormous wealth of animal life and its unending grassy plains. It becomes the showpiece of Africa during the onset of the summer in May or June when almost the entire zebra and wildebeest population migrate across the open grasslands providing a breathtaking spectacle for viewers. The Serengeti has the greatest concentration of animals in the whole of Africa and it is especially famous for its lion population. The sight of huge herds of wildebeests and zebra migrating across the plains stalked by predators, is a sight that no one will ever forget. Ballooning is another major attraction here as it affords a panoramic view of the plains and is the best way to enjoy watching the migration.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area :

This unique volcanic landscape is an awesome experience for visitors as the variety and beauty of the rugged terrain takes one’s breath away. It is also home to an amazing variety of animal species, which makes it an imperative stopover for tourists to the northern circuit. The Ngrongoro is often described as a ‘Garden of Eden’ for its fabulous views from the crater rim and the thousands of birds particularly flamingos, that wade in the shallow lake in the crater floor. Apart from game drives and crater viewing, an ascent of the active volcano Oldonoyo Lengai is an exhilarating experience, for those who want to have a memorable trip. Southern Circuit The southern safari circuit is not as well known or frequently visited as the northern one but it has its own mystique and charm that will stay with you long after you have left. The highlight of this circuit is a visit to the Selous Game Reserve, which is unquestionably African wilderness at its best. Other Parks worth visiting are Ruaha National Park and the Mikumi National Park.

Selous Game Reserve:

The Selous Game Reserve, named after hunter-explorer Frederick Courtney Selous, is a World Heritage site renowned for its unique natural beauty and unspoiled wilderness. Located in South Tanzania, this is the largest game reserve in Africa and the second largest in the world. It is a vast expanse of wild uncharted territory, teeming with game, bird life and wild flora. The Selous more than any other game reserve embodies the charm, mystique and visual thrill of an African safari, giving visitors an unmatched experience of the African Bushland. The Selous Safari Camp This luxurious camp is located in the banks of the majestic Rufiji River and commands a stunning view of the valley and surrounding landscape. There are 12 safari tents, each equipped with modern toilets and hot water and shower facilities. The romance of a camp safari, together with the fine cuisine on offer in the tented kitchen adds up to a most unforgettable experience.

Mikumi National Park :

Mikumi has a lovely natural landscape, being a grassy floodplain surrounded by rolling hills and misty mountains. Most of the park is a flood plain of the M’kata river, where a variety of wildlife can be seen, especially birds which come in great numbers to nest. Mikumi is renowned as a bird watcher’s paradise with over 400 species. A 2- day trip to Mikumi makes for an ideal getaway from Dar es Salaam, which is only a 4 hours drive from here.

Ruaha National Park :

The Ruaha National Park is second only to the Serengeti in terms of wildlife population and safari experience. Covering an area of almost 13,000 sq km. It is among the wildest presence of the Ruaha River, swift and turbulent, adds to the wild beauty of the park. A long dry season from June to November and good all weather roads ensure uninterrupted animal viewing throughout the year, especially around river courses and waterholes. Ruaha is well connected by road and air with the rest of Tanzania, enabling easy access.

The Coastal Circuit :

Most of the places in the coastal circuit are accessible from either Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar and are completely different from the National Parks and game sanctuaries in terms of climate and environment. The climate is pleasantly warm and the lovely coastline provides a welcome break from the long game drives and animal viewing of the northern and southern safari circuits. Some of Tanzania’s largest and most historical cities like Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Bagamoyo are part of this circuit. The other places to be visited are Pemba, Mafia, Ras Kutani and Pangani.

DAR ES SALAAM :

Dar es Salaam, meaning Haven of Peace, is the largest city and capital of Tanzania. Located on the Indian Ocean coast, with one of the world’s finest harbours, Dar es Salaam is a flourishing port and economic centre. Originally a small fishing village, it became the capital when German colonizers decided to move the seat of government from Bagamoyo in 1891, because of its safer harbour. Dar es Salaam is a fascinating mix of old and new cultures. An Asian district with its quaint shops, tea rooms and temples exist side by side with relics of German colonization, such as the Railway Station and several churches. The Botanical Gardens, the Gymkhana Club and the broad shady streets are reminders of British colonial rule in the period after World War 1. It is the nerve centre of Tanzania being the preferred entry point for most visitors coming to the country. It is also close to the southern safari circuit and the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia. Some of the best beaches of Tanzania are to be found north and south of the city. Today’s Dar es Salaam is a modern, cosmopolitan city- a melting pot of different cultures and influences. The important places of tourist interest in the city are the National Museum, the Botanical Gardens, the Village Museum and Oyster Bay.

RAS KUTANI :

Located just 33 Km. south of Dar-us-Salaam, this exquisite seaside resort is truly a tropical gem. Ras Kutani has a magnificent sea front with a crescent shaped white sandy beach, gently lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. A fresh water lagoon and stretch of dense forestland flanking the resort completes the picture of an exotic vacationer’s paradise. Apart from endless hours of sunbathing you can enjoy a wide range of water sports – wind surfing, sailing, surfing, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, kayaking – take your pick. A walk through the lush tropical forest or a stroll down miles of unspoiled and deserted beach is equally rewarding.

Bagamoyo:

Bagamoyo (meaning leave your heart’ in Kiswahili), is a historic town with a legacy of slave trade and transportation. Located just one and a half-hours drive away from Dar-es-Salaam, this town with its tragic past, tries valiantly today to live down its infamous history. It was the “point of no return” for slaves brought from the south to be sold to the slave market of Zanzibar. Bagamoyo still displays evidence of its colonial past in the labyrinthine streets and small mosques, which contrast sharply with the spacious white German bungalows and mansions of the wealthier quarters.

Pangani :

This is an exotic little coastal town, almost a village, which is located just north of Dar-es-Salaam, offering a delightful escape from the bustle of city life. Pangani overlooks an exquisite palm fringed sandy bay, where the river Pangani enters the Indian Ocean. It has a distinctive architecture with its mosques and ancient Arab buildings. The Protea Hotel, on the Pangani River offers a panoramic view of the bay and provides luxurious accommodation for discerning visitors.

The Islands Zanzibar :

Zanzibar lives up every bit to the fascinating and romantic image of “The Spice Island” of yore- a flourishing seaport that was once the calling point of every trading ship on their way from Europe to the Orient. It was the most important town on the African East Coast, till the middle of the nineteenth century. It consists of a group of beautiful tropical islands, which lies off the coast of the Tanzanian mainland. The two main islands are Unguja and Pemba. Zanzibar retains traces of its exotic past in the historic Stone Town area, where the Sultans had once held court. The maze of serpentine streets, lined with white washed stone houses with intricately curved doors and overhanging balconies will take you right back to another era when the Omani Sultanate was in its hey day and a thriving ‘bazaar’ culture prevailed. Today, it is better known for its dazzling white, palm- fringed beaches, its deep blue sea and its wealth of (off shore) marine life. But Zanzibar still continues to enjoy the reputation of a ‘Spice Island’ where the aromatic smell of spices, especially cloves, fill the air and leave you heady with enchantment.

Pemba:

Located north of Zanzibar, Pemba island is still charming and unspoiled and presents quite a contrast to Zanzibar. The beaches are mostly small and picturesque as the island is ringed by mangrove forests. The island is famous for its crop of clove, which is three times as large as Zanzibar. Ripe cloves are laid out to dry in the sunny beaches and the distinctive aroma greets you as soon as you arrive on the island. Ruins of Shirazi settlements dating back to 1200 AD are to be found at Ras Mkumbu.

Mafia :

Lying south of Zanzibar off the mouth of the Rufiji river, Mafia is a resort island famous for its superb deep sea fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling. The coral formations off the coast of the small islands and a deep trough running along the seabed along the western shore provide a unique environment for a thriving marine life. Catches include marlin, shark, tuna, kingfish, barracuda, snapper, mackerel, and rock cod. It is also famous for giant turtles that breed on the white coral sands mainly in the island- Shungumbili, Burukini and Nyororo. Gombe Streams and Mahale Mountains National Park There are some other places of tourist interest in Tanzania that are not included in the above Tour Circuits but they have their unique attractions and should be visited by all means if time permits. Among these, the Gombe Streams National Park and the Mahale Mountains Park are the most distinctive and worth seeing.

Gombe Stream National Park :

This is where Tanzania’s oldest chimpanzee sanctuary is located and it is a very popular destination for tourists. It stretches only 52 Sq. Km. from the shores of the Lake Tanganyika between Kigoma and the Burundi borders. The journey by Lake Taxi inside the park up to Gombe Stream is itself a thrilling experience. A research station is located inside the chimpanzee sanctuary where groups of playful chimpanzees can be seen every day. Mahale Mountains National Park Created only in 1985, this park is known mostly for its chimpanzee sanctuary. It is located on the eastern shores of the Lake Tanganyika, opposite the Zairese port of Kalemie. With a highest elevation of 2460 mts (NKungwe), this park enjoys a moist climate that ensures thick forest cover and alpine bamboo. A wide variety of animals can be seen here including chimpanzee, bush tailed porcupine, various species of monkeys and other smaller animals. Since the re-location of local people outside the park, animal population has increased dramatically and leopard, lion and buffaloes have re-appeared here. It is possible to walk around in Mahale and the best time to visit is May or June.