Discover the vast open plain of the Serengeti National Park, home to the largest concentration of wildlife in the world and explore the unique Ngorongoro Crater, teeming with wildlife, including elephant, lion, cheetah and black rhino. Marvel at the tree-climbing lions in the spectacular Lake Manyara National Park in the Great Rift Valley and at Tarangire National Park, admire huge Baobab trees and gaze in wonder at the huge herds of elephants. If possible, don't miss climbing Mount Kilimanjaro - one of the most exciting experiences of travel in Africa.

For an unforgettable experience watch the annual migration of some two million wildebeest, shadowed by their predators - one of the world's greatest natural spectacles.

Highlights

Serengeti National Park - The legendary Serengeti covers 14,763km², and is home to Africa's highest density of plains game, including 35 species of big mammals and a huge selection of birdlife. From herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically across the plain and stately giraffes munching on flat-topped acacia trees, to lazy lions, stealthy cheetahs and flighty zebra, the Serengeti has it all. Add an annual migration of more than 1.5 million wildebeest and some 200,000 zebra, and the Serengeti offers you one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth.

The Ngorongoro Crater - The enormous caldera - the collapsed upper cone of an ancient volcano - provides the spectacular setting for Ngorongoro's abundant plains game and offers guaranteed close-up encounters of 'the big five' - elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo. Located between the Great Rift Valley and the Serengeti Plains, the 8288km² volcanic highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area contain a unique ecosystem of lakes, forests and plains supporting hundreds of species of wildlife. The views from the misty highlands of the rim are spectacular.

Selous Game Reserve - A World Heritage Site, the Selous Game Reserve, at 55,000km², is larger than Switzerland and covers one sixth of Tanzania's land surface. In one of the biggest game reserves in the world, you'll move through untamed bush and around crocodile-filled lakes to watch hippos, elephants, zebras, lion and the rare African wild dog. Selous offers walking safaris so that you can help preserve the pristine conditions of the park.

Gombe Stream National Park - Located near Kigoma on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the park is home to around 200 chimpanzees - more easily seen here than anywhere else in the world, and is the site of Jane Goodall's 37-year study into chimpanzee ethnology.

Mount Kilimanjaro - Rising to 5896m, snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain and the world's tallest freestanding volcano. The mountain rises from cultivated farmlands, through lush rainforest to alpine meadow and finally across a barren lunar landscape to the twin summits. Put on some warm clothes, hire a guide and hike to Uhuru Peak - be rewarded with unforgettable views over what seems like half of Africa spread out before you. Even if you manage only the lower slopes of the mountain, it's definitely worth it.

The Maasai - Discover the colourful red-robed, spear-carrying Maasai, a semi-nomadic indigenous African ethnic group who live around the northern safari parks. Or visit one or more of the approximately 120 tribal groups with the equally rich traditions, customs, beliefs and music that make Tanzania so culturally alive.

Zanzibar - The 'Spice Islands' of the Zanzibar Archipelago are just a hop, skip and jump from the Tanzanian mainland. There's no better place to relax after a hot and dusty safari than on Zanzibar's beautiful white sandy beaches. Discover the island's heady past of slave-traders and colonists, and savour its fresh seafood - prawns, squid and lobster are served with subtle spices and blended with sauces. And don't miss Stone Town, the cultural and historical heart of Zanzibar, with a magical labyrinth of narrow, twisting streets, bustling bazaars and grand Arab mansions that closely resemble the medinas of the Arabian Peninsula.

When to go

The best time to visit is between June and September when rainfall is sparse and temperatures average at around 28 degrees C. The main tourist seasons are July and August - when the weather is cool and the dry season parks are at their prime - and again in December and January. Due to its relatively high altitude, Tanzania enjoys a fairly temperate climate for most of the year, especially in the north. Daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm while evenings can be cool. The rainy season falls during April and May. Between November and early December you can expect showers in the early mornings and in the evenings. The hottest months are from October to February. Ngorongoro Crater can be very cold at night and in the early morning; and the coast is generally hot and humid with a long rainy season from March to May, with more rain from November to January.

Shopping

Great buys are woodcarvings, including walking sticks, Maasai spears and figurines, combs, animals and (especially) the intricate and abstract Makonde carvings, named after the largest tribe of southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique. Also look out for colourful Tingatinga paintings, sisal baskets and traditional crafts - weapons, shields, drums, musical instruments, stools, headrests and metal jewellery.

Did you know?

In the local Swahili language, 'safari' means 'travel'.