The scale of Tanzania’s wild places belies the intimacy of the wildlife encounters. Each park and reserve fully merits being explored by safari vehicle, and can offer serenity, drama or both.
Exploring the loveliness of Tarangire, you’ll likely see two of Africa’s larger living things in considerable numbers: baobab trees and elephant.
Lake Manyara has long been reckoned ‘the loveliest lake in Africa’ and it’s a wonderful spot to go on safari. Alongside excellent game viewing, the hundreds of bird species allow for more contemplative moments – not least watching the flamingoes feeding in the lake.
Tanzania is my go-to country when I want to get away from it all, and roaming the remote Selous is my favourite place to disconnect. One of Africa’s least-visited game reserves, it’s a stronghold for vanishing wild dog.
To fully immerse yourself in wildlife action, head to the legendary locations of northern Tanzania: the Serengeti, and the lost world that is the Ngorongoro Crater. Descending into the crater on safari feels like going back in time to a more abundant era, while the presence of Maasai herders adds to the sense of a place unchanged.
Joining the ceaseless circling of the migration could be Tanzania’s ultimate safari experience. Or, depending on the time of year, you could witness key events in the life of the herds: wildebeest calving in the Serengeti (typically in February) or the drama of the Grumeti crossing (around June), when the wildebeest must run the gauntlet of giant crocodile. Whether you see births or deaths, the experience will stay with you always.
