Mafia Island: The Most Scenic Island In The Indian Ocean
With dramatic white sand beaches, turquoise waters and fortunately few tourists, Mafia Island, part of the Tanzanian Zanzibar Archipelago, is one of the most scenic islands in the Indian Ocean. The name Mafia Island derives from the Swahili 'Mahali pa afya' which means 'healthy dwelling-place'. This island is one of the best diving areas of the country and a paradise for game fishing and people wishing for undisturbed beach relaxation. Enjoy a tropical island experience on Mafia by relaxing amid the coconut palms and diving into the crystal-clear waters to explore the magnificent colorful reefs and its myriad marine species. Dolphins, sharks and Humpback Whales can also be found in the deeper part of the waters off the island. Mafia Island truly makes for a wonderful escape from chaotic city-lifestyles where one can rejuvenate in the most uninterrupted ambience.
More Highlights
The Magnificent Serengeti: Witness the Wildebeest Migration
The Serengeti, which sprawls over 5,700 square miles in northern Tanzania, is undoubtedly one of the world’s most renowned wilderness playgrounds. Once inside the game reserve, the constant animal-soundtrack of cackling hyenas and trampling elephants is the norm. Catch sights of hippos frolicking in one of the many waterholes and fiery lion prides and swift cheetahs hunting down prey in endless waves of golden-hued grass. This wildlife reserve is mostly famous for its annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and 250,000 zebras, thus making it one of the most iconic natural events in the world. Serengeti is synonymous with Africa; one cannot exist without the other in people’s imagination. What makes Serengeti even more advantageous over the Masai Mara, Kenya is the foaling of the migrating young and quintessential dance of life and death that follows.
The Ngorongoro Crater: Best Spot in Tanzania for the Big 5
Arguably, the Ngorongoro is one of the most beautiful wildlife safari sites in the world, which also offers an exceptional opportunity to interact with the Maasai community. The key highlight of the game reserve is actually the Ngorongoro Crater, which happens to be the world’s largest inactive and and intact volcanic caldera, 13 miles wide and 2000 feet deep. This massive crater was formed as a result of a fiery volcanic explosion that happened almost two to three million years ago. Ngorongoro is perhaps the best place in Tanzania to come across the ‘Big Five’, in addition to other ferocious predators like hyena and leopard along with healthy herds of wildebeest, buffalo and zebra. This conservation area is also one of the few places on earth to breed a good number of black rhinos and large-tusked elephants. Ngorongoro is also home to almost 400 varieties of birds and some rare species like the Serval cat, bat-eared foxes and Thompson’s gazelle. Trek or game-drive this reserve filled with patches of forest and lush grasslands, all of which make the Ngorongoro a must-do once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Tarangire National Park: The Best Elephant Spotting in Tanzania
Tarangire National Park is the sixth largest of its kind all across Tanzania and perhaps the most underrated amongst all, considering the little gems it nourishes. Sprawled over 1100 square miles, Tarangire is located in the Manyara region and derives its name from the Tarangire River that cuts through it. The park becomes a major game-viewing hot spot in the dry season, when several species are forced to congregate to the river banks in order to quench their thirst. Tarangire boasts the highest density of elephants in the entire country alongside a vast number of baobab trees. Come the dry season and you can catch enormous numbers of elephants gathering in the riverbed, while being mesmerized by the breathtaking views of the Masaai grasslands and mountains to the south.
The Selous Game Reserve: Tanzania's Most-Protected Wildlife
Encompassing around 18,700 square miles of pure wilderness, the Selous Game Reserve is home to the greatest number of animals in any Africam game reserve. The Selous Game Reserve derives its name from the English explorer and big game hunter Frederick Courtney Selous, and is almost three times the size of South Africa’s Kruger and twice that of the Serengeti. Awarded a UNESCO World Heritage status in 1982 for its large wildlife diversity, Selous is home to huge herds of elephants, hippos, East African wild dogs, Masai Giraffes, zebras and some of the country’s last remaining black rhinos, along with countless bird species. Enjoy walking tours, magnificent game-drives and river trips through the Rufiji River in this beautiful natural setting and appreciate up-close interactions with the wildlife that thrives here.
Glamping in the Serengeti
There are few safari destination settings in the world that combine glamour and camping with panache and style. Visit the iconic Serengeti National Park (also an UNSECO World Heritage Site) and spend your days in a lavish camping facility, amidst the wilderness in the endless grasslands of the park. Equipped with a private butler, warm bed, hot bucket shower and other personal amenities, your glamping experience couldn’t get more comfortable and exciting. Relish traditional African cuisine while you view the world’s largest Wildebeest Migration, an unforgettable experience if there was any. Sip champagne against the backdrop of Tanzania’s oldest game reserve, while its finest and most famous residents frolic and hunt.
Lake Manyara: Tanzania's Bird Watching Paradise
Lake Manyara National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is one of Tanzania’s smaller and underrated game parks, considering the wealth and diversity of vegetation and wildlife that prevails here. Situated in the depression of the East African Rift Valley in northern Tanzania, this game reserve is home to almost 300 migratory bird species, most notably the flamingos, long-crested eagle and grey-headed kingfisher, making it a bird-watcher’s paradise. Come during the wet season and witness the sheer beauty of Lake Manyara, which teems with millions of flamingos and other birds, as opposed to the dry season when the lake shrinks considerably. Apart from the birdlife nesting here, Manyara hosts a large population of hippos, elephants, wildebeest, giraffes, leopards, impalas, dik-dik and blue monkeys.
Hike up Mt. Kilimajaro, Africa's Tallest Peak
Experience the brilliance of Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at an astounding 19,340 feet above sea level. Whichever route you take to the summit, you will have earned your bragging rights. Comprised of three volcanic cones, named “Kibo”, “Mawenzi” and “Shire”, Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano and the highest free standing mountain on earth. This natural masterpiece is part of the Kilimanjaro National Park and for once this protected area is not only about wildlife, although climbers can chance upon several elephants and Cape buffaloes along their way to the summit. One can even spot bushbucks, dik-dik, mongoose and warthogs as they progress through the climb. Enjoy a ravishing hike in this favorite climbing destination in the world and appreciate the unrivaled vistas of the African landscape that this iconic mountain offers.
