Boutique Hotels in Tanzania

Why go?

With one of the largest wild animal populations in the world, Tanzania is the ultimate safari destination. The most overwhelming examples of this - and they count among life's must-sees - are the Serengeti, where 1-2 million wildebeest migrate en masse every June-July and Oct-Nov to find water; and the Ngorongoro crater, where 30,000 animals congregate in an area smaller than the Isle of Wight. It's difficult to describe parts of Tanzania without using all the African clichés, but you can choose from the vast yellow plains of the Serengeti, dotted with acacia trees, the guaranteed sightings and incredible views of the Ngorongoro Crater, or the wild and endless Selous game reserve - the size of Ireland, but without an inch of tarmac.

But it's not all about animals. There are awe-inspiring and ever-changing landscapes, including the equatorial ice-caps of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain; and colourful local tribes, including the fierce and nomadic Maasai. Plus there's the attraction of relaxing afterwards on the white-sand beaches and turquoise seas of Zanzibar and Mafia island. After seeing so many animals and such vast landscapes, you might need a little easy living!

Any Downsides?

Transport and logistics are not easy - you're best off booking an all-inclusive safari package through a recommended operator such as Tailormade Safaris (for northern circuits) or Foxes (for southern Tanzania). Be prepared for some long, hot journeys - Tanzanian roads are not the most comfortable. As always, game-viewing involves early starts and is unpredictable (though Tanzania has some of the biggest concentrations of wildlife in Africa). Tsetse flies do bite but rarely (if ever) transmit sleeping sickness to humans. Don't underestimate the difficulty of ascending Mt. Kilimanjaro. Touting can be a problem in larger towns, and the poverty around you might make you feel uncomfortable.

What's where?

• East Coast & Dar: Explore buzzy Dar (Tanzania's main hub) which bristles with history and traces of several cultures. Then head to Saadani for prolific wildlife Read More >>
• Lake Tanganyika: See wild chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains, Africa's largest herds of buffalo at Katavu and monkeys galore in Gombe Stream National Park Read More >>
• Mafia islands: Wonderfully simple and remote islands with pristine beaches, dramatic rock formations and a wide range of marine life which makes for great diving Read More >>
• Northern Circuit: The magical Serengeti, with the greatest concentration of wildlife on the planet, plus Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro Read More >>
• Southern Circuit: Walking safaris in the Selous , watch crocodiles and hippos in the Ruaha River or wildebeest in Mikumi, and spy endangered monkeys in the rainforest Read More >>
• Zanzibar: Dazzlingly white beaches, turquoise seas, exotic spices, colourful corals and bright sunshine 10 months of the year Read More >>