Travel Guide to Tanzania

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!