Tanzania boasts some of the world's most famous natural
attractions, three of which are national parks in a country that
offers outstanding opportunities for viewing wildlife in their
natural habitat. Almost a quarter of the country is protected
within a park or reserve and of these most tourists visit the 'big
three' in the north: the plains of the Serengeti, famous for the
annual migration of about two million wildebeest; the adjacent
Ngorongoro Conservation Area with the magnificent Ngorongoro
Crater; and Mt Kilimanjaro National Park encompassing Africa's
highest mountain. Other attractions, including the massive Selous
Game Reserve in the south, can be difficult or expensive to get to,
and are less visited as a result.
The word 'safari' had its origins in Tanzania, a Kiswahili word
meaning 'journey', and there are unlimited safari options that can
be tailor-made by any tour operator, with accommodation ranging
from luxury lodges to camping. A journey by vehicle, foot,
horseback or hot air balloon into prime game-viewing country is an
experience not to be missed. The attractive town of Arusha is the
main gateway to the parks and reserves in the north and is the best
place from which to arrange a safari.
