From lazing on idyllic beaches to trekking through barren landscapes guided by a Maasai warrior

Situated squarely between Cairo and Cape Town, Tanzania could easily be content to flaunt its awe-inspiring natural wonders, which include Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar, among others. Resonating with hints of the wild and exotic, these five alone are reason enough to justify packing your bag and heading off to Tanzania But the country is also justly proud of its role as healer and mediator in a troubled part of the world; many visitors who fly into Arusha on their way to safari are unaware of its reputation as the Geneva of Africa.

Within the space of several hours, it’s possible to go from lazing on idyllic beaches to exploring moss-covered ruins of ancient Swahili city-states; from climbing mist-covered slopes in the Southern Highlands to trekking through the barren landscapes around Ol Doinyo Lengai, guided by a spear-carrying Maasai warrior. Yet, despite its attractions, Tanzania has managed for the most part to remain unassuming and low-key. It has also remained enviably untouched by the tribal rivalries and political upheavals that plague many of its neighbours, and this – combined with a booming tourism industry – makes it an ideal choice for both first-time visitors and Africa old hands.

Northern Tanzania is world famous for its spectacular scenery and wildlife. The escarpments and volcanoes of the Great Rift Valley form a dramatic backdrop to the game-covered plains below. Snow-capped Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain at 5895m, is a mecca for trekkers and mountaineers.

The region’s national parks are a haven for huge concentrations of animals and birdlife. The Serengeti alone has nearly 2 million wildebeest and zebra which migrate along age-old pathways, followed by lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena and jackal. The famous Ngorongoro Crater is a huge volcanic caldera where 25,000 animals live in a setting of unparalleled grandeur. Maasai tribespeople have inhabited this region for hundreds of years, herding their cattle and living in harmony with the wildlife.

UNSECO World Heritage sites in Tanzania

Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara
Serengeti National Park
Selous Game Reserve
Kilimanjaro National Park
Stone Town of Zanzibar
Kondoa Rock-Art Sites