Tanzania has a reputation for the beautiful extremes it holds within its borders: Africa’s highest mountain, largest game reserve, and three of its largest lakes, as well as a rich diversity of landscapes, environments and wildlife. Tropical forest, savanna grassland, mountains, white beaches and unspoiled wilderness characterize the landscapes of this splendid country. Tanzania offers one of Africa’s most glorious and plentiful displays of wildlife within its many scenic parks and reserves.
Tanzania also has a fascinating rainbow of cultures in its 26 million inhabitants, including over a hundred traditional tribes such as the Masai, Sukuma and Chagga. The land has been touched by countless peoples, from the first Bantu settlers migrating from south and west Africa, to Arab traders whose trace still dominates the magical island of Zanzibar, and through Portuguese, German and British colonists. Tanzania finally gained independence in 1961.

ARUSHA
The town of Arusha is the safari gateway to the northern parks. Arusha National Park is a relatively small preserve, covering 137 sq. km. Vegetation varies greatly because of the different altitudes (Mt. Meru is a 15,000 ft. peak.). Primeval forest covers parts of the crater, and there are swamps along the edges of the floor. Fauna also varies greatly. The forest is home to duikers, bushbuck, buffalo and Black and White Colobus Monkeys. The lakes have thousands of flamingos, as well as other aquatic birds, hippo, waterbuck, reedbuck and giraffe. The areas have plentiful numbers of plains animals.

KILIMANJARO
Kilimanjaro is the spectacular and majestic high point of Africa. Its snowcaps gleam in the African sunshine as the huge volcano dominates the plains at its feet. The "Roof of Africa" has long been a source of myth and amazement, and historically was considered the home of gods. Kilimanjaro’s highest peak, Uhuru, stands at over 19,000 feet and was first climbed in 1889 by Hans Meyer. Kilimanjaro and the surrounding volcanic range was formed by the same forces that created the Great Rift Valley which cuts through East Africa. There are five basic routes to the summit, the easiest but most heavily used being Marangu. The mountain has five major regions: the summit, high desert, alpine moorland, rain forest and cultivated lower slopes.

NGORONGORO CRATER
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most stunning and unique landscapes of East Africa. The view from the rim is breathtaking. The crater covers about 260 sq. km of the 8300 sq. km protected area. The crater itself is a magical scene that contains abundant and unusually docile wildlife, with large numbers of mammals, especially grazers. The floor of the crater is home to gazelle, buffalo, eland, hartebeest, warthog and even the rare Black Rhino. The crater is a contained area for these animals and therefore contains a high percentage of predators. The area is also home to the pastoral Masai people. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area contains Lake Magadi and a varied landscape, including grasslands, rivers, swamps, forest and even an arid region of sand dunes.

OLDUVAI GORGE
This beautiful landmark is named for the abundance of Sansevieria bush, which is named Olduvai by the Masai. Olduvai Gorge is within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, near the entrance to the Serengeti. The landmark is 50 km long and 90 m deep at places. The area is an archeologist's haven where many fossils, including those of prehistoric elephants, giant horned sheep, huge ostriches and an early form of man, have been found here and are now displayed in a local museum. SERENGETI
The Serengeti National Park is one of the most popular and beautiful parks of East Africa with a rich and plentiful wildlife population. Protected in 1929, it covers over 14,700 sq. km of mostly grassland. Zebra and wildebeest dominate the landscape and are the center of life in the area. There are also abundant predators, gazelles and birds. During February, the wildebeest and zebra begin a massive migration north, following the rains to fresh grasslands. In October the herds return south, again crossing the Serengeti. The Serengeti animals join the herds moving from Kenya’s Masai Mara and amass as many as 1.5 million animals. This is one of the most amazing scenes in all Africa.

LAKE MANYARA
The Lake Manyara National Park is a spectacular region of the Great Rift Valley. The 330 sq. km area contains the 230 sq. km lake, as well as wetland forest, acacia woodland and open grassland. Elephant, Cape Buffalo, giraffe, impala and zebra roam the plains of Mahali Pa Nyati and frequent the waters of the lake and the Simba River, which are teeming with hippo. The forests of the region are teeming with blue monkeys, vervets, baboons, waterbuck, bushbuck, aardvark, pangolin, leopard and black rhino. The area is also home to the famous tree-climbing lions.

TARANGIRE
The Tarangire National Park is south of Lake Manyara. It is the third largest park in Tanzania and covers 2,600 sq. km. The landscape is dotted with statuesque Baobab trees. The Tarangire River provides permanent water for the plains animals that inhabit the rolling grasslands. Tarangire supports an unusually large wildlife population. Wildebeest, oryx, kudu, zebra, elephant and eland are abundant in the area. There are also lion, cheetah and leopard. Between June and October, the migrating herds of wildebeest and zebra come to this watering source along their route.

SELOUS
The Selous Game Reserve is one of the largest unspoiled regions of the world, covering 55,000 sq. km. It is a remote and beautiful landscape. Large herds of elephant, buffalo, Sable and Roan antelopes roam the grasslands, while hippo and crocodile are abundant near the Rufiji River.
Mikumi National Park is an extension of the massive Selous reserve. The area is the Mkata flood plain, enclosed by mountains. Wildlife found in the region includes elephant, Eland, Lichenstein’s Hartebeest and Cape Hunting Dog. Greater Kudu and Sable Antelope are rarer sightings.

RUAHA
Ruaha National Park is a large area, covering 13,000 sq. km, but only a part of it is developed for visitors. It is Tanzania’s largest elephant sanctuary as the herds gather around the Ruaha River’s flood plains. The park also has many kinds of wildlife including Greater and Lesser Kudu, Sable and Roan Antelope.

DAR ES SALAAM AND  ZANZIBAR
Dar es Salaam is a natural deep-water harbor that was frequented by Arabian traders. The name means "Haven of Peace" for the natural protection that the harbor offers from the open seas of the Indian Ocean. The Tanzanian coast is an ideal place for rest and relaxation after a safari. The region is stunning, full of white sand beaches, turquoise waters and sunshine. The resorts on the beach offer activities like fishing, swimming, sailing, and scuba diving along the coral reefs. The mystical spice island of Zanzibar offers another wonderful resort and beach area. A walk through Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar, is a fascinating cultural experience and a Spice Tour provides insight into the ancient trade that made the island famous. Camps and

Lodges in Tanzania

Next Adventure is an agent for camps, lodges and hotels throughout Africa and arranges custom tours with flights and overland transfers between these properties.  A few luxury camps and lodges are listed below of special note for their location, service and ambience.

THE SERENA HOTELS & LODGES
A luxury chain of lodges located in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Arusha and Zanzibar. All the Serena properties are beautifully located and the standard of service, accommodation and meals is very high. Also properties in Kenya. The Serena Zanzibar Inn is the most luxurious property in Stone Town, Zanzibar. CONSERVATION CORPORATION OF AFRICA {CCA}

Luxury lodges located at Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and several in the Serengeti. Often used by Next Adventure in safari programs.

NDUTU LODGE & GIBBS FARM
Gibbs Farm is on the slopes of Ngorongoro Crater and is a wonderful stop-over coming from Arusha or Lake Manyara. Their Ndutu Camp is just beyond Olduvai Gorge on Lake Ndutu and the perfect location for the migration during late December through March. Both are used extensively in Next Adventure safari programs.

SOPA LODGES
Luxury lodges located in Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.

TARANGIRE SAFARI LODGE
Tarangire Safari Lodge is located on a ridge with a spectacular panoramic view over the Tarangire River. An old fashioned camp with outlying tents and a main dining room / bar lodge. An excellent location for exploring Tarangire National Park which is particularly good for wildlife from August through November.

MWAGUSI SAFARI LODGE - RUAHA
Nestled into a bank of the Mwagusi Sand River in Ruaha National Park, this small exclusive tented camp overlooks a watering hole in the riverbed. The sight of over 2,000 buffalo flooding the riverbed below the tents and dining Banda is not uncommon. The writer John Hemmingway once wrote that the camp is designed as a "boy’s fantasy of independence" along the lines of a traditional old-style African safari experience. Often used on southern circuit safaris.

SAND RIVER – SELOUS
Situated on the banks of the Rufiji River in the Selous Game Reserve, Sand River offers a unique combination of adventure, comfort and exclusivity. This small luxury lodge, crafted out of local materials, comprises six individually designed cottages with bathrooms ensuite. Spaced along the river bank, each has its own private view of the wide sand-banked river with its hippo, crocodile and bird life. Sand River Selous is the creation of Richard Bonham, renowned East African guide, naturalist and conservationist. He has been operating walking safaris throughout the Selous for the past ten years and has a comprehensive knowledge of the Reserve and all it has to offer. Often used on southern circuit safaris