The African Safari and Planning an Itinerary

Swahili is the language of Tanzania and from thisvast Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara
language we get the word 'safari' - which simplyand the Tarangire National Parks. Surprisingly it is
means 'journey'. Tanzania is home to the Nationalnot always the Serengeti that has the highest
Park where it is possible to take the best safarisconcentration of wildlife. In the dry season many
Africa has to offer. These vast African plains areanimals migrate into the south of the Tarangire
where huge herds of wildebeest, zebra andNational Park and it is here in dry season that you
gazelles 'safari' in the constant search of water inwill find the highest concentration of wildlife.
their never ending migration - these great herdsVisit one of the very few camps that are located
of grazers are ever followed by the predatorsin the south or the middle of Tarangire unspoilt
such as lions, leopards, cheetah and hyena.wilderness area. There are only a very few
Tanzania is also elephant and giraffe country, andcamps; which tend to be small, luxurious and
can boast some of the largest populations in theideally placed to access the yearly migrations of
world.wildlife throughout this often missed ecosystem.
An ideal safari itinerary would take about twelveThe Tarangire wilderness area offers a bonus
days - maybe starting in Northern Kenya andtoo, excursions into the bush on foot. Off road
them moving into idyllic Tanzania. The itinerarydriving is another privilege of this area, something
should take in a selection of National Parks - suchthat is not available in the National Parks.
as the Western Kilimanjaro with its dramatic backNo place in the world compares with Serengeti -
drop of Kilimanjaro, Serengeti and Ngorongoroand its neighboring wildlife havens - for the sheer
Crater.exhilaration of its wildlife experience. It is so
Many itineraries include a stop over in Arushaspectacular that it deserves more time to explore
town and if you have the time a day at Arushaand absorb its full-blown beauty. The Serengeti is
National Park is well worth a visit. This park isthe kingdom of the predators watching the huge
close to the town and rests between the peaksherds of wildebeest and zebra thunder across the
of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru; it is anplains in countless numbers. The Serengeti should
exceptionally beautiful area. The park has abe visited for as many days as your itinerary will
diverse range of habitats, from the string ofallow.
crater lakes where many water birds can beA safari itinerary should be carefully planned.
watched, through to the highland forest. TheRemember the old adage less is more. Try not to
forests are quiet and still and if you are lucky yousee too much too quickly. If you rush you simply
will see the black and white Colobus monkeyswill miss so much and have an aching body that
climbing along the branches of ancient cedar trees.longs for the safari to end as quickly as possible.
It is a must to stop your vehicle and listen in theSlowly slowly is the secret and a great way to
stillness as they bark their haunting calls throughsee more of everything and to truly experience
the cool forest.Tanzania to the full.
After Arusha you will move north towards the