Drumbeat Spring 19

Combine some of Africa’s most iconic scenery with a huge variety of wildlife and it’s easy to see why guests can return from a Tanzania safari with 2,000 (edited) photos. There is truly something for everyone here, from wildebeest filled plains and chimps roaming remote forests, to incredible birds and extraordinary marine life. Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park Tanzania’s two southern parks are dramatically different in habitat, wildlife and even climate. Selous is the size of Switzerland and renowned for wild dog, large herds of buffalo and huge crocodiles. Ruaha is a birders’ paradise and one of the best in Tanzania for cheetah. They are places to explore on foot, as well as by vehicle and, in the case of Selous, by boat on the Rufiji River. They combine brilliantly, offering plenty of variety, but are also big enough to spend a week, splitting time between two or three small camps. Mahale National Park To the far west, Mahale is home to chimps in an ancient rainforest and glorious sandy beaches on Lake Tanganyika’s shores. Far from anywhere it’s a fair trek to reach, but definitely worth the journey. Katavi National Park With as many visitors in a year as the Serengeti has in a day, in a million acres (yes, really – a million acres) of wilderness. Well known for its mega-herds of buffalo and aestivating crocodiles and hippos jostling for space. Serengeti National Park Perhaps best known for the great wildebeest migration, the Serengeti is a safari thriller, full of magnificent wildlife all year round. With everything from great predator action to fascinating insights into the Masai way of life it deserves its place at the top of the list. Lake Manyara National Park An unspoiled paradise, of which almost two- thirds is underwater between November and May, Lake Manyara plays host to the famous tree climbing lions and a plethora of birds, from flamingos and pelicans to hornbills and herons. Tanzania – safari superstar The Coast The Tanzania coast offers a variety of delights from swimming with whale sharks to superb diving around Zanzibar. Easy to connect to safari, the beach tops off this superstar safari destination fabulously well. Ngorongoro Conservation Area Once an enormous volcano and measuring over 12 miles in diameter, the astounding Ngorongoro Crater is home to the densest large mammal population in Africa including the endangered black rhino. Tarangire National Park With sweeping savannah grasslands, ancient baobab trees, elephant herds numbering 300 at a time, and 550 species of birds, Tarangire offers an off-the- beaten-track experience away from the crowds. www . aardvarksafaris.com l P11 REPORT BY BECKY