Discover the real Africa from Lake Manyara

Escape to Zanzibar, a breathtaking archipelago off the coast of Tanzania that sparkles in the Indian Ocean. This iconic destination in East Africa is a mosaic of idyllic white sandy beaches gently lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters – the ultimate tropical island holiday.

At the heart of the island lies Stone Town, a historic town of great cultural significance, where centuries-old Arab, Indian, African and European influences are evident in its narrow alleyways and ancient architecture.

Known for generations as the ‘Spice Island’, the scent of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon still lingers in the air – best experienced on a fragrant and colourful spice tour. Zanzibar is much more than just sun and sand: it offers a harmonious blend of enchanting coastal landscapes, a vibrant Swahili culture and a rich, compelling history.

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is the main gateway to Zanzibar and welcomes travellers to this enchanting archipelago of Tanzania. Located on the island of Unguja, near Zanzibar City, the airport connects the Spice Islands with East Africa, Europe and the Middle East. With a modern international Terminal 3, it is the ideal starting point for exploring Stone Town and the islands’ famous beaches.

Arusha Airport (ARK) serves as the bustling domestic gateway to unforgettable adventures in Tanzania. The airport takes travellers directly to the heart of East Africa’s most beloved wildlife destinations in the north of the country. From this strategically located airport, just outside the city of Arusha, countless safaris depart daily via charter flights or domestic connections to iconic locations such as the vast plains of the Serengeti, the unique ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Crater, and the varied landscapes of Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks.

Arusha Airport offers direct access to the northern safari route, making it the ideal starting point for any safari. Work is currently underway to upgrade the airport’s infrastructure in order to better serve the steady stream of international visitors – and thus further cement its reputation as the gateway to the northern safari experience.

Mto wa Mbu is a bustling farming village at the gateway to Lake Manyara National Park, unique for its incredible cultural diversity – with over 120 Tanzanian tribes living together in harmony. The lush, irrigated fields yield an abundance of fruit and grain, whilst the lively local market offers an authentic glimpse into Tanzanian rural life.

Lake Manyara: where water and wilderness meet
At the foot of the imposing western slope of the Great Rift Valley lies Lake Manyara National Park – a compact yet extraordinarily diverse safari destination. The park is world-famous for its unique population of tree-climbing lions, which are often spotted relaxing in the branches of acacia trees. At the heart of the park lies the vast, shallow soda lake, which glows with the pink flamingos that gather there in huge flocks – a breathtaking spectacle. Despite its modest size, Manyara offers a stunningly varied landscape: from dense groundwater forests teeming with baboons to open woodland and grassy plains. This mosaic-like environment is home to a high concentration of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo and over 400 species of birds. A true gem within Tanzania’s Northern Safari Route.

Maasai Boma Tour: Experience authentic Maasai culture
A Maasai boma tour offers an intimate and authentic introduction to the vibrant, semi-nomadic world of the famous Maasai people. The experience usually begins with a spectacular cultural welcome, where villagers greet you with traditional songs and the famous adumu (jumping dance) performed by the moran warriors. Accompanied by a community guide, you’ll have the chance to explore the circular layout of the boma — a settlement surrounded by a thorny fence — and step inside a traditional mud-and-dung hut to learn first-hand about their family structure and daily routines. The visit offers deep insights into their centuries-old traditions, the central role of livestock in their society, and skills passed down from generation to generation. The tour often concludes with the opportunity to admire and purchase beautiful, hand-made beadwork directly from the Maasai women, providing a memorable cultural exchange and direct support for the community.

Arusha Airport (ARK) serves as the bustling domestic gateway to unforgettable adventures in Tanzania. The airport takes travellers directly to the heart of East Africa’s most beloved wildlife destinations in the north of the country. From this strategically located airport, just outside the city of Arusha, countless safaris depart daily via charter flights or domestic connections to iconic locations such as the vast plains of the Serengeti, the unique ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Crater, and the varied landscapes of Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks.

Arusha Airport offers direct access to the northern safari route, making it the ideal starting point for any safari. Work is currently underway to upgrade the airport’s infrastructure in order to better serve the steady stream of international visitors – and thus further cement its reputation as the gateway to the northern safari experience.

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is the main gateway to Zanzibar and welcomes travellers to this enchanting archipelago of Tanzania. Located on the island of Unguja, near Zanzibar City, the airport connects the Spice Islands with East Africa, Europe and the Middle East. With a modern international Terminal 3, it is the ideal starting point for exploring Stone Town and the islands’ famous beaches.

Escape to Zanzibar, a breathtaking archipelago off the coast of Tanzania that sparkles in the Indian Ocean. This iconic destination in East Africa is a mosaic of idyllic white sandy beaches gently lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters – the ultimate tropical island holiday.

At the heart of the island lies Stone Town, a historic town of great cultural significance, where centuries-old Arab, Indian, African and European influences are evident in its narrow alleyways and ancient architecture.

Known for generations as the ‘Spice Island’, the scent of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon still lingers in the air – best experienced on a fragrant and colourful spice tour. Zanzibar is much more than just sun and sand: it offers a harmonious blend of enchanting coastal landscapes, a vibrant Swahili culture and a rich, compelling history.