Africa is famed for its exotic wildlife and spectacular natural beauty, and for many travellers, Tanzania is the jewel in its crown.

Within Tanzania, the Serengeti is one of the best places to spot wildlife and its endless savannahs are home to everything from lions and wildebeest, to elephants and leopards.

Reporting for The Seattle Times, Emily Rosenbaum recounts her experience: “The Serengeti plains are awash with curious sounds and amazing sights.” Rosenbaum visited during the annual Great Migration, during which as many as 2 million animals cross the Serengeti to seek greener pastures. She describes the scene:

“The herds of grunting wildebeest and starkly painted zebras seek out plentiful water and rich grass, creating a noisy, roiling sea of hoofs and hair all around the safari vehicle. These herbivores are closely watched by lions, leopards and cheetahs — carnivores looking to grab a lame animal or a newborn.

Flailing wildebeest trying to ford the rivers attract the snapping teeth of huge crocodiles that lie in wait in the muddy water. Vultures and hyenas bring up the rear, hoping to pick clean the bones.”

It is an exhilarating scene and safari tourists travel from across the world to see this natural wonder every year. However, the animals are not the only attraction in the Serengeti. Tanzania is home to around 100 tribes, many of which practice traditions going back centuries. Seeing the Serengeti’s Datoga, Maasai and Hadzabe tribes is a cultural highlight of any trip.

Neither can visitors to Tanzania ignore the looming presence of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Adventurous travellers will struggle to find a more challenging and rewarding experience than hiking to its 19,340-foot summit!

Experience a Great Migration Safari for yourself or climb Kilimanjaro with Inspire Volunteering!