• E N R O U T E / / S E R E N G E T I
© THIRION / ADOBESTOCK
Left : A leap of faith . Above : Camping under Tanzania ’ s billion-star hotel . Below : Wildebeest and Mount Kilimanjaro dominate the plains of the Serengeti .
© GRIMSLEY / SHUTTERSTOCK
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I AWAKE TO THE SOUND OF LIONS PACING OUTSIDE MY TINY TWO-MAN TENT , ITS PAPER-THIN WALLS DOING LITTLE TO SHIELD THE SOUND OF MY RACING HEART
“ not exist in 50 years . Every day I witness the impact of humanity on nature ; the day-to-day battle between humans and animals for survival as we run out of space and resources on planet Earth .
But tonight as I lie here stock still , waiting for the big cats to move on , there is no such struggle . There is plenty of space for me and the lions under the roof of the billion-star hotel .
Q
TRAVEL PLANNER
TOP ATTRACTIONS : The spectacle of the Great Migration is reason enough to jet off to Tanzania , but bookend your stay with the other remarkable sights of this East African gem . If you ’ ve not yet had your fill of safari , the Ngorongoro Crater near the town of Arusha is a natural wonder well worth a visit , as is the lesser-known Selous Game Reserve . If you ’ re of an adventurous bent , how about a trekking adventure to the summit of Africa ’ s highest peak ? Mount Kilimanjaro towers 5 895 metres above the African plains , and is certainly one for the bucket list . More of a cityslicker ? The waterside city
© ADOBESTOCK
© ADOBESTOCK of Mwanza offers a unique perspective on Lake Victoria , while the streets of the capital , Dar es Salaam , dish up a beguiling blend of colour and chaos .
WHEN TO GO : The migration peaks in Tanzania between July and August , so expect high prices and plenty of company . At the coast and on Zanzibar , avoid the monsoon-driven rainy seasons in March-May and November .
BOOK IT : Thompsons Holidays and Inspirations Travel & Tours both specialise in travel to Tanzania . Ask your Sure Travel consultant about their East Africa offerings , or visit www . suretravel . co . za / call 0861 47 48 49 .
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