Ngorongoro Crater Conservation AreaThe Ngorongoro Crater provides one of the fi nest wildlife opportunities that Africa can offer. Covering 260 square kilometres the balance of predator and prey within the Crater is so precise that animals seldom leave. It contains possibly the largest permanent concentration of wildlife in Africa, with an estimate of 30,000 large animals. It is Africa in microcosm. There are two stream-fed swamps, two forests and a huge soda lake that attracts thousands of fl amingos and other water birds. The popularity of the crater and its location on the classic 'northern circuit' mean that you will not have a solitary experience here, but you can escape the crowds, and the guaranteed sightings and benefi ts of wildlife-viewing here far outweigh the negatives.Ngorongoro Crater Lodge HIGH This is one of Africa's most famous lodges. It's wonderful, and recommended for those who want luxury, but it is at the highest end of the price range. The lodge is divided into three separate camps - north, south and tree camp (which only has six suites) - all of which have lavishly decorated rooms with Victorian baths and oak panels. If you can afford it, Crater Lodge should be on your wish list of places to stay.Ngorongoro Farmhouse HIGH Once a large coffee plantation the farmhouse has undergone major refurbishment by its Tanzanian owner. It is a special place to stay offering superb accommodation in handmade red brick bungalows. Their organic working farm supplies the lodge with fresh free-range eggs and vegetables, so the meals are delicious.Gibb's Farm MIDGibb's is still a working coffee farm (one of the oldest in this region) and has spacious manicured gardens. Great pride is taken in the food here which is plentiful and excellent. Walks and hikes can be arranged either through the gardens or further afi eld to the many trails.Ngorongoro Serena Lodge MIDThe lodge is located on the crater's southern rim. The stone building is covered by plant and ivy, and there are 75 rooms.Lake Manyara National ParkThe mahogany and sausage trees of Lake Manyara are alive with blue and vervet monkeys, elephants feeding off fallen fruit, and bushbuck, baboons and leopard all making their homes in the forest. Manyara is also a sanctuary to hippo, giraffe, impala, zebra and its most famous residents - tree-climbing lions. Lake Manyara itself is a magnet for birdlife and a kaleidoscope of different species can be found around its shores including sizeable fl ocks of fl amingos. The park is often just seen as a stopping off point on the popular 'northern circuit' of Tanzania, yet this small and interesting park warrants a visit in its own right.67SUGGESTED ITINERARYDay 1 Depart UK for Arusha Day 2 Tarangire, 2-nights, Tarangire River Camp. A great place to go on safari, particularly good sightings of elephant are had here (BLD) Day 4 Lake Manyara, 1-night, Kirurumu. A small park, famous for fl amingos (BLD) Day 6 Ngorongoro, 2-nights, Ngorongoro Farmhouse. Safaris around the crater and reserve (BLD) Day 7 Serengeti, 3-nights, Mbalageti Safari Lodge. Game drives during your stay (BLD) Day 10 Depart for the UK (BL) Day 11 Arrive UKDeparture dates Daily, throughout the yearCost per person From £3725 (Jan - Feb, early Jul, mid Aug - Oct), £3345 (Mar, Nov - Dec), £2995 (Apr - May), £3345 (Jun), £4175 (mid Jul - mid Aug), £3815 (Christmas) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, eight nights lodge accommodation/tented camp, guided activitiesTHE SPIRIT OF TANZANIAThis is a good value, classic safari route taking in all of the major highlights of Tanzania. It's good for the fi rst-time visitor to Tanzania, or even Africa.TAILOR-MADEOr visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.comI thought that I would contact you to briefl y say what a wonderful holiday we had in the Selous and Ruaha in Tanzania.Everything went according to schedule - fl ights, transfers - and both camps were of an exceptional standard.Of course the wildlife experience was superb, we even saw wild dog in the Selous, which is only the second time in ten separate visits to Africa that we've come across them.DL, September 2009AFRICA | TANZANIA

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge HIGH This is the only lodge in the park and it is located in beautiful forest about 45 kilometres from the main gate. It has been designed as a treehouse. The large rooms are on a wooden platform with a verandah and some rooms are built around existing trees. The lodge has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.Kirurumu MIDKirurumu is a permanent tented lodge set high on the edge of the Rift Valley with spectacular views out over Tanzania. The open-sided dining room and bar make the most of the view! Arusha National ParkSet between the towering peaks of Mt. Meru and snow-capped Kilimanjaro, the park comprises lush montane forest, the beautiful Momella Lakes and the tranquil craters of Ngurdoto and Mt. Meru. There are few parks with such variety. The Momella Lakes host a variety of water birds including fl amingos, ibises, spoonbills, ducks and a rich variety of waders, plus common waterbuck and Kirk's dik dik loiter beside their drinking pools. From lookout points on the forested rim of the Ngurdoto Crater, you might see warthogs and buffalo as they feed on the grasslands of the crater fl oor, whilst monkeys and more elusive creatures hide in the forests. Mount Meru Game Lodge HIGH The lodge is nestled amongst a grove of enormous old mango trees. It is approximately half an hour from Kilimanjaro airport making it an ideal lodge to stay in following a long fl ight. The game sanctuary here provides a safe haven to eland, ostrich, waterbuck, zebra, small carnivores and of course an enormous variety of birdlife.Tarangire National ParkTarangire National Park, dominated by the Tarangire River, is one of the best-kept secrets in Africa. It is a superb wildlife destination and particularly welcoming when added on after the busy 'northern circuit' of Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti. The river attracts enormous herds of elephants and the landscape is a rich and varied mix of trees, plains, swamps and rocky outcrops. Elephants are virtually guaranteed here and predators (including wild dog) hunt the herds of buffalo, Grant's and Thompson's gazelle, Burchell's zebra, giraffe and warthog. The area is excellent for birds of prey and provides superb habitats for hundreds of other species. Tarangire Treetops HIGH Tarangire Treetops is located just outside the park boundary. It is a great place for resident elephants. The ten treehouse style rooms are large and airy and some of them are built on stilts allowing the wildlife to pass freely underneath. The central area built around a giant Baobab overlooks a beautiful waterhole.Tarangire River Camp MIDTarangire River Camp is near the main entrance to Tarangire in a fantastic position overlooking a tributary of the Tarangire River where you can sit and take in your surroundings with views across to the park. It has ten roomy tents.Oliver's Camp HIGH OUR CHOICEOliver's has eight large tents and is situated in Tarangire's remote south-eastern sector. This exclusive location is perfect for viewing crowded local waterholes, the spectacular Silale swamps, and the more popular baobab-country in the north. Walking safaris, fl y-camping and off-road driving are all possible in this part of the park, led by experienced naturalist guides. 68SUGGESTED ITINERARYDay 1 Depart UK for Arusha Day 2 Lake Manyara, 2-nights, Manyara Tree Lodge. A small park, famous for fl amingos (BLD) Day 4 Serengeti, 3-nights, Kirurumu Serengeti Camp. Tanzania's most famous park, game drives included (BLD) Day 7 Ngorongoro Crater, 1-night, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Explore this amazing enviorn (BLD) Day 8 Depart for the UK (B) Day 9 Arrive UKWINGS OVER TANZANIAThis is a luxury itinerary to Tanzania, staying in the best lodges in the best parks, and fl ying between them. If you want to do it in style, then this is the itinerary for you.TAILOR-MADETalk to an expert 0845 130 6982Departure dates Daily, throughout the year (except Apr & May)Cost per person From £5295 (Jan - Feb, Jun, Sep, Christmas), £4795 (Mar, Oct - Dec), £5425 (early Jul, end Aug), £5865 (mid Jul - mid Aug) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, six nights lodge accommodation/tented camp, guided activities