Safari experiences

The 'greatest show on earth' is no superlative when it comes to the wildebeest migration, a year-long trek where millions cross the endless plains and rushing rivers to reach sweet grasses. Embark on a game drive that is sure to enchant, excite and overload your senses as you join the viewing party for this epic spectacle. Depending on the time of year, you may watch new life begin on the southern grasslands in February or follow the rambunctious herds on their march northwards before they return to the Serengeti in November. The circuit has no end and neither does the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see this awe-inspiring event.

In one of Tanzania's wildest spaces, take your safari to new heights as you explore the lush, tree-laden rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Where vehicles cannot go, you'll join an expert guide on an early-morning foray into the forest as rare birds show off their colourful plumage and waterfalls cascade toward the Crater below. Discover Ngorongoro's unique wonders like the 'Elephant Caves', which are deep hollows dug into the earth as the elephant forage for rich soil with their tusks. Ascend the crater wall for the ultimate panorama, watching as the Big Five roam, hippos guffaw and flamingos sit like a pink cloud over the lake.

Depart camp at dawn or in the late afternoon sunshine to discover the epic wildlife of Lake Manyara. With your knowledgable guide to lead the way, endless floodplains, acacia woodlands and shimmering lake reveal grazing plains game, herds of trumpeting elephant and lion draped over the branches of a mahogany tree, not to mention the clouds of pink flamingo. Stop on a grassy spot near the lake to enjoy a morning cuppa or ice-cold sundowner as incredible birdlife dips in and out of the water. As one of Tanzania's smallest and most underrated parks, Lake Manyara has one of the country's highest wildlife densities and you'll have few other safari-goers to contend with.

Arusha may not be known as one of Tanzania's safari powerhouses, but this small, beautiful park has a lot to offer. The closest national park to the airport, you can easily make a day trip to Arusha, which sits in the scenic foothills of Mount Meru. On a game drive through the park, look out for black-and-white colobus, leopard, giraffe and a plethora of plains game. Plus, pods of hippo wallowing in the quiet, pretty lakes. On the clearest of days, you can even see the shimmering, snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro.

As the birds start to sing, set off to explore the Lake Manyara National Park on foot. Armed with a lifetime of knowledge, your guide will take you on a journey through grassy floodplains and lush forests where you'll spy the 'Little Five', named after their larger and more famous counterparts and track big cats, who are often found snoozing in a shady spot. Stop for a picnic of your own under the shade of an acacia before trekking on in pursuit of wildlife. Marvel at your guide's ability to sniff out a herd of elephant, learn the survival tricks of smaller creatures and stroll beside the lake, where flamingos gather in their thousands and thirsty zebra stop for a drink.

The most arid corner of the Okavango Delta, game drives in Savuti are no less thrilling. Take your pick from a dawn or dusk (or a combination of both) safari where your expert guide will take you on a journey across the savannah where great herds of elephant and prides of lion wander - their clashes are astonishing to witness! Other sightings include rare antelope, hyena and packs of African painted dog. After a steaming cuppa or celebratory cocktail to finish, you'll return to camp.

From July, millions of wildebeest crest over the plains of the Serengeti on their ever-moving circuit where the thought of fresh grasses is enough to make them plunge across the flowing Grumeti and Mara Rivers. Drive across the savannah, led by your guide with a good nose for finding the action, and watch enthralled as life and death plays out before your eyes. The wildebeest gather like a storm on the southern banks before making a mad dash across the river, Nile crocodile snapping at their heels and big cats waiting to meet them on the other side. This display of pure nerve is one of the most epic events on the African safari calendar and you can easily spend an entire day out!