Tanzania is famous for its 2-3 distinctive Safari Circuits, with the more remote Southern and Western circuits ideal for repeat visitors, and the most famous and popular Northern circuit taking in what are undoubtedly Tanzania's most iconic locations; Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Serengeti - collectively coming under the "Great Rift Valley" circuit. Typically, Safaris in the north take in several different parks, reserves and wildlife concessions, and even the drives from one lodge to the next can be part of the game-driving experience.

The northern circuit Safaris usually have the same start and end point (Arusha), where your driver/guide will accompany you throughout. On the southern circuit, and owing to the distances between the National Parks, and the very few lodges, your safari will travel from lodge to lodge, often by light aircraft using remote airstrips.

Another remarkable feature in Tanzania is how different and varied the topography, scenery and even the weather can be, as your Safari continues from one park to the next, where even changes in wildlife behaviour are noticeable.

This isn't a once-a-year event, although it is cyclical. It can be observed in different stages, with different species, and at different times of year.

January to March is calving season, where predators are in abundance and the herds move to escape larger packs, causing a reverse ir circular migration of sorts. This is also a spectacular sight, though less predictable, and is the start of the build up towards the main event in later months.

The most spectacular events are the 2 major river crossings:

• The Grumeti River: This crossing, in the Western Serengeti, typically takes place between mid-May and June.

• The Mara River: Perhaps the most famous crossing, this occurs in August and September, when the herds move north into the Maasai Mara.

The sheer scale of witnessing thousands of animals surging across a river is awe-inspiring and the struggle for survival is palpable, with crocodiles lurking in the water and wildebeest jostling for position.

The main access points into Tanzania are either via Arusha (Kilimanjaro International) or Dar es Salaam, which both have international airports. Internally, safari itineraries involve drives within and from one National Park to another, and, in some instances, either light aircraft or scheduled flights may be involved.

Access to Zanzibar is by air from the mainland and the archipelago's airport has several international flights from Kenya and the Gulf states.

Lodges in Tanzania typically work on a partial all-inclusive basis. All meals are included but drinks and additional extras are at your own expense. In most cases, there will be two drives per day (morning and afternoon) with your driver guide, while additional activities may be available at some lodges, and particular to their location, the game experience and topography, such as cultural interaction, spoor tracking, hide visits, etc.

Hotels and resorts work on a traditional B&B or room-only basis.

For more information about specific regions visit "Places to Visit" and for more detailed travel details visit "Travel Essentials".