A Swahili treasure with wild expanses of bushland, Tanzania, the land of safaris, is a mecca for animal-lovers.

The Serengeti, teeming with herds of zebra, elephants and predators on the prowl is famous for the thrilling annual wildebeest migration that continues on through the Maasai Mara. At Ngorongoro Crater, with its high density of lions and other predators, keep your eyes peeled for the Big 5, and when the season is right, a flamboyance of bright pink flamingos.

For a spot of adventure, scale the mighty Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, or simply take in its enormity from the surrounding Kilimanjaro National Park. Often overshadowed by the more famous parks, Tarangire National Park, Arusha National Park and the Selous Game Reserve with its snoozing crocodiles are also great for game-spotting. Spend your days tracking the wild beasts and your nights in the safety of a luxurious camp, the roar of a lion nearby sending chills down your spine.

But Tanzania doesn’t stop there. From the mainland hop over to Zanzibar where you can snorkel with shoals of luminous fish or, if you’re lucky, dolphins, in the sparkling waters off its coast. Go diving with whale sharks near Mafia Island, or find your way through the labyrinthine lanes of historic Stone Town full of gorgeous Omani architecture. But if all you really want to do is a whole lot of nothing, simply lounge to your heart's content on some of the prettiest beaches in the world.