As a tourist destination, Tanzania is many things to many people. Some choose to relax on the island of Zanzibar. Others are drawn to climb the dizzy heights of Mt Kilimanjaro. Others seek a little cultural exchange in the presence of local tribespeople. But what attracts more people than anything else is the call of the wild; the incredible diversity of animal life, plants and staggering scenery.

Notable for the sheer numbers and variety, Tanzania’s fauna includes more than 400 species and subspecies among the country’s more than four million wild animals. These include zebras, elephants, wildebeests, buffaloes, hippos, giraffes, antelopes, dik-diks, gazelles, elands and kudus.

Tanzania is also known for its predators, with Serengeti National Park one of the best places for spotting lions, cheetahs and leopards. There are also populations of hyenas and wild dogs. Not to forget, bands of chimpanzees in the Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains National Parks. In addition, Tanzania has over 60, 000 insect species, about 25 types of reptiles or amphibians, 100 species of snakes and numerous fish species.

Complementing this are over 1000 species of birds, including various types of kingfisher, hornbills bee-eaters and flamingos. There are also many birds unique to Tanzania. These include the Udzungwa forest partridge, the Pemba green pigeon, the Usambara weaver and the Usambara eagle owl.

Should you be in any doubt of the attraction of this wild and wonderful natural world, just click on the image above for a powerful and enticing reminder of what could be awaiting you on your Shaw Safari adventure…

Source: lonelyplanet.com & Amazing Places on our Planet