I WANT TO VISIT LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK

A Lake once described by Ernest Hemingway as "the loveliest I had seen in Africa", Lake Manyara is full of stunning scenery. From the moment you enter the entrance gate, you are immersed in to a lush groundwater forest, watched by relaxing baboons as blue monkeys dart in-between the ancient trees.

Contrasting with the intimacy of the forest is the grassy floodplain and its expansive views eastward, across the alkaline lake, to the jagged blue volcanic peaks that rise from the endless Maasai Steppes. Herds of Wildebeests, zebra and large buffalo congregate on these grassy plains, as do giraffes – some so dark in coloration that they appear to be black from a distance. Heading inland of the floodplain, you can find Manyara's famous tree-climbing lions, and elephants within the acacia woodland.

The variety of bird life at Lake Manyara National Park is staggering. There has been over 400 species recorded in the park with diversity ranging from Flamingos wading in the lake, to the Long-crested Eagle soaring effortlessly above, and the Grey-headed Kingfisher perched on a branch waiting patiently for the next passing insect. It is entirely possible to see a hundred species in one day, even for a first time visitor.

I WANT TO VISIT NGORONGORO CRATER

Once part of the huge Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area covers a staggering 8,000km2 of wildlife sanctuaries. The biggest feature of this incredible landscape is the Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest unfilled volcanic caldera.

The crater was born from a huge volcanic eruption 2-3 million years ago. It's floor covers 260 square kilometres of open grassland, with two small wooded areas populated with the green-leafed Fever Tree. Near the eastern crater wall sits one of the major water sources, the Ngoitokiitok Spring. Rainwater flows down from the western crater supplying vital fresh water and providing good grazing all year round. This area is inhabited by hippopotamus, elephants, wildebeests and many other wildlife species. The Ngorongoro crater also has one of the densest known population of lions on earth. Lake Magadi provides another water source within the crater, thousands of flamingos can be seen wading alongside the myriad of birdlife.

A Ngorongoro wildlife safari provides one of the best opportunities to see the animal species East Africa is famous for. The Great Wildebeest Migration creates breath taking scenes. During the early months of the year the area is inhabited by enormous herds of wildebeests and zebra. An estimated 400,000 wildebeest are born during late January through to March. The concentration of the herds attracts lion, cheetah and hyena, whilst in the wooded areas giraffe, elephant and buffalo are easily spotted.

The ancient origins of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are there to see. At Laetoli, west of the Ngorongoro Crater, hominid footprints are preserved in volcanic rock 3.6 million years old. These represent some of the earliest signs of mankind on the planet. A couple of hours north takes you to the Olduvai Gorge, the most famous archaeological location in East Africa. It was here that Louis and Mary Leakey discovered four different kinds of hominid, the first being 'Zinjanthropus' who lived 1.75 million years ago.

The Ngorongoro Crater is a spectacular place with history dating back to the earliest signs of man. Staggering landscapes and wonderful wildlife make this one of the most special places on the planet.

I WANT TO VISIT THE SERENGETI

This African region is truly worthy of its World Heritage status. With 1.5 million hectares of savannah, it is still possible to find yourself the only human audience to the awe inspiring wildlife.

Serengeti National Park has become famous for the annual migration of two million wildebeests, with hundreds of thousands of gazelles and zebras. An unrivalled display of nature is created as predators follow searching for pasture and water. The visceral dynamic of predator vs prey is dominant across the Serengeti. Golden-maned lion prides feast on the abundance of plain grazers. Solitary leopards haunt the acacia trees lining the Seronera River, while a high density of cheetahs prowls the southeastern plains.

Whilst the perfect environment for game-viewing, there is more to the Serengeti than the 'Big 5'. Sometimes overlooked within a Safari context, the Serengeti is home to over 500 bird species. From the Ostrich rushing through the grassland, the Black Eagle soaring above the Lobos Hills, to the chattering Lovebird and Giant Kingfisher, birds are one of the most diverse life forms on earth. The Serengeti is home to the herbivores, insectivores, predators and scavengers alike.

The sprawling landscape of the Serengeti is made up of grassland and woodland, plains, kopjes, and marshes; all of which make up a savannah. A multitude of plant species highlight the terrain providing food and refuge for the native wildlife. You may witness an African Elephant collecting the 5kg fruit of the Sausage Tree, or the gnarled and twisted forms of the Strangle Fig wrapping around it's host. Seeing the biological diversity present in the Serengeti is truly special. The savanna stretches away to a golden horizon, and yet, after the rains, this golden expanse of grass is transformed into an endless green carpet flecked with wildflowers. And there are also wooded hills and towering termite mounds, rivers lined with fig trees and acacia woodland stained orange by dust.

Whatever wonders you see in the Serengeti, you can be sure that they will never leave you. The sense of freedom that stems from the vast spaces characteristic of this World Heritage site will follow you home.