Swirls of opaque mist hide the advancing dawn. The first shafts of sun colour the fluffy grass heads rippling across the plain in a russet halo. A herd of zebras, confident in their camouflage at this predatory hour, pose like ballerinas, heads aligned and stripes merging in flowing motion. Mikumi National Park abuts the northern border of Africa's biggest game reserve - the Selous – and is transected by the surfaced road between Dar es Salaam and Iringa. It is thus the most accessible part of a 75,000 square kilometre (47,000 square mile) tract of wilderness that stretches east almost as far as the Indian Ocean.

The open horizons and abundant wildlife of the Mkata Floodplain, the popular centrepiece of Mikumi, draw frequent comparisons to the more famous Serengeti Plains. Lions survey their grassy kingdom – and the zebra, wildebeest, impala and buffalo herds that migrate across it – from the flattened tops of termite mounds, or sometimes, during the rains, from perches high in the trees. Giraffes forage in the isolated acacia stands that fringe the Mkata River, islets of shade favoured also by Mikumi's elephants.

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Situated on the shore of the Indian Ocean, Azao Resort & Spa offers guests a relaxing getaway in Pongwe, Zanzibar. The resort features an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi in the public areas. Each room at Azao Resort & Spa is air-conditioned and equipped with a mosquito net, a seating area and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. 

They each have a private bathroom with a shower. Some rooms feature a balcony and sea views. Guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant, or relax with a drink at the pool bar. A variety of activities are available in the surrounding area, including snorkelling, diving and kite surfing. Other facilities at Azao Resort & Spa include a spa and wellness centre and a fitness centre. 

The resort features a 24-hour front desk, a gift shop and luggage storage facilities. Zanzibar City is within 32 km of Azao Resort & Spa, while Nungwi is 45 km away. Zanzibar International Airport is 35 km from the property.

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