10-Day Northern Tanzania Safari

After breakfast, embark on an excursion in the Landcruiser for a guided visit to Old Moshi, a charming settlement on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro that blends rich Chagga heritage with traces of Tanzania’s colonial history. Once a vibrant trading hub, Old Moshi is dotted with historical landmarks, including the remains of a 19th-century German mission station, ancient churches, and the legendary burial site of Chief Meli.

As you stroll through the area, you’ll be surrounded by coffee and banana farms, giving you a glimpse into the agricultural traditions that have sustained the community for generations. Local guides share captivating stories of the Chagga people, their customs, and their resilience, offering an immersive cultural experience that goes beyond the typical tourist trail.

Depart after breakfast for a 5-6 hour drive (250 km) north through arid landscapes to Lake Natron. En route, stop for scenic viewpoints and a picnic lunch. Upon arrival, check into Lake Natron Halisi Camp and head out for a guided walking safari along the lake’s shores to view flamingos (millions during peak season) and alkaline flats. Visit Engaresero Waterfalls for a refreshing swim in natural pools. In the evening, interact with Maasai communities for cultural dances and stories around the campfire.

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed day with a walking safari to spot giraffes, zebras, and ostriches in the surrounding plains. Visit the Maasai Boma for a deeper cultural experience, including bead-making workshops or livestock herding insights. Afternoon flamingo walk along the lake, followed by relaxation at camp with sundowners overlooking the Rift Valley.

Highlights: Unique activities like volcano trekking and flamingo viewing, with the camp’s intimate bush setting providing a true off-the-beaten-path feel.

After breakfast, you’ll head towards Serengeti National Park (approximately 4-5 hours). Upon arrival, you’ll begin your game drive, diving straight into the heart of the Serengeti, one of the world’s most famous wildlife reserves. Known for its vast plains and high concentration of animals, Serengeti offers incredible wildlife sightings, from the Big Five to the annual Great Migration (depending on the season). In the evening, you’ll return to your lodge or tented camp within the Serengeti for an overnight stay.

Today will be dedicated to exploring Serengeti in depth. After breakfast, you’ll head out on a full-day game drive. You’ll have a chance to see the Serengeti’s diverse wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and large herds of wildebeest and zebras. Depending on the season, you might witness the migration or spot predators in action. Lunch will be a picnic in the park, and in the evening, you’ll return to your accommodation for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, you’ll drive from Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater (about 4-5 hours). The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best places to view wildlife in East Africa. After arriving, you’ll descend into the crater, which is home to a high concentration of animals, including lions, elephants, buffalo, and the endangered black rhino. The crater’s floor is lush and fertile, providing excellent grazing grounds for the wildlife. You’ll stay overnight at a lodge with panoramic views of the crater.

After the morning breakfast, you’ll depart Ngorongoro Conservation Area and drive to Karatu, about a 2-hour drive away. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, and its diverse ecosystems include groundwater forests, savannah, and a large soda lake. You’ll spend the afternoon on a game drive, where you may see herds of elephants, baboons, and an abundance of birdlife, including flamingos along the lake shores. Afterward, you’ll relax at your accommodation, which offers stunning views of the lake or surrounding area.

Today, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, about an hour’s drive away from Karatu. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, and its diverse ecosystems include groundwater forests, savannah, and a large soda lake. You’ll spend the afternoon on a game drive, where you may see herds of elephants, baboons, and an abundance of birdlife, including flamingos along the lake shores. Afterward, you’ll relax at your accommodation, which offers stunning views of the lake or surrounding area.

On your final day, after breakfast, you’ll depart for Arusha (approximately 3-4 hour drive). If you have time before your flight, you can enjoy a brief visit to a local market or souvenir shop in Arusha. Finally, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Tanzanian safari.