Tanzania · Route map
Northern Tanzania's Wildest Corners
This balanced route pairs Tanzania's legendary northern safari icons with a peaceful, lesser-known retreat on the edge of the Great Rift Valley.
- 1
Tarangire National Park
2 nights
Colossal elephants and giant baobabs.
- 2
Lake Manyara
1 night
Tree-climbing lions and flamingo-filled waters.
- 3
Karatu
2 nights
Lush highlands near Ngorongoro Crater.
- 4
Serengeti National Park
2 nights
Endless plains and legendary wildlife.
- ✦4 stops · 7 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Welcome to the Safari Capital
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Flight · Morning · Kilimanjaro
Private transfer to Tarangire National Park
Transfer · Morning · Tarangire
Drive south through Maasai steppe to the park gate.
First game drive among the baobabs
Excursion · Afternoon · Tarangire National Park
Keep an eye out for Tarangire’s famous tree-climbing pythons in the swampy floodplains.
Overnight at Boundary Hill Lodge
Accommodation · Evening · Tarangire
This community-owned eco-lodge offers spectacular views from built-in rock formations.
Giants of the Tarangire River
Full day tracking elephant herds
Excursion · Morning · Tarangire National Park
Head to the Tarangire River bend where hundreds of elephants gather to drink by mid-morning.
Relaxing bush sunset at dry riverbed
At leisure · Afternoon · Tarangire
Overnight at Boundary Hill Lodge
Accommodation · Evening · Tarangire
To Manyara's Soda Lake Flats
Drive from Tarangire to Lake Manyara
Transfer · Morning · Lake Manyara
A scenic two-hour drive passing colorful roadside markets.
Explore groundwater forests and flamingos
Excursion · Afternoon · Lake Manyara National Park
Drive to the hot springs (Maji Moto) at the far end for active birdlife.
Overnight at Kirurumu Manyara Lodge
Accommodation · Evening · Lake Manyara
Request a room on the edge of the Rift Valley escarpment for unforgettable sunrise views.
Up the Rift Valley Wall
Drive to Karatu high country
Transfer · Morning · Karatu
Climb the steep Rift Valley wall into fertile highlands.
Coffee estate walk and local tasting
Excursion · Afternoon · Karatu Hinterland
The volcanic soil here produces some of East Africa's brightest, most chocolatey espresso beans.
Overnight at Gibb's Farm
Accommodation · Evening · Karatu
This historic organic farm serves fresh farm-to-table food that is legendary in Tanzania.
Ngorongoro Caldera Floor Experience
Ngorongoro Crater floor game drive
Excursion · Morning · Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Descend by 6:00 AM to see active predators before the midday heat puts them to sleep.
Stroll the lush Karatu foothills
At leisure · Afternoon · Karatu
Overnight at Gibb's Farm
Accommodation · Evening · Karatu
Descent to the Serengeti Plains
Drive from Karatu to the Serengeti
Transfer · Morning · Serengeti National Park
Drive past Olduvai Gorge onto the endless open grass.
Classic afternoon game drive on plains
Excursion · Afternoon · Central Serengeti
Stop at Naabi Hill Gate to stretch your legs and climb the kopje for epic views.
Overnight at Serengeti Wilderness Camp
Accommodation · Evening · Central Serengeti
This intimate, eco-friendly tented camp moves seasonally to keep you close to the wildlife action.
Seronera Valley and Kopjes
Dawn search for leopards and cheetahs
Excursion · Morning · Central Serengeti
Scan the branches of the yellow-barked acacia trees along the Seronera River for resting leopards.
Explore the dramatic Moru Kopjes
Excursion · Afternoon · Central Serengeti
Keep an eye out for the resident black rhinos that frequent this rocky sanctuary.
Overnight at Serengeti Wilderness Camp
Accommodation · Evening · Central Serengeti
Farewell to the Savannah
Fly from Seronera Airstrip to Kilimanjaro
Transfer · Morning · Serengeti to Kilimanjaro Airport
A scenic bush flight routing back over the Rift Valley.
Depart Kilimanjaro International Airport
Flight · Afternoon · Kilimanjaro
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