Tanzania trip | Round trip fascinating northern Tanzania

Tanzania’s oldest and most popular national park (a World Heritage Site) has recently been named one of the 7th Wonders of the World. The Serengeti is famous for its annual migration, when the hooves of over a hundred thousand zebras and Thomson’s gazelles join those of thousands of wildebeest as they migrate to the green grasslands. Once the migration is over, the Serengeti offers perhaps the most spectacular safari in Africa. Large herds of buffalo, smaller groups of elephants and giraffes, and thousands upon thousands of elands, topis, impalas and Grant’s gazelles populate the endless plains.
The spectacle of ‘the hunter and the hunted’ dominates Tanzania’s largest national park. With so much prey on the plains, it is a veritable feast for the predators. In February and March, the wildebeest calves are born and often fall prey to hungry predators almost immediately.
But there is more to the Serengeti than large mammals. Lizards and all manner of crawling creatures live around the surfaces of the park’s isolated granite outcrops. There are nearly a hundred different species of dung beetle, as well as over 500 species of bird, ranging from the enormous ostrich to the bizarre secretary bird on the open grasslands. In the sky, you can see vultures circling, on the lookout for a free meal from the remains of the predators’ previous prey.

The name Tanzania conjures up images of wildebeest running wild across the vast savannah, rainforests filled with monkeys and birds and vast plains teeming with wildlife. All these natural wonders and more are on offer in this exceptional and diverse African country. Visitors visit Tanzania to partake in at least one of four well-known Tanzanian tourism experiences: a relaxing seaside holiday on the picturesque island of Zanzibar, a tour of some of the world's most renowned diving sites around the beautiful Spice Islands, a safari adventure in some of Africa's most impressive game reserves or a hiking excursion around Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Whichever of these incredible holidays you choose, you will no doubt be welcomed by the friendly locals who, despite the fact that the country is home to 120 different ethnic groups and cultures, live in harmony with each other. You can therefore enjoy numerous, delicious exotic dishes. With all this diversity, it will be a tough decision which Tanzanian holiday experience you want to go on!

This exceptionally beautiful area is divided into three parts: Mt Meru, the Ngurdoto Crater and the Momela Lakes. This means there is a wide range of landscapes. Arusha is not known for its large wildlife, but offers a wide range of smaller animals, many birds and the breathtaking highland Afromontane forests.

The city of Arusha, with a population of just under 300,000, is situated in northern Tanzania on the plateau of the Great Rift Valley, a mountain range stretching from Syria to Mozambique. Arusha is primarily known as a base for safaris in the Serengeti or the Ngorongoro Crater, or for climbing Kilimanjaro. However, smaller wildlife parks such as Arusha National Park are also just around the corner.
Arusha is also known as ‘the heart of Africa’ because the city lies exactly halfway between Cape Town and Cairo. According to the locals, the clock tower in the city centre stands exactly halfway between these two cities, but that is not true: the real ‘midpoint’ lies 25 kilometres outside the city.
Arusha has a bustling, noisy city centre with a variety of markets. The fruit and vegetable markets along the main street (Sokoine Road) are always particularly busy. Due to the many tourists who visit this region every year, Arusha offers a wide variety of restaurants and eateries. A must-see in Arusha is the National History Museum, the highlight of which is the entire wing dedicated to human evolution.
In the area around Arusha, the precious stone ‘tanzanite’ is found in the ground; it is often used in jewellery, such as rings and earrings. At the Arusha Cultural Heritage Site, you can learn more about these blue-purple stones. You’ll also find a collection of art objects, clothing, wood carvings and other products from Tanzania’s more than 120 tribes. At the adjoining covered market, jewellery and all kinds of handicrafts and art are also on sale.

Ernest Hemingway called this the most beautiful lake in Africa, and whilst it is always difficult to make direct comparisons, it is undoubtedly one of the continent’s most beautiful lakes.
It is particularly well known for the large number of baboons that live here, but it is also home to hippos, impalas, wildebeest, giraffes and many migratory birds.
The natural beauty and abundance of wildlife in this area guarantee a truly special few days.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area includes the famous crater and lesser-known regions to the north such as Olduvai Gorge and vast grasslands that run all the way to the Serengeti. The local Masai herd their cattle and goats among Africa's famous animals, as they have done for centuries.

Tanzania’s oldest and most popular national park (a World Heritage Site) has recently been named one of the 7th Wonders of the World. The Serengeti is famous for its annual migration, when the hooves of over a hundred thousand zebras and Thomson’s gazelles join those of thousands of wildebeest as they migrate to the green grasslands. Once the migration is over, the Serengeti offers perhaps the most spectacular safari in Africa. Large herds of buffalo, smaller groups of elephants and giraffes, and thousands upon thousands of elands, topis, impalas and Grant’s gazelles populate the endless plains.
The spectacle of ‘the hunter and the hunted’ dominates Tanzania’s largest national park. With so much prey on the plains, it is a veritable feast for the predators. In February and March, the wildebeest calves are born and often fall prey to hungry predators almost immediately.
But there is more to the Serengeti than large mammals. Lizards and all manner of crawling creatures live around the surfaces of the park’s isolated granite outcrops. There are nearly a hundred different species of dung beetle, as well as over 500 species of bird, ranging from the enormous ostrich to the bizarre secretary bird on the open grasslands. In the sky, you can see vultures circling, on the lookout for a free meal from the remains of the predators’ previous prey.

The image that is sure to stay with you is the African landscape of giants. A landscape where huge, thousand-year-old baobab trees dominate the view. Tarangire National Park is also home to the largest elephant population in Northern Tanzania. During the dry season, the blazing sun parches the landscape, turning the earth into clouds of dry red dust, whilst the once-green grass becomes as brittle as straw. During the dry season, the Tarangire River shrinks to a mere shadow of its former self in the wet season. Yet it is teeming with wildlife. When there is no longer any water to be found on the plains, the wildlife heads for the river in great numbers in search of the scarce water.
Herds of up to 300 elephants trample the dry riverbed in search of underground streams, whilst migrating wildebeest, zebras, buffalo, impalas and gazelles jostle for a spot in the ever-shrinking pools. During the dry season, you’ll find the largest concentration of wildlife here outside the Serengeti. A true paradise for the many predators – and the only place in Tanzania where, in the arid landscape, antelopes such as the oryx and the distinctive long-necked gerenuk are regularly spotted.During the dry months between July and November, large herds of zebras and wildebeest, roan antelopes and other antelopes migrate through the park on their way to the green grasslands of Amboseli National Park in Kenya.In the northern part of the park lie the Silale Marshes, renowned as a veritable bird paradise. Here you’ll be able to spot marabou storks, ostriches, various species of heron, bee-eaters and hornbills.

The Seronera region, in the central Serengeti, is right on the Great Migration Route and offers an excellent view of this incredible annual phenomenon, when countless wildebeest flood the area and migrate across the plains. While migratory wildlife populations fluctuate seasonally, at other times of the year Seronera is still a hotspot for wildlife and hosts the Big Five, among many other species. A number of small campsites offer accommodation and visitors can enjoy balloon rides, walking safaris and guided game drives.

Travellers en route to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater pass through the town of Karatu in the green hills of Tanzania's northern highlands. This small, colourful town, presided over by the towering Ol Deani volcano, serves as a popular overnight stop for visitors wishing to explore the many game parks in the area. The town offers a variety of activities, including browsing the bustling market, tasting beer at a local brewery, visiting a traditional home or taking a guided walk through the Ngorongoro forest in search of waterfalls and caves. Whether you are looking for cultural tours, hiking and cycling opportunities, a chance to enjoy an authentic rural Tanzania experience, or just a break between safari trips, this underrated town has plenty to offer.

The Ngorongoro region is a huge area near the Ngorongoro Crater and from here you can explore several special places in Tanzania such as the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Natron and Lake Manyara.

Together with the Masai Mara Game Park in Kenya, the Serengeti forms a unique ecosystem. The acacia trees on the endless grassy plains are the hallmark of an African safari. Add to that the Masai warriors and their grazing cattle, and the picture is complete. Unlike the southern part of the Serengeti, the northern part remains green all year round.
The annual wildebeest migration through the Serengeti and Masai Mara is the largest movement of land mammals in the world. More than a million animals follow the pattern of the rains. Between July and October, the migration is in the northern Serengeti. The famous scenes of the migration’s greatest spectacle – the crossing of the Mara River – can be found here. But that’s not the only wildlife; large groups of lions, elephants, giraffes, gazelles and so on also roam the endless plains.

The rich acacia-strewn plains of the eastern Serengeti are home to an abundance of wildlife. Visitors gather here to watch the world-famous migration of wildebeest. Some of the best safaris can be enjoyed from Lobo on the eastern edge of the Serengeti National Park along the Grumeti River. Popular activities include taking a guided walk through the spectacularly scenic terrain of the wild Serengeti, jumping on a hot-air balloon safari, picnicking in the bush and learning about Maasai culture and history. Don't miss the chance to visit the world-famous Gol Kopjes for the best cheeta sighting in Africa.

Usa River, 23 kilometres east of Arusha, is the capital of Tanzania's Meru District and lies between Ndurdoto Crater and Arusha National Park. Dotted with numerous eco-lodges and other accommodation options, the town provides an ideal base for exploring the beautiful surrounding natural landscapes. Visit the seven Momela Lakes to see huge flocks of pink flamingos and look out for buffalo and waterbuck. The park offers a range of safari tours and the chance to see unique primates such as blue monkeys, albino baboons and colobus monkeys (this is the only place in Tanzania's northern safari circuit where they can be found). The spectacular Mount Meru is a fantastic feat to climb and offers unparalleled views of Kilimanjaro. At Usa River's Cultural Arts Centre, you can take part in drumming lessons and Tanzanian cooking classes or visit the traditional Maasai and Meru bomas.

Stretching from fertile lowlands to the dramatic East African Rift Escarpment, Tanzania's Manyara Region presents and enthralling landscape. The renowned Lake Manyara National Park within this region is a wildlife haven, home to tree-climbing lions, elegant giraffes, and graceful flamingos along its shores. The Rift Valley escarpment gifts visitors with mesmerising panoramic views, while the vibrant Mto wa Mbu village immerses them in the rich local culture. Bird enthusiasts can indulge in spotting over 400 avian species, including striking flamingos and majestic pelicans. The hidden gem of the Tarangire River invites boat safaris and bird-watching, while Mount Hanang, a sacred volcanic mountain, allures climbers and hikers with its panoramic vistas. For thrilling safaris and abundant wildlife, Tarangire National Park is a must-visit. Alternatively, the tranquil shores of Lake Babati provide a serene escape, while the Kikuletwa River's hot springs offer a rejuvenating natural spa experience.