11 Days | Lake Hopping

Wildlife spotting with Mt. Meru in the background

Arusha National Park is one of the smaller national parks in the northern circuit and is located at the foot of Mount Meru in Arusha. This beautiful park is best known for the rare black and white Colobus monkey often seen here. An amazingly graceful animal to see swinging among the trees, with its long arms and black and white fur.

The park consists of mountain areas combined with rainforests and lakes. It is a paradise for bird lovers, as you can find many tropical species here that you rarely see anywhere else. Examples are the large flamingo and the Silver-cheeked Hornbill. During the game drive you may see less wildlife because of the dense forests, but still the park is definitely worth a visit.

Wildlife you can spot:

Giraffes | Buffalo | Zebras | Warthogs | Blue meerkats | Dikdiks | Wildebeests | Waterbucks | Flamingos | Colobus monkeys | Hyenas | Osprey | Cormorants | Kingfishers | Mongooses | Jackals

The city of Arusha

Arusha is the safari capital of northern Tanzania. Every safari trip in the North begins here. Arusha is a charming town and the third largest city in Tanzania, located at the foot of Mount Meru. The town came into existence when the area became part of German East Africa in 1900. Today it is a vibrant city with an interesting mix of markets, chaotic traffic, old colonial buildings and modern shopping malls. It is the perfect base at the beginning or end of your safari trip in northern Tanzania.

Arusha is also known for its colorful local markets, where you can find handmade crafts and fresh produce. It is also home to the impressive Arusha National Park, where you can enjoy safari tours and hikes in the shadow of the impressive Mount Meru.

The city has a multicultural atmosphere and a rich history, and it is a popular meeting place for travelers from all over the world. Whether you are on your way to a safari adventure or just want to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the city, Arusha has something for everyone.

Tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara National Park is an underrated gem when it comes to safari parks in Tanzania. This park offers great ecological diversity in a compact area. The lake attracts many birds that thrive on the water. More than 400 species have been identified and one of the highlights are the thousands of flamingos.

From the park’s main entrance, the road winds through an area of pristine forest. On the grassy shores of the lake you can see wildebeest, giraffes, zebras and the great buffalo grazing throughout the day. The park also offers excellent opportunities to spot hippos. The mahogany and acacia trees are inhabited by the famous tree-climbing lions. With a little luck, you can see them lazing on a tree branch!

Wildlife you can spot:

Elephants | Lions | Leopards | Giraffes | Baboons | Waterbucks | Impalas | Warthogs | Hippos | Crocodiles | Bushbucks | Dikdiks | Wildebeest | Zebras | Hyenas | Flamingos | Pelicans | Ospreys

Wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park, located in Tanzania, is known for its diverse and abundant wildlife. The park is home to numerous animal species, including elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes and baboons. One of the park’s most striking features is the presence of tree-climbing lions that often nest in the acacia trees.

In addition to large mammals, Lake Manyara NP also offers a paradise for bird lovers, with more than 400 species of birds, including flamingos, pelicans and ospreys found along the shores of the beautiful lake. The diversity of wildlife and the scenic beauty of the lake make a visit to Lake Manyara National Park an unforgettable experience for nature and safari enthusiasts.

Shimmering alkaline lake

Lake Natron, which has a length of 58 kilometers and only a depth of 50 cm, shines on the sunlit Kenyan border northeast of the
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
. This natural splendor must be a stop on every adventurer’s itinerary. The drive from Arusha, Mto wa Mbu or the northern
Serengeti
takes you through remote areas characterized by otherworldly beauty and an unparalleled sense of space and age. You will traverse traditional Maasai country, where you will encounter small boma’s and giant mountains.

At the lake itself, about two million flamingos gather from June to November, resulting in one of East Africa’s most impressive wildlife spectacles. On the southern shore of the lake, you can also enjoy stunning views of the volcano
Ol Doinyo Lengai
.

Ol Doinyo Lengai

“Ol Doinyo Lengai” means “The Mountain of God” in the Maasai language. The summit of this volcano is 2962 meters above sea level and offers a direct view of the caldera of Tanzania’s only officially recognized active volcano. This volcano has erupted twice in this century and is known for its unique low-temperature carbonation lava. A night moonlit climb to the summit of the famous Ol Doinyo Lengai is an unforgettable and mystical experience. But also one of the most challenging 1-day climbs in East Africa!

This hike is not for fearful or inexperienced hikers. It is worth it for the unparalleled views from the summit at sunrise. On a clear day, you can see the peaks of Mt. Meru and
Kilimanjaro
pierce the horizon to the east.

The hidden gem of northern Tanzania

The Pololeti Game Reserve is part of the Loliondo Game Controlled Area, now under the NCAA (Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority). An important area for wildebeest and an intermediate area for animals from Serengeti NP. Because wildlife knows no boundaries, you will find a wide variety of wildlife here, including hunting lions, roaming elephants, grazing buffalo, running antelope and more.

Pololeti Game Reserve is a vast and beautiful nature reserve and is known for its pristine natural beauty and diverse wildlife populations. This area includes a wide range of ecosystems, including savannahs, forests and wetlands, which provide habitat for a rich variety of animals.

The game reserve is home to the iconic Big Five, including lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo and rhinos. It is also a haven for many other animal species, including giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and numerous bird species. The region offers exceptional safari experiences, with opportunities for game drives, guided walks and cultural encounters with local Maasai communities.

With a visit to this area, you’ll be treated to a truly authentic safari adventure, away from the crowds, where the focus is on conserving the remarkable wildlife and preserving the pristine natural environment.

Wildlife you can spot:

Lions | Elephants | Leopards | Buffalo | Rhinos | Giraffes | Zebras | Wildebeests | Cheetahs | Hyenas | Elk | Gazelles | Impalas | Crocodiles | Hippos | Dikdiks | Numerous bird species | Meerkats

From vast plains to rocky ‘kopjes’

With vast open plains stretching to the horizon and an abundance of wildlife, Serengeti National Park crowns itself a true paradise for any safari enthusiast. Hence, we recommend that you set aside several days for this.

Serengeti National Park covers an impressive area of nearly 15,000 square kilometers and is rightly the largest and perhaps most popular national park in Tanzania’s northern circuit and perhaps in all of Africa.

The Serengeti is known worldwide as host to the Great Migration and many big cats such as lions, cheetahs and cheetahs. However, elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo and impala are also common residents here. This area is extremely popular because of the high probability of witnessing a hunting party of these predators. The landscape in northern Serengeti NP is characterized by “kopjes,” rocky granite formations that are more than 550 million years old and often serve as lookouts for these feline hunters during their search for prey.

Wildlife you can spot:

Wildebeests | Zebras | Thomson’s gazelles | Lions | Cheetahs | Cheetahs | Cheetahs | Cheetahs | Elephants | Giraffes | Hippos | Crocodiles | Buffalo | Impalas | Hyenas | Rhinos | Warthogs | Waterbucks | Vultures | Baboons | Mongoose | Aardvarks | Serval Cats | Meerkats

The Great Trek of the Serengeti National Park

This is a natural spectacle that many people like to see during their safari trip in Tanzania. One of the highlights in Serengeti NP, but also one of the most difficult to spot. Every year, the six million wildebeest, and thousands of zebras and gazelles migrate through Serengeti National Park in search of fresh grass and water.

Seasonally, we know approximately where the Great Migration is located, but never exactly. This is due to many natural factors, which makes seeing the Great Migration very unique. Our drivers/guides always do their best to locate the Great Migration.

• January/February | Calf season in Southern Serengeti / Ndutu area
• March/April | From south to central Serengeti NP via the west side
• June/July | From central to north Serengeti NP
• August to October | The river crossing in Northern Serengeti NP
• November/December | From north to south Serengeti NP via the east side

Marching herds of elephants

Tarangire National Park is a fun and impressive wildlife park! On the way from Arusha to
Lake Manyara
you will pass this beautiful wildlife park, which is known for its large groups of elephants and ancient Baobab trees. There is plenty of wildlife to see, as a large river flows through it and the terrain is open.

In the dry season, the Tarangire River is the only permanent source of water for all wildlife and thus the place to easily spot wildlife. Tarangire National Park is 2850 square kilometers, making it the sixth largest park in Tanzania. After
Serengeti National Park
it offers the highest concentration of wildlife. Tarangire is known for its Baobab trees. Their impressive, thick trunks store water and provide a source of food and shade for many animal species. These iconic trees are not only a natural treasure, but also a symbol of the beauty and resilience of the African wilderness.

Wildlife you can spot:

Wildebeest | Zebras | Buffalo | Gazelles | Rhinos | Warthogs | Impalas | Pythons | Lions | Leopards | Nearly 500 bird species

Wildlife of the Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park in Tanzania is known for its abundance of wildlife and as wonderful safari experiences. Here you can see huge elephants roaming in large herds, feasting on the succulent vegetation. The park is also home to troops of baboons playfully swinging through the trees, leopards lurking in the shade, lions dominating the savannah and countless giraffes walking elegantly along the horizon. With its rich and varied wildlife, Tarangire NP offers an unforgettable adventure for nature and safari lovers.

World’s largest volcanic crater

Nothing can prepare you for the breathtaking beauty of Ngorongoro Crater. As you stand at the viewpoint and contemplate the Crater, you see the clouds drifting away around the crater rim and feel a cool, mountainous breeze. Mother Nature at her best. The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest volcanic crater that has dried up and created a whole new ecosystem. It is also called the 8th wonder of the world.

With its lush green grasslands, shimmering lakes and meandering rivers, the crater is home to many wild animals, including the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos). It is also an essential resting place for migrating birds. In short, Ngorongoro Crater is an enchanting piece of nature that will surprise you with its unparalleled beauty and biodiversity.

Wildlife you can spot:

Lions | Leopards | Black Rhinos | Elephants | Buffalo | Zebras | Wildebeest | Waterbucks | Impalas | Hippos | Hyenas | Flamingos | Birds of Prey

Wildlife of Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, making it one of the most remarkable wildlife sanctuaries in the world. In this natural amphitheater-like setting, you can witness powerful lions guarding their territory, elegant leopards deftly prowling through the grass, imposing black rhinos, herds of grazing buffalo and robust elephants strolling peacefully.

It is a place where the Big Five converge and where countless other animals, including zebras, giraffes, hippos and numerous bird species, also thrive. A safari in the Ngorongoro Crater is an unforgettable opportunity to come face to face with the magnificent animals that call this unique landscape home. Ngorongoro Crater is an absolute must-see on any tour of northern Tanzania.