Northern Tanzania – Iconic Safaris & Big Five Encounters

Welcome to the wild heart of Africa, where “the wild runs free, and every sunrise tells a new story”. The Serengeti is the stage for the “world’s greatest wildlife spectacle — the Great Migration”, an annual journey of millions of wildebeest and zebras. It is also home to iconic predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, ensuring epic wildlife encounters year-round.

• Highlights: Great Migration river crossings, intense predator sightings, endless plains teeming with diverse wildlife.
• Best Time to Visit:
  • June–October: Dry season, ideal for witnessing dramatic migration river crossings.
  • Dec–March: Calving season in the southern Serengeti, bringing intense predator action and vibrant green landscapes.
• Where to Stay (Mid-range & Luxury):
  • Mid-range: Kati Kati Tented Camp, Seronera Wildlife Lodge.
  • Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas (a mobile tented camp following the migration), Singita Sasakwa Lodge (offering private villa experiences).

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater is a “prehistoric volcanic bowl alive with wildlife”. It’s one of the only places where you can see the Big Five in a single day, boasting an incredibly dense concentration of animals within its diverse habitats.

• Highlights: Volcanic caldera, high density of wildlife, scenic beauty, potential for Big Five sightings in a single day.
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round.
• Where to Stay (Mid-range & Luxury):
  • Mid-range: Rhino Lodge, Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge.
  • Luxury: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (&Beyond), The Highlands Camp (offering unique dome suites and access to Olmoti Crater).

Known for its ancient baobab trees and “packed with elephants and birdlife”. Tarangire offers a peaceful, untamed atmosphere, especially during the dry season when massive elephant herds gather along the Tarangire River.

• Highlights: Birdwatching, significant elephant migration, picturesque baobab-filled terrain, and generally less crowded.
• Best Time to Visit: June–November.
• Where to Stay (Mid-range & Luxury):
  • Mid-range: Tarangire Safari Lodge.

Luxury: Oliver’s Camp (classic tented camp), Sanctuary Swala Camp (exquisite tented suites).

A “small but stunning” park, Lake Manyara is famous for its unique tree-climbing lions, vibrant flocks of pink flamingos on the lake’s edge, and rich ecosystems including groundwater forests.

• Highlights: Tree-climbing lions, abundant flamingos, diverse birdlife, lush groundwater forests.
• Best Time to Visit: June–October, or January–February for prime birding.
• Where to Stay (Mid-range & Luxury):
  • Mid-range: Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp, Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge.

Luxury: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge (unique treehouse-style suites).

Africa’s tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, stands majestically over the northern plains. While not a wildlife safari park, it’s a prime destination for trekkers seeking to conquer its summit and experience diverse ecological zones.

• Highlights: Summiting Africa’s highest peak, diverse trekking routes, and incredible panoramic views.
• Best Time to Visit: June–October (dry season) and December–March (drier, colder).
• Where to Stay (Mid-range & Luxury): Accommodations are typically basic mountain huts or tented camps during the climb. Pre- and post-climb stays are often in:
  • Mid-range: Protea Hotel by Marriott Moshi, Bristol Cottages.
  • Luxury: Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel, Weru Weru River Lodge (near Moshi).

1. Located near the safari hub of Arusha, this park is a diverse landscape featuring the rugged slopes of Mount Meru, the emerald Ngurdoto Crater, and the Momella Lakes, often dotted with flamingos. It’s excellent for walking safaris and canoeing.

• Highlights: Walking safaris, canoeing, diverse primate species (including colobus monkeys), views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro.
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with clearer mountain views during the dry season (June-October).
• Where to Stay (Mid-range & Luxury):
  • Mid-range: Rivertrees Country Inn, Mount Meru Hotel (in Arusha).

Luxury: Hatari Lodge (within the park’s vicinity, offering unique views), Gran Melia Arusha.