Lake Manyara National Park

Tanzania Safari Routes Distances

Tanzania, our incredible home, is always open for travelers! We can’t wait to share her beauty with you.

Take a look below at what we have to offer: the routes, the accommodations, and the experiences.

The north of Tanzania is full of incredible sights, every way you look. Most of the highlights of the region are in relatively close proximity to each other, making it easy to travel through all of them on safari. The diversity between the parks in this region gives travelers a broad experience of East African nature, culture, and wildlife.

The information here will give you a better understanding of the distances and travel times involved in a private safari in Tanzania. It will be useful as you plan yours!

There is so much opportunity for travel in Tanzania, and your trip can easily include a safari in neighboring Kenya or a beach getaway to idyllic Zanzibar. Get in touch to find your perfect safari!

Arrival day, Kilimanjaro Airport

Your guide will greet you at Kilimanjaro Airport, and, depending on your time of arrival, you will either start your safari immediately or go to your lodge in Arusha to get some rest before heading out on the safari trail the next morning.

Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airport - Lake Manyara National Park

Distance: 130 km
On the road: about 3 hours on paved roads from the lodge in Arusha. From Kilimanjaro Airport - about 4 hours (180 km).

The trip: see the town of Mto Wa Mbu and spend a couple of hours wandering the busy streets. Learn about the lives of the Maasai people and the 100 or so other cultural groups living in the area. Visit plantations, workshops, a local bar (to drink banana beer!), and the market stalls for some local produce. For our lunch, we will enjoy some authentic dishes prepared by locals.

Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airport - Tarangire National Park

Distance: 160 km
On the road: about 3 hours on paved roads.

The trip: From Arusha it takes about 2 hours, from Kilimanjaro Airport about 3 hours (160 km).

Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airport - Arusha National Park

Distance: 50 km
On the road: from Arusha about 1.5 hours on partly-paved roads, from Kilimanjaro Airport about 1 hour.

Lake Manyara National Park - Tarangire National Park

Distance: 100 km
On the road: about 1 to 1½ hours on paved roads.

Lake Manyara National Park - Serengeti Central

Distance: 210 km
On the road: 6 hours on roads partly-paved, but mostly sandy and bumpy.

The trip: drive to Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with incredible panoramic views of the Ngorongoro crater below. Eat lunch on the way while heading for the north of the Serengeti. This route goes straight through the heart of the Serengeti in the area of the Seronera River - one of the most thrilling rides in the region.

Things to do (optional): visit a Maasai Boma settlement and experience how semi-nomadic communities live with their age-old traditions.

This route may also be covered by airplane. Please contact us for more information.

Lake Manyara National Park/ Karatu - Serengeti North (Lobo and Mara) / North East (Bolongonya)

Distance: 290 km
On the road: 8-9 hours on roads partly paved, but mostly sandy and bumpy. The road conditions here are poor and you will not have a lot of time to spend on game drives. We recommend to spend a minimum of 2 nights in the North Serengeti Region or opt for a flight in/out.

The trip: the road from Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park goes through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with incredible panoramic views of the Ngorongoro crater below. This route goes straight through the heart of the Serengeti in the area of the Seronera River - one of the most thrilling rides in the region.

Things to do (optional): visit a Maasai Boma settlement and experience how semi-nomadic communities live with their age-old traditions.

This route may also be covered by airplane. Please contact us for more information.

Lake Manyara National Park - Lake Natron

Distance: 80 km
On the road: 2 hours on mostly sandy and bumpy roads.

The trip: an adventurous route to a special, off-the-beaten-track place. The road to Lake Natron takes you through the cultural home of the Maasai people, passing the archeological site of the stone-age settlement Engaruka, as well as the majestic Ondoyo Lengai, the only active volcano in the Great Rift Valley. Lake Natron fascinates visitors with its colors, varying from pink, to lime green, to red. The concentration of minerals in the water makes this place a surreal and breathtaking landscape (which may also include flamingoes!).

Tarangire National Park - Serengeti Central

Distance: 300 km
On the road: 6-7 hours partly on paved roads, but mostly sandy and bumpy roads.

The trip: the road from Tarangire to Serengeti National Park goes through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with incredible panoramic views of the Ngorongoro crater below. This route goes straight through the heart of the Serengeti in the area of the Seronera River - one of the most thrilling rides in the region.

This route may also be covered by airplane. Please contact us for more information.

Tarangire National Park - South Serengeti (Ndutu)

Distance: 225 km
On the road: 6 hours partly on paved roads, but mostly sandy and bumpy roads.

The trip: the road from Tarangire to Serengeti National Park goes through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with incredible panoramic views of the Ngorongoro crater below. This route includes a great opportunity to spot wildlife as you drive across the southern Serengeti.

This route may also be covered by airplane. Please contact us for more information.

Ngorongoro - Tarangire National Park

Distance: 150 km
On the road: 2 hours mostly on paved roads.

The trip: the road from Ngorongoro takes you through Mto wa Mbu before arriving in Tarangire National Park. You can start the day with a game drive in Ngorongoro and head for Tarangire afterwards, or you can head to Tarangire in the morning and take your game drive there.

Things to do (optional): see the town of Mto Wa Mbu and spend a couple of hours wandering the busy streets. Learn about the lives of the Maasai people and the 100 or so other cultural groups living in the area. Visit plantations, workshops, a local bar (to drink banana beer!), and the market stalls for some local produce. For our lunch, we will enjoy some authentic dishes prepared by locals.

Lake Natron - Serengeti National Park North (Lobo and Mara) and North East (Bolongonya)

Distance: 220 km
On the road: 7 hours mostly on sandy and bumpy roads. A beautifully scenic day-trip!

The trip: head out after breakfast with packed lunch boxes towards the north-eastern part of the Serengeti. Leaving the cliff ridges behind, you will be greeted by a majestic landscape and its residents with their cattle along the way. The landscape changes dramatically once you pass through Klein’s Gate and enter the Serengeti. Your road continues through seemingly-endless savannah with huge herds of grazing animals, and the carnivores which follow them.

Serengeti Central - Ngorongoro

Distance: 160 km
On the road: 3 hours on sandy and bumpy roads.

The trip: you can start the day with a game drive in the Serengeti and head for Ngorongoro right after lunch, or you can head to Ngorongoro in the morning and take your game drive there.

Serengeti Central - Serengeti North (Lobo and Mara) and North East (Bolongonya)

Distance: 140 km
On the road: 4 hours, or combined with a game drive about 7-8 hours. This also depends on the weather conditions, since many of the roads are gravel and corrugated. Alternatively, your guide may advise a different route with better roads, heading along the western outskirts of the Serengeti, with more time for game driving in the Kogatende/Lobo/Mara areas.

The trip: a full-day game drive in the off-the-beaten-track Lobo reserve. This is a relatively remote area of the Serengeti, so you will see real wilderness with rocky outcrops. Here, you will visit the Bologonja Springs, an important watering hole for migrating animals.

Ngorongoro Crater - Lake Eyasi

Distance: 90 km
On the road: about 2 hours on sandy and bumpy roads. These roads may be difficult during the rainy season (November - May).

Lake Eyasi - Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airport

Distance: 180 km
On the road: 4 hours to reach Arusha, partly on paved roads, with some sandy roads. 5 hours (230km) to reach Kilimanjaro Airport.

Arusha - Zanzibar

Time: 1¼-hour flight
From Arusha, you can fly to the Zanzibar archipelago or other beach areas on the coast of Tanzania for a luxurious wind-down after your safari.

On Safari with Shadows of Africa, Few Things to Know!

When you take a trip with Shadows of Africa, its extra special!

Not only do you get amazing safari guides, durable and reliable 4WD Land cruisers specially customised for comfort and 360 degree views of the action, wonderful wildlife spectacles and scenery to die for…. you also get added extras, the small things that make all the difference:

A hot picnic lunch on your first day of safari, laid out with tables and chairs and our traditional Maasai blankets as tablecloths. Enjoy our freshly prepared selection, together with home baked sweets and a superb cup of Tanzanian coffee to finish.

Two bottles of wine to enjoy at your leisure throughout your safari.

Daily coffee and tea, as well as a coolbox with mineral water in your vehicle, keeping it chilled to enjoy in that perfect moment.

A pair of binoculars available for your use in every vehicle.

An in-car charger to ensure that your camera batteries never run out.

Free wifi in your vehicle for whenever it is available en-route, in case you need to connect with the world you left behind.

Emergency air evacuation membership with every trip.

It’s the attention to detail, and the small things that make the difference!

Book your safari now with us and we’ll take care of your every need.

Making the Most of a One Night Safari – Tarangire, Lake Manyara, or Ngorongoro

Can I Take a One Night Safari?

It’s really possible!

You might be travelling for business in Arusha and only have a tiny window at your disposal, or just want to get out of town and away from city stress, or simply to impress – you need a one-night safari, to see as much as you can, and a gorgeous place to stay.

It can be done! Shadows of Africa just did this last week, covering Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro!

Starting with a morning in Tarangire with elephants, lion and all the rest of the plains game, you still have time to visit the groundwater forests of Lake Manyara and sample the lakeside wildlife before climbing up the escarpment to the luxury Escarpment Lodge, a view to die for, and a delicious ice cold beverage to sip.

Ready to go early, you climb up the Ngorongoro crater rim, round the top and down into the heart of the caldera. What a blast of East African wildlife awaits – Ngorongoro is amazing!

One-night safari? Absolutely!

It’s on offer, it’s achievable, it’s Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater, it’s exhilarating!

It’s Shadows of Africa. Book now!

Copious Cats in the Serengeti

Serengeti never ceases to impress experienced Shadows of Africa guide, Ukadi Msuya, and this time was no less incredible! What an amazing visit for his guests Guido and Mariana! Cheetah, lion, leopard and one of the most stunning of the smaller felines – a serval cat, in just two days.

Seldom seen, serval cat are shy cats with enormous ears which they, interestingly, use them for echolocation to detect their prey. It’s a special day when you get to hang out with a serval cat.

Staying at the incredibly stylish Melia hotel throughout their time in Serengeti, Guido and Mariana could have been forgiven for choosing just to relax and look at the spectacular view! Electing to explore instead, they were well rewarded not only with the cat sightings but with views of the expansive migration of wildebeest and zebra as well as hippo, Nile crocodile, klipspringers, buffalo, topi and many other plains game.

Safaris to Serengeti National Park are often combined with visits to both Manyara National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater and this was no exception. Guido and Mariana wisely complimented their amazing wildlife experiences with some of the best accommodation in northern Tanzania.

Lucky to have Ukadi’s expert eye they spent their day in Manyara amongst elephants, lion, baboon, blue monkeys, black faced monkeys, monitor lizard, hippo, zebra and wildebeest, not to mention the birds and the stunning groundwater forest.The evening was enjoyed winding down and recollecting while looking down over Lake Manyara from the comfort and luxury of the Manyara Escarpment Lodge.

Ngorongoro was no less enthralling with still more lion sightings, finally getting to see a black rhino in the wild and both golden and black backed jackals gracing their path. The Acacia Farm Lodge in Karatu always compliments a crater visit, and allowed Guido and Mariana the choice to stretch their legs around the calm of the gardens and farm or to simply sip a glass of wine and enjoy the quiet to reflect on their amazing trip!

All photographs by: Guido Heijblok

Can’t wait to experience a safari for yourself: contact us today!

Eleven Days Well Spent in Tanzania

If you want to know how to spend 11 day on an Africa safari in Tanzania, here is a great account. Arriving at Kilimanjaro Airport, they were met by their guides, Lomayani and Freddie. From there they overnighted in Kilimanjaro Lodge, unaware of the great sightings they had in store and the experiences they will have. Well, they had expectations, but they are normally nothing compared what is experienced.

Early the following morning they headed for Manyara National Park. Here they saw basic animals like elephants, and many small antelope, Impala, Dik dik. The next day, they arrived in the Serengeti National Park. Right at the gate, they had the pleasure of seeing a small part of the migration that is in the south of the park at the moment. The main sightings in the Serengeti were the big cats – lion and cheetah, that they saw over the three days that they were there. The Serena Lodge in the Serengeti was their base for these three days. Going out after a relaxing breakfast they had the pleasure of enjoying sightings throughout different times of the day. Animals are visible at certain times of the day, waterholes early morning and late afternoon, in shady areas at lunchtime, scattered on the grasslands the rest of the time. The predators are generally around little hills so they can have a lookout to see what is there from them to capture. At the lodge they saw buffalo and dik dik. Seeing these magnificent beasts whilst relaxing in the lodge is pretty amazing!

In the Serengeti they had the opportunity of watching a lion family on the hunt, and how the mother and father look after their cubs. As you can see by the pictures they had a kill, now the father brings it closer and in a safer place for the cubs to feed. Protected by the rocks they can safely feed on the wildebeest that had been killed for them, the parents eat as well but make sure there is enough for the little cubs to eat. Other families seen were the cheetah laying about, as you can see they had recently eaten, hence the reason why they are lazing about. On the second day in the Serengeti they had a picnic lunch at a remote picnic site, The picture below shows how they spent it, great enjoyment all around.

From the Serengeti they headed out and into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The next day, they went into the Ngorongoro Crater, termed as the “8^th Wonder of the World”. Inside the crater they got to see the black rhino, one of the most endangered species on Earth. Thereafter, they overnighted nighted in Karatu before heading to see the native tribes of the region. Two tribes with specific industries amongst them. The Hadzabe tribe specializes in hunting and the Datoga tribe in the blacksmith trade. Here they learnt how the Hadzabe hunt and the Datoga make tools and weapons. The trade between themselves and others for survival, the group had a local lunch with the tribes. Later, they headed to Tarangire National Park, where they went on a night game drive, with Brendan, the night safari guide. During this game drive they say jackal, bush babies, zebra, buffalo and elephants. Seeing these creatures at night is very different from the day, a true feeling of Africa comes over you.

On their last day of safari they headed to Arusha National Park, where they saw flamingos and beautiful scenery around Mt. Meru. Spending these 11 days in Africa gave the ma true and authentic experience in Africa. Come join us on a similar itinerary customized just for you.

A Weekend Visit to Oldeani Mountain Lodge

This past weekend, a few members of the Shadows of Africa team visited Oldeani Mountain Lodge just outside Karutu! This is located near Ngorongoro Crater. Rated as one of the most luxurious lodges in the region, it is truly a splendid lodge to stay at whilst exploring this breathtaking area. If you want a place where you can relax and freshen up in comfort, this is definitely the place to come to.

The team arrived just before lunch after a 2-hour drive from Arusha. Once inside the gates, you can truly feel that you step out of the bush into luxury comfort! The greetings by the staff and the Maasai women were warm and welcoming! The design is modern African with a western touch. When one walks inside, you cannot help but let your eyes wander at the pictures and the ornaments displayed – most are of local African design or of wildlife from the area. The air is filled with sounds of birds, the most common being the Fisher Love Bird, they add to the atmosphere of the place. As you walk out onto the veranda the infinity pool extends out and you can see Oldeani right in front of you!

The rooms are beautiful and whether you are in a suite or a twin, you can certainly be treated to all the delights of the luxury hotel. Those that want to get in touch with nature can shower outside – privacy though is guaranteed. The beds are soft and comfortable, air conditioning is available for those that want it, The hot water is hot and there is lots of it! In the mornings you can open the sliding doors and allow the sunshine and fresh morning air to flood the room. After being in a safari truck all day, this is exactly what you need! Relax, this place also has an upcoming spa where you can take it one level further in achieving a relaxed state.

Inside the main area, there is the lounge and bar! The lounge is supplied with great board games to amuse children and adults alike. A billiards room is located on the on the corner to entertain the more active person. Don’t worry the bar has you covered, and drink they can conjure up for you by a there plentiful array of alcoholic beverages. The food served here is tantalizing, the team was certainly happy with all the choices on the menu. The chef is definitely really good, you will be filled up in a healthy way. Those that want to maintain a healthy lifestyle you may go to the gym are relieve your body of those extra calories gained whilst on safari. A children’s club is located on the ground floor where they can amuse themselves for hours, with a movie theatre right next to it as well. People travelling on a more serious note can have board meetings etc in the boardroom located within the main building. I can say this place is a great location for a company retreat, and team building retreat!

With outstanding day trips close by, this lodge is in a prime location for the luxury traveller. If you have any more questions email us at info@shadowsofafrica.com

Adventures on Safaris this July

The safaris in July were absolutely fantastic, our clients truly enjoyed themselves, and were left awestruck. The parks traveled to were mainly the Serengeti, Tarangire and Manyara. We had a variety of clients, from families to just single people traveling in groups or by themselves.

Our drivers are some of the most experienced locals in the industry, because of this the guests leave not sightings species but also are able to tell stories to their families and friends back home about these beautiful creatures. Our goal is to create experiences for our guests and educate them about Africa and the beauty of it. As distances are far getting from one place to another, it is guaranteed that our drivers will make the drive pleasant filled with laughter and stories about this great continent.

Most of our safaris have a cultural tour inserted inside which allows the guests to experience first-hand shooting bows and arrows, watch how domestic animals are skinned if you have the stomach for it that is. Otherwise, you can learn how to throw Maasai spears. In these tours, you learn about the culture of the native people in the area and how they live, their traditions and history, sources of income and food. What amazes myself and I am sure most of you, is how they have integrated their cultures etc into the modern world, yet the simplicity of their lives is outstanding. Could you live like this even for just a week?

As this particular dry season, this year has been drier than normal, the wildlife was pretty scattered across the parks in search of water and food, having a great sighting of animals was pretty lucky. By the photos in this post, you can see that the guests made great memories and had lots of fun. If you have not been to Africa yet, or not this part of Africa we can assure you that memorable experiences will be created with us.

The migration in July was in northern Serengeti, the river crossing sightings were spectacular! As this is the time of year that they are moving in between the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti. The Mara River is one of the best places to see the famous wildebeest river crossings. Here you will how the animals cross and how the predators take advantage of this movement of animals. In Africa, survival of the fittest and strongest is essential to life. At first, the wildebeest are shy then they literally surge across, here picking out prey is easy for the crocodiles; lions sit and wait for them, and catch them whilst they are weary or the stragglers that are hesitant to cross. Watching the circle of life take place in right in front of you is truly amazing!

Those that visited Tarangire National Park, got the opportunity of seeing the largest mammals in Africa, the African elephant, this park holds the largest elephant population in East Africa, thereby you won’t drive far without seeing these majestic animals. You will also have seen the ground hornbill, those big black birds with red beaks. Did you know that the elephants are ruled by the Matriarch, the females are the ones who control what is going on in the herd, and the males get kicked out at times.

If you read our reviews on TripAdvisor you will be able to read the personal stories of the guests on safaris. Join us on an adventure and tick of those items on your bucket list! You can contact us at info@shadowsofafrica.com

Father and Son Safari

Having never been to Africa before Juan and his son were excited to finally get a taste of the African continent starting with a safari in Tanzania.

On day one they started with a quick trip to the Shadows office in Arusha to have a briefing, as we do with all clients, and for Alex their driver to pick up the last minute things like their lunchboxes, and water, coffee and tea. They then started the 2 hour drive to Manyara National Park, excited to see the flamingoes, elephants, giraffes etc. and crossing their fingers that they might be to see a tree-climbing lion in the park.

Day two they got up early to start the drive to Serengeti National Park. The drive was broken up with visits to Oldupai and a visit to a Masai cultural boma before arriving at the campsite of Kati Kati. The next day was a full day of game driving around central Serengeti ecosystem where they saw lots of the big cats: leopards, lion, cheetahs.

Day four they heading to Ngorongoro crater with a game drive along the way.

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