Momela Route - Climbing Mount Meru - 4 days
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- Momela Route - Climbing Mount Meru - 4 days
Short Overview
The peak can be ascended in 3 or 4 days on the Momela Route, which is the only way up to the summit. You don't need any technical equipment for the climb but you will need to be prepared for the altitude gain. You will hike past wildlife, the landscape is spectacular, and sunrise on the summit has Kilimanjaro as the backdrop. Meru is a great preparation hike for climbing Kilimanjaro, or a spectacular trek for those not compelled to do Kilimanjaro. The climb not only offers spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, but also wildlife on the forested slopes and the summit itself offers an amazing view of small cones and craters, which are probably the results of numerous volcanic activities in the past.Kilimanjaro may be the main attraction in Tanzania, but Mt. Meru is worth your attention as well.
Although it is 4,000 feet shorter than Kilimanjaro, solitary Mt. Meru nonetheless cuts an impressive figure and makes for a challenging acclimatisation hike or an attraction in its own right.
While all of our climbing itineraries are private, it is policy on Mt. Meru for multiple tour groups to join together on the lower slopes.
Your Journey Mapped Out
Ready to set out? Your adventure awaits!
- DAY ONE - ARUSHA - MOMELLA GATE - MIRIAKAMBA HUTS
- DAY TWO - MIRIAKAMBA HUTS - SADDLE HUTS
- DAY THREE - SADDLE HUTS - SUMMIT - MIRIAKAMBA HUTS
- DAY FOUR - MIRIAKAMBA HUTS - ARUSHA
DAY ONE - ARUSHA - MOMELLA GATE - MIRIAKAMBA HUTS
You’ll be picked up from your Arusha hotel and transferred to the Momella Gate of Arusha National Park, where you’ll go through the necessary pre-climb formalities.
Today’s hiking takes you across the open grasslands of the park in the company of an armed ranger. As you’re inside a national park, you’ll have an excellent chance of spotting game such as elephants, giraffes, buffalo, monkeys, and much more during the day.
In the afternoon, you’ll begin to climb into the rainforest, where you’ll overnight in the Miriakamba huts.
DAY TWO - MIRIAKAMBA HUTS - SADDLE HUTS
You’ll pass from the lush rainforest and into the more spartan heath zone today, with giant clumps of heather and other moorland scrub dotting the terrain.
Hiking along the ridge of the Mount Meru Crater, you’ll have breathtaking views of both the crater and the Ash Tray.
For those with a little extra energy, there’s the option to ascend to the peak of Little Mount Meru for a panoramic view of Arusha and its surrounds.
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DAY THREE - SADDLE HUTS - SUMMIT - MIRIAKAMBA HUTS
You’ll be up very early today. Around midnight, in fact!
It’s a steep trail that separates you from the summit of Mt. Meru and your trail takes you via Rhino Point and Cobra Point through volcanic terrain before you finally reach Socialist Point.
From here, you’ll experience a stunning sunset via of Arusha and the surrounding landscape before beginning your descent back to Miriakamba Huts.
You’ll overnight here to get some well-earned rest!
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DAY FOUR - MIRIAKAMBA HUTS - ARUSHA
It’s a relatively short morning of hiking through the rainforest and back to the Momella Gate.
You’ll be met here by a Shadows of Africa driver and taken to your Arusha accommodations.
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Three Day Northern Circuit Special - Join the Group - 2024/2025
Read more
Short Overview
Share the fun & cost! Guaranteed departures & small groups!
Maximum group size: 6 pax
Guaranteed departure from 2 pax
Departures every Friday from Arusha
You don't need a lot of time to see a lot of Tanzania!
Our three day Northern Circuit Special takes you through three of Tanzania's famous Northern Circuit Parks: Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, and the real treat - the world-famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
From Manyara's tree climbing lions and Tarangire's large elephant population to the stunning environment and wildlife diversity of the World Heritage listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you'll have the time of your life chasing the Big Five in these three fantastic parks.
DAY 1 - ARUSHA - LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
You'll depart from Arusha for the drive to Lake Manyara National Park. The journey takes approximately two hours, but we'll pass through the market town of Mto Wa Mbu along the way. This agricultural and fresh produce market is a melting pot of local cultures and a souvenir hunter's paradise.
After a brief stop at the village market, you'll enter Lake Manyara National Park. The park is truly a photographer's playground and offers some of the best game viewing in the world. You can expect to see many of Africa's most well-known animals, with the tree-climbing lions a particular treat. These proud predators lounge in acacia trees practically begging to be photographed.
Bird-watchers will find Lake Manyara is an absolute delight, with a huge variety of birds on display in the park. Even the novice can expect to be amazed by large flamingo flocks, circling birds of prey, and the brightly colored lilac breasted roller.
You'll then retire to your chosen accommodation for dinner and a good night's rest.
DAY 2 - LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK - NGORONGORO CRATER
After breakfast, you'll depart for Ngorongoro Crater; considered by some to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. When you get your first glimpse of this vast, verdant caldera from the panoramic viewpoint, you'll soon understand why it has earned such a lofty reputation.
Home to over 120 species of mammal including the fabled Big Five, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most sought after safari destinations in the world. It's a particularly good place to see the endangered black rhinoceros enjoying a lonely meal out on the grass plains, as well as a place to see large numbers of hippopotamus enjoying the cool water.
From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, you'll be able to observe and photograph some of Africa's most recognizable faces. The crater is home to a large number of predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, as well as a large population of wildebeest, zebras, antelope, cape buffalo, and more. It is truly one of Africa's premier safari destinations.
After the thrills and excitement of the day, you will have a picnic lunch by the park's famous hippo pool before returning to the airport for your fly out.
DAY 3 - NGORONGORO - TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK - ARUSHA
After breakfast you will proceed to Tarangire National Park for a half day game drive.
Once you've entered Tarangire, you'll begin your game drive across a rich vista of endless golden savannah that surrounds the Tarangire River. The river itself runs throughout the year and is a vital source of water for the animals of the region during the dry season. Lined with acacia and Baobab trees, the river is regularly visited by the park's large elephant population as well as other herbivores such as zebras and antelopes.
A picnic lunch with a view of the river is a great way to take it all in, but you'll have to keep on your toes as the local monkey population does its best to separate you from your lunch!
Driving through the park you'll also have the opportunity to see lions, leopards, cape buffalo, and a huge variety of antelopes. If you're particularly lucky, you might even see endangered animals such as the Greater Kudu or the Fringe-Eared Oryx.
After the game drive in Tarangire, you will go back to Arusha.
Tanzania Express Safari
Four Day Tanzania Express Safari
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Short Overview
The perfect balance of attractions and time, the four-day Tanzania Express is the best itinerary for seeing as much as humanly possible when you're on a tight time budget.
You'll hit three of the northern circuit's major parks: Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and your choice of either Tarangire or Lake Manyara National Park for four days of incomparable game driving that will show you the best that Africa has to offer.
In addition to chasing the Big Five and seeing some stunning landscapes, you'll also have the option to embark on a cultural safari by adding on visits to a Maasai boma and/or the historic Oldupai Gorge Museum.
DAY ONE - ARUSHA - LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK OR TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
On this day, you can choose to go to Tarangire National Park or Lake Manyara National Park. Depending on the time of year, each of these parks offers a different safari experience. Your guide can advise you as to which is best to visit during your safari.
IF TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
You'll depart from Arusha after breakfast for the approximately two hour drive to Tarangire National Park. Along the way you'll pass bustling Masai villages and the vast, open plains that have become synonymous with images of Africa.
Once you've entered Tarangire, you'll begin your game drive across a rich vista of endless golden savannah that surrounds the Tarangire River. The river itself runs throughout the year and is a vital source of water for the animals of the region during the dry season. Lined with acacia and Baobab trees, the river is regularly visited by the park's large elephant population as well as other herbivores such as zebras and antelopes.
A picnic lunch with a view of the river is a great way to take it all in, but you'll have to keep on your toes as the local monkey population does its best to separate you from your lunch!
Driving through the park you'll also have the opportunity to see lions, leopards, cape buffalo, and a huge variety of antelopes. If you're particularly lucky, you might even see endangered animals such as the Greater Kudu or the Fringe-Eared Oryx.
After your day's drive is done, you'll retire to your accommodation for the evening.
IF LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
You'll depart from Arusha after breakfast for the drive to Lake Manyara National Park. The journey takes approximately two hours, but we'll pass through the market town of Mto Wa Mbu along the way. This agricultural and fresh produce market is a melting pot of local cultures and a souvenir hunter's paradise.
After a brief stop at the village market, you'll enter Lake Manyara National Park. The park is truly a photographer's playground and offers some of the best game viewing in the world. You can expect to see many of Africa's most well-known animals, with the tree-climbing lions a particular treat. These proud predators lounge in acacia trees practically begging to be photographed.
Bird-watchers will find Lake Manyara is an absolute delight, with a huge variety of birds on display in the park. Even the novice can expect to be amazed by large flamingo flocks, circling birds of prey, and the brightly coloured lilac breasted roller.
You'll then retire to your chosen accommodation for dinner and a good night's rest.
DAY TWO - LAKE MANYARA/TARANGIRE - SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
We'll take an early breakfast, as we've got a big day of exploration and adventure ahead of us!
We'll begin the day with the scenic drive towards the Serengeti. Along the way we'll pass through the mist-shrouded rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you might be lucky enough to glimpse cape buffalo, baboons, or even elephants and leopards in the dense undergrowth.
It's a nearly four hour drive to the Serengeti park gates, but you can choose to break up the drive with one or both of the below optional activities:
- Oldupai Gorge Museum: Sometimes known as the Cradle of Mankind, the Oldupai Gorge Museum commemorates some of the oldest evidence of human habitation ever found. Here you can see some of the oldest fossil evidence in the world of human habitation, visit the Oldupai Gorge Museum to learn more about the human journey, and take in the stunning views of this stark gorge country.
- Maasai boma visit: Pay a visit to one of the famous Maasai bomas, where you'll have the opportunity to witness (and participate in) traditional Maasai dance, tour an authentic Maasai village, and even do a little souvenir shopping at the local market.
Both of the above activities attract an additional cost. Speak with your safari expert about adding them to your itinerary.
After a delicious lunch at the Serengeti National Park picnic area, it’s time to explore the Serengeti itself. Witness Africa’s iconic savannah landscape and be amazed by the sheer number of animals that roam these grassy plains.
Dinner and overnight in the heart of the Serengeti National Park according to the standard and the type of accommodation requested from our options.
DAY THREE - SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK - NGORONGORO
After breakfast, we get right on the road back towards the Ngorongoro Crater National Park.
Our drive takes us back through the Serengeti via a different route, offering plenty of opportunities to spot the animals that eluded you on day two. As far as the eye can see, you’ll spot thousands upon thousands of animals in herds; wildebeests and zebras migrating together, tall and graceful giraffes, jumping antelopes and gazelles, the powerful African elephant and the most respected group of animals: the predators.
You will have the chance to spot lean cheetahs and shy leopards, foraging hyenas, and last but not least, the king himself; the lion.
Dinner and overnight on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater or in nearby Karatu Town according to the standard and the type of accommodation requested from our options.
DAY FOUR - NGORONGORO CRATER - ARUSHA
After breakfast, you'll depart for Ngorongoro Crater, considered by some to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. When you get your first glimpse of this vast, verdant caldera from the panoramic viewpoint, you'll soon understand why it has earned such a lofty reputation.
Home to over 120 species of mammals including the fabled Big Five, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most sought after safari destinations in the world. It's a particularly good place to see the endangered black rhinoceros enjoying a lonely meal out on the grass plains, as well as a place to see large numbers of hippopotamus enjoying the cool water.
From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, you'll be able to observe and photograph some of Africa's most recognizable faces. The crater is home to a large number of predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, as well as a large population of wildebeest, zebras, antelope, cape buffalo, and more. It is truly one of Africa's premier safari destinations.
After the thrills and excitement of the day, you will have a picnic lunch by the park's famous hippo pool. Thereafter, you will drive back to Arusha.
Safari to Tarangire and Ngorongoro - 2 Day
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Short Overview
For those pressed for time, this two day/one night safari packs in two of Tanzania's most beloved national parks. You'll have the chance to see the Big Five and plenty more as you travel to these two wonderful parks.
Tarangire National Park, home to Tanzania's largest elephant population, is a fascinating park during the dry season when the Tarangire River becomes a vital source of water for animals throughout the region. As vast herds of wildebeest and zebra move to the river to replenish, the park's lions, leopards, and hyenas capitalize in a dynamic display of nature's cruel beauty.
It's then on to the world famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where cape buffalo, rhinoceros, and hippopotamus can be spotted amid the caldera's verdant plains. A picnic lunch by the hippo pool is a rare treat, allowing you to have a meal within a few dozen feet of these intimidating herbivores.
DAY 1 - ARUSHA - TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Once you've entered Tarangire, you'll begin your game drive across a rich vista of endless golden savannah that surrounds the Tarangire River. The river itself runs throughout the year and is a vital source of water for the animals of the region during the dry season. Lined with acacia and Baobab trees, the river is regularly visited by the park's large elephant population as well as other herbivores such as zebras and antelopes.
A picnic lunch with a view of the river is a great way to take it all in, but you'll have to keep on your toes as the local monkey population does its best to separate you from your lunch!
Driving through the park you'll also have the opportunity to see lions, leopards, cape buffalo, and a huge variety of antelopes. If you're particularly lucky, you might even see endangered animals such as the Greater Kudu or the Fringe-Eared Oryx.
After your day's drive is done, you'll retire to your accommodation for the evening.
DAY 2 - NGORONGORO CRATER - ARUSHA
Home to over 120 species of mammals including the fabled Big Five, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most sought after safari destinations in the world. It's a particularly good place to see the endangered black rhinoceros enjoying a lonely meal out on the grass plains, as well as a place to see large numbers of hippopotamus enjoying the cool water.
From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, you'll be able to observe and photograph some of Africa's most recognisable faces. The crater is home to a large number of predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, as well as a large population of wildebeest, zebras, antelope, cape buffalo, and more. It is truly one of Africa's premier safari destinations.
After the thrills and excitement of the day, you will have a picnic lunch by the park's famous hippo pool. Thereafter, you will drive back to Arusha.
Fly in 3 days
Serengeti Safari Fly inn 3 days
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Short Overview
If you're pressed for time and the Serengeti is your priority, why not cut out the driving and fly directly to the world-famous National Park?
A three-day fly-in safari lets you maximize your time on the Serengeti, and also features a visit to the stunning Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
DAY ONE - ARUSHA - SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
You'll depart from Arusha in the morning for your flight to the Serengeti National Park. Sit back and relax as Tanzania's stunning landscape unrolls beneath you.
Upon your arrival in the Serengeti, your Shadows of Africa driver will meet you and you'll commence a day long exploration of the Serengeti National Park. You'll chase the vast herds of zebras and wildebeest, look for lions sunning themselves on rocks, spy shy leopards in acacia trees, and marvel at the majesty of elephants and giraffes as they graze.
During the day, you'll enjoy a picnic lunch while out on safari, before returning to your lodge for the evening.
DAY TWO - SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK - NGORONGORO
You'll wake early for a sunrise game drive on the Serengeti, which offers you the best opportunity to see predators in action. You'll also have the chance to see a stunning Serengeti sunrise as the rising sun seems to set fire to the savannah.
After a late breakfast, it's time to head to Ngorongoro. The drive is a game drive all of its own, and your driver will do his best to ensure you spot the Big Five, Wildebeest Migration, or whatever else your heart might desire along the way.
Once you've departed the park, you can continue directly to your accommodation to relax. Alternatively, you may wish to experience one or both of the below optional cultural activities:
Olduvai Gorge Museum: Sometimes known as the Cradle of Mankind, the Olduvai Gorge Museum commemorates some of the oldest evidence of human habitation ever found. Here you can see some of the oldest fossil evidence in the world of human habitation, visit the Olduvai Gorge Museum to learn more about the human journey, and take in the stunning views of this stark gorge country.
Maasai boma visit: Pay a visit to one of the famous Maasai bomas, where you'll have the opportunity to witness (and participate in) traditional Maasai dance, tour an authentic Maasai village, and even do a little souvenir shopping at the local market.
Both of the above activities attract an additional cost. Speak with your safari expert about adding them to your itinerary.
You'll then retire to your accommodations for dinner and a good night's sleep.
DAY THREE - NGORONGORO CRATER - ARUSHA
After breakfast, you'll depart for Ngorongoro Crater, considered by some to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. When you get your first glimpse of this vast, verdant caldera from the panoramic viewpoint, you'll soon understand why it has earned such a lofty reputation.
Home to over 120 species of mammals including the fabled Big Five, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most sought after safari destinations in the world. It's a particularly good place to see the endangered black rhinoceros enjoying a lonely meal out on the grass plains, as well as a place to see large numbers of hippopotamus enjoying the cool water.
From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, you'll be able to observe and photograph some of Africa's most recognizable faces. The crater is home to a large number of predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, as well as a large population of wildebeest, zebras, antelope, cape buffalo, and more. It is truly one of Africa's premier safari destinations.
After the thrills and excitement of the day, you will have a picnic lunch by the park's famous hippo pool before returning to Arusha.
Four Day Tanzania Express Safari - Join the Group - 2024/2025
Read more
Short Overview
Share the fun & cost! Guaranteed departures & small groups!
Maximum group size: 6 pax
Guaranteed departure from 2 pax
Departures every Monday from Arusha
The perfect balance of attractions and time, the four-day Tanzania Express is the best itinerary for seeing as much as humanly possible when you're on a tight time budget.
You'll hit three of the northern circuit's major parks: Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and your choice of either Tarangire or Lake Manyara National Park for four days of incomparable game driving that will show you the best that Africa has to offer.
In addition to chasing the Big Five and seeing some stunning landscapes, you'll also have the option to embark on a cultural safari by adding on visits to a Maasai boma and/or the historic Olduvai Gorge Museum.
DAY 1 - ARUSHA - LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK/TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
On this day, you can choose to go to Tarangire National Park or Lake Manyara National Park. Depending on the time of year, each of these parks offers a different safari experience. Your guide can advise you as to which is best to visit during your safari.
IF TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
You'll depart from Arusha after breakfast for the approximately two hour drive to Tarangire National Park. Along the way you'll pass bustling Masai villages and the vast, open plains that have become synonymous with images of Africa.
Once you've entered Tarangire, you'll begin your game drive across a rich vista of endless golden savannah that surrounds the Tarangire River. The river itself runs throughout the year and is a vital source of water for the animals of the region during the dry season. Lined with acacia and Baobab trees, the river is regularly visited by the park's large elephant population as well as other herbivores such as zebras and antelopes.
A picnic lunch with a view of the river is a great way to take it all in, but you'll have to keep on your toes as the local monkey population does its best to separate you from your lunch!
Driving through the park you'll also have the opportunity to see lions, leopards, cape buffalo, and a huge variety of antelopes. If you're particularly lucky, you might even see endangered animals such as the Greater Kudu or the Fringe-Eared Oryx.
After your day's drive is done, you'll retire to your accommodation for the evening.
IF LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
You'll depart from Arusha after breakfast for the drive to Lake Manyara National Park. The journey takes approximately two hours, but we'll pass through the market town of Mto Wa Mbu along the way. This agricultural and fresh produce market is a melting pot of local cultures and a souvenir hunter's paradise.
After a brief stop at the village market, you'll enter Lake Manyara National Park. The park is truly a photographer's playground and offers some of the best game viewing in the world. You can expect to see many of Africa's most well-known animals, with the tree-climbing lions a particular treat. These proud predators lounge in acacia trees practically begging to be photographed.
Bird-watchers will find Lake Manyara is an absolute delight, with a huge variety of birds on display in the park. Even the novice can expect to be amazed by large flamingo flocks, circling birds of prey, and the brightly coloured lilac breasted roller.
You'll then retire to your chosen accommodation for dinner and a good night's rest.
DAY 2 - LAKE MANYARA/TARANGIRE - SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
We'll take an early breakfast, as we've got a big day of exploration and adventure ahead of us!
We'll begin the day with the scenic drive towards the Serengeti. Along the way we'll pass through the mist-shrouded rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you might be lucky enough to glimpse cape buffalo, baboons, or even elephants and leopards in the dense undergrowth.
It's a nearly four hour drive to the Serengeti park gates, but you can choose to break up the drive with one or both of the below optional activities:
Olduvai Gorge Museum: Sometimes known as the Cradle of Mankind, the Olduvai Gorge Museum commemorates some of the oldest evidence of human habitation ever found. Here you can see some of the oldest fossil evidence in the world of human habitation, visit the Olduvai Gorge Museum to learn more about the human journey, and take in the stunning views of this stark gorge country.
Maasai boma visit: Pay a visit to one of the famous Maasai bomas, where you'll have the opportunity to witness (and participate in) traditional Maasai dance, tour an authentic Maasai village, and even do a little souvenir shopping at the local market.
Both of the above activities attract an additional cost. Speak with your safari expert about adding them to your itinerary.
After a delicious lunch at the Serengeti National Park picnic area, it’s time to explore the Serengeti itself. Witness Africa’s iconic savannah landscape and be amazed by the sheer number of animals that roam these grassy plains.
Dinner and overnight in the heart of the Serengeti National Park according to the standard and the type of accommodation requested from our options.
DAY 3 - SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK - NGORONGORO
After breakfast, we get right on the road back towards the Ngorongoro Crater National Park.
Our drive takes us back through the Serengeti via a different route, offering plenty of opportunities to spot the animals that eluded you on day two. As far as the eye can see, you’ll spot thousands upon thousands of animals in herds; wildebeests and zebras migrating together, tall and graceful giraffes, jumping antelopes and gazelles, the powerful African elephant and the most respected group of animals: the predators.
You will have the chance to spot lean cheetahs and shy leopards, foraging hyenas, and last but not least, the king himself; the lion.
Dinner and overnight on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater or in nearby Karatu Town according to the standard and the type of accommodation requested from our options.
DAY 4 - NGORONGORO CRATER - ARUSHA
After breakfast, you'll depart for Ngorongoro Crater considered by some to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. When you get your first glimpse of this vast, verdant caldera from the panoramic viewpoint, you'll soon understand why it has earned such a lofty reputation.
Home to over 120 species of mammal including the fabled Big Five, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most sought after safari destinations in the world. It's a particularly good place to see the endangered black rhinoceros enjoying a lonely meal out on the grass plains, as well as a place to see large numbers of hippopotamus enjoying the cool water.
From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, you'll be able to observe and photograph some of Africa's most recognisable faces. The crater is home to a large number of predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, as well as a large population of wildebeest, zebras, antelope, cape buffalo, and more. It is truly one of Africa's premier safari destinations.
After the thrills and excitement of the day, you will have a picnic lunch by the park's famous hippo pool. Thereafter, you will drive back to Arusha.
Northern Circuit Special
Three Day Northern Circuit Special
Read more
Short Overview
You don't need a lot of time to see a lot of Tanzania!
Our three day Northern Circuit Special takes you through three of Tanzania's famous Northern Circuit Parks: Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, and the real treat - the world-famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
From Manyara's tree climbing lions and Tarangire's large elephant population to the stunning environment and wildlife diversity of the World Heritage listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you'll have the time of your life chasing the Big Five in these three fantastic parks.
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DAY 1 - ARUSHA - TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Once you've entered Tarangire, you'll begin your game drive across a rich vista of endless golden savannah that surrounds the Tarangire River. The river itself runs throughout the year and is a vital source of water for the animals of the region during the dry season. Lined with acacia and Baobab trees, the river is regularly visited by the park's large elephant population as well as other herbivores such as zebras and antelopes.
A picnic lunch with a view of the river is a great way to take it all in, but you'll have to keep on your toes as the local monkey population does its best to separate you from your lunch!
Driving through the park you'll also have the opportunity to see lions, leopards, cape buffalo, and a huge variety of antelopes. If you're particularly lucky, you might even see endangered animals such as the Greater Kudu or the Fringe-Eared Oryx.
After your day's drive is done, you'll retire to your accommodation for the evening.
DAY 2 - TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK - NGORONGORO CRATER
Home to over 120 species of mammal including the fabled Big Five, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most sought after safari destinations in the world. It's a particularly good place to see the endangered black rhinoceros enjoying a lonely meal out on the grass plains, as well as a place to see large numbers of hippopotamus enjoying the cool water.
From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, you'll be able to observe and photograph some of Africa's most recognisable faces. The crater is home to a large number of predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, as well as a large population of wildebeest, zebras, antelope, cape buffalo, and more. It is truly one of Africa's premier safari destinations.
You'll then overnight in a nearby lodge.
DAY 3 - NGORONGORO - LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK - ARUSHA
The park is truly a photographer's playground and offers some of the best game viewing in the world. You can expect to see many of Africa's most well-known animals, with the tree-climbing lions a particular treat. These proud predators lounge in acacia trees practically begging to be photographed.
Bird-watchers will find Lake Manyara is an absolute delight, with a huge variety of birds on display in the park. Even the novice can expect to be amazed by large flamingo flocks, circling birds of prey, and the brightly coloured lilac breasted roller.
In the afternoon, you'll head back to Arusha.
Safari to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro - Two days
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Short Overview
If you're pressed for time, two beautiful days in Lake Manyara National Park and the world-famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area should do the trick!
Between Manyara's tree climbing lions, astonishing variety of birds, and wallowing hippos, and Ngorongoro's high population of predators as well as cape buffalo and black rhinoceros - this itinerary offers you the chance to see the entire Big Five in just 48 hours.
DAY ONE - ARUSHA - LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
After a brief stop at the village market, you'll enter Lake Manyara National Park. The park is truly a photographer's playground and offers some of the best game viewing in the world. You can expect to see many of Africa's most well-known animals, with the tree-climbing lions a particular treat. These proud predators lounge in acacia trees practically begging to be photographed.
Bird-watchers will find Lake Manyara is an absolute delight, with a huge variety of birds on display in the park. Even the novice can expect to be amazed by large flamingo flocks, circling birds of prey, and the brightly coloured lilac breasted roller.
You'll then retire to your chosen accommodation for dinner and a good night's rest.
DAY TWO - NGORONGORO CRATER - ARUSHA
After breakfast, you'll depart for Ngorongoro Crater sometimes considered as the 8th Wonder of the World.
Home to over 120 species of mammals including the fabled Big Five, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most sought after safari destinations in the world. It's a particularly good place to see the endangered black rhinoceros enjoying a lonely meal out on the grass plains, as well as a place to see large numbers of hippopotamus enjoying the cool water.
From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, you'll be able to observe and photograph some of Africa's most recognisable faces. The crater is home to a large number of predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, as well as a large population of wildebeest, zebras, antelope, cape buffalo, and more. It is truly one of Africa's premier safari destinations.
After the thrills and excitement of the day, you will have a picnic lunch by the park's famous hippo pool. Thereafter, you will drive back to Arusha.
