Highlights of Northern Tanzania and Beaches

Arrive at the international airport in Kilimanjaro.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania’s crown jewel, stands at 5,895 metres. It is Africa’s highest peak and the tallest free-standing mountain on Earth. This vast volcano spans 70 km at its base. Despite its equatorial location, the summit is snow-capped, with fertile rainforest at its lower slopes. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a true challenge. But avoid attempting it during the rainy seasons in April–May and November.

Transfer to your accommodation in West Kilimanjaro. This is a two-hour journey.

West Kilimanjaro Wildlife Sanctuary

For a true safari adventure, head off the beaten track to West Kilimanjaro. It stretches from 2,700 to 4,000 metres and is home to exotic flora and fauna. Three volcanoes make up the Kilimanjaro massif and the Shira volcano is found here. It can be explored on a day trip, by car and on foot. Journey through different climate zones, from open savannah with acacia trees to wild bush and snow-dusted peaks. West Kilimanjaro is famed for its elephant herds and rich birdlife, best enjoyed on game drives and bush walks.

Africa Amini Maasai Lodge: Immersive Cultural Experiences

Experience authentic Maasai culture at Africa Amini Maasai Lodge. Start the day with a beautiful sunrise in the peaceful savannah. Take in views of Mount Kilimanjaro and stop at a local Maasai village. Later, join a Maasai shaman to explore the landscape and learn to forage for medicinal plants. You will also get to share herbal tea with Ngabobo locals and discover traditional healing methods. End the day with a spear-throwing contest in the bush. This talent was once vital for lion hunting and is now a friendly Maasai sport.

Drive to Lake Manyara, at the foothills of the Great Rift Valley. This is a 5-6 hour long drive.

Go on a 5-6 hour car journey to reach the Central Serengeti.

The Central Serengeti is the heart of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and a top spot for seeing predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards. If you are short on time, head to the Seronera region, known for its rich wildlife thanks to the Seronera River.

Look for rare black rhinos near the Moru Kopjes, and flamingos at Lake Magadi. Do not miss the ancient markings on Gong Rock, once used as a natural drum. There is also Retima Hippo Pool, where hippos gather in a small lake.

From December to April, this area is ideal for witnessing the Great Migration of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle.

Nyota Luxury Tented Camp: Morning & Evening Game Drives

Experience the untamed beauty of the Central Serengeti on off-road game drives from Nyota Luxury Tented Camp. In the morning, drive across acacia-dotted plains and granite kopjes to see sunbathing lions. Watch herds of wildebeest and zebra during the Great Migration, and look out for rhinos, antelopes, and elephants.

At dusk, set off in a 4WD with spotlights to find nocturnal wildlife. View cattle egrets on hippos, hyenas scavenging, and perhaps a cheetah or leopard on the prowl. Keep an eye out for birds overhead and smaller animals like jackals and impala in the grass.

Pamoja Serengeti Luxury Camp: Morning & Evening Game Drives

Discover the wild Central Serengeti with game drives from Pamoja Serengeti Luxury Camp. In the morning, explore the savannah with its acacia trees and granite kopjes and try to spot lions. If you are visiting during the Great Migration, watch wildebeest and zebra herds as well as rhinos, antelopes, and elephants.

In the evening, take a 4WD drive to sight nocturnal wildlife. With the help of a spotlight, see hyenas scavenging, and perhaps cheetahs or leopards on the move. Keep an eye out for birds swooping overhead and jackals in the grass.

Central Serengeti – Private Vehicle & Chauffeur Guide

A private vehicle and chauffeur-guide are at your disposal for game drives from morning to evening.

Drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, which is a 5-6 hour journey.

Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater

Descend to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, home to some of Africa’s richest grazing land and highest predator densities. Enjoy top-notch game viewing and see zebra, wildebeest, lions, hyenas, rhinos, and more. Take in breathtaking views of vast wildlife herds set against the crater’s dramatic volcano and the highlands. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site on thrilling game drives and enjoy picnic lunches in magical settings with unparalleled views.

Manyara & Ngorongoro – Private vehicle & chauffeur guide

A private vehicle and chauffeur-guide are at your disposal for game drives from morning to evening.

Travel to Arusha, which is a 3-4 hour car journey.

Arusha, Tanzania’s safari capital, is the ideal base for exploring the northern parks. Nestled at 1,400 metres, beneath the dramatic 4,556-metre Mt Meru, the city enjoys pleasant temperatures. If you are a climber, Mt Meru, which rises over the city, offers a quieter, less challenging alternative to Kilimanjaro.

At Arusha, transfer to the airport. Take a two-hour flight to Zanzibar. Once you reach, drive to your accommodation which is an hour away from the airport.

Zanzibar, also known as the Spice Island, is rich in history. Once a key hub of the spice trade, this legacy can be found in the winding alleys of Stone Town. The charming island offers a striking contrast to mainland Tanzania, with palm-lined beaches, turquoise seas, coral reefs, and vibrant marine life. Spend your days relaxing on white sand beaches, snorkelling or diving offshore, swimming with dolphins, and sailing into the sunset on a traditional dhow.