Tanzania Safari

Arusha National Park covers Mount Meru, a prominent volcano with an elevation of 4566 m, in the Arusha Region of north eastern Tanzania. The park is small but varied with spectacular landscapes in three distinct areas. In the west, the Meru Crater funnels the Jekukumia River; the peak of Mount Meru lies on its rim. Ngurdoto Crater in the south-east is grassland. The shallow alkaline Momella Lakes in the north-east have varying algal colours and are known for their wading birds.

Mount Meru is the second highest peak in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro, which is just 60 km away and forms a backdrop to views from the park to the east. Arusha National Park lies on a 300-kilometre axis of Africa's most famous national parks, running from Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in the west to Kilimanjaro National Park in the east.
The park is just a few kilometres north east of Arusha, though the main gate is 25 km east of the city. It is also 58 km from Moshi and 35 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA)

Arusha National Park has a rich variety of wildlife, but visitors shouldn't expect the same game-viewing experience they find in other national parks of Tanzania's northern circuit. Despite the small size of the park, common animals include giraffe, Cape buffalo, zebra, warthog, the black-and-white colobus monkey, the blue monkey, flamingo, elephant, bushbuck and many other African animals. Leopard populations are present, but rarely seen. Birdlife in the forest is prolific, with many forest species more easily seen here than elsewhere on the tourist route - Narina trogon and bar-tailed trogon are both possible highlights for visiting birders, whilst the range of starling species provide somewhat less gaudy interest

Description:

A green jewel and home to the fourth highest mountain in Africa – Mount Meru (4,566 m). Anyone visiting this park will be thrilled by the breathtaking landscapes ranging from the Meru Crater in the west, the Ngurdoto Crater in the south-east to the grasslands and of course the alkaline Momella lakes in the north-east.

Highlights:

This park is often overlooked by visitors, worried they will not see that much wildlife. However Arusha National Park has such a lot to offer and dazzles with a perfect mix of flora and fauna and diversified landscapes. Passing the “small Serengeti” during a game drive, you are likely to spot peaceful herds of buffaloes, shy bushbucks on the edge of the forest as well as warthogs and zebras. Heading towards the Ngurdoto Crater you will soon find yourself in a lush rainforest – a great place to spot the athletic black and white colobus monkey as well as the elegant mitis monkey. The Ngurdoto Crater is basically a smaller version of the Ngorongoro Crater and has a diameter of about 3 km. With a bit of luck you might even spot buffaloes in the swamps on the crater floor.

Due to the low numbers of predators in the park, walking safaris are permitted. This is a must for anyone wanting to get a closer look at the moss covered trees and the occasional red hot pokers as well as for those wanting to get up close to wildlife. Most common sightings whilst on a walking safari include buffaloes, warthogs, giraffes and a variety of birds such as the silvery cheeked hornbill, little bee-eater and the occasional long crested eagle. The walk takes visitors to the refreshing Tululusia waterfalls and back to the Momella gate.

On the way towards the Momella Lakes, visitors are in for a treat as common waterbucks and reedbucks love to hang around the lake shore. An array of water birds like cormorants, kingfishers and beautiful flamingos are also often spotted. There are seven alkaline lakes to be seen and each lake has a different salt concentration. Visitors also have the option of going on a canoe trip on the small Momella Lake. Arusha National Park is also home to about a handful of African elephants but due to their constant movement they are hardly ever spotted. The same goes for leopards which roam the vast foggy forests of Mt Meru.

Description:

Lake Manyara National Park is one of the smaller national parks in Tanzania but still offers beautiful landscapes and is home to an interesting collection of wildlife. The lake itself is a soda lake / alkaline lake and reaches a maximum depth of 3.7 m. The vegetation changes from ground water forests to flood plains and finally to acacia wood plains.

Highlights:

For bird enthusiasts this park is truly rewarding as it is home to over 400 species of birds. Other inhabitants of the park include elephants, buffaloes, hippos, baboons, waterbucks, impalas, giraffes, zebras and wildebeests. The park has an abundant population of leopards but sightings are rare due to the thick vegetation. With a bit of luck visitors can catch a glimpse of the renowned “tree climbing” lions.

Upon entering the Lake Manyara National Park visitors are greeted by ground water forest which boasts with ancient mahogany trees, giant fig trees as well as kapok trees. It is a common site to see the crystal clear water seeping directly out of the ground. This area is always lush green and is also home to the olive baboons who proudly call Manyara their home. Troops of up to 150 individuals joyfully playing and foraging around in the forest can be seen.
Elegant bushbucks can be seen grazing almost soundlessly. From time to time the peace of the forest is disrupted by the trumpeting calls of the silvery cheeked hornbills who enjoy perching on top of the giant trees.
As you continue, the ground water forest transforms into a flash of greens and yellows signalling the arrival of the acacia forest. Vervet monkeys as well as the noisy red billed hornbills are common residents here. A must stop is the new hippo viewing deck from which visitors can gaze upon these large mammals going about their business. Water birds like blacksmith plovers, little egrets and herons are just a few of the many birds to be seen here. Large herds of wildebeests, zebras and buffaloes like to gather on the open flood plains from where they graze and can keep a look out for approaching predators.
The acacia woodlands deeper in the park are famous for the renowned “tree climbing lions”. These large cats have evolved over generations to add tree climbing to their daily activity.
The lake itself receives its water primarily from the Simba River in the north and the Makuyuni River in the east. However the rift valley also provides a lot of water mainly in the rainy season. The ground water forest also feeds the swamps that eventually flow into the lake.

Description:

Tarangire National Park has a healthy population of creatures both big and small. The park has plenty of resident animals although some tend to migrate depending on the time of year. The most commonly seen animals are elephants, giraffes, impalas, warthogs, zebras, wildebeests, dwarf mongoose and ostriches. Lions can however also be seen, as well as leopards and on some rare occasions even wild dogs have been spotted. Furthermore the park is home to 550 species of birds and the greater and lesser Kudus as well as oryx also roam the park.
Tarangire National park with its baobab crested landscape is scenically one of the most beautiful parks. Baobab trees tower above the savannah and these age old trees play a vital role in the eco system as they act as homes for bees, birds and bats. In addition hereto they provide nourishing fruit and supply animals such elephants with indirect water especially during the drier months.
During the months of June to September the park witnesses a small migration during which thousands of wildebeests and zebras head to the park for better grazing grounds. Elephants and other animals follow suit to gather along the Tarangire River, the only permanent water source in the park. It has been claimed, that up to 2000 elephants reside in the park during these months with some coming as far as from Ambsoseli National Park in Kenya.
Cats are also very much present in the park and lions can be found soaking up the sun on the river banks, whereas leopards are sometimes spotted resting in the baobab trees. Cheetahs are around but usually like to stay hidden from unsuspecting prey. African wild dogs have been seen towards the southern part of the park and seeing that the numbers of these efficient hunters are dropping, spotting them can be a real treat.
But it is not only mammals you need to look out for while in Tarangire National Park as the park also boast with 550 different bird species.
The most commonly seen birds include yellow collared lovebirds, red billed hornbills, southern ground hornbills, lilac breasted rollers, ostriches, many kinds of raptors as well as several kinds of water birds just to name a few.
The Tarangire River flows all year round and it is an important life line for many of its residents, especially in the dry months. The river flows into Lake Burunge which is situated in the northwest.
The south of the park is dominated by marsh land, which is impassable in the wet season but tends to dry out completely in the dry season. The vegetation within the park is extremely diversified and includes open grasslands, savannah, Baobab trees and thick acacia bush as well as palm trees and swamps full of tall elephant grass in the south. Walking safaris are also offered in the southern part of the park.

About Arusha National Park

Located just a short drive from Arusha and Moshi, the Arusha National Park is Tanzania's most accessible national park and the perfect place for a day trip or as the first or last stop on a longer itinerary. At just 552 square kilometres, it's a small park with a lot to see.
With diverse wildlife that includes herbivores such as elephants, hippos, buffalo, zebra, and even the occasional wildebeest, Arusha National Park is also a perfect place to get out and stretch your legs - with both walking safaris and canoe safaris available within the park.
Arusha National Park is also home to the world's largest population of giraffes, making it a great place to visit for fans of these long-necked, beautiful animals.
Arusha National Park boasts a broad variety of landscapes, ranging from open savannah through acacia scrubland to rainforest and, eventually, to alpine conditions on the higher reaches of Mt. Meru.

Arusha National Park Fact File

• Location: Approximately an hour to an hour and a half's drive from Arusha. Approximately ninety minutes from Moshi.
• To Do: Game drives, walking safaris, canoe safaris, picnicking, and climbing Mt. Meru.
• Known For: Walking and canoe safaris. Day trip destination.

Best Time to Visit

Game viewing is at its best during the dry season from June to October.
The park is excellent year round for birding, and especially between November and April when migratory birds from Europe and North Africa are present and the local birds have their breeding plumage on display.

Park Highlights

Arusha National Park's highlights can be seen in a single day, and the park is the only park in Tanzania's northern circuit in which a walking safari is possible.

Outstanding Wildlife Diversity

Due to the varied landscapes that exist within the park, there is an unusually high level of diversity when it comes to wildlife. Not only is the park home to Africa's largest giraffe population, but visitors can also expect to see water bucks, cape buffalo, elephants, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, turacos, trogons, and even the occasional lion or leopard in the right conditions.
The park also boasts an incredibly diverse variety of bird-life, making it a popular stop for birding enthusiasts.

Canoeing the Momella Lakes

The Momella Lakes within Arusha National Park are a series of seven shallow lakes: Big Momella, Small Momella, Kusare, Lekandiro, Tulusia, Rishateni, and El Kekhotoito. Alkaline lakes with considerable algae growth, each of these lakes is a different shade of green or blue.
While the water is not suitable for drinking, it is possible to see a variety of birds (including flamingoes) and animals such as water bucks, giraffes, zebras, and dik-diks in the surrounding area.
It is on Small Momella Lake that canoeing safaris are possible.

Ngurdoto Crater

This swampy crater is inhabited by a large variety of animals and is a popular stop for game drives. Visitors can expect to see the Cape Buffalo, elephants, monkeys, baboons, warthogs, and a number of different antelope species here.
The crater is surrounded by the Ngurdoto Forest, a shady expanse that is home to playful black and white colobus monkeys. Nearby is Serengeti Ndogu (Little Serengeti), an expansive grassland where herds of zebras can be seen throughout the year.

Ngurdoto Museum

Overlooking the Ngurdoto Forest with its population of black and white colobus monkeys, the Ngurdoto Museum houses an impressive collection of examples of the various animals, birds, and insects that can be found within the park.

Lake Longil

The only freshwater lake in Arusha National Park, Lake Longil is a popular watering hole for buffaloes and water bucks.

Tululusia Hill

A former lookout point during tribal wars from Tanzania's post, Tululusia Hill is today a popular hiking and camping area that affords visitors an excellent view of the lower reaches of the Arusha National Park as well as Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.
This heavily forested region of the park is home to elephants, buffalo, colobus monkeys, the red duiker, suni, leopards, and even tree-dwelling pythons.

Fig Tree Arch

A distinctive natural arch formed by a fig tree, this intriguing feature of the landscape has grown into an arch large enough for a car or an elephant to pass under.
The transition between unappealing urban chaos and pristine mountain hiking trails is rarely so abrupt as it is in Arusha National Park. One of Tanzania’s most beautiful and topographically varied protected areas, the park is dominated by Mt Meru, an almost perfect volcanic cone with a spectacular crater. It also shelters Ngurdoto Crater (often dubbed Little Ngorongoro), with its swamp-filled floor and lost-world feel.
Don't be fooled by the fact that Arusha National Park is small (552 km2). Within its borders, it has a diverse topography and wonderful wildlife. From the rugged peaks of Mount Meru to the marshy depths of the Ngurdoto Crater where warthog wallow, to monkey-filled montane forest and rolling grassy hills on which giraffe and zebra graze, there's plenty to see here.
While the Arusha National Park doesn't have the Big Five except for buffalo, it offers visitors spectacular scenery and sightings of a wide range of animals including monkey, giraffe, zebra and the sweetest antelopes on earth, the dik-dik. Add to that commanding views of Mount Meru, and Kilimanjaro on a clear day, it's the perfect place to start your African safari.
In its many forested areas, it may be more difficult to spot wildlife, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!

Mount Meru

Arusha National Park includes Tanzania's second-highest mountain, Mount Meru, with its rugged peaks and wooded foothills. Buffalo and giraffe can be seen here and, if you're very lucky, the elusive leopard.

Rain forest

The main gate to the park opens into magical montane rain forest. This emerald area is a playground to a wide range of monkey that you may not see anywhere else, including the black-and-white Colobus and blue monkey. Look out, too, in the shadows beneath the trees for tiny duiker and dik-dik.

Ngurdoto Crater

An old volcano in the east of the park, Ngurdoto Crater stretches 3 km across and has steep sides and grassland and marsh in its bowl. There are a number of great viewpoints around its rim where you can stop to watch the warthog and buffalo grazing and wallowing below.

Momela Lakes

Seven alkaline lakes are found in the northeast of the park, each a different, brilliant colour, due to the algae that grow in them. Many water birds live there including, depending on the time of year, flocks of flamboyantly-pink flamingo.

Getting there

Arusha National Park is an easy 40-minute drive from Arusha (25 km to the main gate), and about a half hour from Kilimanjaro International Airport (35 km to the main gate). Due to the small size of the park, all three main areas can be seen in a half-day trip, but a full day with a picnic lunch and a guided walk is a far more relaxed way to do it!

Arusha

Arusha is a vibrant, bustling town in northern Tanzania at the base of Mt Meru. It is widely considered to be the gateway to the northern safari circuit and also Africa’s highest peak, Mt Kilimanjaro – but over the years it has become much more. Often visitors spend a night here, either at the beginning or end of a safari, but in doing so you don’t get a chance to appreciate the highlights and nuances that make Arusha.

Things to do in Arusha

• Arusha National Park – take a half or full day trip and admire the local wildlife and it’s also known for excellent birding opportunities.
• Coffee Plantations – there are many coffee plantations on the outskirts of town, tours can be arranged, some even offer accommodation.
• Mt Meru – attempting to summit Mt Meru is a somewhat more challenging and technical climb than Mt Kilimanjaro, perhaps best reserved for the more experienced climber.
• Scenery – take some time to admire your stunning surroundings, there are inspiring mountain views, including Mt Kilimanjaro.
• Food – Arusha has plenty of good restaurants for you to try out, establishments to suit all tastes and budgets.
• Canoe – spend an afternoon canoeing on the lake, a different pace to the rest of your holiday.
• Markets – if you have an hour or two to spare, immerse yourself in a bustling local market, absorbing the sights and sounds. Central Market and Kilombero Market are two good options. If it’s crafts you are after then the Mt Meru Curios and Craft Markets is a good place to find them, be prepared to bargain.

When to visit Arusha

Due to altitude (1300m), Arusha enjoys a temperate climate almost all year round. You can enjoy wildlife viewing year round in Arusha National Park and surrounding regions, but the dry season from June to October, is reckoned to be best time when animals are easier to see as they congregate at rivers and waterholes. November to February provide good safari conditions. The wettest months are March, April and May, although the rains do bring the benefit of greenery which makes the landscape photogenic.

JUNE TO OCTOBER
• This is the dry season considered the best time for wildlife viewing
• There is less vegetation so animals are easier to spot
• Water is scarce so wildlife gathers at known sources
• There are fewer mosquitos in the drier months
• Early mornings and evenings can be chilly

NOVEMBER TO MAY
• Beautiful, lush scenery makes a great backdrop for photos
• Migratory birds make for excellent bird watching
• April and May are generally the quietest months in terms of visitors
• The rains peak from March to May
• Due to rain the driving conditions may be become difficult on some roads

Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Few safari destinations deliver the same experience as the Ngorongoro Crater. There are bigger and wilder parks but if you want some of the easiest and most rewarding game viewing in East Africa, an Ngorongoro Crater safari won't disappoint.
A can't-miss destination on Tanzania's star-studded Northern Safari Circuit, the Ngorongoro Crater offers a classic Big 5 safari experience in the unique setting of an ancient volcanic caldera. Home to some 30 000 animals, the crater's surprisingly diverse habitats are revealed on an Ngorongoro safari on all-day guided game drives; the scenery is spectacular, predators are abundant and it's not unusual to see the Big 5 in a single day.
There's amazing accommodation perched right on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, offering some of the best views in Africa, if not the world. Staying at these prime-location lodges will put you first in the queue to drive down to the crater floor in the morning but for more affordable Ngorongoro safari accommodation in an equally tranquil and not much less scenic setting, head for the town of Karatu, set some 20km south from the crater in the green rolling hills of the Karatu Highlands.
Here you'll find several excellent lodges, some set on working coffee plantations and offering a range of additional activities that aren't so accessible to visitors staying on the rim of the crater. Activities range from game drives to nearby Lake Manyara and local bird watching to cultural visits and mountain biking.
A hassle-free, ideal destination for first-time safari visitors and families, the wide range of resident wildlife and the ease with which the animals can be observed makes an Ngorongoro Crater safari an obvious choice for wildlife photographers too. The romantic cliff-top lodges provide the perfect base for a Ngorongoro honeymoon, while visitors who want to maximise their Tanzania safari experience will find that the Ngorongoro Crater combines seamlessly with the Serengeti, Tarangire and Lake Manyara.

Quick links to travel advice

Wondering which East Africa reserves to visit? Read about our experts' Safari in Kenya & Tanzania.

Overview

The Highlands combines a jaw-dropping natural setting on the slopes of the extinct Olmoti volcano with just eight high-tech tents and exciting activities like hiking the Olmoti, and descending not only into world-famous Ngorongoro Crater but also the lesser-known but equally incredible Empakaai Crater.
The en suite tents, which have flush toilets and hot running water, are fronted by celling-to-floor faceted windows that allow you to drink in the surrounding wilderness and Africa’s big sky. As a high-altitude camp, the tents are both warm and stylish, with enclosed fireplaces to ward off the morning and evening chill. There are eight tents, including one for families and another for honeymooners.
In keeping with the exquisite attention to detail paid throughout the design and construction of The Highlands, the open-air breakfast deck has been perfectly positioned to make the most of the view, while the bar and fire pit overlook the sunset.
In addition to classic game drives to and hot-lunch picnics in Ngorongoro Crater, The Highlands offers unusual access to two of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area’s lesser-seen gems. A half-day hike takes you to the birds, butterflies and myriad fern species on an ancient Maasai cattle trail to the Olmoti crater. Game like buffalo, zebra and bushbuck and the occasional elephant can be spied by hikers.
Another memorable journey is a drive to the Empakaai Crater, followed by a hike into the crater floor to see flocks of pink flamingos and the mountainous forest. You will also be able to aspects of traditional Maasai life, as well as catch a glimpse of Oldoinyo Lengai, Tanzania’s most active volcano.

Highlights
• Incredible setting on Olmoti Crater
• Game drives in Ngorongoro Crater
• Hiking in Olmoti and Empakaai Craters
• High-tech tents with full en suite bathrooms
• Only eight tents, including honeymoon and family units
• Suite
• There are eight tents at The Highlands, including one for families and one for honeymooners. Each consists of a three-quarter canvas dome that is completed by a large, floor-to-ceiling faceted window that allows for 180-degree views from inside. Each has an en suite bathroom with a flush toilet and running water, as well as a spacious outdoor deck with a table and chairs.
• Because The Highlands is situated at altitude on the Olmoti Crater, each tent as an enclosed stove for warmth. The décor is eclectic, with warm wooden panelling juxtaposed with beautiful photographs of Africa, Eames-inspired chairs and cowhide rugs.
• There are four tents with double or twin beds. Two other tents also have twins or doubles, as well as two extra twins on their mezzanine levels to sleep three adults or two adults and two children, with a shared bathroom.

Honeymoon Suite
Family Suite
The family room sleeps six in a large dome tent with a mezzanine level and a smaller dome tent across the deck.

Facilities

The Highlands has a comfortable sitting ‘dome’ for when you wish to relax in the company of other guests between game drives or hikes.

Dining

Breakfasts and lunches can be enjoyed at separate tables on the outdoor deck that has unhindered views of the sunrise. Supper is taken in the dining tent at long tables where you can meet other guests and chat to the knowledgeable rangers.
Toast the sunset with a tipple from the bar, which also has an outdoor deck and sheltered fire pit.

Overview

Ngorongoro Farmhouse is set on a 500-acre coffee farm, giving you the freedom to relax in the quiet beauty of the area. Take in the amazing views of Oldeani Volcano as you walk through the coffee plantation.
The lodge is divided into two separate areas, each with its own communal lounge and bar areas creating a feeling of spaciousness. It's designed as an old colonial farm and each room has been decorated using rustic local materials.
Ngorongoro Farm House is the perfect stop-over between safaris as it's located just 4km from the entrance to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. There is also a fantastic opportunity to visit the Hazabe and Datoga tribes in the lake Eyasi region.
Relax by the sparkling swimming pool overlooking the Oldeani Volcano, or cycle around the plantation. On colder evenings, snuggle up in the lounge with a book in front of a crackling fire.

Highlights
• Tranquil lodge set within beautiful gardens
• Great value for money
• Visit the nearby Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara
• Explore the local village of Karatu

Suite

The Suites offer more space and have added features like fireplaces, separate lounges and beautiful Victorian bathtubs in the en suite bathrooms.

Standard Room

Each Standard Room at Ngorongoro Farm House is spacious and designed with local materials. The beds are draped with mosquito netting, and the rooms feature large windows with great views and spacious verandas. The en suite bathrooms have flush toilets, basins and hot showers.
The Standard Rooms are broken up into twin rooms, doubles, triples and a few interconnecting rooms for families or groups of up to six. Some face the lush coffee plantation while the rest have beautiful views of the valley.

Facilities

Set in rolling manicured lawns, the rooms are separated into two distinct groups, each with its own comfortable lounge area and extensive bar. The enormous thatched dining room leads onto an extensive deck where meals are taken in the open air.
Spend a lazy afternoon around the lodge’s swimming pool set in its beautiful gardens.

Dining

Ngorongoro Farm House provides delicious meals with many of the ingredients sourced from the farm itself. A delicious spread including cooked options is available for breakfast, a fresh buffet is provided for lunch and a four-course set meal accompanied by an extensive wine list is provided for dinner.
Delicious picnic lunches are provided for those who set out on safari for the day.
Meals are taken in the dining room, on the extensive veranda or around the swimming pool.

Overview

At roughly 3 000 feet above sea level, Entamanu Ngorongoro gracefully presides over Tanzania’s most famous landmark and the world’s largest intact caldera, Ngorongoro Crater. Located on a remote part of the crater’s rim, Entamanu is a place where you can at once observe and be protected from the elements, and watch over an ever-changing landscape of dormant volcanic hills, distant lakes and endless plains.
This eco-conscious camp is specially designed to provide shelter from the high-altitude sun and chilly weather in the early mornings and evenings, but can also be completely disassembled to leave no mark on its pristine environment. Log fireplaces, plush fabrics, sheepskin throws and wool rugs create an inviting space to spend cosy evenings, while wooden viewing decks draw you outdoors to soak up the midday sun and draw in awe-inspiring views of the Serengeti to the west and Ngorongoro Crater to the east.
Over and above offering breath-taking vistas and luxurious accommodation, the camp’s goals are to deliver each guest a private and exclusive experience of Ngorongoro Crater. Full-day safaris take you onto the Crater floor to witness a lost world that has remained unchanged for centuries.

Highlights
• Secluded position on the Ngorongoro Crater rim
• Only six exclusive suites
• Views of both the Serengeti and the Crater
• Eco-friendly and built to be utterly disassembled

Standard Room
There are six separate suites, each with their own en suite bathroom as well as a viewing deck with private and uninterrupted vistas of the Ngorongoro Crater. All materials at the camp are sourced locally and sustainably, with beautiful artworks and décor made in Tanzania. One of the six suites is extra spacious with two bedrooms, making it ideal for families with children.

Facilities
Its extraordinary position on the remote north-western edge of the Crater rim affords you views over either side of the Crater wall. From the main lodge area, the vast plains of the Serengeti stretch out to the west, while six private suites face the soaring peaks of the crater in the east. Beautiful beadwork, design pieces and furniture are sourced from Tanzanian craftsmen, master Maasai beaders and even local glass blowers. The canvas and timber camp is built on raised wooded platforms made from sustainable-sourced wood, and despite being completely removable, the safari-chic Entamanu offers luxury, comfort and panache.

Dining
Meals can be enjoyed alfresco on the viewing decks or in the dining area at a communal table. Have the pleasure of dining with your guides, who will share their stories and vast knowledge of the African bush with you. Meals are wholesome and plentiful, and picnic lunches will be packed for full-day safaris into the Crater.

Overview

This classic tour has been designed for safari travellers pressed for time and wanting value for money. Combining Tanzania’s two best-loved wildlife destinations into an action-packed week, this 4X4 overland safari delivers some of Africa’s easiest Big 5 viewing at the Ngorongoro Crater plus the heart-stopping Serengeti Wildebeest Migration.

Beginning in Arusha, the logistics hub of Tanzania’s northern safari destinations, your 7-day safari opens with a night in the shadow of Tanzania’s second highest peak – Mount Meru – before taking you into the gentle embrace of a forest eco-lodge close to the world’s largest intact volcanic crater known as Ngorongoro. Contained within the steep walls of the Ngorongoro Crater is Africa’s densest concentration of large animals, resulting in almost guaranteed sightings of the Big 5: elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard.

Then it is on to animal concentrations of a different kind. The Serengeti is most famous for its thundering Wildebeest Migration when nearly two million animals take to the hoof and move across the savannah and its rivers, pursued by big cats, wild dogs, hyenas and crocodiles. Your accommodation is a mobile tented camp designed to move with the herds, putting you in front-row seats to various chapters of the Migration depending on the time of year. You could witness the birthing season or the great herds on the move and crossing rivers – all juxtaposed against a teeming multitude of other animals like zebras and buffalos in a beautiful open landscape.

Highlights
• Two peerless wildlife destinations in Tanzania
• Exceptional Big 5 game viewing at Ngorongoro Crater
• Specialist Migration camp to see hundreds of thousands of wildebeest
• Knowledgable and professional driver/guide throughout

Overview

Travelling overland between three of Tanzania’s most rewarding safari destinations, this tour has been designed to deliver a heavyweight cast of wildlife with an Indian Ocean finale. Beginning with a night overlooking Arusha National Park and looming Mount Meru, your safari also takes in a full day in the Ngorongoro Crater where you sit back to some of Africa’s easiest Big 5 viewing before heading for the Serengeti and a mobile camp that follows the Wildebeest Migration around the rolling, predator-filled grasslands. With hundreds of thousands of animals on the hoof, it is one of nature’s most dramatic events and your camp ensures you front-row seats.
Then it is a short flight and you are in Zanzibar, the Spice Island, and dipping your toes in the warm Indian Ocean at an intimate resort, complete with beachside bungalows and hammocks slung between palm trees. Relax on the beach, by the swimming pool or head off on a local excursion and visit historic Stone Town, the Jozani Forest or a fragrant spice estate.
Competitively priced and offering excellent value for money, the overland safari section of the tour is led by an experienced driver/guide in a 4x4 with no more than five clients, ensuring everyone gets a window seat. Accommodation is in the form of sister camps owned where you enjoy comfortable chalet and tented accommodation, always with a private bathroom and a view.

Highlights
• Classic northern Tanzania safari itinerary
• See the Big 5 in the amazing Ngorongoro Crater
• Immerse yourself in the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration
• Professionally guided in a small vehicle with en suite accommodation throughout
• Finish off with a fly-in Zanzibar beach holiday

Overview
Experience this fully inclusive safari that explores the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and the stunning Tarangire National Park over eight incredible days.
This exciting itinerary begins and ends at the Kilimanjaro International Airport as you fly to Tarangire National Park for some time spent exploring this remote region. Head off to experience the Ngorongoro Crater before visiting the renowned Serengeti.

Highlights
• An incredible fly-in safari seeing the iconic northern parks
• Fantastic game viewing & luxurious, personalised accommodation
• Fully inclusive of full board accommodation, internal flights & guided game drives
• Visit the Serengeti, Crater, Tarangire & Lake Manyara
• Experience walking safaris, night drives & village visits, horse-riding & cycling
• Enjoy delicious food & wines & even be spoiled with a spa treatment!

Ngorongoro Crater: Haven for the Big
Take about 30 000 animals and place them inside the crater of an extinct volcano. Add wetlands, forest, grasslands and some out-of-this-world cliff-top accommodation, and the result is the Ngorongoro Crater. This superb Tanzania safari destination offers excellent game viewing in an unbelievably unique setting. It’s renowned for delivering the easiest and most reliable Big 5 sightings in East Africa.

Tarangire National Park: An Elephant Empire
Close to Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire is worth much more than the usual day visit. During the June to October dry season, animal – especially elephant – concentrations along the Tarangire River are among the highest in the country. The park’s bird count of more than 500 species will keep twitchers happy, while its full range of large predators complete the appeal. Tarangire is a beautifully diverse wilderness featuring riverine forest, huge swamps and open woodlands that include Africa’s iconic baobab trees.

Tarangire Safari

Most travellers to northern Tanzania are on their way to the world-famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater; few realise that the region is also home to one of the country's most rewarding reserves - the Tarangire National Park.

Yet despite its easy accessibility, Tarangire is the least-visited destination on the so-called Northern Safari Circuit. Don't let that put you off however: a Tarangire safari at the right time of year can deliver some of Tanzania's best game viewing.
Best known for its elephant herds and tree-climbing lions, Tarangire is home to all the classic African savannah species plus a few unusual ones - such as the long-necked gerenuk - that you won't see in the Serengeti. It's home to all the big predators and with 550 species of bird on the tick list, it's a fabulous destination for bird watchers.
But it's Tarangire's dry season that will have you reaching for the superlatives. Between June and October, the Tarangire River (running north-south through the park) attracts huge numbers of elephant, buffalo, giraffe and many antelope species. Go on a Tarangire safari at this time of year to see concentrations of animals rivalled only by those in the Ngorongoro Crater but, in the case of Tarangire, in a largely crowd-free environment.
The arrival of the short rains in November and December triggers a dispersal of animals away from the river, especially grazers like wildebeest and zebra. January and February are generally dry but the rain returns in March and visitors should avoid the heavy rains of April and May when much of the park is inaccessible and most camps close.
More densely vegetated than the open grasslands of the Serengeti, Tarangire is mostly covered in open woodland with thick forest set along the river - ideal cover for leopards. It's also the best place in northern Tanzania to see the oddest-looking tree in Africa - the 'upside down tree' or baobab.
Travellers planning a safari to Tarangire will be pleased to hear that there's plenty of excellent accommodation available in the park - ranging from family-friendly camps to honeymoon hideaways - and the park combines easily with the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara to make up the Northern Safari Circuit's quartet of safari destinations.
Tarangire National Park is a national park in Tanzania's Manyara Region. The name of the park originates from the Tarangire River that crosses the park. The Tarangire River is the primary source of fresh water for wild animals in the Tarangire Ecosystem during the annual dry season. The Tarangire Ecosystem is defined by the long-distance migration of wildebeest and zebras. During the dry season thousands of animals concentrate in Tarangire National Park from the surrounding wet-season dispersal and calving areas.
It covers an area of approximately 2,850 square kilometers (1,100 square miles.) The landscape is composed of granitic ridges, river valley, and swamps. Vegetation is a mix of Acacia woodland, Combretum woodland, seasonally flooded grassland, and baobab trees.

Flora and fauna

The park is famous for its high density of elephants and baobab trees. Visitors to the park in the June to November dry season can expect to see large herds of thousands of zebra, wildebeest and cape buffalo. Other common resident animals include waterbuck, giraffe, dik dik, impala, eland, Grant's gazelle, vervet monkey, banded mongoose, and olive baboon. Predators in Tarangire include lion, leopard, cheetah, caracal, honey badger, and African wild dog.
The oldest known elephant to give birth to twins is found in Tarangire. A recent birth of elephant twins in the Tarangire National Park of Tanzania is a great example of how the birth of these two healthy and thriving twins can beat the odds.
Home to more than 550 bird species, the park is a haven for bird enthusiasts. The park is also famous for the termite mounds that dot the landscape. Those that have been abandoned are often home to dwarf mongoose. In 2015, a giraffe that is white due to leucism was spotted in the park.[3] Wildlife research is focused on African bush elephant and Masai giraffe.
Tarangire National Park portal is a non-commercial with all information from wildlife, attractions, Tarangire activities, to safari accommodation, when to go, how to get there, Tarangire Safaris & Tours, Cost of Tarangire Safari and a travel blog.
Ranking as the 6th largest National Park in Tanzania and covering an area of 2,600 square kilometers, The Tarangire National Park is most popular for its large elephant herds and mini-wildlife migration that takes place during the dry season which sees about 250,000 animals enter the park. Located slightly off the popular northern Tanzania Safari Circuit, the park lies between the meadows of Masai Steppe to the south east and the lakes of the Great Rift Valley to the north and west. Within the northern part of Tarangire is the permanent River Tarangire also known as the life-line of the park particularly in the dry season when most of the region is totally dry. This flows northwards until it exits the park in the northwestern corner to pour into Lake Burungi. There are a number of wide swamps which dry into green plains during the dry season in the south.
During you Safari in Tarangire, You are highly recommended to stay for a couple of days especially in the south of the park which offers a less crowded safari experience and gives you the opportunity to enjoy an authentic African feel of the Tanzania’s countryside.

Tarangire Vegetation

The permanent Tarangire River is the most dominant feature here and it’s after this river that the park was named. there are a number of large swamps that feed off some of its tributaries however, these are usually dry for most of the year but get very impassable during the rains .The Tarangire park is usually very dry, in fact drier than the Serengeti, however its vegetation is much more green especially with lots of elephant grass, vast areas with mixed acacia woodlands and some of the wonderful ribbons of the aquatic forest not to forget the giant baobab tree that can live up to 600 years storing between 300 and 900 liters of water

Tarangire Wildlife Migration

Every year during the dry season from June to November Tarangire hosts a wildlife migration which is not as dramatic as the Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti, but receives a somewhat large number of animals. As most of this part of the country is dry, the Tarangire River remains the only source of water and consequently attracts large numbers of wildebeests, elephants, gazelles, zebras and hartebeest, buffaloes plus various predators like lions that come to drink and graze around the river banks. during the rain months of November to May, The zebras as well as large herds of wildebeests move into the north-western direction towards the Rift Valley floor amongst the large numbers of animals that spread across the large open areas of the Masaai Steppe and dispersing all the way to Lake Manyara.

Wildlife in Tarangire National Park

Because Tarangire is manly a seasona national park, its wildlife differ depending on the season and also considering that It is part of a bigger ecosystem. As earlier mentioned, the dry season is the best time to visit Tarangire and you will be able to encounter various animals. This park is home to one of the largeset elephant populations in Africa with several herds of up to 300 members per herd. In addition, there are large numbers of impalas, elands, buffaloes, giraffes, Bohor reedbuck, Coke’s hartebeest, Thompson’s gazelle, the greater and lesser kudu and on rare occasions, the unusual gerenuk and fringe –eared Oryx are also seen. A few black rhinos are also thought to be still present in this park. You will obviously see big numbers of elephants gather here as well as the wildebeests and zebras. Among the other common animals in the Tarangire are the leopards, lions, hyenas, and cheetah that seem to be popular within the southern open areas. The wild dogs are only seen once in a while

The birds within the Tarangire are also quite many, there are over 545 species that have been identified here. The stunning yellow collared lovebirds and the shy starlings are in plenty here in addition to other species.

Activities in Tarangire National Park

Game Drives and walking tours: The primary safari activity in this park is game driving however if you live outside the park boundaries you might be able to enjoy walking tours. and night safaris. Currently Oliver’s Camp organizes walking tours as well as fly camping safaris.
Night Game Drives: one would wonder, are night game drives allowed in Tarangire? Well Night Game Drives are allowed in the park however, not all accommodations offer these tours. Only those that have properly established all the requirements and regulations offered by TANAPA such as Swala and Oliver’s camp are allowed to conduct these walks.
Tarangire Balloon Safaris: Join a hot air balloon ride over the Tarangire as you soar over the treetops of the Tarangire to enjoy an exceptional perspective of wildlife like lions and ungulates right below you
Bird watching: this is another common activity within the Tarangire during which devotees will be able to spot various bird species.

Lake Manyara National Park: Home to Tree-climbing Lions

Part of Tanzania's famed Northern Safari Circuit, Lake Manyara offers easy game viewing in a beautiful setting. The park is home to a good range of heavyweight species, including buffalo, hippo, giraffe, elephant, leopard, and its famous tree-climbing lions. Lake Manyara is an exceptional bird-watching destination. You’ll often see flocks of pelicans and flamingos in the middle of the lake, and the floodplains, woodlands and evergreen forests are equally vibrant.

Located slightly off the main safari route, Tarangire National Park is a lovely, quiet park in Northern Tanzania. It is most famous for its elephant migration, birding and authentic safari atmosphere. The majority of travellers to the region either miss out Tarangire altogether or venture into the park for a matter of hours - leaving swathes of Tarangire virtually untouched!
With a game viewing area that is roughly ten times the size of nearby Manyara NP and a concentration of game that is exceptional from July through to October, this seasonal Tanzania safari park is a little gem on the Northern safari circuit, especially if you love elephants!

Tarangire is the surprise package on the Northern circuit. Often overshadowed by the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire has huge concentrations of animals in the peak months and a fraction of the visitor numbers of any of the other Northern parks. From July through to October safaris here are superb, and the atmosphere and habitats are completely different from other parks. Tarangire is surprisingly large, giving visitors the quietest game viewing environment of all the parks in the region. The South of Tarangire is especially quiet, and lodges such as Swala and Oliver's Camp are the perfect place to explore this remote area, and to really get away from any other travellers. Overall, a superb little park that offers great value compared to its neighbours and a seriously good option for getting away from it all.

Tarangire National Park safari - The Wildlife

During the dry months the concentration of animals around the Tarangire river is almost as diverse and reliable as in the Ngorongoro Crater. However, the ecosystem here is balanced by a localised migration pattern that is followed by the majority of game that resides in and around the park. As a result, Tarangire is superb in season but questionable the rest of the year. Elephants are the main attraction, with up to 3,000 in the park during the peak months. Peak season also sees good numbers of wildebeest and zebra as well as giraffe, buffalo, Thompson's gazelle, greater and lesser kudu, eland, leopard and cheetah. The real prizes in the park are dwarf mongoose, oryx and generuk - but viewings are very rare. Tarangire is one of Tanzania's finest birding destinations.

Tarangire National Park - Activities

Tarangire safaris are the main activity, however, staying outside the park makes walking and night safari a possibility. There are no boat safaris on the rivers here but Oliver's Camp offers adventurous fly camping trips and very good walking safaris. Both Oliver's Camp and Swala have recently started night safaris within the park itself. Ask us for more information as the regulations here seem to change every year!

Are night drives allowed in Tarangire?

Night drives are allowed in Tarangire. Some lodges don't offer it though due to not having set it up with TANAPA. Also, if your particular lodge is outside the National Park then it will not offer night drives. It is worth checking whether the lodge you are looking at offers it or not before booking if this is something on your hitlist!

Tarangire - When to go

The game viewing from July though to October is exceptional but for the remainder of the year the majority of game migrates out of the park, onto the floor of the Rift Valley and to the grazing grounds of the Masai steppe. As a result, we would advise visitors not to expect high concentrations of game in the off season months, but would still recommend travelling here to those who want to avoid the crowds.

Tarangire Safari Lodges - Accommodation

There are many lodges that surround the border of Tarangire but we have always believed that staying in the park itself is the right choice.

Swala and Oliver's Camp are the top end choices in the park. One of our absolute favourite authentic options though is Kuro, which is exceptionally well ran and with gorgeous interior design - it is a fabulous camp, and everyone who goes simply raves about it. Tarangire Treetops is located outside the park but its beautiful rooms are raised up into ancient baobab trees, making it, without any doubt, one of Tanzania's most unique properties.

The best value options are by far Kichuguu; a fabulous tented camp inside the park, and outside the park Maramboi which is exceptionally priced but a slightly bigger option. We prefer Kichuguu for it's location inside the park. It is also far more intimate and cosy than Maramboi, which in comparison offers a more hotel-like stay.

Tarangire Sopa is a bigger hotel and we would recommend going for a more authentic ad classic safari option to make your stay special. Best time to visit Tarangire National Park

The best time to visit Tarangire is probably in the dry season from June - October, where the game viewing is at it's best. Tsatse flies tend to be pretty bad from December to March so although this is a good time to go to the Serengeti for the wildebeest calving, Tarangire is best avoided at this time.

Tarangire National Park - Further Reading

While we try and make our website as comprehensive as possible, if you would like some more background information, have a read through the Cadogan Guide to Tanzania and Zanzibar - Tarangire Chapter, written by one of our director’s Annabel. The most recent edition was published in 2005 so some of it might be slightly dated but generally it’s as comprehensive as they come.

We don't just know Tanzania!

For more information on Tanzania, the best thing to do is to give us a ring for an impartial chat. Although we love Tanzania, we also love the rest of Africa too and have experts in all the main safari countries. If you are undecided as to where to visit, please do just drop us an email or give us a call!

Lake Manyara Safari

An integral part of the Tanzania safari experience, Lake Manyara National Park shouldn't be overlooked in the rush to visit its more famous neighbours - the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. It literally lies down the road from the town of Arusha, Tanzania's entry and exit point for the 'northern safari circuit' and makes a relaxing, breath-catching stopover for a day or two.

Lying at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara is a shallow alkaline lake, the north-west of which is protected by the Lake Manyara National Park. Much of the 330km² park is taken up by the lake but one of the many surprises in store for visitors is the remarkably wide diversity of terrestrial habitats - forest, wetland, floodplain, acacia woodland - which in turn supports an equally impressive variety of wildlife.

The first thing you'll notice on a Lake Manyara safari is the birdlife: nearly 400 species have been recorded here and it's an excellent and easily accessible introduction to the birds of East Africa. Feathered highlights include large flocks of flamingos and many birds of prey.

More surprises lie ahead for the visitor. Besides a supporting cast of buffalo, antelope, zebra and giraffe, Lake Manyara is home to a growing elephant population while the park's lions have developed the intriguing habit of climbing trees. The ever-elusive leopard occurs in the park while boat cruises will take you in search of snorting hippo pods and basking crocodiles.

The best game viewing months for a Lake Manyara safari are from December to February and from May to July although it is a destination that is on most Tanzania safari itineraries all year round. There is excellent luxury accommodation available inside and outside the park, affording visitors the opportunity to explore by 4X4 as well as by canoe, motor boat, mountain bike and even on foot.

Arusha: A Gateway to Safari

The undisputed safari capital of Tanzania, the city of Arusha is on the itinerary of virtually anyone visiting the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, as logistics often dictate an overnight layover in or around the city. Set in the shadow of Mount Meru, Arusha has its own international airport (Kilimanjaro International Airport) as well as the smaller Arusha Airport for charter flights to final destinations. If you spend some time in Arusha, you’ll have many opportunities to buy souvenirs, take in the cultural activities and visit local places of interest.