When planning a Tanzania Safari Trip, there is always that thought that this will go as planned. There are pictures of lions, elephants, and breathtaking sunsets. Though, the safari has more meaning memories like the gentle rain smelling froggish, the giraffe hush moments and the dozen of wildebeests.
With this safari, it differs as you will be picked up from a hotel in Moshi or Arusha, Tarangire, then onto the Serengeti. After this journey you can visit Ngorongoro and the soothing pace of Mto Wa Mbu village. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit, you’d be welcomed by the soft whisper of breeze embracing your ears.
You begin in either Arusha or Moshi. After a night’s stay, you travel to Tarangire National Park and see the elephants cluster under the ancient baobab trees. Next, you go into the Serengeti’s expansive plains for spend an overnight stay before heading into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you stay the night in Karatu and end your trip in Mto Wa Mbu. All these attractions may seem to be far apart, but in reality, they are interconnected in a way that ensures there’s wildlife to discover in every corner.
When you get off the plane, I presume you would be landing at Arusha or Moshi the mix of excitement and anxiousness begins to lessen when you go outside into the Tanzanian air. It actually seems to be smoother than what you would have expected. A neighbour or friend would more than likely be there to meet up and hand you some basic necessities.
Your hotel is not really far. You usually have the opportunity to either see Mount Meru or Kilimanjaro. The more likely scenario that would happen during the ride would be your attention being caught by the motorbikes, small shops by the roadside, and the motorbikes driving past with absurd amounts of packages.
By the afternoon, you are all checked in. All that’s left is to unwind from traveling. Some people feel fidgety and want to go out and see something right away, while others feel suddenly sleepy. Either way, it’s all good.
Accommodation
Ilboru Safari Lodge
Outpost Lodge
Arusha Coffee Lodge
Arusha Serena Hotel
Like every other safari, this one starts early. Breakfast hits differently when the day ahead involves an adventure instead of meetings.
On the way to Tarangire National Park, I often see first-time visitors being swept off their feet. While many people rave about the Serengeti, not a lot know that Tarangire is home to astonishing numbers of elephants. The dipper-shaped baobabs also tower over the guests with their trunks smooth and swollen, almost like something we all read in storybooks ages ago, but could not identify.
During the game drives, we navigate past the river where zebra and wildebeest sip water in wary clusters. Should you get lucky, you might spot a leopard lounging over a branch, although they are experts at hiding when they want to. There is this calmness that comes over the vehicle every time something moves into sight.
Lunch is taken beside a sparkling stream around a picnic table. Food is fuels the body but does not require too much attention, especially because I am planning for what comes after. In the afternoon, the heat is oppressive and the air shifts dynamically. While it isn’t too stifling, you definitely begin to notice it.
You heading directly to the lake, so your lodge comes after your drive. Only then do you see how packed the day was.
Accommodation
Migombani Public Campsite
Manyara Safari Camp
Marera Valley Lodge
Gibbs Farm
For most today, an early rise like this will be a painful one. The day still holds potential value – the promise of the Serengeti, which usually is enough to kickstart any motivation.
Manyara shifts from highlands and small villages to roadside stands filled with cheering children. After what feels like hours, land begins to stretch outward and the serengti appears. Even with all the pictures, nothing can prepare you for seeing it in person.
Your guide will probably stop every so often looking for something at the edges to see if something is stirring. A lion hidden in the grass might be one option. Or a lone cheetah surveying the land. Sometimes, the vehicle halts and the engine goes silent for minutes at a time while people simply gaze out.
Lunch consists of simple pre-packaged food which can be eaten at places where you can stand and slowly rotate, taking in the surroundings. This helps make sense of the immense scale of it.
You will explore the rest of the central Serengeti in the later parts of the afternoon. The light golden fades over the plains, filling the dips and illuminating everything in a dreamlike haze. Returning to the camp, you had a thick layer of dust on your clothes and along with that a feeling that this place was starting to be understood.
Accommodation
Seronera Public Campsite
Kati Kati Tented Camp Melia Serengeti Lodge
Tented Camp
Early morning game drives are serene and quiet as the midday sun begins to stretch across the sky. Quiet and still, the air carries a chill that fades by mid morning. The ground is blanketed with dew and tiny streams of fog dance and mingle with the serene air. Instead of hunting and chasing prey, the focus is on observing. No one shouts and elephants move slowly.
After breakfast, you start the trek from the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The road goes up and the land is changing, but only a little at a time. If you want to, there’s a stop at Olduvai Gorge. Some people find it fascinating because it holds a deep record of humanity while others want to keep moving.
By afternoon you are getting close to Karatu. Compared to the Serengeti, it almost feels tamer. It includes the gardens, the neatly arranged rows of crops, and the feeling of settled life. Here evening arrives gently.
Accommodation
Simba A Campsite
Eileen’s Trees Inn
Acacia Farm Lodge
The Manor at ngorongoro
Your last morning doesn’t rush you. The drive down into Mto Wa Mbu village feels almost like a reentry. Green fields and even banana groves, and brightly painted shops are all in sight.
Accompanied by a local guide, you are able to walk around and even try some fresh fruits as well as watch women weave baskets. There’s no script here, and some moments feel too small to matter, but you realize those are the moments you’ll cherish the most.
Lunch occurs at a nearby open-air restaurant. The meal consists of simple dishes such as rice and stews.
The journey back to Arusha or Moshi feels more tranquil. People seem to be staring out at the scenery or not looking out the window at all. You now carry the Serengeti and Tarangire and their memories with you, and sinking back into routine takes a while.
Step into the heart of Africa. Witness Tanzania’s wild wonders up close. Your soul-stirring safari begins here.
Address: 7th Floor, Market Street, Arusha – Tanzania
Phone: +255 767-837-026
Email: book@ngorongorocratersafaris.com
