5-Day Best of Northern Tanzania
This 5-Day Best of Northern Tanzania safari offers you the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife amongst some of the most diversified landscapes. Not only will you visit the Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Park but also the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then you will see huge herds of elephants, in season flocks of flamingos and troops of baboons. Don’t let this 5-Day Best of Northern Tanzania experience get away from you and make your holiday in Tanzania a memorable one.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is another captivating wildlife conservation area in Tanzania, known for its unique landscapes, diverse wildlife, and impressive baobab trees. Situated in the northern part of the country, it’s a popular destination for safari enthusiasts and offers a different experience compared to other parks in the region. Here’s some key information about Tarangire National Park:
Landscape and Baobab Trees:
Tarangire is characterized by its diverse landscapes, which include open grasslands, acacia woodlands, swamps, and the iconic baobab trees. These massive trees create striking silhouettes against the horizon and provide shade for wildlife.
Wildlife:
While Tarangire may not have the same volume of large predators as some other parks, it is known for its high density of elephants. During the dry season (June to October), large herds of elephants gather around the Tarangire River, making it a great place to see these majestic creatures up close. Other animals commonly seen in the park include giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, buffaloes, and various antelope species.
Birdlife:
Tarangire National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 550 bird species recorded. You can spot various birds of prey, vibrant bee-eaters, and other avian species in different habitats throughout the park.
Lesser-Known Wildlife:
While predators like lions and leopards are present, Tarangire is also home to less common species like fringe-eared oryx and greater kudu. These unique animals add to the park’s biodiversity.
Tarangire River:
The Tarangire River is a lifeline for the park’s wildlife, especially during the dry season when water sources are scarce. Animals congregate around the river to drink and cool off, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Scenic Views:
The landscapes in Tarangire National Park are picturesque, with rolling hills, expansive grasslands, and the distinct baobab trees creating a backdrop for memorable safari experiences.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is a compact yet ecologically diverse national park located in northern Tanzania. It’s a relatively small park but offers a wide range of landscapes, wildlife, and birdlife. Here’s an overview of what you can expect to experience in Lake Manyara National Park:
Lake Manyara:
The park is named after Lake Manyara, a shallow soda lake that stretches along its eastern border. The lake is known for its vibrant pink flamingos, which flock to its shores in large numbers. The lake’s alkaline waters support a variety of bird species and provide a scenic backdrop for wildlife viewing.
Wildlife:
Despite its size, Lake Manyara National Park is home to diverse wildlife. The park is known for its tree-climbing lions, which are a unique sight as they lounge in acacia trees. Other animals that can be spotted in the park include elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, hippos, impalas, and various monkey species.
Birdlife:
Lake Manyara is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 400 bird species recorded. Along with the flamingos, you can see pelicans, storks, herons, and a wide range of other waterbirds. The park’s varied habitats also attract numerous other bird species, including raptors, forest birds, and more.
Ecological Diversity:
The park’s landscapes range from open savannah to acacia woodlands and groundwater forests. The diversity of habitats supports a variety of animal species, making it possible to encounter different wildlife as you explore the park.
Hot Springs:
Lake Manyara National Park is also known for its hot springs, which are found in a section of the park known as Maji Moto. These springs are a result of the volcanic activity in the region.
The Ngorongoro Crater
A natural wonder and one of the most iconic and unique features of the African continent. It is located in northern Tanzania, within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ngorongoro Crater is often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. Due to its stunning beauty and incredible biodiversity. Here’s some key information about the Ngorongoro Crater:
Geological Formation:
The Ngorongoro Crater is actually a large volcanic caldera, formed millions of years ago. By the collapse of a massive volcano. The caldera floor covers an area of about 260 square kilometers (100 square miles), and its walls rise steeply to heights of up to 600 meters (2,000 feet).
Wildlife:
The Ngorongoro Crater is a natural haven for wildlife. Often referred to as a “natural zoo.” The diverse ecosystems within the crater support a wide range of animals. Including lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, hippos, and various antelope species. The concentration of animals in the relatively small area of the crater. Makes it a prime location for wildlife viewing and photography.
Big Five:
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the few places in Africa. Where you can find all members of the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) within a relatively small area.
Highlights
Day1: Kilimanjalo Airport-Arusha
Day2: Tarangire National Park
Day3: Tarangire Ngorongoro crater -Mto wa Mbu
Day4: Mto wa Mbu-lake Manyara National Park-Arusha
Day5: Arusha Kilimajalo Airport
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha
Upon your arrival on this 5-Day Best of Northern Tanzania at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be welcomed by a Meru Slopes transfer driver and taken to Venice Hotel within Arusha. However, the rest of the day will be spent at leisure and you can relax at the hotel. Later In the evening, you will attend a briefing in preparation for the upcoming safari.
Accommodation will be on a bed and breakfast basis.
Main Destination: Arusha (City)
Accommodation: Venice Hotel
Mid-range hotel located in or near Arusha
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)
Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
In the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Tarangire National Park. This park with its huge baobab trees, the perennial Tarangire River, and seasonal swamps is home to the largest elephant herds in northern Tanzania. Animals gather at the river and you should be able to see animals such as elephants, giraffes, bushbucks, hartebeests, dik-diks, waterbucks, warthogs, and reedbucks all year round.
Furthermore, the park is also home to buffaloes, zebras and wildebeests which are always closely followed by a range of predators such as lions. Leopards are seen every once in a while but cheetahs are rarely spotted. From the open roof of the vehicle, you will be able to absorb the landscape and watch the animals. After an extensive game drive, you will leave the park late in the afternoon and drive to the Jambo Lodge, where you will spend the night.
Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
Accommodation: Jambo Lodge & Campsite (Lodge)
Budget lodge located just outside Lake Manyara NP
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)
Day 3: Tarangire Area – Ngorongoro Crater – Mto wa Mbu
Firstly after an early starter, you will make your way to the cooler regions of the Ngorongoro Highlands. Furthermore, the Ngorongoro Crater is almost 600 meters deep, approximately 20 kilometers wide and the massive caldera is home to an amazing variety of animals. Secondly, on your game drive, you’ll have the possibility of seeing all different kinds of mammals ranging from the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard) to Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles and mountain reedbucks. While on this 5-Day Best of Northern Tanzania, you might also see spotted hyenas and some of the more than 500 bird species of the area. Later after a picnic lunch in the crater and some more game viewing, you will leave the crater in the afternoon and travel to Mto wa Mbu, where you will overnight at Jambo Lodge.
Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: Jambo Lodge & Campsite (Lodge)
Budget lodge located just outside Lake Manyara NP
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)
Day 4: Mto wa Mbu – Lake Manyara National Park – Arusha
After breakfast, you will leave the highlands and continue to Lake Manyara National Park, one of the smallest but most diverse parks in Tanzania. Meanwhile, the shallow and alkaline Lake Manyara covers a large area of the park and it is the seasonal home to thousands of flamingos which is an awesome (pink) sight.
However, more than 500 other bird species also found here as well as some wonderful mammals. However, Troops of monkeys live in the forests, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests on the grassy plains, elephants and lions in the acacia woodlands. Lastly after an intensive game drive and a picnic lunch, you will leave the park to arrive in Arusha by late afternoon. Then spend the night at Venice Hotel.
Main Destination: Lake Manyara National Park
Accommodation: Venice Hotel
Mid-range hotel located in or near Arusha
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)
Day 5: Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport/Arusha Airport
Finally after breakfast, you will be taken to Kilimanjaro Airport for your international flight or to Arusha Airport if you can opt to extend your trip with a beach holiday in Zanzibar. Thus the end of the5-Day Best of Northern Tanzania safari.
Main Destination: Kilimanjaro Airport
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water & beer and wine (Other drinks not included)
End of tour
Price Includes
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Price Excludes
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp. per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
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