8 Day Tanzania Simba Classic Lodge Safari - Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire

Arusha – The Safari Capital of Northern Tanzania

Resting at the foot of Mount Meru, the sprawling city of Arusha is often called the “Safari Capital” of Northern Tanzania. This vibrant hub serves as the perfect gateway to Tanzania’s iconic Northern Safari Circuit, offering easy access to some of the most famous wildlife destinations on the continent — including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara.

Blessed with a temperate climate, lush surroundings, and majestic mountain views, Arusha is more than a transit city — it’s a destination in its own right, offering cultural charm, adventure, and a taste of authentic Tanzanian life.

Location – Northern Tanzania

Arusha lies in northeastern Tanzania, approximately 90 kilometres (1.5 hours) southwest of Kilimanjaro International Airport and about 80 kilometres west of Moshi.
Perched at an elevation of 1,400 metres above sea level, the city enjoys cool, spring-like weather year-round and sits between Mount Kilimanjaro to the east and Ngorongoro Highlands to the west.

Its prime location makes it the starting point for most safaris across northern Tanzania and a convenient stopover for travellers en route to Mount Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar.

Unique Features

• Gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit:  Arusha is the launching point for trips to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara National Parks, making it the safari capital of East Africa.

• Proximity to Two Great Mountains: The city sits beneath Mount Meru — Africa’s fifth-highest peak — and within sight of the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest.

• Arusha National Park: Just 30 minutes from the city, this underrated park features lush forests, alpine meadows, volcanic craters, and abundant wildlife, including giraffes, colobus monkeys, and flamingos.

• Cultural Melting Pot: Home to Maasai, Meru, and other Tanzanian communities, Arusha offers rich cultural experiences, bustling markets, and friendly hospitality.

Activities in the Area

Arusha offers something for every traveller — from wildlife adventures to cultural immersion and mountain trekking:

• Game Drives & Safaris: Use Arusha as your base to explore Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara — all within a few hours’ drive.

• Arusha National Park: Take a day trip to this beautiful park for walking safaris, canoeing on Momella Lakes, and wildlife spotting beneath the slopes of Mount Meru.

• Climb Mount Meru: Trek to the summit of Mount Meru (4,566 m), Africa’s fifth-highest mountain, for panoramic views of Kilimanjaro and the Rift Valley.

• Cultural Tours: Visit Maasai villages, craft markets, and local farms to learn about Tanzanian traditions and crafts.

• Coffee Tours: Explore the coffee plantations surrounding Arusha, where you can follow the process from bean to cup and sample Tanzania’s finest brews.

• City Exploration: Stroll through Arusha Central Market, visit the Cultural Heritage Centre, or relax in one of the city’s cafés overlooking Mount Meru.

• Day Trips: Enjoy excursions to Kilimanjaro National Park, Materuni Waterfalls, or nearby hot springs for a refreshing escape.

Travel Information

How to Get There

• By Air:
  Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the main gateway, located about 45 km (1 hour) from Arusha.
  Alternatively, Arusha Airport (ARK) handles domestic flights from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Serengeti.

• By Road:
  Arusha is well connected by highway to Moshi (80 km), Kilimanjaro, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro. Shuttle services also operate to Nairobi, Kenya (approximately 5–6 hours).

Travel Distances

• Kilimanjaro International Airport → Arusha: ~1 hour (45 km)

• Arusha → Moshi: ~1.5 hours (80 km)

• Arusha → Tarangire National Park: ~2 hours (120 km)

• Arusha → Lake Manyara National Park: ~2.5 hours (125 km)

• Arusha → Ngorongoro Conservation Area: ~3.5 hours (190 km)

• Arusha → Serengeti National Park (Central): ~6 hours (320 km)

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (June – October & December – February):
  Perfect for safaris and trekking, with clear skies and good wildlife visibility.

• Wet Season (March – May & November):
  The city and its surroundings are lush and green, ideal for photography, birdwatching, and cultural tours.

Why Include Arusha in Your Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Arusha is the heartbeat of Tanzania’s safari adventures — a place where wildlife, culture, and mountains converge.
Its strategic location, vibrant atmosphere, and accessibility make it an essential stop for anyone exploring Northern Tanzania.

Whether you’re preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, embark on a Serengeti safari, or simply relax amid mountain views and coffee aromas, Arusha offers the perfect balance of adventure and comfort.

Key Attractions

• Mount Meru – Tanzania’s second-highest peak and a rewarding climb

• Arusha National Park – giraffes, flamingos, forests, and craters

• Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater – world-famous safari destinations nearby

• Cultural Heritage Centre – Tanzanian art, crafts, and history

• Coffee Plantations – guided tours and tastings

• Maasai Villages – cultural interaction and handicrafts

• City Markets & Restaurants – local cuisine and vibrant culture

Lake Manyara National Park - Home of the Tree Climbing Lions

Lake Manyara National Park is a compact yet breathtakingly diverse safari destination, set at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment in northern Tanzania. Covering about 330 square kilometres, nearly 75% of which is occupied by the vast soda lake, the park is one of Tanzania’s most picturesque and ecologically rich reserves. Despite its modest size, Lake Manyara teems with wildlife, birdlife, and spectacular scenery — making it a must-visit stop on Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit.

Location and Ecosystems

Situated approximately 125 kilometres west of Arusha (a 2.5-hour drive), Lake Manyara lies conveniently between Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, forming part of the famous Northern Safari route. The park’s diverse ecosystems include lush groundwater forests nourished by underground springs, open grasslands, acacia woodlands, swampy floodplains, and the expansive alkaline lake itself.

This incredible range of habitats supports a remarkable array of species — from baboons, elephants, and hippos to zebras, wildebeest, and giraffes. Over 400 bird species have been recorded here, making Lake Manyara a paradise for ornithologists and photographers alike.

Unique Features

Lake Manyara is best known for its tree-climbing lions, one of Africa’s rarest wildlife behaviours, offering an extraordinary sight for visitors. The park is also famous for its large elephant herds, diverse birdlife, and dramatic topography, with the Rift Valley escarpment rising steeply behind the lake to form an awe-inspiring backdrop.

Whether you’re exploring the forest canopies alive with monkeys, the flamingo-filled shoreline, or the grassy plains dotted with buffalo and wildebeest, Lake Manyara delivers a true microcosm of Tanzania’s natural beauty.

The Great Rift Valley Escarpment

One of the park’s defining natural features is the 400-metre-high Rift Valley Escarpment, which towers over the lake below. Formed some 20–25 million years ago when the earth’s crust began to tear apart, this monumental geological formation runs the length of East Africa and is so vast it can even be seen from space.

The escarpment’s steep slopes and foothills support a wide range of vegetation and micro-ecosystems, from dense forests to grassy floodplains. Together with the soda lake and surrounding wetlands, these habitats sustain an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, making Lake Manyara a living showcase of nature’s resilience and complexity.

Excursions and Activities in Lake Manyara National Park

There’s much more to Lake Manyara than game drives — the park offers a variety of immersive activities for travellers seeking deeper experiences in nature and culture:

• Night Game Drive: Experience the magic of the African bush after dark and encounter nocturnal species such as civets, genets, porcupines, and bush babies.

• Canopy Walk / Treetop Walkway: Walk across suspended bridges up to 18 metres above the forest floor for panoramic views of the lush canopy and abundant birdlife.

• Mountain Bike Tour: Explore the park’s surroundings and local communities by bike, perfect for adventurous travellers.

• Cultural Tour – Mto wa Mbu: Visit the vibrant nearby village to experience local markets, banana farms, and traditional crafts.

• Visit the Maasai Tribe: Discover the customs, dress, and traditions of Tanzania’s iconic pastoral people.

• Visit the Hadzabe Tribe: Meet one of Africa’s last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes near Lake Eyasi for an authentic cultural encounter.

Travel Information

How to Get There

• By Road: Lake Manyara National Park is about 125 km (2.5 hours) west of Arusha, accessible by well-paved roads. It’s ideally located between Tarangire and Ngorongoro, making it easy to combine with other safari destinations.

• By Air: Regular scheduled flights connect Arusha, the Serengeti, and Zanzibar to Lake Manyara Airstrip, located just outside the park entrance — ideal for travellers on fly-in safaris.

Travel Distances

• Arusha → Lake Manyara: 2.5 hours

• Lake Manyara → Tarangire: 1 hour

• Lake Manyara → Ngorongoro: 1 hour

• Lake Manyara → Serengeti: 3.5 hours

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (July – October): The best time to see large mammals such as elephants, giraffes, and lions as they gather near the lake and water sources.

• Wet Season (November – June): Ideal for birdwatching, when migratory species arrive and the park is lush and green. Expect to see flamingos, pelicans, fish eagles, hornbills, hammertops, and bee-eaters.

Why Include Lake Manyara in Your Tanzania Safari

Lake Manyara National Park offers a perfect blend of scenery, wildlife, and accessibility. Its close proximity to Arusha, exceptional biodiversity, and variety of activities make it an ideal start or finish to any Northern Circuit safari.

Compact yet full of life, Lake Manyara allows travellers to experience a complete safari in just one day — from forest to floodplain, from flamingos to lions. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, wildlife enthusiast, or first-time safari-goer, this park promises an unforgettable encounter with Tanzania’s natural splendour.

Key Attractions

• Tree-Climbing Lions – a rare and unforgettable sight

• Large Elephant Herds and diverse wildlife including giraffes, hippos, and buffalo

• Birdwatcher’s Paradise – flamingos, pelicans, storks, and raptors in abundance

• Hot Springs (Maji Moto) – geothermal activity near the southern end of the lake

• Rift Valley Escarpment Views – dramatic panoramas perfect for photography

Serengeti National Park – The Icon of African Safaris - World Famous National Park

Together with Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve, the Serengeti National Park forms part of one of the most celebrated ecosystems on Earth. Located in northern Tanzania, this UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses vast, rolling savannahs, acacia-dotted plains, and endless horizons alive with wildlife. The Serengeti is best known for hosting the Great Migration — the largest terrestrial animal movement on the planet — making it the quintessential safari destination.

Location

Stretching across northwestern Tanzania, the Serengeti borders Kenya’s Masai Mara to the north and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the southeast. It forms the heart of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, one of the oldest and most complex natural systems in the world.

The park is divided into distinct regions, each offering unique scenery and wildlife experiences:

• Northern Serengeti: Known for the dramatic Mara River crossings during the Great Migration and incredible predator activity.

• Central Serengeti (Seronera): The wildlife-rich heart of the park, home to year-round game and iconic acacia-studded plains.

• Western Serengeti: Characterised by the Grumeti River and dense woodlands; famous for migration herds and Nile crocodiles.

• Eastern Serengeti: Remote and less-visited, offering open grasslands ideal for cheetah sightings and wilderness experiences.

• Southern Serengeti: The calving grounds for the wildebeest migration during the green season (December–March).

• Ndutu Region: A seasonal area straddling the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, renowned for wildebeest calving and predator interactions.

Unique Features

• The Great Migration: Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, 250,000 zebra, and thousands of gazelles follow the rains in search of greener pastures, creating one of nature’s greatest spectacles.

• Diverse Habitats: The park encompasses grassy plains, riverine forests, granite kopjes, and wooded hills, each home to distinct wildlife communities.

• Year-Round Wildlife: Resident species such as elephants, buffalo, giraffes, eland, impala, and hippos ensure unforgettable game viewing in every season.

Activities in the Area

• Game drives across the park’s diverse regions

• Hot-air balloon safaris at sunrise

• Walking Safaris with expert guides for an immersive wilderness experience

• Special Black Rhino Viewing

• Horseback safaris and guided bush walks

• Birdwatching with over 500 recorded species

Travel Information

How to Get There

• By Road: Accessible from Arusha via a 6–8 hour drive (depending on park entry).

• By Air: Daily scheduled and charter flights connect Arusha, Kilimanjaro International Airport, and Seronera, Kogatende, and Grumeti airstrips.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (June – October): Ideal for wildlife viewing and witnessing migration crossings.

• Green Season (November – May): Calving period in the south, lush scenery, and superb birdwatching.

Why Visit the Serengeti

The Serengeti offers a timeless and authentic African safari experience, from the drama of the Great Migration to the tranquil beauty of its open plains. Whether from a 4x4, a balloon, or on foot during a walking safari, every Serengeti moment feels like stepping into the heart of nature itself.

Key Attractions

• The Great Migration

• Big Five Sightings

• Hot-Air Balloon Safaris

• Walking Safaris

• Endless Plains & Kopjes

• Maasai Cultural Encounters

Ngorongoro Crater – The World’s Largest Intact Caldera

Ngorongoro Crater is often called “Africa’s Garden of Eden” — a breathtaking natural amphitheatre teeming with wildlife. Formed from the collapse of a massive volcano over two million years ago, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most spectacular safari destinations in Africa. Covering about 260 square kilometres and standing at 2,200 metres above sea level, the crater floor supports one of the densest concentrations of wildlife found anywhere on Earth.

Location and Ecosystems - Northern Safari Circuit of Tanzania

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area lies in northern Tanzania, about 180 kilometres (3.5–4 hours’ drive) west of Arusha. It forms part of the famed Northern Safari Circuit, connecting Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the Serengeti.

The crater’s varied ecosystems include lush grasslands, swamps, acacia woodlands, and a soda lake (Lake Magadi) that attracts flamingos and other waterbirds. Surrounding the crater rim are montane forests that host elephants, leopards, and a rich variety of birds. The mix of high-altitude terrain, fertile plains, and permanent water sources creates an ideal environment for both predators and prey.

Unique Features

Ngorongoro is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, with walls rising up to 600 metres high. It’s home to over 25,000 large mammals, including the Big Five — lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and the endangered black rhino.

This is one of the few places in Africa where you can spot rhinos grazing alongside wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and hyenas within the same sweeping landscape. The crater also provides refuge for hippos, flamingos, and numerous raptor species.

Beyond wildlife, Ngorongoro has deep cultural significance. The Maasai people still live and graze their cattle within the conservation area, maintaining traditions that coexist with wildlife in a rare example of sustainable living.

Excursions and Activities in Ngorongoro Crater

• Game Drives: Descend 600 metres into the crater for one of the most dramatic safari experiences in the world.

• Walking Safari: Explore the crater rim or nearby highlands with an armed ranger — ideal for spotting smaller fauna and enjoying panoramic views.

• Birdwatching: Over 500 species recorded, including flamingos, crowned cranes, ostriches, and secretary birds.

• Cultural Visits: Visit a Maasai boma to learn about traditional life, cattle herding, and the tribe’s coexistence with wildlife.

• Empakaai and Olmoti Crater Hikes: Discover nearby volcanic craters surrounded by montane forests and scenic viewpoints.

Travel Information

How to Get There

• By Road: The crater is about 180 km (3.5–4 hours) west of Arusha, accessible via a well-maintained tarmac road passing through Lake Manyara. The drive offers scenic views of the Rift Valley and Maasai villages.

• By Air: Daily scheduled flights from Arusha, Serengeti, and Zanzibar land at Lake Manyara Airstrip (1 hour away), with road transfers up to the crater rim. Charter flights also land at Ngorongoro Airstrip for easy access.

Travel Distances

• Arusha → Ngorongoro Crater: ~3.5–4 hours

• Arusha → Arusha National Park: ~40 minutes

• Arusha → Tarangire National Park: ~2 hours

• Tarangire → Lake Manyara: 1 hour

• Lake Manyara → Ngorongoro Crater: 1 hour

• Lake Manyara → Serengeti: 3.5 hours

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (July – October): The best time for game viewing, as animals gather on the open plains and grass is shorter. Visibility is excellent, and most roads are accessible.

• Wet Season (November – June): The crater becomes lush and green, ideal for photography and birdwatching. Flamingos fill Lake Magadi, and the landscape is alive with newborn animals during the calving season (January–March).

Why Include Ngorongoro Crater in Your Tanzania Safari

Ngorongoro Crater offers one of the most iconic safari experiences in the world. Its combination of dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife, and cultural heritage makes it an essential stop on any Northern Tanzania itinerary.

Whether you’re witnessing lions on the crater floor, spotting endangered black rhinos, or taking in the breathtaking views from the rim, Ngorongoro delivers a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience unlike any other.

Key Attractions

• The Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino

• Lake Magadi – flamingos and hippos in the soda lake

• Ngorongoro Crater Rim Viewpoints – panoramic vistas and photography spots

• Maasai Villages – cultural encounters and traditional pastoral life

• Empakaai & Olmoti Craters – scenic hiking opportunities

• Dense Wildlife Populations – one of the highest in Africa

Tarangire National Park – Home of the Giants

Tarangire National Park, often called the Home of the Giants, is a land of majestic elephants and towering baobab trees. Located in northern Tanzania, this spectacular park covers about 2,850 square kilometres and forms a vital part of the Northern Safari Circuit. It is the sixth-largest national park in Tanzania and a true hidden gem for those seeking classic African landscapes and abundant wildlife without the crowds of the Serengeti.

Location and Ecosystems

Just 118 kilometres (about 2 hours’ drive) southwest of Arusha, Tarangire is easily accessible by road and air, making it an ideal first or second stop on a Tanzania safari. The park is defined by the Tarangire River, which winds its way through grassy plains and acacia woodlands before emptying into Lake Burunge. During the dry season, the river becomes a lifeline for countless animals migrating from surrounding areas.

Tarangire’s ecosystems include savannah grasslands, acacia and baobab woodlands, swamps, and floodplains, creating a mosaic of habitats that support a rich variety of wildlife.

Unique Features

Tarangire is famed for its massive elephant herds—sometimes numbering in the hundreds—and its iconic baobab trees, some more than a thousand years old. It also hosts one of the highest concentrations of wildlife outside the Serengeti. Visitors can expect to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, oryx, impala, and waterbuck, along with over 550 species of birds, making it one of Tanzania’s top birding destinations.

During the dry months, Tarangire transforms into a wildlife haven, drawing thousands of animals to the shrinking pools of the Tarangire River—an incredible spectacle of survival and adaptation that defines the park’s charm.

Excursions and Activities in Tarangire National Park

• Game Drives: Explore the park’s vast plains and woodlands in search of elephants, predators, and spectacular birdlife.

• Night Game Drive: Experience the African bush after dark and encounter nocturnal creatures such as civets, genets, porcupines, and bush babies.

• Walking Safari: Accompanied by an armed ranger, enjoy a guided walk for a more intimate perspective of the park’s flora and fauna.

• Birdwatching: Spot colourful species like yellow-collared lovebirds, hornbills, and the endemic ashy starling.

• Cultural Visit: Interact with local Maasai or Datoga communities near the park for an authentic cultural experience.

Travel Information

How to Get There

• By Road: Tarangire National Park lies about 118 km (2 hours) southwest of Arusha, along a good tarmac road that continues to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro.

• By Air: Daily scheduled flights connect Arusha, the Serengeti, and Zanzibar to Kuro Airstrip, located inside Tarangire—ideal for fly-in safaris.

Travel Distances

• Arusha → Tarangire National Park: ~2 hours

• Tarangire → Lake Manyara: 1 hour

• Lake Manyara → Ngorongoro Crater: 1 hour

• Lake Manyara → Serengeti: 3.5 hours

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (July – October): Prime wildlife viewing as animals congregate around the Tarangire River; vegetation is sparse and visibility excellent.

• Wet Season (November – June): The park is lush and green, with excellent birdwatching and fewer crowds. Many animals disperse but scenery and photographic opportunities are outstanding.

Why Include Tarangire National Park in Your Tanzania Safari

Tarangire offers a classic safari experience in a serene, uncrowded setting. Its dense elephant populations, iconic baobab landscapes, and rich biodiversity make it an essential complement to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. The park’s mix of habitats, seasonal migrations, and off-the-beaten-path atmosphere create a truly authentic East African safari adventure.

Key Attractions

• Giant elephant herds

• Ancient baobab trees

• Over 550 species of birds

• The Tarangire River and seasonal migration

• Walking and night safaris