13-Day Northern Tanzania Safari & Cultural Adventure
Organized by Tanzania Safari Planners
Overview
This immersive 13-day safari and cultural journey takes you through the lesser-known and most iconic regions of Northern Tanzania. Begin your adventure in Moshi, then explore the misty Usambara Mountains, hike through lush forests, and witness breathtaking views. Venture into remote Mkomazi National Park and experience authentic Maasai culture at Lake Natron. The itinerary continues through classic safari highlights including Tarangire, Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater—home to Africa’s Big Five. Finish with a cultural connection at Lake Eyasi with the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. A perfect blend of wildlife, scenery, and culture, curated for the true adventurer.
Tour Highlight
Day 1: Arrival – Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a representative from Tanzania Safari Planners. After a short drive, check in at Park View Inn, Moshi. Enjoy a relaxing evening in this peaceful town at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. If time allows, explore the town or relax at the hotel with views of the mountain.
Overnight: Park View Inn, Moshi
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Moshi – Drive to Lushoto (Usambara Mountains)
After breakfast, drive southeast through the scenic landscapes of northern Tanzania to the Usambara Mountains, arriving in Lushoto in time for lunch. Lushoto is known for its cool climate, fertile valleys, and colonial-era charm. Spend your afternoon enjoying the natural beauty and serenity of this mountain town.
Overnight: Local guesthouse or lodge in Lushoto (e.g., Irente View or similar)
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Hiking and Scenic Views in Lushoto
Spend the day hiking through the Usambara Mountains. Visit Irente Viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Maasai plains far below. Along the way, explore local villages, waterfalls, and dense forests filled with birdlife and rare flora.
Overnight: Devdi Crater Lodge or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Lushoto – Drive to Mkomazi National Park
After breakfast, head to Mkomazi National Park, one of Tanzania’s hidden gems. This semi-arid park is home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, and especially known for its Black Rhino Sanctuary. Enjoy a game drive in the afternoon.
Overnight: Inside the park at Taj House Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5: Mkomazi – Drive to Arusha
Today after breakfast, drive to Arusha, the safari capital of northern Tanzania. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon or explore the town’s cultural markets and local attractions.
Overnight: Kutoka Lodge, Arusha
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, begin your safari journey by heading to Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Enjoy a full day of game viewing along the Tarangire River.
Overnight: Motto Cottages
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 7: Tarangire – Drive to Lake Natron
Leave Tarangire and journey through dramatic volcanic landscapes to Lake Natron, a unique alkaline lake at the foot of Ol Doinyo Lengai, the sacred Maasai volcano. Arrive in time to enjoy the views and peaceful atmosphere.
Overnight: Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 8: Lake Natron – Full Day Activities
Spend the day exploring Lake Natron. Visit the waterfalls, walk to the lake to see thousands of flamingos, and learn about Maasai culture. You can also enjoy a short hike to the Engare Sero waterfalls.
Overnight: Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 9–10: Drive to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, drive into the heart of the Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend two days exploring this endless savannah known for the Great Migration, big cats, and abundant wildlife.
Overnights: Kontiki Safari Camp or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 11: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater
Depart Serengeti with a game drive en route, heading toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, home to nearly every species in East Africa, including the Big Five.
Overnight: Farm of Dreams Lodge, Karatu
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 12: Lake Eyasi – Hadzabe & Datoga Tribe Visit
Drive to Lake Eyasi to meet the Hadzabe (Bushmen), one of Tanzania’s last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes. Join them for a morning hunt, visit the Datoga blacksmiths, and learn about their traditions.
Overnight: Forest Hill Lodge, Karatu
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 13: Relaxing Morning – Return to Kilimanjaro or Fly to Zanzibar
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast. Depending on your flight schedule, you can spend some time in Arusha for shopping or sightseeing before your drive to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your international flight home.
Alternatively, continue your adventure with a flight to Zanzibar for a few days of beach relaxation.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
- INCLUSIONS
- Airport transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport
- All accommodations as outlined in the itinerary
- All meals as specified per day (B/L/D)
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional English-speaking guide
- All park entry fees and conservation fees
- Game drives as per itinerary
- Cultural experiences with Hadzabe and Datoga tribes
- Hiking excursions in the Usambara Mountains
- Visit to Engare Sero waterfalls and Lake Natron flamingo walk
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Government taxes and fees
- EXCLUSIONS
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Travel and health insurance
- Visa fees for Tanzania
- Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, souvenirs, tips)
- Optional Zanzibar extension (quoted separately)
- Soft and alcoholic beverages at lodges and camps
- Additional optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips for the driver guide
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