Tanzania Safari Experience
We would like to invite you to join and make this unique experience with us.
Tanzania is one of Africa’s top safari destinations. The wildlife viewing is out of this world and big cats are especially easy to see. All members of the Big Five can be found in various Tanzanian parks and reserves, and all five are present in the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. Almost 40% of the country is protected and set aside for conservation, which means that it’s easy to go on a Tanzania safari for full weeks and drive from park to park while rarely leaving the bush.
In this tour we propose you the Northern Safari Circuit – the most popular Tanzania safari route comprising the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park and Arusha National Park.
One unique experience adapted and exclusive for you.
Where are we going ?
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.
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).
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 means that a visit here is one of the most rewarding Tanzania safaris for twitchers, 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.
Serengeti National Park: A Safari Superstar
Synonymous with safari, the Serengeti is where to go in Tanzania for game viewing at its most dramatic. Hosting the lion’s share of the Wildebeest Migration (from about January to September), the Serengeti's sheer size, accessibility, top-quality lodges and camps, and year-round abundance of wildlife make it one of the best safari destinations in Africa. It's also a regular stop on the best Tanzania safari tours.
Ngorongoro Crater: Haven for the Big 5
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, and is provides what is arguably the best safari in Tanzania.
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.
Arusha National Park
Click on the picture to open website
Tarangire National Park
Click on the picture to open website
Serengeti National Park
Click on the picture to open website
Ngorongoro Crater
Click on the picture to open website
Lake Manyara
National Park
Click on the picture to open website
Traveling to Tanzania :
-We strongly advice, that when you start to plan your Tanzania Safari Experience, you take a travel consultation with a doctor for information about vaccinations, etc. (The World Health Organisation recommends the following vaccinations for South Africa: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza)
-Malaria is common to Tanzania. The sad news is, if you stay a lengthy period of time in the country, you are most likely to suffer a bout on your stay. Malaria is certainly a killer, but it rarely claims the life of travellers. The existence of anti-malarial drugs in hospitals means you can take a tablet and suffer just a few days of bad health.
Most travelers take precautions for malaria and drugs like Malarone readily available in all Western countries.
But anti-malarial drugs have a downside, nausea, fainting and psychological side effects are common for those taking the drugs.
-Most foreigners are required to hold a VISA to enter Tanzania. Passport holders from just a few countries can visit Tanzania visa-free for up to 3 months.
Tourists who are eligible for the eVisa can also get a visa on arrival in Tanzania. However, to avoid delays at the airport, visitors are advised to apply onlinebefore departure.
Lists of the countries in each category and e-VISA'S are provided in the link on the end of this page.
-Traveling with children: At immigration, requires Unabridged Birth Certificate which shows the details of both parents.
If father travels alone, then the birth certificate needs to be certified.
All informations in the link on the end of this page.
Money and tipping :
The Tanzanian Shilling is the official currency of Tanzania, 11.875.-TSh are about 5€/5CHF/4.30£/5$ (2022). But US dollars are also widely accepted in tourist areas. Dollar notes printed before 2009 are usually not accepted. You can exchange money at many authorised dealers, banks and bureaux de change. Get a receipt after each transaction.
Most banks in major cities have ATMs, but they are not always reliable and sometimes break down or run out of money. To minimise the risk of card cloning, only use ATMs located within the bank. Travellers cheques are not widely accepted and non-Bank of England sterling notes may be subject to less favourable exchange rates.
There is no expectation of tipping at the event or activities, of course, local people will be happy if you do it. The guideline is voluntary tipping of 10% on service fee/food/beverages.
Voltage :
In Tanzania the power plugs and sockets are of type D and G. Check out the following pictures.
-
Type D: mainly used in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and some African countries. This socket only works with plug D.
-
Type G: this type is of British origin. This socket only works with plug G.
The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Tanzania, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 - 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa). Manufacturers take these small deviations into account. If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V - 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries), you need a voltage converter in Tanzania. You can also consider a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter.
Insurances :
All participants are expected to take out comprehensive medical and travel insurances in the event of unforeseen circumstances leading to participants falling ill or having to cancel their trip in Tanzania.
Dress Code :
The entire event is very casual. Just one little reminder about colours, it is important the using of earth colours (greens, browns and khakis), specially for the game drives and bush walks.
Bush walks are walking safaris and we are invading the territory of the animals and possibly predators. For your safety and the safety of your group, you will be expected to dress in neutral tones (earth colours), so white, bright colours or busy patterns are not appropriate.
Dark colours, like blacks and dark blues are thought to attract flies and mosquitos. Red is also not a very good idea, predators identify red with wounded animals.
The weather in South Africa is nothing like one would expect, most people think that this part of the world is constantly warm, if not unbearably hot. Nothing could be more farther from reality. During the early morning and evening safaris a warm jumper, cardigan or coat is highly advised as it can get quite cold on the open plan jeeps.
Wear a hat/cap, anyone who’s spent time in the African sun can attest to the power of the rays, and wearing a hat/cap for safari is the first line of defence from sun damage.
Very confortable shoes at all time is a must, specially for the bush walks is recommended high trekking shoes.
Our Lodges and Camps :
Click on the picture for more information
Moivaro Coffee Lodge:
Moivaro Lodge is situated right in the heart of beautiful, natural scenery and yet is only 7 km from the town of Arusha: an ideal spot to enjoy the impressive flora and fauna of East Africa.
At Moivaro Lodge we will ensure that you are looked after in a unique, friendly and peaceful manner, helping you to prepare for your safaris and cosseting you on your return in the evening. Our spacious thatched brick cottages are set in a lovely tropical garden, with private verandas ensuring every visitor all the privacy needed. Relax and enjoy the beautiful views of Mount Meru from the comfortable veranda, go for a stroll around the Moivaro property, or laze at the pool nestling in the midst of tropical trees and coffee plants.
Hand Coffee Lodge:
This is a new property located on 15 acres of coffee farm sailing like an ark along with the primeval of the Ngorongoro Crater conservation area which is a world heritage site in volcanic high land of Tanzania.
It has superb 10 cottages and 3 family Bungalows all with fire place in each room and consist of bathroom, bedroom, verandah offers clear forest air and superb forest viewing over the farm land.
Enjoy the nature, visit the coffee farm and experience the wild right from your room.
Click on the picture for more information
Click on the picture for more information
Shuhudia Adventure Camp:
Shuhudia Adventure Camp is an Eco-friendly tented camp located in prime area of the Central Serengeti National Park. We offer a personalized level of comfort in an intimate setting. Relax at your temporary home with panoramic view of Serengeti National Park, home of the ”Great migration” along with abundance of game. Our tented safari camp fuses isolation and sublime game viewing opportunities with a luxury experience.
The camp offers accommodation in 10 tents (singles/twins/doubles), each with comfortable furniture, private terrace and en-suite bathroom equipped with wardrobe, a safari bucket shower, a hand wash basin and a flush toilet. Triple tents can be arranged on very special requests. Each tent is superbly furnished with African decor and style to offer maximum comfort.
Prices :
The prices of your Tanzania Safari Experience are 2'600€ (3'000€ for 2025) for adults and 1'800€ (2'000€ for 2025) for children from 5 to 12 years old.
The event fees include: airport transfers, accommodations, all meals (inc. tee/coffee and soft drinks), safari vehicle with private driver and guide, parks fees and bottled water. The event fees do not include: flights, thanks tips, optional activities, medications, hospital treatments and alcoholic drinks.
The inscriptions will be validate just after the payment of 30% of the event fee (non-refundable). The participant agrees to pay the full payment until 60 days prior 0f the event. If the inscription will be made 60 days or less from the begging of the event , the full fee should be payed for inscribing. The Maia Wildlife Safari Experience have the right to cancel all inscriptions, when the payments did not follow the conditions here described.
We have a limited number of inscriptions, early reservations are advised.
Don't forget to pack :
Adaptor for Tanzania wall plugs (if needed); sun cream; insects spray; hat/cap; sunglasses; swimming suit; pool towel; binoculars; photo camera; basic medication; proof of health insurance;
And the most important, an open mind and lots of fun.
Itinerary :
Day 1 - Arrival in the morning at Kilimanjaro international airport, then we will drive about 50km to Arusha where your lodge will be waiting to receive you. Relaxing and visiting the city of Arusha. Later in the afternoon return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 2 - Early breakfast and a quick drive of about 40km to the Arusha National Park. You will be spending the full day in a great safari including bush-walking for an absolute close view of the wildlife and the famous waterfalls of Arusha National Park. After a good leg-stretching day, you will be driven back to your lodge for a delicious dinner and overnight.
Day 3 - After an early breakfast you will initiate your drive of about 115km to Tarangire National Park for a full day of game viewing. The Tarangire National Park is known as a wonderful birding destination also features large numbers of game, particularly during the dry season, when the Tarangire River is the only source of water in the area. The landscape is of particular interest too, due to the high number of scenic baobab trees. The Park is the 6th largest National Park in Tanzania and offers some unrivalled elephant sightings - indeed, it is estimated that the Park is home to the largest elephant population in northern Tanzania - approximately 2,500 - and these numbers are rapidly increasing by an estimated 6% per year.
After the park we will be driving to the Karatu village, were we will be spending the night at the Hhando Coffee Lodge, located at the sloop forest hills of the Ngorongoro mountains.
Day 4 - From the lodge we will drive to the Ngorongoro gate, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area that is home to the vast, volcanic Ngorongoro Crater and “big 5” game (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino). We will make our way to the great Serengeti National Park that is a World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife: over 2 million ungulates, 4000 lions, 1000 leopard, 550 cheetahs and some 500 bird species inhabit an area close to 15,000 square kilometres in size. We will be arriving for an evening safari and finishing your day with dinner and overnight at the Shuhudia Adventure Camp.
Day 5 - After an early breakfast, we will spend the all day in the lands of the great Serengeti ecosystem that is a geographical region in Africa, spanning northern Tanzania. The protected area within the region includes approximately 30,000 km2 (12,000 sq mi) of land, including the Serengeti National Park and several game reserves. The Serengeti hosts the second largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world, which helps secure it as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, and as one of the ten natural travel wonders of the world.
The Serengeti is also renowned for its large lion population and is one of the best places to observe prides in their natural environment. Approximately 70 large mammal and 500 bird species are found here. This high diversity is a function of diverse habitats, including riverine forests, swamps, kopjes, grasslands, and woodlands. Blue wildebeest, gazelles, zebras, and buffalos are some of the commonly found large mammals in the region.
The name "Serengeti" is often said to be derived from the word "seringit" in the Masai language, Maa, meaning "endless plains".
After an exciting day we will make our way back to the Camp to relax, dinner and overnight.
Day 6 - We will start our early drive way to Nabi gate, from there about 64km to reach the beginning of the Ngorongoro Crater. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Ngorongoro District, 180 km (110 mi) west of Arusha City in Arusha Region, within the Crater Highlands geological area of northern Tanzania. The area is named after Ngorongoro Crater, a large volcanic caldera within the area. The conservation area is administered by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, an arm of the Tanzanian government, and its boundaries follow the boundary of the Ngorongoro District in Arusha Region. The western portion of the park abuts the Serengeti National Park (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the area comprising the two parks and Kenya's Masai Mara game reserve is home to Great Migration, a massive annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and other animals. The conservation area also contains Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world.
Day 7 - Leaving the lodge early morning for our last safari at the Lake Manyara National Park for another unique experience. Apart from a spectacular setting, the park is famous for its unusual tree-climbing lions and the vast elephant herds which can easily be seen within the evergreen forests as well as the acacia woodlands. The high amount of ground water as well as the verdant vegetation provide adequate ground to feed these forest giants. The shores of the lake, encrusted with pink flamingo, attract more than 400 species of birds, many of them waterfowl or migrants.
After another mind blowing time we will make our way to Arusha and then to Kilimanjaro international airport for you departure back home.
(The itinerary may be changed accordingly with your wishes, weather conditions, etc.)
Click on the picture for more information about the lists of the countries in each category that require entry VISA and e-VISA'S for Tanzania.
Click on the picture for more information about travelling with children to Tanzania.
Please, contact us for all kind of questions and informations.
We are very happy to share this experience with you.