Guided Drive And Fly Northern Tanzania

After jetting into Kilimanjaro International Airport (Kili is the highest peak in Africa and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain so look out for its snowy cap if the pilot points it out), you will be met and driven to Rivertrees Country Inn for your first night. Like many lodges here, it is located on an old coffee estate that took advantage of the fertile soil at the foot of Mount Meru. This is a charming spot to ease into your Tanzanian safari. Why we love Rivertrees Country Inn: A lovely setting along the meandering Usa River Secluded cottages with plenty of privacy Unwinding after a long flight in the massage hut In a riverine forest that is home to vervet and colobus monkeys

After a refreshing night’s sleep and pot of fresh Arusha coffee, you head out in a private vehicle with your own guide to Tarangire National Park. Think of this as your first game drive! The riverine forest and plantations of Arusha give way to classic bush dotted with massive baobab trees – a favourite of elephants during dry season for the water they store. Home for two nights is Tarangire Ndovu, a lodge with elevated tents that looks out to the Great Rift Valley wall. Why we love Tarangire Ndovu Tented Lodge: Comfortable tents with sliding doors and large decks Swimming pool with views of the surrounding wildlife Located on a historical elephant migration path Pared back décor with subtle touches of Africa

Today you once again head out in your own private vehicle for the drive from Tarangire to Karatu, an area with excellent proximity to Lake Manyara National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Manyara is known for its seasonal lake and prides of lion that climb trees to escape the heat while the Ngorongoro Crater is a wildlife wonder in an unbroken volcanic caldera. Your base is Marera Valley Lodge, which is set a little outside of Karatu town centre. Why we love Marera Valley Lodge: Valley views from the charming cottages Beautiful gardens surround the large swimming pool Cosy fireplaces in each of the bedrooms Massages after several days on the road

A mobile camp is one that can be completely broken down and rebuilt in a different place at a different time of year. In the first half of the year, Nasikia Mobile Migration camp is in the Southern Serengeti; in the second, it moves up north, following the Great Wildebeest Migration. To get here, you fly from the Lake Manyara Airstrip to the one at Kogatende and experience your first taste of one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world. Why we love Nasikia Mobile Migration Camp: Never more than a dozen tents in camp Electric charging stations for your gear Very comfortable four-poster beds Gorgeous views over the golden savannah

On your final morning, watch one last sunrise and you may even have time to head out on a final game drive. If not, enjoy breakfast overlooking the plains before being driven back to the Kogatende Airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport. When you step onto the tarmac, it may be hard to believe it was only nine days since you were last here. Since then, you’ve hopefully seen incredible scenery, enjoyed amazing sightings and savoured Tanzania’s boundless hospitality.