Guided Drive Northern Tanzania

Waiting at Kilimanjaro International Airport for you will be a representative from Rivertrees Country Inn, your first accommodation in Tanzania. A scenic drive will take you from the airport – be sure to check if the clouds have lifted so you can see the summit of Kili, Africa’s tallest peak – to the charming town of Arusha. Another looming mountain, Meru, awaits you here. Its rich foothills support lush coffee farms and verdant gardens, a peaceful oasis from which to start your safari. Why we love Rivertrees Country Inn: Monkeys and birds thrive in the riverine forest A lovely setting on the Usa River Spacious cottages are positioned for maximum privacy Unwind with a massage, swim or even a gentle trail run

Waking up to the dawn chorus of birdsong, freshly brewed Tanzanian coffee and a good breakfast sets you up for your first drive. Your driver-guide will ensure you are comfortable before setting off for Tarangire and Ndovu Tented Lodge for two nights. A benefit of a driving safari like this is that every game drive is private and you can linger at sightings that interest you. Your third day sees both a morning and afternoon drive in the elephant stronghold of Tarangire. Why we love Tarangire Ndovu Tented Lodge: An all-year camp that is open through Green Season Well positioned along a traditional elephant route Two family units for small groups Refreshing swimming pool for hot afternoons

After getting your fill of Tarangire’s ancient baobabs, huge herds of elephants and superb birdlife, you settle in for today’s drive to drive to your next stop: Marera Valley Lodge in Karatu. En route you enjoy a game drive through Lake Manyara National Park, known for its seasonal flocks of pink flamingos and famous tree-climbing lions. The next day is a breath-taking one: the descent into the Ngorongoro Crater. Formed by an ancient volcano, the crater is a sanctuary for plentiful wildlife. Why we love Marera Valley Lodge: Wonderful panoramic vistas of the Marera Valley Convenient base for Lake Manyara and the Crater Swimming pool, Wi-Fi and solar power Every room has a welcome wood-burning fireplace

It’s time for the big one: the Serengeti! Arguably the most famous national park in the world, this place of golden savannah is home to not only the Great Wildebeest Migration but also prides of lion, coalitions of cheetah, solitary leopard and packs of wild dog. Your base is Lahia Tented Lodge, from which you strike out to the Western Corridor and Northern Serengeti, both of which are hives of Migration activity from around mid-year but also offer spectacular possibilities year round. Why we love Lahia Tented Lodge: Hilltop location gives unfettered views Well-spaced tented suites Every tent has an outdoor shower Fantastic proximity to the Western Corridor

From the west to the north: today your driver plots their course for the Northern Serengeti and the apex of the Migration calendar. The Mara River forms a natural boundary between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara and, at mid-year, the wildebeest must try to cross it. Mara Mara Tented Camp is home for two nights, meaning you have plenty of time to explore this part of the park on a final series of game drives. Why we love Mara Mara Tented Camp: Two ‘camps’ make for a more intimate atmosphere A bathtub for an indulgent soak after a long day Sparkling pool to refresh yourself Very convenient for the Kogatende Airstrip

What a trip it has been! From the plush gentility of Arusha to the jaw-dropping scenery of the Crater; from the teeming Serengeti to the blood-red sunsets, this Northern Tanzania safari has something for everyone. On your final morning, you may be able to squeeze in a last game drive but, if not, then you enjoy breakfast on the deck before heading to the Kogatende Airstrip and your flight back to Kilimanjaro International, where this incredible journey began…