The safari in Tanzania is a unique experience that deserves to be lived once in your life! It was a dream of ours for years that finally came true in December 2023. We booked our plane tickets through Qatar (645€ return) with an intermediate stop in Doha. After a 10 hour flight (4 hours to Doha and another 5 hours to Tanzania), we landed at Kilimanjaro International Airport, totally excited and ready for action.
Since we arrived quite early in the morning 7:40 we had decided to start the safari directly. In order to reduce the cost of the safari we had chosen to participate in a safari together with 3 other people, whom of course we did not know beforehand. Also, both for the experience and to keep the cost of the safari preferably low, we chose to spend 2 nights at public campsites within the national parks. The company we chose for our safari days was Topy tours with which we were completely satisfied.
Tanzania safari
Important information: We would not suggest start the safari as soon as you arrive. A day to recover from the flights and realize where you are is a must!
Day 1 Safari: Tarangire National Park
So, Ben was waiting for us outside the airport, and with his private van took us to the meeting point, where we met with the rest of the group. All together, 5 people in total, we would enjoy the 4 days safari. The first day of the safari started from Tarangire National Park, where the impressive elephants hold the dominance of the landscape.
Tanzania safari
Tarangire National Park in a nutshell
Tarangire National Park it is located in Northern Tanzania and is known for its rich wildlife, particularly the large herds of elephants that are often seen there. Apart from elephants, the park is also home to a plethora of other wild animals such as lions, giraffes, wild boars, zebras, nerobes like crocodiles, hippos and many more. The area also has interesting avifauna, as many species of birds are sighted here throughout the year, making it a must-see destination for wildlife and bird-watching enthusiasts.
Our visit to the Tarangire National Park was an exciting experience with the spectacular beauty of the African savannah. There, large elephants roamed freely, while lions, zebras and cheetahs provided a wild concert of nature.
At noon, a lunch break is mandatory. Everything is cooked and stored in a special big box. We stop at an outdoor area with tables, where the whole group settles down to eat and drink beer that has been stored since the morning in the jeep’s cooler. Although relaxed and sleepy from the food, wildlife hunt continues into the afternoon. At 6 o’clock when the sun sets, we make our way back to the lodge where it is scheduled to stay in the village, Mto wa mbu. Dinner is served at 19:30 and then we fall asleep, all tired.
Tanzania safari
Day 2 Safari: Serengeti National Park
After having our breakfast at 9:00 we made our way to the Serengeti National Park. The route is to last about 4 hours with the positive assumption that during this route we would stop at the observation point of the Ngorngoro crater which you will read more about later. For the next few days it is important to take with us the absolutely necessary things (with the option of leaving the rest at the lodge), as the jeep safari would transport the raw materials of our meals, tents, mattresses and sleeping bags.
A few words about Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park it is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and is considered one of the world’s most iconic wildlife destinations. It is known for the annual Great Migration, where millions of zebras and other cattle move across vast plains in search of fresh grazing land. The park’s extensive basins, vertically strewn with acacias and rock formations, provide a spectacular backdrop for wildlife viewing.
The Serengeti is home to diverse and abundant wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros), giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and many species of birds. Conservation efforts at the park contribute to its status as a symbol of natural beauty and ecological importance, attracting wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and researchers from around the world.
The most shocking moment in the Serengeti National Park was when we saw hyenaseating a freshly caught zebra at close range. With this shocking image (but what can youuuuuu do, that’s nature) our day in the Serengeti ended. Then we made our way to the Seronera public campsite of the Serengeti National Park.
Tanzania safari
Our overnight stay at Seronera camping
The night at Seronera, Serengeti National Park’s public campsite is a completely unprecedented experience. The sound of wild animals in the dark creates an atmosphere of mystery and creepiness. The presence of a personal chef adds a dimension of luxury, offering meals that exceed our expectations and elevate the safari experience.
Our waterproof and sturdy tents with all the essentials are set up for us by the safari leaders enjoying a comfortable sleep amidst the sounds of the night. Nevertheless, we would not choose to stay at this particular campsite again, since the toilets are quite far from the tents and in the dark. Also, using a flashlight in the toilets attracts numerous annoying insects and finally, perhaps most importantly of all, you won’t find hot water for a bath.
Day 3 safari: Sergneti National Park – Ngrongoro National Park
On the 3rd day we wake up early in the morning where at 6:30 we have our excellent breakfast of omelets, crepes, peanut butter and fruit from our personal chef. We then board on the safari jeep to continue our wildlife hunt in the Serengeti and end up in the evening at Tanzania’s next famous national park, Ngrongoro National Park. At noon we enjoy lunch at the Seronera campsite and continue the safari thirsty for hunting and action! We arrive exhausted at around 19:30 in the evening (although it was already dark) at the Simba campsite, the public camping area of the Ngorongoro National Park.
Tanzania safari
Our stay at Simba camping
If you are a fan of camping, Simba is a really great campsite with clean toilets and hot water to enjoy your bath. We would choose it again as the best thing was the incredible view of the East in the morning! A spectacle so powerful that it creates beautiful emotions and creates memories that you will remember forever!
Day 4 safari: Ngorngoro National Park
A few words about Ngorngoro National Park
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including the Ngorongoro Crater, is another spectacular natural wonder in Tanzania. Ngorongoro Crater is a large, intact and volcanic caldera that is home to a high density of wildlife with a unique ecosustem, has fairly earned the UNESCO World Heritage status. The crater floor is a refuge for a variety of animals, including the “Big Five”, as well as a high concentration of predators. Apart from the crater, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area includes a variety of landscapes, from grassy plains and savannahs to forests and highlands.
The Maasai also inhabit the area, coexisting with wildlife and practicing traditional pastoralism. Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers stunning scenery, rich biodiversity and the opportunity to observe the coexistence of wildlife and local communities in a unique and ecologically significant environment.
Our exciting encounter with the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos and leopards) in Ngorongoro adds a dimension of luxury to the safari. The fascinating contrast of nature and endless horizons leave indelible images in the memory. Ngorongoro National Park, with its caldera, offers a unique opportunity to admire the “Big Five” in a stunning natural spectacle.
At lunchtime we stop at Simba camping, where the chef cooks delicious meals. The safari continues for some more time and then we make our way back to stay at the lodge in Mto wa mbu village. From there we will continue the rest of the days for our cultural experience through visits and activities in the wider region of Tanzania.
Tanzania safari
Undoubtedly, a trip to Tanzania is an experience that combines adventure, beauty and discovery. To enjoy the safari as it deserves, you must be well informed and prepared.
So don’t forget to also read: First time safari in Tanzania: Everything you need to know!
Enjoy more images from our Tanzania safari in the #SAFARI TZ highlight stories on Ιnstagram.
