Arusha, Tanzania – Gateway to Northern Tanzania Safaris

The charming town of Arusha is located less than an hour from Kilimanjaro International Airport, making it the perfect gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, including Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti National Park.

Arusha also has a regional airport with flights to popular destinations like the Serengeti and Zanzibar, making it convenient for travelers who want to maximize their safari time. While Arusha itself is a quaint town with a few museums and art galleries, most visitors only need one night here before heading into the wild.

For those with a little extra time, a visit to Arusha National Park offers a great way to enjoy a half-day wildlife excursion close to town.

Even though Moshi is slightly closer to Mount Kilimanjaro’s base, we at Samuwa Adventure Safaris recommend a night in Arusha for climbers, providing a comfortable place to rest and prepare before embarking on the Kili climb or safari adventure.

MOUNT KILIMANJARO – AFRICA’S TALLEST PEAK

Mount Kilimanjaro stands proudly as the tallest peak in Africa, reaching 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Situated on the equator, the climate on Kilimanjaro changes primarily with altitude rather than season, showcasing almost every climate type on Earth as you ascend.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a dream for adventure seekers, but this 7–10 day trek is challenging, and approximately half of those who attempt it do not reach the summit. While the mountain can be climbed year-round, we recommend avoiding the rainy seasons in November and April–May.

At Samuwa Adventure Safaris, we offer several popular routes suited to different levels of experience:

• Lemosho Route (8 days): Ideal for scenery and acclimatization. Less crowded with the highest success rate.
• Machame Route (7 days): Scenic and popular, it merges with the Lemosho route after a couple of days. Offers excellent acclimatization and is more budget-friendly.
• Rongai Route (7 days): Approaching from the northern side, this is the least crowded. It has a moderate grade and drier scenery. This route is slightly more expensive but perfect for those seeking a quieter adventure.

Safety and preparation are paramount. Our experienced teams at Samuwa Adventure Safaris are trained year-round, ensuring all crews are well-equipped for the trek. For those who prefer a shorter adventure, day hikes from the base camp provide a fantastic alternative without committing to the full summit.

Kilimanjaro is conveniently located about one hour from Arusha, with easy access to Kilimanjaro International Airport and the domestic Arusha Airport, making it simple to combine your climb with a wildlife safari or beach holiday. Before and after your climb, we recommend a night in Moshi, a charming town at the base of the mountain, perfect for rest and acclimatization.

NGORONGORO CRATER – A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE WONDER

The Ngorongoro Crater, part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and unique ecosystem. The crater is a collapsed volcanic caldera, its towering walls enclosing a fertile floor that supports an extraordinary variety of wildlife.

Visitors on a Samuwa Adventure Safaris tour will experience phenomenal game viewing. The nutrient-rich grasses attract over 25,000 large animals, including black-maned lions, black rhinos, and the Big 5, as well as 100 species of birds. The crater floor is explored on day-trip game drives from lodges either on the crater rim or in the nearby highlands, providing a spectacular combination of wildlife and panoramic views.

While the Ngorongoro Crater offers incredible sightings, it is also one of Tanzania’s most visited destinations. Between June and October, the crater can get crowded, with lines of vehicles at the gates and busy animal viewing spots. To enjoy a more private and relaxed experience, we recommend visiting in the off-season, when you can truly appreciate the beauty and diversity of this remarkable ecosystem.

Typically, 1–2 nights in the area is sufficient to explore the crater and enjoy nearby attractions without feeling rushed.

Zanzibar – A Tropical Paradise

Zanzibar is a tropical island paradise, often included as the perfect relaxing finale to a Tanzanian or Kenyan safari with Samuwa Adventure Safaris. The island is famed for its soft white sandy beaches, gentle coral reefs, and turquoise waters. During low tide, you can sometimes walk up to a quarter mile on the sand or even reach the coral reefs, making it ideal for exploration and photography.

Beyond its beaches, Zanzibar is rich in history and culture. The capital, Stone Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the Sultan’s Palace, historic mosques, and vibrant markets. A visit to the 1107 Kizimkazi Mosque is a must for those interested in the island’s ancient heritage.

Zanzibar offers a wide array of water-based activities including:

• Snorkeling & scuba diving (especially near Mnemba Island)
• Kite surfing, fishing, kayaking, and sailing

For a break from the sun and sand, travelers can enjoy:

• Spice Tours to learn about Zanzibar’s famous spices
• Visits to the Jozani Forest to see the rare colobus monkeys

Zanzibar can be visited year-round, though April, May, and November may bring heavier rains. The island can also be hot and humid, so we recommend staying at a resort with air conditioning for comfort. The west and northern beaches are ideal for calm waters and minimal tidal variations, while the east coast near Mnemba Island is perfect for snorkeling and diving adventures.

12 Amazing Facts About Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater – Samuwa Adventure Safaris

The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is one of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders – a vast, bowl-like caldera often described as a “Garden of Eden.” Visiting it with Samuwa Adventure Safaris guarantees a safari experience like no other, where abundant wildlife, stunning landscapes, and cultural heritage meet.

1. The Largest Unbroken Caldera in the World

Ngorongoro was once a volcano. When it collapsed, it formed a massive bowl-like depression called a caldera – from the Spanish word for “cooking pot.” At almost 20 km wide and covering 264 km², it is the largest unbroken caldera on Earth. Visitors explore it via safari vehicles, as no one is allowed to sleep inside the crater itself.

2. Viewed From the Rim, It Looks Empty

From the rim, the crater floor may appear empty, but the wildlife is abundant. The walls rise about 600 m above the floor, making the vast herds of animals below invisible until you descend the winding road.

3. Home to Tens of Thousands of Large Mammals

Ngorongoro houses 25,000–30,000 large mammals, including elephants, lions, black rhinos, wildebeests, zebras, and more. The diversity of wildlife makes it a must-visit for any safari enthusiast.

4. Diverse Ecosystems

The crater’s habitats include:

• Steep, forested walls – home to leopards
• Lake Magadi and soda flats – flamingos and water birds
• Mandusi & Gorigor Swamps – elephants, hippos, lions
• Lerai Forest – acacia woodland with monkeys and birds
• Extensive grasslands – lions, elands, zebras, and rhinos

5. Best Time to Visit

• Short dry season: Jan–mid-March
• Long wet season: mid-March–May
• Long dry season: June–Oct (most popular for safaris)
• Short wet season: Nov–Dec

Dry seasons make wildlife spotting easier, while wet seasons showcase lush scenery and fewer tourists.

6. Over 300 Animal Species

Ngorongoro is home to numerous species, including critically endangered black rhinos, African golden cats, and painted dogs, as well as lions, elephants, cheetahs, hyenas, and many more.

7. The Big Five Are Here – Except Giraffes

Ngorongoro Crater supports the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and black rhinos. However, giraffes cannot navigate the steep crater walls, so they are found elsewhere in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA).

8. World’s Highest Lion Density

The crater has the highest density of lions on the planet, with one lion per 3.7 km². These lions are also the most studied population in the world, with individual prides and lions named by researchers.

9. Birdwatcher’s Paradise

With over 550 bird species, Ngorongoro is perfect for bird enthusiasts. Expect to see flamingos, eagles, vultures, storks, cranes, and rare migrants between September and April. Fun fact: Egyptian vultures use stones to crack open ostrich eggs!

10. Three Historic Tribes

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to:

• Maasai: 98% of residents, famous pastoralists
• Datooga: 2%, historically lived here before Maasai arrival
• Hadza: a handful of hunter-gatherer families near Lake Eyasi

Visitors will learn about their traditional lifestyles, cattle herding, and cultural heritage while on safari with Samuwa Adventure Safaris.

11. UNESCO Mixed Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site

Ngorongoro Crater is a World Heritage Site due to:

• Endangered wildlife protection
• Dense populations of predators and herbivores
• Rich archaeological sites like Olduvai Gorge
• Stunning landscapes and geological significance
• Seasonal Great Migration herds

12. The Name “Ngorongoro”

The Maasai gave the crater its name, inspired by the “ngor-ngor” sound of a cowbell. This onomatopoeic name reflects the importance of cattle in Maasai culture and the crater’s repetitive bell-like sound across the landscape.

Samuwa Adventure Safaris offers custom Ngorongoro Crater safaris, combined with the Serengeti, Lake Natron, and Mount Kilimanjaro, ensuring you experience wildlife, culture, and breathtaking landscapes all in one adventure.

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro with Samuwa Adventure Safaris

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak, rises to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. Sitting on the equator, Kilimanjaro offers a unique experience where almost every climate type on Earth can be found along its slopes.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is an adventure for the brave. While it can be climbed year-round, we recommend avoiding the rainy seasons in November and April–May. This climb is typically a 7–10 day journey, and about half of climbers do not reach the summit, making preparation and guidance essential.

Recommended Kilimanjaro Routes

Lemosho Route – 8 Days

• Best for scenery and acclimatization
• Less crowded, higher success rate
• Ideal for those who want a relaxed, scenic ascent

Machame Route – 7 Days

• Popular for both time and success rate
• Joins the Lemosho route after a few days
• Great acclimatization profile and a slightly shorter trip
• More budget-friendly

Rongai Route – 7 Days

• Approaches from the opposite side of the mountain
• Least crowded route with a moderate grade
• Dryer landscapes (less rainforest)
• Off-the-beaten-path experience

Safety and Preparation

Samuwa Adventure Safaris prioritizes safety training and professional guides, ensuring that your crew is well-equipped for the climb. Day hikes from the base camp are also available for those who wish to experience Kilimanjaro without committing to the summit.

Combining Kilimanjaro with Other Adventures

Located about one hour from Arusha, Kilimanjaro is easily combined with other East African experiences:

• Wildlife safaris in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire
• Beach and cultural experiences in Zanzibar
• Flights via Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport make logistics simple

Before and after your climb, we recommend spending a night in Moshi, a charming village at the base of the mountain, to rest and acclimatize.

Climbing Kilimanjaro with Samuwa Adventure Safaris is not just a trek—it’s a life-changing adventure, combining spectacular scenery, rich wildlife, and unforgettable memories.

LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK

Lake Manyara National Park lies along the edge of the Great Rift Valley, offering a remarkable blend of habitats and wildlife experiences. The park is a birder’s paradise, home to massive populations of flamingoes, storks, cormorants, pelicans, and over 350 other bird species.

In the northern end of the park, a dense groundwater forest shelters giant fig and mahogany trees, as well as monkeys, baboons, bushbuck, waterbuck, and elephants. Moving south, open grasslands are home to buffalo, wildebeest, impala, giraffe, zebra, and lions, who are often seen lounging in the branches of acacia trees.

Accessibility and Activities

Lake Manyara is highly accessible with its own airstrip and is just a short drive from Arusha and Tarangire National Park. Most visitors find that 2–3 nights in the area is ideal, especially if you are combining your stay with a trip to Ngorongoro Crater.

Beyond traditional game drives, Samuwa Adventure Safaris offers a variety of unique experiences:

• Walk across the suspension bridges of the Treetop Walkway
• Canoe excursions on the lake
• Cycling tours through the local village of Mto wa Mbu

With its combination of scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and cultural experiences, Lake Manyara National Park is a must-visit on any Tanzanian safari itinerary with Samuwa Adventure Safaris.

TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

Tarangire National Park is a stunning landscape of rolling grasslands dotted with majestic baobab trees, offering a quintessential Tanzanian safari experience. The park is at its most spectacular during the dry season (June–December), when many migratory wildlife species converge along the Tarangire River.

Famous for its huge herds of elephants, Tarangire is also home to lions, leopards, wildebeest, zebra, hippos, and a wide variety of plains game, along with over 300 bird species. During the green season (January–May), the park is less crowded and lush with greenery, though wildlife herds are smaller and tsetse flies may be more noticeable.

Why Visit Tarangire?

Tarangire is typically the first stop on a Northern Tanzania safari circuit, followed by Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti. For travelers with shorter itineraries, Tarangire can be a cost-effective alternative to the Serengeti, while still offering incredible wildlife encounters.

Activities with Samuwa Adventure Safaris

Samuwa Adventure Safaris provides a variety of immersive experiences in Tarangire, including:

• Day and night game drives to see the park’s incredible wildlife
• Bird watching tours for avid ornithologists
• Guided bush walks to explore the park’s unique ecosystem
• Cultural visits to nearby communities for authentic local interactions

With its mix of spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, and cultural experiences, Tarangire National Park is a must-visit on any Tanzanian safari with Samuwa Adventure Safaris.

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK 

Serengeti National Park is the heart and soul of Tanzania, offering the quintessential safari experience. This UNESCO World Heritage Site borders Kenya’s Maasai Mara to the north and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the south, and it is the stage for the legendary Great Wildebeest Migration. Each year, over two million animals traverse the Serengeti and the Mara, creating one of the most spectacular wildlife phenomena on earth.

Planning Your Serengeti Safari

Because of the park’s vast size, it’s essential to plan which region to stay in, depending on the time of year and your safari goals:

• December to March: South-Central Serengeti – ideal for calving season and excellent predator sightings
• May to mid-July: Western Corridor & Grumeti Reserve – perfect for migration crossings and less crowded areas
• Mid-July to November: Northern Serengeti & Mara River – where the dramatic wildebeest river crossings occur

The Central Serengeti offers consistently excellent game viewing year-round. Each region has its unique landscape:

• Northern Serengeti: hilly terrain with iconic rock kopjes
• Central Serengeti: mixed grasslands and woodlands
• Southern Serengeti: expansive plains teeming with wildlife

Experience with Samuwa Adventure Safaris

With Samuwa Adventure Safaris, your Serengeti adventure includes:

• Guided game drives with expert safari guides
• Photographic safaris for capturing unforgettable wildlife moments
• Tailored itineraries to match the migration patterns or quieter regions
• Immersive wildlife encounters across diverse landscapes

From breathtaking plains to predator-packed hotspots, Serengeti National Park is a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking an authentic Tanzanian safari with Samuwa Adventure Safaris.