Luxury Northern Tanzania Safaris

Most of our luxury safari clients heading to Northern Tanzania fly in to Kiliminjaro and for those planning to climb the highest mountain in Africa, they will not have far to go. But before you head off to the world famous Serengeti, why not visit some of the other National Parks and private concessions that this part of Northern Tanzania offers – most of the private concessions in this area have abundant wildlife and no people. Spectacular scenery such as the Ngorongoro Crater, breath-taking lakeside views and a feel for a truly wild and undisturbed part of East Africa are all here. The Luxury Safari Company often visit these areas so our knowledge of where to stay and what to do is always current.

Tarangire National Park is situated to the south of Arusha, the local safari capital. It is the sixth largest park in Tanzania and between July and December a lot of animals including huge herds of elephants migrate here from Lake Manyara. The park is famous for huge baobab trees and its thick bush, but it has the feel of a still to be discovered part of Tanzania. Something we like all our safari guests to experience.

Kuro Tarangire is a relatively new camp from the renowned safari operators, Nomad Tanzania which offers an eco-friendly haven of just six tents for the true safari enthusiast where you will be guaranteed great comfort, excellent food and superb guiding.

Fancy staying in a treehouse, then visit Tarangire Treetops – there is also a swimming pool to relax in after your game drive or maybe a walking safari. Tarangire Treetops is actually quite a unique property to add to any luxury safari – being elevated above the ground is a real highlight.

Lake Manyara is a soda lake covering 231 sq. km of the Manyara National Park which is known for its huge amount of wildlife particularly elephant and buffalo and the famous tree climbing lions. It is also a birders’ paradise. You can visit this park for the day but there are some great places to stay in and around the park so why not enjoy a few nights here?

Chem Chem Lodge is the most luxurious of all the safari properties in this location and is on a private wildlife reserve and has eight super luxurious and chic tents. The freedom here is a real bonus and walking along the shores of Lake Manyara is something rarely experienced anywhere else.

Manyara Ranch is another camp on a private reserve and is one of our favourite luxury safari camps in all of Africa. Beautifully decorated tents are well spaced out offering a lot of privacy and they all face towards the waterhole in front of the main dining tent which is frequented by all sorts of wildlife including lions and elephants. There are hides situated on the edge of dams which are a fascinating place to while away an hour or two waiting to see who is thirsty. Walking and night drives are favourite activities here and you really do feel as if you are in your own private bit of Africa here.

The Ngorongoro Crater and the Ngorongoro Conservation area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to approximately 25,000 large mammals and a huge variety of the smaller species. There is also a good population of black rhino here and it is a must for a luxury safari enthusiast. Formed when a giant volcano erupted three million years ago, it now forms a natural enclosure for animals and has a salt lake in its centre known as Magadi. The Conservation Area includes the Olduvai Gorge which is considered the seat of humanity after the discovery of the earliest known remains of humans. Although it will be busier than the other parks it is a sight not to be missed even if you just have a G&T as the sun goes down over the edge of this vast natural wonder.

Crater Lodge’s unusual architecture creates a mystical feel and perched on the top of the escarpment offer spectacular views in to the Crater below. The bedrooms are luxurious and private stilted wooden rondavels and your private butler will ensure your stay is a memorable one.

If you would prefer luxury tented accommodation, then Pakulala Camp may be for you. The 11 luxury tents are located on the rim of the Crater and it has an elegant, modern, but understated feel. The local Masai play an important role here and it is a great opportunity to find out more about this fascinating tribe.

We have only mentioned a few of our favourite luxury safari hot spots to stay in this part of Northern Tanzania so please do not hesitate to ask us more about this amazing area. We think this area offers so much and the genuine warmth of the Tanzanians will leave a lasting imprint.