Safari Routes Tanzania Distance

Tanzania is our home and we can’t wait to share our experiences with you. So have a look at the highlights we offer, the routes and accommodation to get a better understanding of the many possibilities for your safari of a lifetime in Tanzania!

Most of the highlights are in the Northern part of Tanzania, in relatively close proximity to each other. The differences between the parks makes a visit to Tanzania one which will give you a broad experience of East African nature, culture and wildlife.

When planning a private safari to Tanzania, the descriptions of the routes below give you a better understanding of the distances and travel time. Don’t hesitate to contact us if we can be of any help!

A safari in Tanzania can easily be combined with a safari to Kenia or a great beach holiday on the historic and idyllic island of Zanzibar.

Arrival day

Your guide will be waiting for you at Kilimanjaro Airport. Depending on your time of arrival and program, your safari will start now or your guide will bring you to a lodge in Arusha (45-60 minutes). In that case, your guide will pick you up next morning after breakfast.

Arusha - Lake Manyara National Park

Distance: 130 km
Time/road condition: about 3 hours on paved roads. From the lodge in Arusha it takes about 3 hours driving, from Kilimanjaro Airport ca. 4 hours (180 km).
Extra information: Visit Mto Wa Mbu, where you will spend an hour or two wandering around this busy town. You’ll learn more about the life of the Masaai and the 100 or so other cultural groups living in this area (some in traditional huts). We visit plantations, local craftsmen, taste banana beer in an authentic bar and amble past the many market stalls with local produce. Lunch is served by a cheerful Tanzanian “mamma” who will delight you with tasty local dishes.

Arusha - Tarangire National Park

Distance: 160 km
Time/road condition: about 3 hours over paved roads.
Extra information: From a lodge in Arusha it takes about 2 hours, from Kilimanjaro Airport about 3 hours (160 km).

Arusha - Arusha National Park

Distance: 50 km
Time/road condition: about 1,5 hour over partly paved roads.
Extra information: From a lodge in Arusha is takes about 1,5 hours, from Kilimanjaro Airport about 1 hour.

Lake Manyara National Park - Tarangire National Park

Distance: 100 km
Time/road condition: about 1-1,25 hour over paved roads.

Lake Manyara National Park - Serengeti Central

Distance: 210 km
Time/road condition: 6 hours, partly paved, mostly sandy and bumpy.
Extra information: Drive to Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a spectacular area with panoramic views over the crater hundreds of meters below. With lunch “on the road’’ you’re heading for the North of the Serengeti National Park. This is an exhilarating day as a large part of this route is straight across the centre of the Serengeti National Park, the area of the Seronera River.

Things to do (optional): A visit to a Maasai Boma where you will experience how semi-nomadic communities continue to live according to their age-old traditions.

Alternatively, this route could be covered by aeroplane, please contact us for more information.

Lake Manyara National Park - Serengeti North (Lobo and Mara) and North East (Bolongonya)

Distance: 290 km
Time/road condition: 7-8 hours, partly paved, mostly sandy and bumpy. A long beautiful day in the car!
Extra information: From Lake Manyara, the road to Serengeti National Park takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a spectacular area with panoramic views over the crater hundreds of meters below. You drive straight across the heart of the Serengeti National Park, the area of the Seronera Rivier. After about 265 km you will reach the Lobo area, from here it’s about 30 km (35 minutes) further North to the Tented Lodge “Bolongonya Under Canvas” and 35 km to the East for “Mara Under Canvas”.

Things to do (optional): A visit to a Maasai Boma where you will experience how semi-nomadic communities continue to live according to their age-old traditions.

Alternatively, this route could be covered by airplane, please contact us for more information.

Lake Manyara National Park - Lake Natron

Distance: 80 km
Time/road condition: 2 hours, mostly sandy, bumpy roads.
Extra information: An adventurous route to a very special area: magic Lake Natron. Off the beaten track and away from the masses. The route takes you through the cultural home of the Maasai. On the way, you pass Engaruka, an archaeological site of a Stone-age settlement, as well as majestic Ondonyo Lengai, the only active volcano in the Great Rift Valley. Lake Natron will fascinate you with its colours varying from pink, lime green and red, this due to the concentration of minerals … and possibly the flamingoes! It is an almost surreal and breathtaking landscape which will leave you in awe!

Tarangire National Park - Serengeti Central

Distance: 300 km
Time/road condition: 6-7 hours, partly paved, mostly sandy and bumpy.
Extra information: From Tarangire, the road to Serengeti National Park takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a spectacular area with panoramic views over the crater hundreds of meters below. You drive straight across the heart of the Serengeti National Park, the area of the Seronera Rivier.

Alternatively, this route could be covered by airplane, please contact us for more information.

Tarangire National Park - Serengeti South (Ndutu)

Distance: 225 km
Time/road condition: 6 hours, partly paved, mostly sandy and bumpy.
Extra information: From Tarangire, the road to Serengeti National Park takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a spectacular area with panoramic views over the crater hundreds of meters below. A large part of the day you drive straight across the Southern part of the Serengeti with ample time to spot wildlife.

Alternatively, this route could be covered by airplane, please contact us for more information.

Ngorongoro - Tarangire National Park

Distance: 150 km
Time/road condition: 2 hours, mostly paved roads.
Extra information: From Ngorongoro, the road takes you through Mto wa Mbu to Tarangire National Park. Depending on your program, you can do a game drive in the early morning and leave for Tarangire afterwards. Alternatively, you can leave Ngorongoro in the morning and do a game drive in Tarangire National Park.

Things to do (optional): Visit Wa Mbu, where you will spend an hour or two wandering around this busy town. You’ll learn more about the life of the Masaai and the 100 or so other cultural groups living in this area [some in traditional huts]. We visit plantations, local craftsmen, taste banana beer in an authentic bar and amble past the many market stalls with local produce. Lunch is served by a cheerful Tanzanian “mamma” who will delight you with tasty local dishes.

Lake Natron - Serengeti National Park North (Lobo and Mara) and North East (Bolongonya)

Distance: 220 km
Time/road condition: 7 hours, mostly sandy and bumpy. A long but beautiful trip!
Extra information: After breakfast, you leave with filled lunchboxes and head for north-east Serengeti. Leaving the cliff ridges behind you drive through a majestic landscape, regularly meeting local residents and their beautiful cattle on our way. The moment you enter the Serengeti at Klein’s Gate, the landscape changes dramatically into endless savannah with huge herds of grazing animals… and the large carnivores which follow them!

Serengeti Central - Ngorongoro

Distance: 160 km
Time/road condition: 3 hours, sandy and bumpy.
Extra information: Depending on your program, you can start the day with a beautiful game drive in the Serengeti and depart for Ngorongoro right after lunch. Alternatively, you can leave after breakfast and do the game drive in the Ngorongoro.

Serengeti Central - Serengeti North (Lobo and Mara) and North East (Bolongonya)

Distance: 140 km
Time/road condition:4 hours, but combined with a game drive it can take about 7-8 hours. It also depends on the condition of the roads many of which are gravel and corrugated.
Extra information: This is actually a full day game drive as we spend a large part of the day on safari in the Lobo reserve. This is a remote area of Serengeti, somewhat off the beaten track. This is a remote area of Serengeti, somewhat off the beaten track. A less visited area but you will experience the real wilderness with rocky outcrops. You will visit the Bologonja springs which is an important watering-hole for migrating animals. After a brunch you head for Central Serengeti – a beautiful drive through a magnificent changing landscape.

Ngorongoro Crater - Lake Eyasi

Distance: 90 km
Time/road condition: about 2 hours, sandy and bumpy roads. During the rainy season (November – May) the roads rather worse.

Lake Eyasi - Arusha

Distance: 180 km
Time/road condition: 4 hours, partly paved and about 2 on sandy roads. It takes about 4 hours to a lodge in Arusha and about 5 hours (230 km) to Kilimanjaro Airport.

Arusha - Zanzibar

Time: 1,15 hour
From Arusha you can fly to different beach areas in Tanzania.

Please have a look at our example itineraries

Mila Everstova

2022-12-22

Amazing safari It was an unforgettable adventure. Warren fulfilled my dream and we managed to see all the animals up close. He is a very good guide and driver. My trip was wonderful and I felt safe with Warren. Thanks! Recommend👍🏻

Remo S

2022-11-27

Christopher organized the perfect safari One of the most beautiful and impressive trips we have ever made!We spend twelve beautiful days with Christopher and Jaffed from “I dream of Afrika” on a wildlife and cultural safari in Tanzania. The safari was perfectly organized by Christopher, who diligently included all our preferences and wishes in a well-rounded and exciting tour, balancing the excitement of enjoying one of the planet’s wildest and spectacular nature with unique personal encounters with locals and time for relaxation. With his experience of many years as guide and ranger, Christopher knows all the special places, is great at spotting animals and willingly shares his vast knowledge about them. Christopher even organized walking safaris with rangers at two of the parks, which is a treat not many tourists do, offering fascinating insights not observable from the backseat of a car. We also enjoyed hunting with the Hadza bushmen tribe and the spontaneous visit to the stunning Oluvai gorge, which Christopher made possible.During the Safari, we decided to stay on public campsites and enjoyed it a lot. The tent was quadruple the size of our tent back home, with comfy mattresses and great views.Jaffed was a great personal cook and kept us well fed with amazing pancakes and his love for italian food, but also amazing local dishes. We also won't forget our visit to the local food market and the Ugali-cooking lessons.We loved learning bits of Swahili from Christopher and Jaffed and to learn from them about Tanzania's complex cultures and traditions.Overall, we can wholeheartedly recommend Dreams of Africa. The well-organized experience of nature, wildlife and culture in Tanzania surpassed all our expectations. We will never forget the amazing time with Jaffed and Christopher.

Imke D

2022-10-15

Christopher and his team are punctual, knowledgeable and welcoming Our time in Tanzania with Christopher, Japhet and Warren was amazing. The trip was tailored to our wishes. We did a 10-day trip and visited Serengeti North & Central, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Loiborsoit (an off the beaten track Maasai village). Communication beforehand and during the trip was great. The food in the bush was great, Japhet excelled every day. Tanzania is an expensive country for tourists, mostly due to the high costs of the National Parks. The camping experience was great and greatly reduced the price compared to lodging. It was quite adventurous, so read up on what to expect. But in our opinion, it was the purest way to enjoy the beautiful nature. Loiborsoit was very special: we stayed in a guesthouse with good beds and hot water. Outside of the guesthouse, you'll experience the actual way of living of the Maasai. Our local guide, Lengai, left us with lifelong impressions. If you want to spend some days with the Maasai of Loiborsoit to learn about their culture, experience their way of living and enjoy their kindness, please visit and support them! You can find more information on massailand.com

Steffen

2022-09-26

Faszinierende Safari-Reise Wir hatten das große Glück mit Christopher unsere Safari - Rundreise machen zu dürfen. Die guten Bewertungen sind zu 100% gerechtfertigt. Super herzlicher und sympathischer Guide. Von Reiseplanung bis hin zur Reise selbst - alles perfekt. Wir können Christopher, als lokalen, ortsansässigen Safari-Anbieter, wärmstens weiterempfehlen!

Kyra G

2022-07-05

Wonderful The most magical adventure one could wish for 🦁 Christophers knowledge of the wilderness, the animals is incredible. He will help you see more than the big five and you will feel the wonders of true nature.We felt very connected to planet earth,safe and taken care of and we had so so much fun :))) Everything was just perfect 😊This experience will stay unforgettable and we dream of Africa all the time! Thank you Chris our friend🙏You are the best and we love you Jean and Kyra ❣️

Mariam W

2022-06-11

The trip was amaizing I had a good experience and i would like to tell people who would like to go and enjoy themselves, I had a nice time a lot of laughter I advice more people to try this experience

Eveline B

Unforgettable adventure The most memorable safari I had was made possible by I dream of Africa Safaris.The best services offered from the online booking, airport pickup, accommodation and the best of all my safari to the Serengeti plains.Would actually say it was the most memorable adventures with the best tour guide to lead the way.

Nancy N

My experience was astonishing Well… I really enjoyed the trip it was a fun and good experience to me, I had a chance to see different animals and the tour itself was astonishing, I wish more people knew and tried to experience what I did

Zbigniew Wlodarczyk

2021-07-18

Best choice for safari !!!! Perfect safari with Christopher. Excellent safari guide and from now - a friend. If you expect an unforgettable time, go with him without any hesitation !!!I had no previous experience with I DREAM OF AFRICA, just reviews on Tripadvisor and testimonials on their web page. All of them exceptionally positive. I preferred to go with local company instead of large, international operator, mostly to support local business, affected by COVID pandemia. So I did, and it was a perfect choice. From the very first moment, when Chris and his son Warren met us at the Arusha airport, to the last farewell, with tears in our eyes. Christopher, founder and boss of the I DREAM OF AFRICA (small, family run) looked after our group far, far beyond our expectations. His eye for wild animals was fantastic - he spotted the cheetah from 500 meters away ! He, his son Warren, co-guide Ombene, chief Japhet, with his aid, did really perfect job. Food was excellent, tents comfortable and in mint condition. You can relay on Christopher's knowledge of the national parks and places to find the animals. In fact, we saw all Big Five - hundreds of elephants and even witnessed the miracle of the elephant giving birth !!!I would be more than happy to provide any further information and to act as his ambassadeur. Chris and your partners - thank you for all you kindness, profesionalism and efforts. Zbigniew Wlodarczyk, Poland

Lisa L

2020-02-12

Fantastic African Safari - They made OUR African dream come true! We took a 13 day Safari with I Dream of Africa who designed/delivered exactly what we wanted: an authentic experience, a mix of tent lodges and camping, cultural opportunities, exploring 5 national parks(Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti). We spent 2 days @ Kiboko lodge, 8 days nature camping in the parks, and 2 days @ Kati Kati Mara mobile tent lodge. Our knowledable guide, Ombeni, was an experienced driver and skilled animal spotter. We saw everything from elephants to dung beetles! We visited the Watoto Foundation/Child of the Star and Sky projects that rescue street boys, provide a multi-year program to house, educate and prepare them for jobs in carpentry, mechanics, and other vocations. We visited a Maasai tribe. Our cook Alex prepared fresh, delicious meals for us and made camp feel like home. During a night safari we saw bush babies, porcupines and hippos! We spent 6-9 hours on game drives each day. Ombeni was determined to have us witness part of the wildebeest migration, and we did! A spectacular event with lions, crocodiles and vultures all waiting to prey upon the thousands of wildebeests! We watched them gather for hours and then suddenly make their daring crossing of the Mara River right before our eyes! A "fly out" at the end of our journey enabled us to get a breathtaking view of the Tanzanian wilderness! I Dream of Africa exceeded all expectations, provided excellent PERSONALIZED service and made our African Safari dream come true!