Tanzania’s hidden treasures: An adventure from bush to beach

This somewhat chaotic town in the north is mainly used as a stopover. With plenty of restaurants, it’s a great place to recover from your flight, but you can also jump straight into adventure by visiting the Meru Waterfalls or canoeing on Lake Duluti.

For many, it’s the final stop on the way to the Serengeti—welcome to Mto wa Mbu! This green village, nestled between the vast Masai plains, thrives on banana plantations and fishing from Lake Manyara. In the village, you can experience traditional life in various ways and immerse yourself in the locals' daily routines. For example, you can hike to a viewpoint overlooking the Rift Valley. It’s quite a steep hike, but if you’ve got a bit of fitness, you’ll manage. Trust us, the view is more than worth it!

Up early to descend 600 metres to the crater floor. This spot is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the most beautiful and unique places in Africa. Here, you’ll find a wildlife oasis, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the endangered rhino! Do keep in mind that, while the park isn’t very large, it is one of the most visited in Tanzania, so alongside the wildlife, you’ll also see plenty of Land Cruisers.

Safari time! Today, you’ll explore Tarangire National Park. How many elephants will you have counted by the end of the day? I’m curious! This park boasts some fantastic viewpoints. Sit back, grab a bite and a drink, and let yourself drift away with the stunning views.

You’ve already had so many experiences and created beautiful memories. Today, it’s time to take it easy, relax, and do whatever you fancy. Whether that’s splashing in the pool or sinking into a good book, it’s all up to you—everything goes, nothing’s a must. A top tip? The Materuni Hot Springs!

It’s time for adventure in Mkomazi National Park. This park is so remote that it was once inaccessible, but now it’s well within reach and perfect for enjoying the spectacular wilderness. With Kilimanjaro and the Usambara Mountains as your backdrop, driving around here is anything but a chore. Spot giraffes, kudus, gazelles, elephants, buffalo, and, with a bit of luck, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. And if it’s truly your lucky day, you might even catch a glimpse of the endangered black rhino or the African wild dog!

Off to the Usambara Mountains! Also known as the Switzerland of Tanzania, these mountains are part of the ancient Eastern Arc Mountain range, estimated to be at least 100 million years old. The Usambara boast more unique plant and animal species than anywhere else on the African continent, making the area one of the world’s top biodiversity hotspots. With a guide, you’ll spend four days trekking through stunning landscapes, meeting friendly locals, and encountering an incredible array of flora and fauna.

Tanga is Tanzania’s northernmost port city, bustling with trade and activity. Even on the water, there’s a hive of activity as fishing boats return to Tanga with their catch. Head out and explore: visit the caves, discover a German and British fort in Tanga Town, kayak through intertwined mangroves, or stroll along the white sandbanks! A true off-the-beaten-track gem!

Pangani is a charming coastal town in East Africa, located 50 km south of Tanga. It’s a place where Swahili, Arabic, and colonial traditions blend seamlessly with modern hospitality. Here, you can soak up the coastline with pristine beaches (where green turtles nest), explore historic sites, vibrant coral reefs, the old port, and discover a diverse array of tropical marine life. On both sides of the town, waves of coconut palms and sisal plantations stretch to the horizon—a truly picturesque setting!

All good things must come to an end, including this wonderful adventure through Tanzania. Fully refreshed, you’ll pack your bags before catching your flight home. You’ve seen untouched nature, abundant wildlife, beautiful beaches, an inspiring population, and vibrant cities. A backpack full of stories to share later by the fireplace with family and friends. Welcome home! One adventure over, but a wealth of new experiences gained. Thank you for booking with Charlie’s Travels! See you next time?! Cheers!