Tanzania off the beaten track on the Northern Safari Circuit.

Highlights
Bike and boat safari, safari, authentic encounters, traditional cuisine, motor safari, island vibes
Location
Tanzania
Budget
from €3.700, p.p.. excl. flight tickets
Away from the crowds to our favourite spots
Nature and adventure lovers, get ready for an unforgettable experience on our 16-day Tanzania off-the-beaten-track Northern Safari Circuit tour! Explore 9 of our favourite destinations in Tanzania along the northern safari route, including the unspoilt Mto wa Mbu and the breathtaking Tarangire National Park. Discover the wilderness, meet the locals, and be enchanted by Tanzania’s untouched beauty, with the highlight being an exhilarating motorbike safari!

16 days in Tanzania

Arrival
You’ll fly to Kilimanjaro Airport, where a driver will be waiting to take you to your accommodation. Recover from the flight and get ready for all the adventures to come! Your journey begins in West Kilimanjaro. Nestled in the vast savannah, between Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro, lies the Simba Farm Lodge. This charming farm not only cultivates a wide range of produce but also offers a wonderfully rustic and welcoming place to stay. If you’d like to ease into your holiday, this is the perfect spot!

West Kilimanjaro
From Simba Farm Lodge, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and the surrounding Masai steppe. All meals are freshly prepared with local produce, and there’s a refreshing pool for a dip. The rooms exude a rustic and cosy charm, and the beautiful surroundings are perfect for savouring sundowners. A bite, a drink, and a magically beautiful sunset—what more could you want?

Enduimet
Adventure time! It's time to head to a stunning slice of untouched nature in the heart of Masai land—welcome to Enduimet Conservancy. Your motorbike adventure will first take you past authentic bomas (Masai manyattas—traditional huts) and through the rugged terrain teeming with wildlife. At the end of the day, you’ll pitch your tent in the wild, close to the rangers' post. As the sun sets, nature and the local community slowly drift to sleep. After dinner, you'll gather around the campfire until you finally doze off in your tent.

Arusha
Arusha, also known as the 'safari capital of the world', is a bustling town in northern Tanzania, often used as a stopover on the way to your next safari. The town is vibrant and full of things to do, with plenty of great restaurants. If you prefer local cuisine, Arusha is the place to be! At the Hot Springs, you’ll get a taste of local life. The drive will take you past numerous Masai villages before you arrive at the springs, where life springs back into action. Lush green trees offer shade during your picnic. Swim in the clear waters and swing on the ropes like the local kids do! Keep in mind that the hot springs can be busy at the weekend, so while it may not be a private paradise, you'll get a real feel for local life.

Tarangire
Safari time! Today, you’ll be exploring Tarangire National Park. How many elephants will you have counted by the end of the day? I’m curious! This park boasts several fantastic viewpoints. Sit back, grab a bite and a drink, and lose yourself in the stunning views!

Mto Wa Mbu
During your visit to Mto wa Mbu, you can take a cooking class with a local mama. A popular dish here is Ndizi nyama, meat with banana. You’ll get to make this dish yourself, or the vegetarian version if needed. While in Mto wa Mbu, you can explore village life by bike and discover the local fishery by boat. Cycle through the many rice paddies and taste the local banana beer. After visiting the national park, hop into a handmade wooden canoe and paddle among the fishermen, who will share insights about their work.

Serengeti
The most famous park, perhaps in the world: the Serengeti. The name means "endless plains" in the Masai language, and the park certainly lives up to it. Enjoy wildlife spotting with your guide, but also take in the fantastic nature!

Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Up bright and early to descend 600 metres to the crater floor. The crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most beautiful and unique places in Africa. Here, you'll find an oasis of African wildlife, and you might be lucky enough to witness 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 encounter quite a few Land Cruisers.

Karatu
A day in Karatu! This small and charming village, centrally located between various national parks, is the perfect stopover for an easy journey onwards tomorrow or on the way back from the Serengeti or the Ngorongoro Crater. Take it easy for the day, enjoy the accommodation, or explore the surrounding area.

Paje
Paje is a popular beach and kitesurfing paradise. On one side of the island, the horizon is dotted with dozens of colourful kites as kiters brave the wind (and each other). Strap on a board yourself or watch others make waves! Since Paje is a bit busier, you'll find plenty of bars and restaurants here—lots of lively atmosphere to enjoy.

Departure
All good things must come to an end, and so does this incredible adventure through Tanzania. Fully recharged, you pack your bags and head to the airport for your journey home. You’ve experienced untouched nature, abundant wildlife, stunning beaches, an inspiring local culture, and vibrant cities. A backpack full of stories to share by the fireplace with family and friends. Welcome home! One adventure may be over, but you’ve gained a lifetime of memories.

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My wife and I have been motorbike riders for years, but this trip was something entirely different. Riding through the savannah as herds of zebras crossed our path and ending the day with a sunset at the foot of Kilimanjaro—it was simply magical. Charlie’s Travels was fantastic and always ready to assist. The routes were well thought out and challenging in an enjoyable way. Perfect for motorbike riders looking for something special.
We have very cool memories of this cool trip, really something to never forget. It was truly an incredible journey that you can really dream about. Lots of beautiful animals and different cultures seen. We are very grateful for these beautiful experiences. Thank you very much.
We had booked a trip to Tanzania with Charlie’s Travels last summer. How we enjoyed! Charlie’s is also highly recommended for off the beaten track baths. Consider a motorcycle safari and an overnight stay in a traditional Tanzanian village. Impressive!
I LOVED my Tanzanian safari trip organized through Charlie’s Travels! It met all of our expectations!! The customer service of the travel agency was superb, and they delivered on all that we requested. I have used this agency now for the third time, and I will definitely continue using them.
We had a very nice holiday with Charlie’s in Tanzania. It was really off the beaten track, just as we wanted. Perfectly organised. Lovely people, fun excursions, I want to go back!
Small-scale accommodations where possible, attention to supporting local entrepreneurs and the population and the social/social part has a clear place in the program. Charlie’s has provided us with a top trip with their approach

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