Example trip

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

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Highlights

Water activities, magical waterfalls, tropical beaches, cycling and boat safaris, road trips, hiking & camping

Location

Tanzania

Budget

from €3.700, p.p. excl. flight tickets

Sun, sea, bush, and an epic adventure

Nature and adventure lovers, get ready for an unforgettable experience on our 16-day Tanzania off the beaten track Northern Safari Circuit tour! Explore nine of our favourite destinations along Tanzania’s northern safari route, including the untouched Mto wa Mbu and the breathtaking Tarangire National Park.

With a thrilling motorbike safari as the highlight, you’ll discover the wilderness, meet the locals, and be enchanted by Tanzania’s unspoilt beauty.

16 days in Tanzania

Day 1

Arrival

Yes, your journey to Tanzania begins today! You’ll fly to Kilimanjaro Airport, where a driver will be waiting to take you to your accommodation. You’ll start your trip in Arusha, also known as the ‘safari capital of the world’ due to its proximity to the Northern Safari Circuit. The city is vibrant and full of things to do, with plenty of great restaurants catering to the many travellers and expats. Of course, you can also enjoy delicious local cuisine at the many charming, authentic eateries!

Day 2

Arusha

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.

Day 3

Mto Wa Mbu

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!

Day 4

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

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.

Day 5

Tarangire

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.

Day 6 - 7

Moshi

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!

Day 8

Mkomazi

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!

Day 9 - 11

Usambara Mountains

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.

Day 12 - 13

Tanga

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!

Day 14 - 15

Pangani

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!

Day 16

Departure

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!

Interested in this sample trip?

Schedule a free consultation and we will immediately get to work on making your preferred trip completely to your liking. See you soon in Tanzania?

What our travellers say about us

     
 
 
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   Auralie Blauwbloeme 
 28 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic trip through Namibia with two families with teenagers. The trip was fully planned according to our wishes and tailored to the composition of the group. The personal approach, the communication, the preparation… everything was top-notch. Our next trip to Africa will be with Charlie's Travels again!

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   RJ 
 61 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wow!! What an amazing trip we took through Kenya with Charlie's Travels. Self-drive, highly recommended, and wonderfully taken care of from start to finish! Thank you so much ❤️🍀

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   GoeVerhaal. 
 68 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We booked our honeymoon to Namibia with this organization, and how fantastic was it? We received clear information beforehand, they used a detailed app, and we received thoughtful messages before and during the trip to check in. Truly an organization with a heart for the mission of showcasing the beauty of Africa. When we looked into the organization further after the trip, we understand why. Thank you for everything! We didn't feel like just a number, received incredibly quick answers to questions before and during the trip, and received a beautiful, customized itinerary where everything was perfectly arranged everywhere on-site. You gave us the trip of a lifetime ❤️ Best regards and see you again! Laura and Arne

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   Merel Doreleijers 
 83 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I look back with immense pleasure on my pioneering trip to Madagascar with Charlie's Travels. What made this trip so special for me was its off-the-beaten-track nature. We visited places you wouldn't easily get to as an ordinary tourist, saw beautiful nature, and had a lot of contact with the local people. That made the experience very authentic. One of the biggest highlights was driving off-road myself. In addition, there were so many unexpected moments that I won't soon forget: a football match against the locals in the Tsaranoro Valley, unexpectedly finding myself in a local sacrificial ritual, and a canoe trip that went very differently than planned. We thought we were going on a sailboat trip, but it turned out to be a few leaky canoes. In hindsight, it actually became one of the best memories of the trip for me. That is also the charm of a pioneering trip: not everything goes as planned, but it is precisely those unexpected moments that make the adventure complete. I also appreciated the variety of accommodations. From homestays, B&Bs, and hotels to sleeping in a tent under the starry sky. That fit perfectly with the adventurous nature of the trip. I do think, however, that a pioneering journey isn't for everyone. You need to be flexible and be able to accept that plans sometimes change. If you can surrender to that and simply enjoy the journey as it unfolds, that is precisely what yields the most beautiful stories and memories. The reason I am not giving 5 stars is that the communication before and during the trip was sometimes a bit disorganized. I would also have liked to see more transparency regarding certain costs. In my opinion, those are areas where Charlie's Travels can still improve. Despite that, I look back on a fantastic trip full of special experiences and memories that I won't soon forget. If you are looking for an adventurous, authentic journey off the beaten path and are open to the unexpected, then I can certainly recommend a trip with Charlie's Travels.

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   Martijn van Heest 
 85 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sjoerd from Charlies Travels organized my trip through Morocco, and it was fantastic! Due to limited time, I skipped the big cities and mainly visited the less crowded places in the interior. For a large part of the time, I stayed with families and experienced just how warm the culture of this country is. My 'guides' felt more like friends; they were hospitable, took me to visit family, and managed to strike a perfect balance between 'going on with life' while showing me the most beautiful spots in Morocco. For me, the added value of Charlies lay in selecting these amazing, not always obvious places, and the accompanying partners/guides/families who were willing to give me an inside look. Highly recommended for everyone!

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   Victor Bijlsma 
 155 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went on a pioneering trip to Senegal, Gambia & Guinea-Bissau with Charlie's Travels. It was special to visit such pristine countries without mass tourism. The difference between Senegal & Gambia was already significant – and the trip was very diverse. From beaches and big cities to eco-lodges & local markets. Highly recommended to utilize the expertise of Charlie's team; it saved a lot of hassle :)

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   Jasper M. 
 176 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a fantastic pioneering trip with Charlie's through Senegal, the Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau 💯 World-class tour guides and a fun group!

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   Casper Berkhout 
 262 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Uganda and Kenya for almost a month and we did not leave dissapointed! Our goal was to visit "off the beaten track" destinations and experience real local culture and Charlie's did not let us down. In Uganda we saw TONS of wildlife, with the bike safari in Lake Mburo being the undisputable highlight... unforgettable. We spent a day with the Batwa people, which was a unique culturally enriching experience. In Kenya we got to relax at the beach in a luxurious resort and get our tan on! All the tour guides that were organized by Charlie's were both knowledgable and wonderfully enthusiastic. This was the most memorable vaction in years, and we would reccomend booking a trip with Charlie's to anyone (if you are adventurous enough of course ;) ).
  
 
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   Maikel Hurts 
 279 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angola surprised me in ways that are difficult to put into words. The country is raw and pure, with landscapes that seem to breathe: the red earth glowing in the sun, endless savannas disappearing into a haze of warmth, and the ocean incessantly beating its rhythm against the coast. With Xavier Rudd playing through the car speakers, everything took on an extra layer of meaning. His music—those earthy sounds, that peace and freedom—seemed to become one with the landscape. As the road wound through villages full of color and smiling faces, it felt as if every song had been written especially for this moment.

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   Wolfeew 
 279 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been to Africa with Charlie's multiple times – Kenya, Uganda, and most recently to Angola: Friendliness and rawness personified, a delightful mix of pure Africa and Portuguese influences. Beautiful, untouched nature, tranquility, and fantastic people. From desert to jungle, from canyons to waves crashing against the rugged coast – what a country. It's wonderful to be taken under Charlie's wing!

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   Hanneke 
 279 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angola with Charlies was amazing! Remote and real pioneering. A great country to discover with friends. One big adventure, from camping in the beautiful desert to making memories for life with proud locals. Went home with a big smile and would love to be back soon!

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   Jan 
 280 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic organization, in short. We traveled to Namibia with a group of 7, and CT guided us through the entire process to set it up exactly how we wanted. During the trip, "our" travel coach Nick was also attentive, asked how we were doing, and arranged a few things for us, such as a New Year's breakfast. CT works with local organizations that we felt comfortable with.

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   Tessa Tuk 
 317 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Last October, I went on a pioneering trip to Malawi with Charlie's Travels, and it turned out to be a unique experience. The moments that stuck with me the most are the beautiful hike through Nyika National Park, where we camped in the middle of nature and zebras walked past our tent in the morning; and the evening we all dove into a local pub and danced the night away with the locals. The paradisiacal Likoma Island and the car rides through the stunning African landscape, with spontaneous stops at local bars along the way, are also memories that will stay with me for a long time. Malawi is called 'the warm heart of Africa,' and that is exactly how it felt. It was amazing to discover this country with Charlie's Travels and a wonderful group of people. Highly recommended!

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   Lisa Snepvangers 
 331 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Kenya for a month with our family of 5, all arranged by Charie's Travels, and it was AMAZING. We wanted a mix of off-the-beaten-path and comfort, a mix of adventure and vacation, and they made it all happen. Everything from planning the trip and airport pick-up to hotel bookings and activity arrangements went smoothly. We really had the most amazing time! (so much so that I'm writing this review years after taking this trip, cause we're still talking about it!) Definitely recommend booking your trip with Charlie's Travels!
  
 
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   Saskia Looijen 
 338 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was a fantastic experience to go pioneering in Malawi with Charlie's Travels. Truly the warm heart of Africa, with very friendly and open people. Malawi is a country with so many different things to do. We explored the lesser-known north: hiking in Nyika National Park with stunning views over colorful hills, an exciting boat trip across Lake Malawi, and beach vibes and lots of beautiful birds on Likoma Island. There are also beautiful bays and hidden spots along Lake Malawi. The roads are getting better but offer challenges here and there, which is highly recommended for the more adventurous traveler. The setup and organization by Charlie's Travels were excellent, always flexible and tailored to everyone's wishes.

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