Example trip

Tanzania off the beaten track on the Northern Safari Circuit.

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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

Day 1

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!

Day 2

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?

Day 3

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.

Day 4 - 5

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.

Day 6

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!

Day 7 - 8

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.

Day 9 - 10

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!

Day 11

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.

Day 12

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.

Day 13 - 15

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.

Day 16

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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What our travellers say about us

     
 
 
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   Auralie Blauwbloeme 
 38 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 
 71 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. 
 78 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 
 93 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 
 95 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 
 165 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. 
 186 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 
 272 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 
 289 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 
 289 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 
 289 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 
 290 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 
 327 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 
 341 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 
 348 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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