Serengeti National Park

The main event! Serengeti National Park is arguably the most widely recognized wildlife sanctuary in the world. Its translation to “endless plains” in the Maasai language still remains truthful, with a stretch of land over 5,000 miles. Recently proclaimed “the seventh world wonder”, the Serengeti is the chief attraction in Africa.

More than 30 species of animals are found within its boundaries and include “the big five” (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo). The Great Migration during May or early June moves gigantic herds of wildebeest, gazelle, and zebra across the plains to their annual migratory spot. In their wake close behind follow the predators, the lions, cheetah and wild dog with vultures overhead. The common species also cohabit here in their respective terrains and include hippo, giraffe, elephant, eland, impala, antelope, baboons, monkeys and over 500 species of birds.

The Serengeti is the hallmark of Africa-and we know you came to witness “the circle of life”! The Serengeti is a nine hour drive from Moshi. If you want to visit, it is best to allow 4 days although 3 days can be accomodated. More information can be found on the Wikipedia.

You might hear this famous site referred to simply as “The Crater”, because it is so well known. The Crater has been declared a World Heritage Site, and lies within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area covering more than 8,000 square kilometers. On its boundaries streaches Lake Eyasi and the Gold Mountains, and roughly in its center is the Olbalal Swamp and the Olduvai Gorge.

The Crater is the largest unbroken caldera in the world, with naturally steep walls rising 610 meters from the crater floor. It is a natural “amphitheater” and is home to 30,000 animals. A wonderful managerie of preditor and prey coexisting. Gazelle, buffalo, eland, hartebeest, baboons, rhino, warthogs, and thousands of wildebeest and zebra are scattered across the land. Alongside them sit the kings of the food chain, lions, leopards, hyena and cheetah (oh my!). More than 100 species of birds not yet discovered in the Serengeti have been spotted here, and a pink sea of flamingos is often an attraction to the soda lakes. The only noted absence in the crater is giraffe.

Ngorongoro Crater has a high density of animals but the size is such that all can be seen in half a day. No overnights are allowed inside of the crater so all accommodations are outside (or hanging off the mountain). Ngorongoro is a five hour drive from Moshi so with a very early start it can be experienced as a day trip; although it is very common to pair it with other parks on a multiple day safaris. More information can be found on the Wikipedia.

A taste of the Africa you always thought you’d see! Named after the vital river that flows through it, Tarangire is a natural land home to many plants and wildlife. Ancient baobab trees with sky-high, root-like branches scatter the land and make for a breathtaking skyline-making Tarangire a uniquely African experience and thus a popular spot for visitors.

You’ll have plenty of photo opportunities here. The park features buffalo, zebra, giraffe, gnu, lion, leopard, elephant, waterbuck, oryx, kudu and many many more species. For bird lovers, the best season to visit Tarangire is between October and May, when migratory species infiltrate the area. Tarangire is 3.5 hours from Moshi so can easily be visited as a day trip and is often included in the first day of a Serengeti safari to break up the long drive. More information can be found on the Wikipedia.

Another taste of Africa, Lake Manyara is a national park and forest dedicated to the preservation of wildlife. Two famous sights are unique to Manyara include the tree-climbing lions and the tree-climbing pythons. The lions can be spotted lounging across the branches of Acacia trees, often times as high as seven meters off the ground! The Great Rift Valley is noted for its incredible beauty.

All visitors enter the park and drive immediately into the lush rainforest terrain, home to many families of baboons and blue monkeys. Beyond the rainforest lies many other terrains, including woodlands, grasslands, and swamps, thus it is home to many other animals. The park is noted for its huge herds of buffalo and elephant. You’ll also have a chance to spot giraffe, impala, hippo, and a variety of small animals. Bring your camera! Lake Manyara is 3.5 hours from Moshi and can be done as a day trip or as a part of a longer safari. The park is not very large so one day is sufficient to see all. More information can be found on the Wikipedia.

This small yet spectacular national park is located very close to Moshi and Arusha regions, and features many of Tanzania’s various terrains and wild life. Highlights include Mt. Meru, Ngurdoto crater and the Momela lakes. From 1500 m base camp to Mt. Meru’s summit at 4566 m, Arusha National Park exhibits several vegetation zones including grasslands, pine forests, valleys and rainforests.

The land is alive with natural wildlife including 400 species of resident and migratory birds, including the famous flamingos (seasonal) that spend their leisure time in the awesome Momela Lakes. Resident mammals include hyena, buffalo, klipspringer, gerenuk, black and white colobus monkeys and blue monkey. Snakes, chameleons, alligators, tortoises and turtles are observed up close and personal at the reptile and snake farm. Walking safaris available for this trip, and is most ideal for a day’s trip from either Moshi or Arusha. More information can be found on the Wikipedia.