Lodge-to-lodge road trip through the heart of Tanzania’s national parks

Before your trip can begin, you'll spend a few hours on the plane. So, make sure to allow an extra travel day to get to Tanzania.

👉 If you booked your flights through Tanzania Nomads, you'll depart the evening before your road trip at 9:25 PM and arrive the next day at 12:55 PM in Kilimanjaro, on day 1 of your trip.

👉 If you're arranging your flights yourself, you can choose when you arrive. A later arrival just limits your time to explore Arusha or relax a bit, but it won't affect the rest of the trip.

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you'll be picked up by a private shuttle and taken to your accommodation in Arusha. This peaceful city is nestled between the slopes of Mount Meru and the first hills of the north.

Your first night is meant for you to catch your breath after the journey before the adventure truly begins.

In the morning, you'll pick up the 4x4 and receive a short briefing. With the roadbook in hand, you'll drive towards your first park: Tarangire, known for its impressive baobabs and large herds of elephants.

This is where your safari truly begins, at your own pace, with the windows down and your camera ready.

You’ll spend the night close to the park in an authentic lodge.

Start the day with one last safari in Tarangire, when the chances of spotting big cats are highest. Then, you'll drive on to Karatu, a charming town on the highlands, close to the entrance of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

It's the perfect place to take a break, stock up on supplies, and get ready for one of the highlights of the trip.

Today, something special is on the agenda. You'll enter the protected area of Ngorongoro – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and descend into the legendary crater for an unforgettable safari.

In this natural amphitheater, you'll find the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa: lions, zebras, wildebeests, elephants, and with a bit of luck, even the rare black rhinoceros.

You can choose from:

• a safari with a local guide (recommended – book in advance through our form),
• or a self-drive safari (access fee paid on-site).

In the afternoon, you'll cross the vast plains of the southern Serengeti towards your camp in Seronera, right in the heart of the savannah.

The Serengeti is the classic safari backdrop. Here, nature reveals itself in all its glory: endless grasslands, hunting scenes, and bustling watering holes.

These landscapes inspired the movie The Lion King, and as soon as you drive through, you instantly recognize the silhouettes of acacia trees and rock formations… everything feels familiar.

You can explore the park at your own pace, or opt for a guided safari with a ranger in an open-roof vehicle.

A must-do to:

• increase your chances of spotting predators or witnessing the migration,
• learn to read tracks and understand animal behavior,
• and discover more about the land and its people.

A unique experience that we highly recommend. You’ll end the day with a second magical night in the heart of the Serengeti.

Today you'll take a less-traveled route through the eastern part of the Serengeti.

One of the most remote stages of the journey: dusty roads, vast plains, herds of grazers, and who knows… maybe another unexpected encounter.

You’ll exit the park through Klein’s Gate, a quiet exit that makes you feel like you have the Serengeti almost to yourself.

Overnight in the region, on the border of savanna and volcanic landscape.

The route winds through dry plateaus, ancient lava fields, and remote Maasai villages. The landscape becomes rougher and more rugged.

You reach the mysterious Lake Natron, with its reddish waters full of flamingos and views of the sacred volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai.

Everything feels different here – almost otherworldly. You'll spend the night in the area, under a starry sky with the sounds of nature in the background.

You drive east towards the Kilimanjaro massif. Along the way, the landscape changes again: palm trees, coffee plantations, banana trees…

You arrive in Moshi, a lively city at the foot of Africa's highest mountain. A softer, warmer atmosphere – and a final stop before you head back.

Your last full day in Tanzania. You have a choice: take it easy or go on one last adventure.

Options:

• Hot springs: relax in a natural bath surrounded by a green oasis.
• Cultural wrap-up in Moshi: local markets, coffee shops, souvenirs…
• Feeling more active? Opt for a hike to the Materuni waterfall, a spectacular 70-meter-high waterfall. Swimming is possible, depending on the season.

On the way back, you'll visit a small coffee farm: pick, roast, taste – a delightful way to wrap up your trip.

In the evening, you’ll drive back to Arusha, where you’ll return the car and spend one more night. It's the perfect time to catch up, share photos, and end the journey in style.

Depending on your departure time, our shuttle will take you to Kilimanjaro Airport for your return flight.

A final glimpse of the mountains in the distance… and memories for a lifetime.

After your road trip, there's one last leg: the flight back home. So make sure to set aside an extra travel day to get back home.

👉 If you book your flights through Tanzania Nomads, you'll depart at 19:05 from Windhoek and arrive the next morning in Brussels at 7:30.

👉 If you book your flights yourself, be sure to take this into account when planning.

If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to us via email