One of the seven wonders of the African continent and one of the oldest ecosystems on the planet, the Serengeti will always live up to expectations and it a must for any Northern Tanzanian safari.  The Great Migration of up to 2 million wildebeest is mesmerising and the awe inspiring landscape of this park acts as a prefect backdrop to the adventures that will unfold in front of your eyes.  The Serengeti is the Africa that we dream of and one of the best places to see the Big 5.

The Ngorongoro Crater is arguably one of the most beautiful areas to Safari in Tanzania, indeed the whole of Africa.  The most likely place to see the Big 5, we often say at Babu’s Truck that Noah’s Ark landed in the crater rather than Ararat!  Many people call it the ‘Cradle of Life’ such is it’s incredible biodiversity, the very nature of the crater walls almost coral animals within.  Home to the largest density of lions in the world, it is also the habitat of the Black Rhino, Thompson and Grant’s Gazelle, Vervet and Sykes monkeys and flocks of flamingos.  Truly magical.

Lake Manyara is a small and extremely pretty park.  It is a birder’s paradise and famous for its tree climbing lions.  The lake can present a strong contrast to the plains of Serengeti and you will be guaranteed to see a plethora of water animals and reptiles, in-front of a stunning backdrop of the Rift Valley.  It is often busy, and it is not necessary to spend a night there, although for the more active holiday makers Manyara Green Camp is a perfect stop off, offering canoe trips, bike rides and a tree top walkway.

Another way to view Lake Manyara, and one we would very much recommend, is from Maramboi Tented Camp situated to the south of the park.  This camp offers Tuk Tuk rides and walks to the shores of the lake, and it a great central location for a family to take daytrips to both Tarangire and Lake Manyara.

Tarangire is not to be underestimated, it is the lesser known gem of the Northern Circuit.  Taragire’s feel is much more akin to the southern parks especially Ruaha and as it is considerably quieter than its neighbours it has the feel of being off the beaten track.  Tarangire certainly delivers in terms of wildlife, but it is most known for its elephant migration in the dry season, and can often me teaming with these magnificent beasts. 

There is a great deal of diversity in Tarangire from the plains of “Serengiti Ndogo” (Little Serengiti) to the Tarangire River and Silale Swamp.  As you turn a corner your are invariably presented with a perfect view of landscape peppered with animals.  You can easily spend two days in Tarangire and it’s close proximity to Arusha makes it an ideal first stop in any Safari experience.