Northern Tanzania
For Active Families

Arrival

Your first night in Tanzania will be spent in the charming Rivertrees Country Inn. Enjoy spectacular views of Mt Kilimanjaro and ten acres of fertile greenery, home to plenty of birds and wildlife.

The elegant cottages are peaceful and picturesque, while the restaurant serves up tasty meals using fresh ingredients and old family recipes. You can also sample many of the region’s locally grown coffees — especially fitting considering Rivertrees was once a coffee farm.

For most people, Lake Manyara involves a lunchtime visit, diving in and out of the northern gate for a hectic two-hour game drive. This entirely misses the true appeal of the rich and beautiful park, which is why our approach is rather different. Coming in from the southern end, we prefer to stick to the quiet areas where few others visit. For those feeling active, the best way to arrive in camp is by mountain bike. Head onto the tracks beginning in the northern villages which gradually take you to the lakeshore, and follow to the southern end where camp is located.

One of these places is a secluded spot under a waterfall coming out of the dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpment. As well as game drives, this is an ideal site for walking. Stroll along the shores of the sublime soda lake or scramble up the waterfall to swim in rock pools, and watch as herds of elephants come to drink below you.

Manyara is also famous for its tree-climbing lions. Although you have a good chance of seeing them, there’s plenty more to enjoy here too. Game grazes on the short grass of the lakeshore while elephants and buffalos feed in the mature woodland.

Accommodation

We love the Lake Manyara Light Tented Camp for its consciously simple approach. Everything is designed to be as comfortable as possible while giving the best experience of the stunning location. No noisy generators, no concrete and only a handful of other guests.

Parks & Areas

Travel west from Manyara, climbing the switchbacks of the Manyara Escarpment to reach the Ngorongoro Crater. A well-known tourist hotspot, this breathtaking spectacle should certainly not be taken for granted. Dive in for a few hours and you’ll encounter a huge amount of wildlife including big cats, elephants, rhinos and more.

Unlike the majority of people who come to the Crater, we also give you the opportunity to properly understand the Maasai culture in this area. Pastoralist families live throughout this part of northern Tanzania and are largely responsible for its preservation. The best way to meet your hosts is to walk the rim of the Crater for a few hours, timing it as the herds of cattle return to their bomas in the evening.

Accommodation

Get off the beaten track in Maasai territory in the Crater rim camp of Entamanu. Expect glorious panoramic views and an intimate, relaxed atmosphere in this hidden African paradise.

Parks & Areas

From Ngorongoro, it’s an extended game drive into the Serengeti. In the dry season between July and October, you’ll be heading to the north of the park to see the wildebeest river crossings. And between December and May, the action is in the southern end of the park where the wildebeests gather to give birth.

Few other parks in Africa have the sense of unlimited space, unfettered views and sensational wildlife as the Serengeti. And no two parts of it are alike, from the rivers and valleys of the north, to the wide-open short grass plains of the south.

Accommodation

As in Manyara, you’ll be staying in simple but brilliant lightweight safari camps in the Serengeti. Far from the crowds and miles from the nearest lodge, this is the way to experience wild Africa.

During your time in the bush, you can dine under the stars at night and retreat under canvas to sleep while the noises of the Serengeti surround you.

Parks & Areas