Settings -
£
$
¥
$
¥
HomeRoad TripsAfricaEast AfricaTanzaniaNorthern Tanzania Safari
zebras-765885_1920.jpg

Northern Tanzania Safari Road Trip

Dar es Salaam - Bagamoyo - Lushoto - Marangu - Arusha - Tarangire N.P. - Karatu - Ngorongoro N.P. - Serengeti N.P.

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Wildlife Wildlife
Comfort Comfort
Security Security
Urban life Urban life
Road conditions Road conditions
Historical sites Historical sites
Northern Tanzania Safari Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages8 km1,250 h/stage3.5

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Northern Tanzania Safari Road Trip in Tanzania?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,016EUR drive & more 163EUR sleep & more 737EUR eat & more 672EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,572EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,588EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,772EUR drive & more 225EUR sleep & more 1,474EUR eat & more 1,008EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,707EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 5,479EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 5,544EUR drive & more 300EUR sleep & more 2,222EUR eat & more 1,344EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 3,866EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 9,410EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 3,150EUR drive & more 338EUR sleep & more 770EUR eat & more 672EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,780EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 4,930EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
Share this link.

Northern Tanzania Safari Road Trip Itinerary

Embark on an exciting journey through Tanzania with the Northern Tanzania Safari Road Trip. Start your journey in the vibrant city of Dar es Salaam and end in the stunning Serengeti National Park. Along the way, you'll explore the Bagamoyo, Marangu, Tarangire National Park, and Ngorongoro National Park. The Northern Tanzania Safari Road Trip covers a distance of approximately 1250km and can be completed in 14 days. The best time of year to drive is during the dry season, between June and October. During this time the landscapes are particularly beautiful and the nature is vibrant. Be aware that there are some sections of curvy and narrow roads along the route, and overall the road conditions are poor. Despite this, the Northern Tanzania Safari Road Trip provides a very high level of experience and memories. It's suitable for every driver, though it should be noted that this trip will require a high budget.
number of days 14 number of days
route length 1,250 km route length
budget high budget
good for tourist good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level fair accident level

START Dar es Salaam

Distance 1,250 km Driving time 28.1 h Pace: slow 287.4 kWh Airports DAR , ZNZ
[detailsContainer]
Dar es Salaam is the largest city in Tanzania and the perfect starting point for the Northern Tanzania Safari Road Trip. The city is located on the Indian Ocean and offers a unique blend of African, Arabic and Indian cultures. From here, you can explore the nearby islands, beaches, and wildlife. When visiting Dar es Salaam, make sure to visit the National Museum and its collection of African art and history, the botanical gardens, and the bustling markets. There are also plenty of opportunities for activities such as sailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The closest international airport to Dar es Salaam is the Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), located about 15 kilometers from the city center. From here, you can rent a car to begin your Northern Tanzania Safari Road Trip. The road trip will take you to some of Tanzania’s most spectacular sights, including the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park. Dar es Salaam is the perfect starting point for a Northern Tanzania Safari Road Trip. With its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and diverse wildlife, you will have an unforgettable experience. So don't hesitate and start planning your trip today!

1 Dar es Salaam - Bagamoyo

Distance 66 km Driving time 1.8 h Pace: slow 15.3 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues sections of narrow road junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Greetings road-trippers! Get ready to drive from Dar es Salaam to Bagamoyo, a 66 km journey that will take you less than two hours. This is one of the most fascinating stages of the tour, with several historical sites to admire. Keep an eye out for narrow sections of the road, and be prepared to be in awe of the amazing views. On this road trip, you will be able to explore the old fort of Bagamoyo, the Kaole Ruins, and the colonial buildings of Bagamoyo Town. Don’t forget to visit the old harbor and the German cemetery before you leave. For more detailed information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!

2 Bagamoyo - Lushoto

Distance 295 km Driving time 5.1 h Pace: modest 76.7 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road stretches of gravel road junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Let us take you on an exciting 295 km road trip from Bagamoyo to Lushoto! Start your journey in Bagamoyo, a historic town in Tanzania, and experience its rich cultural heritage. Take a stroll in the old town, explore the colonial buildings, and be mesmerized by the beautiful beaches. As you drive through the winding roads of the Usambara Mountains, be sure to take in the breathtaking views of the lush greenery. Take a break at the Mgolole Forest Reserve, a tranquil paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. And when you get to Lushoto, don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore its charming villages, waterfalls, and unique rock formations. The journey will take you about 5 hours, so keep an eye out for interesting sites and attractions along the way. For more information on attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy the journey!

3 Lushoto - Marangu

Distance 246 km Driving time 4.3 h Pace: modest 64.0 kWh View map Itinerary
stretches of gravel road dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road junction of road trips accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an amazing road trip from Lushoto to Marangu, in Tanzania. This 246km route will take you fewer than 5 hours and you can expect beautiful sceneries along the way. The winding roads will take you through narrow sections, so please drive carefully. You can also visit some interesting places such as Usambara Mountains, Lushoto Town, and Marangu Waterfall. Usambara Mountains offer breathtaking views, while Lushoto Town is a great place to explore the local culture. The Marangu Waterfall is a great spot to take pictures and enjoy the serenity. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the itinerary of this stage.

4 Marangu - Arusha

Distance 118 km Driving time 2.8 h Pace: modest 30.6 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues junction of road trips attractive landscape accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Experience the exciting 118km journey from Marangu to Arusha, with a time of less than three hours. On this road trip, you will be mesmerized by picturesque landscapes, lush vegetation, and unique wildlife. Pack your camera and enjoy the amazing view of the Kilimanjaro National Park on the way. Don't miss the chance to explore the Materuni Waterfalls and Chagga Cave, both located in Marangu. Once in Arusha, make sure to visit the Cultural Heritage Centre and Karanga Market. There you can find some souvenirs and get to know more about the local culture. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to check the Itinerary for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Have an amazing adventure!

5 Arusha - Tarangire N.P.

Distance 209 km Driving time 6.8 h Pace: slow 48.0 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD recommended stretches of gravel road dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road junction of road trips attractive landscape accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a magnificent road trip from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, a 209 km drive that will take you fewer than 7 hours. On this journey, you will get to witness some of the most astonishing and picturesque landscapes. The route is mainly tarmac but in some sections it may become narrow, so it is advisable to have a 4WD car. Be sure to take some time to experience the African savannah, with its rolling hills, and the abundance of wildlife that you will encounter. You can also take advantage of the many viewpoints and take photos of the amazing views. The most interesting places to visit in Arusha are the Arusha National Park and the Arusha Cultural Heritage Center. In Tarangire National Park, you will find the Tarangire River, and the Tarangire Safari Lodge. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. This road trip will surely be an unforgettable experience that you will never forget.

6 Tarangire N.P. - Karatu

Distance 134 km Driving time 2.8 h Pace: modest 34.8 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD recommended stretches of gravel road dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road junction of road trips attractive landscape accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an adventure and explore the wonders of Tanzania with a road trip from Tarangire National Park to Karatu! This scenic 134 km route will take you less than 3 hours to drive, and it's best to have a 4WD car for the journey. Along the way, you will be amazed by the picturesque landscapes and the narrow roads. Keep an eye out for stunning views of the vast savannah plains, and don't forget to take plenty of pictures! This is just one stage of your larger tour, and there are plenty of attractions to see and explore. To make the most of it, be sure to check out the itinerary and look for recommended restaurants, accommodation options, and campsites along the route. Trust us, you won't want to miss out on the amazing experiences this road trip has to offer!

7 Karatu - Ngorongoro N.P.

Distance 32 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: slow 7.4 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road 4WD recommended stretches of gravel road sections of narrow road junction of road trips accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an adventure of a lifetime and explore Tanzania's stunning landscapes on an unforgettable road trip from Karatu to Ngorongoro National Park. This 32km journey will take you less than an hour and is best experienced in a 4WD car. As you drive along this scenic route, you will pass through narrow passages and take in the breathtaking views of the countryside. Along the way, don't forget to make a stop at the renowned Shifting Sands and the stunning Empakaai Crater. Make sure to also take pictures of the wildlife you'll encounter in the area. When you arrive at the Ngorongoro National Park, you'll be amazed by its stunning landscapes and the diverse array of wildlife. If you're looking for an even more immersive experience, you can spend the night camping in the park. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your unforgettable journey!

8 Ngorongoro N.P. - Serengeti N.P.

Distance 149 km Driving time 3.6 h Pace: modest 38.9 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD recommended dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road junction of road trips attractive landscape accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Ngorongoro National Park to Serengeti National Park! The journey is just 149km and takes less than four hours, but the scenery on this drive will stay in your memory forever. The route is best explored in a 4WD car, and in some sections, the road is quite narrow. Look out for picturesque landscapes and scenic roads! Along the way, make sure to stop at the Olduvai Gorge. This is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and is known as the “Cradle of Mankind”. You can also visit the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest caldera. Here, you can observe the wildlife in their natural environment. Once you’ve reached the Serengeti National Park, you can go on a safari to spot the Big 5 animals. There are also plenty of hot air balloon rides for an aerial view of the park. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey today and explore the wonders of Tanzania!

  Serengeti N.P.

[detailsContainer]
The Northern Tanzania Safari Road Trip ends with a visit to Serengeti National Park, the largest national park in Tanzania. This park is home to a huge variety of wildlife including the Big Five: lions, leopards, buffalos, elephants, and rhinos. The park is also famous for its annual wildebeest migration, which is one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles on the planet. The Serengeti National Park is a great place to explore on a road trip. Visitors can explore the park's savannah plains, grassy hills, and woodlands. There are also several large lakes and rivers that can be explored. Wildlife watching is a popular activity in this park, as one can spot elephants, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, cheetah, and more. For those traveling by car, the main entrance to the park is located at the Lobo gate. There are several other entry points, depending on the route taken. The closest international airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Once inside the park, visitors can explore the many attractions. The Olduvai Gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great spot to learn about the origins of the human species. The Ngorongoro Crater is another popular attraction with its unique landscape and abundance of wildlife. The Serengeti also offers a variety of cultural experiences, such as visits to the Masaai villages and the opportunity to experience a traditional African safari. The Serengeti National Park is a must-visit destination for any Northern Tanzania Safari Road Trip. With its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, it is an unforgettable experience for any traveler.

Northern Tanzania Safari Road Trip at a glance

Facts for safer driving in Tanzania

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.8
max speed urban max speed urban 60 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 100 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 110 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls no
seat belts seat belts yes

Recommended trips

Tanzania Road Trip Tanzania Road Trip
Tanzania Road Trip
Africa - Tanzania
4,753 km 50 km/h 25 days roadtrip
Wildlife Treasures Safari Road Trip Wildlife Treasures Safari Road Trip
Wildlife Treasures Safari Road Trip
Africa - Kenya
1,814 km 40 km/h 21 days roadtrip
Out of Africa Road Trip Out of Africa Road Trip
Out of Africa Road Trip
Africa - Tanzania
4,399 km 60 km/h 21 days roadtrip
2 Weeks Safari Road Trip 2 Weeks Safari Road Trip
2 Weeks Safari Road Trip
Africa - Kenya
1,252 km 40 km/h 14 days roadtrip
Safaris Panoramic Road Safaris Panoramic Road
Safaris Panoramic Road
Africa - Kenya
2,388 km 43 km/h 21 days roadtrip
Victoria Lake Loop Road Trip Victoria Lake Loop Road Trip
Victoria Lake Loop Road Trip
Africa - Kenya
3,010 km 48 km/h 20 days roadtrip