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.
14
number of days
1,254 km
route length
high
budget
tourist
good for
on the left
traffic direction
fair
accident level
START
Dar es Salaam
Distance 1,254 km
Driving time 30.3 h
Pace: slow
288.5 kWh
Airports
DAR
,
ZNZ
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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 1.9 h
Pace: slow
15.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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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!
Bagamoyo - Tanzania - Africa - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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2
Bagamoyo
- Lushoto
Distance 295 km
Driving time 5.3 h
Pace: modest
76.7 kWh
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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!
Lushoto - Tanzania - Africa - Road Trip - Pixabay
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3
Lushoto
- Marangu
Distance 246 km
Driving time 4.4 h
Pace: modest
64.0 kWh
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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.
Marangu - Tanzania - Africa - Road Trip - - Wikipedia
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4
Marangu
- Arusha
Distance 118 km
Driving time 2.9 h
Pace: modest
30.6 kWh
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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!
Arusha - Tanzania - Africa - Road Trip - Pixabay
Arusha - Tanzania - Africa - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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5
Arusha
- Tarangire N.P.
Distance 208 km
Driving time 6.6 h
Pace: slow
47.9 kWh
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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.
Tarangire N.P. - Tanzania - Africa - Road Trip - Tanzania Odyssey
Tarangire N.P. - Tanzania - Africa - Road Trip - TripSavvy
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6
Tarangire N.P.
- Karatu
Distance 139 km
Driving time 4.3 h
Pace: slow
32.1 kWh
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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!
Karatu - Tanzania - Africa - Road Trip - Independent Travel Cats
Karatu - Tanzania - Africa - Road Trip - Arusha Travel Guide
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7
Karatu
- Ngorongoro N.P.
Distance 32 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: slow
7.4 kWh
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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!
Ngorongoro N.P. - Tanzania - Africa - Road Trip - On The Go Tours
Ngorongoro N.P. - Tanzania - Africa - Road Trip - TripSavvy
Ngorongoro N.P. - Tanzania - Africa - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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8
Ngorongoro N.P.
- Serengeti N.P.
Distance 149 km
Driving time 4.0 h
Pace: slow
34.4 kWh
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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. - Tanzania - Africa - Road Trip - www.wallpaperflare.com
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Serengeti N.P.
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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
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Start:
Dar es Salaam
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End:
Serengeti N.P.
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Distance:
1,254 km
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Stay:
14 days
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Getting there:
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR),
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
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When to drive:
January, February, March, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the extraordinary Northern Tanzania Safari Road Trip, a 14-day adventure that takes you from the coastal city of Dar es Salaam to the iconic Serengeti National Park. Covering approximately 1250 kilometers, this journey is an immersive experience in Tanzania's diverse cultural heritage and its stunning natural habitats.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
Your itinerary will lead you through the historic town of Bagamoyo, once a center of the East African slave and ivory trade, and now a World Heritage Site candidate. You'll be mesmerized by the verdant slopes of Marangu at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. Explore the Tarangire National Park, renowned for its large elephant population and majestic baobab trees. Another highlight is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can explore the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera. The Serengeti awaits with its legendary Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move in an annual pattern across the plains. In addition to the migration, you're likely to spot the 'Big Five' — lions, elephants, leopards, Cape buffalo, and rhinoceros — in their natural habitat.
Best Time to Go:
The optimal time for this Road Trip is during the dry season, from June to October. This period offers the most favorable conditions for wildlife viewing, as animals are drawn to water sources, and the risk of malaria is lower.
Potential Risks:
Be mindful of the challenging Road conditions, including unpredictable weather, and varying Road quality with potential potholes and uneven surfaces. Ensure your vehicle is suitable for rough terrain and that you're equipped with emergency supplies.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Serengeti is one of the oldest ecosystems on Earth, offering a glimpse into what the environment might have looked like millions of years ago.
- Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano and its highest point, Uhuru Peak, stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level.
- The Ngorongoro Crater is home to over 25,000 large animals, making it one of the most densely populated wildlife areas in the world.
A good choice for:
The Northern Tanzania Safari Road Trip is a once-in-a-lifetime expedition that combines the thrill of the wild with cultural enlightenment. It's a journey tailored for adventurers and nature lovers who desire to explore the depths of Africa's beauty in a rich and exclusive setting.
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