Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Serengeti: SkySafari

Arusha is located at the foothills of Mount Meru on the eastern side of the Great Rift Valley. This is the gateway to the northern safari circuit, with easy access to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Mount Meru.

Its elevation of 1 400 meters keeps temperatures relatively cool despite proximity to the equator; temperatures generally range between 10 and 30 degrees Celsius / 50 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, with little humidity due to the altitude.

Arusha is serviced by two airports, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on the eastern side, and Arusha Airport, which primarily services domestic travel. There is some good shopping available, including the impressive Cultural Heritage, with curio shops, a jewellery boutique, a Tanzanite and precious stone counter, and an art gallery.

Arusha Coffee Lodge offers a serene blend of tranquillity and accessibility, nestled within a lush coffee plantation near Arusha city. Ideally situated close to Arusha Airport and along the gateway route to Tanzania’s most renowned national parks, the lodge provides a peaceful retreat before or after a safari journey. Surrounded by fragrant coffee fields and vibrant gardens, Arusha Coffee Lodge is a haven of comfort and style, perfectly balancing the allure of African warmth with boutique sophistication.

Activities & Highlights
Guests at Arusha Coffee Lodge can immerse themselves in a variety of on-site activities and nearby attractions. Coffee tours offer insight into the rich history of Tanzania’s coffee culture, while boutiques at the Traders Walk, Peaberries Spa, and the café bistro deliver an inviting combination of shopping, relaxation, and local cuisine. For those seeking outdoor exploration, the lodge’s gardens are ideal for bird watching, and nearby Maasai markets, the Tanzanite Museum, and the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre add a unique cultural touch. Adventurers can also enjoy quad biking and swimming on-site, or plan day excursions to Arusha National Park or Mount Meru.

Accommodation
Arusha Coffee Lodge’s Plantation Rooms and suites offer spacious, cozy interiors framed by the serene beauty of surrounding coffee trees. Each Plantation Room spans 45 square meters and features inviting touches like an in-room log fire, en-suite bathrooms with shower and bath, and a private veranda overlooking the verdant coffee garden. The design combines the charm of traditional plantation houses with modern comforts, ensuring a relaxing stay with furnishings crafted for ultimate comfort. The lodge’s blend of African hospitality and boutique hotel familiarity creates a warm, luxurious atmosphere for all guests.

Tarangire National Park covers an undulating area of 2 850 square kilometres / 1 100 square miles and is an easy few hours’ drive from Arusha. Famous for its giant baobabs, savannahs with scattered termite mounds, and large elephant herds, this underrated park is dominated by the perennial Tarangire River.

In the middle of the park, the Silale swamp becomes the main source of water and attracts elephants and predators as the season gets drier. There is a healthy lion population and the other predators are often spotted trailing the plains game as they head to water, or occasionally the cats can be spotted lounging in sausage trees.

Nestled along the route of an ancient elephant migration, Tarangire Treetops is a secluded safari lodge in a 312 square kilometre private wildlife area bordering Tarangire National Park. This unique location, amid the rolling, baobab-dotted hills, offers guests an unparalleled vantage of Tanzania’s wild landscape. Elevated “treehouse” rooms are set high in the treetops with views over baobab and marula canopies, evoking an adventurous and exotic atmosphere that resonates with nature’s timeless beauty. At the heart of the lodge, a stately baobab tree anchors the reception, lounge, and dining areas, which overlook a tranquil swimming pool and a waterhole regularly visited by wildlife.

Activities & Highlights
Tarangire Treetops provides a range of immersive activities designed to bring guests closer to the region's natural wonders. In its own private conservancy, guests enjoy guided walking safaris and game drives by day and night. Exploring on foot allows guests to experience the bush in a more intimate way - appreciating flora, fauna, animal tracks, and the small details often missed from a vehicle. Walking trails can be tailored to a gentle amble or a more energetic hike. For a thrilling experience after dark, night drives reveal the elusive nocturnal creatures of the African bush, from the bush baby and ambling porcupine to the secretive leopard. And to complete this authentic safari experience, bush dining under the stars adds a memorable touch.

Luxury Accommodation
Tarangire Treetops’ elevated “Treehouse Rooms” are among the largest in East Africa, with spacious interiors spanning 65 square metres and en-suite bathrooms featuring exotic double showers. Designed to blend warmth with artisanal elegance, each room showcases local craftsmanship and offers open-fronted views over the Tarangire plains from a private balcony. Set on raised platforms, these rooms immerse guests in the surrounding baobab and marula trees, creating a serene, elevated retreat that captures the essence of a luxurious safari treehouse.

Nestled within the heart of Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater stands as one of the most iconic and sought-after destinations for luxury safari travel. This natural wonder, often dubbed the ‘African Eden,’ promises an unforgettable experience for discerning travellers seeking the perfect safari adventure. The Ngorongoro Crater offers a unique opportunity to witness a diverse array of wildlife within a breathtakingly beautiful caldera, making it a prime destination for those looking to embark on an exclusive and unforgettable safari journey.

One of the hallmarks of a safari in Ngorongoro Crater is the personalized attention and expertise of your private guide. These experienced professionals are intimately familiar with the region’s unique ecosystems and the behaviour of its resident wildlife. With their knowledge and keen eye for spotting elusive animals, your safari adventures will be a thrilling and educational experience. Whether you’re tracking the Big Five or observing the annual wildebeest migration, your private guide ensures you won’t miss any of the mesmerizing wildlife moments this crater has to offer.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) extends from the crater highlands all the way past Olduvai Gorge and onto the short grasslands of the southern Serengeti and Lake Ndutu. But the wildlife does not adhere to these boundaries and there is exceptional wildlife viewing, especially during peak calving season when the NCA plains play host to the Great Wildebeest Migration and the birth of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest in a short span of time. This brings predator action, especially with large hyena clans, cheetahs, and the return of African hunting dogs.

Located in the verdant highlands near the Ngorongoro Crater, The Manor at Ngorongoro stands as a tribute to old-world grandeur, combining luxury with East African charm. Its classic Cape Dutch architecture, set on one of East Africa’s oldest coffee plantations, celebrates the area’s Dutch colonial heritage. The Manor offers a secluded escape with world-class amenities, making it one of the most opulent properties in the Tanzanian safari circuit. Each suite is thoughtfully crafted to provide a luxurious retreat, complete with private spaces that invite relaxation after an exhilarating day of safari exploration.

Activities & Highlights
Guests can embark on shared game drives to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, enjoy day excursions to the flamingo-lined shores of Lake Manyara National Park, or take a guided visit to Olduvai Gorge, one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. The property also arranges unique bush lunches at private Crater campsites, offering a serene and exclusive dining experience. For those seeking relaxation, the on-site spa offers therapeutic treatments, while horseback rides through the coffee plantation provide a unique perspective of the landscape, with optional picnics or sundowners. Coffee tours, guided nature walks, and swimming in the elegant pool further enhance the experience, inviting guests to connect deeply with the region’s rich culture and natural beauty.

Accommodation
The Manor’s 18 Manor Cottage Suites exude elegance and privacy. Each suite features a private entrance and sun terrace, opening into an inviting space that showcases traditional Cape Dutch architecture. A double-sided log-burning fireplace divides the suite, adding warmth and ambiance. The en-suite bathrooms are luxuriously appointed with Victorian-style claw-footed bathtubs, twin vanities, and a rainfall shower, ensuring each guest’s comfort. These beautifully designed suites offer a tranquil sanctuary, perfect for unwinding after a day of safari adventures.

Spanning over 1.5 million hectares of untamed wilderness, this iconic destination is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventurers seeking the ultimate safari experience. The Serengeti is renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes, magnificent biodiversity, and the annual spectacle of the Great Migration, making it one of the most sought-after safari destinations on the planet.

With a remarkable variety of animals, from the Big Five to the elusive cheetahs, zebras, and giraffes, it’s a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. The vast grasslands, acacia-dotted plains, and meandering rivers provide a breathtaking backdrop to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains in search of greener pastures, is an epic spectacle that has to be seen to be believed.

Game drives, guided walks, and hot air balloon safaris offer different perspectives on the park’s abundant flora and fauna. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time safari-goer, the Serengeti offers something for everyone. The vast open spaces, unspoiled landscapes, and the opportunity to witness predators on the hunt provide a unique and exhilarating experience, making it a dream destination for wildlife photography.

Preservation is at the heart of the Serengeti’s identity. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is a testament to Tanzania’s commitment to safeguarding its natural treasures. Visitors can partake in conservation efforts by supporting local initiatives and learning about the park’s rich history. The Serengeti’s holistic approach to conservation not only protects its incredible biodiversity but also ensures a sustainable future for generations of visitors to come.

Within the rugged landscapes of Tanzania's South Central Serengeti, Serengeti Pioneer Camp offers an unparalleled safari experience. With stunning views over Lake Magadi, Moru Kopjes, and the expansive plains, this camp provides prime access to the Big Five and the iconic Great Migration. Serengeti Pioneer Camp channels the spirit of 1930s mobile camps, capturing the thrill of discovery in the wild. Its eco-friendly, low-impact footprint brings guests close to nature, enhancing the authenticity of this exceptional wilderness retreat.

Activities & Highlights
Guests at Serengeti Pioneer Camp can immerse themselves in diverse safari activities, including shared game drives in custom 4x4 vehicles, private bush picnics, sundowners, and campfire dining. Thrilling hot-air balloon safaris provide a spectacular perspective over the Serengeti's sweeping landscapes. The camp's managers, who support the Serengeti Cheetah Project, also offer insightful talks on cheetah research and encourage guests to participate in conservation efforts by identifying cheetah sightings. Additional amenities include a refreshing swimming pool, family-friendly activities, and dining experiences that bring guests closer to the heart of the Serengeti.

Accommodation
Serengeti Pioneer Camp comprises 12 spacious, en-suite Tented Suites that capture the nostalgic charm of an era long gone. Each suite is designed with a back-to-nature feel, featuring canvas-covered floors, rich throw carpets, and vintage-inspired furnishings. The en-suite bathrooms offer all modern conveniences, including a flushing toilet, vanity basin, and period-style hot showers. Guests can unwind in the dedicated dining tent for breakfast and dinner or enjoy lunch in the bush, making each day in the Serengeti unforgettable.