14 Days Northern Tanzania Road Trip Adventure

Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, collect your rented 4×4, which will be your faithful companion for the duration of your road trip adventure. Ensure that the vehicle is equipped with all the necessary gear for a self-drive safari: a reliable GPS, camping supplies, and a trusty guidebook.

Your first destination is Tarangire National Park, just a few hours’ drive from the airport. Here, you will be greeted by ancient baobab trees and extensive wildlife, including one of the largest elephant populations in Tanzania. Spend your days driving along the park’s dusty roads and your nights at one of the park’s public campsites or a nearby lodge.

Lake Eyasi, a seasonal shallow soda lake, is your next stop. The real draw of this location are the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes, which still maintain a traditional way of life. Arrange for a local guide to take you on a cultural tour, which can include a hunting excursion with the Hadzabe or a visit to a Datoga blacksmith.

Remember to be respectful and considerate as you interact with these communities, and enjoy the opportunity to learn about their unique cultures. Nights can be spent at one of the campsites or lodges with views overlooking the lake.

Prepare for an early start road trip drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is your target for an unforgettable day of game-viewing. The crater floor, teeming with wildlife, promises spectacular sights of lions, rhinos, elephants, and if you’re lucky, the elusive leopard.

Descending into the crater is a time-controlled activity, so ensure you’re aware of the regulations and timing to maximize your experience. There are designated campsites on the crater rim where you can spend the night amid the cool highlands, enveloped by mist and the sounds of wildlife.

Driving from Ngorongoro to the Serengeti is a journey from one breathtaking view to another. Home to the great migration, the Serengeti’s expansive plains will offer you the chance to witness one of the world’s most incredible natural events if your timing coincides with the herds’ movements.

Explore the various regions within the park, from the kopjes to the riverine areas, and make sure to drive both early in the mornings and late in the afternoons for the best wildlife sightings. Serengeti has both public campsites and a range of lodges to cater to all budgets.

Continue with your road trip north from Serengeti to the remote and otherworldly Lake Natron. This drive is challenging, with some tough terrain, but it’s well worth it as you’re rewarded with stunning views and lesser-traveled pathways. Lake Natron is famous for its deep red waters and the flamingo flocks that breed here.

This area offers unique attractions such as a walk to the Engaresero Waterfall or a climb to Ol Doinyo Lengai, a sacred mountain for the Maasai people. It’s important to hire a local Maasai guide for these outings. Camping under the stars near Lake Natron is an experience not to be missed.

Your road trip journey continues as you leave Lake Natron and drive towards West Kilimanjaro, a less-visited part of Tanzania where the Maasai people graze their cattle. Matadi offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru and allows for unique cultural interactions and wildlife sightings without the crowds.

These rolling green hills are perfect for hikes and bird-watching. Arrange for a local Maasai guide to take you through the area and provide context to the social structure and the conservation efforts in this region. Camping here is peaceful, with the majestic mountains as your backdrop.

On the last day, reflect on the memories you’ve made as you drive back to Arusha. Take your time to enjoy the last views of the Tanzanian countryside before dropping off your rental vehicle. Explore Arusha’s markets if time allows, picking up last-minute souvenirs before catching your flight home.