The Machame Route

Why not extend your tour to include a mini-safari to two of Tanzania’s most famous national parks?

Tarangire National Park is Tanzania’s sixth largest national park and has the country’s second highest concentration of animals. The park is especially famous for its large herds of elephants, which are often to be seen standing in the shade of the giant baobab trees, putting into perspective just how big the trees are.

The Ngorongoro Crater is out of this world. The drive down the crater wall will give you a lurch in your stomach, and here in its own little microcosm, you’ll find an abundance of wildlife. With the exception of giraffes, whose long legs can’t manage the walk up and down the side of the crater.

There’ll also be time for a visit to a village where one of the villagers shows you around, and a group of local women prepare a veritable feast consisting of 14 different dishes from different places in Tanzania. Then lunch is served!

Surrounded by the waters of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar consists of the main islands of Unguja (also called ‘Zanzibar’) and Pemba, as well as a number of smaller islands. The island of Zanzibar is a treasure trove of natural and cultural treats. Brilliant white sandy beaches, azure seas and a truly amazing coral reef. A warm and sunny climate all year round. A dramatic history, liberally sprinkled with Arabian sultans, Portuguese seafarers, unscrupulous slavers and European explorers who have all left their mark on the island. And one of the most fascinating towns in Africa, dotted with fine examples of beautiful Arabian architecture. Not forgetting the delicious Swahili cuisine and the accommodating population ...

Feel like relaxing after climbing Kilimanjaro or many hours in a safari car? Or dreaming of becoming acquainted with the Maasai culture and experiencing the Maasai customs and traditions – without compromising too much on comfort? And would you like to wake up to the sun rising over Kilimanjaro, and lie by a pool overlooking Africa’s highest mountain? Then extend your trip by two nights at Osiligilai Maasai Lodge.

You will find this authentic and charming lodge a just over two-hour drive away from Moshi, and we are almost ready to guarantee that both the nature and the cultural experiences here will take your breath away.

The lodge is located in a typical Maasai grassland area with vast open spaces. Here, you will find plains stretching as far as the eye can see and views of both Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. It is owned by local Maasai, who throw themeselves into running the place in the best possible way. You will feel both welcome and pampered, and you will have plenty of opportunity to become acquainted with these semi-nomadic people.

You will spend the night in a traditional Maasai hut with a toilet, electricity and a hot water shower – and a bed strategically placed so you can watch the sun rise over Kilimanjaro in the early hours of the morning.

The stay at the lodge includes all meals and a wide range of activities such as javelin throwing and traditional Maasai dancing and singing as the sun sets behind Mount Meru. In addition, it is possible to purchase various excursions or additional activities, but you can also choose to just lie by the pool and be absorbed by the view of Kilimanjaro while enjoying a cold beer and reading a good book.

Want to know more about what it’s like to stay at Osiligilai Maasai Lodge? Then read our Africa expert’s travelogue.

Tarangire National Park is the sixth-largest national park in Tanzania and has the second-highest concentration of wildlife in the country. The park is home to around 3,000 elephants, which roam the area in herds of up to 300. Tarangire is also the habitat of another famous creature: the tree-climbing python that can slither its way up to the tallest tree tops. Other animals native to the area include lions, leopards, hyenas and warthogs, as well as large numbers of zebras, gnus, gazelles, hartebeest (kongoni), waterbucks and impala. The small, black-headed Agapornis parrot is just one of the 550 species of bird to be seen in the park.

In contrast to Tarangire, Lake Manyara National Park is one of the smallest parks in Tanzania – but it is also one of the most varied. Immediately after the entrance to the park, the verdant rainforest unfurls in all its glory, interspersed with sparkling watercourses. Here you can see both baboons and Sykes’ monkeys. Close to Lake Manyara, which takes up fully one-third of the park, you can experience the vast savannah, home to buffalo, gnus, elephants and zebras. If you are really lucky, you may even spot leopards, hyenas and the extraordinary tree-climbing lions. In and around Lake Manyara itself, you are likely to observe hippopotamuses, flamingos and pelicans.

Tarangire National Park is the sixth-largest national park in Tanzania and has the second-highest concentration of wildlife in the country. The park is home to around 3,000 elephants, which roam the area in herds of up to 300. Tarangire is also the habitat of another famous creature: the tree-climbing python that can slither its way up to the tallest tree tops. Other animals native to the area include lions, leopards, hyenas and warthogs, as well as large numbers of zebras, gnus, gazelles, hartebeest (kongoni), waterbucks and impala. The small, black-headed Agapornis parrot is just one of the 550 species of bird to be seen in the park.

In contrast to Tarangire, Lake Manyara National Park is one of the smallest parks in Tanzania – but it is also one of the most varied. Immediately after the entrance to the park, the verdant rainforest unfurls in all its glory, interspersed by sparkling watercourses. Here you can see both baboons and Sykes’ monkeys. Close to Lake Manyara, which takes up fully one-third of the park, you can see experience the vast savannah, home to buffalo, gnus, elephants and zebras. If you are really lucky, you may even spot leopards, hyenas and the extraordinary tree-climbing lions. In and around Lake Manyara itself, you are likely to observe hippopotamuses, flamingos and pelicans.

Surrounded by the waters of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar consists of the main islands of Unguja (also called ‘Zanzibar’) and Pemba, as well as a number of smaller islands. The island of Zanzibar is a treasure trove of natural and cultural treats. Brilliant white sandy beaches, azure seas and a truly amazing coral reef. A warm and sunny climate all year round. A dramatic history, liberally sprinkled with Arabian sultans, Portuguese seafarers, unscrupulous slavers and European explorers who have all left their mark on the island. And one of the most fascinating towns in Africa, dotted with fine examples of beautiful Arabian architecture. Not forgetting the delicious Swahili cuisine and the accommodating population ...

You’ve almost certainly seen pictures of the gentle furry mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

Why not complete your trip to East Africa by extending your holiday to include a tour to Uganda to look for the unique mountain gorillas?

We’ve made it easy for you and added this 5-day extension, when, besides gorilla tracking, you also go on a “walking safari” in Lake Mburo National Park.

It goes without saying that we have included flights, gorilla permits and full board almost everywhere.

It couldn’t be easier!

Please note: This extension only goes ahead when there are at least 2 people travelling.

This extension must be booked at least 70 days before departure.

Mkomazi National Park is one of Tanzania’s lesser-known parks, which is a pity, because the nature here is absolutely unique!

The park borders Tsavo in Kenya, and together they form one of Africa’s most important ecosystems, and which in East Africa is only surpassed by the Serengeti-Masai Mara.

The scenery is amazing. Here, you will find a fascinating combination of bone-dry savannah, lush mountainsides and large forests. There are lots of animals here – but on the other hand not many tourists. Mkomazi is indeed an overlooked gem!

The national park is located just over two hours’ drive east of Moshi, and is thus a perfect place to relax for a couple of days after a successful trip to the top of Kilimanjaro – without having to drive very far.

On this extension, you will spend two nights in a wonderful tented camp in a perfect location. You will have a driver-guide and land cruiser at your disposal, and you can either go on safari or relax in the camp – it’s entirely up to you. All meals are also included.

As the tent camp only has seven tents – and there are no other alternative hotels or camps in the park – we recommend that you book well in advance if you want this extension.