Northern Circuits Safaris

Discover Mount Kilimanjaro – The Roof of Africa

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations—and for good reason. Standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), it is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain on Earth. Located in northern Tanzania, this majestic peak draws thousands of adventure-seekers each year who come to experience the thrill of standing at Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Unlike many of the world’s tallest mountains, no technical climbing skills are required to reach the top, making Kilimanjaro one of the most accessible high-altitude treks in the world. With expert guides, proper preparation, and a sense of adventure, almost anyone can take on this life-changing journey.

Why Visit Kilimanjaro?

• ️ World-Class Trekking Routes
  Choose from scenic routes like Machame, Marangu, or Lemosho—each offering unique landscapes and experiences.

• Stunning Natural Beauty
  Trek through five distinct climate zones, from lush rainforests and moorlands to alpine deserts and the snow-capped summit.

• Wildlife & Culture
  Spot wildlife in the lower slopes and connect with local Chagga culture around the mountain villages.

• A True Bucket List Adventure
  Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time climber, Kilimanjaro offers an unforgettable challenge with panoramic views and a powerful sense of achievement.

Best Time to Visit

The best months for trekking are January to March and June to October, when weather conditions are most favorable.

Ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime?

Conquering Mount Kilimanjaro isn’t just a trek—it’s a journey into some of Africa’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. Whether you’re chasing a dream, celebrating a milestone, or seeking your next big adventure, Kilimanjaro promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Chemka Hot Springs (Kikuletwa) Overview

Chemka Hot Springs, also known as Kikuletwa Hot Springs, is a stunning natural oasis located between Moshi and Arusha in Tanzania. Here’s a quick guide to what makes this spot so special:

️ What to Expect

• Crystal-Clear Waters: The spring features naturally warm, turquoise water ideal for swimming and relaxing2.
• Lush Surroundings: Palm trees, fig trees, and winding roots create a jungle-like atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
• Activities: Enjoy rope swings, tire tubing, and even high jumps from trees. It’s a favorite for both locals and tourists.

Getting There

• From Moshi: About 1 to 1.5 hours by car.
• From Arusha: Roughly 2 to 2.5 hours drive.
• Transport Options: You can go by local bus, tuk-tuk, or book a guided tour for convenience2.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (June–October): Ideal for clear skies and easy travel.
• Rainy Season (November–May): The area is lush and vibrant, though roads may be muddy.

Amenities

• Picnic Spots: Bring your own food and drinks.
• Camping: Some tours offer overnight stays for a deeper nature experience.

Materuni – Waterfalls, Coffee & Chagga Culture

A hidden gem near Moshi at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Materuni is a charming Chagga village located in the lush foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, just 15 km from Moshi town. Famous for its breathtaking waterfall, rich cultural heritage, and authentic coffee tours, Materuni offers visitors a peaceful and immersive experience into rural Tanzanian life.

Surrounded by banana farms, tropical vegetation, and panoramic mountain views, Materuni is the perfect day trip for nature lovers, culture seekers, and anyone looking to explore the lesser-known side of Kilimanjaro.

Where is Materuni?

• Region: Kilimanjaro Region, Northern Tanzania

• Distance from Moshi: ~30–45 minutes by car (15 km)

• Elevation: ~1,600 meters above sea level

• Type of Trip: Half or full-day excursion from Moshi (or Arusha with an early start)

Top Highlights of Materuni

Materuni Waterfall

• One of the tallest waterfalls in the Kilimanjaro region (over 80 meters high)

• Scenic hike through lush forest, farms, and hills

• Natural pool at the base for swimming (refreshing and chilly!)

☕ Traditional Coffee Experience

• Learn how the Chagga people grow, roast, and brew Arabica coffee

• Participate in the full process—from picking beans to drinking fresh coffee

• Includes local songs, dances, and storytelling during the ceremony

️ Cultural Insight

• Guided walk through the village to understand local farming, customs, and daily life

• Interactions with friendly villagers who welcome you into their homes and culture

️ Why Visit Materuni?

• ✅ Perfect nature and cultural combination in one trip

• ✅ Great add-on before or after a Kilimanjaro climb

• ✅ Authentic coffee tour experience in the foothills

• ✅ Family-friendly and ideal for photographers

• ✅ Less crowded than major parks, yet equally rewarding

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots

• Swimsuit and towel (if swimming at the waterfall)

• Rain jacket (especially in the wet season)

• Camera and water bottle

• Some cash for tips or souvenirs

️ Best Time to Visit Materuni

Note: The waterfall is most powerful during or just after the rainy seasons.

Getting to Materuni

• From Moshi: ~30–45 minutes by car

• From Arusha: ~2.5–3 hours (best with an early start)

• Accessible via guided tour or private transport

• 4×4 vehicle recommended, especially in the rainy season

A Perfect Day Trip Near Kilimanjaro

Materuni is one of the best-kept secrets near Moshi—offering a refreshing combination of natural beauty, authentic culture, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re hiking to the falls, sipping freshly brewed local coffee, or simply enjoying the serenity of Kilimanjaro’s foothills, Materuni will leave you with unforgettable memories of Tanzania.

Location & Geography

• Situated in northern Tanzania, between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley escarpment
• Covers approximately 330 square kilometers, with the lake itself occupying a large portion
• Easily accessible from Arusha, about a 2-hour drive, making it a popular stop on the northern safari circuit2

Wildlife Highlights

• Famous for its tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior not commonly seen elsewhere
• Home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and hippos
• Over 400 bird species, including pink flamingos, pelicans, and storks, making it a paradise for birdwatchers

Ecosystems & Landscapes

• Diverse habitats: lush forests, open woodlands, wetlands, and grassy plains
• The park’s compact size allows visitors to experience a wide range of environments in a short time3

Best Time to Visit

• Year-round destination, but:
  • Dry season (June to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing
  • Wet season (November to May) offers lush scenery and excellent birdwatching

Activities

• Game drives and birdwatching
• Canoeing (seasonal, depending on water levels)
• Cultural tours to nearby villages
• Photography and scenic viewing from the Rift Valley escarpment

Accommodation

• Options range from luxury lodges to budget campsites, both inside and near the park

Lake Manyara National Park is often described as a hidden gem—compact yet bursting with natural beauty and wildlife diversity. It’s a perfect introduction to Tanzania’s safari experience.

Arusha – Tanzania’s Safari Capital

Welcome to Arusha, the vibrant heart of northern Tanzania and the official safari capital of East Africa. Nestled at the foot of Mount Meru and near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha is the perfect starting point for world-famous adventures—whether you’re heading on a Northern Circuit safari, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, or exploring local cultures and markets.

Located just a short drive from Arusha National Park and within reach of Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara, Arusha serves as the ideal hub for travelers seeking both comfort and access to Tanzania’s top destinations.

Where is Arusha?

• Region: Arusha Region, Northern Tanzania

• Elevation: ~1,400 m (4,600 ft) above sea level

• Closest Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – approx. 1 hour by road

• Domestic Airport: Arusha Airport (ARK) – for regional flights and connections

• Distance to Serengeti (via Ngorongoro): ~6–7 hours by road or 1-hour flight

Why Visit Arusha?

• Gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit
  Most safaris to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara start here.

• ️ Mount Meru & Kilimanjaro Views
  Enjoy views of two iconic mountains—and even hike Mount Meru, a beautiful and less-crowded climb.

• ️ Arusha National Park
  A perfect day trip to see giraffes, zebras, flamingos, and even black-and-white colobus monkeys.

• ️ Local Culture & Markets
  Visit the Maasai Market, explore the Cultural Heritage Centre, or take part in a local coffee tour.

• ️ Diverse Cuisine & Cafés
  From local Tanzanian dishes to international restaurants, Arusha offers something for every taste.

• Great Accommodation Options
  Wide range of stays—from budget lodges to luxury safari resorts and boutique hotels.

️ Best Time to Visit Arusha

Tip: Arusha is a year-round destination thanks to its moderate highland climate.

Top Things to Do in and Around Arusha

• Game drives in Arusha National Park

• Walking safaris or canoeing at Momella Lakes

• Maasai cultural village visits

• Coffee plantation tours around Mt. Meru slopes

• Day hikes to Mount Meru Crater or waterfalls

• Shopping for crafts at Maasai Market and Cultural Heritage Centre

‍‍‍ Who is Arusha For?

• Safari travelers and wildlife lovers

• Kilimanjaro climbers (pre/post trek)

• Cultural explorers and photographers

• Families, solo travelers, and groups

• Volunteers and business travelers

✈️ Getting to Arusha

• International Access:

  • Via Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – 60 km away

  • Also accessible from Nairobi (Kenya) via shuttle or flight

• Regional Access:

  • Arusha Airport (ARK) for domestic flights to Serengeti, Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam

Start Your Journey in Arusha

Whether you’re setting out on a once-in-a-lifetime Serengeti safari, preparing to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, or just soaking in the rich culture of Tanzania, Arusha is where your adventure begins.

Moshi – Gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro

Welcome to Moshi, a vibrant town nestled at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain and the world’s highest free-standing peak. Located in northern Tanzania, Moshi is the main starting point for climbers heading to Kilimanjaro National Park, but it’s also a destination full of culture, natural beauty, and local charm.

With a backdrop of lush green hills, coffee plantations, and occasional views of the snow-capped mountain, Moshi offers visitors a peaceful yet exciting base to explore the region. Whether you’re preparing for a Kilimanjaro climb, looking to experience Tanzanian culture, or just want to relax after a safari, Moshi has something for everyone.

Why Visit Moshi?

• ️ Mount Kilimanjaro Access
  The most popular starting point for treks via Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, and other routes.

• Coffee Tours
  Visit local farms and learn how world-renowned Kilimanjaro coffee is grown, roasted, and brewed.

• Nature & Waterfalls
  Hike to beautiful waterfalls like Materuni and Marangu Falls, just a short drive from town.

• Chemka Hot Springs
  Enjoy a relaxing swim in crystal-clear geothermal springs surrounded by palm trees.

• ️ Local Culture
  Experience Chagga and Maasai traditions through village tours, food tastings, and market visits.

• ️ Handicrafts & Local Markets
  Explore lively markets for handmade souvenirs, textiles, spices, and fresh produce.

Where is Moshi?

• Region: Kilimanjaro, Northern Tanzania

• Distance from Arusha: ~80 km (2 hours by car)

• Nearest Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – about 45 minutes by road

• Climate: Pleasant year-round, with cooler nights due to elevation (~890 m / 2,920 ft)

️ Best Time to Visit Moshi

‍‍‍ Perfect For

• Mount Kilimanjaro climbers

• Safari-goers (pre/post trip)

• Backpackers and solo travelers

• Families and cultural explorers

• Coffee lovers and nature seekers

Popular Day Trips from Moshi

• Materuni Waterfall & Coffee Tour

• Chemka Hot Springs

• Marangu Village & Chagga Museum

• Lake Chala – Crater Lake on the border with Kenya

• Mkomazi National Park (for rhino conservation tours)

Stay in Moshi, Explore Tanzania

Moshi is more than just a base for Kilimanjaro—it’s a destination full of life, beauty, and culture. Whether you’re looking to climb Africa’s highest peak, experience local Tanzanian traditions, or simply relax before your next adventure, Moshi offers the perfect balance of adventure and serenity.

Discover Tanzania’s first luxury eco-wildlife sanctuary, where conservation meets comfort.

Located in the tranquil Siha District between Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, Serval Wildlife is a one-of-a-kind eco-resort and wildlife sanctuary offering unforgettable, ethical encounters with rescued African animals. Guests enjoy close-up experiences with giraffes, zebras, lions, ostriches, and more—all while staying in beautifully designed, solar-powered villas surrounded by nature.

At Serval, every visit supports wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and sustainable tourism. Whether you’re feeding giraffes, touring the sanctuary with expert guides, or relaxing in your private Jacuzzi overlooking Mount Meru, this is where luxury and conservation live in harmony.

Highlights:

• Ethical, up-close wildlife encounters

• 100% solar-powered luxury villas with private Jacuzzis

• Home to rescued giraffes, lions, zebras, caracals & more

• Conservation-focused experiences with expert guides

• Farm-to-table organic cuisine & wellness offerings

Perfect For:

• Families, honeymooners, and eco-travelers

• Pre/post Kilimanjaro treks or Northern Circuit safaris

• Wildlife lovers and photographers

Serengeti National Park

Location: Northern Tanzania, East Africa
Established: 1951
Area: Approximately 14,750 km² (5,700 sq mi)
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Designated in 1981
Part of: Serengeti Ecosystem, which also includes the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Maswa Game Reserve, and others

Introduction

Serengeti National Park is one of the most iconic wildlife reserves in the world. Renowned for its vast open plains and incredible concentrations of wildlife, it is especially famous for the Great Migration, during which over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, move in a circular pattern across the Serengeti and Masai Mara (in Kenya) in search of fresh grazing and water.

Wildlife

The park hosts one of the most diverse populations of animals in Africa:

• Big Five: Lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos (though rhinos are rare)

• Carnivores: Cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, African wild dogs (rare sightings)

• Herbivores: Wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, giraffes, topi, elands, impalas

• Birdlife: Over 500 bird species, including ostriches, vultures, eagles, and secretary birds

Best Time to Visit

• Great Migration (best viewing):

  • Calving Season (South Serengeti): January – March

  • River Crossings (Grumeti & Mara Rivers): June – September

• Dry Season (ideal for general wildlife viewing): June – October

• Green Season (fewer tourists, lush landscapes): November – May

Ecosystems & Landscapes

The Serengeti features a mix of habitats:

• Endless grassy plains – central and southern Serengeti

• Savannahs with acacia trees – central Serengeti

• Woodlands and riverine forests – western corridor

• Hilly, rocky outcrops (kopjes) – home to lions and leopards

️ Tourism & Activities

• Game drives – day and night safaris

• Hot air balloon safaris

• Photography safaris

• Walking safaris (in designated areas)

• Cultural visits to nearby Maasai communities

There are accommodations ranging from basic campsites to luxury lodges.

⚖️ Conservation

Serengeti faces threats from:

• Poaching (especially in bordering areas)

• Human-wildlife conflict

• Climate change

• Development (e.g., proposed roads)

Efforts by Tanzanian authorities and international organizations aim to preserve its ecological integrity, particularly by supporting sustainable tourism and community-based conservation.

Interesting Facts

• “Serengeti” comes from the Maasai word “Seringit”, meaning “endless plains.”

• It’s one of the oldest ecosystems on Earth, relatively unchanged for over a million years.

• Serengeti was a major inspiration for Disney’s The Lion King.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is a unique and spectacular protected area in northern Tanzania, renowned for its dramatic scenery, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance. Located within the Great Rift Valley, the area is home to the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater—the largest intact, unfilled volcanic caldera on Earth and one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five.

But Ngorongoro is more than just the crater. It is a multi-use landscape where wildlife and the semi-nomadic Maasai people coexist in harmony. The area spans over 8,200 km², encompassing highland forests, vast savannahs, volcanic mountains, archaeological sites, and seasonal lakes.

Key Facts About Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Highlights of Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Crater

• The main attraction—a massive caldera formed over 2.5 million years ago

• Roughly 19 km (12 miles) in diameter and 600 meters (2,000 feet) deep

• Supports over 25,000 large animals, including lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, hippos, and hyenas

• One of the best places in Africa to spot the endangered black rhinoceros

Volcanic Landscapes

• In addition to the crater, the NCA includes several extinct volcanoes and highland plateaus

• Empakaai Crater and Olmoti Crater offer scenic hikes and birdwatching

• Mount Oldeani and Mount Makarot provide dramatic backdrops

️ Olduvai Gorge

• One of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world

• Often called the “Cradle of Mankind”

• Fossils and tools discovered here date back millions of years and provide insights into early human evolution

Cultural Heritage

• Home to the Maasai people, who live and graze their cattle in designated areas

• Cultural visits offer insight into traditional Maasai lifestyles and beliefs

• The NCA is a model of multiple land-use management, blending wildlife conservation and human habitation

Wildlife in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• Big Five: Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino, Leopard (mostly outside the crater)

• Other species: Hippos, hyenas, jackals, wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, warthogs, flamingos

• Birdlife: Over 500 species, including flamingos, crowned cranes, vultures, eagles, and more

• Unique Feature: Animals stay in the crater year-round due to the abundant food and water

Activities in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• Game drives in the crater floor

• Crater rim viewpoints and photography

• Hiking to Empakaai or Olmoti craters

• Visits to Maasai villages

• Tours of Olduvai Gorge Museum and fossil sites

• Birdwatching in highlands and lakes

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (June – October): Best for wildlife viewing; cooler and clearer conditions

• Green Season (November – May): Lush landscapes, calving season, great birding

• Year-round access: The crater is accessible all year, and wildlife remains abundant throughout

Why Visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area?

• ✅ See the Big Five in a single game drive

• ✅ Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site of global ecological and cultural significance

• ✅ Visit one of the best-preserved prehistoric sites in the world

• ✅ Discover stunning landscapes—craters, grasslands, lakes, and forests

• ✅ Experience Maasai culture in a natural and respectful setting

Accessibility

• Approx. 3–4 hours’ drive from Arusha

• Often visited as part of the Northern Safari Circuit (Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara)

• Small airstrips nearby (Lake Manyara Airstrip, Serengeti airstrips)