9 Days / 8 Nights Usambara Mountains and Safari Northern Tanzania

Lake Manyara National Park covers 330 sq km (127 sq mi), 70% of which is lake. Along its western boundaries is the Rift Valley’s western wall. The park is famous for its birdlife – almost 400 different species – and for its elephant population and tree-climbing lions, who have a large variety of tree species to choose from. The short game-viewing circuit through Manyara offers a microcosm of the Tanzanian safari experience.

Olduvai Gorge is locally called “Oldupai,” a name given by the Maasai for the Sisal growing in the Gorge. Olduvai is known the world over for the fantastic archeological discoveries made by Doctors Louis and Mary Leakey, including the skull of a humanoid believed to be 1.75 million years old. The cradle of mankind lies on the short grass plains of the Serengeti. Not only have fossils of humanoid origin been found but also fossils from prehistoric animals that lived around them. An American and Tanzanian archaeological team made the latest and probably greatest findings in 1986. They discovered human fossils including 302 bones and teeth belonging to a female some 1.8 million years old. Excavations still continue in the gorge during the dry season, and you can enter the gorge with a special guide. There is also a small museum showing some of the finds and a resting place suitable for a picnic lunch.

The largest national park in Tanzania and one of the most spectacular parks in the world, the Serengeti covers 14,763 square kilometers (5,700 sq mi) including large plains, short grass plains, kopjes, and lakes. The name “Serengeti” is derived from the Maasai language meaning “endless plain.” Every year, more than a million wildebeest travel in long caravans across the plains of the mighty Serengeti, all in search of better feeding grounds, followed by a large variety of other animals. Not far behind follow hungry lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Other predators such as leopards, serval cats, and jackals watch the wandering game with interest, while elephants, rhinos, and buffalo continue their grazing.

One of nature’s true wonders and a photographer’s paradise, Ngorongoro is the largest intact crater in the world, covering 265 square kilometers (102 sq mi). The 2,000-foot deep crater is home to an abundance of wild game including elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, lions, leopards, hyenas, serval cats, jackals, bushbacks, elands, waterbucks, wildebeest, many antelope, and a large variety of birds. This is a sight that you will always remember!

Tarangire National Park covers 6,734 sq km (2,600 sfq mi) and includes two large plains and a seasonal swamp in the south. This is a beautiful park filled with Baobabs and Acacias with a large variety of game such as zebras, elephants, giraffes, and waterbuck. All the animals enjoy the water coming from the Tarangire River. The animals are best viewed during the dry season, including elephant herds, elands, orynx, lesser kudo, rhino, leopards, lions, and cheetah. The birdlife is varied and plentiful. You can also see the very rare Roam Antelope in this park.

Zara Tours has been working successfully with visitors in the region since 1986 as a tour operator.

We were established in 1987 as an official Agent of ZaraTours organising Mount Meru, Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing and National wild parks safaris and have guided Safely, Reliably and Professionally many visitors anywhere from the plain of Serengeti to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Our years of experience and knowledge as qualified climbing guides and safari tours operation in Tanzania, Assures you an experience you can remember a life time. Safety, efficiency and reliability have earned us the reputation for being one of the best-valued and most reliable operators in the region.

With 88 registered Kilimanjaro Guides and a fleet of 4x4 Land rovers, 4x4 mini buses and 4x4 Land cruisers (all equipped with viewing roofs) we are ready to take you on your safari adventure and on top of Kilimanjaro Mountain.

Our English-speaking guides will share the knowledge and stories of the incredible Tanzania Game reserves or joining you on your climb on the many routes to the top of magnificent Mt. Kilimanjaro.

The maximum group size for this trip is 16. If you are interested in organizing a group with Zara we offer great incentives! Please inquire if you are interested.

With 88 registered Kilimanjaro Guides and a fleet of 4x4 Land rovers, 4x4 mini buses and 4x4 Land cruisers (all equipped with viewing roofs) we are ready to take you on your safari adventure.  Our English-speaking guides will share the knowledge and stories of the incredible Tanzania Game reserves 

Safari Tips for guide and cook:

$15/day for driver/guide and $10/day for cook (basic camping) for the whole safari group.

The local currency is Tanzanian shillings. U.S. dollars, Euros, and credit cards may be accepted by larger stores and hotels, but the exchange rate is better with shillings. ATM's are only available in larger towns like Moshi and Arusha. Yahoo Currency Converter

With the exception of airfare, all Zara trips include all transportation costs and arrangements within the destination country. This does not include transfers to and from the aiport to the hotel or the equipment for all activities listed.