Tanzania – Where Nature, Culture and Warmth Intertwine

Ute Geißler
5 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 7 hours ago

Lion prowls through grassy savanna, while a group of zebras stands alert in the background. Bright day with an air of tension.

A Safari Adventure in a Land Full of Magic

Where elephants wander beneath mighty baobabs, where the earth trembles and water splashes as millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Serengeti. And where a simple “Karibu!” opens your heart – Tanzania is more than a country. It is an experience that touches all your senses.

In October 2024, our family spent six days on the Northern Circuit – organized by Goldfinch Adventures. This journey showed us Tanzania at its very best: full of adventure, unforgettable encounters, and precious moments of peace.

Breathtaking Landscapes

Arusha National Park

Our journey began in Arusha National Park – a natural gem that feels like a miniature version of northern Tanzania: volcanoes, lakes, savannas. On a walking safari among giraffes and monkeys, we felt the wilderness more closely than ever before. And on clear days, the distant Kilimanjaro can be seen beside the majestic Mount Meru.

Monkey with gray and black fur sits among green leaves, gazing upwards. The background is a blurred mix of greens and browns.

Giraffe head and neck against a cloudy sky, with a spotted pattern and tufted horns, mouth slightly open, exuding a calm presence.

Tarangire National Park

From Arusha, we continued to Tarangire. The park is famous for its massive elephant herds and the ancient baobabs, which look like upside-down trees. Here, landscape and wildlife blend into an experience that lingers long in memory.

Elephants partially hidden among dry trees and grass in a savanna landscape, creating a sense of camouflage in a natural setting.

Ngorongoro Crater

Next came the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vast caldera feels like a world of its own – with incredible biodiversity. Nowhere else can the Big Five be seen so compactly in one place. Particularly striking is the scenery of the crater lake, where hippos wallow and countless birds gather.

Serengeti

Our journey then led us to the endless plains of the Serengeti – the highlight of our safari. Infinite horizons, acacias glowing in golden light, and savannas stretching as far as the eye can see make this landscape unforgettable.

A safari van under a large tree on an open grassland, with a cloudy sky and distant trees, creating a serene and adventurous mood.

Thanks to the efforts of conservationists like Bernhard Grzimek, this natural wonder has been preserved as one great whole and remains protected to this day.

Kilimanjaro

Even though it was not part of our safari program, Kilimanjaro remains a symbol of Tanzania. Africa’s highest peak towers majestically over the savanna. Even without climbing it, you feel its magic – and the fertile slopes provide excellent coffee, a taste of Tanzania to take home.

Olduvai Gorge

Along the way lies Olduvai Gorge – a place where human history was written. Fossil finds remind us that East Africa is the cradle of humankind.

Sansibar

Our journey ended by the Indian Ocean: Sansibar – with white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and the winding alleys of Stone Town, UNESCO World Heritage Site. We were especially impressed by the intricately carved heavy wooden doors, telling stories of history and Arab influence.

An unforgettable experience was swimming with dolphins – a moment of pure lightness and wonder that will stay with us for a long time. Sansibar brings together relaxation, culture, and nature in a unique way.

Ornate wooden door in Zanziar with floral carvings and gold spikes, framed by a yellow and red border, creates a regal and historical feel.

Sandy Zanzibar beach with two empty lounge chairs and a closed umbrella under a tree. Sunlight filters through clouds over a calm sea, creating a serene mood.

Wild Encounters

Tarangire

In Tarangire, the animals already revealed themselves at their most impressive. Huge herds of elephants moved slowly through the plains, resting in the shade of the ancient baobabs.

Ngorongoro Crater

In the crater itself, thanks to our guide’s sharp eyes, we were lucky enough to spot a rhino – a rare and moving moment.

A rhino stands alone on a vast green savannah with patches of grass and small ponds. The mood is calm and natural.

Serengeti

The Serengeti revealed its full dimension: endless space, the pulsating life of the great migration – grasses swaying in the wind and the sound of the herds echoing across the plains. Amidst this scenery, we experienced two unforgettable moments: a lion family resting in the shade of an acacia and a cheetah launching into a lightning-fast hunt.

Lions and cubs in a green savanna, some walking while others rest under a tree. Bright, sunny day with dense foliage in the background.

Lodges & Tented Camps – Magical Retreats

After our first safari day, we returned to the stylish Kili Seasons Lodge near Arusha – a place of peace with spacious gardens, where we could unwind and let the day fade away.

A true highlight followed at Manyara’s Secret in Tarangire: an infinity pool with a dreamlike view of Lake Manyara, evening fires, and an atmosphere so enchanting that words can hardly capture it – before we continued to Ngorongoro Crater the next morning.

We then spent two nights in the Serengeti at Moyo Tented Camp – a camp right in the heart of the wilderness. Only a thin canvas wall separated us from a young elephant grazing peacefully outside our tent. The next evening it was buffalo, so close we heard their snorting and saw their shadows moving just beyond the tent mesh as they grazed quietly. And then the lions: their calls echoed so close through the night that we held our breath. A goosebumps moment that stays with us to this day.

Deck with wooden chairs facing a lit pool and ocean at sunset. Warm lanterns hang from a wooden pergola, creating a serene atmosphere.

Culinary Highlights Along the Way

Tanzania also surprised us in culinary ways. Especially memorable were the lovingly prepared picnics, served by our guide at carefully chosen spots – warm, varied, and always a special experience in the middle of nature.

In the lodges themselves, the meals were a feast for all senses. At Manyara’s Secret in particular, dishes were presented like small works of art – refined, creative, and infused with the flavors of Tanzania. Each meal became part of the overall magic of this extraordinary journey.

The Warmth of the People

What makes Tanzania truly unique are its people. A “Karibu!” – welcome – and the ever-present smiles accompany you everywhere: in the streets of Arusha, at local markets, or in a Maasai village. The joy of life is contagious. Children with shining eyes on their way to school show how important education is – and how much hope lies in this country.

An Experience for Body and Soul

Beyond nature and safari, Tanzania also offers moments of peace and inspiration. A visit with the Maasai or a spice tour on Sansibar opens doors to other worlds. The calm of the Swahili lifestyle – shaped by harmony and closeness to nature – stays with you long after.

Conclusion: Asante, Tanzania!

Tanzania is not just another destination – it is a feeling, an adventure, a longing. Endless savannas, majestic wildlife, and the distant echo of lions under a vast starry sky touch the soul and remain unforgettable.

Asante, Tanzania – for a journey that has enriched us forever and gifted us with unforgettable moments. And as we said farewell, we already knew: it would not be the last time.