Northern Tanzania's Premier Destinations for Dining, Lodging, and Activities
Explore the best of Northern Tanzania's safari circuit, from the vibrant city of Arusha to the iconic Ngorongoro Crater and the vast Serengeti.
Northern Tanzania offers a rich tapestry of experiences for travelers, combining luxury accommodations with unique culinary adventures and unforgettable wildlife encounters. The region serves as a gateway to iconic safari destinations, with Arusha acting as a central hub for exploration.
Dining Delights
In Arusha, Gran Meliá Arusha's rooftop bar provides a scenic spot to enjoy sundowners with views of Mount Meru, complemented by their signature Swahili octopus stew. For a more adventurous palate, the lodge offers a Bush Lunch experience within the Ngorongoro Crater. This stylish offering, priced from £180 per person, features dishes like charred prawn and mango salad, mishkaki beef skewers, and Nile perch, served from a portable kitchen amidst the wildlife.
Further north in the Serengeti, Meliá Serengeti Lodge provides two distinct dining experiences. Guests can opt for a bush dinner, complete with a Maasai escort, or enjoy fine dining on the terrace at the Boma restaurant.
Luxurious Stays
Accommodations in Northern Tanzania range from serene retreats near Arusha to lodges perched on the edge of wildlife-rich craters.
Gran Meliá Arusha, located just an hour from Kilimanjaro Airport, is set within 18 acres of coffee and tea plantations. This property offers river and mountain views and is an ideal location for relaxation, with rooms starting from £338 per night.
Ngorongoro Lodge, a striking mid-century African Modernist building, is situated on the rim of the 600-meter-deep caldera. Its floor-to-ceiling windows provide dramatic views and opportunities to observe wildlife. Rates begin at £719 per night.
Meliá Serengeti Lodge, nestled within the Serengeti National Park, features an infinity pool overlooking the savannah. The lodge's rooms draw inspiration from Maasai traditions, each equipped with a terrace to appreciate the surrounding landscape. Prices start at £522 per night.
Activities and Excursions
Northern Tanzania offers a variety of activities designed to immerse visitors in the local culture and natural beauty.
For those seeking souvenirs, Sanaa in Arusha offers homeware crafted by artisans with disabilities from recycled materials.
The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site spanning 100 square miles, is renowned for its abundant wildlife. Hotel game drives, starting from £289 per person, offer chances to see zebras, lions, elephants, black rhinos, and giraffes.
For a truly breathtaking experience, a Serengeti balloon safari at sunrise provides a unique perspective of the landscape and its inhabitants, including wildebeest and hippos. The excursion, priced at £455 per person, concludes with a champagne toast and a bush breakfast.