Northern Tanzania: 5 overlooked gems in safariland

Northern Tanzania: 5 overlooked gems in safariland is written by Emma Urassa

Tanzania – a popular travel destination

Tanzania is a peaceful country with friendly people and exciting story. Here you will find plenty of experiences, a lovely climate, fairly direct flight routes and only a 1-2 hour time difference from Europe. Understandably, this makes the country a very popular travel destination.

Tanzania is the ultimate safari destination with several different national parks, including the world famous ones Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the beautiful Bounty Island are also located Zanzibar in Tanzania.

You have probably already heard of both the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar before, and that's why I'd rather tell you about some less touristy areas in northern Tanzania that you should visit.

Here you will find many beautiful and untouched natural areas that few people know about. It is all based on my own many trips in the local area over several years.

Lake Natron: Unspoiled nature, flamingos and an active volcano in northern Tanzania

Lake Natron lies east of the Serengeti in northern Tanzania.

On the way here, you pass through the most beautiful landscape, which appears untouched and peaceful. Here you are typically the only car on the bumpy road, and the only people you see on the roads are Maasai with their cows, goats and sheep.

When approaching Lake Natron it quickly becomes clear that there is a rich wildlife in this area. Zebras, wildebeests and giraffes graze peacefully, curiously pointing their ears in the direction of the rumbling jeep. The green savanna stands in impressive contrast to the often blood-red color of the lake.

Most magnificent is probably the active volcano, Ol Doinyo Lengai.

With its 2960 meter height and conical shape, it sits enthroned at the end of the gigantic lake. The volcano is sacred to the Maasai people, and has been named "The Mountain of God". At the top of the volcano, the Maasai pray to God for protection against ill health, infertility and then also for rain when drought occurs in Tanzania.

During a visit to Lake Natron, you can choose to spend a night hiking up to the top of the volcano, or you can admire it from a distance. A visit to Lake Natron is highly recommended, especially because of the beautiful scenery around the lake. The lake is now fascinating and beautiful in itself, and is particularly known for the thousands of flamingos that live here.

Who doesn't love these pretty pink creatures?

At the foot of the volcano there is a waterfall, but apart from that there is not much to do at Lake Natron.

That is certainly also part of the charm. Often there is also not a good network connection. So if there is a need to really get down to speed, you can stay at one of the beautiful lodges with a view of the lake and the volcano and take a few quiet days.

If you like to be on the move, I would still definitely recommend a road trip here, as you can easily combine it with a safari to the Serengeti. This is a great way to experience Tanzania.

Mkomazi National Park – “Home of the black rhino”

It is almost inevitable to avoid safari when talking about Tanzania. Therefore, I would also recommend an overlooked national park in the northern part of the country, namely Mkomazi National Park. 

Mkomazi is a 2-hour drive from Kilimanjaro in the opposite direction of the Serengeti, which means towards the coast of the country.

It is a very untouched national park, which is clearly seen in the nature, which is beautiful and wild. You can also feel this feeling of untouched nature in the animals you meet on your way. They are not as used to cars as they are in other national parks, and can therefore be more shy.

When driving around Mkomazi National Park, it's hard not to feel like you have it all to yourself. Because here you escape other safari vehicles to some extent.

There is of course a reason why the park is not so touristy, and that is the amount of animals and how many different animal species there are in the park. Compared to how big Mkomazi is, there aren't that many of them. But if you arm yourself with patience and a good guide, you can still be lucky enough to spot everything from giraffes, elephants, zebras, lions and antelopes.

In addition, the national park is home to the rhinos, which are an endangered species. They have a special reserve for these rhinos, where you have the opportunity to come and see the animals up close, which is quite a wild experience. It takes place with a special guide in a special safari car.

All in all, a trip to this national park is a true safari experience in northern Tanzania. 

Usambara Mountains: Mountain walk in beautiful surroundings

The Usambara Mountains are located in the Lushoto district, about 200 km from Kilimanjaro towards the east coast of Tanzania.

If I were to describe this area briefly, I would say out of this world. I was really blown away the first time we visited this place. This was maybe because I wasn't expecting anything special, maybe because I had no expectations, or maybe because it's just such a beautiful place.

So if you don't want to spend DKK 20.000 or a week's time to climb Kilimanjaro, but love hiking in mountains, I would definitely recommend a trip to the Usambara Mountains. The mountains are not affected by mass tourism, and here you can have some peaceful hikes to yourself in spectacular surroundings.

It's hard not to be captivated by the beautiful views along your hiking route. Here you can bathe in the waterfalls you pass in the rainforest, fall in love with the small villages, and enjoy every second of the beautiful sunsets.

Here it would be obvious to spend at least 2 nights close to what is called Irente View Point. Here you have beautiful views right outside your very own window, and there is a fantastic spot where you can watch the sunset not too far away.

The Usambara Mountains are something special in northern Tanzania.

Magoroto Forest Estate: A little gem in Tanzania

Magoroto Forest is located in the eastern part of the Usambara Mountains in northern Tanzania.

The forest is the finest little pearl with the most beautiful lake in the middle of the mountains and tall trees.

Here you can hike to breathtaking lookouts and waterfalls, swim in the lake, and enjoy a cold drink by the lakeside amid the serene and lush nature.

It is both possible to visit this place as a day trip or you can spend the night by camping or staying in lodges. 

Pangani in northern Tanzania: Bounty beach without all the tourists

Ushongo Beach in Pangani is the perfect destination in Tanzania if you want a chalk-white beach and an azure sea - and have it to yourself. Pangani is located south of the city of Tanga itself, which you will find along the coast of Tanzania.

It is the perfect beach where you can relax, read a good book or go for long walks along the beautiful beach.

That it is not so touristy can of course be seen from the number of activities, hotels and eateries that are at Pangani. But there are a few fine beach lodges to choose from.

I would certainly also recommend that you take a boat trip out to the sand island of Maziwi Island, which is surrounded by the most beautiful coral reef. Here you can snorkel, and you can be lucky to be there while the little baby sea turtles hatch. It is a true paradise for people who love the beach, sun, snorkeling and relaxation. 

There is so much to experience off the beaten track in this country.

Really good trip to the north Tanzania.