Amélia's experience with Tanzania Nomads
A few months ago, I decided to travel to Tanzania. It was a childhood dream, fueled by the magic of The Lion King, but also by a deep desire to explore a culture and landscapes that were completely different from anything I had known before.
For this adventure, we chose Tanzania Nomads: a 10-day road trip with complete freedom, in our own 4×4.
We departed from Brussels with Ethiopian Airlines, an airline I hadn't flown with before. Since I usually travel with European airlines, I honestly had some doubts. In hindsight, those concerns were completely unnecessary. Everything was excellently organized, the flights were comfortable, and the layover in Addis Ababa went surprisingly smoothly. Plus, everything was directly included when booking through Tanzania Nomads, which made organizing the trip super easy.
Day 1
Airport – Arusha
From the moment we arrived at Kilimanjaro International Airport, everything felt completely different.
The warmth of the sun, the intense blue sky, and in the distance, the impressive silhouette of Kilimanjaro instantly transported us to a whole new world.
We were welcomed with a big smile and a warm “Karibu” — welcome in Swahili — after which we went to buy a local SIM card (Vodacom). I had heard beforehand that an eSIM didn’t work well everywhere, and in hindsight, that was definitely the right choice. Although you don’t always have signal in the middle of the savanna, the connection is generally more than enough to smoothly organize your trip.
After that, we drove to our hotel in Arusha, where we picked up our Land Cruiser. We also received our roadbooks and all the necessary information about driving and the practical organization of the trip.
After a good night's sleep, we took some time the next morning to do some shopping: water, snacks, and everything that's handy for long days on the go. We also withdrew some cash right away since many payments in Tanzania are still made in cash.
It might sound like a detail, but once you drive into the parks, you hardly come across any supermarkets. Suddenly, you’re really glad for that extra bottle of water and those snacks in the car.
The Travelbase app
One of the great advantages of this trip is the Travelbase app. It not only bundles your route but also guides you day by day through your adventure: with stages, stops along the way, recommendations, and practical info for each part of the journey.
In a country where roads aren't always clearly marked and Google Maps can sometimes be way off, that's truly a game changer. You know where you're driving, what you can see along the way, and how to best plan your day, even in the most remote areas. That combination of freedom and guidance makes all the difference.
Day 2
Arusha – Tarangire – Manyara
Our first encounter with wildlife began in Tarangire National Park. We decided to do our first game drive with a guide, and in hindsight, that was one of the best decisions of the trip.
Our guide, Sainga, grew up in the area and knows the park like the back of his hand. He did much more than just point out animals: he shared insights about their behavior, tracks in the sand, the dynamics between different species, migration periods, and little details in the landscape that we would have never noticed on our own.
That first guided day immediately gave us more confidence to continue exploring on our own. You learn to read the savanna differently: looking slower, observing better, and noticing more. It's both reassuring and incredibly fascinating.
Tarangire is less known than the Serengeti, but it became one of the highlights of the trip for me. The landscapes feel pure and rugged, with enormous baobabs towering everywhere. The number of elephants is also impressive.
The park is sometimes called the “river of the warthogs,” and we immediately understood that nickname: just after arriving, we saw our first warthogs running away with their tails held high. That first day immersed us in the magic of safari in Tanzania.
After that, we spent the night near Mto Wa Mbu, a unique village where over 120 ethnic groups live together. Our lodge was beautiful, with an amazing view of the surroundings.
Day 3
Manyara – Mto Wa Mbu – Karatu
The next morning, I got up at 6 AM to admire the sunrise from the pool. Coffee in hand, surrounded by spectacular morning light. It was one of those moments when everything seems to stand still.
Bike ride in Mto Wa Mbu
optional activity
After that, we explored the village by bike. For a few hours, we rode through banana plantations, visited the local market, tasted banana beer and banana wine, met locals, visited a school, and enjoyed a traditional meal prepared by locals. Special shoutout to the pilau and the fresh fruit, straight from the market.
This cultural immersion was one of the most authentic experiences of the trip. It allowed us to discover a warm, welcoming, and incredibly generous side of Tanzania.
After this experience, we drove on to Karatu, where we stayed in a lodge with a beautiful view of the Ngorongoro crater.
We enjoyed the pool and the tranquility for a bit, before a day that promised to be quite intense.
Day 4
Karatu – Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Ndutu
After this experience, we drove on to Karatu, where we stayed in a lodge with a stunning view of the Ngorongoro crater.
We enjoyed some time by the pool and the tranquility, before a day that promised to be quite intense.
The Ngorongoro Crater
optional activity
We chose to visit the Ngorongoro Crater. And believe us: arriving early really makes a difference. The light is soft, the animals are active, and the atmosphere feels almost surreal.
The crater, a massive collapsed caldera, creates a unique ecosystem. I've never seen so many animals in one place. Zebras, antelopes, wildebeests, elephants, lions, and even rhinos coexist here in a spectacular setting.
You immediately understand why this place is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and has earned the nickname “Noah's Ark.”
The route to Ndutu
After this impressive day in the Ngorongoro Crater, we continued on to Ndutu, where we would spend the night. On our way to the lodge, we saw dozens, and then even hundreds of animals along the route. It was as if the savannah was giving us a sneak peek of the Serengeti.
Wildebeests, antelopes, zebras, giraffes, elephants… and even lions, just a few meters from our car. That feeling that nature is everywhere, suddenly appearing where you least expect it, and that even the drive to your lodge is part of the safari.
At the end of the day, we arrived at our lodge in Ndutu. In January, this region is especially special, as it's birthing season: the great migration is nearby, allowing us to spot many newborn animals, small and vulnerable.
Sleeping there, right in the middle of this mythical region, made the experience even more intense. Elephants walked just a few meters from the tent, in the distance we could hear lions roaring, and above us was a sky filled with thousands of stars.
This was not just an overnight stay; it was a true immersion in the heart of the savanna.
Day 5 & 6
Ndutu – Ikoma – Klein's gate
The next day, we continued our adventure. For two days, we crossed the mythical Serengeti, from north to south and from west to east.
This is undoubtedly one of the most iconic parks in Tanzania. Of course, it's known for inspiring The Lion King, but mostly because this is where the great migration takes place: a unique natural phenomenon that you won't experience the same way anywhere else.
What stood out to me the most, besides the huge variety of animals that make every encounter special, is the diversity of landscapes.
Endless plains transition into greener areas, waterholes filled with hippos, and drier savannas dotted with typical acacia trees shaped like umbrellas. And we haven't even mentioned the sunsets, which are impressive every single evening.
During those two days in the Serengeti, we spent one night in a beautiful tented lodge, complete with a pool and a view over the savannah, and one night in a typical Maasai hut.
In the evenings, there was a really special atmosphere: the calm, the African night, that silence filled with life... You go to sleep feeling very small in an endless world.
I won't forget those nights anytime soon.
Day 7
Klein's gate – Lake Natron
The transition to Lake Natron felt almost unreal. After the green plains of the Serengeti, we suddenly found ourselves in a much rougher and drier landscape, dominated by the sacred Maasai volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai.
The heat here was also completely different. Much warmer, almost suffocating at times, especially after the more pleasant temperatures in the Serengeti and the cool evenings there.
Not even an hour after our arrival, we were already in the pool, cocktail in hand, before heading out for a walk around the lake with Maasai guides. This walk is organized by the Maasai themselves and is mandatory if you want to visit the lake on foot, but it feels anything but touristy.
It's mainly a unique opportunity to talk with them and learn more about their culture and daily life.
During the hike, we talked about their culture, traditions, how a Maasai wedding takes place, and the different life stages of men and women within their community.
Those conversations felt very natural, unembellished, and made the experience even richer. Every trek is different: you never know if the flamingos will be there or what animals you might encounter along the way.
What’s for sure: we hiked about ten kilometers with stunning views. The salt crunching under your feet, flamingos and giraffes in the distance, the endless expanse of the lake, and that unique feeling as if you're walking on another planet.
Day 8
Lake Natron – Arusha
The next day, we drove back towards Arusha. It was a long travel day, but far from monotonous. We crossed impressive volcanic landscapes again and drove past small Maasai villages, far away from the tourist routes.
Even the travel days are part of the experience: you see local life passing by, herds along the roads, and children waving as we go.
At the end of the day, we arrived in Arusha. We just had enough time to stroll through the city and visit the Maasai market to pick up some souvenirs.
Day 9
arusha – moshi
To wrap up the trip, we headed to Moshi, known as the starting point for climbing Kilimanjaro.
The coffee farm and the visit to the waterfall
optional activity
We visited a coffee farm. After a delicious meal prepared by our hosts, we participated in a workshop where we made our own coffee, all in a really cozy atmosphere.
Then we took a walk through the lush nature to a waterfall, tucked away in the heart of the jungle.
On the last evening, we dined at a nice restaurant in the center of Moshi, recommended in the roadbook, before returning to the hotel to pack our bags for departure the next day…
With that special feeling that you really don’t want it to end just yet.
Day 10
Moshi – Airport
In the end, this trip was so much more than just a safari. It was about freedom, adventure, and really going back to the basics. Navigating through the savannah on our own, dealing with unexpected things like a flat tire, and the encounters with the cheerful, always-helpful Tanzanians... That warm, rich culture and crossing breathtaking landscapes that changed completely from one day to the next: it all contributed to an unforgettable impression.
But besides the incredible nature and animals, it’s really the Tanzanian mindset that touched me deeply. The famous “Hakuna Matata” – no worries – is much more than just a line from The Lion King. It's a complete way of life; a lot lighter and full of confidence. And then there's “Pole Pole”: take it slow. A constant reminder that not everything needs to be in high gear, and that some things simply take time.
When you compare that to our hectic Western life, where everything always has to be faster and we rush from deadline to performance, it really makes you think. It invites you to slow down, embrace the unexpected, look around you more, and just truly live in the moment.
One thing I know for sure: this was not just an unforgettable vacation. It was an experience that fundamentally changed us, and for that, I will always be grateful.