Tanzania - Part I
The complex beginning of an epic 35 day journey in Africa
Arusha → Tarangire → Lake Manyara
Tanzania had been on our list for years as one of those iconic trips you imagine long before you ever set foot there. But as we learned quickly, “iconic” doesn’t always mean “easy,” and our Northern Circuit experience unfolded with both beauty and complexity from the very first night.
✈️ Getting There: Istanbul Layover, Turkish Airlines, and a 3:30am Arrival
We flew Turkish Airlines and had a quiet, efficient overnight connection through Istanbul. The lounge hotel was a welcome break, the flight was smooth, and the only real miss was the onboard food, which was… forgettable. But the rest of the service made up for it.
Pro tip: if you have a long layover in Istanbul, you can reserve a bed in the business lounge. It was clean and comfortable! Highly recommended after a 13h flight.
We landed in Arusha around 1:30am and didn’t reach the hotel until nearly 3:30. That late, you’re not looking for magic - just a bed
🌿 Arusha National Park
By 9:00 am we were up, sorting out logistics and meeting our guide. Arusha National Park is often overlooked, but it’s a perfect introduction with its light driving, gentle landscapes, and wildlife that eases you in without overwhelming you.
We saw giraffe browsing on acacias, warthogs darting through grass, buffalo resting in the shade, and crowned cranes gliding low over the plains. A ranger led walk took us close to a group of giraffe and into buffalo territory. A young trainee ranger joined us. He was full of enthusiasm, peppering us with facts, thrilled to be out in the bush.
🐘 Tarangire: The Elephant Kingdom
The next morning we left Arusha behind and headed to Tarangire National Park, which is famous for elephants, and for very good reason.
Within minutes of entering the park, zebra and elephant herds crossed our path. We stopped by a river for lunch and watched a family of elephants play in the water. The babies rolled and climbed over each other with clumsy joy. Later, we saw a lion and lioness tucked into the shade, blissfully uninterested in us. But the moment we’ll never forget came at the end of the day:
We had paused to watch a few elephants near the road when suddenly the bush came alive. Nearly 50 males - huge, powerful bulls - thundered across the road both in front of us and behind us. Something had spooked them and we were surrounded on all sides. It was breathtaking.
🌅 Burunge Lodge: A Quiet Place to Exhale near Tarangire
Burunge Lodge was exactly what we needed. Simple, warm, grounded and the kind of place where you can sit on your porch and watch elephants graze across the plains. Sunrise over the dried out Lake Burunge was worth the early wake up.
🐒 Lake Manyara
Our day at Lake Manyara was a blend of beautiful landscapes, wildlife sightings.
The morning began with soft light over the lake and peaceful views from the lodge. During the drive we saw baboons everywhere, hippos submerged in the lake, and an impressive range of birdlife sweeping low over the water.
