Set off on an amazing adventure in Tanzania, where excitement is around every corner in the lively heart of East Africa. Discover the breathtaking wildlife in Arusha National Park and the expansive Serengeti, be awed by the incredible vistas of the renowned Ngorongoro Crater, and immerse yourself in the bustling markets and local communities to engage with the vibrant traditions of native tribes. This 11-day journey promises an unforgettable experience brimming with Tanzania’s varied ecosystems, dynamic cultures, and legendary landmarks.
OVERVIEW
Wildlife Marvels and Legendary Scenery.
Set off on an extraordinary adventure in Tanzania, where excitement is around every corner in East Africa. Witness the incredible wildlife in Arusha National Park and the expansive Serengeti, take in the breathtaking views of the renowned Ngorongoro Crater, and explore bustling markets and local communities to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of indigenous tribes. This 11-day journey promises an unforgettable exploration of Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems, lively cultures, and iconic landmarks.
Natural and Cultural Heritage.
Head over to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Enjoy breathtaking vistas and spot rare species, such as the endangered black rhino, all framed by one of Africa’s most famous landscapes. Afterward, dive into cultural experiences by visiting the Mto wa Mbu village, where you can wander through lively markets, savor traditional dishes, and connect with friendly locals from different tribal backgrounds.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The remarkable fauna found in Arusha National Park and the Serengeti is truly captivating.
- Enhancing cultural engagement through interactions with indigenous communities.
- Stunning vistas of the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Eyasi.
- Discover the lively markets in Moshi and the colorful local villages.
When you land at Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania, go through customs and then find your driver. They will be waiting for you with a sign that has your name on it, all set to take you to Moshi.
Overnight at the Hotel (with breakfast) or Similar
The morning trip to Arusha National Park is a fantastic chance to spot wildlife. Dominating the landscape is Mount Meru, the fifth highest peak in Africa, reaching 4,565 meters. This park is home to a variety of animals, such as hippos, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, waterbucks, and bushbucks, although encounters with reedbucks, leopards, and hyenas are less common. The park's alkaline environment provides a reliable breeding ground for flamingos all year round.
Overnight at Highview Hotel (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar
This morning, after we enjoy breakfast, we'll pick you up from Highview Hotel and embark on a picturesque drive to Tarangire National Park. The park's breathtaking scenery offers an incredible chance for wildlife viewing, particularly during the dry season when it draws in hundreds of animals, making for an amazing experience for both wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The varied landscape includes lush savannahs, wetlands, rolling hills, and the iconic baobab trees. During this time, you'll find plenty of elephants, often seen as they strip the bark from acacia trees. The stunning vistas of the Masai steppe and the southern mountains ensure that a visit to Tarangire is truly memorable, as herds of elephants, zebras, buffalo, and oryxes migrate from the Masai region in search of water. You might even catch a glimpse of a few lions on the prowl for their next meal. Tarangire is famous for having the highest variety of breeding bird species found anywhere in the world, and the Tarangire River, which serves as a crucial water source during the dry season, flows through the park. In the late afternoon, we’ll head back to where we started.
Overnight at Highview Hotel (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar
Discover an exciting day in the Karatu region, nestled between the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. This bustling town is perfect for picking up souvenirs. After enjoying breakfast, set off on a two-hour hike through the verdant Ngorongoro Forest, where you'll find a breathtaking waterfall and the intriguing "elephant caves" created by elephants in search of nutrient-rich soil. Be on the lookout for buffalo, bushbuck, waterbuck, and baboons that frequent this area. In the afternoon, head to the Iraqw cultural center, situated in the heart of Iraqw land, where you can learn about their innovative farming techniques. Historically, the Iraqw faced conflicts with the Maasai, leading them to construct underground tunnels, known as aasimo, for safety. This visit provides a wonderful opportunity to explore these remarkable structures and connect with the local community to gain a deeper understanding of Iraqw culture and everyday life.
Overnight at Highview Hotel (with lunch, dinner & camp breakfast) or Similar
Discover Lake Eyasi, a slightly alkaline lake that spans about 55 kilometers. If you're excited about the chance to see a variety of bird species, this is the perfect place to spot flamingos, pelicans, spoonbills, weavers, spurfowls, storks, barbets, egrets, and many more. Your trip will also offer a unique opportunity to meet the Hadzabe people, an indigenous tribe known for their traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle. You can visit their homes and learn about their way of life, where they expertly hunt in groups with bows and arrows, depending on nature for their food. The Hadzabe also use traditional medicines for healing and have a unique click language for communication. Alongside this cultural immersion, the area is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying breathtaking landscapes.
Overnight at Highview Hotel (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar
After enjoying breakfast, embark on your adventure to Serengeti National Park, a name derived from the Maasai language meaning "endless plain." Along the way, you might opt to visit a Maasai Village to experience their rich culture and participate in traditional activities, or explore Olduvai Gorge, famously known as the Cradle of Humanity, where a museum showcases the story of human evolution from its beginnings in East Africa. As you make your way, delight in a game drive on your journey to the camp.
Overnight at Serengeti Wild/Wildebeest Camp (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar
Discover two unforgettable days in the Serengeti, famous for its breathtaking scenery and the incredible Great Wildebeest Migration. The park is alive with large groups of plains animals, such as wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes, while predators like lions and cheetahs wander among the many kopjes scattered throughout the landscape. The varied terrain includes wide grasslands in the south, savanna dotted with acacia trees in the center, hilly wooded grasslands in the north, and expansive woodlands and black clay plains to the west.
Overnight at Serengeti Wild/Wildebeest Camp (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar
Start your day with an exciting morning game drive as you head towards the Ngorongoro Crater. Once you reach the crater floor, dive into the thrilling experience of wildlife viewing and exploration. This stunning crater, which plunges 600 meters deep and stretches 16 kilometers across, covers an impressive area of 265 square kilometers. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and diverse wildlife, often celebrated as the eighth wonder of the world. Here, you might catch a glimpse of Tanzania's rare black rhinos grazing on the vast grasslands, along with a variety of large animals such as lions, cheetahs, elands, zebras, and gazelles. Don't miss the chance to see MakatSoda Lake, where flamingos and numerous bird species gather. In the afternoon, continue your adventure as you make your way to your lodge for a cozy overnight stay.
Overnight at Highview Hotel (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar
The Mto Wa Mbu cultural tour offers a remarkable and authentic experience as you immerse yourself in the vibrant village located at the entrance to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This adventure showcases a captivating mix of cultures and provides a window into the daily lives of the local tribes. Stroll through the bustling Mto Wa Mbu market, a melting pot of various ethnic groups, where you can discover an array of handcrafted Maasai jewelry, colorful textiles, and local artwork. As you venture further into the village, you'll have the opportunity to connect with welcoming locals from tribes like the Chagga, Iraq, and Sukuma. Engage in traditional activities such as village walks, rice and banana farming, local crafts, and the brewing of banana beer, all while learning about their unique agricultural practices passed down through generations.
You can taste local dishes and enjoy a meal at a well-regarded lunch spot suggested by your guide, relishing the regional flavors. A highlight of the tour is the chance to meet the Maasai people, renowned for their distinctive attire and rich cultural heritage. You'll witness their captivating traditional dances and might even visit a Maasai boma to gain a deeper understanding of their nomadic lifestyle and time-honored herding methods.
Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into the cultural significance of various practices and rituals. If you have bicycles, you can also enjoy a cycling experience. At the end of the day, you'll make your way back to Moshi.
Overnight at the Hotel (with breakfast) or Similar
Begin your day with a leisurely morning before making your way to Kilimanjaro airport for your flight home.
Safari Cost Includes
- Transfers
- • All transfers detailed in the itinerary
- Accommodation & Meals
- • Hotels and lodges as specified in the itinerary
- • Meals as outlined in the itinerary
- • Provision of bottled water, soft drinks, hot coffee, and tea during the safari in the jeep
- Guiding & Game-Driving
- • A certified and experienced English-speaking safari guide
- • Comfortable 4x4 Land Cruisers equipped with pop-up roofs, refrigerators, Wi-Fi, and power outlets
- • National park fees inclusive for the entire duration of the tour (including park entry and concession fees)
- • Medical kit provided
Safari cost Exclude
- • Airfare;
- • Visa fees;
- • Travel insurance;
- • Gratuities for your safari guide ($30-50 per day per vehicle).
- Please note:
- • Our tours typically include shared accommodations in twin/double rooms, unless otherwise requested and agreed upon. A single supplement is available upon request. Please refer to the itinerary for details regarding your accommodation arrangements.
- • Accommodations in Moshi and Arusha generally include breakfast only, unless otherwise requested and agreed upon. Please consult the itinerary for meal plans for each night.
- • Most safari lodges do not include tea, coffee, soft drinks, or alcoholic beverages to prevent overcharging for items you may not require. You will have the opportunity to order and pay for drinks at the hotels' restaurants.
- • Tented lodges are the predominant type of accommodation in the savannah. Many operate on solar energy, which may result in bucket showers, limited Wi-Fi, and the absence of hair dryers, all aimed at minimizing environmental impact. We encourage you to conduct some preliminary research on the accommodations listed in your itinerary to ensure that the safari aligns with your travel preferences. showers, limited wi-fi and no hair dryers, all in an effort to reduce environmental impact. We encourage you to do some basic research on the accommodations in your program to ensure the safari matches your travel style
A visa is required when traveling to Tanzania. Currently, this can be obtained online, on arrival at airports and border crossings, and is valid for 90 days. A valid passport is mandatory. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Tanzania.
We carefully select the accommodation on safari so that you are comfortable and relaxed and can experience a one-of-a-kind atmosphere during your safari. All rooms/tents during your safari are fitted with mosquito nets or are insect-proofed to protect you against bites. You are also advised to use insect repellent to further protect yourself, especially outdoors in the evenings.
Tanzania is generally considered a safe destination for safari-goers. Visitors should follow the safety guidelines provided and take necessary precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night or leaving valuables unattended.
The wildebeest migration takes place in Tanzania typically between the months of November to August, although the timing can vary slightly depending on the weather patterns each year. The migration is a continuous movement of around 1.5 million wildebeest and large numbers of zebras and gazelles across the Serengeti plains in Tanzania in search of fresh grazing land and water. In November and December, the herds of wildebeest can be found in the northern Serengeti near the Kenyan border, where they start calving. As the rains stop and the dry season sets in, the herds begin to move south in search of water and fresh grazing. By April and May, the herds are usually in the central Serengeti. By June, the wildebeest and other herbivores gather at the Grumeti River, where they must cross to continue their journey south. By July, the herds are usually in the eastern Serengeti; by August, they move into the northern region of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Drinking tap water in Tanzania is generally unsafe, as it may contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can cause illnesses such as typhoid, cholera, and hepatitis A. Drinking only bottled or filtered water is important to avoid getting sick. You can buy bottled water at most shops, hotels, and restaurants in Tanzania. When traveling in Tanzania, it’s also important to avoid drinking water from sources such as lakes, rivers, and streams, which may also contain harmful bacteria and parasites. Instead, use bottled or filtered water to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth after brushing. Additionally, avoiding ice in drinks and peeling fruits and vegetables before eating them is a good idea to reduce the risk of ingesting contaminated water.
Tanzania is home to many national parks, but the most popular ones for safaris are Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park.
Tanzania is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs, and many species of birds.
The best time to go on a Tanzania safari depends on your preferences. The dry season from June to October is the best time for game viewing, but it can be crowded and more expensive. The wet season from November to May offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices, but some parks may be closed due to flooding.
Our safaris are in 4×4 vehicles, which are ideal for navigating the rugged terrain of the national parks. Some safaris may also include flights to remote areas or walking safaris.
It’s important to dress in layers and pack versatile, easy-to-wash, and dry clothing. Don’t forget also to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small backpack to carry your essentials while on safari. Choose comfortable, practical, and appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. Lightweight, breathable clothing such as cotton or linen shirts, pants, and shorts. Long-sleeved shirts and pants can also help protect you from the sun, insects, and thorny bushes. Neutral-colored clothing such as khaki, beige, or olive green. Avoid bright colors or patterns, as they can scare off wildlife or attract insects. Closed-toe shoes such as sneakers or hiking boots for walking safaris or nature walks. Sandals or flip-flops can be worn around camp but may not provide enough protection for outdoor activities. A hat or cap to protect your head and face from the sun. Sunglasses protect your eyes from the bright sunlight. A light jacket or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings. Swimwear if you plan to visit a lodge or camp with a swimming pool. A rain jacket or poncho if you’re traveling during the rainy season.
Tipping is highly appreciated at the end of safari/mountain climb. The size of tips will vary depending on the length and complexity of the trip, the number of staff on the trip and the number of clients on the trip. Generally, groups like to meet together before the end of the trek to discuss how much they would like to tip each staff member based on their individual trek experience. You should prepare an envelope after your trek for your tip money at the Hotel. You can use US dollars, Euros, TZ Shillings or a combination of these. Please ask the Safari/Climbing coordinator at the Hotel for advice.
Mountain Climbing: Expect to pay between $25 and $50 USD daily for each climber, which will be distributed among the guides, chefs, and porters.
Safaris: The cost for a driver or guide ranges from $35 to $50 USD per day per vehicle. If you’re on a camping safari, it’s customary to tip the cook an additional $10 USD each day.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE ARE GENERAL GUIDELINES, AND you can offer tips to the safari staff or mountain crew based on the quality of service you receive.
