Embark on an incredible journey through Tanzania, where adventure awaits in the vibrant heart of East Africa. Encounter the stunning wildlife in Arusha National Park and the vast Serengeti, marvel at the spectacular views of the famous Ngorongoro Crater, and dive into the lively markets and local villages to connect with the rich traditions of indigenous tribes. This 11-day expedition guarantees an unforgettable experience filled with Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems, lively cultures, and iconic sights.
OVERVIEW
Wildlife Marvels and Legendary Scenery.
Embark on an exceptional journey through Tanzania, where adventure awaits in the heart of East Africa. Encounter the magnificent wildlife in Arusha National Park and the vast Serengeti, marvel at the stunning vistas of the famous Ngorongoro Crater, and delve into lively markets and local communities to experience the rich traditions of indigenous tribes. This 11-day expedition guarantees an unforgettable discovery of Tanzania’s varied ecosystems, vibrant cultures, and iconic sites.
Natural and Cultural Heritage.
Proceed to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in a variety of plant and animal life. Take in the stunning views and observe unique species, including the endangered black rhino, set against one of Africa’s most renowned landscapes. Following this, immerse yourself in cultural experiences by visiting the MtowaMbu village, where you can explore vibrant markets, taste traditional foods, and interact with welcoming locals from various tribal communities.
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.
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania, proceed through customs and then locate your driver, who will be holding a sign with your name. Your driver will take you to Hotel Moshi.
Overnight at the Hotel (with breakfast) or Similar
The journey to Arusha National Park in the morning offers an opportunity for wildlife observation. The park is prominently marked by Mount Meru, which stands as Africa's fifth tallest peak at 4,565 meters. A diverse array of animal species can be found here, including hippos, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, waterbucks, and bushbucks, while sightings of reedbucks, leopards, and hyenas are rarer. The park's alkaline conditions create a consistent breeding habitat for flamingos throughout the year.
Overnight at Highview Hotel (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar
This morning, after breakfast, we will pick you up from Highview Hotel and take a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park. The park's stunning beauty provides an unparalleled opportunity for game viewing, especially during the dry season when it attracts hundreds of animals, creating a spectacular wildlife and birdwatching experience. The diverse landscape features grassy savannahs, swamps, hills, and iconic baobab trees. During this season, elephants are plentiful, and families of these majestic creatures can be seen stripping acacia bark from thorn trees. The breathtaking views of the Masai steppe and southern mountains make a visit to Tarangire truly unforgettable, as herds of elephants, zebras, buffalo, and oryxes migrate from the Masai region in search of water. Additionally, a few lions can be spotted prowling the area for unsuspecting prey. Tarangire is renowned for having the highest diversity of breeding bird species found anywhere in the world, and the Tarangire River, which remains a vital water source during the dry season, runs through the park. In the late afternoon, we will return to our starting point.
Overnight at Highview Hotel (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar
Experience a vibrant day in the Karatu region, situated between the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. This lively town is an excellent spot for souvenir shopping. After breakfast, embark on a two-hour hike through the lush Ngorongoro Forest, where you'll encounter a stunning waterfall and unique "elephant caves" formed by elephants seeking nutrient-rich soil. Keep an eye out for buffalo, bushbuck, waterbuck, and baboons that are also drawn to this area. In the afternoon, visit the Iraqw cultural center, located in the heart of Iraqw territory, where you can observe their innovative farming practices. Historically in conflict with the Maasai, the Iraqw built underground tunnels, known as aasimo, for protection. This visit offers a chance to explore these fascinating structures and engage with the local community to gain insights into Iraqw culture and daily life.
Overnight at Highview Hotel (with lunch, dinner & camp breakfast) or Similar
Travel to Lake Eyasi, a slightly alkaline lake stretching approximately 55 kilometers. If you're thrilled by the prospect of observing numerous bird species, Lake Eyasi is an ideal spot to witness flamingos, pelicans, spoonbills, weavers, spurfowls, storks, barbets, egrets, and many others. Your visit will also include an opportunity to engage with the Hadzabe people, an indigenous tribe recognized for their hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Explore their homesteads and gain insights into their way of life, as they skillfully hunt in groups using bows and arrows, relying on the environment for sustenance. The Hadzabe utilize traditional medicines for healing and communicate through a distinctive click language. In addition to this cultural experience, the region boasts excellent hiking, birdwatching, and stunning landscapes.
Overnight at Highview Hotel (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar
After breakfast, set off for Serengeti National Park, whose name comes from the Maasai language and translates to "endless plain." During your journey, you may choose to stop at a Maasai Village to immerse yourself in their culture and engage in tribal activities, or visit Olduvai Gorge, often referred to as the Cradle of Humanity, where the museum highlights humanity's evolution from its origins in East Africa. As you travel, take pleasure in a game drive en route to your camp.
Overnight at Serengeti Wild/Wildebeest Camp (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar
Experience two immersive days in the Serengeti, renowned for its stunning landscapes and the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration. The park is teeming with vast herds of plains game, including wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes, while predators like lions and cheetahs roam among the numerous kopjes dotting the terrain. The diverse scenery ranges from expansive grasslands in the south to savanna interspersed with acacia trees in the center, transitioning to hilly, wooded grasslands in the north, and culminating in extensive woodlands and black clay plains to the west.
Overnight at Serengeti Wild/Wildebeest Camp (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar
Experience a morning game drive en route to Ngorongoro Crater. Once you descend to the crater floor, immerse yourself in game viewing and exploration. The crater, with a depth of 600 meters, spans 16 kilometers and covers an area of 265 square kilometers. Revel in the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife, often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. Here, you can spot many of Tanzania's remaining black rhinos grazing on the expansive grasslands, alongside a diverse array of large animals, including lions, cheetahs, elands, zebras, and gazelles. Additionally, MakatSoda Lake attracts flamingos and various bird species. In the afternoon, continue your journey to your lodge for an overnight stay.
Overnight at Highview Hotel (with lunch, dinner & breakfast) or Similar
The Mto Wa Mbu cultural tour provides an exceptional and genuine experience as you delve into the lively village at the gateway to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Your journey will reveal a fascinating blend of cultures and offer a glimpse into the everyday lives of the local tribes. You can wander through the vibrant Mto Wa Mbu market, a hub of diverse ethnicities, where you'll find an assortment of handcrafted Maasai beadwork, vibrant textiles, and local art. As you explore deeper into the village, you'll have the chance to engage with friendly locals from tribes such as the Chagga, Iraq, and Sukuma. Participate in traditional activities like village walks, rice and banana farming, local craftsmanship, and banana beer brewing, while discovering their unique farming methods that have been cherished through generations.
You can sample local cuisine and enjoy a trusted lunch spot recommended by your guide, savoring the flavors of the region. A key feature of the tour is the opportunity to meet the Maasai people, famous for their unique clothing and rich traditions. You'll experience their enchanting traditional dances and may even visit a Maasai boma to gain insight into their nomadic lifestyle and time-honored herding techniques.
During the tour, your expert guide will share intriguing information about the cultural importance of different practices and rituals. If you have bicycles, you can enjoy cycling as well. Later in the day, you will return to Moshi.
Overnight at the Hotel (with breakfast) or Similar
Start your day with a relaxed morning before heading to Kilimanjaro airport for your return flight.
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 Climbs: $25-50 USD per Day per Climber to be shared between guides, chefs and porters.
Safaris: Driver/Guide: $35-50 USD per Day per Car. If it is a camping safari there will be a tip for the cook $10 USD per Day.
THESE ARE JUST GUIDELINES AND TIPS CAN BE GIVEN TO SAFARI STAFF/MOUNTAIN CREW ACCORDING TO SERVICES PROVIDED.
