Day 1 Tarangire National Park At 8 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel to embark on an extraordinary journey to a very special national park, Tarangire. Renowned for its diverse landscape boasting nine different vegetation zones, the park is particularly famous for its majestic Ancient Baobab trees, which tower over the landscape and create a mesmerizing sight next to the wildlife. As we traverse along the park's river, you will be captivated by the abundance of wildlife, ranging from a variety of birds to magnificent creatures such as lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, and, of course, the magnificent elephants.
Tarangire National Park proudly boasts the highest concentration of elephants in the entire country, providing you with unique opportunities to observe their familial interactions. During lunchtime, you will be treated to a fascinating experience at an observatory with breathtaking views of the river and its wildlife, where there are good chances of witnessing a thrilling hunt while enjoying your picnic.
As the afternoon unfolds, we will continue our adventure with a game drive, ensuring that you have ample time to soak in the beauty and wonders of this captivating wilderness before heading to your accommodation. Dinner and overnight Farm of Dream Lodge (B-L-D)
Day 2 Lake Manyara National Park In the early morning, we will pick you up from your accommodation to embark on a full `day of game drives in the picturesque Lake Manyara. Despite its modest size of 205 sq. miles, the park is renowned for its lush acacia forest, towering figs, and mahogany trees, creating a habitat for baboons and blue monkeys. The park's permanent residents include giraffes, elephants, impalas, and a vast number of buffaloes, while the lake itself is teeming with hippos. Lake Manyara is unique for its tree-climbing lions, as well as its spectacular flamingos along the lake's shore, accompanied by the fascinating Ground Hornbill and Crested Eagle. The breathtaking landscapes of Lake Manyara offer unparalleled photo opportunities with giraffes and buffaloes in the foreground and the lake, adorned with flamingos, in the background. If you desire, there are extra activities available, such as a bike ride or a boat excursion. In the afternoon, we will transfer you to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for your overnight stay. Dinner and overnight Farm of Dream Lodge (B-L-D)
Extra activity recommended: Bike tour in Mto Wa Mbu or Boat Ride in Lake Manyara
Day 3 Serengeti National Park Commence your day with an early breakfast before embarking on a remarkable journey to the world-renowned Serengeti National Park. While the drive may be long, the scenic beauty along the way is nothing short of spectacular. As you ascend the crater highlands, a brief stop at the rim will grant you an otherworldly view of the Ngorongoro Crater—a truly unforgettable sight for first-time visitors.
Continuing your odyssey into the Serengeti, you'll comprehend the essence of its local name, meaning "endless plains." The park spans an expansive 6,900 sq. miles (18,000 sq. km), where vast plains extend to the horizon, challenging your senses and perception of distance. Witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration, a spectacle featuring 2 million wildebeests, hundreds of thousands of zebras, and various antelopes, including abundant impalas and Thomson's gazelles. For enthusiasts of Big Cats and formidable predators, this is the prime destination to encounter lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas, reminiscent of famous television scenes like the river crossings.
En route to the park, you have the option to visit Olduvai Gorge—a significant historical site where Dr. Louis and Mary Leakey made groundbreaking discoveries of early human remains. Delight in a short lecture on the gorge's archaeological digs and geological characteristics, followed by a visit to their museum—a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric past.
Prepare for an unforgettable Serengeti experience, where the wonders of nature unfold before your very eyes, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Dinner and overnight Tanzania Bush Camps (B-L-D)
Day 4 Second day on Serengeti National Park Embrace a full day of exhilaration in Serengeti National Park, where your preferences and desires take center stage. With complete flexibility, this day is entirely customized to cater to your wishes. Your experienced guide will engage in discussions with you, crafting the perfect timings for game drives and wake-up calls, ensuring an experience tailored to your preferences.
On this day, you have the freedom to choose your adventure. Perhaps you'll opt for a morning game drive, followed by a return to camp for a leisurely lunch and relaxation, culminating in an afternoon game drive. Alternatively, immerse yourself in an unforgettable full-day game drive, complete with a delightful picnic lunch amidst the untamed wilderness.
Day 5 Third day on Serengeti National Park Your safari experience is yours to mold, and we are committed to creating an unforgettable journey, tailored exclusively to your desires. Serengeti awaits, and each moment will be shaped by your preferences, promising memories to cherish for a lifetime. Dinner and overnight Tanzania Bush Camps (B-L-D)
Day 6 Serengeto to Ngorongoro On this day we suggest a very early wake-up in order to do an early morning game drive (when the animals are more active) and see one of the best sunrises you'll ever witness. It's really one of the most beautiful experiences to have. After the game drive, we return to the camp for a rewarding brunch and then we'll proceed to Ngorongoro, the 8th wonder of the Natural World.
The crater spreads for 102 sq. miles and has 2.000 ft high walls, making it virtually Noah's ark and inhabiting almost every species of wildlife that is indigenous to East Africa. It's one of the very rare locations in the whole continent where you can witness the black Rhino. The concentration of African wildlife if the greatest in the continent. The crater has a river, several swamps, a soda lake with a great concentration of flamingos, a forest and open plains. It's also famous for its elephants which are the largest in the world and have huge tusks. This is due to the rich mineral content of the volcanic soil and its grasses. Ngorongoro Crater is truly a Wonder of the Natural World.
You will reach Ngorongoro in time for a sundowner. Dinner and overnight Rhino Lodge (B-L-D)
Day 7 Ngorongoro Crater Our day begins with the break of dawn as we embark on an early start, descending into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater floor. Prepare for an extraordinary morning filled with wildlife encounters in one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. The crater's natural wonders promise an unforgettable experience amidst its diverse landscapes.
Following the exhilarating game drive, we'll find a picturesque spot near the beautiful hippo Lake to enjoy a delightful picnic lunch. Surrounded by nature's splendor, relish this moment of serenity.
Afterward, we'll venture on a short game drive, capturing more of the crater's wonders before beginning our ascent from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Our destination is the remarkable Lake Eyasi, where the next day promises a unique and captivating cultural experience that will deepen your connection with Tanzania's rich heritage. Get ready for an expedition filled with natural beauty and cultural immersion, as the wonders of Ngorongoro Crater lead us to the enchantment of Lake Eyasi. Dinner and overnight Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge (B-L-D)
Day 8 Lake Eyasi and the Hadzabe tribe A Day of Cultural Exploration with the Hadzabe Tribe
Today promises to be a truly extraordinary and unique experience, unlike any other on your safari. As the sun begins to rise, you will wake up early, embarking on an exceptional journey alongside your guide to meet the Hadzabe tribe, one of the last true nomadic tribes in Africa. Immersed in their fascinating way of life, you'll gain insights into their traditions and customs, making this encounter a genuine cultural exchange.
The experience is authentically off the beaten track, devoid of touristy elements, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the heart of Hadzabe life. As you join the tribe in their morning activities, you'll have incredible opportunities for capturing awe-inspiring photographs that will preserve these unforgettable memories forever. This encounter with the Hadzabe tribe will undoubtedly stand as a highlight of your safari, leaving an indelible mark on your heart.
You'll have the option to partake in the tribe's daily hunting activities, learn about their ancestral ways, or join the women in their fruit-gathering session, gaining insight into their traditional practices. Whichever path you choose, you'll uncover the intricate facets of the Hadzabe way of living.
Following these enriching interactions, we'll visit the stunning Lake Eyasi, a seasonally shallow salt lake nestled on the floor of the Great Rift Valley. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, this serene spot offers a tranquil respite before we make our return to Arusha.
As the day concludes, we expect to arrive back in Arusha around 5 p.m., though we remain flexible to accommodate any special circumstances, such as flight departures or other personal preferences. This extraordinary day of cultural exploration will remain etched in your memory as an unforgettable and cherished experience of a lifetime.