Tanzania Explorer - 7 days
Maasai kids at the school we helped build
Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara are spectacular and understandably popular destinations and of course we visit these National Parks. But this safari includes two cultural discovery days where you can find out about the way of life of the local people living here.
So many tourists pass through these areas leaving only trails of dust. But by visiting some of the villages, and their own development projects you enrich your experience of this part of Africa and ensure more of the benefits of tourism reach the locals directly.
Day 1
With the Maasai at Longido
From Arusha we drive for 90 minutes to the small settlement of Longido for Maasai lands and life experience. Here with local Maasai guides you can visit traditional huts, spot animals and astonishing variety of birds on a walking safari in the bush, find out about the medicinal uses of the savannah plants and learn from an elder the history and culture of these fascinating people. Optional visit to a women’s jewellery project - great for souvenirs direct from the makers. Overnight in Tembo Lodge – simple but delightful accommodation run as a Maasai community resource.
Day 2
Climbing lessons
On to Lake Manyara in the great Rift Valley for a game drive. Famed for its unusual tree-climbing lions it also has a large elephant population, hippos in its freshwater springs, rich bird life in the forests and often thousands of flamingos on the soda lake. Late in the afternoon, climb up to Karatu in the crater highlands on the edge of the Ngorongoro Conservation area. Overnight lodge accommodation (with pool and en-suite rooms).
Day 3
Paulo & family, Iraqwi farmer & musician
Short drive to Karatu and a leisurely walking safari through farms and villages on the rift valley escarpment. You discover the farming, irrigation and cattle husbandry techniques, visit houses and, if you want, sample local cuisine of the Iraqw tribe. There is also traditional wood-fired brick making, local musicians and you generally gain a deeper understanding of the lifestyle of the people who live here. Visit the nearby village market or relax in afternoon back at the lodge (with pool and en-suite rooms).
Day 4
Olduvai Gorge palaeolithic site
Drive to the Serengeti! Lunch en-route at Olduvai Gorge and a view of the archaeological sites (and museum) where early human tools have been found. Afternoon game drive in the rolling grasslands. Criss-crossed with forested riverine valleys, the Serengeti plays home to millions of Africa’s large mammals, making this one of the world’s most famous wildlife destinations. Overnight at a campsite in the heart of the Serengeti. Modern toilets and showers, but not en-suite.
Day 5
Lone male on the Serengeti
All day game drives in Serengeti. Best time for the wildebeest migration is Dec to June but there are spectacular wildlife sights at any time of year. Dinner and camp-fire with the stars and sounds of the African night. Overnight again at central Serengeti campsite.
Day 6
Wildebeest on the Serengeti grasslands
Further morning game drive in Serengeti and then back across the grasslands and up to the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Tonight we stay in Rhino Lodge owned and run by the Maasai here. Located in the Crater forest, it is quite common for zebra, buffalo and even elephant to be grazing right outside the lodge (en-suite rooms).
Day 7
Ngorongoro from the Crater Rim
Ngorongoro is collapsed volcano - an incredible natural amphitheatre, 25 km across and teeming with all of the African big game. Early morning descent into the crater for spectacular scenery and game viewing in what has been described as the eighth wonder of the world. Return to Arusha for mid to late afternoon.
General
Accommodation is in local lodges (4 nights) and Serengeti campsite (2 nights) fully supported by our crew in 3 person tents used by 2 people. The camping on this trip is more atmospheric than the tourist lodge accommodation but we do not compromise on health, safety or reasonable comfort; llodge accommodation can be arranged for private group departures if required though. Equipment will be carried in our vehicles, you only ever need carry a day-pack with personal gear. When camping, you will not have to participate in camp chores. We buy fresh produce locally and ensure good standards of hygiene. We can cater for special dietary requirements and there are no extra food-kitty payments.
We can also arrange airport transfers and accommodation in Arusha for before and after your trip
Trip Costs
| Cost for scheduled departures: | Group rates private departures: |
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| US $2,635 per person if you can join one of our scheduled departures - see When we go. We need a minimum of 2 people booked for these trips to run. Contact us for booking status if you are a single traveller. | US $2,470 per person for group of 9
-10 US $2,745 per person for group of 5 - 8 US $2,965 per person for group of 3 - 4 US $3,185 per person for group of 2 US $4,395 for single person departure |
| Prices quoted include: | Prices quoted exclude: |
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