Your tour starts with a visit to the Arusha National Park including a hike to a small waterfall. These first animal observations are followed by two days with the Maasai at the Africa Amini Maasai Lodge. A very special flair awaits you here between Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. Filled with the feeling of calm and relaxation, you continue to the Tarangire National Park to see the elephants and baobab trees. With a bit of luck, the tree lions and an incomparable diversity of birds await you in Lake Manyara. The Tree Top Walkway gives you a completely different animal viewing perspective. Afterwards you can expect a very special encounter with the Hadzabe and Datoga at Lake Eyasi. This very special people who will be happy to give you an insight into their way of life. After the visit, further highlights of your safari will follow with the Ngorongoro Crater and the central Serengeti. During your travel time, the great migration takes place in Ndutu / southern Serengeti to give birth to the calves, before heading north again after the rain. All these adventures cry out for relaxation - we invite you to finish off on the spice island of Zanzibar.
Best travel time for this trip: December to March
| Country | Tanzania |
| Accommodation | Mid class |
| Food | Safari: Fullboard, Stonetown: Bed and Breakfast, beach hotel: halfboard |
| Minimum number of participants | 2 person |
Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport - Welcome to Tanzania
Today you land in East Africa - at the foot of the majestic mountain: Mount Kilimanjaro!
Perhaps you have already caught a glimpse of the highest mountain in Africa from the plane, if not, with a little luck you can still make out the summit on the drive from the airport to Arusha.
Your personal driver will be waiting for you at the exit of the airport with a sign in his hands and will give you a warm welcome on Tanzanian soil with a cheerful "Jambo" and "Karibu".
The drive to Arusha takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic and time of day. Your transfer will lead you through the first small local villages, past Mount Meru - the second highest mountain in Tanzania - to the lively city of Arusha.
Here you check into your accommodation and can recover from the journey.
Do you have any questions about the tour? Then discuss this with your guide before he says goodbye to you for the rest of the day.
Note:
If you arrive early in the morning, we would be happy to organize a guided tour of Arusha for you.
The Clock Tower, the Tanzanite Museum and the Maasai Souvenir Market are particularly worth seeing :-)
Arusha National Park with walking at the foot of Mount Meru and game drives through the park
In the morning you leave the accommodation together with the guide and continue to Arusha National Park at the foothills of Mount Meru.
A local ranger is already waiting for you here, who will also take you on a search for clues in the Arusha Naitonal Park. On a 1.5 hour easy hike, the "small five" are explained to you and the tracks on the way are read. Giraffes will cross your path, buffalo graze in the distance until you arrive at the waterfall in the park. After a short photo stop, your way back to your guide.
He is already waiting for you and explores the park with you in the safari car. The path meanders along the Momella lakes and through dense rainforest. Black and white Colobus monkeys sit in the trees and look cheekily down at the visitors. Proud giraffes stroll through the meadows and nibble on the acacia trees with devotion. Zebras and flamingos are also often seen park residents.
After the game drive, you will continue to your accommodation.
Adventure at the Africa Amini Maasai Lodge
Spend an interesting day in the authentic Maasai Lodge and get to know the culture of the Maasai people, take bush walks, relax by the pool or hear the stories of the Maasai at the evening campfire.
The following activities are offered:
Competition with the Maasai in a javelin throw
Nature walk with the Maasai
"Warm your heart" meditation room
sauna, pool
Maasai stories about culture, country and life
Sundowner with the Maasai
Herds of elephants and baobab trees in Tarangire National Park
Your guide will pick you up from the hotel after breakfast around 8:30 a.m. Check out of the accommodation and stow your luggage in our comfortable Toyota Landcruiser, in which you will be traveling with the guide for the next days.
The safari adventure can begin!
You can already observe the typical Tanzanian landscape on the way to Tarangire National Park. Wide savannahs, acacia trees and grasslands line the path. The vegetation is broken up by the red robes of the Maasai who herd their calves, goats and cattle here. Children who watch with big eyes the Mzungus (Swahili: the traveler / the white person) on the way to the national parks and sometimes run after the cars with big laughs and a lot of waves.
After about 2 hours you will reach the entrance gate of the Tarangire National Parks. While your guide takes care of the entry formalities, you can freshen up and visit an information trail about the park. First impressions of the dryness and heat will accompany you.
The journey continues straight into the National Park. First animals crossing your path.
The park is known for its large herds of elephants, zebras and wildebeest, but also for the baobab trees that shape the landscape. In between there are also a few lions and a variety of bird species. Especially on the Tarangire River - the main source of water in the park - you can watch the animals looking for water.
After the first impressions we take a break at the Tarangire Safari Lodge for lunch. A good mix of Tanzanian and continental food is offered here and the view from the terrace with a cup of coffee or tea is unforgettable. Many times the elephants pass under the hill and all you have to do is keep your eyes open and watch.
After your meal, continue your game drives with your guide. There is so much to discover and your guide will take you to beautiful spots in the park so that you can fully enjoy the tour - rest assured - the guide has eyes like an eagle and also spots small animals out of the corner of his eye!
The day is coming to an end and you continue to your accommodation. Here you check into your room and review the impressions of the first day of the safari.
Tarangire National Park - also home to lions, zebras and wildebeests
Another day in Tarangire National Park is calling!
Today we recommend you drive to the swamps in the southern Tarangire together with your guide. Here you can, if the elephants wish, see them wading through the water.
These animals slide slowly through the water, quench their thirst and cool off. A great contrast between the gray pachyderms and the lush green marsh grasses provide a wonderful backdrop for an unforgettable photo.
In addition to the elephants, you also have the opportunity to see lions, wildebeests and zebras in front of your lens. Warthogs wallow in the sand and run swiftly through the steppe.
You can enjoy the lunch box at a public picnic area at lunchtime before your guide continues the game drives in the afternoon. You will pass the liver sausage trees, a real curiosity in Tarangire.
Ask your guide about the story with God and the baobab trees - you will be amazed!
You end the day at the accommodation in the evening.
A great variety of birds and lions climbing the trees - Lake Manyara National Park
After the huge herds of elephants, you continue to Lake Manyara National Park.
A special highlight for bird lovers. In the winter months, the migratory birds come from the north and populate the lake - huddling close together. In addition to the storks, there are also vultures, pelicans and of course the pink flamingos!
In addition to these many species of birds, you can also watch the hippos snorting in the lake and, with a bit of luck, lions climbing the trees to protect themselves from annoying flies and the heat on the ground. They just hang around here and have a good time in the shade.
If time permits, drive to the hot springs - which occur here due to the activities underground - and walk a little way into the lake via a jetty.
Today we packed a packed lunch for you - you can eat it at one of the picnic areas in the park and use the sanitary facilities on site before you go on the next observation tour.
On the further way dik diks, giraffes, zebras and buffaloes will cross your path.
In the afternoon we go on a walk in lofty heights - the only treetop path in Tanzania - the Treetop Walkway. A great view that is offered here. After you have stretched your feet, you continue up into the crater highlands to the next accommodation.
Here you check into the accommodation and can enjoy the cool air of the highlands.
The journey takes about 45 minutes - 1 hour. Pack a sweater!
Lake Eyasi
Today you have the opportunity to visit the Hadzabe and Datoga tribe. You will go hunting with the Hadzabe early in the morning and learn a little more about their lifestyle. After the hunting tour you will visit the second Datoga tribe and you can pay a visit to the lake. With a lot of luck you will see some flamingos. The rest of the day is free.
Ngorongoro Crater Tour - UNESCO World Heritage Site and a special highlight
One of THE highlights in Tanzania awaits you on this day! The Ngorongoro Crater!
Today you have to get up early, strengthen yourself with breakfast and get ready for an unforgettable day.
You start from the accommodation with the safari car and your guide and first drive to the Ngorongoro Gate. Take advantage of the opportunity to find out more about this unique landscape in the visitor center.
The Ngorongoro Crater was formed from a volcano that has collapsed - forming a so-called caldera. In the whole world there are only a few formations like this that can also be accessed by car. First you drive along the edge of the crater. Get a first glimpse of the interior of the crater and Lake Magadi.
Once you get to the road for the descent into the crater, it's 600 m down to the crater floor. The safari car winds its way very slowly along the crater wall until it reaches the ground and then as if by itself plunges into this landscape. If you get there early, you will see Maasai who cross the road with their herds of cattle and lead them to the watering holes on the edge of the crater and lick special salt stones. The Maasai are the only people who are allowed to settle in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and thus shape the landscape with its typical bomas (villages).
No settlement is allowed within the crater itself, so you can observe animals such as zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, warthogs and lions in their natural habitat. Due to the limitation of the slopes of the crater, you will find an incomparable biodiversity in a small space.
A special inhabitant of the crater is the rhinoceros, which with a little luck you will see in the plain.
For lunch you stop at the picnic area - a little tip: take your meal in the car and then stretch your legs - the giant birds in the trees are just waiting to steal the bread from your fingers.
After the break you explore the rest of the crater and then make the steep ascent with the safari car back up to the crater rim - this takes a while and is mostly "pole pole" - "slowly slowly".
The driveway is done and you return to your accommodation for your overnight stay.
What a day - with lots of great experiences!
Wide plains of Ndutu region
On this day you have ample opportunity to explore the flora and fauna of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area / Ndutu area. Enjoy the full day game drive. With a lot of luck you might come across a pride of lions while hunting, or a herd of wildebeest in search of water, followed by zebras and hyenas. Every day there are new surprises when observing animals. Let the day pass in review and end in the evening in the accommodation.
Goodby wildebeest - continue to central Serengeti
Today you will have one last morning game drive and then make your way into the center of the Serengeti. On the way you are sure to see some park residents that you may have missed before. Game drives on the way to the Central Serengeti.
Wide plains in the Serengeti National Park
On this day you have ample opportunity to explore the flora and fauna of the Serengeti.
Talk to your guide the evening before about how you would like to organize the day.
We have the following options for you:
1) Go on game drives very early and experience the awakening of the wilderness. Take advantage of the hot lunchtime at the property to rest before going on another game drive in the afternoon. The animals are particularly active in the morning and late afternoon.
2) You choose a full day game drive and don't miss anything. After breakfast, pack your lunch box and explore the Serengeti.
With a bit of luck you will come across a pride of lions on the hunt, a herd of wildebeest in search of water, followed by zebras and hyenas.
Be amazed at what this day has in store for you today - and don't forget your camera to capture the moment!
End the evening comfortably in the accommodation.
Goodbye wilderness - Welcome to the spice island of Zanzibar
Today it's time to say goodbye to the wilderness of the Serengeti and to your guide!
You check out of the accommodation after breakfast, stow your luggage in the vehicle and set off on a final game drive.
Your guide will bring you to the Seronera Airstrip in good time before departure - on the way there you can enjoy the last animal observations.
When you arrive at the Airstrip, check in for your flight.
Your guide says goodbye to you!
We wish you a good flight, have a good time and say ASANTE (thank you) for your time with us on what will hopefully be an unforgettable safari!
Visit Stonetown
Today we invite you in the morning to a guided Stone Town tour. 2500 limestone buildings (Stone Town) form the newest and most interesting part of Zanzibar City. The little streets, 45 mosques, 2 Christian churches and 4 Hindu halls invite you to explore.
The tour takes about 2 hours. You will be accompanied by a guide who will explain the fascinating historical corners of Stonetown to you. You will visit a former slave market, the House of Wonders and the old fort. Visiting the local market is also an experience.
The rest of the day is free.
Day 15: From Stonetown to the east coast of Zanzibar
Today you will picked up around 10 o'clock at Tembo Hotel and make your way to the east coast of Zanzibar. The drive will take about 1 hour and you will stop on a spice farm:
SPICE TOUR
You drive into the heard of the island and discover the spice world of Zanzibar. You will stop at various small farms and learn about the plants, spices that are grown and their medicinal uses. Over a distance of 20 km you will pass through smaller villages such as Bububu, Kidichi and Kizimbani. You can try some spices and fruits yourself on site. Beautiful pictures can be created in the orchards.
Tag 16 - 21 : Rest on the white sandy beaches
Free days in Zanzibar - on-site you can organize your own excursions. Enjoy the last few days of vacation and let the waves of the Indian Ocean wash around your feet. The island is a quiet spot - perfect for relaxing and unwinding and to review the whole safari impressions of the last few weeks. Tips on excursions can be found in the notes :-)
Departure
Today your journey comes to an end. 3 hours before your flight departure you will be picked from the hotel and transferred to the airport.
We hope you have packed a bag full of memories.
We are waving good bye and wishing you a safe flight back home!
Kwa heri na karibu tena!
Bye bye and welcome again!
The Sangaiwe Tented Camp is only about ten minutes from the Tarangire Sangaiwe Gate. The tents are well equipped with all comforts. Each one has a patio and a shower and toilet inside the tent. The view over Lake Burunge is really beautiful especially in the evenings. The camp offers guided walks to Lake Burunge.
Karama Lodge & Spa is an eco-friendly lodge in Arusha, Tanzania. It's the perfect base for a Tanzania safari or a restful night before climbing Mt. Kilimandscharo. The bar is open all day for a cool beer, a glass of wine, liquor or a healthy juice. You can sit on the spacious deck and have a drink, while enjoying the breathtaking view over Mt. Kilimandscharo, Mt. Meru and the wooded valleys. The lodge is located on the top of Suye Hill. It's an exceptional lodge with rustic, nevertheless comfortable ambience, which creates a very relaxed atmosphere.
Next Paradise is located on the white sandy beach on the northeast coast of Zanzibar. Upstream is a coral reef, which is only one kilometer from the shore. The rooms are spread out over the site and are very spacious. Near the swimming pool is the restaurant and bar, which invite you to linger and simply enjoy this beautiful place.
The Chaka Camp is a semipermanent camp in the ecological system of the Serengeti. It moves seasonally and from December to March it is located in Ndutu and from the end of May to October in the Northern Serengeti. With only ten tents the camp provides an authentic and real out-of-Africa-experience in the middle of the Serengeti. The Chaka Camp follows the gnus' migration.
The Kiota Tented Camp is one of the recent tent camps in the Serengeti. Beautifully nestled on a hill, the camp offers a wonderful view over the plains of the Serengeti. The tents are spacious and fitted with shower and toilets.
The Tembo House Hotel is furnished in a beautiful Arabic - Swahili decor. It is located in the heart of Stonetown. It is an ideal basis for explorations. Just round the corner are the Old Fort and the museum. The port is only 5 minutes and the airport only 10 minutes away. It is one of few hotels in Stonetown with swimming pool and access to the beach.
Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge is located on a gentle slope with a breathtaking view over the seasonal soda lake and all the way up to Ngorongoro Conservatio Area. The 14 spacious rooms are spread all over the large property, furnished in style and with love for detail. The decor combines elements of the surrounding landscape and modern comfort. Each room has a private patio with lake view. The region of Lake Eyasi, southwest of Ngorongoro, is home to the Hadza bushmen, the last survivors of a civilisation unaware of agriculture, stock breeding, ceramics or metals. They live from hunting with bow and arrow and picking wild fruit and berries. They are the last heirs to the homines sapientes, who made their first steps on Rift Valley about 200,000 years ago. Their lifestyle didn't change over thousands of years. They live in small groups of about 20 people, roaming the area. The Hadza on Lake Eyasi are heirs to the very first humans, the children of Olduvai George and Koobi Fora. This folk still lives in symbiosis with their environment and are an example for an anarchic society without rules, without chief and without dont's.
The Africa Amini Lodge is located between the mountains Kilimanjaro and Meru and near the village Ngabobo. The spacious property was handed over to the organisation Africa Amini Alama by indigenous people to use it for their ongoing development work. The lodge's profits are for the community's benefit and are used to support education, incomes and social, environmental and medical projects. The staff is predominantly from surrounding communities and is trained on site to meet the needs of international guests. There are different projects, like a tree planting project, bee keeping and chicken farming for Maasai women. Electricity is generated by solar energy. As a visitor you can immerse yourself in the Maasai culture and be a part of it. The Maasai consider the lodge as part of their village and welcome guests warmly. The area around the lodge became a little sanctuary because of the various projects. Even wild animals can move freely there. If you get lucky you might even see some of them for yourself there.
The Tarangire National Park is one of 11 national parks in Tanzania. It is situated southwest of Arusha near Lake Manyara and is divided by Tarangire river, which is the only water source during dry season. Therefore the park is home to many animals. Its landscape is mostly made of savannah and stretches over 2600 km² at a height of about 900 m. The many baobab trees, elephants and various bird species have made the park famous.
The Arusha National Park is situated north of Arusha between Mount Meru and the Kilimanjaro. The park comprises Mount Meru (4562 m), an extinct volcano including Little Meru (3801 m) and Ash Cone, as well as the Momela Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater and Little Serengeti. The park was founded as Ngurdoto Crater National Park in 1960; Mount Meru became part of the park in 1967. The park covers an area of 137 km², featuring a landscape of forests, swamplands, grasslands, lake areas, alpine highlands and rocks. Famous for its colobus, you can also find many giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, elephants and hippos in the park.
The Lake Manyara National Park features a groundwater forest very rare to East Africa, transitioning into grass plains with acacia trees and open grasslands. At the banks of Lake Manyara, you can discover swamplands. The park is home to about 20 to 30 lions which enjoy resting on the trees, as well as some leopards and many monkeys of different species. Common animals of the park are giraffes, impalas, gnus, zebras, hippos and large buffalo herds.
The Ngorongoro preservation area is situated between the Serengeti and Lake Manyara National Park. Within the preservation area, the Ngorongoro Crater is located, which is the largest caldera in the world. The crater is 600 m deep and 260 km² large, and represents the variety of east African landscape and wildlife in a secluded area.
The Serengeti is a relatively treeless savannah, stretching from the north of Tanzania, east of Lake Victoria, to southern Kenya and covering an area of 30,000 km². More than 1.6 million herbivores and thousands of carnivores live here. Common animals in this region are gnus, gazelles, zebras and buffaloes. A unique experience is the migration of large animal herds. The word “serengeti” originates in the Massai language and means “vast area/wide plain”.
Large and plain grasslands in the south are contrasted by slightly hilly, forested plains in the north. The central savannah is almost treeless, and in the southeast you can find the Ngorongoro preservation area, which is characterised by volcanism and classified as world natural heritage since 1979. The highest mountains are about 1850 m above sea level, lower parts of the savannah go down to 950 m. The Serengeti area includes the Serengeti National Park which covers 14,763 km² and belongs to the largest and surely the most famous national parks in the world. Since 1981, it is also part of the UNESCO world natural heritage. The documentary “Serengeti shall not die” by Bernhard Grzimek was awarded with an Oscar in 1960.
Safari:
Meals and accommodation as described in the program
All entry fees
4x4 safari car - no other guests in the car
English speaking guide
1.5 liters of water per day per person
Airport transfers
Zanzibar:
Meals and accommodation as described in the program
Airport transfers
Stonetown Tour
Spicetour
In gereral:
Flying Doctors Insurance *
* In the event of an accident or sudden illness, you will be picked up by the Flying Doctors at the nearest landing site and flown to a hospital in Nairobi. From then on, your international health insurance should cover payment for the treatment.
Any airport charges
Things of personal use
Tips: Recommendation per guide on safari: 15-20USD per day
Tanzania visa (50USD per person)
beverages
International travel health insurance
Travel cancellation insurance
National and international flights
Tourism tax on Zanzibar - payable on spot
