Best of Tanzania: Small Group Tour

Regional Description

This itinerary includes stops in Tarangire, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater where guests can experience three very diverse biosystems and see an abundant amount and variety of wildlife. A driving safari, this itinerary also enable guests the time to get to know their guide as the guide will remain devoted to the group through the entire safari circuit. After the Serengeti, Tarangire has the greatest concentration of wildlife in Tanzania and in the dry season the Tarangire River is a magnet for thirsty wildlife. Large herds of elephants and migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland gather and not surprisingly the predators follow. This is also the one place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope such as oryx and gerenuk are regularly spotted. The Central Serengeti encompasses the world-famous Seronera Valley which is known for its prime wildlife-viewing opportunities. This picture-perfect landscape is characterized by endless stretches of savannah-covered open plains, interspersed by rocky outcrops of granite, scattered with acacia woodlands and covered in a network of rivers and streams. The Central Serengeti forms part of the great wildebeest and zebra migration and provides an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife such as giraffe, impala, waterbuck, hippo, elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, hyena, jackal and serval. The Ngorongoro Crater, surrounded by Tanzania’s highlands, is a UNESCO-listed site, said to be the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Visitors can look forward to spotting the world-renowned Big Five and a host of other wildlife species including large herds of zebra and wildebeest.

Daily Summary

Day 1:
Arrive Arusha

Arrive Kilimanjaro; An airport rep will assist you with immigration and customs formalities. Private 1.5 Hour Transfer to Arusha; Remainder of day at leisure

Day 2:
Safari in Tarangire National Park; Overnight Lake Manyara

After an early breakfast meet your guide and fellow travelers for the drive to Tarangire N.P for a full day safari in an area known for its elephants, lions, leopards and amazing bird life.

Day 3:
Drive to Serengeti: Safari on the Way

The drive to the Serengeti southern gate will take 4 hours. As animals are free to roam you may enjoy some magnificent sightings along the way, as well as see children and women gathering firewood for their villages. After you enter the National Park you can expect sightings to multiply. After you settle in to camp, return for the afternoon/evening safari.

Day 4: Full Day Safari Activities

The day begins at dawn with an early wake up call, coffee and a small breakfast snack, followed by an early morning game drive that ensures you catch the tail end of the night exploits of nocturnal creatures and inspires you with the new day vigor of the bush, still veiled in dew. This is an essential three to four hour safari experience that ends in a lavish breakfast back at camp. The excitement of another safari drive begins again after afternoon tea when the intensity of the African heat begins to subside. This game drive coincides with the close of business for daytime game and the emerging routines of nocturnal beasts on the prowl. There is nothing quite as enthralling as pursuing the hunt of the big cats. The excitement of each drive is interrupted by refreshment breaks, to accommodate any call of the wild and revitalize you with a sundown cocktail.

Day 5:
Return to Karatu; Ngorongoro Crater Safari

After breakfast and check out - depart with a packed lunch and drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. On the way you will see one of the world's most important prehistoric sites, Olduvai Gorge, for a tour and lecture. Learn how the gorge was vital in establishing the African origin of humankind and in turn, why it is referred to as the Cradle of Mankind. Proceed on to the Ngorongoro Crater Rim from where you will have the opportunity to see the Crater, in all its glory.
After the safari, drive onto your Lodge, located in lush grounds within the Karatu Area. On arrival you will be assisted with check in and shown your room.

Day 6:
Karatu City Tour

This small, colorful town serves as a popular overnight stop for visitors exploring the area’s many game parks. The town offers a variety of activities including browsing the bustling marketplace, sampling beer at a local brewery, visiting a traditional Iraqw homestead, or taking a guided walk through the Ngorongoro Forest in search of waterfalls and elephant caves. Whether you are looking for cultural tours, hiking and biking opportunities, a chance to enjoy an authentic rural Tanzania experience, or simply a break between safari game drives, this underrated town has plenty to offer

Day 7:
Depart for Home

Relax at the Lodge until it's time to check out and enjoy the private

transfer back to the international airport for your flight onward.

Pricing and Accommodation

Accommodations

Arusha: Set in beautiful and tranquil surroundings, the lodge is nestled between the Usa river and the wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to zebra, ostrich, water buffalo, mongoose, duiker and a wide array of birds and monkeys, including the elusive Colobus monkey.

Lake Manyara: Set high on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, featuring a marvelous panoramic view eastward over Lake Manyara, the Rift floor and Mount Losimingor,i the property is comprised of 27 tented guest rooms, all of which are widely spaced and connected by a network of stone paths.

Serengeti: This mobile tented camp is located in the beautiful Central Serengeti, strategically made to cover all the wonders of the vast Serengeti Plains. The camp offers 10 comfortable tents with en suite bathrooms and a unique opportunity to enjoy a true and authentic safari camp experience.

Karatu: Accommodations in a romantic Country Lodge nestled in an active mixed farm, located high on the spectacular Great Rift’s escarpment area. The property offers striking panoramic views of the amazing Karatu farmlands and the nearby Ngorongoro forest area. The area’s unrivaled natural beauty is finely complemented by the elegant lodge.