Safari Overview:
This 6-day safari will take you to some of the best wildlife destinations in Tanzania, including Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park. This tour also offers a unique cultural experience by visiting Materuni Village near Kilimanjaro, where you’ll explore local life, enjoy a waterfall hike, and participate in a traditional coffee-making ceremony. Get ready for an adventure that combines both wildlife exploration and cultural immersion.
Detailed Itinerary:
DAY 1: ARUSHA TO TARANGIRE
- Pick-Up: 07:30 am from your hotel in Arusha.
- Drive to Tarangire: A 3-hour drive (115 km) to Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds, baobab trees, and tree-climbing pythons.
- Game Drive: Enjoy a full-day game drive in the park, with a chance to spot lions, leopards, giraffes, and more. Picnic lunch will be enjoyed in the park.
- Accommodation: After the game drive, head to Fanaka Lodge (or similar) for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 2: TARANGIRE TO SERENGETI
- Breakfast & Packing: After breakfast, pack your luggage and prepare for the journey to Serengeti National Park.
- Scenic Drive: Pass through the Rift Valley and Ngorongoro Conservation Area with views of the iconic Ngorongoro Crater.
- Lunch & Check-In: Have lunch at a picnic site along the way, then check into Seronera Campsite.
- Evening Game Drive: Head out for an evening game drive in the central Serengeti, watching the sunset over the plains.
- Accommodation: Dinner and overnight at Seronera Campsite.
DAY 3: SERENGETI TO NGORONGORO CRATER
- Sunrise Game Drive: Wake up early to witness the sunrise in the Serengeti, followed by a morning game drive until 11:30 am.
- Lunch: Return to camp for lunch, then pack up for the journey to Ngorongoro Crater.
- Afternoon Drive to Ngorongoro: Proceed with a scenic drive to Ngorongoro, checking in at Simba Campsite for the evening.
- Accommodation: Dinner and overnight at Simba Campsite.
DAY 4: NGORONGORO CRATER TOUR TO LAKE MANYARA
- Crater Tour: After breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. Witness wildlife such as lions, rhinos, hippos, zebras, and various bird species.
- Lunch in the Crater: Enjoy lunch inside the crater, surrounded by nature and wildlife.
- Drive to Mto wa Mbu: After the crater tour, head to Mto wa Mbu for a walk through the local town. Explore banana plantations and enjoy local food.
- Accommodation: Overnight at Fanaka Camp or similar in Mto wa Mbu.
DAY 5: LAKE MANYARA TO ARUSHA
- Morning Drive to Lake Manyara: After breakfast, head to Lake Manyara National Park for a full-day game drive.
- Wildlife Sightings: Look out for the famous tree-climbing lions, as well as flamingos, pelicans, and other bird species around the lake.
- Hot Springs Visit: Visit the hot springs inside the park.
- Return to Arusha: After the game drive, head back to Arusha for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 6: MATERUNI VILLAGE COFFEE AND WATERFALLS DAY TRIP
- Drive to Materuni Village: After breakfast, travel to Materuni Village near Moshi at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Hike to Materuni Waterfalls: Take a scenic hike to Materuni Waterfalls where you can enjoy a swim in the natural pool at the base of the falls.
- Cultural Experience: Learn about the local Chagga people and how they live. Your guide will explain their farming practices and the crops they grow.
- Coffee Ceremony: Experience a traditional Chagga coffee ceremony where you will learn how the coffee beans are picked, roasted, and brewed. Enjoy a fresh cup of coffee at the end.
- Return to Arusha: After your cultural experience, your driver will take you back to Arusha or the airport if you are departing.
Included:
- Accommodations: As per the itinerary (camping or tented camps).
- Airport Transfer: Pick-up and drop-off at the airport.
- Activities: All game drives, cultural activities, and visits as mentioned in the itinerary.
- National Park Fees: All park entrance fees.
- First Aid: First aid kits available during the safari.
- Meals: All meals as per the itinerary (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Mineral Water: Provided throughout the safari.
- Professional Safari Guide: Experienced guide for the duration of the tour.
- Transport: 4×4 safari vehicle with a guaranteed window seat.
Excluded:
- Flights: International and local flights.
- Meals and Drinks: Any meals or drinks not specified in the itinerary.
- Visas: Visa fees (if applicable).
- Optional Activities: Any additional activities not included in the itinerary.
- Tips: Gratuities for guides and staff.
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, extra activities, or personal costs.
- Private Travel Insurance: Recommended for personal safety during the safari.
Summary:
This 6-day Tanzania safari offers a perfect mix of wildlife exploration and cultural immersion. You’ll visit Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara, each known for its unique wildlife and scenic beauty. Plus, you’ll experience the Materuni Village and the famous Chagga coffee ceremony while hiking to stunning waterfalls. Whether you’re looking for thrilling wildlife encounters or cultural experiences, this tour offers it all.
