Embark on an extraordinary safari adventure in Tanzania, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of the Maasai people with visits to a traditional village near Tarangire and a Maasai earth lodge in West Kilimanjaro. Set out on thrilling game drives in the Serengeti, where you’ll search for big cats, witness the incredible wildebeest migration, and encounter other predators in their natural habitat. Explore the breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Manyara National Park on unforgettable game drives.
- 11 days | 10 nights
- Tanzania
Highlights
- Visit a Maasai village outside Tarangire and stay in a Maasai-style earth lodge in West Kilimanjaro
- Search for big cats and other predators in the Serengeti, as well as the wildebeest migration
- Embark on an unforgettable game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater
Destinations
DAY 1: Arusha
DAY 2-3: Tarangire National Park
DAY 4: Manyara National Park
DAY 5: Ngorongoro Crater
DAY 6-8: Serengeti National Park
DAY 9-10: West Kilimanjaro
DAY 11: Departure
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Tanzania
- ARUSHA
Karibu—a very warm welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be picked up by a representative of Hornbill Treks & Safaris and transferred to your accommodations in Arusha. You’ll have a safari briefing and time for questions regarding your adventure across Tanzania. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Arusha Coffee Lodge, Legendary Lodge, Katambuga House
Day 2: Exploring Tarangire
- ARUSHA & TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
In the morning, depart with your guide for Tarangire National Park, taking in the seemingly endless vistas for which Tanzania is so well known. Along the way, stop at a local Maasai homestead for an authentic cultural visit.
Stop for lunch at one of the picnic sites, followed by a game drive in Tarangire National Park. In the late afternoon proceed to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Lemala Mpingo Ridge, Sanctuary Swala, Kuro Tarangire, Tarangire Treetops, Maramboi Tented Lodge
Day 3: Elephant Herds & Baobab Trees
- TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Spend the day exploring Tarangire National Park on game drive. The park is home to abundant elephant, zebra, and wildebeest, as well as giraffe, eland antelope, gazelle, hartebeest, hippo, buffalo, and lion. Occasional sightings of leopard, cheetah, and hyena also occur in the park.
At approximately 2,642 sq km, Tarangire is composed of expansive short-grass plains marked by acacia and baobab trees, lush green swampland, and denser vegetation in the southern parts of the park.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Lemala Mpingo Ridge, Sanctuary Swala, Kuro Tarangire, Tarangire Treetops, Maramboi Tented Lodge
Day 4: Countryside Villages & Verdant Highlands
- MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, transfer to Manyara National Park, where you’ll explore the forested regions along the lake on game drive. Afterwards, visit Mto wa Mbu for a walking tour of this village, which serves as a cultural melting pot in the region. Continue on to your accommodations in Karatu or along the crater rim.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Gibb’s Farm, Kitela Lodge, Plantation Lodge, The Retreat at Ngorongoro, Sanctuary Ngorongoro, Lemala Ngorongoro, andBeyond Crater Lodge
Day 5: Into the Ngorongoro Crater
- NGORONGORO
Today’s journey takes you to the famous Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest caldera (extinct volcano) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering the highest density of wildlife in East Africa. The Crater is home to more than 25,000 animals, many of which stay throughout the year in the Crater due to constant water availability and grazing grounds. Look out for buffalo, gazelles and zebras as well as elephants, hyenas and lions.
In the afternoon, head back to your accommodations for dinner and overnight.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Gibb’s Farm, Kitela Lodge, Plantation Lodge, The Retreat at Ngorongoro, Sanctuary Ngorongoro, Lemala Ngorongoro, andBeyond Crater Lodge
Day 6-9: Safari in the Serengeti
- SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Explore the heart of this iconic national park during the next few days on game drives and search for its rich predator population. Cheetah prefer the medium and long-grass plains where they can freely move around and find their preferred prey. Leopards are common throughout the park and are often found in the canopy of an acacia or sausage tree overlooking the savannah for a good vantage point. Lions are seen on a regular basis, usually relaxing in the grasses.
Depending on your time of travel, our team will recommend the best location to experience the wildebeest migration.
ACCOMMODATIONS: varied depending on location
Day 9-10: In the Maasai Lands
- WEST KILIMANJARO
Transfer by light aircraft back to Kilimanjaro, with a road transfer to the expansive, hilly Maasai lands of West Kilimanjaro. Here, you’ll stay in a lodge built in the traditional style of Maasai earth homes, but with the comforts of an upscale eco lodge.
During your stay here, you can set out on a nature walk guided by a Maasai warrior, practice the Maasai tradition of spear-throwing, and enjoy traditional dances and folklore by the evening campfire. Fill the balance of your time lounging by the pool with views of the savanna, or ask us about additional activities for an even more immersive cultural experience.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Original Maasai Lodge
Day 11: Departure
- KILIMANJARO
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before transferring to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport, arriving for your international departure.
How It Works
1. Share Your Inspiration
We’ll listen to your aspirations and discuss the experiences that will meet your travel needs.
2. We'll Plan & Fine-Tune
We’ll put our knowledge of the region to work and create a personalized safari for you.
3. Reserve Your Safari
When you’re ready to book, we’ll handle the details of reserving everything for your trip.
