Tanzania Explorer - 7 days
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. 
Maasai kids at the school we built
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.
Kingfisher in Manyara NPDay 1 From Arusha we drive to Lake Manyara in the great Rift Valley. Enter and take a game drive around Lake Manyara National Park. Famed for its unusual tree-climbing lions it also has a large elephant population, rich bird life in the forests and thousands of flamingos on the soda lake. Late in the afternoon, climb into the crater highlands for overnight at Endoro Lodge on the border of the Ngorongoro Conservation area, our overnight accommodation (en-suite rooms).
Farm stroll Day 2 Short drive to nearby centre of 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 Endoro Lodge and overnight (en-suite rooms).
Lone male on the SerengetiDay 3 Drive to the Serengeti! Lunch en-route at Olduvai Gorge and a view of the archaeological sites (and visit the museum) where early human tools and fossils have been found. Afternoon game drives 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 Nasikia, our own private camp in the heart of the Serengeti (beds, en-suite toilets and showers).
Serengeti cheetah Day 4 All day game drives in Serengeti. Best time for the wildebeest migration is Dec to June but there are spectacular wildlife sights at anytime of year. Dinner and camp-fire with the stars and sounds of the African night. Overnight again at our Nasikia private camp (beds, en-suite toilets and showers).
Ngorongoro from the Crater RimDay 5 Further morning game drive in Serengeti and then back across the grasslands and up to the Ngorongoro Crater. Tonight we stay in Rhino Lodge, owned and run by the Maasai here. Located within the forest, it is quite common for zebra, buffalo and even elephant to be grazing right outside the lodge (en-suite rooms).
Hyenas on their kill Day 6 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. After lunch, on to a small village to the north of Arusha for Maasai lands and life experience. We built and maintain a small school here, which you can visit in term time if you wish. Overnight at our own small campsite behind the school with Mt Meru looming above - there will be Maasai round the fire guarding the camp all night.
Getting involved in Maasai lifeDay 7 Morning activities around the village. You can visit traditional huts, take part in activities like milking cows and goats, jewellery beadwork, smaller wildlife and bird spotting on a short walking safari, find out about the medicinal uses of the local plants, and learn from an elder the history and culture of these fascinating people. Leave by 12.00 for 50 minute return drive to Arusha. If necessary, onward travel arrangements on the 14.00 shuttle service can be made to get you back to Nairobi (or Nairobi airport) by around 19.00 in evening.
General: Accommodation is in our private Serengeti campsite (2 nights), local lodges (3 nights) and a bush camp (1 night) fully supported by our crew. We do not use the mainstream tourist lodges but neither do we compromise on health, safety or reasonable comfort. Luxury lodge accommodation can be arranged for private group departures if required. Equipment will be carried by vehicle, you only 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 extra hotel bookings and airport transfers for before and after your trip.
| Cost for scheduled departures: | Group rates private departures: |
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| US $1,995 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 $1,860 per person for group of 9
-12 US $2,030 per person for group of 5 - 8 US $2,255 per person for group of 3 - 4 US $2,480 per person for group of 2 US $3,675 for single person departure |
| Prices quoted include: | Prices quoted exclude: |
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