8 Day Private wildlife and Cultural Tour in Tanzania

OVERVIEW

Northern Circuit Safari Tour in Tanzania

Primate Experts Uganda offers this cultural and wildlife safari tour with the ultimate goal providing clients with an unforgettable safari experience, exciting and life-long memories of the wonderful continent of Africa and the countryside of Tanzania. This tour will take you from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Eyasi, and Lake Manyara National Park.

Key information

• Private safari with a max group 6 persons (solo traveler can also join a group)
• Children policy: Children from 15 years old are allowed and shall pay the adult rate
• Starting point: Arusha
• Ending point: Arusha or Moshi
• Languages: English, French, German, and Spanish
• Park fees are included.

Highlights

• 7 game drives
• See the Big Five and a variety of birds
• Cultural immersion with the Hadzabe Tribe
• Visit Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Eyasi, and Lake Manyara
• Transport in 4×4 vehicles with viewing roof
• Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• 7 nights’ accommodation
• Airport transfers

Styles

• Big Five Safaris
• Zebra Safaris
• Lion Safaris
• Impala Safaris
• Elephant Safaris
• Wildebeest Safaris

 Accommodation

During this safari, you will be staying at the following accommodations:

First and fifth night: Endoro Lodge

Endoro Lodge features all private and detached chalets. Each chalet has its own immersion tub, outside shower, private veranda and fireplace.

• Accommodation level: Mid-range

Facilities

• Swimming pool
• Curio shop
• Laundry
• Massage service
• 24-hour hot water
• Inside and outside showers
• Mosquito nets for your peace of mind
• Magnificent stargazing from your veranda

Second, third, and fourth night: Serengeti Heritage Camp

Serengeti Heritage Luxury Tented Camp provides its guests with the most authentic Africa experience due to its colonial, old days hunter’s camp ambience. Sitting snugly in a clearing surrounded by Acacia trees its 13 spacious walk-in tents creates an intimate atmosphere for only 40 guests while indulging them with the amenities of a big lodge, as all tents are equipped with running water, flush toilets, hot and cold water shower. In order to protect its amazing environment, the camp runs entirely on solar energy in terms of electricity and hot water supply. A backup generator is only used to ensure electricity supply throughout rainy days.

• Accommodation level: Mid-range

Facilities

• Fireplace
• Restaurant
• Bar
• Lounge
• Wi-Fi
• Shower
• Balcony
• Security guard for 24 hours
• Radio call
• Walk talk
• TV
• Sofa
• Laundry
• Dry cleaning
• Housekeeping
• Room service
• Ironing
• Storage room

Sixth night: Lake Eyasi Lodge

Located on a gentle slope, Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge offers stunning views over the seasonal soda lake and up to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Sixteen tastefully furnished spacious rooms are located within the large property, each with a private verandah overlooking the lake. The décor blends elements from the surrounding landscape with modern comfort. The lodge has 16 rooms situated in double cottages located in natural vegetation. Each large en-suite room is furnished with a queen bed or two twin beds with netting, chairs, writing table and luggage racks. Lights and hot water are provided by solar power.

• Accommodation level: Mid-range

Facilities

• Private verandah
• Reception
• Lounge
• Bar
• Inside and outside dining
• Gift shop
• Open-air upper deck area
• Swimming pool

Seventh night: Migombani Tented Camp

Migombani Camp is located in the Great Rift Valley and is central to many beautiful national parks. Enjoy the lush green gardens where privacy and tranquillity are paramount. Be blown away by the spectacular views and see if you can spot flamingos in Lake Manyara. Cool off in the swimming pool after an exciting safari. Have a barbecue and enjoy your beer, wine, or other refreshing drink in the lounge area, while the sun goes down. And finally, end your day delightfully under the sparkling stars with the warmth of the campfire.

Migombani Camp offers a unique mix of comfort and adventure. A place where you can enjoy modern facilities such as hot showers, a spacious kitchen area, a cozy lounge, and free Wi-Fi. The site is spaciously designed, fully equipped, and safe with 24 hours security available.

• Accommodation level: Budget

Facilities

• Bar and restaurant with incredible view over the lake
• Flush toilets
• Furnished safari tents
• Free Wi-Fi
• Infinity swimming pool
• Lounge area
• Outdoor kitchen
• Solar hot shower
• Spacious campsite
• 24-hour security

Program

Day 0: Arrival at Arusha

You will be picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha. Primate Experts Uganda’s guide will welcome you with a warm heart and drive you to the hotel booked for overnight, it can be in Arusha or Moshi. Accommodation before and after safari can be arranged on extra cost.

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

You’ll depart from Arusha or Moshi after breakfast for the approximately two hour drive to Tarangire National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass bustling Maasai villages and the vast, open plains that have become synonymous with images of Africa. In Tarangire National Park, you could see groups of elephant.

• Overnight: Endoro Lodge

Day 2: Tarangire National Park to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, you will continue towards the fertile highlands where wheat, coffee, and corn are grown by the Iraqw people. Passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you will be able to see the breath-taking Ngorongoro Crater before traveling onwards to the Serengeti National Park, which you will reach by midday.

After an extensive game drive, you will drive to your accommodation where you will enjoy dinner.

• Overnight: Serengeti Heritage Camp

Day 3 and 4: Full day game drives at Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is the largest park in Tanzania with diverse landscapes and habitats, such as grassy plains, swamps, lakes, savannah, and mountains. After an extensive game drive, you will drive to your accommodation where you will enjoy dinner.

• Overnight: Serengeti Heritage Camp

Day 5: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, you will embark upon another incredible game drive in the Serengeti before travelling to the Ngorongoro Crater. Arriving at the edge of the crater in the afternoon, you will have your first glimpse of what awaits you the following day – glistening streams, open grassland, and an infinite amount of animals.

You will spend the night at a nearby lodge, with the orange glow of sunset surrounding you as you drift off to sleep

• Overnight: Endoro Lodge

Day 6: Lake Eyasi (Hadzabe Tribe)

Early risers are rewarded with breath-taking views of the rising sun over the crater’s edge and after a hearty breakfast you will drive down the adventurous track into the crater. Formed millions of years ago, the crater is 610 meters deep and covers roughly around 260 square kilometers.

Due to its dense animal population of approximately 25,000, the crater offers the best game viewing of all the parks in Tanzania. In a matter of minutes, you will be able to see wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, elephants, and some of the more than 500 bird species in the area.

With a little bit of luck, you might catch a glimpse of the endangered black rhino horns, peeking through the grass. After lunch, you will ascend the steep walls of the crater and head to Lake Eyasi.

• Overnight: Lake Eyasi Lodge

Day 7: Lake Eyasi to Lake Manyara National Park

Very early in the morning at 5:45 a.m., you’ll drive to the dwellings of the famous Hadzabe tribe in the bush for cultural interaction. Join the Hadzabe tribe and go to forage, and during the course of day eat while foraging, and also bring back some honey and fruits.

While traditionally considered an East African branch of the Khoisan peoples, primarily because their language has clicks, modern genetic research suggests that the Hadzabe Tribe may be more closely related to the Pygmies. Get an opportunity to walk with them and watch the way they collect honey and insects.

• Overnight: Migombani Tented Camp

Day 8: Game drive at Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha

Your final stop on the tour is the small Lake Manyara National Park, named after the shallow alkaline lake covering roughly 200 square kilometers of the park. The park is known for its diverse landscapes; not only open grassy plains, but also primate-filled woodlands and baobab dotted cliffs.

Apart from the spectacular and diverse birdlife of over 400 species, the park is also home to hippos, elephants, baboons, wildebeest, and the peculiar tree-climbing lions. After an extensive game drive through the park, you will leave the cascades of flamingos. After lunch, you will start away back to Moshi or Arusha.

 Location

This safari tour will take you from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Eyasi, and Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is among the hidden jewels in Africa and should definitely be at the top of the must-visit wildlife destinations on the northern Tanzania safari circuit for anyone interested in a wildlife Tanzania safari. It is rich with a diversity of wildlife in addition to a vast landscape.

Tarangire which covers an area of 2850 square kilometers (1,100 square miles) and was established in 1970 is popular for being the habitat of the highest concentration of African elephants. It is also home to the famous Big Five animals among which are the lion, buffalo, and elephant; therefore it is an excellent place for you to spend your day while traveling from Arusha or as an extension to a safari itinerary to the popular Ngorongoro crater or Serengeti national park.

Its name was derived from the Tarangire River that runs across the national park. Tarangire National Park is the best place to be especially during the dry season during which animals are compelled to migrate nearer to the river looking for water. It is a very magnificent view with the background of twisted acacia as well as the spectacular baobab trees.

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park which is situated in Tanzania is a true paradise for those looking for a Tanzania safari holiday. It is very vast and extends for about 14,750 square kilometers providing among the greatest wildlife encounters in addition to the typical East African landscape of extensive savanna. Serengeti is a Maasai word that can be translated to mean “endless plains” and the spectacular scenery of the Great Migration makes a visit to the park truly exceptional.

Serengeti is derived from the Maasai language, from the word ‘siringet’ that implies ‘a place where the land is endless’. However, it is also a land where time is infinite. The ecosystem in Serengeti has hardly evolved from the time early man set foot there more than two million years ago.

The topography is a blend of grassy areas littered with acacia trees, sparse woodlands plus rich grasslands painting the majestic picture that is Serengeti National Park. The whole ecosystem spreads out for about 30,000 square kilometers running from the north of Tanzania up to south-western Kenya. Serengeti National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in addition to being recognized among the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.

Serengeti National Park is very well-known for its multitudes of wildlife. it inhabits approximately 300 types of mammals that include the Maasai giraffes, hippos, waterbucks, warthogs, lions, elephants crocodiles, in addition to the display of the Great Migration that includes nearly 1.6 wildebeests, over 300,000 gazelles, and thousands of zebras making it an ideal place for a great Africa Serengeti Safari. Approximately 90,000 tourists visit the national park throughout the year.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is found in the Northern part of Tanzania and extends to the west to the Serengeti National park and while to the east to the Great Rift Valley escarpment covers an area of 8,300 square kilometers. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority governs this area, unlike other Tanzania’s national parks that are controlled by TANAPA Authority. The authority in this conservation area permits the locals like Maasai to reside within this area but with some limitations. As a result of having a unique and remarkable ecological system. In 1979, this conservation area was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

Some of the places of interest within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area include the two crater lakes: Empakai and Olmoti found in the highlands in the East, the popular Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge a place where remains of hominids believed to have lived in this areas millions of years ago were discovered; the Ngorongoro’s Northern plains that are among Africa’s best sites for seeing the Big Five and also host the Great Wildebeest Migration every year.

Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara National Park is among the most diversified game parks in Tanzania and it covers a small area of about 325 square kilometers comprised of an integration of steep mountainside, Rift Valley Lake plus dense woodlands. This national park was set up particularly to conserve elephants, and after the release of a book ‘among the elephants’ written by Douglas Hamilton a well-known researcher, the park became internationally popular. The severe poaching during the 1970s and 80’s greatly reduced the large herds, however, they are currently increasing in numbers and going back to the huge numbers they used to be in the past.

Lake Manyara extends for over 50 kilometers along the bottom of the 600 meters high escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. It got its name from the Maasai word ‘Manyara’ that is a plant that we refer to as Euphorbia tiraculli. The plant is locally planted around cattle paddocks to serve as fencing for the security of the locals’ animals. The park is breathtakingly beautiful and visiting it will be an unforgettable experience. It was described by American journalist and novelist Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa”. While traveling from Arusha towards MtowaMbu village (pronounced mtowamboe), you will get a magnificent view of the rift wall, and as you ascend it you will get sight of Lake Manyara; It is an unbelievably stunning sight as you appreciate the vast lake with the green vegetation around it.

 Food

Your daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner during this safari are included in the price. You will also be provided with 1.5 liters bottled mineral water per day.

The following meals are included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Drinks

The following drinks are included:

• Water

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

• Regular (typically includes meat and fish)

If you have special dietary requirements it’s a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation

 Things to do (optional)

• Optional Maasai Village visit (50 USD per person)
• Olduvai Gorge visit (50 USD per person as contribution to the community)