Experience the Best of Tanzania: Culture and Wildlife

Northern Circuit, Tanzania
9 days

Overview

Best of Tanzania Culture and Wildlife. Embark on a journey of discovery and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and pristine natural beauty of Tanzania. Begin your adventure at the Lake Manyara National Park, renowned for its diverse ecosystems and vibrant wildlife. Experience the local culture firsthand with enlightening tours at Manyara and Lake Eyasi, culminating in a breathtaking sunset over the tranquil waters of Lake Eyasi.

Venture into the depths of the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit a traditional Maasai Village for an authentic cultural experience. Delve into the annals of human history at the Olduvai Historical Museum, located in one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world.

Explore the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park, home to the iconic Big Five and witness the circle of life unfold in this untouched wilderness. Conclude your journey with a trek to the stunning waterfalls of Lake Natron, and soak in the ethereal beauty of a Lake Natron sunrise. This is the Tanzania Cultural Adventures and Wildlife Experience, a journey that promises to be as enriching as it is exhilarating

Lake Manyara: A Glimpse into Paradise

Location: Situated in northern Tanzania, Lake Manyara National Park is a compact yet captivating wonder. It's a scenic two-hour drive from Arusha, the gateway to many Tanzanian adventures.

Landscape Diversity: Despite its relatively small size, Lake Manyara offers an astonishing variety of landscapes. From the shimmering lake itself to the dense groundwater forest, the park showcases nature's creativity.

Wildlife Wonderland: The park is home to an impressive array of wildlife. Keep your camera ready for elephants, giraffes, zebras, and an incredible population of baboons. And, if you're lucky, you might spot the famous tree-climbing lions, an exclusive club to which Lake Manyara's lions belong.

Lake Eyasi

Lake Eyasi offers a variety of must-visit attractions, including:

Hadzabe tribe: The Hadzabe are a hunter-gatherer tribe that has inhabited the Lake Eyasi region for thousands of years. Visit a Hadzabe village and learn about their traditional way of life.

Datoga tribe: The Datoga are a semi-nomadic pastoralist tribe that is known for its unique beadwork and ironworking skills. Visit a Datoga village and experience their culture firsthand.

Birdwatching: Lake Eyasi is a birdwatcher's paradise, home to over 400 species of birds. Go on a birdwatching tour and spot flamingos, pelicans, and other unique species.
Sunsets: Lake Eyasi offers breathtaking sunsets. Watch the sky transform into a canvas of fiery hues as the sun dips below the horizon.

Guided tours are available to enhance your experience at Lake Eyasi. Local guides provide valuable insights into the region's culture, wildlife, and history.

Ngorongoro Crater - A Natural Wonder Awaits

The NgoroNgoro Crater Floor, often referred to as the "Garden of Eden" for its lush landscapes and abundant wildlife, is a geological marvel that beckons adventurers from across the globe. Nestled within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, it's a place where nature's grandeur knows no bounds.

The Otherworldly Beauty of Lake Natron

Nestled in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Natron stands as a testament to nature's ability to create otherworldly landscapes. Its surreal, crimson waters are a result of the unique combination of minerals and algae, making it a sight unlike any other. But what truly sets Lake Natron apart is its allure to travellers seeking an authentic and offbeat experience.

Tour Highlights

  • Lake Manyara National Park
  • Cultural Tour at Manyara
  • Cultural Tour at Lake Eyasi
  • Lake Eyasi Sunset
  • Ngorongoro Crater
  • Maasai Village Cultural Experience
  • Olduvai Historical Museum
  • Serengeti National Park
  • Big Five sighting
  • Lake Natron waterfalls trekking
  • Lake Natron Sunrise

Book today and get to enjoy the best of Tanzania Culture and Wildlife.

Itinerary

Day 1: Upon arrival

Embarking on a journey from the gateway of Kilimanjaro International Airport, destined for the vibrant city of Arusha.

Upon landing, you’ll be whisked away to your accommodations, a sanctuary where you can unwind and acclimate to your new surroundings.

Accommodation Options

OPTION 1 – Top-End
Legendary Lodge or similar

OPTION 2 – Mid-Range
Kibo Palace Hotel or similar

OPTION 3 – Budget Hotel
Green Mountain Hotel or similar

Day 2 : Arusha /Lake Manyara National park/ Karatu

  • Arusha to Lake Manyara - 120kms/1.5hrs
  • Lake Manyara to Karatu – 40kms/ 30Min

Embark on a journey post breakfast.

Sightings:

Witness the majestic Giraffes, Zebras, Elephants, Hippos, Antelopes, Buffaloes and more. Be on the lookout for the elusive Lions and Cheetahs - a rare sight indeed. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring view of the great East African Rift Valley wall.

Continue the expedition towards our next destination - Karatu.

Accommodation Options

OPTION 1 – Top End
The Manor at Ngorongoro or similar

OPTION 2 – Mid Range
Ngorongoro Farm House or similar

OPTION 3 – Budget
Coffee Hhando Lodge

OPTION 4 – Basic Camping
Flamingo Lodge Campsite

Day 3 : Karatu / Lake Eyasi – 45kms/ 1hr

Post breakfast, set off for the scenic Lake Eyasi.

Activities:

  •  Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the indigenous people
  • Explore the ancient Black Smiths
  • Relish a picnic lunch amidst nature
  • Experience the breath-taking sunset at Lake Eyasi
  • Proceed with the journey towards our next halt - Lake Eyasi.

Accommodation Options

OPTION 1 – Mid Range
Ziwani Lodge

OPTION 2 – Budget
Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge

OPTION 3 – Basic Camping
Lake Eyasi Campsite

Day 4 : Lake Eyasi /Karatu - 45kms/ 1hr

Embark on an early morning adventure, setting out for a thrilling hunting expedition.

Sightings:

• Experiencing the wilderness in its raw form

Continue the journey towards our next destination - Karatu.

Activities:

• Join the local inhabitants in a traditional hunting experience • Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch

Accommodation Options

OPTION 1 – Top End
The Manor at Ngorongoro or similar

OPTION 2 – Mid Range
Ngorongoro Farm House or similar

OPTION 3 – Budget
Coffee Hhando Lodge

OPTION 4 – Basic Camping
Flamingo Lodge Campsite

Onward drive to the next stop – Karatu

Day 5 : Karatu / Ngorongoro -55kms/1.5hr

Embarking on a journey post-breakfast, we set our sights on the majestic Ngorongoro Crater.

Spectacles to behold:

•A diverse array of wildlife including Giraffes, Zebras, Antelopes, Cheetahs, Hippos, and other fascinating creatures.

•The awe-inspiring expanse of the Ngorongoro Crater.

•The elusive Big Five in their natural habitat.

Excursions:

•A thrilling game drive en route from the Serengeti to Ngorongoro.

•An immersive tour of the Ngorongoro Crater.

•A leisurely lunch break at the picturesque Ngorongoro picnic site.

We then proceed towards our next destination – the expansive Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Accommodation Option

OPTION 1 – Top End
Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw Luxury Camp or similar

OPTION 2 – Mid Range
Ngorongoro Tented Camp or similar

OPTION 3 – Budget
Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge or similar

OPTION 4 – Basic Camping
Ngorongoro Simba A Public Campsite

Day 6 : Ngorongoro/ Serengeti National Park – 145kms/3hrs

As dawn breaks, we set off for the renowned Serengeti National Park.

Spectacles to behold:

•A diverse array of wildlife including Giraffes, Zebras, Elephants, Antelopes, Buffaloes, Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, and other fascinating creatures.

•The awe-inspiring expanse of the Serengeti National Park.

Excursions:

  • A thrilling game drive en route from Ngorongoro to Serengeti.
  • A leisurely picnic lunch amidst the wild.
  • An enriching cultural experience at a Maasai Village.
  • A visit to the Olduvai Historical Museum, a testament to our ancient past.

We then proceed towards our next destination – the expansive Serengeti National Park.

Accommodation Options

OPTION 1 – Top End
Nanyukie Lodge or similar

OPTION 2 – Mid Range
Serengeti KatiKati Tented Lodge or similar

OPTION 3 – Budget
Hippo Trails Camp or similar

OPTION 4 – Basic Camping
Serengeti Public Campsite

Onward drive to the next stop – Serengeti National Park

Day 7 :</span Serengeti National Park

Immersing ourselves in the wilderness, we dedicate the day to exploring the vast Serengeti National Park.

Spectacles to behold:
•A diverse array of wildlife including Giraffes, Zebras, Antelopes, Cheetahs, Hippos, and other fascinating creatures. •The awe-inspiring spectacle of the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration.
•The elusive Big Five in their natural habitat.

Excursions:
•Morning and afternoon game drives through the Serengeti, offering ample opportunities to witness the park’s diverse wildlife.
•A leisurely lunch break at a picturesque Serengeti picnic site.

We then proceed towards our next destination – further into the expansive Serengeti National Park.

Accommodation Options

OPTION 1 – Top End
Nanyukie Lodge or similar

OPTION 2 – Mid Range
Serengeti KatiKati Tented Lodge or similar

OPTION 3 – Budget
Hippo Trails Camp or similar

OPTION 4 – Basic Camping
Serengeti Public Campsite

Onward drive to the next stop – Serengeti National Park

Day 8 : Serengeti National Park / Lake Natron – 250kms/6hrs

Following an early breakfast, we embark on a brief game drive as we journey from the Serengeti National Park to Lake Natron.

Spectacles to behold:

•A diverse array of wildlife including Giraffes, Zebras, Antelopes, Cheetahs, Hippos, and other fascinating creatures.

•The awe-inspiring spectacle of the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration.

•The elusive Big Five in their natural habitat.

•The breathtaking landscapes of the Ngorongoro Highlands.

•The active volcanic mountain, Mount Oldonyo Lengai.

Excursions:

•A game drive through the Serengeti National Park, offering ample opportunities to witness the park’s diverse wildlife.

•A trek to the captivating Lake Natron Waterfalls.

We then proceed towards our next destination – the serene Lake Natron.

Accommodation Options

OPTION 1 – Mid Range
Africa Safari Lake Natron

OPTION 2 – Budget
Lengai Safari Lodge

OPTION 3 – Basic Camping
Lake Natron Campsite

Onward drive to the next stop – Lake Natron

Day 9 : Lake Natron/ Arusha – 250kms/6hrs

An early departure to Lake Natron for Sunrise pictures later drive back to the camp for breakfast then proceed to Arusha

Sightings:
•Lake Natron Sunrise

Activities:
•Lake Natron Sunrise
•Transfer to Arusha

Accommodation Options

OPTION 1 – Top-End
Legendary Lodge or similar

OPTION 2 – Mid-Range
Kibo Palace Hotel or similar

OPTION 3 – Budget Hotel
Green Mountain Hotel or similar

Onward drive to the next stop – Arusha

book ITINERARY

Include & Exclude

  • Meet and greet with assistance at the airport to the hotel
  • Transport and Game drives in a Private 4X4 LANDCRUISER (Safari Jeep with pop-up roof)
  • Services of an English-speaking driver-guide
  • Flying Doctors (AMREF) Emergency evacuation cover
  • All park fees and government taxes
  • Lake Manyara Cultural Tour (Village visit, Banana and Rice farms, Banana Wine testing, Visiting the Makonde Hand Crafts and local lunch
  • Visiting the Natives at Lake Eyasi
  • Lake Eyasi Sunset
  • Hunting with Natives
  • Maasai Village cultural experience
  • Olduvai Historical Museum
  • Lake Natron Waterfalls Trekking
  • Lake Natron Sunrise
  • Mineral bottled drinking water (2 liters per person per day)- During Safari
  • Evacuation Insurance – Amref Flying Doctors
  • Visas, international flights, and Airport taxes (clients pay direct)
  • Any other item of personal nature
  • Tips and other gratitudes

Additional Information

Optional Add Ons

  • Serengeti National Park – Balloon Safari
  • Oldonyo Lengai Mountain Climbing

Location

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