Wildlife Safaris

1) Highlights of the North

Serengeti National Park is a must-visit destination when traveling to Tanzania. Witness the spectacle of ’the Great Migration’ as wildebeests traverse the vast plains. Indulge in mesmerizing sunsets. Embark on thrilling game drives in pursuit of the big five. And savor exquisite cuisine amidst the wilderness. With its abundance of wildlife, Serengeti NP offers an immersive experience that can easily captivate you for three to four days.

Before immersing yourself in the Serengeti’s splendor, begin your safari adventure in the lesser-explored yet stunning Tarangire National Park. Encounter massive herds of elephants and admire the majestic baobab trees dotting the landscape. En route to the Serengeti, traverse through Maasai villages, offering glimpses of traditional life. Don’t hesitate to request a visit to one of the less-visited bomas for an authentic cultural experience. Conclude your journey in the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater, where an unparalleled concentration of African wildlife awaits. Explore this unique ecosystem, where you’ll encounter a diverse array of animals in a compact area. Serengeti NP, Tarangire NP, and Ngorongoro Crater together offer an unforgettable safari experience, showcasing the best of Tanzania’s natural wonders.

Example itinerary

Day 1: Depart from Arusha or Moshi and journey to Tarangire, traversing through the iconic African landscape. Embark on a thrilling game drive within the park, indulging in a picnic lunch while observing playful monkeys frolic nearby. Retreat to Maramboi Tented Lodge and unwind as you witness a breathtaking sunset from the pool terrace.

Day 2: Continue your adventure to the Serengeti, enjoying a game drive en-route to catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring migration. Settle in at Serengeti Acacia Camp beneath a mesmerizing starlit sky.

Day 3: Immerse yourself in a full day of game viewing in the Serengeti, seeking encounters with the renowned ‘Big Five’. Conclude your day at Serengeti Acacia Camp, savoring drinks by the campfire as you listen to the majestic roar of lions echoing through the night.

Day 4: Awaken to witness the Circle-of-life sunrise during a morning game drive in the Serengeti. Journey to Karatu, enjoying a game drive en-route, and unwind at Karatu Simba Lodge after sipping on coffee sourced from the Ngorongoro highlands.

Day 5: Embark on a captivating game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater. Search for the elusive rhinoceros if you missed spotting it in the Serengeti. Journey back to Arusha or Moshi, soaking in the vibrant sights of African life along the way.

Extend this trip with Arusha NP, Manyara NP, cultural tours, Zanzibar or other tours.

2) Our special: nature & culture of West Kilimanjaro

Venture off the beaten path and witness a captivating scene: a herd of elephants grazing peacefully while, just 100 meters away, a Maasai shepherd tends to his livestock in traditional attire. Welcome to West Kilimanjaro, specifically the Enduimet Wildlife Management Area. This area, though protected, is not a national park. It allows both wildlife and people to coexist harmoniously. A true hidden gem, Enduimet remains relatively undiscovered, offering the opportunity to explore beyond the confines of the road by car.

Immerse yourself in the authentic Maasai way of life, where the tranquility of the African wilderness envelops you. Here, elephants are a common sight, as Enduimet serves as a natural corridor between Amboseli National Park in Kenya and Arusha National Park in Tanzania. Encounter a diverse array of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, kudus, and gerenuks (giraffe gazelles). Indulge in the comforts of beautiful Maasai-style lodges and savor delectable cuisine inspired by local flavors. Delve into the rich history of exploration, reading about the adventures of long-gone explorers who ventured into Africa. Alternatively, simply unwind and soak in the breathtaking vistas of the Maasai steppes, where the beauty of nature knows no bounds.

Example itinerary

Day 1: Embark on a picturesque drive to Enduimet, traversing the verdant slopes of Kilimanjaro. Engage in an exhilarating game drive in the area, pausing for a delightful picnic lunch amidst nature’s splendor – Retreat to the serene ambiance of Shumata Camp, perched atop a hill with sweeping views of the plains.

Day 2: Journey towards the Kenyan border, encountering herds of majestic elephants along the way. Savor a delectable lunch at camp before embarking on a memorable hike to a Maasai village, immersing yourself in the local culture. Recline at Shumata Camp and witness the breathtaking hues of a mesmerizing sunset.

Day 3: Leisurely traverse towards Mount Meru, venturing off-road for intimate wildlife encounters. Unwind in the infinity pool at the Maasai Lodge, indulging in moments of tranquility. Participate in a spirited spear competition, revel in the captivating rhythms of a Maasai sunset dance, and relish a sumptuous BBQ. Retire to your luxurious Maasai Hut for a restful night’s sleep.

Day 4: Awaken to an enchanting sunrise, with the iconic silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro gracing the horizon. Embark on a thrilling game drive in Arusha National Park, with the majestic Mount Meru providing a scenic backdrop. Culminate the day with a delectable dinner at Maasai Lodge, amidst the soothing ambiance of the African wilderness.

Day 5: Delight in a refreshing morning nature walk led by your knowledgeable Maasai guide. Browse for souvenirs at the charming Maasai souvenir shop, capturing cherished memories of your Tanzanian adventure. Depart for your next destination after a leisurely lunch, bidding farewell to the captivating landscapes of Enduimet.

Easy to combine with Highlights of the North

3) The Great Migration

You’ll encounter wildebeest across East and South Africa, but nowhere will you witness them in the millions, bravely crossing rivers teeming with crocodiles lying in wait to ambush them. Each year, the magnificent wildebeest migration completes its cycle through the Serengeti ecosystem, spanning Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. From November to June, the wildebeest inhabit the southern and central regions of the Serengeti. By July, they embark on their migration to Maasai Mara, returning to Tanzania around October/November. While nothing is ever certain, as the migration hinges on weather patterns, the river crossings remain a highlight. A truly breathtaking spectacle unfolds, particularly in July, August, and September, as they traverse the northern Serengeti, braving the famed Mara River. Witnessing this natural phenomenon surpasses even the most captivating scenes captured by National Geographic.

Example itinerary

Day 1: Travel by road or air to the renowned Mara region in the northern Serengeti. Board a vehicle guided by your expert and head to one of the ‘crossing points’. Patience may be required, but as the wildebeest and zebras make their daring crossing, you’ll witness nature’s drama unfold. Spend the night beneath the African starlit sky at Chaka Camp while distant hyenas serenade the night.

Day 2-3: Seek out more crossings and explore the diverse wildlife in the area. Spotting rhinoceroses is not uncommon here – Retreat to Chaka Camp for the night after indulging in a sumptuous dinner within the elegantly adorned dining tent.

Day 4: Travel to your next destination either by road or air.

Great to do as a stand-alone safari or in combination with one of the other trips

4) Highlights of the South

South Tanzania boasts several lesser-known destinations with stunning sights to behold. Embark on a journey to the Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), where the majestic Rufiji River winds its way through the African landscape, echoing with the calls of hippos. Mikumi National Park, also known as the “savannah of the golden light,” offers breathtaking views as the animals bask in the glow of the vibrant sunlight. Just a short distance away lies the Udzungwa Mountains, characterized by cascading waterfalls set amidst lush green forests, offering an ideal setting for treks ranging from a few hours to several days. Concluding your adventure is Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park, which though remote, promises a truly unforgettable experience.

Example itinerary (from Dar es Salaam)

Day 1: Depart for Mikumi National Park. Enjoy a game drive on the Savannah of Light. Spend the night at Mikumi Wildlife Camp after dining with elephants.

Day 2: Travel to Udzungwa. Hike to the summit of Sanje Falls for panoramic views of Kilombero. Return to Mikumi Wildlife Camp for an evening of relaxation.

Day 3: Journey through the Tanzanian countryside to Ruaha. Stay overnight at the stunning Mdonya Old River Camp.

Day 4-5: Embark on full-day game drives in Ruaha, encountering a diverse array of wildlife and birds along the Great Ruaha River. Retire to Mdonya Old River Camp for the night.

Day 6: Fly to Mtemere Airstrip in Selous aboard a small plane, soaking in the magnificent views of the African landscape. Take a sunset cruise up the Rufiji River and witness the sunset from a sandbank in the river’s midst. Sleep in a mud banda at Selous River Camp.

Day 7: Spend the day on a full-day game drive in Selous, observing a rich variety of wildlife and birds, including many greater kudus. Relax and dine at Selous River Camp by the river.

Day 8: Enjoy a boat safari on the Rufiji River and its lakes. Have a picnic lunch along the lakeshore. Conclude your adventure with an overnight stay at Selous River Camp.

Good for the traveler who has already seen other parts of Tanzania such as the highlights of the north and easy to combine with the beaches.