Only few travellers ‘dare’ to travel to the parks during rainy season. They are awarded with unforgettable sights and experiences if you don’t mind the occasional deluge. The vast savannahs are transformed into an endless green carpets flecked with wildflowers and scattered with plenty of game. There might be some short downpours – usually in the afternoon or during the night – after which the air is crisp and clear and all the scenery is incredibly green. Rivers and pools are full and food is readily available for all animals. And the famous ‘Great Migration’ of millions of wildebeest and zebras galloping the savannahs of South and Central Serengeti is an extra plus to ‘dare’ the rainy season.
Day 01: Arrival
You will be met at the International Airport of Kilimanjaro by our representative. We will take you to the Mount Meru Game Lodge with an attached game sanctuary where zebras, ostriches, antelopes and peacocks can be observed in their natural habitat. Our safari manager will come to meet you and to provide you with a safari briefing.
Day 02: Lake Manyara National Park
Your tour begins with a drive to Lake Manyara. Located at the foot of the 600 meter high Rift Valley Escarpment, the park is known for its incredible beauty and is indeed a scenic gem. Lush, jungle-like groundwater forests, home to large herds of elephants and strong flocks of monkeys, contrast with grassy, fertile floodplains that are the preferred habitat of many savannah game species such as buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest, impala and many more. The alkaline Lake Manyara is home to hippos and a large number of different water and marsh birds such as storks, cormorants, pelicans and pink flamingos. The steaming and bubbling hot springs in the far south of the park and the adjacent swamps are also an attractive sight. The compact Manyara game viewing circuit offers a virtual microcosm of the Tanzanian safari experience. Overnight at Rift Valley Lodge overlooking Lake Manyara.
All meals included
Day 03: Lake Manyara-Serengeti
After breakfast, set off for Serengeti National Park. First, your route winds up the steep slopes of the Rift Valley Escarpment with breathtaking views across Lake Manyara to the southeastern slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands. You pass through a huge area of pure Maasai land, where colorful Maasai shepherds in their traditional clothing can be seen everywhere. If you wish, you can attend a traditional Masai boma (at an additional cost). Rolling hills with lush green pastures and blooming flowers are dotted with zebras, wildebeest and various species of antelope. Even the eland antelope can often be seen. After picnicking on a kopje (rock outcropping) in the Serengeti, you’ll head further into the park for a game drive through the southern and central Serengeti, known for the famous ‘Great Migration’ during the months of April through June. Overnight at Mapito Tented Camp at Ikoma, Northern Serengeti. All meals included
Day 04 Serengeti
Full-day game drives around the Serengeti, named after the ancient Masai word “Siringet,” meaning “vast, endless plains,” and is probably the most famous national park in the world. You can expect to see wildebeest, lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, baboons, hippos, rhinos, antelopes and many birds and other species. During and after the rain, the golden grassy area turns into an endless green carpet full of wildflowers. And there are also forested hills and towering termite mounds, rivers lined with fig trees and acacia forests dyed orange by dust. Depending on your “stamina”, you will set off with a packed lunch and stay out in the bush all day, or you will return to your camp in the early afternoon for a late lunch and some time to rest at your camp. Weather permitting, you can take a nature walk around the camp with your guide to stretch your legs and see small natural wonders not normally seen during game drives. 2nd Overnight at Mapito Tented Camp at Ikoma, Northern Serengeti. All meals included
Day 05 Serengeti -Ngorongoro
Early morning game drive to also spot nocturnal predators returning from hunting and animals waking up in the early morning light. After breakfast, we continue to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and have an afternoon nature walk (depending on weather conditions) on the northern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, inhabited by buffalo, elephants, baboons, monkeys and various bird species. Accompanied by a ranger or Maasai guide, you follow animal trails through the bush. Overnight at Ngorongoro Farmhouse
All meals included
Day 06 Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, explore the famous Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as one of the wonders of the world. It is the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world and a natural sanctuary for some of Africa’s densest animal populations. It is one of the few places where the rare black rhinoceros can be observed in its natural environment. Since very few animals migrate in and out of the crater with its 2,000-foot walls, you can expect to see lions, elephants, zebras, hippos, flamingos, jackals, rhinos, antelopes, many birds and other species. With a bit of luck, the “Big Five” can be spotted during just one game drive. Overnight at Ngorongoro Farmhouse
All meals included
Day 07 Ngorongoro – Arusha
Depending on your schedule and when you return to Arusha, you will have some time to explore the surrounding area of your lodge on the other rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. You can visit Karatu town’s famous farmers’ market, take a stroll through your lodge’s coffee gardens, ask your guide to arrange another hike on a forest trail, or visit a traditional tribesman from the ancient Irawq tribe. Even an adventurous quad bike excursion into the scenic Ngorongoro foothills can be arranged (approximately 2 hours – additional cost of $120 per person). Then return to Arusha.
~ End of Tour ~
From: USD $ 3130
per person sharing
INCLUDED
- All airport transfers in private car
- 06 days private safari
- Transport and wildlife drives in modified 4WD Land Cruiser or Land Rover with photographic roof hatch
- Services of a professional English speaking safari guide
- All wildlife reserve entry fees
- All game drives as mentioned
- 3 l mineral water per person / day during game drives
- Coffee/Tea with picnic lunches
- 01 x BB at Mount Meru Game Lodge (or similar)
- 05 x FB at excellent safari lodges / tented camps as per itinerary
- Flying doctor insurance (first aid on the spot and rescue flights )
- New Tourist Development Levy
- New Wildlife Management Area Fees
EXCLUDED
- International Flights
- All items of a personal nature
- Gratuities for safari guide
- Travel insurance
- Drinks and beverages in lodges
- Hot Air Ballon Safari at Serengeti (539 USD per person)
- Visa fee (50 US$ /100 US$ for Americans & Irish Passport Holders- to be paid upon arrival)
