13 Days Cultural Wildlife Hiking

Day 1 - Arrival

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) you will be met and transferred to Moshi/Arusha to recover from your journey.

Overnight in Moshi/Arusha

Days 2 & 3 - Tarangire National Park

This morning you will travel from Moshi/Arusha to Tarangire National Park, taking approximately 3-4 hours. Tarangire is sanctuary for an unusually large elephant population. Majestic baobab trees are an interesting feature of the park. Animals concentrate along the Tarangire River, which provides the only permanent water supply in the area. There is a great diversity of wildlife including lion, leopard, cheetah and up to six thousand elephants.  Enjoy your afternoon game drive.

On day 3 you have a full day to further explore Tarangire National Park. Tarangire is surprisingly large with an incredible diversity of landscapes and vegetation. Many people are blown away by its beauty. A day spent discovering all the peaceful animal hiding spots our guides know so well, will never be regretted!

Overnight Tarangire

Day 4 - Mto wa Mbu & Lake Eyasi

This morning you can enjoy some time relaxing over breakfast, before traveling for approximately one hour to Mto wa Mbu. The town is the hub of a bustling farming community where locals meet to buy and sell goods, and a wonderful representation of the cultural diversity of Tanzanian communities, with over 120 ethnic groups living in the surrounding area. Spend the afternoon with a choice of tuk tuk tour, cycling tour or walking tour, learning more about the different tribes and their cultures, and exploring the town. Afterwards travel the short distance to Lake Eyasi, taking approximately one hour.

Overnight Lake Eyasi

Days 5 & 6 - Hadzabe Experience & Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Crater

Lake Eyasi is home to the hunter-gathers ethnic group of Hadzabe Bushmen, who share similar characteristics to those of bushmen in Southern Africa. This indigenous tribe are probably the last living in true harmony with nature and are well known for their communication via clicking rather than speech. Try hunting with them and experiencing their way of life. After lunch travel for around 2 hours to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater for overnight. On Day 6 you will venture into the crater. Ngorongoro crater is unique in that almost all the wildlife lives within the crater walls, hence you have the opportunity to find game easily. Rhino in particular can be seen regularly, as well as prides of lion and other predators like cheetah. Enjoy lunch by the hippo pond.

Overnight Ngorongoro

Days 7 & 8 - Serengeti National Park

Begin your journey from Ngorongoro to Serengeti, taking approximately four hours. On route you have the opportunity to stop at Olduvai Gorge, one of the most amazing archeological sites in the world. Serengeti is home to millions of wildebeest during the migration and over the huge flat plains you are likely to find lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena and many other small predators. Your guide will choose the best wildlife viewing locations for the time of year. Spend time at the hippo pool, watching these enormous animals laze about in the cool water alongside the crocodiles, watch a lion stalking its prey or be staggered by the scale of the great wildebeest migration. Journey from wide, open plains to the kopjes, volcanic rocky outcrops that provide protection and shelter for a wide variety of animals. This diverse and interesting landscape will provide you with the ultimate in game viewing.

Overnight Serengeti

Days 9 & 10 - Lake Natron

This morning, day 9, you will journey to Lake Natron, taking much of the day, viewing the game as you travel. Lake Natron is a hauntingly beautiful and desolate landscape and the breeding ground of around 75% of the world's lesser flamingo. Algae thrive in the water of this soda lake, turning the surface into an alkaline, salt-encrusted vibrant spectacle of color! Mountain of God, or Ol Doinyo L’Engai in the Maasai language, looms high above Lake Natron on the Great Rift Valley. It's possible to hike up this imposing peak, departing around midnight. This is an optional and challenging trek, taking you to the summit of an active volcano. 

On day 10 you can be as restful or as active as you wish, depending upon whether you’ve climbed the volcano! If you decided to trek, take a few hours to rest after returning to camp late morning, then spend the afternoon exploring the lake and waterfalls. If you decided not to climb, wake early to enjoy sunrise taking pictures of the flamingo and the spectacular scenery before your day exploring.

Overnight Lake Natron

Day 11 - Lake Natron to Maasai Village

A long drive today, taking approximately six to seven hours. It will be worth it when you arrive at a remote Maasai village, not regularly visited by tourists. Upon arrival, you will be introduced to the village and set up camp. Once the Maasai men return from their day with the cattle you will see the village in full swing and watch the sunset. This evening experience a traditional Maasai goat ceremony and join them dancing.

Overnight camping at the Maasai Village (basic toilets & no shower facilities)  

Day 12 - Maasai Village

Today you have much more time to discover and learn about the Maasai way of life. Take a walk around the area, where the Maasai will show you the plants and ways in which they make local medicine. One last activity for the trip includes the women showing you the art of Maasai bead jewelry making. They learn this from a young age and you will have the opportunity to purchase some of their work. After lunch commences your drive back to Moshi/Arusha.

Overnight Moshi/Arusha

Day 13 - Departure

Today you will be transferred back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in time for your flight.