Tanzania Explorer

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Arusha - Lake Manyara

From Arusha drive to Lake Manyara in the great Rift Valley. Enter and take a game drive around Lake Manyara National Park. Famed for its unusual tree-climbing lions it also has a large elephant population, rich bird life in the forests and thousands of flamingos on the soda lake. Late in the afternoon, climb into the crater highlands for overnight at Endoro Lodge on the border of the Ngorongoro Conservation area, our overnight accommodation (en-suite rooms).

Overnight: Endoro Lodge (Dinner included)

Day 2 - Lake Manyara - Crater Highlands

Short drive to Karatu and a leisurely walking safari through farms and villages on the rift valley escarpment. You'll discover the farming, irrigation and cattle husbandry techniques, visit houses and, if you want, sample local cuisine of the Iraqw tribe. There is also traditional wood-fired brick making, local musicians and you generally gain a deeper understanding of the lifestyle of the people who live here. Visit the nearby village market or relax in the afternoon at Endoro Lodge.

Overnight: Endoro Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

Day 3 - Crater Highlands - Serengeti

Drive to the Serengeti! Lunch en-route at Olduvai Gorge and a view of the archaeological sites (and visit the museum) where early human tools and fossils have been found. Afternoon game drive in the rolling grasslands. Criss-crossed with forested riverine valleys, the Serengeti plays home to millions of Africa’s large mammals, making this one of the world’s most famous wildlife destinations. Overnight at Nasikia Central private camp in the heart of the Serenegeti (beds, en-suite toilets and showers).

Overnight: Nasikia Central Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

Day 4 - Serengeti

All day game drives in Serengeti. Best time for the wildebeest migration is Dec to June but there are spectacular wildlife sights at anytime of year. Dinner and camp-fire with the stars and sounds of the African night. Overnight again at Nasikia private camp (beds, en-suite toilets and showers).

Overnight: Nasikia Central Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

Day 5 - Serengeti - Ngorongoro

Further morning game drive in Serengeti and then back across the grasslands and up to the Ngorongoro Crater. Tonight you will be staying at Rhino Lodge owned and run by the Maasai here. Located in the Crater forest, it is quite common for zebra, buffalo and even elephant to be grazing right outside the lodge. (en-suite rooms)

Overnight: Rhino Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

Day 6 - Ngorongoro - Ilkurot

Ngorongoro is a collapsed volcano - an incredible natural amphitheatre, 25 km across and teeming with all of the African big game. Early morning descent into the crater for spectacular scenery and game viewing in what has been described as the eighth wonder of the world. After lunch, on to a small village to the north of Arusha for Maasai lands and life experience. Our Tanzania partners have built and maintain a small school here, which you can visit in term time if you wish.

Overnight: Ilkurot (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

Day 7 - Ilkurot Departure

Morning activities around the village. You can visit traditional huts, take part in activities like milking goats, jewellery beadwork, spot animals & birds on a short walking safari, find out about the medicinal uses of the savannah plants, and learn from an elder the history and culture of these fascinating people. Leave by 12.00 for 50 minute return drive to Arusha. If necessary, onward travel arrangements on the 14:00 shuttle service can be made to get you back to Nairobi (or Nairobi airport) by around 19.00 in evening.

(Breakfast and Lunch included)

Accommodation Information

Endoro Lodge

Endoro Lodge one of the very few places in the world where you can immerse your self unreservedly into natures beauty. The lodge is located on the lower slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater rim close to Gibbs Farm and adjacent to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area forest line and the thick pristine mountain forest. The lodge straddles the Conservation areas perimeter and is just a short ride away to the Loduare Park Gate. Wildlife from the unfenced forest including Elephants roam freely into our area giving visitors a very rare opportunity to really mix and mingle with the wild. Endoro Lodge features all private twin or double rooms. Here, we utilize the standard rooms with ensuite bathrooms to the right of the main dining area.

Nasikia Central Camp

Nasikia Central Camp is located in the central areas of the Serengeti. Fully ensuited with comfortable facilities, it is the ultimate location for exploration of the wonders of the Serengeti. By remaining a semi-permanent camp, we are able to offer the jewel in the crown for African wildlife and is one of the highlights of East Africa safaris. Nasikia means ‘I feel’ or ‘I hear’ in Kiswahili and we hope that all our guests feel at home and hear the calls of the African night. This is Africa!

Rhino Lodge

Rhino Lodge is run in conjunction with the local Maasai Pasturalist Council. This is the governing body of the Maasai communities which live in the Conservation Area and it works to ensure that the Maasai may continue to live a traditional life in harmony with their natural environment. Each paying guest at Rhino Lodge is therefore directly supporting these communities and contributing to the maintenance and protection of the unique balance between pastoralism, conservation and tourism. The lodge is ideally located on the edge of the Ngorongoro crater rim. The Lodge was originally the home of Ngorongoro’s first conservator, and its developers have maintained the house’s original rustic, low-impact style and natural setting. There are 24 comfortable ensuite rooms with forest views, a cozy living space, friendly local staff and generous African-inspired meals offer guests a warm welcome.

Ilkurot Camp

Overnight at our own private campsite behind the school with Mt Meru looming above and hyenas calling in the dark - there will be Maasai round the fire guarding the camp all night