13 Days/12 Nights Wildlife, culture, and hiking safari
Overview
Day 1: Moshi
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), your driver will meet you and drive you to your accommodation in Moshi, where you can rest after your journey and prepare for the exceptional adventure that awaits you.
Located on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, near the Kenyan border in northern Tanzania, the bustling town of Moshi is surrounded by coffee and banana plantations, and its economy relies heavily on agriculture and tourism. The majestic, snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro looms over this
small African town. Moshi is the capital of the Kilimanjaro Region and a popular gateway for trekkers and adventurers who want to climb Kilimanjaro. It is also a multicultural town where different ethnic groups mingle, with a strong influence from the Chagga people, the traditional inhabitants of the region.
Days 2 and 3: Tarangire National Park
This morning, departure for Tarangire National Park. This park is a true sanctuary for a large elephant population. You will also discover the majestic baobab trees, emblems of the landscape. Wildlife gathers along the Tarangire River, the only permanent water source in the region. The park is home to a great diversity of animals: lions, leopards, cheetahs, and up to 6,000 elephants.
Afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight stay. On the morning of day 3, you continue your adventure in Tarangire National Park, where you discover diverse landscapes ranging from open savannah and acacia forests to wetlands. This day is ideal for wildlife viewing in a peaceful setting, with numerous opportunities to spot elephants, antelopes, and a wide variety of birds. Away from the crowds, you can fully appreciate the serenity and natural beauty of the park.
You will spend these 2 nights in the heart of the park, in a small, intimate bush camp.
Accommodation
Tarangire View Tented Lodge
Day 4: Departure for Lake Eyasi
This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing for Mto wa Mbu (approximately a 1-hour drive). This bustling town is a vibrant agricultural center where locals gather to trade. Its also a prime example of Tanzania cultural diversity, with over 120 ethnic groups living in the area. Spend the afternoon exploring the town and its diverse cultures by tuk-tuk, bicycle, or on foot. Afterward, drive to Lake Eyasi (approximately 1 hour). Overnight in a lodge near the lake.
Accommodation
Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge
Day 5: Meeting with the Hadzabe people & drive to Ngorongoro
This morning, you’ll set off to meet the Hadzabe people, who live on the shores of Lake Eyasi. The Hadzabe are a group of hunter-gatherers with characteristics similar to the Bushmen of southern Africa. These indigenous people live in harmony with nature and are known for their click
language. After lunch, you’ll travel to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater (approximately a 2-hour drive) to spend the night.
Accommodation
Ikumbi Safari Lodge
Day 6: Descent into the Ngorongoro Crater
This morning, you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a true wildlife sanctuary. The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unflooded and intact caldera in the world (20 km in diameter, 600 m deep), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A breathtaking natural spectacle. The majority of animals live inside this caldera, making them particularly easy to spot. This crater is home to an exceptionally rich and diverse ecosystem, where thousands of wild animals live, including lions, elephants, buffalo, black rhinos, leopards, as well as a wide variety of antelopes and birds. The crater offers a spectacular landscape blending plains, forests, marshes, and lakes, creating a perfect habitat for wildlife. Thanks to this unique biodiversity, Ngorongoro is often called the ”Noah’s Ark” of Africa. Lunch is planned near the hippo pool. At the end of the day, you will leave the crater, cross the verdant hills of the highlands, and then return to your lodge located on the crater’s slopes.
Accommodation
Ikumbi Safari Lodge
Days 7 and 8: Safari exploration of the legendary Serengeti National Park
Departure from Ngorongoro towards the Serengeti (approximately 4 hours drive). En route, the possibility of visiting Olduvai Gorge, one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world. The Serengeti is home to millions of wildebeest during the Great Migration. On its vast plains, you’ll
likely spot lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and many other predators. Explore hippo pools, witness a lion hunt, or be awestruck by the sheer scale of the migration. You’ll also discover kopjes, volcanic rock formations that provide shelter for a multitude of animals. This diverse landscape will offer unforgettable wildlife viewing opportunities. The next day promises another day of exploration in the heart of Serengeti National Park! Your guide will choose the best routes based on the season and wildlife movements to maximize your chances of spotting wildlife. The Serengeti landscapes alternate between vast plains and rocky formations, offering countless prime viewing spots for a wide variety of species. An exceptional setting for total immersion in the heart of wildlife.
Accommodation
Day 9: Exploring Lake Natron
This morning, we set off for Lake Natron, a journey that will take most of the day with opportunities to observe wildlife along the way. This striking, desert-like landscape is the breeding ground for approximately 75% of the world’s lesser flamingos. Specific algae color the alkaline waters of this
soda lake. Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai (Mountain of God in the Maasai language), an active volcano, dominates the region. It is possible to climb it on a night trek (departing around midnight) for those who wish to take on the challenge.
Accommodation
Heritage Camps and Lodge
Day 10: Lake Natron
Today, you can relax or explore, depending on whether you made the climb or not. After a restful morning, you can visit the waterfalls or the lake. For those who didn’t climb the volcano, enjoy the sunrise and the beautiful scenery first thing in the morning.
Accommodation
Heritage Camps and Lodge
Day 11: From Lake Natron to a Maasai village - West Kilimanjaro
Today’s journey is long (approximately 6 to 7 hours) to a remote Maasai village, rarely visited by tourists. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the community and set up camp. As the men return from the pastures, you will experience village life at the rhythm of the sunset. In the evening, you
will witness a traditional ceremony with goats and Maasai dances. Overnight camping in the Maasai village (basic toilets, no shower)
Day 12: Life in a Maasai village
A full day immersed in Maasai culture. You’ll discover medicinal plants used by the villagers during a walk with a Maasai guide. Afterwards, the women of the village will introduce you to the traditional art of beadwork. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase their creations. After lunch, departure for the return trip to Moshi/Arusha. Overnight camping in the Maasai village (basic toilets, no shower)
Day 13: Departure
This morning, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your return flight. End of your wonderful Tanzanian adventure.
Possible extension to Zanzibar.