Tanzania Up Close

Tanzania Up Close: Culture, Safari and the Great Migration

12 days

This Tanzania adventure offers an unforgettable journey through some of Africa's most stunning landscapes and wildlife-rich regions. Beginning with your arrival at a luxury lodge on a tranquil coffee farm near Arusha, the trip takes you to the breathtaking Tarangire National Park, home to diverse wildlife and serene grasslands. You’ll experience vibrant local culture with visits to a Maasai village and school, and marvel at the majestic Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trip continues with a game drive in the world-renowned Serengeti, where you’ll witness iconic wildlife, including the great wildebeest migration. Highlights include a hot air balloon ride over the plains and a chance to explore the Mara River, rich with crocodiles and hippos. The journey concludes with a scenic flight back to Arusha, leaving you with lasting memories of Tanzania’s beauty, culture, and wildlife.

Tour Highlights

Inclusions

Relax at a coffee farm hotel in Kilimanjaro.
Experience a full-day wildlife safari at Tarangire National Park.
Visit a Maasai village, local school, and enjoy lunch in Mto wa Mbu.
Watch the sunset at at Ngorongoro Crater.
Have a morning picnic on the crater floor.
Tour Olduvai Gorge and Serengeti National Park.
Visit hippo pools at dawn and enjoy wildlife viewing near the Seronera River.
Explore Northern Serengeti and witness the wildebeest and zebra migration at Mara River.
Hot air balloon ride over Serengeti at dawn (optional).
Final game drive en route to Kogatende airstrip.
Return home with unforgettable memories.

Transportation (Transfers to & fro - Airport, Lodges and safari locations )
Accommodation
Park and Conservation fees
Meals (Full board meals - Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, parked lunch during the game drives)
Professional guides
Safari Activities
Drinking water
Your Professional Elevated Safari Experience Tour Director

Inclusions

Get in touch today:

+1 617 302 6961

INFO@ELEVATEDSAFARIEXPERIENCE.com

Day 1: Depart USA

Your adventure begins as you board your international flight to Tanzania. Prepare to leave behind the familiar and embrace the wild.

Day 2: Welcome to Tanzania

Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, an Elevated Safari Experience representative will warmly greet you and accompany you to your accommodations at Lake Duluti Luxury Lodge. Nestled on a 30-acre coffee farm, your African-style chalet offers private decks overlooking ancient indigenous trees, setting the perfect tone for your journey.

Overnight: Lake Duluti Luxury Lodge

Day 3: Into the Wild – Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, a hidden gem teeming with wildlife. Marvel at the iconic baobab trees and spot elephants, lions, zebras, and more as they gather along the life-giving Tarangire River. Explore key areas such as Silalei Swamp, Little Serengeti, and the riverbed for exceptional wildlife encounters.

Overnight: Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp

Day 4: Tarangire – Morning and Afternoon Game Drives

Enjoy a full day in Tarangire National Park with morning and afternoon game drives. Relish the serenity of fewer crowds as you witness wildlife in their natural rhythms.

Overnight: Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp

Day 5: Cultural Connection & Ngorongoro Crater

Begin your day with an authentic visit to a Maasai village. Observe morning rituals, learn about their traditions, and visit Lucas Mhina Primary School to engage with students and teachers. Afterward, savor a local family-prepared lunch in Mto wa Mbu village, learning the stories behind the dishes.

Proceed to Ngorongoro Crater and arrive at Lions Paw Lodge in time for sunset, where the breathtaking caldera sets the stage for your next adventure.

Overnight: Lions Paw

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater – A Wildlife Haven

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning game drive through one of the planet’s most concentrated wildlife habitats. Spot black mane lions, black rhinos, and herds of wildebeest, zebras, and elephants. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor before returning to your lodge at sunset.

Overnight: Lions Paw

Day 7: Olduvai Gorge & Serengeti Bound

Journey to Serengeti National Park with a stop at Olduvai Gorge, the "Cradle of Mankind." Discover groundbreaking archaeological insights from Drs. Louis and Mary Leakey during an on-site lecture. After lunch, continue your journey with an en-route game drive to Serengeti National Park, arriving at your camp as the sun dips below the horizon.

Overnight: Land of Nature Safari Camp

Day 8: Serengeti Hippo Pools & Carnivore Hotspot

Wake early for a sunrise visit to the hippo pools, where you'll watch these mighty creatures return from grazing under a golden sky. Explore the Seronera River region, known for its high density of lions, cheetahs, and leopards. After a relaxing lunch and a few hours of leisure, embark on an afternoon game drive culminating in a picturesque sundowner.

Overnight: Land of Nature Safari Camp

Day 9–10: The Great Migration – Northern Serengeti

Travel to the Northern Serengeti, near the Mara River, where the iconic Great Migration unfolds. Witness wildebeest and zebra braving crocodile-infested waters in their search for greener pastures. Spend your days immersed in wildlife viewing and your evenings reflecting on the majesty of nature.

Overnight: Maramara Tented Lodge

Optional Experience: Balloon Safari

Drift silently over the Serengeti at dawn in a hot air balloon, watching wildlife awaken below. Conclude with a champagne breakfast amidst the stunning plains.

Day 11: Farewell to Tanzania

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy an en-route game drive to Kogatende Airstrip for your flight to Arusha. Relax with a farewell lunch and day room use before heading to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your journey home.

Day 12: Home Sweet Home

Arrive back in the U.S., carrying unforgettable memories of Tanzania’s wildlife, landscapes, and people.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions:

1. What is included in the package?
The package includes:

Airport transfers
Domestic flights within Tanzania
Luxury accommodations at lodges and camps
All meals as specified in the itinerary
Guided game drives and cultural experiences
Entry fees to national parks and reserves
Hot air balloon safari

2. What is not included in the package?
Exclusions typically include:

International flights
Travel insurance
Tanzanian visa fees
Alcoholic beverages (unless specified)
Tips for guides, drivers, and camp staff
Optional activities

3. Is this trip suitable for families?
Yes, but note that children under 6 may not be allowed on game drives for safety reasons. Families with older children will find the trip educational and thrilling.

4. What should I pack for this safari?
Key items to pack include:

Neutral-colored clothing (long sleeves and trousers for sun and insect protection)
Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes
A wide-brim hat and sunglasses
Lightweight rain gear
Binoculars and a good camera
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Personal toiletries and medications

5. Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Yes, most travelers require a visa to enter Tanzania. You can obtain one online before arrival or upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport.

6. Are there any vaccinations or health precautions I should take?
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if arriving from or transiting through a Yellow Fever endemic country. Other recommended vaccinations include Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, and Rabies. Malaria prophylaxis is also advised. Consult your healthcare provider before traveling.

Travel Logistics:

7. How do I get to Kilimanjaro International Airport?
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is accessible via flights from major hubs like Nairobi, Amsterdam, Istanbul, or Doha.

8. Are flights within Tanzania included?
Yes, domestic flights from Serengeti to Arusha and other locations in the itinerary are included.

9. Will I have internet access during the trip?
Wi-Fi is available at most lodges, though connectivity may be limited in remote areas. This is an excellent opportunity to unplug and enjoy nature.

10. What is the luggage allowance for domestic flights?
Domestic flights have strict weight limits, typically 15 kg (33 lbs) per person, including carry-ons. Soft-sided luggage is recommended for easy handling in small aircraft.

11. What kind of accommodations can I expect?
You’ll stay in luxury lodges and tented camps, including Lake Duluti Luxury Lodge, Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp, and Maramara Tented Lodge. These accommodations combine comfort, stunning views, and an authentic safari ambiance.

12. What is the best time of year to take this safari?
This trip is ideal between June and October, during Tanzania’s dry season. Wildlife viewing is excellent, and the great migration is in full swing in the Serengeti.

13. How long are the game drives?
Game drives typically last 3-4 hours, with morning and afternoon excursions. Full-day drives are planned for special areas like Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park.

Cultural Experiences Questions:

14. What can I expect from the Maasai village visit?
You’ll observe daily rituals, learn about Maasai traditions, and interact with community members. The visit is respectful and aims to support local livelihoods.

15. Is the visit to the local school interactive?
Yes, you’ll observe classroom activities, interact with teachers and students, and learn about the education system in rural Tanzania.

16. Will I be able to purchase local crafts or souvenirs?
Yes, during your visit to Mto wa Mbu village, you’ll have opportunities to purchase handmade crafts and learn about the artisans behind them.

Wildlife and Safety Questions:

17. Will I see the Great Migration?
If traveling between August and October, you’re likely to witness the Great Migration in the Northern Serengeti, including the iconic Mara River crossings.

18. Are the game drives safe?
Yes, game drives are led by experienced guides in well-equipped safari vehicles. Wildlife is observed from a safe distance, and guides follow strict safety protocols.

19. What animals can I expect to see?
You’ll have the opportunity to encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.