SAFARI ITINERARY FOR 1/26-2/1/2014

1/26-2/1/2014: Safari Itinerary

Tanzania Explorer - 7 days
Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara are spectacular and understandably popular safari destinations and of course you visit these National Parks. But this trip includes two cultural discovery days where you can find out about the way of life of the people living here. So many people pass through these areas leaving only trails of dust, but visiting some of the communities here enriches your experience of this part of Africa and ensures more of the benefits of tourism reach the locals directly.

1/26: Day 1  From Arusha we 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 (standard en-suite rooms).

1/27: Day 2  Short drive to nearby centre of Karatu and a leisurely walking safari through farms and villages on the rift valley escarpment. You 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 afternoon back at Endoro Lodge and overnight (standard en-suite rooms)

1/28: Day 3  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, our own private camp in the heart of the Serengeti (beds, en-suite toilets and showers).

1/29: Day 4  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 our beautiful Nasikia private camp (beds, en-suite toilets and showers).

1/30: Day 5  Further morning game drive in Serengeti and then back across the grasslands and up to the Ngorongoro Crater. Tonight we are staying in 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)

1/31: Day 6  Ngorongoro is 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. We maintain a nursery and primary school here, which you can visit in term time if you wish. Overnight at our own small campsite behind the school with Mt Meru looming above - there will be villagers round the fire guarding the camp all night.

2/1: Day 7  Morning activities around the village. You can visit traditional huts, take part in activities like goat herding, jewellery beadwork, spot birds on a short walking safari, and learn from a villager 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.

General: Accommodation is in our private Serengeti campsite (2 nights), local lodges (3 nights) and a basic bush camp (1 night) fully supported by our crew.  We do not use the mainstream tourist lodges but neither do we compromise on health, safety or reasonable comfort.  Luxury lodge accommodation can be arranged for private group departures if required. Equipment will be carried by vehicle, you only carry a day-pack with personal gear. When camping, you will not have to participate in camp chores. We buy fresh produce locally and ensure good standards of hygiene.  We can cater for special dietary requirements and there are no extra food-kitty  Donna - Maasai Wanderings 

With: <donna@maasaiwanderings.com>

Donna Duggan, Director, Maasai Wanderings Ltd

P.O. Box 14035

Arusha

TANZANIA

+255 755 984925