12 day safari & light trek in Tanzania
Price subject to change. Price may vary depending on number of people attending.
Prices per Person in double / twin room. (Surcharges: Single room/tent supplement)
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival, pick up and transfer to Africa Amini Life Lodge (1.5hrs)
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, we will be warmly welcomed and transferred to Africa Amini Life, a unique lodge offering an authentic cultural experience with the Maasai. The lodge is managed by the local Maasai community and provides a chance to immerse ourselves in traditional Maasai customs while enjoying breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. After check-in, we will have time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before a delicious dinner.
Accommodation: Africa Amini Life
Meal Plan: Lunch, dinner, breakfast
Day 2: Guided Nature Walk & Cultural Experience at Africa Amini Lodge
This morning, we will embark on a guided nature walk led by the local Maasai community. As we explore the landscape, we will learn about medicinal plants, traditional Maasai customs, and their deep connection to nature. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the lodge’s serene setting, followed by another evening of cultural immersion.
Accommodation: Africa Amini Life
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Drive to Lake Natron via Longido (5–6 hrs) waterfall & lake shore walk, Lake Natron River Camp
After breakfast, we will set off on a scenic drive via Longido, passing through remote Maasai villages and dramatic landscapes before reaching Lake Natron. This alkaline lake is a breeding ground for lesser flamingos and offers stunning reflections of Ol Doinyo Lengai, the sacred volcanic mountain of the Maasai. After lunch, we will hike to a beautiful waterfall in the Engaresero Gorge, where we can enjoy a refreshing swim. Later in the evening, we will take a guided walk along the shores of Lake Natron, observing its unique ecosystem.
Accommodation: Lake Natron River Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Drive to Serengeti National Park with packed lunch (6-7hrs), Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp
Today, we leave the striking landscapes of Lake Natron behind and head towards Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. With packed lunches, we will drive through scenic Maasai lands before entering the Serengeti, known for its vast plains, abundant wildlife, and the Great Migration. We will check in at our lodge in the western Serengeti and unwind before dinner.
Accommodation: Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Full day Serengeti game drives, Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp
We will spend the entire day exploring the Serengeti’s central and northern regions, known for their high predator densities and dramatic landscapes. Our expert guide will take us to prime game-viewing spots, where we can witness lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and more. Depending on the season, we may also witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras crossing the plains. We may be lucky to experience some action of lions hunting. In the evening we return to the camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Drive to Ndutu area (3-4 hrs), lunch, afternoon game drives, Ndutu Safari Lodge
After breakfast, we will drive to the Ndutu region, located in the southern Serengeti and northern Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This area is particularly famous for calving season, when wildebeest give birth to thousands of young in the open plains, attracting a high concentration of predators. After checking in and having lunch, we will head out for an afternoon game drive in search of big cats, hyenas, and large herds of herbivores.
Accommodation: Ndutu Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Full day Ndutu game drives, Ndutu Safari Lodge
We will spend another full day in Ndutu, exploring its vast grasslands, acacia woodlands, and marshes. This is one of the best places to see cheetahs in action, as well as lions and leopards taking advantage of the abundant prey. The open plains provide excellent photography opportunities, making this a thrilling safari experience.
Accommodation: Ndutu Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8: Drive to Ngorongoro with a Stopover at Olduvai Museum (3-4 hrs), Ngorongoro Lions Paw
After breakfast, we will depart for Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping at the famous Olduvai Gorge, often referred to as the "Cradle of Mankind." This is one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world, where some of the earliest human fossils were discovered. Here, we will take a guided tour to learn about the groundbreaking discoveries made by Louis and Mary Leakey, including ancient human fossils and tools that trace human evolution back millions of years. After an insightful tour and a packed lunch, we will continue to our lodge, located on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, where we can enjoy stunning views of the caldera below.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Lions Paw
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Olduvai Gorge : 1-2 hrs
Day 9: Drive to Empakai with packed lunch (1.5 hrs) Empakai Crater hike and return to Ngorongoro
Today we begin our day with a scenic drive the Camp to Empakaai Crater, a hidden gem within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey takes approximately 1 hour passing through lush highlands, dense forests, and small Maasai villages. The landscape offers stunning vistas of the Ngorongoro Highlands and Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai, a sacred volcanic peak in the distance. Upon arriving at the Empakaai Crater rim, we’re greeted with breathtaking views of the crater's lush greenery and the shimmering alkaline lake at its center. After a short briefing, embark on a guided descent into the crater which takes about 1 hr. The alkaline lake hosts flocks of flamingos, whose pink plumage contrasts beautifully with the blue-green waters. We may spot waterbucks, buffaloes, and other wildlife in the area, along with traces of large mammals like elephants. We enjoy our packed lunch at a scenic spot near the lake while taking in the serene surroundings and then hike back up which take 1.5 hours and return to our camp for evening relaxation and dinner.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Lions Paw
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Empakai hike: 4-5 hrs
Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park (3-4 hrs)
After breakfast we will descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a full-day safari. The crater is often called the "Eden of Africa" due to its high density of wildlife, including black rhinos, elephants, lions, hippos, and a variety of antelopes. Ngorongoro Crater is truly an amazing place. Did you know it was formed over two million years ago? A large volcano erupted, collapsing the volcano, but leaving a perfectly unbroken crater, known as a caldera. In addition, there are flocks of graceful flamingos along the Soda Lake, while hungry hawks and vultures circle the sky in search of their next meal of discarded carcass. Beautiful storks, ibis, and cranes are popular water birds in the crater, a sight not to miss. With a packed lunch, we will explore this natural wonder before heading to our next destination, Lake Manyara, in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Escarpment Luxury Lodge Manyara
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11: Lake Manyara game drive, lunch, return to Arusha (2-3hrs)
Our final morning will be spent in Lake Manyara National Park, a scenic reserve known for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, flamingo-filled lake, and diverse birdlife. After an exciting game drive, we will enjoy lunch before making our way back to Arusha, where we will check in at the luxurious Arusha Coffee Lodge, a perfect place to unwind before our departure.
Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
12: Transfer to JRO for departure
Today marks the last day our adventurous safari. Depending on our flight the driver will transfer us to KilimanjaroAirport for departure marking the end of our memorable safari experience!
Meal Plan: Breakfast Day
INCLUDES
11 days transport
Airport transfers
Park fees/concession fees
Ngorongoro Crater access fee
Olduvai Gorge Museum fee
Empakai crater hike
Lake Natron activities
Accommodation as per the itinerary
Meal plans as indicated in the itinerary
1 litre drinking water per day
English speaking experienced driver
EXCLUDESMeals not mentioned
Personal expenses and tips
Telephone
Visa fees