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Wild Plains & Cultural Trails

Wild Plains & Cultural Trails

Wild Plains & Cultural Trails

Are you interested in African Safari?

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  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • Activities
  • Important Information
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Travel: Tanzania Wildlife up-close

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Duration: 6 days

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Destinations: Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Trip Highlights

There isn’t so many destinations in the world where the big 5 animals can be spotted in a single day. Luckily, Tanzania is among those few. On this itinerary, get ready for exploration of the recently voted Africa’s best national park, Serengeti, which is renowned for its high concentration of wildlife and end your adventure as you search for the Big 5 of Ngorongoro Crater.

Tour Features

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Mid-range tour

This mid-range tour uses lodges.

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Private tour

This tour will be organized exclusively for you and won’t be shared with others.

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Solo travelers

Contact us for free quote.

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Can be customized

You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.

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Can start any day

If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.

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Minimum age of 3 years

Minimum age allowed is 3 years old.

Activities & Transportation

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Activities: Game drives

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Game drives: Pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle

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A transfer from and back to the airport is included

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Day 1: Welcome to Tanzania / Transfer to Arusha

On arrival to Tanzania, you will be transferred to the Hotel by our Nature in Spirit Naturalist Guide, where you will stay in a charming atmosphere and enjoy every comfort you need. As you overland to Arusha, which is 1h 30m, you will see locals alongside the road doing their daily activities. Do not shy to ask your driver guide to stop the vehicle for you to experience anything interesting happening along the road. As you get to the hotel check-in, get settled, rest and get ready to start your adventure tomorrow.

Main destination: Arusha

Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel

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Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park/ Mto wa Mbu village walk

Today’s expedition starts after breakfast as you depart the hotel at 07:30am to Mto wa Mbu village for culture activities. You will visit the local farmers and go through the rice and banana plantations or have a coffee making experience. You can also choose to go bike riding through the village.

You will have hot local lunch at Mto wa Mbu, enjoy a test of Tanzanian local dishes in one of the restaurants.

After lunch you will head to Lake Manyara National Park, a park that offers scenic woodland, grassland and swamps. Though small, Lake Manyara National Park is among the most beautiful places in Tanzania with lush green vegetation. Mass flamingoes is one of the park’s highlights, along with more than 350 other bird species, including pelicans, sacred ibis, grebes and storks.

With the excellent guidance of your Nature in Spirit Travel guide and nature of the game, it won’t be uncommon to spot the tree-climbing lions on the branches of the trees.

The tall trees of the groundwater forest in Lake Manyara Park are homes to troops of baboons and blue monkeys. The Park has also been noted for its good number of buffalos, elephants, giraffes, impalas, hippos and many species of smaller animals.

At around 16:00 you will head to the lodge for check-in, and have a drink at the bar while waiting for dinner.

Main destination: Lake Manyara National Park

Accommodation: Kudu Lodge

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Day 3: Game en route to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, at 08:00am set off for a long scenic drive to Serengeti National Park known for its famous wildebeest migration and a large concentration of wildlife.

On the way to Serengeti, you will have an en-route game viewing in Tanzania’s oldest park and UNESCO World Heritage Site as the route is famous for spectacular wildlife spotting chances. You will have your hot picnic lunch in the Serengeti wilderness while enjoying scenic views of this award-winning endless plain.

You will then proceed to the camp and get there on time for a sundowner, a truly captivating view that safari-goers like.

Main destination: Serengeti National Park

Accommodation: Central Serengeti Bush Camp

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Day 4: Serengeti full day Game Drive

drive in this recently crowned “best national park in Africa” by the World Travel Awards. You will have breakfast in the bush along with the beautiful golden colored sunrise. You will relish a good amount of wildlife in this World Heritage site known to have the highest concentration of wildlife as you go for a game drive after breakfast. Serengeti is also primed for its Great Migration of more than 2 million wildebeests, hundreds of thousands of zebras and many other species of antelopes that occur every year, attracting thousands of carnivores. This is, without doubt, the largest migration of land animals to ever happen on Earth.

You will drive back to the camp for lunch and rest before you head out again at 15:00 for an afternoon game drive. You will be able to witness a good number of wildlife including ungulates and predators. The central area of the park is known to host unusual big number of predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas.

Late afternoon at around 17:00, you will enjoy the sunset whilst driving back to the camp, good time to shower and have a good relaxing time around campfire before dinner.

Main destination: Serengeti National Park

Accommodation: Central Serengeti Bush Camp

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Day 5: Game en route to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After breakfast, at 07:00am depart the camp and drive to the Southern Serengeti as you find your way to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a land where inexplicably, wild animals co-exist together with Maasai in harmony.

When you get to Ngorongoro Crater you will descend at least 600metres down the World’s inactive Caldera. You will have lunch in one of the designated picnic sites in the wild and then proceed with game drive until late afternoon.

Considered one of the most beautiful places of all time, Ngorongoro crater is famously referred to as the Garden of Eden. It has been narrated to have collapsed due to volcanic forces, the Crater would have been a Mountain rivalling Kilimanjaro Mountain for the roof of Africa status.

You will voyage in this wildlife sanctuary in search of wildlife such as elephants, African buffalo, black rhinoceros, lions, wildebeests, elands, zebras, hippopotamus, blue monkey. Leopards and cheetahs can also be stopped, although they are not common in the crater. You won’t be able to see giraffes in the crate as it is believed that they have continuously failed to walk down the steep sides of the crater.

In the late afternoon, at 17:00 drive to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Main destination: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Accommodation: Kudu Lodge

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Day 6: Back to Arusha and Farewell

After breakfast, enjoy your last moments in the wilderness of Northern Tanzania as you drive back to Arusha. On the way you will pass through a gift shop to get yourself a souvenir for you, your family or friends. You will get to Arusha town good time for lunch and transfer to the Kilimanjaro International Airport to catch your flight back home.

Main destination: Arusha

The price includes

  • All meals and accommodations during the entire tour
  • A high-quality safari land cruiser with pop up roof
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Highly experienced safari guide (who speaks good English, Spanish, French & German)
  • Unlimited mineral water on safari
  • All park fees
  • All government taxes
  • AMREF Flying doctor’s emergency rescue

The price exclude

  • International Flights
  • Gratuities
  • Drinks at the lodges
  • Any other things not mentioned above.

Mount Kilimanjaro Day Hike

Start your day with breakfast before setting off on an exhilarating journey to Londorossi Gate, located at an elevation of 2,100 meters. As you ascend more than 1,000 meters through vibrant tropical montane forests, you’ll encounter diverse wildlife, including playful colobus monkeys and the striking crested turacos. Keep an eye out for elephants migrating from Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. Upon reaching the stunning Shira Plateau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated at 3,400 meters, begin your hike towards Shira 1 Camp. Traverse the captivating Lion Gorge and admire the awe-inspiring Shira Pinnacles, with magnificent views of Kibo Peak and its surrounding glaciers. After the rewarding hike, enjoy a delightful picnic lunch amidst breathtaking scenery, before returning to Arusha for a delicious dinner and a restful overnight stay. Reflect on a day filled with adventure and the stunning natural beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Serengeti Bush Dinner

Imagine sharing an unforgettable meal on the vast plains of Serengeti National Park, where romance meets adventure! A bush dinner offers a unique dining experience beneath a canopy of twinkling stars. Savor a delectable feast while the warm glow of a campfire surrounds you, accompanied by the enchanting sounds of wildlife in the night. Typically, tables are arranged just outside the camp, ensuring a perfect blend of intimacy and safety.

Arusha National Park Walking Safari

Walking safari in Arusha National Park promises an experience that will stay with you forever. Accompanied by a knowledgeable ranger, you’ll have the chance to observe majestic giraffes, formidable buffalos, zebras, warthogs, and agile blue monkeys. You will gain insights into the park’s remarkable plant and animal life. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning sights such as a breathtaking waterfall, the Ngurdoto Crater and the serene Lake Momella. With a bit of luck, you might even spot vibrant flocks of flamingos and the striking Colobus monkey gracefully navigating the canopy.

Tarangire National Park Walking Safari

As you venture on a walking safari in Tarangire National Park, you’ll be captivated by the sight of towering baobab trees, expansive acacia woodlands, and impressive herds of elephants. Keep your eyes peeled for the migrating herds of cape buffalo, wildebeests, and zebras that may cross your path, along with the chance to encounter olive baboons, giraffes, impalas, and gazelles. For bird enthusiasts, the park is a paradise, boasting an incredible variety of over 550 bird species waiting to be discovered!

Tarangire National Park – Night Game Drive

Embarking on a night game drive transforms your safari experience into something extraordinary, revealing a world of nocturnal creatures that remain hidden during daylight hours. As the headlights of the safari jeep illuminate the darkness, you’ll witness the mesmerizing glow of their eyes. Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights about these night-dwelling animals, assisting you in spotting elusive species like porcupines, civet cats, genets, bush babies, lions, and leopards. This adventure promises to be an unforgettable exploration of the wild after sunset.

Arusha National Park & Lake Duluti Canoeing

Experience the tranquility of Arusha National Park by embarking on a canoe safari across its serene lakes. Immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of nature as you listen to the chorus of birds that inhabit the area. With a bit of luck, you might catch a glimpse of hippos, giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, flamingos, and other wildlife along the shores. An armed ranger will accompany you, ensuring both your safety and providing expert guidance throughout your adventure.

Local markets Visit – Arusha, Karatu & Mto wa Mbu

The local markets of Tanzania, stretching from Mto wa Mbu to Arusha and Karatu, present a lively blend of culture and trade. In Mto wa Mbu, visitors are greeted by a vibrant selection of fresh produce and handmade crafts, allowing for meaningful interactions with a variety of local sellers. Arusha’s markets shine with exquisite Maasai crafts and stunning Tanzanite stones, showcasing the rich heritage of the area. Meanwhile, Karatu’s energetic markets brim with fresh farm products and unique artisanal creations, offering a window into the everyday life of Tanzanians. These dynamic marketplaces not only provide exceptional shopping opportunities but also invite you to dive deep into the heart of Tanzanian culture.

Home Hosted Lunch / Cooking Lessons – Mto wa Mbu & Karatu

Experience the authentic flavors of Tanzania right on a vibrant banana farm. Choose three traditional dishes to explore and master their preparation. Dive into the art of cooking pilau (fragrant spiced rice), makande (a delightful blend of corn and brown beans), or ndizi nyama (savory plantains with meat), and savor the true essence of Tanzanian cuisine!

Cycling Tours

Experience a refreshing escape from your safari adventures with a mountain bike tour in Mto wa Mbu. Nestled near Lake Manyara National Park, this charming village serves as a lush oasis amidst the expansive Maasai plains, where the fertile land nurtures rice, coffee, and bananas thanks to abundant groundwater. Over the course of 2 to 3 hours, this bike tour offers stunning vistas of Lake Manyara as you navigate through the village streets, glide past vibrant banana and coffee plantations, and visit a local school.

Visit Banana Plantations

In Tanzania, bananas rank among the most extensively cultivated crops, playing a vital role in the daily diet of countless households across Africa. With around 20 different varieties grown throughout the country, bananas are a staple food source. A visit to a banana plantation will enlighten you on this topic, as well as provide insights into the diverse cultivation techniques, banana species, and their various applications. For instance, while plantain bananas are primarily used for cooking, sweet bananas are enjoyed fresh, and a special variety is even utilized in the production of local beer or wine.

Coffee Tours

Have you ever considered the incredible journey that coffee takes on before it reaches your cup? Discover how the entire process unfolds at a Tanzanian coffee plantation, where you can follow the path from seed harvesting to brewing that delightful, aromatic beverage that kickstarts our mornings. Tanzania elevates the coffee-making experience to new heights. Visitors can enjoy a captivating tour guided by experts, gaining a deep appreciation for the craft of coffee production as they stroll through endless rows of lush coffee trees.