10 Days Wildlife Safari to Tanzania
10 Days Wildlife Safari to Tanzania The 10 Days Wildlife Safari to Tanzania offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the great wildebeest migration, see the Big 5 in their natural habitat, and learn about the culture and traditions of the Maasai people.
Arusha National Park
- Location: Arusha National Park is located just northeast of the city of Arusha in northern Tanzania. It covers an area of approximately 137 square kilometers (53 square miles).
- Ecosystems: The park is known for its remarkable diversity of landscapes, ranging from lush montane forests to open grasslands, and from acacia woodlands to the alkaline Momela Lakes. This variety of ecosystems supports a rich array of wildlife species.
- Wildlife: While not as densely populated with large mammals as some other Tanzanian parks, Arusha National Park still offers an opportunity to see a variety of animals, including giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, hippos, and various antelope species. The park is also home to a variety of primates, including blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and baboons.
- Birdlife: Arusha National Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 400 bird species recorded. The Momela Lakes attract a wide range of waterbirds, including flamingos, herons, and pelicans.
- Mount Meru: The park’s dominant feature is Mount Meru, an active stratovolcano and the second-highest mountain in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro. Treks to the summit of Mount Meru are popular among hikers and climbers, offering stunning views and a chance to see wildlife along the way.
- Activities: Visitors to Arusha National Park can enjoy a variety of activities, including game drives, walking safaris, birdwatching, and even canoeing on the Momela Lakes. The park is one of the few places in Tanzania where walking safaris are permitted.
Lake Natron National Park.
- Location: Lake Natron National Park is situated in the Great Rift Valley of northern Tanzania, close to the border with Kenya. It’s part of the Arusha Region.
- Lake Natron: The park’s centerpiece is Lake Natron, a highly alkaline lake that is fed by mineral-rich hot springs and has a distinctive red color due to the presence of microorganisms. The high alkalinity of the lake can support only a few species of extremophile organisms, but it is a vital breeding ground for lesser flamingos, which thrive on the lake’s abundant algae and crustaceans.
- Wildlife: While Lake Natron National Park is not known for large concentrations of mammals like other Tanzanian parks, it is home to a variety of wildlife, including small antelopes, zebras, giraffes, and other herbivores. Predators like lions and leopards can also be found in the area.
- Birdlife: The park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with hundreds of bird species inhabiting the surrounding areas. In addition to the iconic lesser flamingos that flock to Lake Natron, you can spot other waterbirds, raptors, and smaller bird species.
- Ol Doinyo Lengai: One of the unique features of Lake Natron National Park is Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active stratovolcano and the only active carbonatite volcano in the world. Known as the “Mountain of God” by the Maasai people, it occasionally emits lava that appears black during the day but glows with a silvery hue at night.
- Conservation: Lake Natron National Park is committed to preserving its unique ecosystems and supporting local communities. The park’s landscapes, from the lake and wetlands to the rocky volcanic terrain, contribute to its conservation significance.
- Activities: Visitors to Lake Natron National Park can engage in various activities, including guided nature walks, birdwatching, hikes to the slopes of Ol Doinyo Lengai, and cultural interactions with the Maasai people who inhabit the area.
Waterfall Hike:
Tanzania is home to some beautiful waterfalls that offer rewarding hiking experiences. One notable destination for waterfall hikes is the Materuni Waterfalls near Moshi, at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. The hike to Materuni Waterfalls takes you through lush coffee plantations and beautiful scenery before reaching the stunning waterfall. The cool, refreshing pool at the base of the falls is a great place for a swim or relaxation.
Visit a Traditional Maasai Village:
A visit to a Maasai village offers a chance to learn about the traditional way of life of the Maasai people, who are indigenous to the region. You can expect to see traditional Maasai huts (bomas), interact with villagers, and learn about their customs, culture, and daily activities. This kind of visit often includes demonstrations of traditional dance, art, and crafts. It’s important to approach such visits with respect and a willingness to learn and engage responsibly.
Lake View Hike:
Given the number of lakes in Tanzania, you have several options for hikes with stunning lake views. One popular location is Lake Manyara, where you can enjoy a hike along the escarpment that overlooks the lake. Lake Manyara National Park is also known for its wildlife and birdlife, so you might spot animals while taking in the panoramic views.
Tarangire National Park
- Location: Tarangire National Park is situated in northern Tanzania, not far from the town of Arusha. It’s part of the northern safari circuit and is often combined with other nearby attractions like Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater.
- Landscape: The park’s landscape is characterized by vast grasslands, dense acacia woodlands, and the Tarangire River that meanders through the area. During the dry season, the river becomes a vital water source, attracting large concentrations of wildlife.
- Wildlife: While Tarangire might not be as well-known as some other Tanzanian parks, it boasts incredible biodiversity. The park is especially famous for its large elephant herds that roam the park. These elephants are a key highlight and can often be seen bathing in the river or wandering through the grasslands. Other animals you might encounter include lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, various antelope species, and an array of birdlife.
- Birdlife: Tarangire is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with over 500 bird species recorded. The park’s diverse habitats, including the riverine vegetation, open grasslands, and acacia woodlands, attract a variety of resident and migratory birds.
- Baobab Trees: The park is dotted with iconic baobab trees, creating a unique and picturesque landscape. These ancient trees often serve as gathering points for wildlife seeking shade and water.
- Dry Season Migration: During the dry season (June to October), as water sources elsewhere in the region dry up, Tarangire’s water sources become a magnet for wildlife. The park’s animal populations increase as they converge around the river, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Game Drives: Game drives are the primary way to explore Tarangire National Park. The park’s roads take you through different ecosystems, allowing you to observe the diverse wildlife and appreciate the changing landscapes.
- Cultural Interaction: In addition to wildlife experiences, some tour operators offer visits to nearby Maasai communities, allowing you to learn about their traditional way of life and cultural practices.
Village Walk in Mto wa Mbu:
Mto wa Mbu is a vibrant and diverse village located near the entrance to Lake Manyara National Park. Taking a village walk here provides an excellent opportunity to engage with local communities, learn about their daily lives, and experience the cultural richness of Tanzania.
Lake Manyara National Park:
After immersing yourself in the village, the nearby Lake Manyara National Park offers an opportunity to witness diverse wildlife against the backdrop of the stunning Rift Valley landscape. Here’s what you can expect during a game drive:
- Wildlife Viewing: Lake Manyara National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, antelopes, and even tree-climbing lions. The park’s lush vegetation and unique landscapes provide a diverse habitat for animals.
- Lake Manyara: The park named after the alkaline Lake Manyara, which attracts a multitude of bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, storks, and more. The lake is a focal point for both resident and migratory birds.
- Scenic Beauty: The park’s landscapes are a mix of open grasslands, woodlands, and the lake’s shores. The views of the Rift Valley escarpment and the lake add to the scenic beauty of your game drive.
- Experienced Guides: A guided game drive with a knowledgeable guide enhances your experience by providing insights into the park’s ecosystem, wildlife behavior, and conservation efforts.
Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous and iconic wildlife conservation areas in the world. Located in northern Tanzania, it is renowned for its vast savannas, diverse wildlife populations, and the dramatic Great Migration of wildebeest and other animals. Here’s an overview of what makes Serengeti National Park such a remarkable destination:
- Location: Serengeti National Park is situated in northern Tanzania, extending into southwestern Kenya. It covers an area of approximately 14,750 square kilometers (5,700 square miles).
- Wildlife: The park is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos), as well as cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, various antelope species, and more. The presence of predators and herbivores creates a dynamic ecosystem and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Great Migration: One of the most famous natural phenomena, the Great Migration, takes place within the Serengeti ecosystem. This massive annual movement involves millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other grazers as they follow the seasonal rains in search of fresh grazing lands. The migration is a spectacular sight and is often referred to as one of the “Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.”
- Landscapes: The Serengeti is characterized by vast grasslands, open plains, acacia savannas, rocky outcrops (kopjes), and seasonal rivers. The variety of landscapes offers different habitats for various wildlife species.
- Kopjes: The rocky outcrops known as kopjes are a unique feature of the Serengeti. They provide vantage points for predators, shelter for small animals, and unique photo opportunities.
- Birdlife: Serengeti National Park is also home to a rich avian population, with over 500 bird species recorded. Birdwatchers can spot vultures, eagles, storks, secretary birds, and a variety of waterfowl.
- Game Drives: Game drives are the primary way to explore the park and its wildlife. Both guided game drives and self-drive options are available, although guided drives with experienced guides are recommended for optimal wildlife viewing and insights into the ecosystem.
- Conservation: Serengeti National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a critical area for wildlife conservation. Conservation efforts aim to protect the park’s biodiversity and delicate ecosystems.
Ngorongoro Crater.
- Location:
- The Ngorongoro Crater is located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, near the town of Arusha in northern Tanzania. It’s part of the Ngorongoro Highlands, a region of great natural beauty and cultural significance.
- Geology:
- The Ngorongoro Crater is actually a caldera, which is a large volcanic crater formed by the collapse of a volcano’s summit. The caldera measures approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) in diameter and is one of the largest intact calderas in the world. The caldera’s walls are steep and serve as natural barriers that contain a unique and self-contained ecosystem.
- Wildlife:
- The Ngorongoro Crater is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos), as well as hyenas, wildebeest, zebras, cheetahs, hippos, and various antelope species. The caldera’s relatively small size concentrates these animals in a confined area, making for excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Landscape:
- The landscapes within the Ngorongoro Crater are varied and include grasslands, forested areas, saline lakes, and wetlands. The diversity of habitats supports a rich array of plant and animal life.
- Maasai Culture:
- The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is also home to the Maasai people, who have a deep connection to the land and its wildlife. The Maasai have coexisted with wildlife in the region for centuries and continue to maintain their traditional way of life.
- Game Drives:
- Game drives within the Ngorongoro Crater are a popular way to explore the area and witness its wildlife. Guided drives with experienced guides provide insights into the ecosystem and the behavior of the animals.
- Scenic Views:
- The views from the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater are breathtaking, providing panoramic vistas of the caldera below and the surrounding landscapes.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Tanzania.
Your driver/guide will pick you up from Kilimanjaro airport and transfers you to Ilboru Safari Lodge. This is a pleasant lodge with a beautiful garden and swimming pool, nestled on the lower slopes of majestic Mount Meru. The Ilboru Safari Lodge has been welcoming mountain climbers and safari travelers to northern Tanzania for decades. This beautiful Swahili sanctuary is ideally located and tucked away beneath ancient trees on the outskirts of Arusha town. Harmoniously woven into the surrounding African landscape, you will comfortably stay in your private bungalow reminiscent of a traditional Swahili ‘Boma’. This version of the Boma features a round layout with thatched rooftops while still providing you with the western conveniences for ultimate comfort.
Accommodation option
Ilboru Safari Lodge
meal plan:
Break first, lunch and dinner
Water and fruits throughout
Day 2: Walking Safari & Game Drive in Arusha National Park.
After a tasty break first you will be picked up from the lodge. In about 1 hour you drive to Arusha National Park. Arusha National Park is a small park of 137 km² but has remarkable sights including the fourth highest mountain in Africa; Mount Meru (4566m). The transition between the urban chaos and pristine mountain hiking trails is very obvious and abrupt when entering Arusha National Park.
Visitors are inspired by the wonderful landscapes ranging from the Meru Crater in the west, the Ngurdoto Crater in the south-east, to the grasslands and the Momella lakes in the north-east. It also shelters Ngurdoto Crater, often called Little Ngorongoro, with its swamp-filled floor.
Animals which can be found in the park, amongst others, are the black & white Colobus monkeys, 10 Day Wildlife Safari to Tanzania, small predators, giraffes, elephants and buffaloes. The park is excellent as a starting point of your trip to acclimatize after a long international flight. On a clear day and a with a bit of luck you can see the majestic Kilimanjaro in the distance.
Arusha National Park is special because it is one of the few parks in Tanzania where you have the opportunity to do a safari by foot. An armed ranger will be waiting for you to accompany you on your exciting walking safari. During this activity you get the chance to experience the wildlife up-close, a totally different experience game-viewing by car. Buffalo, waterbuck, giraffe, warthog, zebra, bush-buck and of course the naughty baboons seen all year round as well as many different bird species.
Lunch will be at a quaint picnic spot. In the afternoon you continue your safari by vehicle. Giraffes glide across the grassy hills between grazing herds of Zebra while wide-eyed cute Dik-Dik dart into scrubby bush. During the game drive you also pass the tranquil beauty of the Momella Lakes.
Accommodation option
Ilboru Safari Lodge
Meals plan;
Break first, lunch and dinner
Water and fruits throughout
Day 3: To Lake Natron National Park.
Today you travel to Lake Natron National Park, a drive of about 4 to 5 hours on a dusty, bumpy road providing you with the real ‘African massage’ as we call it. During the drive you pass many Maasai villages and termite mounds. Also keep your eyes open for gazelle, giraffe, zebra, baboons, bee boxes, ostrich as well as birds such as vultures, starlings, kites and bustards.
In the northeast of Tanzania between the Ngorongoro Highlands and the Serengeti plains, lies wild and remote Lake Natron at the lowest point of the Rift valley. It is situated at the base of Tanzania’s only active volcano, Ol Doinyo LEngai. This means; ‘The Mountain of God’). This 58 km long but only 50 cm deep lake should be on every adventurer’s itinerary.
The roads pass through completely authentic and isolated Maasai land with small bomas (fortified traditional compounds) and with big mountains in view, creating an almost desolate, other-worldly landscape. The climate is dry, desolate and dramatically beautiful. Around Lake Natron merely the landscape forms the attraction rather than the wildlife but from June to November about three million flamingos gather at the lake. This is another one of East Africa’s most stirring wildlife spectacles.
You sleep in Lake Natron Halisi Camp from where you have incredible. The camp offers a true wilderness experience featuring 6 tents simply furnished with a seating area in to enjoy the remoteness and tranquility. The main guest area is comprised of a dining, a bar where you enjoy a sundowner far removed from civilization and a lounge tent with a cozy campfire.
You can visit Engaresero waterfalls after a stunning gorge walk and bathe in the cool water. Every guest automatically contributes to the development and wellbeing of Engaresero village as these 9 acres belong to them.
Accommodation option
Lake Natron Halisi Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Lake Walk / Maasai village / Waterfall hike
In the very early morning, before it gets too hot, you depart – accompanied by a Maasai guide – for a 3 to 4 hour walk to Lake Natron. The walk goes through Ngare Sero village where you can see how the local Maasai community lives.
Meanwhile, the Lake Natron area belongs to the Maasai and it is very impressive to see them living and working with their cattle in such extreme temperatures and a barren landscape. During the walk you have magnificent views of the active Ol Doinyo LEngai volcano and Lake Natron.
As to game viewing you may expect to see species such as Gerenuk, Lesser Kudu and Oryx. Lake Natron is the most important breeding ground for up to two million of lesser Flamingos. The breeding season stretches from September to March with a peak from October to December during which time they cover the lake. After viewing the lake and birdlife, you walk back to the camp.
After lunch and a few hours of rest, 10 Day Wildlife Safari to Tanzania, you will have a walk to the pretty Ngare Sero Waterfalls accompanies by a Maasai guide. This adventurous walk recommended to reasonably fit and agile travelers. The walk to the first waterfall is quite difficult as there is no clear footpath through the gorge and you need to wade across the river several times. Also expect to do some walking along ledges and clambering over rocks.
Accommodation option
Lake Natron Halisi Camp
Meals Plan;
Break first, lunch and dinner
Water and fruits throughout
Day 5: Game Drives in Tarangire National Park
Today, after an early break first, you will be traveling to Tarangire National Park. The game drive can begin! Tarangire best known for its many gigantic baobab trees and its large herds of elephants. A home to approximately 2,500 individuals and large herds regularly viewed.
Elephants gathering at the Tarangire River to drink make for a perfect wide picture! You can also spot many different animals like leopard, zebra, impala, warthog, 10 Day Wildlife Safari to Tanzania, eland, buffalo, waterbuck and lion. Also the birders will have so much to see; more than 500 different bird-species are present.
This park hosts the biggest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti. Also the only place in Tanzania where the Oryx and gerenuk are regularly spotted. Equally important your guide will have a lunch-box for you so that you don’t get disorganized by going back to the lodge for lunch where you can also picnic at a beautiful spot in the park. After that safari continues.
Accommodation option
Sanguine Tented Lodge
Meals Plan;
Break first, packed lunch and dinner
Water and fruits throughout
Day 6: Village Walk in Mto wa Mbu
After an early break first you game drive out of the park and travel to ‘Mto wa Mbu’. The bustling farming community of Mto Wa Mbu is home to around 18,000 people. On this walk you’ll discover a side of Tanzania many visitors miss out on. A melting pot of cultures; Mto Wa Mbu is one of the only places in Tanzania where there are representatives from all 120 tribes living happily side by side.
During your visit you’ll get a good feel for the social side of the village the farms and the milling machines, the schools, markets and churches. You’ll likely visit the village banana plantation as well as a youth art project, and a wood workshop where you can watch skilled Makonde tribe members carve intricate figurines, masks and household objects.
Maybe you also like to visit to a local ‘bar’ so you can try mbege. Where the traditional banana as well as millet beer drunk mainly by the Chagga tribe. If possible you can also visit the bustling local market. Hence walking around stalls selling fruit and vegetables, spices and meat.
Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s smaller and most underrated parks. While it may lack the size and variety of other northern-circuit destinations, 10 Day Wildlife Safari to Tanzania, its vegetation is diverse and very beautiful. There are 11 ecosystems in all, ranging from savannah to marshland to the only evergreen rainforest in Tanzania. Later in the forest you can find baboons and other interesting animals where by the lake you can find flamingos (outside the rain season), pelicans and other water birds.
Accommodation option
Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp
Meals Plan;
Break fast, local lunch and dinner
Water and fruits throughout
Day 7: To Serengeti National Park
A Tanzania tour is not complete without safari in the most famous safari park in the world: Serengeti National Park. Therefore this park hosts the most extensive population of wild animals on earth and has a complex and untouched ecosystem. Serengeti means “endless plains” in the language of the Maasai, a description that the Serengeti completely lives up to. Even the (long) drive towards your accommodation is one continuous safari! The park usually described as divided into three regions such as Serengeti plains, Western corridor and Northern Serengeti.
The latter is where we can witness wildebeest and zebra migrating in their millions during the Great Migration, following the ancient rhythm of Africa’s seasons. This is specifically one of the most impressive natural events in the world. No matter which part of the park and in which season you visit, very few people forget their first encounter with the Serengeti!
Furthermore, named after the distinctive Tortillas tree of the Serengeti, this tented camp combines comfort with the real Africa safari experience. With the great comfort of king size beds, 10 Day Wildlife Safari to Tanzania, luxurious decoration and bathroom facilities in the safari tents, you will feel right at home in the middle of the Serengeti. Therefore in the dining tent the chefs will prepare your bush meal with a bit of magic for extra delight.
Before you crawl into bed, take a moment in their lounge or wind down with a sunset at the fireplace. Then, sleep and relax knowing the best of Africa’s natural wonders is gently knocking on your door.
Accommodation option
Tortillas Camp
Meals Plan;
Break first, packed lunch and dinner
Water and fruits throughout
Day 8: Game driving in Serengeti National Park
Early in the morning. Africa tends to reveal its cool side therefore, you should wrap up warm for the start of the day by living your accommodation for a full day safari. Since early morning is a magical and best time to observe the exciting of the chase. Furthermore, that’s when sparkling light tend to strike the landscape. Not only but also birds awaken, in the same way the sense of a great adventure begins to unfurl.
Best of the best your guide will bring you as close as possible to the wildlife. Thus you will visit the heart of the Serengeti and Seronera Valley. Where Serengeti valley is often termed as the ‘classic’, Serengeti possesses short grass plains with all different kinds of wild animals ranging from the impressive lion to the naughty mongoose. That’s where few predators hunt during the heat of the day. therefore these full-day safaris are the best way to see the full range of what this magnificent park has to offer. Lastly the Serengeti rarely disappoints!
However, we will find you a nice picnic spot to enjoy your packed lunch and then you continue your safari back to Tortillas Camp where it is time to relax a bit and process the day’s adventures again with a refreshing drink before you sit down for an excellent dinner. Tired but satisfied, you go to bed with dreams of Serengeti plains!
Accommodation option
Tortillas Camp
Meals Plan;
Break first, lunch & dinner
Water & fruits throughout
Optional activity: Hot Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti
This optional activity costs US$500 per person.
Lot in a hot air balloon over the famous Serengeti National Park with its charming countryside. This may be the most beautiful area in the world for a balloon flight. Where there are no dangerous substances for example:- electricity lines and many others. Therefore your Balloon Safari adventure starts early morning as soon as you depart your lodge.
Importantly when you arrive, you meet your pilot and witness weather your balloon filled as well as prepared. Eventually the capacity is not that big but it makes the experience a special one. Accordingly the balloon safari takes approximately 1 hour depending on the weather conditions. Later You will end this outing in style with a charming bush breakfast in the middle of the park!
Day 9: Game drives in Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater
Today you enjoy a game drive on your way un-route out of the beautiful Serengeti. And continue to the Ngorongoro Crater. Meanwhile, in the afternoon, you’ll have a game drive to the Ngorongoro Crater. Mostly important this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique biosphere. That has remained virtually unchanged since the dawn of time. Unfortunately there are very few places in the world. Where you can find such a large population of wildlife throughout the year. Furthermore, deep within the crater, enclosed by towering walls, you have a good chance of spotting ‘The Big 5’: lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard and many more other animals.
Accommodation
Country Lodge Karatu
Meals Plan;
Break first, packed lunch and dinner
Day 10: Departure
Since today is unfortunately the last day of your trip with Matoke Tours! You will drive back to Arusha. Meanwhile depending on the time your flight departs. You might be with some time in the morning to enjoy the pool once more, have a massage or take a yoga glass. All optional activities this morning are at your own expense. Your driver/guide will take care of your transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport. Thus the end of tour.
Accommodation option; Not included( end of the tour)
Meals Plan;
Break first, lunch and dinner
Water and fruits throughout
Price Includes:
Transportation in a 4×4 WD safari Land Cruiser
Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
Park entrance fees.
Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda
Game drive
Ranger guide
Services on an English speaking guide
Community walk Bwindi
Enroot lunches
Price Excludes:
International flights
Hire / purchase of Hiking Gear
Personal Travel insurance
Visa Fees, Drinks, Cigarettes
Tips, Souvenirs
Thanks for specifically, choosing bonobos African safari holidays…..we love to see you once more!!!
We hope you enjoyed your holiday!
