Safari Experience
The Greatest Show on Earth!Safari Highlights:
- Premium accommodations
- Optional Hike Extension:
- Day trip hike of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Coffee and plantation tour
- Cultural Heritage center visit
- Safari Game Drives:
- Big 5 game-viewing
- Wildebeest Migration viewing (subject to season)
- Group Activities:
- Ngorongoro Crater floor banquet
- Private group sundowner and BBQ dinner in the middle of the Serengeti National Park
- Private group bush breakfast in the middle of the Serengeti National Park
- Private group sundowner on the crater rim
- Authentic Maasai drummers and dancing
- Excursions Activities:
- Maasai village visit
- Serengeti hot air balloon safari
- TreeTop walkway in Lake Manyara
- Olduvai Gorge
Photos taken by one of our guest- Lindsey Potter
Pre-Safari Extension- Day 1Arrival
Located in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, close to the Kenyan border in Northern Tanzania, the vibrant town of Moshi is known as a coffee producing hub boasting vast coffee plantations. The majestic snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro towers over this little African town. Moshi serves as the gateway to the Kilimanjaro National Park and provides an excellent base from which to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.
Day Itinerary:
- An optional pre-safari extension was offered to guest wanting to partake in a daytrip hike of Mount Kilimanjaro. Guest arrived at Kilimanjaro International Airport and were greeted by a Safari Ventures representative to assist with customs and immigration formalities. Once completed, guests were transferred to Hotel Aishi Machame to unpack and relax. Later in the evening, guest enjoyed a private group dinner.
Pre-Safari Extension- Day 2Kilimanjaro National Park
Day Itinerary:
Today, guests woke up in the early morning and enjoyed a wonderful breakfast and were briefed on the day’s hike by our experienced guides. Once finished, they were transferred to Kilimanjaro National Park’s Eastern entrance. The Marangu Gate is at an altitude of 6,100 feet. After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, guest began trekking up to the Mandara Hut at an altitude of 8.858 feet. The hike distance was roughly 6.8 miles each way and took about 5 to 7 hours. The trekking route included a passage through the rainforest where tropical showers were highly probable. Once at the camp site destination, guests were able to rest and enjoy lunch, before beginning their descent. After the hike was finished, guested were transferred back to their hotel for the evening. Later around sunset, guest enjoyed a private group dinner.
Pre-Safari Extension- Day 3End of Hike Extension
Day Itinerary:
This was the last day of the pre-safari extension and arrival day for the main safari. The hiking group enjoyed breakfast and were transferred to their hotel in Arusha. Lunch was provided at the hotel and while waiting for the main group to arrive, guests were taken on a coffee tour in Arusha. Later in the evening, a private welcome dinner was provided.
Safari- Day 1Main Group Arrival
Resting at the foot of Mount Meru, the sprawling city of Arusha is known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the remarkably scenic surrounding area which includes majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Parks. Arusha is a good spot to take a day or two off from the safari circuit as it features a temperate climate and lush surrounds.
Day Itinerary:
Today was the start of the main safari trip. The main group arrived at Kilimanjaro International Airport and were greeted by a Safari Ventures representative and transferred to meet up wit the others at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel. Guest had arrived very late in the evening but were will able to enjoy the private welcome dinner before heading for to bed.
Safari- Day 2Lake Manyara National Park
Situated in Tanzania’s central-northern region with the Lake Manyara on its east and the Manyara Escarpment to its west, the Lake Manyara National Park offers breathtaking views and a large variety of habitats supporting an array of wildlife. This small park is home to surprising biodiversity and features a magnificent landscape of acacia woodlands, water forests, baobab strewn cliffs, algae-streaked hot springs, swamps and the lake itself. The park supports 400 species of bird, and the largest concentration of baboons anywhere in the world. Other species include giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, warthog, the Cape clawless otter, and Egyptian mongoose. Don’t miss the opportunity to see thousands of flamingos on the lake, the renowned tree-climbing lions, and large families of elephants strolling through the forest.
Day Itinerary:
Today guests were able to enjoy breakfast before departing Arusha passing through the Masai Steppe filled with many picturesque African villages as well as maize, coffee and banana plantations on the way to Lake Manyara National Park. Once arriving at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, guests were able to relax and enjoy lunch. After lunch, we departed to visit Mto Wa Mbu Village for a great cultural experience with a knowledgeable, English speaking guide who grew up in the village. During this walk, we were taken on a 2 hour stroll through this local farming village which is unique in Tanzania since it is home to over 120 different tribes from across Africa. Guests were able to see local farms, schools, churches, a milling machine, and much more. Afterwards, guests returned to the lodge and relaxed until sunset. Later in the evening, a private group sundowner and BBQ dinner was provided.
Safari- Day 3Lake Manyara National Park
Day Itinerary:
This morning guest enjoyed breakfast before departing with a picnic lunch for an exciting game drive in Lake Manyara Park. Before setting off on a Lake Manyara Safari game drive, guest enjoyed the treetop walkway– a way to experience the forest like never before. This is a great opportunity to spot all kind of butterflies, birds and enjoy the amazing scenery. Around 4:00, guest arrived back to the lodge to relax and take pleasure in the lodge amenities. Later in the evening, guest enjoyed cocktails while watching an amazing Maasai dance performance.
Safari- Day 4Central Serengeti National Park
Situated in the heart of Tanzania, the Central Serengeti encompasses the world-famous Seronera Valley which is known for its prime wildlife-viewing opportunities. This picture-perfect landscape is characterized by endless stretches of savannah-covered open plains, interspersed by rocky outcrops of granite, scattered with acacia woodlands and covered in a network of rivers and streams. The Central Serengeti forms part of the great wildebeest and zebra migration and provides an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife such as giraffe, impala, waterbuck, hippo, elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, hyena, jackal, serval and much more.
Day Itinerary:
Today the journey continued to the Serengeti. After enjoying one last breakfast in Lake Manyara, guests departed for Serengeti National Park with a packed picnic lunch. On the way to the Serengeti, there was a short stop at the Olduvai Gorge Museum– East Africa’s most famous archaeological site. Once leaving the museum and entering the Serengeti, a quick picnic lunch stop was made followed by a safari game drive en route to the Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge. Once arriving, guest unpacked and relaxed and enjoyed the lodge amenities. Later in the evening around sunset, a private group sundowner with cocktails was provided followed by dinner.
Safari- Day 5Central Serengeti National Park
Day Itinerary:
Today guests experienced the ultimate bucket list safari- a Serengeti hot air balloon safari. After a very early morning wake up and light snack, guest departed the lodge with a game drive en route to the hot air balloon launch site. After a quick safety briefing, guests lifted off into the Serengeti skies for a once in a lifetime African balloon safari. After about an hour or so of gliding through the Serengeti plains, the basket began to touch down on land. Following the balloon safari, guests enjoyed a traditional champagne toast followed by a hot breakfast in the middle of the Serengeti National Park. Once breakfast was complete, guests were taken back to meet up with their driver/guide for a continued safari game drive. Later, guests headed back to the Lodge in time for lunch and a few hours to relax before heading out again for a late afternoon safari game drive. After a long day of safari game drives, guest enjoyed discussing the day’s animal sightings over a private group cocktail sundowner and dinner.
Safari- Day 6Central Serengeti National Park
Day Itinerary:
Guests enjoyed breakfast before heading out for another day of unforgettable game drives in the Serengeti. Today, guest headed out all day in search of The Great Wildebeest Migration. A group lunch was provided at a nearby lodge. Later, guests arrived back to the lodge for a few hours of relaxation before enjoying the last Serengeti sunset, with a private group sundowner and dinner in the middle of the Serengeti plains.
Safari- Day 7Ngorongoro Crater
Located in Northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater is best known for its natural beauty and abundance of diverse wildlife which makes it one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations. Surrounded by Tanzania’s highlands, this UNESCO-listed crater is said to be the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Visitors can look forward to spotting the world-renowned Big Five and a host of other wildlife species including large herds of zebra and wildebeest. It is famed as one of Tanzania’s best tourist attractions offering visitors an array of wonderful activities including excellent bird watching, trekking, and wildlife viewing.
Day Itinerary:
As the last day in the Serengeti, guest enjoyed one last breakfast at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge before departing to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a safari game drive en route. Once reaching andbeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, guest unpacked and enjoyed a wonderful lunch. Later in the afternoon, guests headed out for an authentic Maasai village visit. Later in the evening, guests dined while enjoying a local choir singing and dancing.
Safari- Day 8Ngorongoro Crater
Day Itinerary:
Today guests enjoyed breakfast before heading for a safari day in the Ngorongoro Crater. Descending 2,000 feet into the Ngorongoro Crater. The Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Due to its size and diversity, the crater floor is comprised of several distinct areas, ranging from forest, swamps, lakes and springs, to open grassland and some sandy dunes. It’s a superb wildlife experience. After an amazing morning safari, guest enjoyed a crater lunch banquet. After lunch, guest went on the last safari game drive of the trip before heading back to the lodge to relax and enjoy an iconic andbeyond rose petal bath. Later in the evening, guest enjoyed cocktails and the sunset over the crater rim while watching an incredible Maasai warrior performance.
Safari- Day 9End of Itinerary
Day Itinerary:
After breakfast, guest traveled back to Arusha with a quick stop for souvenirs. Guest were taken to the Four Points Sheraton for lunch and to relax before being transferred to the Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure.
There you have it! What an incredible group trip to Tanzania!
What an awesome trip! I could not have asked for a more organized and well orchestrated trip. Safari Ventures was awesome.
