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Wildlife Wonders of Tanzania

11 Days / 10 Nights

The northern part of Tanzania is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich wildlife experiences. This region encompasses several world-famous parks and conservation areas. Here are some luxurious sample itineraries focused on the northern circuit, combining iconic destinations with high-end accommodations and exclusive experiences.

Day to Day Itinerary
DAY 1: Arusha, Tanzania.

Soon as you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and take you to Mt. Meru Hotel,
whose gardens attract the colorful birds that East Africa is famous for. Arusha, nestled
in the shadow of majestic Mount Meru, Arusha is a dynamic, fast-growing town and a
famed embarkation point for Tanzania safaris. Because of its altitude (roughly 4,600
feet above sea level), Arusha is blessed with a pleasant climate, perfect for the coffee plantations that surround it.

Tarangire park in the dry season is second only to Ngorongoro Crater in its concentrations of large wildlife. Its permanent water sources attract thousands of elephant, giraffe,wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, buffalo, eland, impala, hartebeest, oryx, and warthog, as well as uncommon species such as gerenu k and two species of kudu. These, in turn, attract the predators: lion, leopard, cheetah, and hyena. There are also the small critters (e.g., mongooses, hyraxes, squirrels) and incredible birds. The diverse landscape has open plains, stands of magnificent baobab trees, riverine fore st, acacia parkland, scrub-woodlands, and wetlands. It is truly one of the best areas for birding and for mammal-watching in northern Tanzania.

DAY 3: We have a final morning game drive in Tarangire

It will be hard to say good-bye to this fabulous park. We will then drive to the Ngorongoro Crater National Park, a World Heritage Site, and settle into our quarters at lovely Lion’s Paw Camp. On the north rim. The views of the crater from here are stunning, and birdlife is special. Under the lichen-draped Acacia lehai trees, we will see wildflowers, including the Lion’s Paw, so attractive to scintillating sunbirds. Three nights at elegant Lion’s Paw Camp

This small but productive park includes the western wall of the Great Rift Valley and lies at 3,150-feet altitude. It is noted for its high elephant population and tree-climbing lions. Flamingos, pelicans, storks, and hippos inhabit the lakeshore; which is surrounded by groundwater forest, with fig, palm, tama- rind, and baobab trees hosting blue and vervet monkeys, baboons, hornbills, and much more. We may encounter bushbucks, waterbucks, giraffes (some surprisingly dark), im- pala, perhaps even a monitor lizard. Over- night: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge

Ngorongoro is one of the world’s largest calderas, 10-11 miles in diameter and 2500 feet deep. This diverse ecosystem of forests, swamps, grasslands, and lakes supports lion, cheetah, serval, hyena, jackals, zebra, rhino, hippo, elephant, and thousands of antelopes,
including the massive eland. Because poaching is not a problem here, rare black rhinos and elephants with enormous tusks are present. It’s also a birding hotspot, and we are here when Eurasian migrants supplement the diverse resident species. We will spend all day exploring the crater and marveling at its wildlife. The next morning, we’ll visit Empakaai Crater, where we’ll hike through lush forest down to a jewel-like lake to observe birds, butterflies, flowers, and whatever else we can find. It’s a rare opportunity to walk (with an armed guard) in wild Africa! Optional return into the crater in the afternoon.

Brace yourself for a trip back into the Pleistocene! Today we’ll explore one of the world’s largest calderas,
10-11 miles in diameter and 2500 feet deep. This diverse ecosystem of forests, swamps, grasslands, and lakes supports lion, cheetah, serval, hyena, three kinds of jackal, zebra, rhino, hippo, elephant, and thousands of antelopes, including the massive eland. Because poaching is not a problem here, rare black rhinos and elephants with enormous tusks are present. It’s also a birding hotspot. Walt has recorded over 100 species of birds in a day even when most of our time has been watching big mammals! Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.

Five full days in the fabled Serengeti, one of the most productive and important wildlife areas
in the world. With its vast rolling plains, dramatic outcrops of Precambrian rocks (kopjes), flat-topped acacias, crocodile- and hippo-inhabited rivers lined with riverine gallery forests, and huge herds of animals, the Serengeti is about the ultimate in “wild Africa.” The famous “Great Migration” of wildebeest, zebra, and oth- er grazing herbivores is one of the last mass movements of animals still taking place on earth. We could not be here at a better time of year!

There is a lot of history here—both human and animal—and you will be enriched and informed by
our guides.
We’ll spend our first night at Pamoja Tented Lodge (or equivalent) in the central Serengeti, which is noted for leopards, hippo pools, and the Maasai Kopjes. Then we’ll proceed north for three nights at Mara Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp, which should be close to the heart of the migration, and we will venture to some areas of extraordinary beauty where large predators thrive. With good luck, we hope to see the herds undertaking the treacherous crossing of the Mara River. Camping in the Serengeti surrounded by the exotic sounds of wild Africa is truly an in-tents experience!

Today we return to Arusha for a visit to the Cultural Heritage Center, lunch.
Day rooms at Mt. Meru Hotel. Evening transfer to the airport for those flying out and the begin- ning of hours of reflection on our amazing experiences.

Today we drive back to Arusha for a visit to the Cultural Heritage Center (wonderful wildlife art gallery and excellent shopping, including for precious Tanzanite jewelry), a scrumptious buffet lunch, and some time to rest and prepare for your trip home that evening or for continuation to Mkomazi National Park for those doing the extension. Day rooms or overnight at Mt. Meru Hotel., depending on your plans.

Booking Tips

  • Advance Planning: Book your safari and accommodations well in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons.
  • Customizing Itineraries: Work with Aardvark Safari specialists to tailor your itinerary to your specific interests and preferences.
  • Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive insurance covering luxury travel and special activities.

Tailor make your Tour