12 Days Mid Range Cultural Drive in Safari
Tour Overview
Experience the perfect blend of wildlife encounters and paradisiacal experiences in this 12-day adventure. Each day brings new adventures and unforgettable experiences, from the vast plains of Serengeti and the iconic Ngorongoro Crater to exploring the rich wildlife diversity of Tarangire National Park. Witness majestic elephants roaming freely amidst ancient baobab trees, immersing yourself in the wonders of Tanzania and Zanzibar
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro INT'L Airport (JRO)
Upon touching down at Kilimanjaro International Airport today, one of our safari representatives will be eagerly awaiting your arrival. They will warmly welcome you and accompany you to your pre-booked hotel in Arusha. Once you arrive at the hotel, they will be on hand to assist you with the check-in process. Take this opportunity to unwind and relax in the comfort of your hotel.
Meals: D
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
Following a hearty breakfast, embark on a full-day game-viewing drive to Tarangire National Park.
Located southeast of Lake Manyara National Park along the Tarangire River, Tarangire National Park plays a vital role in a vast ecosystem. Renowned for its genuine and refined game-viewing experiences, it stands out as a quintessential sanctuary during the dry season, particularly from July to October, boasting one of Tanzania’s highest concentrations of wildlife.
Affectionately known as the “elephant playground,” it harbors a remarkable population of these majestic creatures until late October, when the brief wet season triggers their migration. Throughout the year, the park offers sightings of hartebeests, wildebeests, zebras, elands, lesser kudus, gazelles, waterbucks, giraffes, impalas, and occasionally leopards or rhinos, establishing Tarangire as a wildlife sanctuary for all seasons. This region encapsulates the authentic allure of an African safari experience.
As the early evening approaches, make your way to your well-appointed lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3: Lake Eyasi
After enjoying a delightful breakfast at your lodge, immerse yourself in the lives of these tribes, who have inhabited the region for over 10,000 years, diligently preserving age-old hunting and gathering practices. Lake Eyasi offers a rare off-the-beaten-path experience during your Tanzanian safari. The Hadzabe, also known as the Hadza, communicate in a language distinguished by unique clicks, possibly reminiscent of the San language spoken in Southern Africa.
During your visit, partake in essential aspects of the Hadza and Datoga daily routines. Observe the Hadzabe bushmen as they demonstrate their hunting techniques, providing valuable insights into arrow shooting—an activity you can even try yourself. Meanwhile, Datoga women eagerly share their fruit-gathering expertise. These authentic experiences unfold in the morning, ensuring a genuine and non-touristic encounter. Capture extraordinary moments through your lens, transforming this excursion into a safari highlight. Immerse yourself in the lifestyles of the Hadzabe and Datoga, acquiring invaluable insights into their rich cultural heritage.
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater
Wake up to an early bird serenade, gently nudging you from your slumber for an extraordinary journey to Ngorongoro Crater. Unlike any other day, this morning calls for a sunrise breakfast, bidding a fond adieu to the breathtaking Serengeti.
Upon arrival, descend nearly 2,000 feet to the crater floor, spanning an expansive 102 square miles. The dimensions of Ngorongoro Crater are truly impressive, measuring about 20 kilometers wide, ranking among the largest calderas globally. Within its steep, unbroken walls unfold captivating dramas, where lions, elephants adorned with exceptionally large tusks due to the fertile volcanic soil, buffaloes, and various plains herbivores such as wildebeests, Thomson’s gazelles, zebras, and reedbucks roam the grasslands, swamps, and forests on the crater floor.
Encounters with black rhinos are also common, adding to the allure of this natural wonder. The crater’s birdlife is equally remarkable, particularly around Lake Magadi, a soda lake at the crater’s base that entices hundreds of flamingos to its shallows. As the day draws to a close, ascend the crater walls and journey to your lodge for an overnight stay.
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5&6: Central Serengeti
After indulging in a delectable breakfast at your lodge, make your way to Central Serengeti, a realm of remarkable mammalian diversity where hundreds of thousands of animals roam freely. Here, the predators hold dominion, engaging in their regal pursuits amidst abundant prey. Among the landscape, you may spot nearly eight thousand spotted hyenas, organized into formidable clans, alongside three thousand majestic lions, distinguished by their characteristic black manes.
Adding to the richness of the Serengeti’s ecosystem, cheetahs, leopards, and bat-eared foxes grace the landscape, while scavengers like golden and side-striped jackals, as well as various vulture species, play vital roles in this intricate web of life.
Legend has it that the Serengeti is a haven for avian enthusiasts, offering sightings of numerous raptors and migratory birds. Amidst the vast horizons and open plains, the sight of wildebeests, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, and playful bat-eared foxes bathed in the morning sun is unforgettable. Experience the tranquility of the wilderness, appreciating the interconnectedness of all living things, and cherishing the privilege of witnessing nature’s wonders firsthand.
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7: Fly to Zanzibar From Central Serengeti
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the lodge, a fitting finale after an early morning game drive around Serengeti, concluding your Tanzania safari on a high note.
After breakfast, your driver guide will escort you to the airstrip in Seronera for your flight to Zanzibar. The scenic flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar lasts approximately 2 hours, providing a captivating aerial perspective of Tanzania’s diverse landscape. Upon arrival, a safari representative will greet you at the airport and accompany you to your reserved hotel in the Spice Islands. Zanzibar exceeds every expectation as a rare travel gem, offering cultural immersion, thrilling diving adventures, and serene beach retreats.
Relish a leisurely evening at your lodge, eagerly anticipating the delightful beach experiences that await you during the next four days on the paradisiacal island of Zanzibar.
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8&9: Stone Town
Experience a unique blend of Tanzanian mainland’s wildlife and landscapes seamlessly merging with your surroundings today, creating a holistic holiday experience that continually excites and satisfies to the core.
During these four days, embrace the opportunity to either unwind with a laid-back beach retreat or embark on an exhilarating tour to Zanzibar Island’s must-visit spots. Explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where architectural influences reflect a rich tapestry of cultures—from Portuguese and Arab slave masters to prevalent Swahili influences. Accompanied by your guide, traverse the vibrant market, serene 19th-century cathedral, and labyrinthine streets, uncovering the distinctive styles of Arab and Indian residences.
Alternatively, immerse yourself in a spice tour on the second day, delving into the countryside of Stone Town. Engage with rural communities, gaining firsthand insight into their daily lives, and indulge in a Swahili lunch featuring pilau—a flavorful rice dish mixed with beef.
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10-11: Nungwi
Experience a serene transition from the vibrant streets of Stone Town to the tranquil haven of Nungwi Beach on the north coast. Renowned for its pristine crystal-clear waters, powdery white sands, and romantic accommodations, Nungwi epitomizes the quintessential Zanzibar coastal experience.
Despite its popularity among tourists, the beach offers a plethora of activities to indulge in. Whether you’re into thrilling water sports, snorkeling day trips, leisurely strolls along the endless coastline, or scenic horseback rides, Nungwi caters to all preferences. Additionally, consider exploring the neighboring Kendwa Beach for a slightly different but equally enchanting experience. Your days at Nungwi promise a blissful blend of relaxation and exploration.
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12: Day of Departure
As the final day of your extraordinary 12-day Tanzania safari unfolds, embrace the culmination of your adventure. Start the day with a delectable breakfast, and rest assured, our team will orchestrate a seamless transfer to the airport for your homeward flight or onward travels. If your departure is scheduled for later hours, take the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely lunch at the hotel before bidding farewell. Whether engaging in morning activities or unwinding in serene tranquility at the hotel, cherish every moment of this memorable journey as you transition from one chapter to the next.
Meals: B / L
