16 DAYS SAFARI IN THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT
ITINERARY
- Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Day 2: Walk from Materuni village to Kuringe waterfall
- Day 3: Arusha National Park
- Day 4: Tarangire National Park
- Day 5: Tarangire National Park
- Day 6: Lake Manyara National Park
- Day 7: A taste of culture – Mto wa Mbu: Mountain bike ride & Maasai village
- Day 8: Lake Natron
- Day 9: Lake Natron
- Day 10: Serengeti National Park (central west/east)
- Day 11: Serengeti National Park (central west/east)
- Day 12: Serengeti National Park (central west/east)
- Day 13: Ngorongoro Conservation Area (incl. Crater)
- Day 14: Empakaai Crater hike
- Day 15: Visit Lake Eyasi and the Hadzabe tribe
- Day 16: The last day and your flight home from Kilimanjaro Int. Airport
DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Step out of Kilimanjaro International Airport into the warm embrace of Tanzania. Where your personal guide from Gorilla Link Tours welcomes you with a beaming smile: “Karibu Tanzania – welcome to Tanzania!” You’ll be whisked away to your hotel, where you can unwind and immerse yourself in the vibrant African atmosphere.
Tomorrow, embark on an exclusive private safari led by your guide. Offering you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Luxuriate in the comfort of your private safari jeep and take leisurely stops to observe wildlife for as long as you desire, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience.
DAY 3: ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
Today marks your first exhilarating game drive at Arusha National Park, situated near the city of Arusha. This park is celebrated for its rich biodiversity, offering encounters with tropical birds, the black and white Colobus monkey, and occasionally rare albino baboons.
Your safari adventure may include sightings of the majestic Colobus monkey and rare bird species such as the stunning Silvery Cheeked Hornbill. With luck, you might even glimpse an albino animal. The park’s diverse terrain encompasses a tranquil lake, picturesque craters, cascading waterfalls, towering mountains, and expansive grassy plains.
Prepare for an unforgettable day immersed in the natural splendor and wildlife diversity of Arusha National Park. Offering a captivating introduction to Tanzania’s remarkable landscapes and unique fauna.
DAY 6: LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
Today, you venture into the picturesque Lake Manyara National Park, situated along the stunning Great Rift Valley, positioned between Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. This park is renowned for its diverse landscapes, which attract a wide array of wildlife.
Your exploration begins with a visit to Lake Manyara itself, a shimmering expanse that serves as a magnet for flamingos and other waterfowl. You’ll then traverse through dense rainforests teeming with monkeys and birds, offering captivating glimpses of these lively creatures in their natural habitat.
As you continue, encounter elephants roaming through the woodlands, providing opportunities for close observation and photography. Don’t miss the famous Manyara hippo pool, where these massive creatures can be observed bathing from early morning until late evening, showcasing their social behaviors in a tranquil setting.
Lake Manyara National Park promises a day filled with diverse wildlife encounters amidst stunning landscapes, making it a highlight of your Tanzanian safari experience.
DAY 10-12: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK (CENTRAL WEST/EAST)
Get ready for an awe-inspiring adventure as you journey into Serengeti National Park, renowned worldwide as the ultimate safari destination, especially during the Great Migration season. Witness the breathtaking spectacle of enormous herds of wildebeest and zebras stampeding across the plains, an iconic display of natural wonder.
Central to your experience in the Serengeti are the vast numbers of predators that call this region home. With over four thousand lions, 225 cheetahs, a thousand leopards, 3500 hyenas, and hundreds of wild dogs, the park offers unparalleled opportunities for observing Africa’s top predators in action.
Your knowledgeable guide will lead you on exhilarating game drives, searching for these majestic predators as well as other magnificent wildlife species that inhabit the Serengeti. Prepare for encounters with giraffes, elephants, buffalo, and a myriad of bird species, ensuring each moment in this wildlife paradise is filled with excitement and wonder.
Serengeti National Park promises an unforgettable safari experience, where the natural beauty and abundance of wildlife will leave you mesmerized and inspired.
DAY 13: NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA (INCLUDING CRATER)
Prepare for a remarkable day exploring the renowned Ngorongoro Crater, celebrated as one of Africa’s seven natural wonders. This majestic crater was formed two million years ago from a colossal volcanic eruption, leaving behind fertile lava that supports an unparalleled ecosystem.
As you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, you enter a haven for wildlife, boasting the highest concentration of animals found anywhere in Africa. Encounter thousands of animals such as lions, zebras, buffaloes, and black rhinos, creating a spectacle of biodiversity against the backdrop of stunning views that stretch as far as the eye can see.
The Ngorongoro Crater promises an awe-inspiring experience, offering panoramic vistas and unforgettable wildlife encounters that showcase the beauty and abundance of East Africa’s natural heritage.
DAY 14: EMPAKAAI CRATER HIKE
Embark on an exhilarating hike to Empakaai Crater, located approximately 40 kilometers northeast of its famous counterpart, Ngorongoro Crater, in a remote and breathtaking landscape that feels almost otherworldly.
Begin your journey by descending from the crater rim towards the shimmering lake nestled at the bottom, a tranquil oasis tinged with a captivating pinkish hue, often adorned with flocks of graceful flamingos. The descent typically takes around 45 minutes, offering ample time to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of this natural marvel.
From the crater rim, enjoy spectacular views that stretch far and wide, with clear skies revealing the majestic silhouette of Ol Donyo Lengai in the distance on bright days. This active volcano adds to the dramatic scenery, enhancing your experience of the Empakaai Crater’s awe-inspiring vistas.
This day promises a blend of adventure and natural beauty, providing a memorable exploration of one of Tanzania’s lesser-known yet stunning geological wonders.
DAY 15: VISIT LAKE EYASI AND THE HADZABE TRIBE
Today, embark on a captivating day trip to Lake Eyasi and engage with the indigenous Hadzabe tribe, offering a unique cultural and natural experience.
Begin your journey at Lake Eyasi, a seasonal shallow salt lake located south of the Ngorongoro Highlands. This picturesque lake is a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting a diverse array of bird species. Keep your binoculars handy to spot African spoonbills, flamingos, gray-headed gulls, great white pelicans, and pied avocets among others. You may also spot hippos lounging in the shallow waters, adding to the scenic beauty of the area.
After exploring Lake Eyasi, proceed to visit the Hadzabe tribe, also known as the Hadza bushmen. These indigenous people are renowned for their ancient hunter-gatherer lifestyle and exceptional skills in bow hunting. Immerse yourself in their traditional way of life, gaining insight into their customs, rituals, and survival techniques that have endured for generations in this remote region.
This day promises an enriching blend of wildlife viewing and cultural immersion, providing a deeper understanding of Tanzania’s diverse landscapes and indigenous cultures.