9 Days Tanzania Adventure Safari

You’ll set off after breakfast today for a cycling adventure that will take you from the scenic Kilimanjaro foothills to Tanzania’s safari capital, Arusha. Setting off after an early breakfast, you’ll make the lengthy (22km) ride to the famous Maji Moto hot springs. Casting aside your bike and helmet, you’ll have the chance to soak in the wonderfully warm waters, relax under the shade of the oasis, and eat a local lunch. You’ll then get back on your bikes and continue cycling to Arusha.

Hotel: Moivaro Lodge

You’ll make your way to the popular Dolly Ranch this morning for your chance to experience a little old world charm in the form of a horseback safari. There’s something uniquely thrilling about spying antelopes, zebras, and wildebeest from horseback, and your two-hour guided tour will give you a taste of the safari adventures to come. After lunch at the Ranch, you’ll continue on to Arusha National Park for an afternoon walking safari. While the park does not have large game, you’ll spot giraffes and a variety of primates as you wander the lush undergrowth.

Accommodation: Fully-serviced tented mobile camp

After breakfast you’ll set off for Lake Manyara National Park. Along the way you’ll pass bustling Masai villages and the vast, open plains that have become synonymous with images of Africa. After stopping to snap a few photos or barter for souvenirs, you’ll enter Lake Manyara National Park. The park is truly a photographer’s playground and offers some of the best game viewing in the world. You can expect to see many of Africa’s most well-known animals, with the tree-climbing lions a particular treat. These proud predators lounge in acacia trees practically begging to be photographed. Optional activities within the park include canoe safaris (seasonal), a treetop walk, and night game drives. Speak with your safari expert about adding one of these activities to your safari.

Hotel: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

After breakfast, we get right on the road back towards the Ngorongoro Crater National Park. Our drive takes us back through the Serengeti via a different route, offering plenty of opportunities to spot the animals that eluded you on day two. As far as the eye can see, you’ll spot thousands upon thousands of animals in herds; wildebeests and zebras migrating together, tall and graceful giraffes, jumping antelopes and gazelles, the powerful African elephant and the most respected group of animals: the predators. You will have the chance to spot lean cheetahs and shy leopards, foraging hyenas, and last but not least, the king himself; the lion. Dinner and overnight on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater or in nearby Karatu Town according to the standard and the type of accommodation requested from our options.

Hotel: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge

After breakfast, you’ll depart for Ngorongoro Crater; considered by some to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. When you get your first glimpse of this vast, verdant caldera from the panoramic viewpoint, you’ll soon understand why it has earned such a lofty reputation. Home to over 120 species of mammal including the fabled Big Five, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most sought after safari destinations in the world. It’s a particularly good place to see the endangered black rhinoceros enjoying a lonely meal out on the grass plains, as well as a place to see large numbers of hippopotamus enjoying the cool water. From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, you’ll be able to observe and photograph some of Africa’s most recognisable faces. The crater is home to a large number of predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, as well as a large population of wildebeest, zebras, antelope, cape buffalo, and more. It is truly one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. After the thrills and excitement of the day, you will have a picnic lunch in the park. You’ll return to your lodging in the late afternoon.

Hotel: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge

You’ll start your day with an early breakfast before heading out for your adventure at Empakai Crater. Hiking through forested hills that come to some 300 metres above the crater floor, you’ll be rewarded with an absolutely stunning view when you reach the top. Empakai Crater offers unparalleled views of Ol Doinyo Lengai, a still active volcano. There’s also the opportunity to see Lake Natron, the Great Rift Valley, and even distant Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day. Taking a picnic within the park offers you the chance to soak in its utter tranquillity before you hike back to the car for the trip to your accommodation.

Hotel: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge

You’ll be up before breakfast today, as you’ll be joining the Hadzabe Bushmen for the opportunity to hunt for your own food! The local hunters will prepare a demonstration of hunting techniques just for us. Far from being a mere performance, this display reveals a great deal about their everyday lives when they must hunt for animals to feed their families. You will see first-hand how the Hadzabe use distinctive motions and even the body parts of certain animals to lure their prey close enough that they can be brought down with hand-crafted poisons. After a late breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity for a drive around Lake Eyasi proper. While this shallow soda lake is not home to the same variety of wildlife you’ll find in a national park, you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of bird and mammal life. On occasion, flamingos and hippos even call the lake home. You’ll also have time to meet with the Datoga people. Mostly farmers and cattle breeders, these fascinating people offer another insight into tribal life in Tanzania. Once your day’s activities have been complete, you’ll make your way back to Arusha or the airport.

Hotel: Moivaro Lodge