9 Days Tanzania Cultural Safari

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by your transfer driver who will drive you for about 90 minutes to your hotel in Arusha. Look out for iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru out of your right-hand window on the way. If you arrive early, there will be time for you to spend the afternoon bird watching in the garden, enjoy a coffee tasting tour in a nearby estate, visit a market in town or simply relax by the pool. After a tasty dinner in your hotel, you will spend your first night in Tanzania relaxing before heading off on your safari the following morning. Meals on request. Overnight: Kili Villa

After breakfast, transfer to Tarangire National Park for a thrilling safari. This park lies between the meadows of the Masai Steppe to the southeast and the lakes of the Great Rift Valley to the north and west. The permanent River Tarangire, known as the lifeline of the park, flows northward, providing vital water during the dry season when much of the area becomes parched. As it exits the park in the northwestern corner, it feeds into Lake Burungi. The park also features expansive swamps that transform into lush green plains during the dry season. Dinner and overnight: Maramboi Tented Lodge.

After breakfast, we depart from Tarangire with picnic lunch boxes and drive to Monduli. We begin our hike through a forest, guided by an armed ranger. Keep an eye out for buffaloes, elephants, and other wildlife in this vibrant ecosystem. After enjoying our packed lunch, we continue our ascent to the summit of Monduli Mountain, where stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru await. Dinner and overnight: Kisima Ngeda.

After a quick cup of coffee or tea, jump into your vehicle for a visit to the Hadza tribe. This region surrounding Lake Eyasi has been home to the Hadza for over 10,000 years. In the early morning, hike down the trail for a special meeting with these hunter-gatherers, who lead a nomadic lifestyle, hunting with bow and arrow. You can even join them on their quest. Their click language resembles that of the Bushmen in South Africa, but your guide will help with translations. After this unique experience, return to the lodge for breakfast. Next, we depart for Ngorongoro Crater, spotting wildlife en route. Make a brief stop at one of the viewpoints on the crater rim to take in the splendid views. Dinner and overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge.

After breakfast, you'll embark on a journey to Ngorongoro for a day of discovery. The drive to the famous crater is a treat, winding through mist-shrouded rainforests where you may spot baboons, cape buffalo, and even elephants among the thick undergrowth. A stop at the Ngorongoro Crater viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the crater floor, often dappled with clouds. As you descend into this world-famous crater—often called the 8th Wonder of the World—you'll explore the lush landscape at its base. Keep an eye out for the endangered black rhinoceros, as well as other members of the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, and cape buffalo. Marvel at herds of wildebeest and zebras, watch lions and hyenas competing over a fresh kill, and enjoy the sight of thousands of flamingoes feeding in the crater's soda lakes. A highlight will be a picnic lunch by the hippo pool, where you can savor a delicious meal just a few feet away from wallowing hippopotamuses. After a full day of exploration, return to your accommodations for dinner and a well-earned rest. Dinner and overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge.

Spend two full days exploring the world-renowned wildlife of the Serengeti. Each day, you'll embark on two game drives: one early in the morning and another in the late afternoon. Experience the thrill of spotting majestic animals in their natural habitat, stopping for a refreshing sundowner as the sun sets over the savannah. After a day of adventure, return to the lodge for dinner and unwind around a cozy campfire, sharing stories of your day's encounters.

After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport. Here, you can connect with your flight back home or continue on your onward journey. Safe travels!