14 DAYS 13 NIGHTS : TANZANIA: WALKS IN THE LAND OF THE MAASAI –

TARANGIRE, NGORONGORO, SERENGETI AND ZANZIBAR.

ARRIVAL: Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) – Arusha

International Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport. After clearing customs, you will be met by the Miiso safaris representative and transferred to the lovely Masailand Lodge. Nestled on the lower slopes of majestic Mt. Meru, this beautiful Swahili sanctuary is set on a five-acre plot, tucked away beneath ancient trees on the outskirts of Arusha town—a perfect place to relax after a long international trip. After settling into one of your comfortable cottages situated throughout the lushly landscaped grounds, enjoy a peaceful night’s rest in preparation for the two weeks adventure ahead of you! NB: if you are arriving earlier, you will be met accordingly and transferred to Masailand, with meals available at the lodge

Day 1: ARUSHA TO TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

Meet your Miiso safaris guide at 9 am, and depart for Tarangire National Park. The drive to Tarangire is approximately two hours. After reaching Tarangire, proceed on a game drive for the rest of the day, with a picnic lunch in the park. Tarangire is famous for its large elephant population, scenery, and diversity of birdlife. At approximately 6pm, reach your tented camp nestled in one of the park’s quieter environments. Tarangire’s wildlife includes elephant, lion, giraffe, and many bird and antelope species.

Dinner and overnight at Baghayo Lodge

Day 2: TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK TO NGORONGORO CRATER

Depart from your lodge after breakfast and proceed to Ngorongoro Conservation Area for an Ngorongoro Crater game drive. After the game drive, exit and proceed to your overnight accommodations on the eastern side of the Crater.

Often called the eighth wonder of the world, Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unbroken caldera in the world, and is one of the only places in Africa you can view every member of the “big five” (rhinoceros, lion, cape buffalo, leopard, and elephant) on a single game drive. Overnight at Embalakai tented Camp.

Day 3: EMPAKAI CRATER (3hrs 30min Treks)

Begin your trekking safari. Start with a 15-kilometer hike around Lake Empakaai in the Ngorongoro Highlands. This is a beautiful hike at approximately 3000 meters above sea level. The hike can easily be added to any safari package that includes Ngorongoro Crater.

The lake hike starts with a 300 meter descent into the collapsed caldera. The hike around the lake is flat, and you view flamingos, geese, baboons and other wildlife as you make your way around the lake. Finish the trek with an ascent up the Crater wall, and continue your trip to the Maasai village of Naiyobi. Dinner and overnight at Acacia camp

Day 4: EMPAKAI CRATER TO ACACIA CAMP (3hrs Treks)

On this day, hike another 15km from Empakai Camp to Acacia Camp. After following the dirt road for several kilometers around the Empakai Crater Rim, descend into Nayobi Village, reaching the end of the road and the last village inside Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

This village was evacuated during the 2008 Oldoinyo Lengai eruption as the wind blows over this area from Lake Natron, carrying ash.

Hike through Nayobi Village and exit Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Walk through acacia woodland and maize fields, following livestock trails until reaching the campsite. Enjoy a Maasai bonfire and if you are up for it, a traditional Maasai goat roasts.

The Maasai teach you how to start a fire with sticks and dung. Be sure to look up! The night sky is amazing from this location!

 Day 5: ACACIA CAMP TO LAKE NATRON ( 4hrs 30min Treks)

Hike 8km down the Rift Valley Escarpment into Lake Natron. This hike is full of dramatic scenery as you hike on top of the escarpment before making a quick descent into Lake Natron. For most of the hike you have views of Oldoinyo Lengai to the right.

The temperature rises quickly as you descend into Natron, and it is best to start the hike as early as possible to avoid hiking during the middle of the day.

The vehicle meets you at the start of the Natron road, after you have hiked all the way down the escarpment. Once you meet the vehicle, say goodbye to the Maasai guides and donkeys and make your way to Lake Natron Camp for dinner and overnight. For those climbing Oldoinyo Lengai, rest early as the climb begins at 1am.

Overnight at the beautiful Lake Natron Camp.

Day 6: LAKE NATRON TO NORTHERN SERENGETI

After breakfast, drive to the Ngare Sero Waterfalls trailhead. Hike through Ngare Sero Gorge following the river until you reach the first waterfall. There are actually three waterfalls during the hike, two of which are suitable for swimming.

Cross the river several times during this hike and hike along rocks. It is best to hike in water shoes or tennis shoes (removing your tennis shoes when crossing the river).

The first waterfall has a pool for swimming and it is possible to stand underneath the falls and to slide down the rocks. Follow a shallow water channel to a second, more powerful waterfall. Swim in the channel and enjoy the sounds of pounding water before returning to the first waterfall and hiking out.

After the waterfall hike, depart for Serengeti National Park. The new tarmac on part of this road has made the travel to Serengeti much faster. Start your Serengeti safari in the northern section of the park, where the wildebeest migration crosses the Mara River from July through October. Dinner and overnight at Lobo wildlife lodge

Day 7: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

Spend a full day on game drives in the Northern Serengeti.

Dinner and overnight at Lobo wildlife lodge

Day 8: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK FULL DAY

Spend a full day viewing wildlife in the Northern and Central Serengeti. Known for its healthy cat populations, Central Serengeti is perhaps the best place in the world to view large cats. Dinner and overnight at  Seronera  wildlife lodge

Day 9: CENTRAL SERENGETI

Spend a final full day in the Central Serengeti. Dinner and overnight at Seronera  wildlife lodge

Day 10: CENTRAL SERENGETI TO ZANZIBAR

Morning games drive on your way to Seronera Airstrip. Take the 11am flight to Zanzibar

Accommodation: RIU Palace Zanzibar
Service Level: (BB)

Day 11: ZANZIBAR

Full day spending time to your hotel

Accommodation: RIU Palace Zanzibar
Service Level: (BB)

Day 12 Full day at Zanzibar

Second day of exploring the beauty of Zanzibar island.

Accommodation: RIU Palace Zanzibar
Service Level: (BB)

Day 13: Zanzibar

On these days you will have a full relaxation at RIU palace beach. Do what you feel, we believe you have a thousand ideas on how to spend this beautiful and blessed day. Enjoy to the fullest and make the most of it. Whether playing with the sand or having a sunbath, it’s all free. Enjoy the beauty of Zanzibar paradise.
Service Level:  (BB)