non-group tour
9 DAY LEGENDARY SERENGETI MIRGRATION SAFARI
Is it the view from Naabi Hill at the park’s entrance, from where the grasslands appear to stretch to the ends of the earth, an arena for your imagination to carve out it’s wildest stories that give you the feeling of limitlessness or the millions of wildebeest and zebra migrating to the ancient rhythm of Africa’s seasons.
Whatever it is for you, welcome to one of the greatest wildlife-watching destinations on earth. As you surrender and let go, all there is to do is listen. There is no need for words here. The learning comes from the behaviour of the animals. Watch the silent word of forgiveness, the gentle sacrifice, justice and grace along with a loyal testimony to family.
TOUR START DATE
Upon Request
START LOCATION
Arusha, Tanzania
TOUR END DATE
Upon Request
END LOCATION
Arusha, Tanzania
HIGHLIGHTS
- Private Safari in open roof purpose-built 4WD vehicle
- Opportunity to see Africa’s iconic Big 5 on daily game drives
- Watch in awe, the unique tree-climbing lions in Manyara National Park
- World famous Serengeti National Park Safari in private safari vehicle
- See unimaginable numbers of wildebeest and zebra
- Sipping wine as you witness your very own African sunset
- Descend into Ngorongoro Conservation Area, one of the most sought after safari destinations in the world
- Satisfying full day safaris where you’re the boss
- Cultural immersion staying in Maasai run eco lodge
- Participate in Maasai led cultural crafts and farming
- Option to ‘Pack for a Purpose’ and give back
- Supporting sustainable tourism
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Day 1: The Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth
Welcome to Tanzania, the greatest wildlife show on Earth.
Upon arrival in Tanzania, we are met at the airport by our driver and taken to your Arusha accommodations to get some rest ahead of your safari.
In house chef, Mercy and her crew prepare a delicious farm-to-plate experience with home-grown vegetables and herbs. Olerai provides free Wi-Fi and a massage service is available on request.
Accommodation: Olerai Lodge, Arusha.
Meals: Dinner
Activities: Transfer to lodge.
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Day 2: Tree Climbing Lions
We depart from Arusha after breakfast for the drive to Lake Manyara National Park. The journey takes approximately two hours, and we pass through the market town of Mto Wa Mbu along the way. This agricultural and fresh produce market is a melting pot of local cultures and a souvenir hunter’s paradise.
After a brief stop at the village market, we enter Lake Manyara National Park. The park is truly a photographer’s playground and offers some of the best game viewings 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.
Bird-watchers will find Lake Manyara is a feast for the eyes, with a huge variety of birds on display in the park. Even the novice can expect to be amazed by large flamingo flocks, circling birds of prey, and the brightly coloured lilac-breasted roller.
Tonight we head to the Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge. We love this lodge as the family run business owners strongly believe in giving back to the community by actively involving in various programs that benefit the local community directly. Initiatives ranging from direct employment to local community members and youths, contributions, awareness programs on issues affecting our communities, building schools and toilets in rural areas.
Accommodation: Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge, Lake Manyara National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Activities: Village stop off, Lake Manyara National Park safari.
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Day 3: The Serengeti Calls
An early breakfast this morning before we head out of a big day of adventure and exploration.
The day begins with the scenic drive towards the Serengeti. Along the way we’ll pass through the mist-shrouded rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you might be lucky enough to glimpse cape buffalo, baboons, or even elephants and leopards in the dense undergrowth.
After a delicious lunch at the Serengeti National Park picnic area, it’s time to explore the Serengeti itself. Witness Africa’s iconic savannah landscape and be amazed by the sheer number of animals that roam these grassy plains.
If time permits on return to our lodge we can relax on the sunny terrace around the infinity pool or take a dip and explore your options at the pool bar. Rooms here are inspired by local Maasai traditions and made from sustainable materials.
Dinner and overnight in the heart of the Serengeti National Park at our stunning lodge.
Accommodation: Melia Serengeti Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. All Local Brands (spirits, wine and beers) included.
Activities: Serengeti game viewing safari.
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Day 4: Serengeti Game Drive Safari
Wake before dawn to take part in a sunrise game drive. As the sun sets fire to the savannah, you’ll have the best opportunity to see predators in action as they take advantage of the low light and cooler temperatures to look for an early meal. It’s an ideal time to see lions, leopards, and cheetahs in action as well as the early morning movements of the wildebeest, zebra, and other herbivores.
Alternatively, you may wish to take to the skies with a sunrise hot air balloon safari and champagne breakfast. Speak with the Trailblazers team about adding this once in a lifetime experience to your safari.
After your unforgettable morning, return to your lodge for a late breakfast and to freshen up before hitting the road again with a picnic lunch. Your driver will select the best possible route based upon the time of year and the kind of animals we’d like to see, catering your day so that your opportunities to see the Serengeti’s diverse wildlife are maximized.
Accommodation: Melia Serengeti Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. All Local Brands (spirits, wine and beers) included.
Activities: Serengeti game viewing safari.
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Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Awaits
After a hearty breakfast, get right on the road back towards the Ngorongoro Crater National Park.
Your guide takes you 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.
At the end of an action-packed day back at the lodge, guests can choose to follow a gentle nature trail that loops around the Lodge through moss-hung glades and plunging ravines, take a guided walk to the Crater’s rim, relax with a herbal massage, or watch as the burning sun sinks behind the mountains from a unique vantage point on the craggy heights of the Crater’s rim.
Dinner and overnight on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Your room tonight is strung around the crater rim, each with its own rock-enclosed balcony and Maasai carvings and flamboyant prehistoric wall motifs depicting fleeing giraffes, stylised gazelle and plunging buffalo. Each room enjoys uninterrupted views over the Crater’s unmatched splendour.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Activities: Game drive on way to Ngorongoro Crater.
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Day 6: Down to the Crater Floor
After a hearty breakfast, we depart down into 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 huge 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 grassy plains, as well as a place to see large numbers of hippopotamus enjoying the cool water.
From the comfort of our open-top vehicle, we 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, we enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before making our way to Lake Eyasi to overnight.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Oldeani Lodge, Kataru.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Activities: Game drive Ngorongoro Crater.
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Day 7: Meet the Hadzabe Bushmen
We’re up before breakfast today, as we’ll be joining the Hadzabe bushmen for the opportunity to learn about their lifestyle and how they continue to survive with the rapid development of Tanzana. With only 2,000 members, the Hadzabe tribe are fascinating people who offer us a window into how life in Tanzania was in the past.
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 firsthand 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.
We can also pay a visit to the people of the Datoga tribe while we’re in the area. The Datoga are farmers who keep animals such as cows, sheep, and goats. Their culture is another fascinating example of Tanzania’s cultural diversity.
After a late breakfast at the lodge, we continue on to the Osiligilai Maasai Lodge on the outskirts of Arusha. On arrival you will feel instantly at peace as the Maasai welcome us to their luxury lodge, blending western comforts with Maasai traditional architecture.
We can spend our afternoon participating in any of the optional Maasai lead activities such as guided nature walks to learn about traditional medicines, spear throwing, handicraft lessons, and more.
The lodge features Maasai bungalows which are home to handcrafted furnishings and extraordinary views. The property features a fantastic swimming pool, sauna and meditation room. We can expect to enjoy delicious local cuisine, refreshing drinks and authentic Maasai entertainment around the bonfire at night.
Accommodation: Osiligilai Maasai Eco Lodge, Kilimanjaro Region.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Activities: Hadzabe Bushmen culturual immersion. Optional: Datoga Tribe
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Day 8: Kilimanjaro Maasai Immersion
Wake to one of the most magnificent sunrises you’ll ever see as the sun rises above Mount Kilimanjaro. We have a full day to participate in the many free and optional Maasai led activities at Osiligilai Maasai Lodge, relax in the serene surrounds, and soak in the ambience of the African wilderness.
Enjoy an unforgettable sundown over Mt. Kilimanjaro while the Maasai dance their sundown dance, and after sundown we gather around the fireplace for Maasai BBQ and storytelling. Our friendly Maasai staff will tell you all about the Maasai culture and their way of living.
Accommodation: Osiligilai Maasai Eco Lodge, Kilimanjaro Region.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Activities: Free included Maasai led activities. Optional activities are available.
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Day 9: Time to Say Farewell
After breakfast and dependent on our departure time, we are transferred to the airport for our onward travel journey.
If you’re not ready to head home just yet, check out some of our other amazing destinations and add on a few days or weeks to continue experiencing the true essence of Africa.
Meals: Breakfast.
Activities: Airport transfer.
