Essence of Tanzania

Pickup from your accommodation in the early morning for a full day game drive in Lake Manyara. Although small in dimension (205 sq. miles), the park has breathtaking scenery and well famous for its lush acacia forest, giant figs and mahogany trees, as well as to a growing population of baboons and blue monkeys. Permanent residents of this park also include giraffes, elephants, impalas and a huge amount of buffaloes. The lake is also home to a large number of hippos. Some unique facts about this park include the tree climbing lions, flamingos in the lake shore, as well as the Ground Hornbill and the Crested Eagle. The landscapes of Lake Manyara are something that can not be described with words, and the game drives along the lake provide stunning photo opportunities of giraffes and buffaloes in the foreground and the lake (and its flamingos) in the background. During this day, some extra tours are possible, including a bike tour or a boat excursion. In the afternoon, transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area for overnight.

Overnight in campsite, tented camp or lodge. Our recommendations are Migombani Camp (budget), Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp or Rhino Lodge (mid-range), Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge or Sopa Ngorongoro (luxury) or Manyara Serena Lodge or Andbeyond Crater Lodge (Luxury+).

We will start the day very early and descend into the crater floor for an incredible morning of wildlife in one of the most stunning places on Earth. After the game drive, there will be time for a picnic lunch near the beautiful hippo Lake. After lunch, we will have time for a short game drive and then ascend the crater and exit Ngorongoro Conservation Area towards Arusha. We expect to be back in Arusha around 5pm although we are flexible in case there is a flight to catch or another situation.

ADD ONE EXTRA DAY TO VISIT THE HADZABE TRIBE IN LAKE EYASI OR OLDONYO SAMBU MAASAI VILLAGE.
For a more genuine and out of the beaten track experience, we recommend that you go to Lake Eyasi at the end of your safari (instead of Arusha), after finishing the game drive in Ngorongoro, in order to visit the fascinating Hadzabe tribe in the next morning. This is one of the last true nomadic tribes in Africa and a truly fascinating experience where you will join the members of the village in their local morning activities.

Alternatively, you can still finish the safari in Arusha and, on the next day, visit a traditional Maasai Village., where you will be guided by a Maasai Chief, who will explain you their habits, how they live, their cooking techniques, how they take care of livestock, their songs and dances. You will also have the opportunity to watch the village women perform a local traditional dance. Both experiences provides fantastic photo opportunities.