Safari: Lake Manyara National Park, African tribes, Ngorongoro National Conservation Area and more…

Day2:

Today we head out on Safari. We load our Land Cruisers that have open tops so we can view animals up close and safely. We make one last stop in Arusha to get some supplies for our trip then head out through the Great Rift Valley. During the Safari we stay in African lodges each night.

We start our Safari by taking part in the Human Outreach Project donation at the Usa river medical clinic. We visit the clinic and tour the facility then donate needed medical supplies. This is a great time to reflect on our trip as we appreciate the local people that make our journey possible.

We will load our Safari vehicles and drive to Lake Manyara National Park. The park is 205 sq. (125 sq. miles is covered by the lake.) The lake forms a spectacular sight with thousands of flamingos. We will also observe many species of birds, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, tree climbing lions, baboons, etc. These are wild animals living in their natural environment what we see depends on the skills of our drivers and our timing as we explore these beautiful parks. We arrive at the Kudu lodge where we settle in, enjoy dinner and spend the night.

Day 3:

Today we visit some local African Tribes. We head out after breakfast and drive to find the Bushman people living in remote areas as hunters and gathers. They are a very primitive tribe with less than 300 members still remaining. During our visit we learn about their existence, make fire, shoot bow and arrows. This is a special experience and amazing to see.
We continue on and visit another tribe called the Tatoga. Here we see how they live in mud huts and make arrows heads by melting scrap steel to hunt with. Both visits are uniquely different. With 120 tribes in Tanzania these are two of the most primitive and interesting to see. We then return to the Kudu lodge for the night and relax and settle in for the night. We can walk into the local village to shop or rest before dinner. After dinner local perfomers entertain us after dinner at the end of an amazing day.

Day 4:

Today we pack the Land Cruisers and depart from the Kudu lodge after an early breakfast. We drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and register with the park service. We head into the park and stop for a view overlooking the largest crater in the world. We continue on to the Olduvai Gorge. This Archeological site is where the Leakey’s made incredible discoveries on the origin of humankind. It is here that the remains various remains including the skull of Australopithecus was found. We visit the Leakey museum and listen to the ranger tell us of the history of the special find.

After lunch we visit a local Maasai Boma Village. We can tour the huts and learn about the largest tribe in Africa living in remote areas without water available alongside the animals and the wilds of Africa.
We continue on to the Ngorongoro crater and do an afternoon game drive spending the rest of the day viewing animals up close from out open top land Cruisers in the crater. The Ngorongoro Crater is home of the BIG 5: Elephant, African Buffalo, Leopard, Black Rhinoceros, and Lion, as well we can see Zebras, Cheetahs, Hippos, Hyenas, and a Variety of wild animals in their natural environment. A truly spectacular experience all in the largest crater in the world hosts the heaviest concentration of animals anywhere on earth. At the end of our day we retreat to a local lodge to enjoy dinner and local entertainment after an awesome full day.

Day 5:

We enjoy breakfast and take in views and the sunrise overlooking the crater. After breakfast we start our journey back to Arusha. On the way we visit the Meserani Snake farm. (Home of different types of snakes and Birds as well as crocodiles and many different species of reptiles that live in Tanzania. After our guided tour we continue on to The Cultural Heritage Center. Here we enjoy a special buffet lunch and can shop in the largest shop in east Africa. The Cutural Heritage features the best variety of souvenirs including a large selection of Tanzanite gem stones, local art and crafts. They also offer shipping to the USA and don’t pester you with salesmen.We can enjoy looking through the center as we like. This is our last stop on the trip and a great time to get any last items to remember your trip and experience in Africa.

In the afternoon we make our way to the Kilimanjaro Airport Hotel and enjoy a afternoon meal and prepare for your departure. You can relax poolside or take a shower and repack your gear in time to catch your evening flight home…

We say our goodbyes and return to the Kilimanjaro International Airport for our return home or onto our next adventure.

From here, additional Add-On trips may be planned:

* Zanzibar Island in the Indian Ocean - Here you can enjoy exotic Stone Town, a 7th century Persian slave trading port and very Muslim culture. Then head North to Nungwi beach and enjoy crystal clear waters, ancient dowe sailboats, snorkeling, a turtle preserve and white sand beaches before return home.

* Rwanda mountain gorilla tracking. This adventure puts you up close in small groups to families of mountain gorillas from 600lb silverbacks to young offspring upclose. A truly special experience.

* Kilimanjaro climb - Journey to the highest point on the African continent (19,340'), traversing through 5 distinct eco changes via the Machame route.

* Mount Maru (14,980'): An active volcano and the 2nd highest peak in Tanzania, this summit climb is challenging, but very rewarding.

Contact us to customize your trip.

Safari Lodging:

We stay in African lodges during our safari so guests can relax in the evening.

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Regularly voted one of the best hotels in the world, this unique lodge clings to the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, the largest and most perfect volcanic crater on Earth. Long and low, the lodge is built from local river stone and camouflaged with indigenous vines. Designed to blend completely into the landscape, it is entirely invisible from the floor of the Crater 600 metres below.

Known as ‘the eighth wonder of the world' the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa's best-known wildlife arenas. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a unique biosphere, which has remained virtually unchanged since the dawn of time. Deep within the Crater, enclosed by towering walls, some 25,000 large mammals wander the plains, lakes and forests of ‘the land that time forgot', dominated by enormous bull elephants, rhinos and lions.

Hugging the contours of the jagged Crater rim, the lodge takes its inspiration from the so-called ‘Cradle of Mankind', the prehistoric site of Olduvai Gorge, which lies close by. Linked by arched stone passages and timbered decks, its walls are decorated with stylized prehistoric cave paintings and lit by flaring torches. At the stone heart of the lodge burns a glowing fire, which is kept constantly alight. Decorated with cave paintings, the rooms are strung around the Crater rim. Each has its own rock- enclosed balcony, and all enjoy completely uninterrupted views of the volcanic amphitheatre far below.

Bougainvillea Safari Lodge:

Bougainvillea Safari Lodge is located on the outskirts of Karatu town about midway between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater. We offer true Tanzanian hospitality and a warm welcome. Each cosy room has mosquito-netted king or twin beds, a fireplace, large bathroom with shower and a veranda from which to enjoy the views of our lush tropical gardens. Triples are possible with prior notice and two of the cottages can be used as family suites, with connecting rooms.

Safari Meals:

During our safari breakfast and dinner is enjoyed at our lodge. We usually pack box lunches and have a picnic during our game drives so we can have lunch on the go while we are out for the day.

Safarai Transportation:

During our safaris we use customized Land Cruisers with professional licensed safari driver during our safari. Each vehicle has charger adapters to re charge camera batteries as well as a cooler box to keep cold drinks. The roof open upwards so members can stand up for game viewing and get the best angles for photographs. Vehicles provide 6 bucket seats in the rear so each member has a window seat and a great view as we travel.

What is included in the cost of the trip?

* All Tanzanian transportation.
* All Hotel accommodations in Tanzanian during listed itinerary. (Double Occupancy in rooms and tents)
* All meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, during safari.
* Guides, drivers, and park fees.

Land costs do not include:

* International roundtrip airfare.
* Tanzanian visas. ($100: Purchase at customs JRO airport.)
* Travel expenses outside listed Itinerary.
* Bottled / Alcoholic beverages
* Excess baggage charges.
* Personal gear.
* International vaccinations.
* Optional single room supplement.
* Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of World Wide Trekking.
* Tips and Gratuities.

Extra Services:

* Single hotel room supplement: $100/ night.
* Lodge: Laundry, Internet, Bar, Phone, etc.

Our Staff:

* A World Wide Trekking guide will be the expedition leader and coordinate the operations of the staff and group.

* We will also have local licensed English speaking professional guides.

How much money should I bring?

* It is recommended that you bring $600 per person. This recommendation is to cover the following expenses; airport tax, gratuities, phone bills, and other misc. expenses. If you bring travelers checks they are easy to cash at local banks in Arusha but difficult to cash elsewhere. A charge for cashing travelers check means they are worth less money overseas.

* Credit cards are only accepted in large shops for bigger purchases. They also charge a service fee for using your credit card.

* ATM machines are available at local banks in town. Cash can be drawn between trips in Arusha.

Where can I expect to exchange money?

* You will also be able to exchange money at local banks in Arusha.
* Easy money exchange is in the JRO airport when you exit customs upon arrival. Ask for small bills so you can make change and pay for items easily.
* When bringing cash from the states make sure that bills are new and in good shape. $100 should have the NEW large head style.

Gratuities: Should I tip the Guides and staff?

* As in many parts of the world, tipping is a symbol of a job well done. In addition to recognizing service people such as taxi drivers, restaurant and hotel personnel, we will acknowledge our staff with a tip.

* You should plan to tip any service person that helps you. 10% for taxi drivers and restaurant staff is usually in order. Check to see that a tip is not already included in the bill. Remember if tipping in US dollars and the exchange, be careful not to tip to much.

* We ask clients to budget for $25-50 per person towards the pool for local staff. In general, plan to tip $25 - 50 for local guides and $75 - 150 for your American guide who will be with you at all times.

* An example: $25-50 group pool + $75 -150 for your U.S. guide = $100 - $200 total tips.

Arriving at the Airport:

You will need a valid passport upon arrival in Tanzania. Those of you arriving early will be responsible for your hotel before scheduled itinerary. When you arrive at the airport you can pay your visa and clear customs. A World Wide Trekking representative will be outside of customs as you exit with you luggage waiting to transport you to the lodge.

Visa: Tanzania US $100 / Purchase when you land at customs.

Visa: Rwanda: Visa is NOT necessary for US citizens.

Hotel:

The Hotels and Lodges we stay at are clean and comfortable. Meals are provided at the Lodges. Laundry, Phone, Shuttles, Internet, and other standard amities are available upon your request.