Tanzania Wildlife & Cultural Explorer

Our Tanzania Cultural and Wildlife Safari is aptly named as it combines the perfect mix of Tanzanian culture and East Africa’s wildlife. Spend your days getting to know Tanzania – from the colourful ancient tribes to fantastic and rare animal sightings. After a day full of unforgettable impressions you will welcome the hospitality of your comfortable lodges which are so typical to East Africa.

This is a small group, no participation safari that explores both the wildlife and cultural highlights of Tanzania, with accommodation in either a lodge or permanent tented camp.

**Park fees are subject to change
*Please note all rates are subject to change according to rate of exchange fluctuations*

Included in the Tanzania Cultural and Wildlife Safari:

- 9 nights in lodges / permanent tented camps with en-suite bathrooms
- All transport in fully air-conditioned 4x4 safari vehicle
- Game drives as per the itinerary
- Park fees
- Meals and activities as per the itinerary
- Experienced & registered local guide

Not included in this lodge safari: 

- Travel insurance
- Flights and airport taxes
- Pre and post tour accommodation
- Optional activities
- All drinks, tips, curios & items of a personal nature

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arusha                 
Upon your arrival, you will be collected from the airport and transferred to your lodge in the lush forests surrounding the town of Arusha. If you arrive early enough, you will have an opportunity to explore the lodge grounds, take a dip in the swimming pool or partake in any of the offered additional activities available.

Accommodation:    Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge or similar

Meals:
Dinner:    At Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge or similar

Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park - Manyara                
Your safari begins after breakfast this morning. Our first stop is Arusha town, for any last minute purchases before we head off on an exciting safari experience! We will be in the Tarangire National Park for lunch and an afternoon game drive. Tarangire is well known for its huge elephant population and baobab trees. It forms the centre of the annual migratory cycle that includes up to 3000 elephant, 25,000 wildebeest and 30,000 zebra.

Accommodation:    Rift Valley Photographic Lodge or similar

Meals:
Breakfast:     At Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge or similar
Lunch:    Lunch pack from Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge or similar
Dinner:    At Rift Valley Photographic Lodge or similar

Day 3:  Cultural Activities at Manyara            
After breakfast, we set out to experience the cultural diversity of Mto-wa-Mbu, starting at the market and visiting a Chagga family producing banana beer and passing by many different farms. On the way, your guide will introduce you to the various fruits and vegetables growing in the area and explain the irrigation system that sustains local crops. After having a delicious, home-cooked meal in a local Mama’s home, we go back to the lodge for a rest, before our visit to the nearby children orphanage centre and school in the afternoon.

Accommodation:    Rift Valley Photographic Lodge or similar

Meals:     
Breakfast:    At Rift Valley Photographic Lodge or similar
Lunch:    At a local Mama’s Home
Dinner:    At Rift Valley Photographic Lodge or similar

Day 4:  Lake Manyara National Park – Lake Eyasi    
After coffee and breakfast, we head towards Lake Manyara National Park for an early morning game drive. This spectacular national park is located at the north-western corner of Lake Manyara, a shallow soda lake at the foot of the Great Rift Valley’s western escarpment. Lake Manyara is not only known for its large flocks of flamingos, but also for the elusive tree-climbing lions. After lunch and a short afternoon game drive, we head towards our lodge at Lake Eyasi.

Accommodation:    Lake Eyasi Safari Camp or similar

Meals:    
Breakfast:    At Rift Valley Photographic Lodge or similar
Lunch:    Lunch pack from Rift Valley Photographic Lodge or similar
Dinner:    At Lake Eyasi Safari Camp or similar    
    
Day 5:  Lake Eyasi            
Today’s activities are interacting with local Bushmen & Blacksmiths communities. The Hadzabe Tribe, live in groups hunting with bow and arrows and gathering roots, tubers and wild fruits, much as humankind lived in the Stone Age. We will obtain an in-depth look at how they continue to survive and adapt to their harsh environment and the challenges they face in continuing their nomadic existence. The Hadzabe have close relations with the Datoga tribe, blacksmiths who have developed their trade over centuries and still practice it very much the same way today. They produce the arrow heads for the Hadzabe and brass trinkets, some of which will be for sale by the maker himself.

Accommodation:    Lake Eyasi Safari Camp or similar

Meals:
Breakfast:    At Lake Eyasi Safari Camp or similar
Lunch:    Lunch pack from Lake Eyasi Safari Camp or similar
Dinner:    At Lake Eyasi Safari Camp or similar

Day 6:  Lake Ndutu     
This morning, we head through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area via Eyasi escarpment to Endulen, Ndutu open area towards the Serengeti National Park. We will stop at a Masai village, which is not a touristic Masai Boma, for a cultural encounter of a life time. The Masai people are semi-nomadic herders, who choose to live a traditional lifestyle and are known for their distinctive traditional attire. After lunch, we embark on a game drive within the park on our way to the lodge.

Accommodation:    Kati Kati Tented Camp or similar

Meals:
Breakfast:    At Lake Eyasi Safari Camp or similar
Lunch:    Lunch pack from Lake Eyasi Safari Camp or similar
Dinner:    At Kati Kati Tented Camp or similar

Day 7:  Serengeti National Park            
Today our game drive will lead us towards the central part of Serengeti National Park. We look for large herds of wildebeests pounding the grasslands, while hungry predators such as lions, leopards and cheetahs prey upon the youngest and weakest members of the herds. The Serengeti’s endless plains provide an exceptional landscape for wildlife viewing throughout the year.

Accommodation:              Kati Kati Tented Camp or similar

Meals:
Breakfast:    At Kati Kati Tented Camp or similar
Lunch:    Lunch pack from Kati Kati Tented Camp or similar
Dinner:    At Kati Kati Tented Camp or similar

Day 8:  Serengeti National Park            
Enjoy a full day of game viewing in the Serengeti National Park. The Serengeti is renowned for its annual wildebeest migration and large predator population. From February to May, a herd of over a million wildebeest (gnu) migrate for the Western Corridor of the park, in search of greener pastures. The Serengeti’s other animal attractions include lion, leopard, zebra, Thompson gazelle, impala, Grant’s gazelle and buffalo. Most of the park is open swathes of grassland, broken by isolated granite kopjes (hills) and patches of acacias woodlands.

Accommodation:    Kati Kati Tented Camp or similar

Meals:
Breakfast:    At Kati Kati Tented Camp or similar
Lunch:    Lunch pack from Kati Kati Tented Camp
Dinner:    At Kati Kati Tented Camp or similar

Day 9:  Serengeti – Ngorongoro – Lake Manyara            
We take an early breakfast at camp and then head to the Ngorongoro Crater. On arrival we go through the registration process and descend to the floor of the world’s largest unbroken caldera for the most wonderful day of game viewing. We will have lunch at the Lerai picnic site at the side of the hippo pool and continue with a game drive up the crater rim.

Accommodation:    Rift Valley Photographic Lodge or similar

Meals:     
Breakfast:    At Kati Kati Tented Camp or similar
Lunch:    Lunch pack from Kati Kati Tented Camp or similar
Dinner:    At Rift Valley Photographic Lodge or similar

Day 10:  Arusha            
After breakfast we explore the colourful town of Mto-wa-Mbu for some last minute pictures and curio shopping. Afterwards we head to Arusha where the tour will end at our offices. We hope to welcome you again on one of our African adventures!

Meals:     
Breakfast:    At Rift Valley Photographic Lodge or similar
 

Departure:

The Tanzania Wildlife and Cultural Explorer departs from the Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge in Arusha. When arriving in Arusha on day one, you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your lodge. Should you arrive prior to day one, pre-tour accommodation can be arranged and you will be picked up from your hotel on the morning of day.

In the evening of first day of your safari, there will be a pre-departure meeting presented by your guide at your accommodation. It is imperative that all clients attend this meeting so as not to miss out on any critical information.

Whilst it is our every intention to adhere to the above mentioned itinerary, there may on occasion be a necessity to make alterations in order to make the tour more enjoyable or practical.  Therefore please treat the itinerary as a guide only.

Transport:

Jenman African Safaris uses fully equipped customized 12-seater 4x4 safari vehicles, Toyota Land Cruisers or other appropriate vehicles with comfortable seating, large windows for game viewing and a music system. The vehicles are fully air-conditioned and equipped with pop-up roofs to facilitate the best game viewing. All luggage, besides hand luggage and photo equipment, is carried on the vehicle roof rack or trailer to ensure maximum comfort in the vehicle.

Travelling Times and Distances:

All travelling times are affected by road conditions, border crossings, detours and weather conditions, therefore on certain days travelling times may be longer than anticipated especially where there is a lot of distance to be covered.   Please keep in mind that the time it takes to travel 100 km in your home country is not equivalent to the time it takes to travel 100 km on African roads, therefore we encourage you to sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery Africa has to offer.   Where possible additional stops will be made to ensure your travelling comfort at all times.  

Accommodation:

For our accommodated safari, we make use of mid-range lodge accommodation. Your accommodation is situated either in National Parks, on the banks of a river, or in other places of interest. The accommodation will be a mix of lodges, chalets and permanent tented chalets with en-suite facilities. Some properties are equipped with swimming pools and/or bar areas.

Spending money:

Clients are advised to bring enough money to cover the purchase of curios, tips for the guide and additional entertainment. US Dollars and Tanzanian Shilling are the most practical and convenient currencies.

Meals:

Breakfast and dinner will be prepared by the lodge where you are staying. They will also prepare lunch or a lunch pack depending on the itinerary for the day. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance.

First Aid:

Our guides are trained in basic first aid and the vehicle is equipped with a medical aid kit. Preventative Malaria medication should be taken before the trip and throughout its duration and it is advisable to consult a doctor prior to departure. Yellow Fever vaccinations are compulsory – please contact your Travel Clinic before departure.

Luggage:

Maximum baggage allowance: 12 kg. Jenman Safaris stipulates this luggage allowance, as an overloaded vehicle is a danger to both the clients and the guide. This does not include photographic equipment and a small daypack. Please bring soft-sided luggage (e.g. a backpack or soft barrel bag), not a suitcase. Don't bring too much clothing, as there are washing opportunities along the way. Please adhere to the allowance specified as space for luggage is limited.  

Insurance:

It is compulsory for all travellers to have insurance covering their personal requirements, medical expenses and personal possessions. This is to be arranged before leaving your home country. Jenman Safaris has comprehensive public liability insurance.

Packing:

• Shorts    
• Track suit    
• Walking shoes
• Light trousers/jeans    
• Swimming costume    
• Sandals    
• T-shirts    
• Sun hat    
• Windbreaker
• Warm clothes (May – August)    
• Long-sleeved shirts     
• Camera
• Torch    
• Mosquito protection   
• UV protection     
• Spare batteries

Visas:

The onus is on the client to organize all visas required for a visit to Tanzania prior to departure.

Information on areas visited

TANZANIA

A land of plains, lakes and mountains, with a narrow, low-lying coastal belt, Tanzania is East Africa's largest country and also one of its most diverse.  Tanzania is home for more than 100 different ethnic groups, mostly of Bantu origin, each with its own language and customs.
Tanzania has one of the largest and wildest animal populations in the world.  Wildebeest, monkey, antelope, lion, cheetah, crocodile, gazelle, and flamingo - you name them. Blessed with some of the world's largest game reserves, the country also has one of the highest concentrations of elephant, buffalo, hippo, wild dog and chimpanzee.
Its spectacular topography includes The Great Rift Valley, Mt Kilimanjaro and famous parks such as the Serengeti and the wonderful Ngorongoro Crater.
Offshore are idyllic islands with beautiful palm-fringed beaches and turquoise seas that surround pristine coral reefs.  The archaeological treasures of Tanzania include hominid fossils, which are more than 300 million years old.  Tanzanian music and dance dominates much of East Africa.  Strong in rhythm and renowned for hard-hitting lyrics, the country's Swahili-based sounds are kept very much alive by a thriving dance-band scene.  Nyama choma (barbecued meat) has taken over in a big way, especially in restaurants with attached bars.  But on the coast, on Zanzibar and Pemba islands, there's a decent range of traditional Swahili dishes based on seafood.
Recorded history begins around 1800, when the Masai warrior tribes were migrating from Kenya to Tanzania.  It wasn't until the middle of the 18th century that Arab traders and slaves dared venture into Masai territory in the country's wild interior.  European explorers began arriving in earnest in the mid-19th century, the most famous being Stanley and Livingstone.  The famous phrase ‘Dr Livingstone, I presume’, stems from the duo's meeting at Ujiji on Lake Tanganyika. Tanganyika won independence in 1961 with Julius Nyerere as the country's first president. Nyerere, whose secret ingredient was radical socialism, gained widespread respect and is seen as one of the most influential leaders Africa has ever had.  Zanzibar was stuck for another two years, after which the mainland forged a union comprising Zanzibar and the nearby island of Pemba. Thus Tanzania was born.
There is a wide range of optional activities to make your experience in Tanzania absolutely unforgettable.  Some great views can be experienced while floating in a hot-air balloon over the Serengeti.  While swimming with dolphins is all the rage on the island of Zanzibar.  Snorkelling and scuba diving is equally popular due to the world-class coral reefs off nearby Pemba and Mafia islands.

Tarangire National Park

The Tarangire National Park covers 2,600km² and habits the highest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti ecosystem. Here, you can watch huge herds of wildebeest, eland, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle and elephant moving through the undulating countryside and taking a rest under a vast number of baobab trees, or drinking at the lagoons and the rivers. Remember not to just look on the ground though, but have a look at the branches of the trees for lion, leopard and pythons or the amazing 550 bird species also found in this area.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park sits at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and is one of the most scenic parks in Tanzania. There are stunning views of the park from every direction. From the east, the Rift Valley escarpment emerges on the horizon with the lake forming a glistening background. On the southern side of the park, you will find the hot springs of Maji Moto, which are about 60ºC. At the top of the escarpment from the west, the park stretches across a ribbon of green with the lake shining in the sun. Like most Rift Valley lakes, the water is alkaline. This attracts vast flocks of flamingos, which form pink foam against a silver background of water. Altogether, this area offers beautiful views as you take in the massive lake with its silver shimmer and surrounding vegetation.
The major landmark is the spectacular rift wall, where the plains give way to cultivated uplands of Mbululand. Measuring only 330km2 (of which the lake occupies 230km2) and located only 130km from Arusha, this park often gets day visitors, who come to enjoy the endless views and variety of mammals, reptiles and birds, as well as the varied vegetation, flora and fauna.
Animals found in the area include zebra, elephant, hippo, monkey, wildebeest (gnu), waterbuck, warthog, gazelle, impala, buffalo, warthog, hyena, baboon and giraffe. Manyara is also known for its tree-climbing lions. These majestic animals find shelter from the heat and biting flies in the branches of trees and can easily kill buffalo, which is far greater in weight and size. There are also over 350 species of bird life, with a variety of local species inhabiting the forest and bush, including pelicans that waddle around next to short grasses on the shore of the lake.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Being one of the largest calderas in the world, 20 km (12.4 miles)-wide, 600 m (1.968ft) tall, with a variety of animals and vegetation, Ngorongoro Crater is one of Tanzania’s most visited areas. The vegetation includes grasslands, swamps, forests, salt-pans, as well as a freshwater lake and has been compared to Noah's Ark or the Garden of Eden.  
You will have no trouble finding lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and many of the plains herbivores such as wildebeest (gnu), Thomson's gazelle, zebra and reedbuck, as well as thousands of flamingo wading in the shallows of Lake Magadi, the soda lake on the floor of the crater. Within the steep walls of the crater you will find considerable movement of animals and you may well come across local Masai tribesmen (who have grazing rights here), tending their cattle.

Lake Eyasi

Lake Eyasi is a scenic soda lake found on the southern border of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This less visited lake lies at the base of the Eyasi escarpment on the western rift valley wall. To the northeast, as far as your eyes can see, the horizon is dominated by the impressive Crater Highlands, and to the north the plains of the Serengeti. Lake Eyasi is inhabited by small groups of Bushmen, in particular the Hadzabe & Datoga Tribes.

Hadzabe: An ethnic group who live in groups hunting with bow and arrows and gathering roots, tubers and wild fruits much as humankind lived in the Stone Age.

Datoga: The Datoga are nomadic cattle herders who also live around the lake. They are blacksmiths by trade and supply the Hadzabe with heads for their arrows and both the Hadzabe as well as the Masai with various ornaments and jewellery.

The people of these indigenous tribes are probably the last living in true harmony with nature and have a wealth of Fauna and Flora knowledge to share.

Lake Ndutu

Lake Ndutu forms a shallow basin where water accumulates from the nearby areas of slightly higher altitude. The water in the lake is extremely saline, too saline for human consumption but Lake Ndutu becomes alive with animals during the migration because it is surrounded by the Ndutu woodlands and the Short Grass Plains, which provide ample cover and food.

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti, which sprawls across 14.763 km2 (5.757 miles2), is Tanzania’s largest and most famous national park. The chief herbivore of Serengeti is the wildebeest (gnu) of which there are up to two million. The amazing annual migration of wildebeest herds is one of the biggest attractions of the Serengeti. It begins at the Serengeti National Park near the Kenyan border, when huge herds of these animals, head for greener pastures in Kenya.  Starting in April each year, they migrate across the Serengeti's southern plains accompanied by zebra, antelope, gazelle, lion and tourists! The park is also famous for its lions, which can be tracked due to the fact that many have collars fitted with transmitters, as well as cheetah and large herds of giraffe.