8 Nights – Plenty to Love
Visiting the top spots in Northern Tanzania but keeping away from the hoards and with a few special treats from cultural interaction to a few days incredible wilderness walking in the Serengeti
Day 1 Hotel in Arusha
Met on arrival at Kilimanjaro airport by your guide and transferred to Arusha for the night. B&B
Day 2
Mysigio Camp – EXCLUSIVE USE PRIVATE CAMP
Leave Arusha after breakfast initially heading south and then crossing the Great Rift Valley en route to Ngorongoro. En route visit Lake Manyara National Park – a fascinating place – very different to most of the other parks in the area in that it is a narrow strip of land sandwiched between the Great Rift escarpment and Lake Manyara itself. The springs at the base of the escarpment produce unique, lush groundwater forests, whilst the lakeshore offers open grazing. Whilst the park is famous for its tree climbing lions it is also home to large resident populations of elephant and giraffe. The freshwater stream feeding into the soda waters of the lake are a tremendous feeding ground for hundreds of birds from pelicans to flamingos as well as the favorite wallow of the hippo pods.
Leave Manyara late afternoon and continue on towards Ngorongoro. The route takes you through the rolling fertile foothills of Ngorongoro up to the gate of the Conservation Area. Once through the gate the scenery changes dramatically – the murram road threads its way up steep heavily wooded hills until finally bursting on to the crater rim. Enjoy spectacular views into the crater before continuing on around the rim and then onto the southern flank of the highlands – the heart of Maasai Country – to our Mysigio Camp.
We have a luxury camp near Ngorongoro Crater. The camp is located about 20 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist highway in a grove of ancient acacia trees near Mysigio Village. Ole Dorop, a Maasai elder who has worked with African Environments for 15 years on walking safaris, is a fascinating character who is trying to lead his people along the narrow line between embracing the modern world (education, schooling, health and veterinary care) and preserving his unique culture. He speaks good English and is a fascinating guide to the area, and he will proudly show you his village and take you on walks in the surrounding hills, as well as sitting around the hot stove and talking about his life in Africa.
The Camp itself is made up of large sleeping tents made up as singles, twins or doubles; each with an ensuite shower and toilet, twin washbasins and a private veranda. There are separate Mess and Lounge tents, each with a wood burning stove. The Lounge tent is a wonderful place to relax, read books, play games or simply mull over the days experiences.
Day 3
Mysigio Camp – Ngorongoro– EXCLUSIVE USE PRIVATE CAMP
An early start for a full day exploring the Ngorongoro Crater. Formed about 2.5 million years ago by the collapse of a super volcano, this amazing caldera, two thousand feet deep and about 10 miles across and is one of the natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO world heritage site. It is home to a huge number of resident animals – estimated to be over 25,000 large mammals and 300 different species. Many are well habituated so it’s the perfect spot for those close-up animal shots and watching wildlife behavior – All of the ‘big 5’ can be seen here including the elusive Rhino. Don’t forget the birds! …with over 550 different species to look out for in this birder’s paradise.
Day 4
Camp – Serengeti National Park– EXCLUSIVE USE PRIVATE CAMP
Drive on to the Serengeti, game viewing as you cross the plains, perhaps stopping in at the Olduvai Gorge archaeological site on the way.
The Serengeti ecosystem is a vast area with no fences, including the plains of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as well as the Serengeti National Park itself and home to the largest migration in the world. This annual wildebeest migration is tied to the seasonal rains so the timing is hard to predict exactly, however African Environments have a luxury camp that is moved around the Serengeti to ensure the best wildlife viewing position for the time of year. The camp is pitched in one of the National Parks ‘special campsites’ where we get exclusive use of these areas. From the camp you can game drive to your heart’s content with the camp revolving around your schedule. If you want to go game viewing at dawn, the camp crew will make sure you have a cup of tea or coffee before departure, will send you off with some freshly made breakfast biscuits to keep you going, and will have a big breakfast waiting back at camp at about 10 o’clock. Perhaps you would prefer to venture further afield for a long day of game viewing with one of our sumptuous picnic lunches. Days can be planned with your driver guide so as to give you the best possible experience.
One of the special things about camping in the Serengeti is the nights; they are unforgettable! Sitting around a roaring campfire with the darkness all around, not a light in sight. Listening to the sound of the bush, a lion roaring in the distance, a pack of hyenas whooping or perhaps the alarm calls of a startled herd of zebra. Then in to the mess tent for a fantastic three course dinner and a chance to mull over the events of the day and plan the next day’s adventures.
Days 5
Pembezoni Camp – Serengeti National Park– EXCLUSIVE USE PRIVATE CAMP
Spend another day exploring this vast ecosystem seeking out the concentrations of game and the attendant predators.
Perhaps up before dawn for a cup of coffee and a biscuit then as the sky lightens head off for a final game view. This is an exciting time of day as the nocturnal animals shuffle off to their lair and hand over to the ‘day shift’. You can stumble upon a fresh kill and watch a succession of predators and scavengers reducing the carcass to nothing but a few scuff marks in the grass within a few short hours. In the Serengeti nothing is wasted. Then back to camp for a sumptuous breakfast before heading out again.
One of the great things about the Serengeti – aside from the vastness of it – is the sense of timelessness and peace that it bestows. On these days on an African Environments safari you can move as the wildlife dictates or on a whim, a rare treat in our fast paced modern world. Then as the day draws in head back to camp for another night under the stars.
Day 6
Lightweight Wilderness Camp – Serengeti National Park – EXCLUSIVE USE PRIVATE CAMP
Leaving the security of the game viewing tracks we head off-road into the wilderness walking areas. These areas were not visited for nearly 70 years since the National Park was created in the early 1950’s except by the occasional ranger patrol. They offer a view of the Serengeti as it was, unmarred by game viewing tracks and lodges. Once in camp we can go for an afternoon orientation walk, remembering that here we are the intruders and we must learn to blend in if we are to get the full benefits of our visit. This section of the safari is even more exclusive, you will not see any other people whilst walking – it is literally like having your own private Eden. Overnight in the Wilderness Camp – separate dome tents with standing headroom, cots with duvets and pillows, there are separate shared toilet and shower tents and a mess tent serving the usual delicious food.
Days 7
Lightweight Wilderness Camp – Serengeti National Park – EXCLUSIVE USE PRIVATE CAMP
Another full day of walking to explore this primal landscape – we set off early in the cool of the morning, stopping for lunch in the heat of the day under a shady tree or a cool overhang. There is no ‘route’ and there are no trails – this wilderness – we can wander wherever we like, we can climb kopjes, we can walk along dry riverbeds, your guide knows the area but there is still much to be explored. Together you will plan the day, decide how far you will walk, what things you would like to see, if you want to hike all day with a packed lunch or if you want to have lunch in camp and head out again for another walk in the late afternoon when it’s cooler. You will discuss where the camp will move to …. You are part of the team. There is virtually nowhere else in the world where you can have this freedom to decide – normally any walking holiday is constrained by rules, terrain or logistics – here we are free from all of these and can roam at will.
Walking in the Serengeti is not about covering huge distances, it is about moving slowly so as not to disturb the wildlife, peering around a rock kopjes to see a herd of impala grazing, oblivious to our presence, or perhaps sitting above a waterhole to watch as the game comes down to drink.
It’s about enjoying the smaller pleasures, finding out about the traditional medicinal properties of a tree, following the honey guide bird as it leads us to a hive and on occasion getting our hearts racing as we stalk the larger more dangerous game, buffalo and elephant or even perhaps lion. As we have walked the camp will have been taken down, moved ahead of us and re-erected in a new location This is truly a ‘safari’ – a journey – as we move though the wilderness.
As we travel though the Serengeti, we will begin to unlock its secrets, following the animal tracks to discover the spring that never dries even at the hottest time of year, the small glades with the flush of sweet grass or the cave that the porcupine drags the old bones into.
Or wandering amongst the towering rock kopjes that dot the area, finding the spot where the elephants dig for water in the dry river beds, or perhaps coming upon a lion kill and watching from a distance as a succession of animals from lions and hyena through jacals and vultures literally devour a carcass until nothing remains but some churned up soil and a stark white skeleton – nature in the raw with all its beauty and danger.
The Wilderness Camp for a final night of relaxing around the camp fire under the vast, star-studded African sky, listening to lions’ roar at each other across the plains as we settle down to sleep.
Day 8
Camp – Serengeti National Park– EXCLUSIVE USE PRIVATE CAMP
Last morning in the wilderness and another flexible day – you could decide to walk a little more until lunch time before heading out of the wilderness and back to Pembezoni or perhaps head out after breakfast and go game driving one again.
That evening a final dinner and talk around the campfire – reliving the experiences and planning your return.
Days 9
Depart
An early start for the game drive back across the vast plains and up over the Ngorongoro Highlands with tantalizing glimpses down into the crater before hitting the tarmac for the run on back to Arusha. Passing Lake Manyara and crossing the Great Rift Valley before turning north on the Pan African Highway. Arriving there mid to late afternoon in time to connect to an evening flight.
About the Safari and the Rates
All departures are run as private trips with specially converted 4×4 safari vehicles with game viewing hatches and inspirational guides who not only know their wildlife but are also great travelling companions and good company.
The safari camps are all on an exclusive basis – no shared mess / dining experiences – just your group!
We will take care of ALL the arrangements from meeting your clients arriving at Kilimanjaro Airport to waving them off for their flight home.
Our aim is to offer a unique and authentic experience, that is personalized and exclusive – please let us know if there are any special dates during the trip – birthdays, anniversaries etc so we can make a fuss of the clients.
We have tried to include as much as we can think of so there are no hidden costs during the trip – a list of what we have included is below the prices.
Do have a look at our low season special below – its an incredible opportunity to have a traditional exclusive safari as a bargain price!
All the confidential trade prices below are net to us and are in US Dollars. Please remember that we don’t retail to the public and we don’t publish rates anywhere.
2024 Net Agent Prices in US Dollars
Single tent supplement $400
We have tried to include as much as we possibly can and have a list below – if there is something that is not mentioned or is not clear please let us know.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- Tents and group camping equipment when in our Camps.
- Airport transfers
- Meals daily per itinerary (in Lodges, camps and while trekking)
- Wine, beer and sodas with the evening meal when in our camps
- Head Guide with years of experience on safari and a qualified Wilderness First Responder.
- Rugged and reliable 4×4 safari vehicles with seat belts and roof hatches.
- Assistant guides and other staff as needed, like cooks and assistant cooks
- Safe drinking water
- Group medical kit
- Park fee & camping fees for Tanzanian National Parks & other protected areas
- Transportation to all locations visited, per itinerary
- Experienced head guide to travel with group during the entire trip.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- International flights
- Accommodation before or after the itinerary
- Tanzania visa ($50/ $100 depending on Nationality, purchased upon arrival)
- Immunizations for travel to Africa -see list on our website
- Travel insurance
- Medical & Evacuation insurance
- Drinks not included with hotels
- Snacks, laundry, phone calls
- All personal items for trip – see packing list on our website
- Tipping camp staff (approx. $12-18 per person per night)
- Tipping of safari driver & guide (approx. $60-80 per person for the whole trip)
The Environment
As you may have guessed from our name, we are acutely aware of our impact on the fragile environment we travel through and have been ‘green’ since long before it was trendy! …..we have taken all sorts of steps to try and minimize our impact from virtually eliminating single use plastics (we filter clients drinking water with state of the art Katadyne water filters), our camps are not permanent structures with bricks and cement but traditional safari camps that when we finally move there will be nothing but a few patches of dead grass that will quickly recover. We feel a strong responsibility towards the Eden that we work in – we have a booklet in camp that clients can flick through to see how we are working to minimize impacts.
For more information contact
explore@raretrails.com