Day
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Destination
Arrival -JRO
(Kilimanjaro Airport)
MANYARA national park
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Serengeti National Park
ngorongoro crater
departure day & optional visit to shanga artisans' WORKSHOP
Description
Arrive JRO airport and meet with our driver guide.Transfer to GRACELAND HOTEL in Arusha for a welcome dinner and a briefing by your TOUCHSTONE guide.
We begin our journey with a visit to Lake Manyara National Park made famous by its tree climbing lions. Although one of Tanzania's smaller parks it offers breathtaking views and a large variety of habitats: acacia woodlands, baobab strewn cliffs, hot springs, swamps and the lake itself. It also supports a large number of animal species and has the largest concentration of baboons anywhere in the world. We'll break up our day's visit with a packed lunch enjoyed at a scenic viewpoint then continue our safari with an afternoon game drive ending before heading to our next lodge for dinner and an overnight of relaxation.
This morning we travel across the Ngorongoro Conservation Area heading towards your first glimpse of the famous plains of the Serengeti National Park. Feel the thrill of being the first of your group to spot one of the"big five". Keep alert for a leopard sleeping in the tree tops. The park offers unlimited opportunities to see animals in their natural habitat:wildebeests during their annual migration attempting to cross the croc-infested Mara River but also peacefully grazing zebra, impala and the majestic giraffe. Once inside the gates we'll have a picnic lunch where you're invited to follow a trail to the top of a nearby hill which boasts stunning views over the Serengeti. In the evening experience the wonder of a "luxury tented camp".
Early risers will enjoy an unforgettable sunrise over the plains of the Serengeti and after a hearty breakfast join their group for today's full-day game drive where you'll continue to experience why the Serengeti calls to so many adventurers. Today's drive will give you ample opportunities to continue the search for the "big five" as well as hone your bird recognition skills.
Between sightings our highly knowledgeable guides will initiate you into the fascinating and hidden world of the symbiotic relationships of our wildlife.
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Guaranteed to be a highlight of your safari, today's drive begins with an early morning descent into the crater itself. Notice the change in temperature as we drop down onto its floor and the spectacular panorama that will make up the backdrop for your day of magic. Look for hyenas, mountain reedbuck and jackals. Bird lovers will be enchanted by the numerous species including white pelicans and flamingos that dot the crater lakes of Ndutu and Magadu. We'll stop for a mid-day break along the shores of one of these lakes, a favorite watering hole not only of waterfowl but also hippos.
After breakfast at the lodge our guests connecting with a morning or afternoon flight will be transferred to JRO airport. Guests catching an evening flight will have the opportunity to visit the SHANGA WORKSHOP and VISITOR CENTER in Arusha where they may observe people with disabilities creating stunning handmade jewelry and glassware - all for purchase in the gift shop. If your flight schedule permits you may also enjoy a leisurely lunch at SHANGRA'S excellent on-site cafe before being driven to the airport and your farewell to your guide and to Tanzania.
