10-Day Wildlife Safari & Culture Tour
Embrace the call of the wild & dive into ancient cultures on this exhilarating 10-day adventure that promises unforgettable experiences!
Immerse yourself in Tanzania’s wild beauty and rich culture on this thrilling 10-day safari and cultural tour. Your adventure begins with an overnight stay at Olpopongi Maasai Village, where you’ll be welcomed by the vibrant Maasai community. Discover their traditions and sleep in an authentic Maasai boma, experiencing a culture deeply connected to the land.
Your safari journey kicks off the next day in Tarangire National Park, famous for its striking baobab trees and massive elephant herds. Spot lions, zebras, and giraffes as you traverse this stunning gem of a park. Next, venture into the vast Serengeti, where every game drive is an adventure, offering intimate encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife in one of the world’s most spectacular natural settings.
Next, visit the Ngorongoro Crater, an ancient volcanic caldera that offers an astonishing density of wildlife. Descend into this “Garden of Eden” and witness the Big Five, alongside rare species like the black rhino, all against the breathtaking backdrop of the crater walls. Your safari culminates at Lake Manyara National Park where you may spot flamingos and other water birds, a large baboon population, and hippos against a backdrop of stunning scenery.
Last but not least, spend a beautiful day exploring the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro on a beautiful guided tour of Materuni Village.
This unique 10-day tour offers a perfect blend of culture and a world-class safari, ensuring unforgettable encounters with both Tanzania’s wildlife and its vibrant heritage.
Accommodations
On this safari, you can choose between two different types of accommodation according to your budget :
- Camping :
On a budget safari in Tanzania, staying in public campsites offers a basic, adventurous experience. You sleep in simple tents, with minimal facilities like shared bathrooms and cold showers. These campsites are usually unfenced, so you can hear and sometimes see wildlife roaming nearby, adding excitement to the experience. Meals are typically prepared by your own personal cook, and you’ll likely bond with fellow travelers in a communal setting. Though less luxurious, it’s a raw, immersive way to experience the Tanzanian wilderness at a more affordable price.
- Mid-range lodge : Please click here for examples of the different lodges we use. All meals will be provided by the lodge.
If you wish to upgrade to superior or luxury accommodations, please contact us to inquire about the additional cost.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival & Transfer to Moshi
Welcome to Tanznaia! Today, upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by our English-speaking driver who will transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. You’ll have the afternoon free to rest up before your adventure begins tomorrow morning.
Day 2 : Moshi – West Kilimanjaro/Olpopongi Maasai Village
This morning, you embark on a 2-hour drive from Moshi to West Kilimanjaro where Olpopongi Maasai Village awaits you. Here, you’ll spend a wonderful day and night in the company of these fascinating people.
Olpopongi offers you a unique experience in this traditional Masai Boma (=fortified enclosure), located in the heart of the arid lands known as Maasai Land. After a warm welcome with traditional song and dance, you’ll learn all about the history of the Maasai during an informative tour of the village. Additionally, you’ll go on a walking safari where you’ll learn about the medicinal plants that grow in the area and how they’re used by the Maasai to this day. You’ll most likely spot some zebra and giraffe along the way.
In the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner as you marvel at the star studded sky. After some stories around the campfire with your Maasai hosts, you’ll retire to your traditional Maasai mud hut for a comfortable and quiet night. This unforgettable cultural experience deeply connects you to the Maasai’s rich heritage and their timeless way of life.
Day 3 : West Kilimanjaro – Tarangire National Park
After a leisurely breakfast with your Maasai hosts, your safari adventure kicks off! Prepare for a 4 hour drive from West Kilimanjaro to Tarangire National Park, giving you a glimpse of Tanzanian daily life along the way. You should arrive at the park entrance at around noon.
Tarangire is a haven of beauty and wildlife! Imagine vast grasslands dotted with colossal baobab trees and termite hills. This park is like no other, boasting loads of animals per square kilometer. Tarangire is a hotspot for big cats, as well as wildebeest, zebra, giraffe and buffalo, to name just a few. You’ll also catch sight of one of Africa’s biggest elephant herds and with a little luck, you may spot the rare Oryx, Elk, and Greater Kudu!
Day 4 : Tarangire National Park – Karatu
On your second day in Tarangire National Park, the adventure intensifies as you dive deeper into its wild heart. Picture herds of majestic elephants, larger here than anywhere in Tanzania, weaving between ancient baobabs. Watch in awe as predators like lions and leopards stalk the lush riverbanks, while giraffes tower above the plains. The sight of zebras, wildebeest, and gazelles dashing across the savannah will leave you breathless. As you track wildlife near Tarangire River, famous for its vibrant ecosystem, every moment is a thrill, every corner promises untamed beauty. It’s raw, wild Africa at its finest!
Day 5 : Karatu – Serengeti National Park
Today’s adventure takes you to the heart of the world-renowned Serengeti National Park via the beautiful Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The 3-hour drive takes you into the heart of wild Africa, surrounded by endless plains rolling in the distance. These spectacular landscapes are home to the Maasai tribe who live in harmony alongside the region’s abundant wildlife. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to many animals including giraffe, zebra, Grant and Thomson gazelle, buffalo and wildebeest.
Upon arrival at the entry gate to Serengeti you’ll stop for lunch before heading out to the central area of the park known as Seronera, one of the richest wildlife habitats in Serengeti. Your first Serengeti game drive is on!
Serengeti is a vast wilderness where the raw beauty of nature unfolds before your eyes. Its endless plains are home to an astonishing variety of wildlife, from prowling lions and elusive leopards to towering giraffes and graceful gazelles. Experience the thrill of tracking cheetahs as they race across the savannah or watching elephants move majestically through the landscape.
Experience Serengeti’s golden sunset as it casts a magical glow over the land, creating picture-perfect moments.
Day 6 : Serengeti National Park
This morning, get ready to wake up very early! Rising before sunrise in Serengeti offers a magical experience as the plains come alive. In the soft, golden dawn, predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards are most active, hunting under the cover of darkness. Early hours increase your chances of witnessing thrilling chases and the raw beauty of nature’s survival instincts in action. Every game drive is an adventure in Serengeti, offering intimate encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife in one of the world’s most spectacular natural settings.
Day 7 : Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu
After an early breakfast, your safari vehicle rumbles to life, embarking on a thrilling journey through the majestic Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The landscape transforms from endless plains to the lush highlands as you approach the iconic Ngorongoro Crater. Upon arrival, the descent into the crater begins, revealing a hidden world teeming with wildlife. On the crater floor, your game drive awaits—zebras, rhinos, and lions roam the ancient caldera. Elephants bathe in shimmering lakes, while flamingos gather at the water’s edge. Every turn offers breathtaking encounters, making this one of Africa’s most unforgettable safari experiences.
Day 8 : Karatu – Lake Manyara National Park- Moshi
This morning you head to your final safari destination – Lake Manyara National Park. This park offers an enchanting mix of diverse landscapes and wildlife. As you journey through lush groundwater forests, open savannahs, and along the lake’s edge, you’ll encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, and flamingos (depending on season) in their natural splendor. The soda lake attracts thousands of migratory birds, creating a vibrant spectacle of color and sound (depending on season). Dense woodlands reveal large families of monkeys, while herds of buffalo roam the grassy plains. The park’s intimate size and rich biodiversity provide a serene and immersive safari experience, with the Rift Valley escarpment offering beautiful views.
In the early afternoon, just after your last bush lunch, you’ll head out of the park and hit the road for the drive back to Moshi.
Day 9 : Materuni Village Tour
Your day at Materuni Village promises a deep dive into Tanzania’s vibrant culture and natural beauty. Begin with a guided trek through lush, green landscapes towards the stunning Materuni Waterfalls. As the mist rises from the falls, you’ll feel the cool mountain breeze and marvel at the breathtaking scenery. Afterward, enjoy a delicious local lunch prepared by the villagers, featuring traditional Chagga cuisine. The experience doesn’t end there—immerse yourself in a hands-on coffee ceremony, where you’ll learn the art of roasting, grinding, and brewing fresh coffee the traditional way. The rich aroma and the warmth of local hospitality will make this day a truly authentic and unforgettable cultural adventure.
Day 10: Departure
This morning after breakfast, our driver will ensure that you arrive at the airport on time for your flight back home or on to your next destination.
Included
- Pick-up at Kilimanjaro International Airport on Day 1 and transfer to your hotel in Moshi
- 2 nights mid-range hotel accommodation in Moshi (Day 1 & Day 9)
- Excursion: Full day and night at Olpopongi Maasai Village
- Excursion: Materuni village, waterfalls & coffee tour
- All national park entry fees
- Services of your professional English-speaking safari guide
- All meals except on arrival day and dinner on Days 8 & 9
- Bottled water during your safari
- Either camping or mid-range lodge accommodation during your safari, depending on which package you choose
- Transportation in a 4X4 Land Cruiser with open-top roof for panoramic viewing while on safari
- Transfer from hotel in Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport on Day 10
- 18% VAT
Not Included
- Flight tickets
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcohol, juices & soft drinks
- Tips / gratuities for your safari guide and other guides