Tanzania Walking Safari
Day 1 Ngorongoro Crater (Pre night required but not included in Arusha)
After breakfast and a briefing at your Arusha hotel, depart to Ngorongoro. Pause to admire the views of Lake Manyara from the escarpment above, then continue to the farming region of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation area.
The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNSECO World Heritage site, is the largest unbroken caldera in the world. Surrounded by very steep walls rising 610 metres from the crater floor, this natural amphitheatre measures 3042km in area. It is home to up to 30 000 animals, almost half being wildebeest and zebra. Buffalo, elephant, hippo, hyena, jackal, lion, serval, warthog, bushbuck, eland, huge herds of both Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle and numerous other buck are easily seen on the crater floor.
Thanks to anti-poaching patrols, the crater is now one of the few places in East Africa where visitors can see black rhino, with the number now approaching 25. Leopard may occasionally be seen in the trees of the forest surrounding the crater while cheetah are also present. Countless flamingo form a pink blanket over the soda lakes while more than 100 species of birds not found in the Serengeti have been spotted.
Optional afternoon walk with a local Maasai guide in the area. Overnight Maasai Mara.
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti National Park
Head off early and descend into the Ngorongoro crater caldera for a morning of game viewing. After a picnic lunch, we head toward the open Serengeti plains.
The Serengeti National Park is arguably the best known wildlife sanctuary in the world. Serengeti means “endless plains” in the Masai language, and within its boundaries are more than three million large mammals. About 35 species of plains animals may be seen here, including the so-called “big seven” – buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, cheetah and African hunting dog. There is, of course, also a profusion of birdlife with over 500 species including bustards, cranes, eagles, herons, owls, storks, vultures and the bizarre, long-legged secretary birds. Arrive late afternoon at your camp which will be home for the next two nights. (Depending on season) Overnight Serengeti National Park.
Day 3 Full day game drives Serengeti
Enjoy a full day of game drives in the Serengeti. Feel like you have stepped into the Lion King movie with the amazing plains of this national park. Overnight Serengeti National Park.
Day 4 & 5: Serengeti –Walking Safari
Today is the big day! You will be accompanied by a trained, armed Parks guide as well as your Wild Frontiers’ guide as you head off on your walking safari. Two nights/three days are spent on this walk – unfolding the ‘smaller species’ and enjoying the solitude that a walking safari offers. Overnight Serengeti National Park.
What to expect on your walking safari.....
Typically, you will have an early light breakfast... and start your walk before it gets too hot, and also to maximise the opportunity of seeing game when it’s a little more active, and with good photographic opportunities (ie lighting!). We aim to walk about 3-4 hours in the morning maximum, before arriving at the camp and enjoying a brunch/lunch. The afternoon will be spent relaxing at the camp, before heading off for a shorter walk in the vicinity of the camp. Return for sundowners and dinner/overnight. All your supplies, tents etc are moved forward by your camp crew, leaving you with only your water and snacks to carry in your day pack. Overnight in a lightweight camp which consists of 2.5m by 2.5m walk-in dome tents, mess tent, bedding and mattresses, chairs, bush toilet and shower, fridge / cool box, and camp lighting.
Day 6 Serengeti –Walking Safari
This morning, enjoy a final morning walk in the cool of the day. You then meet the vehicle for your transfer back to your camp in time for lunch. Optional afternoon game drive. Overnight Serengeti National Park.
Day 7 Departure from Arusha
Transfer by road or air back to Arusha. (Flight is optional but highly recommended. It’s a very long road transfer back to Arusha)
On safari.....
You are accompanied by an experienced guide, a safari chef and a camp assistant - all fully trained professionals who will prioritise your comfort and safety as well as striving to ensure optimal game- viewing opportunities throughout your journey.
In the safari vehicle you will find a selection of reference books on the parks, their flora and fauna, and a cool box or fridge for drinks. The land-cruisers have game viewing hatches that allow 360- degree views, and are spacious and have an inverter for charging batteries, cameras and phones.
Inclusions
Pick up from Arusha hotel and briefing
Services of driver/ guide
Park entrance fees
1 night accommodation at Sopa Ngorongoro or similar
3 nights accommodation at Serengeti/ Ndutu Wilderness Camps
2 nights accommodation in Lightweight Walking Camp
Back up crew and vehicle for walking safari
Services of National Park guides on walk, walking safari fees. camp fees, and guide costs
Three meals a day whilst on safari and bottled water on walks
Serengeti Wilderness Camp/ Ndutu/ Serengeti North Wilderness Camp will include local beer, house wine and soft drinks in the Full board package
Excluded
nternational and domestic flights
Pre/ post accommodation in Arusha
Airport transfers
Drinks & tips except for what is stated in inclusions
Any additional excursions not noted above such as Maasai Mara walk
Medical/evacuation/cancellation insurance strongly suggested
Personal expenses such as laundry, bar bills, room service, etc
Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
Gratuities of any kind (Safari Guide/Porterage/hotel and restaurant staff/drivers/etc
Visa - Passport must be valid for 6 months