Overview
Thinking of violets? Second try. It’s the mountains. 30-million-year-old rainforests in the shadow of Kilimanjaro. The Maasai live here, and it’s the most biodiverse region in the world: elephants in Tarangire National Park, vast herds of big game in the Serengeti, the highest density of predators in Africa in the Ngorongoro Crater, and just about everything that flies in Lake Manyara National Park.
Highlights
- Rhinos and wild dogs in the Mkomazi Wildlife Reserve
- 8-day national park safari
- 2 hikes in the Usambara Mountains
- Walking safari with a Maasai
- Dream nights at Shu'mata Camp
- Coffee tasting and lunch at a coffee plantation
Itinerary
After landing and receiving a warm welcome at the airport, your adventure begins. You'll head to Shu'mata Camp, perched on a hilltop in the savanna of the Kilimanjaro-Amboseli ecosystem. The journey takes you along the main road for a short distance before continuing on side tracks, and then it's time for a panoramic African experience! With ever-changing vistas before your eyes, you'll draw ever closer to your destination in the traditional Maasai territory. The savanna landscape surrounding Shu'mata, dotted with acacia woodlands, stretches from the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro. After a brief coffee break at the camp, you'll embark on an approximately one-hour hike along Shu'mata Hill, accompanied by a local Maasai guide, learning fascinating facts about the local flora and fauna. Afterward, pure relaxation awaits you in your comfortable tent.
The included meals consist of coffee and pastries upon arrival and dinner.
The journey covers approximately 80 km.
Early in the morning, you'll be woken with tea or coffee to witness the magnificent sunrise on your morning safari. Giraffes are a sure thing this morning, and you'll likely spot a giraffe gazelle or two as well. The chances of seeing elephant herds with mothers and calves are also high, as they too are early risers, and your early start will certainly be rewarded with these four-legged creatures in front of your camera. Around midday, you'll return to your accommodation. It won't be until the afternoon that you'll have to tear yourself away from gazing into the distance. Perhaps you already saw the blinking lights in the distance last night and wondered what they could be? Today you'll learn how this lighting trick protects the Maasai fields and cattle from lions at night, thus ensuring a peaceful coexistence between the Maasai and the lions. As the sun slowly sets, you'll drive back to camp. You can enjoy a relaxing dinner to end the day.
Breakfast , lunch and dinner are included in the price.
Enjoy one last breakfast, then it's time to say goodbye and head towards Tarangire National Park. The park is characterized by a savannah landscape, known especially for its large elephant herds and impressive baobab trees. The Tarangire River flows through the park, usually carrying enough water even during the annual dry season from July to October, making it a magnet for all the animals living in the region. And it's not just elephants you'll encounter; warthogs, buffalo, waterbuck, and perhaps even lions will cross your path. The botanists and ornithologists in your group will be in their element in this park. Observing the various bird species will round off today's game drive. Take one last photo before heading to your accommodation in the afternoon.
Breakfast , a picnic, and dinner are included in the price.
The route covers approximately 220 km.
Just as the Maasai once moved on day after day, so do we today. We move on, getting closer to the Serengeti every day. But first, another small but impressive national park lies on our route. Here, you'll be treated to the imposing backdrop of the towering walls of the Great Rift Valley. And in the foreground, Lake Manyara National Park, our first destination for today. A short break at the gate until the driver is ready, then into the car and off we go! Giraffes, elephants, and hippos are particularly easy to spot here, as are birds like flamingos, pelicans, ibises, red-billed storks, kingfishers, and cormorants. Lions might be another highlight, perhaps even appearing in the trees – we're keeping our fingers crossed! And we'd almost bet that the most numerous species you'll see are baboons – you'll have to wait and see. In the afternoon, we'll drive to our accommodation, before the next highlight awaits us tomorrow.
The included meals consist of breakfast, a picnic lunch, and dinner.
The route covers approximately 185 km.
Today we're starting early, because the Ngorongoro Crater is going to be at its best. You'll be amazed at how many animals live in such a relatively small area. The crater boasts the highest density of predators in Africa. Since the waterholes in the crater never completely dry up, the animals often remain within it for their entire lives and don't migrate. This gives you the chance to see a great many animals in one place. The black rhinoceros, one of the Big Five, also calls this place home, and you'll naturally be on the lookout for it. Don't forget to take in the breathtaking scenery amidst all the four-legged creatures; the crater walls offer stunning panoramic views. After a picnic lunch, we'll enjoy another game drive, and then it's back up to the crater rim. One last look, and then it's time to move on.
The included meals consist of breakfast, a bush lunch and dinner.
The journey covers approximately 200 km.
The word Serengeti means "endless land" to the Maasai. And it doesn't overpromise, as you can see for yourself today. You'll set off early in the morning to experience the breathtaking sunrise and take advantage of the best opportunities to spot hyenas, jackals, and other wildlife. Around midday, when the animals retreat into the shade, you'll return to your lodge for brunch. There, you can once again soak in the endless expanse in the daylight. In the afternoon, another game drive awaits, and you'll set off in search of buffalo, elephants, leopards, lions, cheetahs, and more. Typical of the area are the kopjes, small rocky islets where lions like to bask in the sun, so keep a sharp eye out for them. And with a bit of luck, you might even see a cheetah or lion hunting its dinner.
Breakfast , lunch and dinner are included in the price.
Today you will be on a game drive both in the morning and afternoon.
If you'd like to experience even more, we have the following recommendation for you:
- Experience a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti at sunrise, followed by a champagne breakfast amidst nature. The price for the approximately one-hour hot air balloon ride with breakfast is €650 per person.
Other international guests will also participate. The duration and route of the flight depend on the weather and wind conditions. This optional activity takes place as an alternative to the early morning safari. Please book this excursion with Afromagic Adventures well in advance of your trip.
Haven't seen all the animals yet? No problem, there are more opportunities today on a game drive through the Serengeti. In the savannah landscape, you might spot some animals that didn't cross your path yesterday. Or simply let the endless expanse work its magic on you. Enjoy the last few hours before heading towards Karatu in the early afternoon to your next accommodation. To end the day, a fantastic view awaits you: coffee as far as the eye can see!
The included meals consist of breakfast, a picnic lunch, and dinner.
The journey covers approximately 180 km.
This morning, breakfast awaits you after you wake up. Then it's off to a short drive, arriving in a small village at the foot of Mount Meru. At the church, you'll meet your local guide, who will introduce you to the customs and traditions of the Meru people during a walk through the village. Then, you'll be greeted with a friendly "Jambo" at the Kahawa coffee plantation. You'll get a hands-on look at how coffee is made. There will be hardly any questions left unanswered, only a growing craving for a cup of coffee. What would a coffee plantation be without a taste test? Of course, we won't miss that opportunity, so look forward to a delicious cup. But that's not all; a local lunch has also been prepared for you. Now that's the life! After all these new experiences, you'll travel to Moshi, where the students of "More Than A Drop" are eagerly awaiting you. This project, with its attached guesthouse, is dedicated to providing disadvantaged girls with training in the hospitality industry. After you've settled into your room and rested a bit, a highlight awaits you in the early evening. We'll roll up our sleeves, let the girls show us how to prepare typical Tanzanian dishes, and then we'll all join in the cooking. Afterwards, we'll gather together and sample our self-created delicacies. Completely stuffed and blissfully happy, we'll finally fall into bed at the More Than A Drop guesthouse.
Breakfast , lunch and dinner with cooking class are included in the price.
The route covers approximately 230 km.
After a delicious breakfast, it's time to say a reluctant goodbye to the students of "More Than A Drop." Then it's on to the still relatively unknown Mkomazi National Park. Nestled between the Pare and Usambara Mountains, the park offers visitors undisturbed wildlife viewing. Besides large animals like elephants, lions, giraffes, and zebras, you'll also find an impressive variety of bird species – a true paradise for bird lovers. After an afternoon game drive, you'll return to your exquisite accommodation and end the day with a tasty dinner.
The included meals consist of breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The route covers approximately 130 km.
Spend another morning in the stunningly beautiful Mkomazi National Park. Here, you'll have the luxury of encountering many animals while facing far fewer other visitors. A special highlight is a visit to a wildlife sanctuary within the park, home to the nearly extinct black rhino and African wild dog. Return to your camp for lunch, and then spend the afternoon relaxing on your private terrace, enjoying the breathtaking views and reflecting on your day.
Breakfast, lunch
and dinner are included in the price.
You'll be spending half the day on a game drive in the wildlife reserve today.
If you'd like to experience even more, we have the following recommendation for you:
- Would you prefer to be active in the afternoon instead of relaxing at camp? Then you'll surely enjoy an approximately one-hour walk through the idyllic hilly landscape surrounding your camp. If you're interested, simply ask your tour leader. The price for this activity depends on the number of participants.
Right after breakfast, you'll set off for the Usambara Mountains. You'll be amazed: the diversity of the country will be evident even on the journey there. In the national parks, you'll experience a completely different kind of vegetation over the next few days. Even on the drive, you can let your gaze wander and admire the activity on the road. Around midday, you'll arrive at your accommodation. After lunch, you'll drive to the starting point of today's hike. After the drive, a welcome change of pace awaits: a two-hour hike through the beautiful mountain landscape to the waterfalls. You can then enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel to round off the day.
The included meals consist of breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The journey covers approximately 180 km.
The approximately two-hour hike in the afternoon is not very challenging in itself. However, you will cover a fair amount of elevation gain on the way down and up to the waterfall. We recommend sturdy footwear.
Today you'll explore the Usambara region on foot. After breakfast and a short drive, you'll set off on your hike. The trail leads you through fields and farms to a viewpoint. This viewpoint is situated on the edge of the Usambara Mountains and offers a breathtaking view of the lowlands in good weather. Afterwards, you'll continue to Lushoto, a picturesque village nestled in the mountains. A short walking tour of the village will reveal some buildings dating back to the colonial era. Here you'll get a deeper insight into the lives of the locals and visit the local market, if it's open. Soak up the atmosphere and see for yourself what's being sold there. Afterwards, you'll travel to the Irente Farm, where a delicious lunch awaits you. In the late afternoon, you'll return to your accommodation and relax for the rest of the day. Those who wish to hike can walk back to the accommodation in consultation with the tour guide.
The included meals consist of breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today's hike will take approximately 4 hours and lead you through the beautiful mountain scenery of the Usambara Mountains. We recommend sturdy footwear.
You bid farewell to the mountain region. After a leisurely breakfast, the journey continues to the east coast. The drive offers one last glimpse of the stunning Usambara landscape before transitioning into the coastal region. Variety is guaranteed! Your destination draws ever closer: the sleepy coastal town of Bagamoyo. Once one of the most important settlements on the coast and the final stop for trade caravans, today a visit is more like a journey back in time, one that vividly illustrates the daily life of the local people. Upon arrival at your accommodation, you can relax in the sunshine and let your trip come to a perfect end.
The included meals consist of breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The journey covers approximately 300 km.
Enjoy the morning sun one last time, because today it's time to say goodbye to Tanzania. You will be picked up and taken to Dar es Salaam airport. From here you will fly back home.
Breakfast and a picnic are included in the price.
The journey covers approximately 80 km.
