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Highlights Of Tanzania (2009)



Tour Description:

Tarangire National Park, where you begin your safari, is home to an exceptional elephant population. At Lake Manyara, view wildlife that inhabit marsh, grassland and forests. Nearby Ngorongoro Crater, a collapsed volcano, is home to plentiful game. Finally, the Serengeti National Park is world-renowned for its grass-covered savannahs that are the backdrop to the annual Great Migration of the wildebeest.

Dates & Pricing



ITINERARY

Your exciting safari begins today as you travel by road to Tarangire National Park, and on to your lodge. After settling in, you have an opportunity to observe some of the local wildlife on a short afternoon game drive. Tarangire has an exceptional elephant population and the highest recorded number of breeding bird species of any habitat in the world. This evening enjoy a special welcome dinner. Tarangire Sopa Lodge B L D

Days 1-2: USA or Canada/Arusha, Tanzania
Your safari continues today as morning and afternoon game drives take you through the varied landscapes of Tarangire. Baobab tree forests, swamps and acacia-dotted plains are the backdrop for some of Africa's more rare species. On morning and afternoon game drives you have an opportunity to see some of Tarangire's resident wildlife, including eland, fringe-eared oryx, giraffe, waterbuck, wildebeest, zebra, the elusive wild dog and greater kudu. Tarangire Sopa Lodge B L D

Day 3: Arusha/Tarangire National Park
Travel overland to Lake Manyara National Park, which contains five different wildlife habitats: grasslands, forests, marshlands, scrubland, and parklands with acacia trees. This small but rich park is home to lion and great herds of elephant, allowing exceptional views and photographic opportunities. Stop at Gibb's Farm for a farm-fresh lunch and continue on to one of the most magnificent wildlife arenas in all of Africa, the Ngorongoro Crater. Considered to be one of the natural wonders of the world, the crater is a 2,000-foot deep caldera created by the collapsed cone of a volcano, and contains a "Lost World" of wildlife. Arrive at your lodge, perched on the crater's rim which offers spectacular views across this natural amphitheater. Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge B L D

Day 4: Tarangire National Park
Today you drive down into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa's most fascinating wildlife areas. Up to 12 miles in diameter, the crater's short grass prairies are an ideal haven for animals, and you may see many species including lion, elephant, hyena, wildebeest and gazelle. Even the rare and elusive black rhinoceros, one of Africa's most endangered species, is a resident here. Bird lovers are sure to enjoy their time in the crater as well. Here you can view flamingoes and other birds sharing the shallow waters as they move from one grazing ground to another. You may also see Maasai herdsmen and their cattle. The crater is in their territory and the Maasai continue to coexist with wildlife as they have for centuries; gain insight when you visit one of their villages. Your game drive includes a picnic lunch. At the end of the day, enjoy sundowner cocktails discussing thrilling memories of the wildlife and scenery you were fortunate enough to witness. Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge B L D

Day 5: Tarangire/Lake Manyara National Park/
Leaving the Ngorongoro Crater, head west to Serengeti National Park, stopping at Olduvai Gorge en route. Here the Leakey family made many of the fossil discoveries, including the Zinj skull, which have identified man's remote ancestors in East Africa. Descend into the gorge and enjoy a privately guided visit of this most famous archaeological site. From here, you continue your drive into the arid and spectacular country of Serengeti National Park and on to your lodge. This afternoon set off on your first game drive in the park. Famed throughout Africa and around the world, Serengeti National Park's 10,000 square miles support every type of animal found in the region: lion, leopard, hyena, cheetah, giraffe, topi and countless others. Each year, the Serengeti is the scene of the spectacular wildebeest and zebra migration, when millions of these animals make their annual trek in search of fresh grasses. Serengeti Sopa Lodge B L D

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater
Spend a further exciting day in the Serengeti, exploring its widely varied terrain and the equally varied species that inhabit it. Today's activities include both morning and afternoon game drives, timed to coincide with the hours of peak animal activity. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a memorable "Farewell to Africa" dinner - a perfect opportunity to toast your journey and share experiences. Serengeti Sopa Lodge B L D

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater/Serengeti National Park
Fly to Arusha and have the use of a dayroom until your evening international flight. B L

Day 8: Serengeti National Park
Connect with your homebound flight.

Day 9: Serengeti/Arusha/USA or Canada

Day 10: USA or Canada