CSC - Tanzania - Tanzania's Northern Parks & Migration Safari

Day notes

After the Serengeti, Tarangire has the greatest concentration of wildlife in Tanzania and in the dry season the Tarangire River is a magnet for thirsty wildlife. Large herds of elephants and migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland gather and not surprisingly the predators follow. This is also the one place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope such as oryx and gerenuk are regularly spotted. Tarangire is also known for its spectacular baobab trees, and its breathtaking views of the Masaai Steppe and the mountains to the south. The heart of the park is the Tarangire river valley. This river rises at the foot of the rift valley escarpment to the west and arcs around through the reserve before evaporating from its terminus at Lake Burungi. This is the only reliable year round source of water for game not only within the park, but over a huge area of around 20,000 square kilometres. This game therefore migrates into the park during the dry season July to October and gathers here in very high densities, largely centred on this river valley.

Tarangire Safari Lodge is located within the national park boundary of Tarangire National Park, approximately 10 km away from the main entrance. Perched at the edge of a natural bluff, the lodge is renowned for it’s panoramic views of the Savannah and Tarangire River below, providing breathtaking scenery and game viewing. The lodge’s safari tents, with thatched roofs and large, mesh screened windows, provide the ideal opportunity to connect with the sights and sounds of nature. Each tent has a comfortable veranda, ideal for bird and game viewing, or reading a favorite book after a dusty safari. With a choice of twin, double, or triple accommodation, all tents are equipped with en suite bathrooms with solar heated showers, ample cupboard space and a cultural touch of local textiles. The five circular bungalows, built in a similar style to the Maasai boma, offer a more spacious option for family and triple accommodation. The airy rooms are situated near a large watering hole, creating the opportunity to watch wildlife from the shaded veranda. The bungalows are set away from the main lodge, providing privacy, and all are equipped with large en suite bathrooms with solar heated showers, and comfortable bedding made from local textiles.

Day notes

The Ngorongoro Crater is game viewing gone crazy and it is not surprising that with is one of Tanzania’s major tourist drawcards. Within the crater rim a daily wildlife drama is played out as large herds of zebra and wildebeest graze nearby lions, leopards, elephants and black rhinos. Outside of the crater a similar drama continues in a more spread out manner with Masai herdsmen thrown into the mix.

Ideally located on the edge of the Ngorongoro crater rim, the Rhino Lodge offers an ideal base from which to explore the Ngorongoro crater and it’s surroundings. The lodge features 24 comfortably equipped en suite guest rooms, a cozy living space and generous African inspired meals. Each room is equipped with a wood burning stove and hot water bottles.

Day notes

Maasai Medicine Walk

Usually arranged early morning or in accordance to your arrival times. Take a leisurely ramble on the soft slopes behind the camp, good footware is recommended as terrain is rocky with many thorny bushes to navigate around. Learn about the different root and plant extracts still being used by the Maasai on a daily basis. Timing can be adjusted to fitness levels and ages within the group. Ranges from 30mins to 1.5 hour.

Maasai Boma Visit

Fit into the rhythm of Maasai daily life with a visit to a traditional Maasai boma (dwelling). Take a look behind the scenes and experience how these nomadic tribe’s people still live. Depending on season usually organised at first light or late afternoon in accordance to livestock movement. Meet the Elders, Moran (warriors) Maasai women and their children with full explanations into status and ranking within the family age groups.

Day notes

The Serengeti together with Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Park form Africa’s most famous wildlife park. The image of acacia trees on an endless grass plain epitomises Africa for many, and then add a Masai warrior and some cattle to the picture and the conversation need go no further. Unlike the southern plains of the Serengeti that dry out, forcing all but the hardiest of species to leave, the Northern Serengeti remains lush and green throughout the year. The annual wildebeest migration through the Serengeti and the Masai Mara is the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. From July through to October the Migration is in the Northern Serengeti and this is where many of the most famous scenes of the Migration occur with almost daily crossings of the Mara River.But that is not where the game viewing ends; large prides of lions, elephants and giraffes in grasslands, gazelles and eland to mention but a few. From July through November, Chaka Camp is located in Northern Serengeti. The camp is close to the Mara River, allowing easy access to several river crossing points in the area. During this time of year, the wildebeest migration is crossing the Mara River back and forth from Tanzania to Kenya. River crossings are common with crocodiles, hippos and large cats scattered throughout the area.

Day notes

Travel day

Day notes

From your hotel you will be collected and transferred to the international airport in time for your departing flight.