Tanzania & Kenya Big 5 Safari hosted by Denell Falk February 10 -24, 2023

February 10, 2023

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival, clear customs and proceed to the arrivals. Your driver will be waiting and will transfer you to your Arusha hotel. This is approx 1. hour drive away.  

February 11, 2023

Enjoy a leisurely morning.  After a long trip, sleep in, have a late brunch and get your feet under you.  In the afternoon experience a tour of Arusha's markets and take in the sights, sounds and smells of this bustling city.  Back to the hotel for dinner and an early evening before your adventure begins in the morning.

February 12, 2023

This morning you will head off to the infamous Ngorongoro Crater ( ~ approx 4 hour drive). 

Your camp for the night is set up with just 9 luxury tents - keeping it intimate and focused on quality.  This tented camp is only 10 minutes from the Crater floor which allows you to spend maximum time inside the Crater.  This is the only spot on your safari where you will be up close with flamingoes as they flock to the lake in the middle of the Ngorongoro Crater. 

February 13, 2023

The Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact caldera in the world ,  observes incredible concentrations of  wildlife - hippos basking in the mud pools, lions lazing in the sun,  and one of the highest density of hyenas in all of Africa's parks.   Early morning,  we plan to  descend to the floor of the crater,  to watch the morning awake. 

An exclusive picnic lunch in the Crater to be enjoyed prior to continuing our game viewing.

February 14 to February 16, 2023

Today, you will drive to the Ndutu area (~ approx 3.5hrs +additional stop time),  On the way, stop at Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important archeological sites in the world, for a tour and experience the newly opened museum and interpretive centre.  Continue on where you will stay at the Lemala mobile tented camp set in the heart of the migration's path. This area is a classic savannah, characterized by flat grassy plains, and your camp is in one of the finest locations in Ndutu.  February is prime season to be here, and the game viewing is at its peak.  Now is  the time when the wildebeest herds have their calves and new life is everywhere.  Following the massive herds are a great concentration of predators and you will absolutely see the big cats.  Lions, cheetah and leopards are plentiful in this area and you will have ample opportunity for spectacular viewing and photography. Enjoy twice-daily game drives during your stay.

February 17, 2023

Leaving behind your mobile tented camp, today you will fly to the Central Serengeti. Even without the migration in play, this area of the Serengeti is known for the large concentration of cats. With the massive influx of migratory animals the numbers of cats really increase and the viewing cannot be beat.
 

February 18 and 19, 2023

Your game drives or bush walks will be rewarded with a high density of game viewing at all times. If your photography filled days need a rest from the 4x4 safari vehicles, this camp still provides views of the endless plains of the Serengeti plus the bonus of relaxing in your own private plunge pool. A fantastic adventure and viewpoint is to wake with the birds and enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti.  Words cannot adequately describe how fun this truly is. This needs to be pre-booked and we suggest doing so before arriving in Tanzania.

February 20, 2023

It's a short drive to the local airstrip this morning. You will have a flight from the Serengeti to Arusha ( approx. 1 hour flight) before your next flight to Nairobi Wilson airport. 

Upon arrival in Kenya, you will need to clear customs and proceed to the arrivals. Our Civilized team will meet you and transfer you to the Tamarind Tree hotel for the evening. 

February 21, 2023

This morning the group will fly from Nairobi  to the UNESCO world heritage site of Lewa Conservancy ( 1 hour flight).

The afternoon is your first game drive in the protected conservancy.  This area has over 100 endangered black rhino and a similar number of white rhino.  The conservancy also boast the world's largest population of the endangered Grevy zebra.  Your 4x4 safari Toyota Land Cruises are unrivalled with feature enhancements specifically designed for comfort and photography – open sided with 3 rows of seats, photographic equipment stands, and charging sockets.

February 22 and 23, 2023

During your stay at Lewa Safari Camp, you will have the opportunity to visit the Conservancy Head Quarters where they have cutting edge Rhino conservation programs in place as well as learning about their outstanding work with the anti-poaching sniffer dogs.  Your guide will offer the opportunity to interact & engage with the staff who are working behind scenes to protect the Rhinos that you saw while on safari. 

Between game drives,  optional horse rides and bush walks, you will also have the chance to sign up for an extra night game drive. Please consider this as you will experience an entirely different  drive at night and have the opportunity to see animals you would never encounter during the day. You will also have the chance to visit a nearby community or perhaps a visit to the Ngare Ndare forest.  

February 24, 2023

This morning you will be transferred back to the Lewa airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi. Our Civilized team will pick you up and you will have the next couple of hours for some souvenir shopping before a farewell dinner with the group.  Our Civilized Kenya rep will then transfer you back to the international airport.