Shadows of Africa

5.0/5 – 166 Reviews

$5,165 pp (USD)

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Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

  • A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
  • Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day 1

Arusha - Arusha National Park

Arusha - Arusha National Park

We'll start your adventure by picking you up from your accommodation in Arusha and heading to Arusha National Park.

Optional activities at an extra cost:
- Game Drive: You'll have the option of embarking on either a half-day or full-day game drive through the park. During your drive, you'll pass by iconic landmarks within the park, such as the Momella Lakes and the Ngurdoto Crater.

- Canoe Safari: For an additional fee, you can opt for a unique experience by trading the car for a canoe. Enjoy a guided canoe safari on the Momella Lakes.

- Walking Safari: Stretch your legs and explore the park on a guided walking safari. You'll traverse vast expanses of forest that are home to black and white colobus monkeys, zebras, buffalos, and various antelope species. With over 400 bird species in the park, keep an eye out for magnificent birds.

In the late afternoon, you'll return to Arusha with cherished memories and a camera filled with unforgettable photos.

Main Destination:
Arusha National Park
Best Time To Visit June to October (Animals are easier to spot)
High Season July to March (The park can get busy)
Best Weather June to October (Little rainfall)

Wildlife in Arusha NP

GiraffeCommon
BuffaloCommon
ZebraCommon
HippoCommon
ElephantOccasional
WildebeestOccasional
Show more
HyenaRare
LionNone
Accommodation:
Olerai Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located in Arusha (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2

Arusha - Tarangire National Park

Arusha - Tarangire National Park

After breakfast you will proceed to Tarangire National Park for your game drive.

Once you've entered Tarangire, you'll begin your game drive across a rich vista of endless golden savannah that surrounds the Tarangire River. The river itself runs throughout the year and is a vital source of water for the animals of the region during the dry season. Lined with acacia and Baobab trees, the river is regularly visited by the park's large elephant population.

A picnic lunch with a view of the river is a great way to take it all in, but you'll have to keep on your toes as the local monkey population does its best to separate you from your lunch!

Driving through the park you'll also have the opportunity to see lions, leopards, cape buffalo, and a huge variety of antelopes. If you're particularly lucky, you might even see endangered animals such as the Greater Kudu or the Fringe-Eared Oryx.

After gamedrive you go to the lodge for dinner & overnight.

Main Destination:
Tarangire National Park
Best Time To Visit July to November (Animals come to the Tarangire River)
High Season June to October (The park is full of visitors)
Best Weather June to October (Little rainfall)

Wildlife in Tarangire NP

ElephantAbundant
GiraffeCommon
LionCommon
BuffaloAbundant
ZebraAbundant
WildebeestAbundant
Show more
HippoCommon
HyenaOccasional
Wild DogVery Rare
Accommodation:
Sangaiwe Tented Lodge
  • Mid-range tented camp located just outside Tarangire NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3

Tarangire National Park - Lake Manyara National Park

Tarangire National Park - Lake Manyara National Park

You'll depart from your lodge after breakfast for the drive to Lake Manyara National Park. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.

The park is truly a photographer's playground and offers some of the best game viewing in the world. You can expect to see many of Africa's most well-known animals, with the tree-climbing lions a particular treat. These proud predators lounge in acacia trees practically begging to be photographed.

Bird-watchers will find Lake Manyara is an absolute delight, with a huge variety of birds on display in the park. Even the novice can expect to be amazed by large flamingo flocks, circling birds of prey, and the brightly coloured lilac breasted roller.

You'll then return to your chosen accommodation for dinner and a good night's rest.

Main Destination:
Lake Manyara National Park
Best Time To Visit June to October (Easier to spot animals)
High Season July to March (The northern section gets crowded)
Best Weather June to October (Little rainfall)

Wildlife in Lake Manyara NP

ElephantCommon
GiraffeCommon
BuffaloCommon
ZebraCommon
HippoCommon
Show more
LionOccasional
HyenaOccasional
Wild DogVery Rare
Accommodation:
Ikumbi Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located just outside Lake Manyara NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4

Lake Manyara National Park - Lake Natron

Lake Manyara National Park - Lake Natron

Today, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in modern Tanzanian village life, and you'll do it on two wheels! Join us for a 2-hour bicycle tour through the local farming village of Mto Wa Mbu. If you prefer a less physically demanding option, you can opt for a tuk-tuk tour instead.

Your morning of exploration will conclude with a satisfying local lunch served under the shade of banana leaves. Dive into Tanzanian cuisine and savor a wide array of local dishes. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even sample banana beer, a local brew crafted from bananas.

Following lunch, you'll embark on a journey to Lake Natron. En route, you'll pass through the heart of the Maasai cultural homeland. Along the way, you'll also encounter Engaruka, an archaeological site featuring remnants of a Stone Age settlement. Your day will wind down with your arrival at Lake Natron, where you can soak in the beauty of the sunset in the late afternoon.

Main Destination:
Lake Natron
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Lake Natron Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located near Lake Natron
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5

Lake Natron

Lake Natron

Lake Natron is a hidden treasure, far from the usual tourist paths and one of Tanzania's least-visited wonders. Today, you'll dedicate a full day to exploring the enchanting features of this lake. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you'll take a lakeside stroll, discovering captivating waterfalls and embarking on a hike to view hominid footprints. There's no shortage of activities to enjoy, and if luck is on your side, you might even catch a glimpse of the renowned flamingos that frequent the area for breeding.

After a day of immersing yourself in the breathtaking scenery, characterized by striking colors ranging from pink to lime, green, and red due to mineral concentrations, you'll return to your lodge.

In the evening, treat yourself to a sundowner with panoramic views of Lake Natron. Savor a delightful dinner and a refreshing drink while gazing upon Ondonyo Lengai, the sole active volcano in Northern Tanzania and a sacred mountain for the Maasai people.

Main Destination:
Lake Natron
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Lake Natron Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located near Lake Natron
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6

Lake Natron - Central Serengeti

Lake Natron - Central Serengeti

Today promises yet another day of thrilling adventures! Following breakfast, you'll bid farewell to the captivating scenery of Lake Natron and embark on a journey to one of the most renowned natural parks globally, the Serengeti!

The road ascends gradually, winding through a series of picturesque turns. Before leaving the Rift Valley behind, savor one last glimpse of Lake Natron's beauty. Continuing through the village of Wasso, you'll eventually reach Central Serengeti. Although the drive to Serengeti is not short, you'll be rewarded with unique and mesmerizing vistas upon arrival in the afternoon.

Insider tip: The Central Serengeti offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round. From July to October, you also have the opportunity to visit the Northern Serengeti to witness the Great Migration. If your travels fall within this period, we'll adjust your overnight accommodations accordingly, which may also affect the available time for your game drive.

Main Destination:
Central Serengeti National Park
Best Time To Visit January to February and June to October (Different areas are best at different times)
High Season July to March (The Seronera area is crowded)
Best Weather June to October (Little to no rainfall)

Wildlife in Serengeti NP

ElephantCommon
LionCommon
CheetahCommon
BuffaloAbundant
ZebraAbundant
WildebeestAbundant
Show more
GiraffeCommon
HippoCommon
HyenaCommon
LeopardOccasional
Black RhinoVery Rare
Wild DogVery Rare
Accommodation:
Tamu Tamu Tented Camp
  • Mid-range tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park

Today you can choose when you will do game drive and when you want to relax in the lodge. You can wake before dawn to take part in a sunrise game drive. It's an ideal time to see lions, leopards, and cheetahs in action as well as the early morning movements of the wildebeest, zebra, and other herbivores.

After your unforgettable morning, you'll return to your lodge for a late breakfast and to freshen up before hitting the road again with a picnic lunch / or to stay in the lodge in the afternoon to enjoy the view from the mess tent or the platform in front of your room.

You can also have a normal morning game drive after breakfast, and return to the lodge for hot lunch, and start another game drive in the late afternoon.

You have another option to take to the skies with a sunrise hot air balloon safari and champagne breakfast. Speak with your safari expert about adding this once in a lifetime experience to your safari.

Main Destination:
Central Serengeti National Park
Accommodation:
Tamu Tamu Tented Camp
  • Mid-range tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 8

Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we'll embark on a journey towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Our route will take us back through the Serengeti, this time along a different path, providing ample opportunities to spot the wildlife you may have missed on the second day of your safari.
As you gaze across the landscape, you'll be greeted by the incredible sight of countless animals in vast herds: migrating wildebeests and zebras, elegant giraffes, agile antelopes and gazelles, mighty African elephants, and the revered group of predators. During this drive, keep a keen eye out for the sleek cheetahs, elusive leopards, scavenging hyenas, and, of course, the king of the savannah himself, the lion.

Dinner and overnight accommodations will be either on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater or in the nearby town of Karatu, depending on the standard and type of accommodation you've chosen from our available options.

Main Destination:
Ngorongoro Highlands
Accommodation:
Ang'ata Ngorongoro Camp
  • Mid-range tented camp located less than 1hr drive from Ngorongoro Crater
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 9

Ngorongoro Crater - Lake Eyasi

Ngorongoro Crater - Lake Eyasi

Following breakfast, your journey will lead you to the Ngorongoro Crater, often hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World. As you catch your first glimpse of this expansive, lush caldera from a breathtaking panoramic viewpoint, you'll swiftly comprehend why it holds such a prestigious reputation.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to over 120 species of mammals, including the renowned Big Five, ranks among the world's most coveted safari destinations. It's an exceptional place to witness the endangered black rhinoceros and to observe substantial groups of hippos.

The crater boasts a substantial population of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, alongside a thriving community of wildebeests, zebras, various antelope species, Cape buffalos, and more.

After the thrills and excitement of the day, you will have a picnic lunch by the park's famous hippo pool before driving to Lake Eyasi for your overnight.

Main Destination:
Lake Eyasi
Accommodation:
Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located at Lake Eyasi
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 10

Lake Eyasi - Ausha

Lake Eyasi - Ausha

You'll be up before breakfast today, as you'll be joining the Hadzabe bushmen to experience their traditional way of life!

One of the last true bushman tribes in Africa, the Hadzabe live very much as they always have despite the rapid development of Tanzania. With only 2,000 members, the Hadzabe tribe are a fascinating people who offer us a window into how life in Tanzania was in the past.

After a late breakfast, you'll have the opportunity for a drive around Lake Eyasi proper. You'll have the chance to spot a variety of bird and mammal life. On occasion, flamingos and hippos even call the lake home.

You can also pay a visit to the people of the Datoga tribe while you're in the area. The Datoga are farmers who keep animals such as cows, sheep, and goats. Their culture is another fascinating example of Tanzania's cultural diversity.

After the day's experiences, you will have a picnic lunch in the park.

Once your day's activities have been completed, you'll return to Arusha.

Main Destination:
Lake Eyasi
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

  • Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
  • A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.

Interested in This Tour?

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  • If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
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If preferred, you can contact the operator directly

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Disclaimer

  • This tour is offered by Shadows of Africa, not SafariBookings.
  • This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
  • If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
  • The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
  • If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
  • This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Shadows of Africa.