Home >> Safaris >> People and Culture Safaris

Tour Code: OAT018 – PEOPLE & CULTURAL SAFARI

Key Information:
Tour Duration: 16 day(s)
Destination(s): Tanzania
Specialty Categories: People and Wilderness Safaris  
Season: All year round
This tour can  be customized

Highlights: Wildlife to the Northern Circuit and Beach Holiday to Zanzibar.

 << BACK |Top |Middle|Bottom| BOOK TOUR

Day 1: Arrive East Africa: 
If arrival is in Kenya (Nairobi JKIA Aport) or Tanzania (Kilimanjaro Intl.Airport). On arrival we meet and provide a private transfer from JKIA to City center  Overnight at Stanley Hotel or Pan Afric Hotel or Silver or Safari Park Hotel on Bed and Breakfast basis. Next morning we provide a private shuttle bus to Arusha (depending on the size of the group). Drive to Tanzania via Namanga border, your first of many meetings with the colourfully beaded Masai. After clearing customs at border enter Tanzania. The lowering sun highlighting the dust clouds as the Masai bring their cattle across the parched awesome countryside and into Arusha by 6pm. If arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, we meet and greet and transfer you by private transfer to Arusha. Accommodation at the New Arusha Hotel or Kibo Palace on bed and breakfast basis.

Arusha – Exactly Half way between the Cape Town (SA) and Cairo (Egypt)
Arusha city is located in a green landscape, at the foot of Mt. Meru. The city is actually divided into two parts, separated by a narrow valley where the river Naura flows. On the highway from Moshi to Namanga road, there some government offices, post offices, immigration service, many beautiful hotels, safari companies, aviation companies and the general Arusha International Conference Center (AICC). On the other side of the valley are the commercial and industrial areas, markets, small shops, bus station and many budget hotels. Arusha is a wonderful city with different sights and the market is very lively.
Day 2: Arusha - Tarangire National Park.
After breakfast a walk on the slopes of Mt Meru, once the home area of your escort. A gentle introduction to the town lifestyle as the town workers and their farm produce come down from the cooler slopes and villages. We collect last minute fresh fruit from the busy food market for your impending safari. Last chance for personal banking and shopping requirements, as you will be away from supply shops for awhile. The Safari begins! 4x4 for the next 9 days, beginning with a two hour drive out to Tarangire. Enjoy a game drive in the evening, before a relaxing dinner on the wide terrace tent overlooking the Tarangire wilderness. Tarangire National Park - 20,000sq km. is noted for its Baobab trees and ‘mobs’ of elephants. The swamp areas attract 550 bird varieties, migratory wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, buffalo, impala, gazelle and many of the smaller animals like mongoose and porcupine. Dinner and overnight at Tarangire Oliver’s Camp on Full Board
Tarangire National Park

The fierce sun sucks the moisture from the landscape, baking the earth a dusty red, the withered grass as brittle as straw. The Tarangire River has shriveled to a shadow of its wet season self. But it is choked with wildlife. Thirsty nomads have wandered hundreds of parched kilometers knowing that here, always, there is water.  Herds of up to 300 elephants scratch the dry river bed for underground streams, while migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland crowd the shrinking lagoons. It's the greatest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti ecosystem - a smorgasbord for predators – and the one place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope such as the stately fringe-eared oryx and peculiar long-necked gerenuk are regularly observed.

During the rainy season, the seasonal visitors scatter over a 20,000 sq km (12,500 sq miles) range until they exhaust the green plains and the river calls once more. But Tarangire's mobs of elephant are easily encountered, wet or dry. The swamps, tinged green year round, are the focus for 550 bird varieties, the most breeding species in one habitat anywhere in the world.  On drier ground you find the Kori bustard, the heaviest flying bird; the stocking-thighed ostrich, the world's largest bird; and small parties of ground hornbills blustering like turkeys.  More ardent bird-lovers might keep an eye open for screeching flocks of the dazzlingly colorful yellow-collared lovebird, and the somewhat drabber rufous-tailed weaver and ashy starling – all endemic to the dry savannah of north-central Tanzania.  Disused termite mounds are often frequented by colonies of the endearing dwarf mongoose, and pairs of red-and-yellow barbet, which draw attention to themselves by their loud, clockwork-like duetting.  Tarangire's pythons climb trees, as do its lions and leopards, lounging in the branches where the fruit of the sausage tree disguises the twitch.
Oliver's Camp
Located in the middle of the Tarangire wilderness, Oliver’s Camp has one of the most wonderful settings one could imagine and offers an unparalleled bush experience. From the camp, a much wider eco-system can be overlooked: the Ngorongoro highlands, the Great Rift Valley, the Lame Manyara region and of course Tarangire NP itself. There is no better location from which to understand the breathtaking beauty and at the same time the complexity and ultimate fragility of this unique eco-system.  Oliver’s Camp’s crew has been a team for many years and as a result, a stay in camp feels like joining into a warm family. A family that will not only prepare amazing meals for you, but one that will also share with you a deeper knowledge of this stunning national park and its inhabitants. Naturalist guides will not only be able to find you the lion prides, but will also be able to tell you about the different family members of the lion prides, their characters and their habits. Walking safaris are the specialty of the camp, and especially on walking safaris, the depth of knowledge and experience of the camp naturalist guides makes the experience one to never forget. Research outpost from long gone times     meets luxury and refined dining.  The camp features only 8 beautifully furnished guest tents. Solid wooden furniture, beautiful cloth and gorgeous warm showers that can be taken under the Tarangire sky. Every evening, guests relax or read in the lounge and library tent, or drink sundowners at the fireplace, from which superb views of landscape and sunset can be enjoyed.
Day 3: Tarangire - Lake Eyasi.
Enjoy an early morning game drive before returning to your first breakfast at the camp. After breakfast leave Tarangire, crossing the plains to the Rift Valley escarpment. Pass by villages and beautiful Lake Manyara, arriving at Lake Eyasi around midday. Here you will have the special opportunity to witness a hunt by the last remaining Bushmen in Tanzania. We stay at Kisima Ngeda Camp, a new tented camp on the shore dotted by palm and acacia trees, with a colossal rock backdrop and natural spring. Look for the small dikdik, vervet monkey, buck, fish eagles and hippo. The unique area that is Lake Eyasi – is home to the Hadzabe and Datoga, one of the last remaining Bushmen hunter-gatherers of its kind in Africa. Small in stature and speaking an ancient click dialect they survive by their ability to blend into and subsist through their surroundings. Dinner and overnight at Kisima Ngeda Tented Camp on full board basis.
Kisima Ngeda Tented Camp
It is situated on the shores of Lake Eyasi, with sweeping views toward the Rift. Across this seasonal soda lake, the Alipi escarpment wall rises 2,000 feet up into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area providing a stunning backdrop. The camp is beautifully set in a date palm and acacia forest and is part of 200-acre family-owned farm with a natural spring nearby which feeds into the lake. It is also home to the Wahadzabe, an ancient, nomadic tribe of bushmen who are one of the last click-speaking hunter-gatherer tribes.

Day 4: Lake Eyasi - Ngorongoro Crater.
After breakfast leave Kisima Ngeda with picnics then drive across the crater rim, passing through the grey lichen covered rain forest, then descend 600m to the crater floor. Spend the rest of the day game driving in the crater, with our picnic lunch by the hippo pool. We leave the Crater early evening to our lodge on the rim. Ngorongoro Crater has its own eco system. The soda lake shimmers with flamingos and is dotted with blobs of hippos. Only male elephants descend into the crater, as the females stay on the rim. You will see the zebras and wildebeest, milling about close to your vehicle. It is here that you have a chance to see ‘The Big Five’, elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion and the much endangered Black rhino. Ngorongoro is home to a huge variety of game. Overnight stay at Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge on full board basis.

Day 5: Nainokanoka Village - Olmoti Crater - Serengeti.
After breakfast drive to Nainokanoka village, where we walk up to the small crater and visit Mange waterfalls. This area is not often included on a safari. It is an opportunity to see how these residents live in this harsh climate. We head north-west to the Serengeti, picnics will be served at Naabi Hill Gate before proceeding into the Serengeti where we start to see much larger gatherings of Tanzania’s famous game. Game viewing continues as we drive to Ikoma area, we arrive at Ikoma later in the evening for dinner and overnight at Ikoma Safari Camp on full board.

Serengeti National Park
This is the most famous park in Tanzania and it is also the largest concentration of wildlife migration in the world. In the park during the big haul the migration may be 1.5 million wildebeests, 750,000 gazelles and about half one million zebra 's. The park is also famous for its huge population and the lions is probably the best park in the continent with a  big chance to see pride of lions. The park has a size of 8960 square kilometers. It is bordered in the north with the Masai Mara National Game Reserve in Kenya and in the southeast to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. In the west, the boundary of the park is just a few miles from Lake Victoria. The largest portion of the Serengeti is open savanna country that is interrupted by rocks, the so-called "kopjes". The vegetation consists of acacia and other trees. Along the Mara River is much forestation with large trees where sometimes the leopards can be observed
Ikoma Safari Camp
It is a permanent luxury tented camp in the Serengeti Ikoma region in Tanzania. The Camp is located on the main wildebeest migration route between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. It is raised up on the side of an impressive bush with broad scattered acacia trees and endless savannah. The migration seasons at camp are centered on June to October when the herds pass through the area. Game-viewing from the breakfast terrace can be superb. Additionally there is good resident game throughout the year, especially zebras, wildebeest, impalas, giraffes and elephants.

Day 6: Full day in Serengeti.
After breakfast enjoy game drives in the Serengeti National Park. You have a choice of going out to the bush with picnics or to return to have lunch at the camp before continuing with an afternoon game drive? Serengeti is home to the greatest gathering of wildlife in the world today, including the renowned migratory animals, wildebeest, zebra, impala and others as they search for pastures new. With this wildlife food chain you would expect the great predators to be in ‘close attendance’, and they are! Lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena and jackal will be following with ‘keen’ interest, not to mention the raptors, Tawny eagles, Lappet-faced vultures to name but two!  We also offer our guests an exclusive night drive, at supplement, for those that want this unique experience. Overnight at Ikoma Tented Lodge on Full board

Day 7: Serengeti National Park.
Another day beckons on Serengeti’s vast plains as we continue to notch-up new species and more game, (an early morning drive could offer the chance to witness a kill as the predators are still active at this time of day), a chance for smaller fauna, the gaudy agama lizards, the rock hyraxes, dung beetles, mongooses, dik-dik. Watch the birds, from flocks of peacock, hued starlings, the yellow weavers, soaring eagles and the much maligned but essential services provided by vultures, the dustmen of wild Africa. Overnight at Ikoma Tented Lodge on full board basis.

Day 8: Serengeti - Lake Manyara.
After breakfast leave Serengeti and drive to Lake Manyara National Park (Hemingway referred to it as ‘the most beautiful in Africa’). En-route stop at Olduvai Gorge ‘the cradle of mankind” and visit the small museum where the Leakey family discovered the first evidence of Homo sapiens. Lake Manyara National Park is nestled under the escarpment on the Eastern side of the Great Rift Valley, renowned for its tree climbing lions and its millions of flamingos and the diverse flora and fauna attracting many of East Africa’s brilliant birds. Hereto another chance to see elephant.  Overnight at Kirurumu Tented Lodge, located on the Rift Valley edge with spectacular views across Lake Manyara.

 << BACK |Top |Middle|Bottom| BOOK TOUR

Kirurumu Tented Lodge
Lake Manyara National Park
Stretching for 50km along the base of the rusty-gold 600-metre high Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara is a scenic gem, with a setting extolled by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa. Manyara provides the perfect introduction to Tanzania’s birdlife. More than 400 species have been recorded, and even a first-time visitor to Africa might reasonably expect to observe 100 of these in one day. Highlights include thousands of pink-hued flamingos on their perpetual migration, as well as other large water birds such as pelicans, cormorants and storks.  Despite the relatively small size of the park, there is a large variety of landscapes and there are many different types of wildlife. Manyara is among few destinations where the tree climbing lions can be found. The park is located next to a lake where there is a permanent hippo’s pool

Day 9: Lake Manyara to Arusha.
Walking safari before breakfast along the rim of the Rift Valley providing photographers with great panorama shots before a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Then onward to Arusha,  stopping at a coffee plantation on the way.  Dinner and overnight at Arusha Hotel on half board basis

Day 10: Arusha National Park then
Ilkiding'a Water Falls and Community Development Project;

Today after breakfast you leave the lodge and drive to Arusha National Park, close to Arusha town. This often missed gem in Tanzania’s national park armory provides alternative options to those experienced so far. Enjoy a guided walking safari at the foot of Mount Meru, lunch will be served at Hatari Lodge, then time permitting we pay a visit to the Mulala Women’s Community Development Project. The programme today also includes Ilkiding’a Water Falls, a natural beauty spot close to Arusha town. You will also be provided with an opportunity to meet some of the Masai in their homes. Mid afternoon at leisure to explore Arusha, a chance to visit Cultural Heritage for your optional purchase of some Tanzanite, Tanzania’s unique gem and now becoming rare, or maybe some souvenirs and carvings of art work. Dinner and overnight at Arusha Hotel or Kibo Palace Hotel on Half Board basis.

Ilkiding'a, Water falls
Ilkiding’a is at the foot hills of Mount Meru offer you a view into the culture of the Wa-arusha tribe and welcome you in local households. Take relaxing walks through the crop fields, enjoying the bird songs. Hike along narrow footpaths, crossing canyons and climbing small hills. Eat a delicious traditional meal and tea prepared by Mainyoito Women Group. Come and hike around the village at the foot of Mount Meru where the sound of the rivers, birds and people are in harmony.
Traditional Half Day Tour
Start with a visit to Sembeo´s Boma where several traditionally built roundhouses give you an idea of how an extended family live together. Sembeo will show how traditional Maasai knives are made. Walking through the fields of crops and enjoying the view overlooking Arusha town at Ilkisongo you will reach the house of the traditional healer. He will be ready to answer all your questions and give you an advice if you need it. From there you head on the narrow Njeche Canyon where abundant tropical plants cover caves and rocky walls (see pictures). After the walk it is time to rest with a refreshing cup of the traditional tea made by Mama Naomi, it is so delicious that you must taste it. At the end of the tour a visit to the Mainyoito Women Group is worthwhile. They roduce traditional Maasai jewelly and mitungi, the clay pots used to collect water.
Day 11: Arusha to Zanzibar.
After breakfast we provide a private transfer to Arusha airport or  Kilimanjaro International Airport for a morning domestic flight to Zanzibar. On arrival at Zanzibar airport we meet and transfer to Stone Town. Zanzibar - where time moves slowly against a backdrop of palm fronds and warm winds from across the Indian Ocean-the delights of this unique tropical island are endless. Stone Town has the magical history of the Omani sultans, and spices and the infamy of its slave history. It was also the stepping stone into Africa’s wild interior sought by the European explorers, like Burton and Speke, as well as the last resting place for Livingstone before his body was shipped to England.  Overnight at Tembo House, a traditional coastal hotel right on the sea wall in the heart of Stone town Bed and breakfast basis
The Tembo House Hotel
Situated in the heart of Stone Town of Zanzibar at the picturesque seafront, It is magnificent building. Which has functioned in many ways over the past years?(As American Consulate in 1834) in 1884 it become the premises of Cowasjee Dinshaw and Partners which was the famous Trading Companies in the western Indian Ocean in those years. That name is tilled seen on the of the main entrance of the hotel. The Tembo has many Interesting historical neighbors just next door is the former British Consulate where Dr. Livingstone's body was brought in 1874 during the epic journey from deapest Africa back to England. In 1930 Mahatma Gandhi left South Africa 1930 and came to Zanzibar and stay in this Building with Cowajee Dinshaw Brother for few weeks. As it could be seen, it is only a half kilometer from the harbor and is 10 to 15 minutes driving from the Airport.

The sweet spicy smell of cloves is with you constantly in Zanzibar, as is the distinctive taarab music. Giant carved doors and fortresses are crammed into tiny spaces linked with narrow cobbled streets. The historic House of Wonders, the old Slave Market  and the Museum are haunting to visit. The Dhow harbour is always busy with sea traders from across on the mainland or from far-off Arabia and India. The melodious warble calls the faithful to prayer each morning in Stone Town’s mosques, which are hidden in the bewildering clutter of alleyways. Stone Town is good for souvenir shopping in tiny stores that spring up each day along the harbor way, which come evening turn into outdoor "food halls" of spicy traditional foods. There are, also of course,  miles of endless white sand beaches to soak up the sun or swim from in gentle, warm waters.
Day 12: Stone Town to The coast beaches.
After breakfast leave Stone Town and drive to Kizimbani for Spice Tour then onward to Hakuna Majiwe or Mnarani Beach Hotel.
This morning we leave Stone Town to absorb the famous spices of Zanzibar, visiting small farms and homes to sample nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cocoa, fruits, coconuts, pepper vines, vanilla, allspice and to enjoy and savor a local spicy lunch. Drive south east to the lesser known Hakuna Majiwe Hotel, meaning "place without stones" boasting 6 kilometers of palm fringed, almost deserted, white sand beach. Dinner and overnight at Hakuna Majiwe Hotel or Mnarani Beach Hotel on Half Board

Day 13: Relax on the Beach.
Spend the day as you choose, snorkeling, swimming in the pool or sea, deep-sea fishing or bike riding. Overnight at Hakuna Majiwe Hotel or Mnarani Beach Hotel on Half board basis

Mnarani Beach Cottage
Mnarani Beach Cottages is a beach resort hotel, located on the northernmost tip of Zanzibar Island in the village of Nungwi, next to the old lighthouse. “Mnarani” means “lighthouse” in Swahili. At Mnarani Beach we offer excellent accommodation suitable for honeymooners as well as families and couples looking for a wonderfully relaxing break. After climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or taking a lengthy safari trip, this is the ideal place to relax. At Mnarani you will be able to develop the art of doing nothing on a beautiful beach. However, there are also plenty of activity available, from spectacular snorkeling, diving, fishing and sailing to many interesting half and full day excursions on the island of Zanzibar. And although being very peaceful and secluded, our hotel is in walking distance to the lively village of Nungwi.
Hakuna Majiwe Lodge
The Hakuna Majiwe Lodge is located in Paje, on the South East coast of Zanzibar. Approximately 50km from the airport. 'Hakuna Majiwe', the local name for the hotel ground, means 'place without stones'. As individual as its name, this beach hotel has a special atmosphere, being different to other hotels. Set on a fabulous 6 kilometers white-sand palm fringed and desert beach, cooled by the ocean breeze, is the perfect gateway to an exotic African paradise.

Day 14: Relax on the Beach.
Spend the day as you choose, snorkeling, swimming in the pool or sea, deep-sea fishing or bike riding. Overnight at Hakuna Majiwe Hotel or Mnarani Beach Hotel on Half board basis

Day 15: From the coast beach to Stone town onward to DAR
After breakfast we leave the hotel and drive back to Stone Town, visiting Jozani Forest to see the indigenous Red Colobus monkeys and also the rare Blue monkeys then onward to Stone Town. Lunch in Stone Town before your PM transfer to the harbour for the fast ferry hydrofoil boat to DAR.  On arrival at Dar docks we meet and provide a private transfer to New Africa Hotel or Moevenpick Hotel for dinner and overnight stay on half board basis

New Africa Hotel
Nestled in the heart of the city, Dar es Salaam, the New Africa Hotel & Casino is a business hotel with elegant rooms and warm hospitable service. With fast links to Dar es Salaam International Airport and in close proximity to local landmarks, governmental as well as financial institutions, the New Africa Hotel combine comfortable accommodation with the latest facilities and excellent cuisine.
Moevenpick Royal Palm Hotel
Moevenpick Royal Palm Hotel's outdoor swimming pool is set in the tropical gardens and has a sun terrace and poolside bar. The gym offers fitness equipment, aerobics classes, beauty services and a sauna, and air-conditioned public areas have wireless Internet access (surcharge). Multilingual staff at the 24-hour front desk can provide currency exchange, tour assistance and the use of a safe-deposit box, and there is also a concierge desk, a floor butler and complimentary parking for those arriving by car. Moevenpick Royal Palm Hotel, Dar Es Salaam, offers 230 guestrooms located on seven floors, all of which have light decor, coordinated fabrics and contemporary furnishings, and include satellite television, climate control, minibars, bathrobes, and wireless Internet access.

Day 16: Dar es Salaam City Tour and lunch, before we say goodbye with fond farewells.
Today we visit the special interest areas of the city, including the world famous Mwenge Makonde carvers, Tinga Tinga artists, the Slipway for great local shopping and a small fishing village in the city. A leisurely and relaxing lunch can be arranged at a beautiful Chinese restaurant before later transferring by private transfer to Dar es Salaam International Airport for your return flight back home. Karibu tena Tanzania(Welcome again to Tanzania)

 << BACK |Top |Middle|Bottom| BOOK TOUR

This program can be customized to meet one’s interested accommodation and routes.  Not being a fixed departure this safari is open for all year around.  Please feel free to e-mail us for more information regarding any destination of your choice.