Serengeti National Park
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| Size: 14,763 sq km (5,700 sq. mi) Location: Northern Circuit, 335 km (208 mi) 7 hrs outside Arusha, 4-6 hr from Ngorongoro Crater Best Time: Year-round, however in particular: For Migration: Jan - Mar For Predators: Jun - Oct Interesting Facts: - Has the greatest concentration of wildlife on earth Duration: At least two days should be spent in the Serengeti, maybe more if you are tracking the migration. |
The migration of nearly 2 million wildebeest and zebra in search for the grass and water they need to survive has bound the Serengeti’s eco-system much as it has done for the past two million years. The numbers are astounding as during this spectacle the migration will cover some 3,200 km, devour 4,000 tons of grass a day
Yet even when the migration is quiet, the Serengeti offers some of the most dazzling game viewing in Africa, especially because the huge expanses of short-grass plains make game viewing exceptionally good. The Tanzanian side of these vast plains has fewer visitors and its sheer size means that it is possible to spend a long time here and still have lots to see and experience.
Habitat
Grassland plains, savanna, riverine forest, woodland
Flora / Fauna
Ungulates: buffalo, elephant, giraffe, eland, topi, impala, Grant’s gazelle
Predators: lions, cheetahs, leopard, serval cat, crocodiles
Bird: over 500 species, ranging from ostrich to secretary bird to black eagles
ACTIVITIES
Game Drive
Duration: Full Day
Gameviewing in 4x4 Land Cruisers amidst the vast plains of the Serengeti is arguably the most quintessential safari experience.
Balloon Safari
Duration: 3 hours
An early morning balloon ride over the Serengeti is a spectacular way to view the landscape and the many animals that live here. Tanzania Balloon Safaris operate daily from Seronera. You are picked up from your lodge/camp in Serengeti and driven to the balloon launch site. The flight begins at around 6:00 am for about an hour and returning to Seronera by road at approximately 9:15 am after a hearty champagne breakfast. This just about fits in with most safari schedules, but must be booked very early as spaces reserve quickly.
Early Morning Game Drives
Duration: 3 hours
After waking up at sunset and enjoying a quick breakfast, we begin game driving from the camp exit in search of early morning predator activity around the kopjes. The dew on the long grasses attracts a vast array of mammals and birdlife and the coolness of the early morning keeps them content for use to stare in awe of the intrinsic behaviors.
Night Game Drives
Duration: 3 hours
View nocturnal animals such as leopards, hippos, porcupines, genets, civets, bush babies, and lots more. Also a sensory experience 
listening to the night sounds and learning more about the African stars. A successful night game drive, with several good viewings and wildlife can be very rewarding. On the other hand, good sightings are less of a certainty in the evening and when luck is bad, can be disappointing.
Night game drives are conducted outside of Serengeti national park at a select lodging accommodation.
Ngorongoro Crater
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| Size: 8,292 sq. km Location: Northern Circuit, 4 hours outside Arusha on the way to the Serengeti Best Time To Go: Year-Round Interesting Facts: - Has densest predator population in Africa - One of last places to see black rhino in their natural habitat - Largest unbroken volcanic caldera in the world Duration: One day is often enough to explore the crater, more if you would like culture or hiking activities |
On the crater floor, grassland blends into swamps, lakes, rivers, woodland and mountains all of which is a haven for wildlife as it boasts around 25,000 animals that are present year-round and has the highest density of predators in Africa, making it the most intensive game viewing area on Earth!
The crater has the highest densities of black rhinos anywhere in Tanzania, and though endangered, these magnificent animals have been protected well here. Sightings are frequent on your game drives. Here you often have the opportunity of coming up close and persona with a male lion. Sometimes in the heat of the day the shade of your vehicle looks inviting to a hot lion and often they will come and lay next to the Land Cruiser, making for some interesting photographs.
Habitat
Grassland, lakes, swamp, woodland, heath, dense montane forest
Flora / Fauna
Ungulates: zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, black rhino, elephant, hippos, hartebeest
Predators: lions, leopard, cheetah, serval cats, hyenas, crocodiles
Birdlife: Largely seasonal species, but a popular sight are the thousands of lesser and greater flamingoes present on the lake. Over 100 species can be found
There are no giraffe as there is not much to eat at tree level. No topi or impala are found either, as they directly compete with the wildebeest
ACTIVITIES
Game Drive
Duration: ˝ day – full day
Game driving in the crater to view wildlife is a must. A half day is usually sufficient to explore the entire crater, maybe a full day if you would like to increase you chances of spotting the elusive black rhino.
Olduvai Gorge Visit
Duration: 1 hr, more if you would like to do more exploration
Located near the Ngorongoro Crater is an archeological site known as the cradle of mankind: Olduvai Gorge. This is where Dr. Louis Leakey discovered the remains of Homo habilis or “Handy man” regarded as mankind’s first step on the ladder of human evolution. Dr. Leaky set up a museum at which you can learn more about his archeological findings.
Usually this is a great stopping place for a break or even lunch when you are on the way to Ngorongoro Crater from Moshi or Arusha.
Maasai Culture Tour
Duration: 1-2 hr, more if you would like a more in-depth look
You can learn about the Maasai people that live in the crater by visiting traditional, temporary villages called “enkans.” Get a glimpse of their fascinating culture: see them in their bright red robes, watch as they create ornate beadwork and how they live off the land by utilizing cattle. In the village, the guests are free to walk around, browse through the local handicrafts or watch Maasai dancing.
Forest Hike
Duration: 1 hour
Hike down the Great Rift Valley and through a dense ground water habitat. View birds, monkeys, bush buck, and other forest animals. During the hike enjoy the sounds of the forest and the fresh streams and waterfalls surrounding you.
Nature Walk
Duration: 1 hour
You can have a short stroll on the edge of the Great Rift Valley with beautiful views of Lake Manyara and the National Park below. Learn more about plants, insects, birds, and small mammals from a knowledgeable guide.
Or, you can take a stroll around the Serena Ngorongoro Safari Lodge at the Ngorongoro Crater Rim. This hike is on a well-maintained trail with stunning views of the crater floor. During this walk a guide explains interesting facts about nature.
Ngorongoro Circle Hike
Duration: 2.5 – 3 hrs
Take a round trip hike, starting and finishing at the Serena reception at the Ngorongoro Crater Rim. Enjoy a three hour walk with a Maasai warrior and a guide and learn more about Maasai culture and Ngorongoro wildlife. A minimum of 4 people are required for this hike.
Lake Manyara National Park
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| Area: 330 sq km (230 sq km is lake when water levels are high) Altitude: 945 m Location: Northern Circuit, 130 km (2.5 hr) west of Arusha Town on the road to Ngorongoro Best Time: Year Round; Dry season (Jul-Oct) for large animals, Wet Season (Nov-Jun) for bird watching, the waterfalls, and canoeing Interesting Facts: - Famous for tree-climbing lions and tree-climbing pythons - Highest density of elephant in Africa with an average of 7 elephants/ sq. km. Duration: One day is usually enough to explore the park, more if you would like to participate in the many exciting activities available |
The lake shimmers below in the heat haze, home to flamingoes, pelicans, and innumerable water birds. Between the lake and the Rift, the park stands out in luscious greens that contrast with the arid, brown, windswept countryside.
Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions. Why they do so is unknown, the most likely explanation is that they climb into the branches to getaway from unwelcome attention of flies and large mammals that may threaten them.
Habitat
Lake, forest, grassland
Flora / Fauna
Ungulate: Elephant, buffalo, hippo, impala, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, bushbuck
Predator: tree-climbing lion, leopard,
Primates: baboon
Birdlife: over 400 species discovered in the park, of which you can easily see at least 100 in just one day
ACTIVITIES
Game Drives
Duration: ˝ day – full day
Game drive viewing the wildlife within all the unique landscapes of this spectacular national park
Canoeing
Duration: ˝ day – full day
When the water levels are sufficiently high, explore this amazing park 
from a different angle with a unique but easy activity of canoeing.
Canoeing is also a good activity for guests who do not have plenty of time in the National Park. You will be accompanied by qualified guides, as you are driven to the canoe launching site in game drive vehicles.
Before you take off in your two-man canoes, you will receive your safety information and life jackets. Canoeists glide over the smooth lake water (20 m offshore) with the company of their qualified guide, driving past giraffe, buffalo, and elephant. The trip ends with a refreshing drink stop.
The strenuousness of this activity is only moderate, as you canoe with the wind from behind.
Cycling Excursion
Duration: 3-4 hour
This activity is ideal for guests who enjoy biking and want to cover more terrain than walking. During about a 3.5 hour cycling tour, you descend down the rift valley escarpment and ride on a single-track path through the spectacular rural countryside of Mto wa Mbu Village until you reach the beautiful shore of Lake Manyara. All the while, a trained guide will explain the flora, fauna, and history of the Lake Manyara area. After the tour, you will meet a vehicle with drinks and snacks and get driven back to the lodge for lunch or dinner. You will be supplied with top of the line mountain bikes, helmets, and gloves.
This activity is moderately strenuous, as it is downhill or flat most of the way.
Nature Walk
Duration: 1 hour
This is a short 1 hour walk that can fit in any itinerary, and is perfect for those wishing to stretch their legs a bit. After a light early morning breakfast, you depart on this walk at around 06h30 and stroll west into semi-arid bush then follow the edge of the rift valley wall in front of Lake 
Manyara Serena Lodge.
Departure can also occur at a later time in the day. The walk is carried out by well-trained and experienced guides focusing on the intricacies of the bush that are often missed out while sitting in a vehicle. Birds, plants, insects, history, geology, and cultures will be explained to the hikers. You will return to your accommodation at around 08h30, just in time for a game drive or transfer.
This is only of low strenuousness, is suitable for people of all ages and abilities as no particular fitness level or experience is required.
Village Walk
Duration: ˝ day – full day
This is perfect for guests who want to have a “real” cultural experience. You drive down to Mto wa Mbu Village with your village guide then take a leisurely stroll around the farming areas. There are a variety of walks you can take, depending on your interest, please see Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tourism for more details.
This is an activity of low strenuousness, and people of all ages can enjoy this activity.
Forest Hike
Duration: ˝ day
This hike is designed for guests who would like to do more serious walking, and would like something different than a game drive. The walk it leads clients down the Rift Valley wall via a well-established game path into a river valley. The path in the valley leads to an underground water forest next to a fresh water stream pouting out of the valley walls.
Towards the end of the walk, guests will have the option of climbing up the rift valley wall on a steep path, with the help of ropes or be driven back to your accommodation by vehicle. For your safety, your trained guide will be in constant radio contact. To keep walks more personal, a maximum of 10 guests per hike will be allowed.
This activity can be moderate to high strenuousness, depending on the activities chosen.
Rock Climbing/Abseiling
Duration: ˝ day
This is a great activity for those who want a challenge, where you can abseil and on a cliff just outside Lake Manyara. All the equipment is provided to allow even a beginner to participate.
This activity is of moderate strenuousness.
Night Game Drives
Duration: 3 hours
You can view nocturnal animals such as leopards, hippos, porcupines, genets, civets, bush babies and many more. It is also a sensory experience listening to the night sounds and learning more about the African stars. A successful night game drive, with several good viewings and wildlife can be very rewarding. On the other hand, good sightings are less of a certainty in the evening and when luck is bad, can be disappointing. Lake Manyara is the only national park where night game drives are allowed within park boundaries. We provide an excellent bush dinner next to the park entrance prior to the game drive.
Tarangire National Park
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| Area: 2,600 sq km Location: Northern Circuit, 118 km, 3 hr drive southwest of Arusha Best Time To Visit: Year-round, many animals during dry season of Jun-Oct Jun – October in the West of the park Interesting Facts: - Famous for large herds of elephant seen year-round - During dry season, the abundance of wildlife almost rivals that of the Serengeti - Home of tree-climbing lions, pythons, and leopards Duration: One day is usually enough to explore this park, but 2 is better especially during dry season |
The name Tarangire is comes from the Tarangire River which meanders through the park and provides permanent water for wildlife. During dry season, this river dries out and remains the primary water source in the region, and as a result animals flock here for water.
This park is symbolized by the spectacular baobab tree, dotted throughout the park towering above the open acacia woodland. It is also famous for its large herds of elephants, and its climbing leopards, lions and pythons.
The beautiful excellent landscape views of the beautiful riverine forests, acacia woodlands, ancient African baobab trees and endless rolling hills, paired with the fact that this park sees relatively less tourists than its northern circuit counter parks, make it a superb national park to visit.
Habitat
Grassland, Savannah
Flora / Fauna
Ungulates: wildebeest, zebra, eland, impala, gazelle, hartebeest, buffalo, elephant
Predators: lions, leopards
Birdlife: over 550 bird varieties found, such as the Kori bustard, stocking-thighed ostrich, and hornbills
ACTIVITIES
Game Drives
Duration: ˝ day – full day
Probably the one of the best ways to explore the park is through game drives, where you can efficiently traverse the terrain and see the wildlife.
Ethnobotanical Walk
Duration: 1 hour
Find out about medicinal plants and those used in cultural ceremonies. During this walk, learn from traditional herbalists about medicinal plants used for centuries in treatment of common ailments from malaria and fiver to headaches and more. Learn about the use of various plants in cultural ceremonies. Smell and feel the smooth Amarula fruit used to make the delicious smooth African liqueur. This excursion provides an opportunity to walk in the wild and get a sense of appreciation for the flora and its use.
Night Game Drive
Duration: 3 hours
During a night game drive, you can view nocturnal animals such as leopards, hippos, porcupines, genets, civets, bush babies, and lots more. It is also a sensory experience listening to the night sounds and learning more about the African stars. A successful night game drive, with several good viewings and wildlife can be very rewarding. On the other hand, good sightings are less of a certainty in the evening and when luck is bad, can be disappointing.
These game drives take place just outside the boundaries of the national park and are available at select accommodations only.
Arusha National Park
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| Size: 137 sq. km Location: Northern Circuit, 32 km (40 min) east of Arusha on the way to Moshi Best Time: Year-round, but has best views of Kili from Dec-Feb Interesting Facts: - Only park where the black and white Colobus monkey is easily seen - Has one of the highest giraffe densities of any park in Africa Duration: One day is sufficient to explore the park, more if you want to do additional activities. |
Mount Meru dominates the horizon of Arusha National Park and is a rewarding hiking destination. It is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and forms the western boundary of the park. It has a varied terrain of montane forest to moorland to even rocky cliffs near its peak.
Habitat
Dense forest, swamp, grassland, lakes, alpine highland, rocks
Flora / Fauna
Ungulates: giraffe, zebras, waterbucks, reedbucks, klipspringers, elephant
Predators: leopard
Primates: black and white colobus, baboon
Birdlife: over 400 species of bird can be found in the park, both sedentary and migratoryACTIVITIES
Game Drives
Duration: ˝ day – full day
Game drives to the Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater viewing the magnificent flora and fauna of the area
Canoeing Safari
Duration: 3 hour
Enjoy a peaceful and scenic canoeing safari following the shorelines of small Momella Lakes. This is a 2 ˝-3 hour canoeing safari with a qualified guide in good quality and safe two man canoes. Life jackets and water packs are provided. Guests receive all safety information and set off on the water in the company of the canoeing guide. Canoeists glide over the smooth lake water 20m offshore drifting past herds of giraffe, buffalo, gazelle, and elephant, ending with a refreshing drink stop. View buffaloes, bush buck, giraffes, hippos, and many water birds living in and close to the water.
This activity is of moderate strenuousness, as canoeing is always done with the wind from behind.
Strenuousness: Moderate, as canoeing is always done with the wind from behind
Walking Safari
Duration: 3 hour
Depart on a morning walking safari in the company of an armed park ranger on the slopes of Mt. Meru up to Ngurdoto Crater getting a glimpse at the resident wildlife in the park such as the giraffe and buffalo.
Mt. Meru Climb
Duration: 3-4 days
Climb the magnificent Mt. Meru, with spectacular views of the African horizon and Mt. Kilimanjaro. This is a highly strenuous activity.