Compare Where the Wild Things Are: Tanzania With Your Family by Road Scholar vs 6 Days Northern Tanzania Safari - Tarangire Lake Manyara, Serengeti and the Ngongoro Crater by Wildreality Safari

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive to Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Arusha Arusha

Kilimanjaro International Airport to the Arusha hotel is approximately 25 miles; about 1 hour. Check in available from 3:00 p.m. See your program's travel details regarding transfers.

Upon arriving at the lodge, we will check in and get our room assignments. Our Group Leader will be on hand to provide assistance as needed. The rest of the evening will be at leisure so we can get a good night's rest in preparation for the day ahead.

Day 3 Orientation, Arusha National Park Arusha

From the hotel to Arusha National Park is approximately 30 miles; about 1 hour. The slow paced, 2-hour walk in Arusha National Park will include walking on unpaved trails over mostly flat terrain. Some uneven, rocky stretches and potentially muddy areas should be expected.

Orientation: 8 a.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. This is a Road Scholar Family program. Adults are responsible for their minor children. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Minors are never to be left unsupervised. Meals on our program feature local and international cuisine. In many cases, they will be plated and served set meals; in others, we will have buffets with multiple options. Beverages include coffee, tea, water; other beverages are usually available for purchase. The transportation used throughout our program for transfers and game drives will be provided by four-wheel drive safari vans with pop-tops. Driving distances and times noted in your program itinerary are estimates. Actual driving times might vary depending on local traffic, road conditions and weather. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Following our orientation, we will learn about Tanzania's history, economy and people during a presentation given by a local expert. Next, we will board our safari vehicles and transfer to Arusha National Park, arriving in time for lunch.

At Arusha National Park, we will accompany a park ranger on a nature walk on local trails. During our explorations we hope to get close-up views of local wildlife in their natural habitat. Some animals we might be lucky to spot include giraffes, zebras, baboons, buffalo and warthogs. Then we'll return to the lodge with free time to relax, take a dip in the pool and recharge our batteries.

At leisure.

At the lodge plus coffee, tea, water.

Box lunch at Arusha National Park.

At the lodge plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 4 Shanga Beads Project, Maasai Village Tarangire National Park

From Arusha to Tarangire National Park is approximately 100 miles; about 3.5 hours.

After checking out of the lodge and loading our safari vehicles, we will begin our drive to Tarangire. Along the way, we will make a brief stop at a local market in Arusha. We will purchase food items that we will gift later on to a Maasai community during a visit to their village. Next, we will stop at Shanga--a project in Arusha that trains and employs locals with various disabilities in the production of jewelry and crafts. A member of the project will walk us through the gallery and share the inspirational story behind the creation and success of Shanga. We'll continue our drive to Tarangire, arriving at the lodge in time for lunch.

Check in and room assignments followed by free time to rest and relax at the lodge. Late in the afternoon we will transfer in safari vehicles to a local Maasai village. The food we purchased at the market in Arusha will be donated to the village. Our Group Leader will help introduce us to members of the community and we will learn about Maasai culture and their way of life. Return to the lodge. A pre-dinner talk by a local expert will focus on Tarangire's large population of elephants in preparation for our activities in the park.

At leisure.

At the lodge.

At the lodge plus coffee, tea, water. Other beverages available for purchase.

At the lodge plus coffee, tea, water. Other beverages available for purchase.

Day 5 Game Drives in Tarangire National Park Tarangire National Park

Full day of safari game drives; breaks for lunch and bathroom use. Participants with lower back issues might consider bringing a small lumbar pillow or a back brace/belt for extra support during off-road drives. A "buff" or face mask can offer added protection from dust during game drives in the drier seasons.

We will board our safari vehicles and drive into Tarangire National Park for a day of safari game drives in search of local wildlife. The Tarangire River snakes through the national park that bears its name. Wildlife travel long distances; drawn to the area's only permanent river. The 1,096 square miles of protected lands are home to a large variety of game such as: wildebeests, elephants, zebras, gazelles, elands, gerenuks, lions and leopards. Extensive grasslands, dusted with the occasional acacia or baobab tree, provide the optimum conditions for viewing wild animals.

We'll resume our game drives in Tarangire, looking for resident wildlife. Mid-afternoon return to the lodge, followed by free time.

At leisure.

Early breakfast at the lodge plus coffee, tea, water.

Box lunch in the park.

At the lodge.

Day 6 Mto wa Mbu Village, Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area Ngorongoro

From Tarangire to Mto wa Mbu is approximately 66 miles; about 2 hours. Mto wa Mbu to Ngorongoro Crater is approximately 40 miles; about 1.5 hours.

After check out, we will begin our transfer to the Ngorongoro Crater via Mto wa Mbu Village. At Mto wa Mbu Village, we will participate in a painting workshop with a local artist. We will learn the origin of the colorful Tanzanian paintings called Tinga Tinga (also Tingatinga) and how they are made. Then we'll give free rein to creativity as we create our own Tinga Tinga masterpieces.

We'll continue our transfer to Ngorongoro, making a stop at a lookout point to enjoy a panoramic view of the Great Rift Valley. The Great Rift Valley is a wide valley that extends from Syria in Western Asia, then down through East Africa, all the way to Mozambique in Southern Africa. This incredible geological feature is the result of a break and shift in layered segments of the planet’s crust (called tectonic plates). The separation of two plates pulling in opposite directions led to the creation of a deep valley dotted with lakes and edged by mountains and volcanoes. Once we arrive at our lodge we will check in and settle into our rooms. Next we will meet our Group Leader for a brief orientation of next day's activities.

At leisure.

At the lodge.

At Mto wa Mbu Village, we will learn how to make chapattis (a flat bread that resembles a flour tortilla) and then enjoy a traditional meal with members of the community.

At the lodge plus coffee, tea, water. Other beverages available for purchase.

Day 7 Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater, Transfer to Serengeti Central Serengeti

From Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti is approximately 109 miles; about 3 hours. We’ll climb into 4x4 vehicles for our descent into the crater and a full morning game drive amid one of the most extraordinary concentrations of wildlife on earth. Viewing animals from such relatively close range, with the wall of the crater as backdrop, provides opportunities for incredible photos.

Check out of the lodge. After leaving our lodge we will begin our descent into the Ngorongoro Crater in preparation for a full morning game drive among one of the most unique concentrations of wildlife on earth. Ngorongoro Crater is the star attraction in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area (5,152 sq miles); a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The massive volcanic crater occupies an area of approximately 186.41 sq miles and is 1,968 feet deep. Vast grasslands cover most of the crater floor and provide ample grazing for resident zebras, gazelles, wildebeest, elephants, warthogs and rhinos. With such a large number of prey species contained within the crater, it is not surprising that Ngorongoro is also home to a dense population of lions. As the morning comes to a close we will drive out of the crater and begin our transfer to the Serengeti.

We'll continue our transfer to Central Serengeti, enjoying wildlife viewing along the way. We’ll check in upon arrival at the camp with time to freshen up relax before joining our Group Leader for an overview of next day's activities.

At leisure.

Early breakfast at the lodge plus coffee, tea, water.

Picnic-style lunch en route.

At the camp plus coffee, tea, water. Other beverages available for purchase.

Day 8 Game Drives in Central Serengeti Central Serengeti

Full day of safari game drives; breaks for lunch and bathroom use.

After breakfast, we will begin our first game drive of the day in the Serengeti. Wildlife viewing is usually best early in the morning, when animals take advantage of the cooler temperatures to hunt and forage.

Continue with game drives in the Serengeti. Late in the afternoon we will return to the camp and freshen up before dinner.

We’ll join our Group Leader around the campfire for a talk about wildebeests and their adaptation mechanisms.

Early morning at the camp, plus coffee, tea, water.

Picnic-style lunch in the Serengeti.

At the camp.

Day 9 Game Drives in Central Serengeti Central Serengeti

After breakfast, we will board our safari vehicles and begin our game drive in the Serengeti.

Transfer to the the Serengeti National Park Headquarters, enjoying some game viewing en route. At the headquarters, a park ranger will talk to us about the role of rangers and other staff in monitoring and protecting the wildlife in the Serengeti National Park. Return to camp.

We'll meet our Group Leader for one final campfire talk in the Serengeti. As we sit under the seemingly endless African sky, we'll learn about the great animal migration that takes place across the Serengeti Plains every year.

Early at the camp.

Picnic-style lunch in the Serengeti.

At the camp.

Day 10 Olduvai Gorge Archaeological Site, Transfer to Karatu Area Karatu

From Central Serengeti to Olduvai Gorge is approximately 75 miles; about 3 hours. From Olduvai Gorge to Karatu is approximately 46 miles; about 2 hours.

We will check out of our camp this morning and begin our drive to Karatu with a stop at the Olduvai (also known as Oldupai) Gorge to view its archaeological site. A local expert will reveal information about the important hominid fossils and tools discovered by paleoanthropologists Louis and Mary Leakey.

Next, we will continue our transfer to Karatu. Once at the lodge, we will check in and settle into our rooms and then have the rest of the afternoon free to enjoy the pool or rest before dinner.

At leisure.

At the camp.

Box lunch at Olduvai Gorge.

At the lodge plus coffee, tea, water. Other beverages available for purchase.

Day 11 Interacting with Local Schoolkids Karatu

The approximately 30-minute walk from the rural school to the local village will take place on slightly undulating, dirt paths/roads. Wear tennis shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen and bug repellent. It is not mandatory to bring anything to donate to the school and/or the children. However, anyone wishing to do so might consider bringing a few basic school supplies such as pencils and erasers, pens, colored markers, etc. to donate during the visit.

After an early breakfast, we'll drive to a local school to find out what a typical school day is like in Tanzania. We'll interact with teachers and students and sit in on classes. Best of all...we won't have any tests or homework!

After the classes are done for the day, we will join a couple of schoolchildren on their walk home to a nearby village. During our journey we will learn how the children get to and from school every day. At the village, we'll see how the kids live and meet some members of the community. We will walk back to the school and board our vehicles for the return journey to the lodge. We'll have free time at the lodge to enjoy the swimming pool and relax before dinner.

At leisure. Prepare for check out and transfer in the morning.

Early at the lodge plus coffee, tea, water.

At the local school.

At the lodge. Enjoy your last night in Tanzania among newfound Road Scholar friends.

Day 12 Drive to Arusha, Program Concludes, In Transit from Program Arusha

From Karatu to Arusha is approximately 96 miles; less than 3 hours. Hotel dayroom only (check out by 6:00 p.m.); no overnight accommodations are included on this day. The drive to Kilimanjaro International Airport is approximately 25 miles; about 1 hour.

After checking out, we'll begin our transfer to Arusha.

Transfer to Lake Duluti Lodge and check into our dayrooms. Next, enjoy free time to rest, finish packing luggage, or freshening-up before catching a night flight to North America.

At the lodge.

A local family will host us for lunch at their home.

Before leaving for the airport, we will have a light snack at the hotel. This concludes the program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Day 13 Arrivals to North America In Flight

Day 1 – DRIVE FROM ARUSHA TOWN TO TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

Tarangire National Park is the second-largest National Park in Tanzania and is well-known for ancient baobab trees, tree climbing pythons, and the largest concentration of African elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetah

• Distance: 150 km
• Game viewing time: 6-7 hrs

After breakfast, you will meet our guide and our office representative for a briefing about your Safari. After briefing about your Safari, you will drive to Tarangire National Park with packed lunch, this drive takes 2 hours. Along the way, you will take in the scenic views of the grassland plains speckled with the ancient baobab trees, traditional Maasai houses, and cattle herded by the nomadic people. After lunch break midday, you will continue your afternoon game drive then drive to the lodge/hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation

• Luxury: Serena / Maramboi Tented / Retreat Ngorongoro
• Mid-range: Marera Valley Lodge/ Baghayo Garden Suites/ Eileens
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 2 – LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK FULL DAY GAME DRIVE

Lake Manyara National Park is notable for the tree climbing lions, the alkaline soda lake that captivate thousands flamingos and more than 500 other bird species.
Lake Manyara offers stunning views that is why is one of favorite for photographers and bird lovers.
The Lake Manyara National park is fairly small compared to the other parks in Tanzania. That is because the major land is covered by Lake.

• Distance: 50 km
• Game viewing time: 6-7 hrs

After breakfast, you will drive to the Lake Manyara National Park with packed lunch for a full day game drive. If your lucky you will get a chance to see tree climbing lions. After lunch break midday, you will continue your afternoon game drive then drive to the lodge/hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation

• Luxury: Serena / Maramboi Tented / Retreat Ngorongoro
• Mid-range: Marera Valley Lodge/ Baghayo Garden Suites/ Eileens
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  
  

Day 3 – 4: DRIVE FROM LAKE MANYARA TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

Serengeti is well known for the Great Wildebeest Migration in the northern part toward the Mara River. It is an unforgettable adventure to have a chance see all animals migrate in a clockwise circle every year. If you also want to spot all the Big Five animals (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo) all in one park, the Serengeti is the place to be.

• Distance: 150 km
• Game viewing time: 6-7 hrs

Early morning after breakfast, you will depart from lodge/hotel and we will proceed to Serengeti National Park, via the beautiful farmland of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You may have a chance to stop at the Ndutu area depending on the time. You will stop for lunch on the way and then proceed to your campsite with a game drive en-route arriving in the evening.

Accommodation

• Luxury: Grand Melia Lodge /Four Points by Sheraton Arusha / Arusha Coffee Lodge
• Mid-range: Ilboru Safari Lodge / Arusha Planet Lodge/ Under the Shad

DAY 5 – DRIVE FROM SERENGETI TO NGORONGORO AREA

Ngorongoro is one of the 8 Wonders of the World, the crater is an essential shelter for different wildlife. The most commonly seen are big bulls of elephants and the vulnerable species of black rhinos. In the Crater you will see large herds of wildebeest, African cape buffalos, zebras, Thomson and grant gazelles, hippopotamus, black-backed jackals, prides of lions, hyenas, serval cats, and close to 400 bird species.

After breakfast, you will take packed lunch for an early morning game drive between 08:00 – 14:30 hrs. Then, will drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area while having a game drive en route to where you will have dinner and overnight.

Accommodation

• Luxury: Serena / Maramboi Tented / Retreat Ngorongoro
• Mid-range: Marera Valley Lodge/ Baghayo Garden Suites/ Eileens
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

DAY 6 – NGORONGORO CRATER TOUR – ARUSHA TOWN

After an early breakfast, you will drop over 600 meters into the crater for a full day game drive. You will break game drive for lunch, you will have your lunch at the base of the crater.

After the tour, you will drive back to Arusha town or Directly to the airport to catch your flight to Zanzibar or back home.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch