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Holidays

Tanzania Safari - Maasai Adventure

Tanzania
1 review
Available Departures: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

8 days from

US$3,575

without flights
View Dates & Prices
Wildlife
Guided Group
LEISURELY LEISURELY

Super wildlife in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater along with walks at Lake Natron and the tribal people of Lake Eyasi

Trip Code: TMS
Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Tanzania Safari - Maasai Adventure

Highlights
  • See herds of elephants, zebra and wildebeest in Tanzania’s finest park – the Serengeti
  • Search for rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo and elephant in the Ngorongoro Crater
  • Visit Lake Natron for walks with Maasai guides, and meet the tribal Hadzabe people
  • Stay in classic safari tents with proper beds and en suite facilities
At a Glance
  • Group Size 3 to 10
  • Safari games drives and 2 half-day walks
  • Join At Kilimanjaro International Airport
Accommodation & Meals
  • All meals included
  • 2 nights Lodge
  • 5 nights Tented Lodge
Overview

This Tanzania wildlife safari has an added extra: our visit to the hauntingly beautiful Lake Natron. This multi coloured, alkaline lake lures the flamingo during breeding season and is a sight to behold. Away from the normal safari circuit, the local Maasai guides take us on walks here in the shadow of the marvellous volcano of Ol Doinyo Lengai. Our circular route then takes us into the Serengeti along the lesser used road from Lake Natron. The massive plains of the Serengeti are world famous for their wildlife; including all the classics such as the giraffe, zebra, antelope and hippo, but also the wildebeest migration and the big cats that follow it. After a couple of days here we travel to the Ngorongoro Crater, which is the best place to spot the Big 5; rhino, elephant, buffalo, leopard and lion. It’s a special atmosphere here in this huge crater. A second detour from the beaten track is our outing to Lake Eyasi where we meet the last hunter-gatherer tribe in Tanzania, the Hadzabe. We follow their simple lives, making an arrow, cooking and maybe some archery practice. This safari holiday is right for those who wish to have a taster of the splendid African wildlife with some additional cultural elements and walks by the lesser known Lake Natron. It is a special part of the world.

Is this holiday for you?

Fabulous days are spent in the game vehicles (land cruisers) either driving or quietly wildlife watching. The vehicles have 6 seats for clients, and these are all window seats. There will be a guide/driver for each vehicle. Much of the driving is done slowly on dirt roads and tracks. It can get dusty. The accommodation varies from hotels, lodges, permanent tented camps to mobile camps (all with …

Fabulous days are spent in the game vehicles (land cruisers) either driving or quietly wildlife watching. The vehicles have 6 seats for clients, and these are all window seats. There will be a guide/driver for each vehicle. Much of the driving is done slowly on dirt roads and tracks. It can get dusty. The accommodation varies from hotels, lodges, permanent tented camps to mobile camps (all with proper beds and toilets!). All are en suite and although some can be simple, all are very well presented in local African styles. We have a morning and afternoon walk when at Lake Natron, each taking 2-3 hrs. Binoculars and patience to watch and appreciate the magnificent, beautiful and graceful African wildlife is essential!

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Why KE?

Very few operators in the UK do a classic safari which includes Lake Natron and the tribal people on Lake Eyasi. These elements make this trip a real gem.

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Itinerary

Download Trip Notes

Meet at the group hotel. Airport transfers are included from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to the group hotel.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

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After breakfast we set off along the road to Lake Manyara. We arrive at the village of Mto Wa Mbu, known for its local fruit and vegetable markets, as well as artists. We stop here and enjoy a tuk-tuk ride seeing the 'mamas' selling their mango, papaya, watermelon, avocado and famous red bananas. We watch and meet artists and craftsmen at their work. After lunch in a local restaurant, we continue our journey north along a dirt road to the little explored Lake Natron. This alkaline lake is shallow and salty with a high mineral content making it a stunning phenomenon, and the most important breeding site for the Lesser Flamingo. We arrive at its shores for a 2 night stay with views of the volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai.

Accommodation

Tented Lodge

Meals

B L D
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After breakfast at our tented lodge, we meet our Maasai Guide from the local village who will take us to the shores of Lake Natron. We can see the famous flamingos (Sep-Jan) who come here in their thousands to breed. They are about the only wildlife which can survive the harsh conditions of the alkaline lake. It's a magical place, full of mystery and stunning beauty, showing off its pink waters (from the minerals) and the flamingo wings. Our Maasai guide will tell stories and describe what life on this lake shores is like. We walk back to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon our Maasai guide takes us for a walk along the river to the Engare Sero waterfalls. Our feet might get wet as we walk along the river to the pools where we can have a cooling dip. This is a beautiful afternoon walk. Back at the accommodation we have a sundowner and dinner in this peaceful and special African place.

Accommodation

Tented Lodge

Meals

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Another exciting day is in store for us as we leave Lake Natron and drive to the famous and fabulous Serengeti National Park. Driving through the Rift Valley and the heart of Maasailands we arrive into the magnificent Serengeti National Park. This park is world famous for its wildlife and the wildebeest migration. In the afternoon we have our first game drive in the park. We will see some of the splendid wildlife on these plains, including elephant, wildebeest, buffalo and of course the antelope and big cats including cheetah and leopard. We overnight in our tented camp (big classic safari tents with proper beds and en suite toilets) here in the Serengeti. Sleeping here is a tremendous experience and hopefully you'll hear some of the wildlife during the night!

Accommodation

Tented Lodge

Meals

B L D
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This morning we have further game drives in this impressive park. The sheer size of it is incredible (about the size of Northern Ireland), and the vistas over the savannah to the horizons shimmering with green or yellowing grasses are almost as fascinating as the safari itself! After the rainy season, the golden plains become a huge carpet coloured with wildflowers. At our picnic lunch we enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area bordering the Serengeti to continue our safari. In these wide plains with permanent watering holes it is common to see the herds of herbivores followed, in stealth, by the predators! We arrive at our accommodation in Ndutu in time for a sundowner.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D
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After breakfast we take the road to Ngorongoro Crater, and we spend a full day here in the park discovering its wonders. The crater has an inside diameter of 20km, and has 600m sides from rim to bottom! It is also one of the few places in Tanzania with the opportunity to see the Big 5; elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo. More than 550 bird species are found here, and Lake Magadi in the crater is often pink because of the flamingos. We can also see the hippo and buffalo lounging in the mud in Ngoitotitok. It's a special place. At the end of the day we leave the crater to our accommodation for the next 2 nights, on the green, lush outskirts of the small village of Karatu.

Accommodation

Tented Lodge

Meals

B L D
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Slightly off the beaten track we have a cultural experience today as we travel to the shores of Lake Eyasi and meet two tribes, the Hadzabe and the Datogas. A local guide will take us to the tribes. The Hadzabe are the last hunter-gathers in Tanzania, and the Datogas are sedentary people who have lived in the area for thousands of years. We will spend time learning about their everyday life including sitting by the fire learning the traditional craft of making arrows, possibly practising some archery, and maybe a hunt for lunch or dinner. This day is not a touristy tour but a true insight into how these people live and survive off the land. In the afternoon we return to our accommodation in Karatu.

Accommodation

Tented Lodge

Meals

B L D
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We leave the beauty of the plains of Africa and drive back to Arusha and then the airport. Depending on flight times we have some time here to visit the lively market before transferring to the airport. Alternatively we can choose to transfer to the domestic airport and fly to the paradise island of Zanzibar for a peaceful and relaxing extension on white sandy beaches for a few days.

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The Route
Airport Airport
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Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • A professional and qualified safari guide
  • Airport transfers to/from the group hotel on arrival and departure
  • All accommodation as described
  • All meals
  • All land transport required by the itinerary
  • National Park entrance fees

  • Travel insurance
  • Visas
  • Tips
  • Miscellaneous personal expenditure - drinks and souvenirs etc

Return airport transfers from/to Kilimanjaro International Airport to/from the group hotel are provided for all passengers.

If you have additional nights which are not booked at the group hotel then we can provide private airport transfers at an additional cost.

Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

All meals included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8.

It is not recommended to drink untreated water from the taps. You should take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles.

You will be fed well during this holiday. Breakfasts will include fresh fruits, cereals, and usually some form of cooked eggs or bacon. Picnic lunches will contain fruit, a sandwich or boxed salad and usually a drink. These are provided by our accommodation. Dinners are a hearty three course meal with a variety of vegetables, rice, pasta, potatoes, meats and vegetation options. We might try some traditional Tanzanian dishes and spices, but the majority of the food will be familiar to the traveller!

During this holiday we stay in simple, clean hotels, lodges, permanent tented lodges and tented camps. They have an African style to them with colourful traditional blankets, ornaments and smiling friendly staff. All accommodation has en suite facilities and 'proper' beds - there is no camping. Below is an indication of the places we stay, however please do aware that these are subject to change.

When in Arusha we stay at Moyoni Airport Lodge. This new lodge is perfectly situated near the international airport and with great views of Kilimanjaro. At Lake Natron we have 2 nights at the Natron River Camp. These are the classic African permanent tented camps, with safari tents with proper beds and en suite facilities. There is a restaurant, bar and a small dip pool with splendid views of Ol Doinyo Lengai. In the Serengeti we stay in a mobile safari camp. Again these classic safari tents have proper beds, and a toilet and a shower. The large main tent has a small bar, a dining table, proper chairs and sofas - it's very pleasant! In Ndutu we stay at Ndutu lodge, which has individual thatched stone cottages. Most evenings they have a campfire to sit around outside. Bliss under the African skies. In Karatu we stay for 2 nights at the Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge, which again are classic safari tents on platforms with en suite inside and outside showers. It's a very beautiful place with great views of the green forest.

All accommodation has mosquito nets provided.

If you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. Single rooms are available for a supplementary cost. If you are planning on extending your holiday additional nights at the group hotel are available on request.

Group leaders are the key to any successful safari. On this safari, you will travel with a qualified and experienced field guide. In the vehicle there are also books on fauna, and one set of binoculars.

We estimate that a total of around £200 per person (or equivalent in euros/dollars) should be allowed for personal spending. This amount should be sufficient to cover miscellaneous expenses, including tips to local staff. If you are intending to buy expensive souvenirs, considerable quantities of soft drinks / beer you should budget accordingly (credit cards can be useful in this respect). You can choose to take your money in pounds sterling, dollars or euros. There will be the opportunity to change money into local currency on arrival at the airport on arrival, and we advise you to use the facilities here. Credit cards are useful and it is a good idea to carry one in case of emergency, however be aware that not all lodges/hotels accept cards.

Your tour leader also works extremely hard to ensure that your holiday runs smoothly and that you are happy. We suggest you tip the guide $20 per day from all the people in one vehicle (max 6 clients). As in all cases with tipping, the final decision of the amount tipped is up to the individual. It is up to you to decide if you thought the service was poor, or exceptional, and the amount tipped should reflect that.

Our holidays are normally designed with minimal 'down time' at the start of the trip, but having a day or two at the beginning will have the additional benefit of allowing you time to get over the stress of a long journey or travelling across time zones, leaving you refreshed and ready for your holiday. We can easily arrange for you to have additional nights and airport transfers.

For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage and a daypack. Please keep the weight of your main luggage to 15kg. You should bring a soft bag, as these are more suitable to pack in the vehicle. It is possible to leave clothes or other items not required on safari at the group hotel. For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline.

Please be aware that plastic/polythene bags are illegal in Tanzania. The law says that they are not allowed to be manufactured, imported, used or sold in Tanzania (since Jun 2019).

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in the ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

Visa Tanzania

UK passport holders do require a visa. The visa fee is $50 (single entry) and is obtainable on arrival or prior to departure online at https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/. The online application requires a scanned passport photo, a scanned copy of your passport bio page and evidence of your return flight details. 

 

If you are arriving into Kilimanjaro Airport, Dar es Salaam or into Tanzania via the Namanga border crossing, we advise you to get a visa prior to arrival as there can be long queues for visas services at customs.

For visas on arrival you require 2 passport photos for the visa, however we recommend you travel with 4 passport photos just in case. Payment must be in cash when getting your visa on arrival.

USA passport holders do require a visa. The visa fee is $100. It is advised to obtain this prior to departure, full and up to date information can be found online https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Tanzania.html

 

We (KE) require copy of the information page of your passport in order to make the arrangements in Tanzania. A colour scan must be emailed or posted to us at the earliest opportunity.

If you are travelling to Zanzibar you will also need to purchase specific insurance (as well as your standard travel insurance), through the Visit Zanzibar website - Visit Zanzibar

Travelling With Under 18s

If the children (under 18yrs) with whom you are travelling have a different surname to yours, you should consider taking with you the child's full birth certificate. It is not a requirement, but some border personnel in Tanzania as well as the UK, may request to see it when travelling to/from Africa.

If you are travelling via Kenya to your destination you may also require a visa for Kenya. If you have connecting flights and your baggage has been checked all the way through to your destination you will not need a Kenyan visa.

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

VACCINATIONS

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you specific require any vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella), along with hepatitis A and typhoid. Malarial prophylaxis are required. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required if travelling from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hrs through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. On holidays to more remote areas you should also have a dentist check up. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro.

The unit of currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling.

There are essentially 2 main seasons. The dry season from May to October and rainy from November to April. However there is less rain at the end of December and January. It is slightly hotter during the rainy season, but generally temperatures are in the high 20 degrees C. When it rains here it does so in sudden enormous downpours, it is very localised and is over quickly (Unlike a consistent drizzly day in the UK). The end of the rainy season is otherwise known as the ‘green season’. The majority of wildlife give birth between February and March. The wildebeest migration will normally go through the Serengeti from November to June. It is a vast area and the exact location where the herds are depends on the rains and therefore cannot be accurately predicted from year to year.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

Please try to keep the weight of your baggage to a minimum. See the ‘baggage allowance’ section for further details.

You should bring the following items:

  • Lightweight walking boots/shoes or sturdy trainers
  • Sandals
  • Socks & Underwear
  • Lightweight trousers / Shorts / Skirts
  • T-shirts, tops and/or casual shirts
  • Lightweight waterproof jacket & trousers
  • Fleece jacket or warm jumper
  • Sunhat
  • Sunglasses
  • Daypack 20-25 litres
  • Headtorch and spare batteries
  • Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
  • Water bottles – minimum 2 litres (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)
  • Water purification tablets
  • Washbag and toiletries (biodegradable soap is preferred)
  • Antibacterial handwash
  • Insect repellent
  • Basic First Aid Kit including: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment and re-hydration salts (Dioralite).

The following items are optional:

  • Swimwear
  • Pen-knife (remember to pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
  • Camera
  • Binoculars (highly recommended)
  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

Notes:

Bright bold colours and white are not suitable for game viewing or bush wear as they attract insects and the attention of animals. Please do not bring camouflage or military style clothes as they can cause problems with local authorities.

Please dress appropriately for village and market visits – ie: no bare feet, no bare chests, no bikinis.

Please be aware that plastic/polythene bags are illegal in Tanzania. The law says that they are not allowed to be manufactured, imported, used or sold in Tanzania (since Jun 2019).

Many of the equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive a 12.5% discount with Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock and Runners Need. The discount code can be downloaded from your MyKE account and you can use this code at the checkout, either in store or online.

Extensions

Zanzibar Dhow
Zanzibar - 4 day extension

The lure of Zanzibar -The Spice Island, is legendary, with its exotic towns, palm-fringed beaches and pristine coral reefs it is the perfect place to relax after either climbing Kilimanjaro and bei...

4 days from

US$940 USD per person

Extension Details

Zanzibar - 4 day extension

4 Days

The lure of Zanzibar -The Spice Island, is legendary, with its exotic towns, palm-fringed beaches and pristine coral reefs it is the perfect place to relax after either climbing Kilimanjaro and being on safari. We are based at The Mwenzi Boutique Resort, The Ocean Paradise Resort, or similar (depending on availability) - all have access to the pristine white beaches. Zanzibar is bliss, and the perfect place to stop and relax for a few days after your time in Tanzania.

Extension Code: ZZWL
Sharing Price from
US$940
Single Traveller Price from
US$1,250
Single Room Supplement from
US$115

Extension Itinerary

We transfer to the airport and fly to Zanzibar. From here we transfer to the coast and our accommodation for the next few days. We have a cooling fruit cocktail and relax with views of the white sandy beaches.

Hide Details

We can relax by the pool at our hotel or on the beach.

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A further day on Zanzibar to soak up the sunshine and relax in this corner of paradise.

Meals

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After breakfast we transfer to Zanzibar Airport to meet with your international flight home.

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Whats Included

  • 3 nights accommodation

  • Flight one-way from Arusha to Zanzibar

  • Airport transfers

  • Breakfasts whilst on Zanzibar

  • NOTE: This price and itinerary are an example for a 3 night stay on B&B basis in a standard room during low season. A stay of any number of nights is possible. Prices are seasonally dependent.

What's Not Included
  • Any other meals
  • Optional activities in Zanzibar
  • Miscellaneous personal spending & drinks etc
  • BAGGAGE: On the internal flight from Arusha to Zanzibar there is a 15 kg weight limit in a soft bag.

Reviews

5 out of 5 from 1 review

A fantastic safari experience and introduction to the people of Tanzania ★★★★★

This was a fantastic, unforgettable experience. Everyone was so professional and friendly, from booking with the KE staff to the hotel staff, managers and owners. The people in Tanzania are very courteous, relaxed and welcoming. Hakuna matata! We took a digital camera each and managed to capture around 7,000 shots between us. I’d taken twice the camera batteries I normally carry but never broke into a third one as there were phone and camera charging facilities in all the accommodation. Some i s in communal areas but no need for concern here. One of the things we were concerned about was tipping. We needn’t have worried as all accommodation had a central tip box. This is a really good idea. In the main, facilities were nowhere near as basic as we’d expected. Tips for future travelers • If you’re doing a trip like this you’ll appreciate it isn’t cheap. Spend that little bit extra and do it as a private tour. You’ll have the full attention of your driver. • Take a powerbank that can be used to charge your phone / camera. • Definitely bring head torches • Be prepared for early mornings and heading to bed early. In the Serengeti we were up at 5:30am. • Take selfies (and a selfie stick), lots of them – other people may have better animal photos but you won’t be in them! • Take a wad of one dollar bills for tips. You can bring any unspent home. • You’ll be surprised where you’ll get a mobile signal! • Make sure you have your currency before you leave Kilimanjaro Airport. • There was adequate drinking water on the jeep (20l) and in each accommodation. • Generally, there was a carafe or bottles in the room and another by the bathroom sink for tooth brushing. Nothing to worry about. Day 2 We were met at breakfast by our driver/guide Dickson. After breakfast we set off along the road to Lake Manyara. After 3 hours, we arrived at the village of Mto Wa Mbu, known for its local fruit and vegetable markets, as well as artists. We had a 3 hour walking tour of banana plantations where we saw different kinds of banana including red bananas, the village, homes, fruit and food market, artists and crafts communes, saw how the Chaga tribe make Banana Beer and had a very pleasant lunch. We had an interesting off-road tuk-tuk ride. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable – we learned about the school system etc etc After lunch we continued our journey north along a dirt road to the little explored Lake Natron. Apparently not many tourists make this journey! This was another 3 hours drive and on some very challenging roads and varied landscapes. We arrived at Natron River Camp as it was getting dark. We spotted our first wildlife – camels!! Lots more followed. Tips: Wear practical shoes/boots – we weren’t anticipating the walk. The children will love you forever if you take their photograph or have (loose wrapped) sweets for them. Day 3 After breakfast at our tented lodge, we met our Maasai Guide who took us to the shores of Lake Natron via his Maasai village. He was keen to answer our questions, told stories and described life on the lake shore and explained how mobile phones form the backbone of the banking system. We walked on a variety of grey grit/sand, through brush and on crusty and sticky lake bed – as it was the dry season the lake was further away than it would otherwise be. We learned afterwards that most people only walk one way – which would have been welcome as Lake Natron was probably the hottest place we visited on our trip. The landscape could have been from a science fiction film. The lake is shallow and salty with a high mineral content and is the most important breeding site for the Lesser Flamingo. Again the landscapes were amazing, with views of the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai. We walked back to the lodge for lunch. As we’d walked for four hours before lunch, we skipped the walk along the river to the Engare Sero waterfalls and just chilled at the Camp. Tip: Wear long trousers and boots as the brush will scratch otherwise. Day 4 We left Lake Natron and drove through the Rift Valley and the heart of Maasailands to the Serengeti National Park. There was wildlife to see on the way and no fences - the animals roam freely between the Park and its surrounds. This park is world famous for its wildlife and the wildebeest migration – we saw the tail end of this. In the afternoon we had our first game drive in the park. We saw all sorts of wildlife – birds, elephants, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffes, gazelle, antelope and lions. Today’s lunch was a packed lunch – Dickson produced a wicker picnic basket and tablecloth and we ate by the Serengeti Park gate prior to commencing our visit. We overnighted in the tented camp (big classic safari tents with proper beds and en suite toilets) here in the Serengeti. Sleeping here was a tremendous experience and we heard lions and hyenas from our beds. We felt safe in our tent – after all we had an emergency whistle and a torch to summon help from security who had event bigger torches(!) to ward off the local wildlife. No fences. Amazing. Intriguing shower arrangements. Stunning sunrise. Day 5 We started early for a further half day drive in the Serengeti. By 9am we’d seen storks, baboons, hippos, lions, zebra, giraffes and gazelles as well as a variety of birds. The sheer size of the Serengeti is incredible and the landscape was different again from what we’d seen before. Today we saw more wildlife - elephants, lions, hyenas, jackals and spotted our first cheetah and leopard. Today’s lunch was a picnic which we ate from the bonnet of the jeep in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as the Serengeti Picnic Areas were very busy. In the conservation areayou can go off-road and get closer still to the wildlife; we saw a python, dik diks, giraffes and got within feet of sleeping lions! We arrived at our accommodation in Ndutu just as darkness set in. Day 6 After breakfast we climbed the road to Ngorongoro Crater and we spent a full day here in the park discovering its wonders. The crater has an inside diameter of 16miles and has 2000ft sides from rim to bottom! There’s only one way in and one way out. It is also one of the few places in Tanzania with the opportunity to see the Big 5; elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo. We didn’t manage to see any rhino though ?. Lake Magadi in the crater was largely dried up due to the dry season and a white crust of sodium bicarbonate was in place of the water. We had our picnic lunch watching the hippo and buffalo lounging in the mud in Ngoitotitok. A special memory. The range of wildlife we saw here was fantastic. The Serengeti was good but we felt we experienced more here. Day 7 Slightly off the usual tourist track we had a cultural experience as we travelled to the shores of Lake Eyasi and met two tribes, the Hadzabe and the Datogas. A local guide took us to the tribes. The Hadzabe are the last hunter-gathers in Tanzania, we spent an hour or so hunting with them. This was a real (fun) experience – something we hadn’t anticipated. A bird was taken with a bow and arrow and a mouse dug out of the ground. Both were cooked on a hand-started fire and eaten by the tribesmen as a snack! We learned about different types of arrow, had a go at archery and saw some tribal dancing. There were souvenirs to purchase, displayed on a baobab tree. The Datogas are sedentary people who have lived in the area for thousands of years. We watched the men recycling metal from the nearby village and the women milling polenta. Tip: Maybe take a small practical gift – be prepared they may ask if you’ve taken something for them. Overall this was a fantastic trip. Facilities were very good and always very clean. Food was generally good, very good in some places and excellent at Ndutu Lodge. Generally, we had soup followed by a main course and dessert for each of our evening meals, though there often wasn’t a choice. Breakfast included eggs on most occasions. I can be a picky eater and my wife’s vegetarian – we were well fed. There could have been more variety as we had a lot of rice dishes and the format was repetitive. Guides were excellent. They were informative, open to questions and keen to share their country. Their advice re local customs, taking photos etc. was valuable. Our driver /guide / spotter / host Dickson was fantastic and made our trip. He was friendly and constantly on the lookout for wildlife. His relaxed, safe, driving style was a contrast to a number we saw hurtling past us especially towards the park gates, obviously running up against their time limits. There were many highlights, but the landscapes, people, birds, camping overnight in the Serengeti and staying at Ndutu Lodge were high on the list – with the wildlife, of course. Graham and Alison Jordan, North East England.
By Graham from Houghton Le Spring | 29 August 2019

A fantastic safari experience and introduction to the people of Tanzania

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By Graham from Houghton Le Spring | 29 August 2019
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5 out of 5 from 2 review
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A fantastic safari experience and introduction to the people of Tanzania
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was a fantastic, unforgettable experience. Everyone was so professional and friendly, from booking with the KE staff to the hotel staff, managers and owners. The people in Tanzania are very courteous, relaxed and welcoming. Hakuna matata! We took a digital camera each and managed to capture around 7,000 shots between us. I’d taken twice the camera batteries I normally carry but never broke into a third one as there were phone and camera charging facilities in all the accommodation. Some i s in communal areas but no need for concern here. One of the things we were concerned about was tipping. We needn’t have worried as all accommodation had a central tip box. This is a really good idea. In the main, facilities were nowhere near as basic as we’d expected. Tips for future travelers • If you’re doing a trip like this you’ll appreciate it isn’t cheap. Spend that little bit extra and do it as a private tour. You’ll have the full attention of your driver. • Take a powerbank that can be used to charge your phone / camera. • Definitely bring head torches • Be prepared for early mornings and heading to bed early. In the Serengeti we were up at 5:30am. • Take selfies (and a selfie stick), lots of them – other people may have better animal photos but you won’t be in them! • Take a wad of one dollar bills for tips. You can bring any unspent home. • You’ll be surprised where you’ll get a mobile signal! • Make sure you have your currency before you leave Kilimanjaro Airport. • There was adequate drinking water on the jeep (20l) and in each accommodation. • Generally, there was a carafe or bottles in the room and another by the bathroom sink for tooth brushing. Nothing to worry about. Day 2 We were met at breakfast by our driver/guide Dickson. After breakfast we set off along the road to Lake Manyara. After 3 hours, we arrived at the village of Mto Wa Mbu, known for its local fruit and vegetable markets, as well as artists. We had a 3 hour walking tour of banana plantations where we saw different kinds of banana including red bananas, the village, homes, fruit and food market, artists and crafts communes, saw how the Chaga tribe make Banana Beer and had a very pleasant lunch. We had an interesting off-road tuk-tuk ride. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable – we learned about the school system etc etc After lunch we continued our journey north along a dirt road to the little explored Lake Natron. Apparently not many tourists make this journey! This was another 3 hours drive and on some very challenging roads and varied landscapes. We arrived at Natron River Camp as it was getting dark. We spotted our first wildlife – camels!! Lots more followed. Tips: Wear practical shoes/boots – we weren’t anticipating the walk. The children will love you forever if you take their photograph or have (loose wrapped) sweets for them. Day 3 After breakfast at our tented lodge, we met our Maasai Guide who took us to the shores of Lake Natron via his Maasai village. He was keen to answer our questions, told stories and described life on the lake shore and explained how mobile phones form the backbone of the banking system. We walked on a variety of grey grit/sand, through brush and on crusty and sticky lake bed – as it was the dry season the lake was further away than it would otherwise be. We learned afterwards that most people only walk one way – which would have been welcome as Lake Natron was probably the hottest place we visited on our trip. The landscape could have been from a science fiction film. The lake is shallow and salty with a high mineral content and is the most important breeding site for the Lesser Flamingo. Again the landscapes were amazing, with views of the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai. We walked back to the lodge for lunch. As we’d walked for four hours before lunch, we skipped the walk along the river to the Engare Sero waterfalls and just chilled at the Camp. Tip: Wear long trousers and boots as the brush will scratch otherwise. Day 4 We left Lake Natron and drove through the Rift Valley and the heart of Maasailands to the Serengeti National Park. There was wildlife to see on the way and no fences - the animals roam freely between the Park and its surrounds. This park is world famous for its wildlife and the wildebeest migration – we saw the tail end of this. In the afternoon we had our first game drive in the park. We saw all sorts of wildlife – birds, elephants, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffes, gazelle, antelope and lions. Today’s lunch was a packed lunch – Dickson produced a wicker picnic basket and tablecloth and we ate by the Serengeti Park gate prior to commencing our visit. We overnighted in the tented camp (big classic safari tents with proper beds and en suite toilets) here in the Serengeti. Sleeping here was a tremendous experience and we heard lions and hyenas from our beds. We felt safe in our tent – after all we had an emergency whistle and a torch to summon help from security who had event bigger torches(!) to ward off the local wildlife. No fences. Amazing. Intriguing shower arrangements. Stunning sunrise. Day 5 We started early for a further half day drive in the Serengeti. By 9am we’d seen storks, baboons, hippos, lions, zebra, giraffes and gazelles as well as a variety of birds. The sheer size of the Serengeti is incredible and the landscape was different again from what we’d seen before. Today we saw more wildlife - elephants, lions, hyenas, jackals and spotted our first cheetah and leopard. Today’s lunch was a picnic which we ate from the bonnet of the jeep in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as the Serengeti Picnic Areas were very busy. In the conservation areayou can go off-road and get closer still to the wildlife; we saw a python, dik diks, giraffes and got within feet of sleeping lions! We arrived at our accommodation in Ndutu just as darkness set in. Day 6 After breakfast we climbed the road to Ngorongoro Crater and we spent a full day here in the park discovering its wonders. The crater has an inside diameter of 16miles and has 2000ft sides from rim to bottom! There’s only one way in and one way out. It is also one of the few places in Tanzania with the opportunity to see the Big 5; elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo. We didn’t manage to see any rhino though ?. Lake Magadi in the crater was largely dried up due to the dry season and a white crust of sodium bicarbonate was in place of the water. We had our picnic lunch watching the hippo and buffalo lounging in the mud in Ngoitotitok. A special memory. The range of wildlife we saw here was fantastic. The Serengeti was good but we felt we experienced more here. Day 7 Slightly off the usual tourist track we had a cultural experience as we travelled to the shores of Lake Eyasi and met two tribes, the Hadzabe and the Datogas. A local guide took us to the tribes. The Hadzabe are the last hunter-gathers in Tanzania, we spent an hour or so hunting with them. This was a real (fun) experience – something we hadn’t anticipated. A bird was taken with a bow and arrow and a mouse dug out of the ground. Both were cooked on a hand-started fire and eaten by the tribesmen as a snack! We learned about different types of arrow, had a go at archery and saw some tribal dancing. There were souvenirs to purchase, displayed on a baobab tree. The Datogas are sedentary people who have lived in the area for thousands of years. We watched the men recycling metal from the nearby village and the women milling polenta. Tip: Maybe take a small practical gift – be prepared they may ask if you’ve taken something for them. Overall this was a fantastic trip. Facilities were very good and always very clean. Food was generally good, very good in some places and excellent at Ndutu Lodge. Generally, we had soup followed by a main course and dessert for each of our evening meals, though there often wasn’t a choice. Breakfast included eggs on most occasions. I can be a picky eater and my wife’s vegetarian – we were well fed. There could have been more variety as we had a lot of rice dishes and the format was repetitive. Guides were excellent. They were informative, open to questions and keen to share their country. Their advice re local customs, taking photos etc. was valuable. Our driver /guide / spotter / host Dickson was fantastic and made our trip. He was friendly and constantly on the lookout for wildlife. His relaxed, safe, driving style was a contrast to a number we saw hurtling past us especially towards the park gates, obviously running up against their time limits. There were many highlights, but the landscapes, people, birds, camping overnight in the Serengeti and staying at Ndutu Lodge were high on the list – with the wildlife, of course. Graham and Alison Jordan, North East England.
By Graham from Houghton Le Spring | 29 August 2019
A fantastic safari experience and introduction to the people of Tanzania

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By Graham from Houghton Le Spring | 29 August 2019
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  • Tanzania Safari - Maasai Adventure
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: TMS /02/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 26 Jul and ends on Sat 2 Aug
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$550
  • Single Supplement Price: US$265
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  • Tanzania Safari - Maasai Adventure
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: TMS /03/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 30 Aug and ends on Sat 6 Sep
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$550
  • Single Supplement Price: US$265
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Tanzania Safari - Maasai Adventure
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: TMS /04/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 27 Sep and ends on Sat 4 Oct
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$550
  • Single Supplement Price: US$265
  • Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information

The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary joining in Arusha, Tanzania. For clients making their own flight arrangements, Kilimanjaro International Airport is the most convenient for transfers to the group hotel.

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The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

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