Serengeti Explorer

5 day safari strating and ending in Arusha, Tanzania

Great introductory tour to Tanzania including Mto wa Mbu Cultural Experience - Ngorongoro Crater - Olduvai Gorge - Laetoli Hominid Footprints - Olduvai Museum - Serengeti National Park - Cultural Heritage Centre

Day 1 – Mto wa Mbu Cultural Experience
Camp L,D

En-route from Arusha there is opportunity to barter for traditional crafts and beadwork at the roadside stalls on the way to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The afternoon will be spent at Mto wa Mbu (pronounced ‘umto wambu’) learning more about the extremely varied cultural heritage of Tanzania. Within the estimated population of around 28 000, Mto wa Mbu is home to nearly 120 different tribes. This excellent opportunity to experience true cultural-diversity can also result in dramatic photos and lasting memories.

Day 2 – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Camp B,L,D

The first glimpse of the Ngorongoro Crater is an unforgettable experience. Although commonly referred to as a crater, it is actually a caldera. At over 20 km’s across and 600m deep the Ngorongoro Caldera is the largest unbroken, un-flooded caldera in the world and clear testimony to this regions volcanic history. The most renowned part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this unique feature is legendary for the more than 25 000 wild animals that occupy the crater-floor. In addition to the large population of grazing animals, the small soda-lake (Lake Makat) is home to flamingos. Africa’s Big-5 - lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino are all to be found here along with hippo, zebra, warthog, eland and many of Africa’s other wild animals.

Day 3 – Olduvai Gorge and Serengeti National Park
Camp B,L,D

No visit to this part of the world would be complete without calling in at Olduvai Gorge – site of the Laetoli hominid footprints, Oldupai Museum and many fossilised hominid, animal and plant specimens. The names of Louis and Mary Leakey are most closely associated with Olduvai since they first started excavating this area over 70 years ago. 4-different types of hominid have been discovered here, with more than 60 remains comprising the archaeological record. A self-guided tour of the museum and a short lecture provides an excellent start to learning more about the history of hominids and other mammals.
A short visit to a nearby Maasai Village rounds off the morning before we finally enter the Serengeti National Park. On entering the Serengeti it is immediately apparent why the Maasai called this Siringitu - "the place where the land moves on forever."

Day 4 – Serengeti National Park
Camp B,L,D

The 14 763 square kilometres of the Serengeti is made up of a variety of different habitats – plains, kopjes, river and forest. The vast size of Tanzania’s premier National Park makes game viewing only one aspect of the Serengeti - the scenery is simply breathtaking. A good camera is an essential item to take with you as well as lots of spare batteries, memory chips, film… There is no bad time to visit the Serengeti as every season has its own special highlight – even the rainy season has the daily thunder and lightening to look forward to. Changing seasons and light patterns form the most beautiful backdrop to view Africa’s majestic and incredible wildlife.

Day 5 – Arusha
Tour ends. Own arrangements, B,L

The drive from Serengeti back to Arusha is still filled with birds, animals and beautiful scenery. On arrival in Arusha there will be some time to visit the Cultural Heritage Centre where many items of local produce are on sale – including Tanzanite. For those who prefer to leave the Serengeti in comfort an optional scenic flight from the Serengeti to Arusha can be arranged at an additional cost, but must be pre booked.
Optional Activities: Flight from Serengeti NP to Arusha

Tours & Safaris

Serengeti Explorer