Shadows of Africa

4.9/5 – 143 Reviews

$4,591 pp (USD)

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Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

  • A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
  • Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day 1

Arusha - Arusha National Park

Arusha - Arusha National Park

We'll start your adventure by picking you up from your accommodation in Arusha or Moshi and heading to Arusha National Park.

Game Drive: You'll have the option of embarking on either a half-day or full-day game drive through the park. During your drive, you'll pass by iconic landmarks within the park, such as the Momella Lakes and the Ngurdoto Crater.

Canoe Safari: For an additional fee, you can opt for a unique experience by trading the car for a canoe. Enjoy a guided canoe safari on the Momella Lakes.

Walking Safari: Stretch your legs and explore the park on a guided walking safari. You'll traverse vast expanses of forest that are home to black and white colobus monkeys, zebras, buffalos, and various antelope species. With over 400 bird species in the park, keep an eye out for magnificent birds.

In the late afternoon, you'll return to Arusha with cherished memories and a camera filled with unforgettable photos.

Main Destination:
Arusha National Park
Best Time To Visit June to October (Animals are easier to spot)
High Season July to March (The park can get busy)
Best Weather June to October (Little rainfall)

Wildlife in Arusha NP

GiraffeCommon
BuffaloCommon
ZebraCommon
HippoCommon
ElephantOccasional
WildebeestOccasional
Show more
HyenaRare
LionNone
Accommodation:
Olerai Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located in Arusha (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2

Arusha - Tarangire National Park

Arusha - Tarangire National Park

After enjoying breakfast in Arusha, your journey begins with a scenic two-hour drive to Tarangire National Park. En route, you'll pass through lively Maasai villages and the expansive open plains that epitomize the African landscape. As you enter Tarangire, your safari adventure commences with a captivating game drive across the golden savannah that envelops the Tarangire River.

This river flows year-round, serving as a lifeline for the park's wildlife during the dry season. Adorned with acacia and baobab trees, the riverbanks are frequented by a thriving elephant population and other herbivores like zebras and antelopes.

While exploring the park, you'll also have the opportunity to spot lions, leopards, Cape buffalos, and a diverse array of antelope species. If luck is on your side, you might even catch a glimpse of endangered creatures like the greater kudu or the fringe-eared oryx.

Following an exhilarating day of game viewing, you'll retire to your overnight accommodation.

Main Destination:
Tarangire National Park
Best Time To Visit July to November (Animals come to the Tarangire River)
High Season June to October (The park is full of visitors)
Best Weather June to October (Little rainfall)

Wildlife in Tarangire NP

ElephantAbundant
GiraffeCommon
LionCommon
BuffaloAbundant
ZebraAbundant
WildebeestAbundant
Show more
HippoCommon
HyenaOccasional
Wild DogVery Rare
Accommodation:
Sangaiwe Tented Lodge
  • Mid-range tented camp located just outside Tarangire NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3

Tarangire National Park - Lake Manyara National Park

Tarangire National Park - Lake Manyara National Park

Following breakfast, you'll venture into Lake Manyara National Park, a haven for photographers and a sanctuary for exceptional wildlife viewing. This park offers some of the world's finest opportunities for capturing remarkable images of African wildlife. You can anticipate encountering many of Africa's renowned animals, and the tree-climbing lions are a particular highlight. These majestic predators recline in acacia trees, practically inviting you to capture their regal presence through your lens.

For bird enthusiasts, Lake Manyara is a true paradise, boasting an astonishing array of bird species. Even those new to birdwatching will be astounded by the sight of vast flocks of flamingos, majestic birds of prey soaring overhead, and the vividly hued lilac-breasted roller.

Main Destination:
Lake Manyara National Park
Best Time To Visit June to October (Easier to spot animals)
High Season July to March (The northern section gets crowded)
Best Weather June to October (Little rainfall)

Wildlife in Lake Manyara NP

ElephantCommon
GiraffeCommon
BuffaloCommon
ZebraCommon
HippoCommon
Show more
LionOccasional
HyenaOccasional
Wild DogVery Rare
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Lake Manyara (Safari Comfort)
  • Mid-range tented camp located just outside Lake Manyara NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4

Lake Manyara National Park - Lake Natron

Lake Manyara National Park - Lake Natron

Today, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in modern Tanzanian village life, and you'll do it on two wheels! Join us for a 2-hour bicycle tour through the local farming village of Mto Wa Mbu. If you prefer a less physically demanding option, you can opt for a tuk-tuk tour instead.

Your morning of exploration will conclude with a satisfying local lunch served under the shade of banana leaves. Dive into Tanzanian cuisine and savor a wide array of local dishes. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even sample banana beer, a local brew crafted from bananas.

Following lunch, you'll embark on a journey to Lake Natron. En route, you'll pass through the heart of the Maasai cultural homeland. Along the way, you'll also encounter Engaruka, an archaeological site featuring remnants of a Stone Age settlement. Your day will wind down with your arrival at Lake Natron, where you can soak in the beauty of the sunset in the late afternoon.

Main Destination:
Lake Natron
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Lake Natron (Safari Luxury Glamping)
  • Mid-range tented camp located near Lake Natron
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5

Lake Natron

Lake Natron

Lake Natron is a hidden treasure, far from the usual tourist paths and one of Tanzania's least-visited wonders. Today, you'll dedicate a full day to exploring the enchanting features of this lake. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you'll take a lakeside stroll, discovering captivating waterfalls and embarking on a hike to view hominid footprints. There's no shortage of activities to enjoy, and if luck is on your side, you might even catch a glimpse of the renowned flamingos that frequent the area for breeding.

After a day of immersing yourself in the breathtaking scenery, characterized by striking colors ranging from pink to lime, green, and red due to mineral concentrations, you'll return to your lodge.

In the evening, treat yourself to a sundowner with panoramic views of Lake Natron. Savor a delightful dinner and a refreshing drink while gazing upon Ondonyo Lengai, the sole active volcano in Northern Tanzania and a sacred mountain for the Maasai people.

Main Destination:
Ngorongoro Highlands
Accommodation:
Africa Safari Lake Natron (Safari Luxury Glamping)
  • Mid-range tented camp located near Lake Natron
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6

Lake Natron - Northern Serengeti

Lake Natron - Northern Serengeti

Today promises yet another day of thrilling adventures! Following breakfast, you'll bid farewell to the captivating scenery of Lake Natron and embark on a journey to one of the most renowned natural parks globally, the Serengeti!

The road ascends gradually, winding through a series of picturesque turns. Before leaving the Rift Valley behind, savor one last glimpse of Lake Natron's beauty. Continuing through the village of Wasso, you'll eventually reach Northern Serengeti. Although the drive to Serengeti is not short, you'll be rewarded with unique and mesmerizing vistas upon arrival in the afternoon.

Insider tip: The prime time to explore North Serengeti is from July to October. If your travels fall outside of this period, we'll adjust your overnight accommodations accordingly, which may also affect the available time for your game drive.

Main Destination:
Northern Serengeti National Park
Best Time To Visit January to February and June to October (Different areas are best at different times)
High Season July to March (The Seronera area is crowded)
Best Weather June to October (Little to no rainfall)

Wildlife in Serengeti NP

ElephantCommon
LionCommon
CheetahCommon
BuffaloAbundant
ZebraAbundant
WildebeestAbundant
Show more
GiraffeCommon
HippoCommon
HyenaCommon
LeopardOccasional
Black RhinoVery Rare
Wild DogVery Rare
Accommodation:
Lobo Wildlife Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located inside Northern Serengeti NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park

You'll dedicate the entire day to traversing this unique and captivating corner of the park, in pursuit of the wildebeest migration and the Big Five. Since you'll be spending a full day in the northern Serengeti, your chances of witnessing the dramatic wildebeest river crossings are significantly enhanced. Nearly every day, a portion of the wildebeest herd ventures across the river in search of nourishment. Multiple crossing points exist, and on some days, you might even witness several crossings. Your guide will maintain communication via radio to stay informed about the crossing locations, increasing your odds of witnessing this remarkable event.

In the afternoon, you'll have the option to extend your game drive until sunset or participate in one of the optional activities offered at your lodge. These activities often include guided nature walks or enjoying a relaxing sundowner experience at the lodge.

Main Destination:
Serengeti National Park
Accommodation:
Lobo Wildlife Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located inside Northern Serengeti NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 8

Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we'll embark on a journey towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Our route will take us back through the Serengeti, this time along a different path, providing ample opportunities to spot the wildlife you may have missed on the second day of your safari. As you gaze across the landscape, you'll be greeted by the incredible sight of countless animals in vast herds: migrating wildebeests and zebras, elegant giraffes, agile antelopes and gazelles, mighty African elephants, and the revered group of predators. During this drive, keep a keen eye out for the sleek cheetahs, elusive leopards, scavenging hyenas, and, of course, the king of the savannah himself, the lion.

Dinner and overnight accommodations will be either on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater or in the nearby town of Karatu, depending on the standard and type of accommodation you've chosen from our available options.

Main Destination:
Ngorongoro Crater
Best Time To Visit June to October (Wildlife viewing is best)
High Season Most of the year – July to March (Expect crowds)
Best Weather June to October (Rainfall is little to none)

Wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater

LionCommon
BuffaloAbundant
ZebraAbundant
WildebeestAbundant
HyenaAbundant
Show more
ElephantCommon
HippoCommon
LeopardOccasional
Accommodation:
Rhino Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located on the crater rim of Ngorongoro Crater
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 9

Ngorongoro Crater - Lake Eyasi

Ngorongoro Crater - Lake Eyasi

Following breakfast, your journey will lead you to the Ngorongoro Crater, often hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World. As you catch your first glimpse of this expansive, lush caldera from a breathtaking panoramic viewpoint, you'll swiftly comprehend why it holds such a prestigious reputation.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to over 120 species of mammals, including the renowned Big Five, ranks among the world's most coveted safari destinations. It's an exceptional place to witness the endangered black rhinoceros and to observe substantial groups of hippos.

From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, you'll have the opportunity to observe and capture photographs of some of Africa's most iconic inhabitants. The crater boasts a substantial population of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, alongside a thriving community of wildebeests, zebras, various antelope species, Cape buffalos, and more.

Main Destination:
Lake Eyasi
Accommodation:
Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located at Lake Eyasi
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 10

Lake Eyasi - Ausha

Lake Eyasi - Ausha

Get ready to rise early today, even before breakfast, as you'll have the unique opportunity to spend the day with the Hadzabe Bushmen!

As one of the last remaining true Bushman communities in Africa, the Hadzabe continue to lead a way of life that has remained largely unchanged despite Tanzania's rapid development. With a population of only 2,000 members, the Hadzabe community offers a captivating glimpse into Tanzania's historical way of life.

During your visit, you'll also have the opportunity to interact with the Datoga people. Primarily engaged in farming and cattle breeding, the Datoga offer a different perspective on traditional life in Tanzania.

After a fulfilling day of activities, you'll make your way to your hotel in Arusha.

Main Destination:
Arusha (City)
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

  • Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
  • A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.

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  • Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
  • If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
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If preferred, you can contact the operator directly

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Disclaimer

  • This tour is offered by Shadows of Africa, not SafariBookings.
  • This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
  • If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
  • The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
  • If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
  • This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Shadows of Africa.