II Tanzania - Serengeti Tented Safari (10 Days) - Migration - BIG 5 | Tanzania – Serengeti Safari | Safaris Tanzania - Africa safaris| Migration Safari| Tanzania II
Tanzania – Serengeti Tented Safari (10 Days) – Migration - BIG 5
Mt Meru, Mt Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park (Western Corridor), Moru Kopjes, Oldupai Gorge, Ngorongoro Crater & Tarangire National Park
Tanzania – Serengeti Safari (10 Day) migration safari. Visit the Serengeti National Park on a Wildlife Safari Tour. Highlights of the this safari include: Arusha, Lake Mt Meru, Mt Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park (Western Corridor), Moru Kopjes, Oldupai Gorge, Ngorongoro Crater & Tarangire National Park, with an add on option of a Hot Air Balloon "Serengeti Balloon Safari" ride which is the ideal way to see wild animals on the plains of Serengeti National Park - Tanzania and the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya.
With this safari package you will stay with Serena Lodges in Lake Manyara and in Ngorongoro Crater bust when in Serengeti the guests will be staying in Select Tents. This is the real thing, which goes back in time and brings the Old Africa back to life.
The select tent safari is as good as staying in a lodge but this way you are staying in tent and you are closer to nature.
On this Safari Our special campsites in the Serengeti are not fenced at all and by this it brings all of our guests very close to nature.
Serengeti National Park is Africa's most famous destination. It is most famous for its annual migration of over one million white bearded (or brindled) wildebeest and 200,000 zebra.
The annual wildebeest migration and dense predator population attracts most of the visitors who come to Tanzania. There is an overwhelming sense of space in this archetypal African savannah which stretches for over 15,000 square kilometres. The Greater Serengeti Eco-system which includes several smaller reserves and the Masai Mara in Kenya is actually twice that size! The name comes from the masai word 'Serengit' which means 'endless plains'.
There is very little permanent water in Tanzania's largest National Park, so the Migration and general location of the most of the animals is linked to rainfall patterns. The non-stop parade of over a million wildebeest, a quarter of a million zebra and numerous Thompson's gazelles. Big cats and other predators follow the migration through their territories.
All of the 'Big Five'are present in Serengeti. Elephants are few in number on the wide grassy plains but more concentrated in the wooded areas of Lobo and the Western Corridor. An estimated 300 lion hunt on the central Seronera Plains alone, with more being dispersed around the park. Leopard, more elusive and very well camouflaged in the foliage of trees can often be spotted by their tails hanging down. Buffalo are significant in number and sizable herds are scattered throughout the park, whilst the few remaining black rhino are protected in an inaccessible area. Other species of animal are also prolific including giraffe, warthog, hyena, various gazelles and antelopes and some primate species (mainly vervet and olive baboon). The Serengeti Ecosystem is an Endemic Bird Area. Six species are not found anywhere else in the world and due to the diverse variety of habitat an amazing 505 species have so far been documented
Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport
You arrive from South Africa in the evening with Air Tanzania from Johannesburg via Dar es Salaam at 1930 hrs. You will be met by a company representitive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, meet and greet and then from there you will be transferred to Mt Meru Game Lodge for dinner and overnight. Dinner and overnight Mt. Meru Game Lodge
Serengeti National Park is Africa's most famous destination.
Serengeti – home to approximately 3 million large mammals
All of the 'Big Five'are present in Serengeti.
The Great Migration
Famous Ngorongoro Crater – a World Heritage Site
Arusha & Mount Meru
Kilimanjaro which is Africa's highest peak and the world's highest free-standing mountain.
Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact caldera in the world.
A hot air balloon "Serengeti balloon safari" ride is the ideal way to see wild animals on the plains of Serengeti National Park
Day 2:
Mt. Meru Game Lodge – Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park
A natural wake up call will be at 6.30 am , this will be the Blue Monkeys , the Black faced Vervet Monkeys and some times the Black and White Colobus Monkeys jumping up and down the roofs of the rooms.
On day two you will depart to Arusha, after breakfast with their picnic lunch boxes provided from Mt. Meru Game Lodge’s kitchen, upon reaching Arusha, they will be provided with an opportunity to do some last minute shopping at Shoprite Super Market. After that you will proceed to Meserani Snake Park and Maasai Museum at Duka Mbovu. At Meserani Snake Park you will get an opportunity to view a variety of snakes and reptiles that are to be found in East Africa and then will visit the Maasai Museum where you will be able to see and learn about the Maasai tribe culture and their history. Please note: Meserani Snake Park is also a Bird Sanctuary, where you will see some birds that have been kept in this Sanctuary with permanent injuries and cannot be returned to the wild again.
From Meserani Snake Park, you will depart to Makuyuni then to Mto wa Mbu, here you will be able to taste some exotic fruits that are grown in this small village that is situated at the base of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. You will taste fruits like Red Bananas, Pineapples, Custard Apples and many more fruits depending on the season. Then from there you will enter Lake Manyara National Park; spend the afternoon watching game in Lake Manyara National Park and search for the predators and prey. Later on in the afternoon climb the Great Rift Valley and proceed to Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge for dinner and overnight stay
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge stands high on the bluff of a dramatic ochre and terracotta streaked cliff above the flamingo-frosted expanse of Lake Manyara’s gleaming alkaline waters, The Lodge commands panoramic views across the volcano-studded floor of the Great Rift Valley.
Day 3:
Lake Manyara National Park – Serengeti (Special Camp Site)
On the third day you will depart to Serengeti National Park via Ngorongoro Conservation Area after breakfast, with picnic lunch boxes provided from the kitchen of Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, on the way stopping at the view point to admire the Caldera (Ngorongoro Crater) and then proceed to Serengeti National Park. Heading to camp via Game drive. Once in Camp you will meet up with the 3 crew members who would have set up camp for the guests in this special area in the Serengeti National Park. Dinner and overnight Serengeti Special Campsite
Day 8:
Full day Ngorongoro Crater Tour
After breakfast, with picnic lunch boxes from the kitchen of Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, you will proceed to Ngorongoro Crater descent 2000 feet in the crater floor from Wind Gap descent road. The day is spent exploring the amazing crater floor which was create by the nature when the mountain standing in that place collapsed and turned into a crater hole and get more opportunity to find predators and prey.
While having your picnic lunch at Ngoitokitoki Springs picnic site you will have to be extra careful of Black Kite birds as they are very well known for their preying habit of floating down unannounced and snatching food from your hands. Later go for an afternoon game drive towards the inner wall of the Ngorongoro Crater and proceed to Ngorongoro Serena Lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 9:
Ngorongoro Crater – Tarangire National Park – Arusha
After breakfast on the eleventh day of the safari you depart from Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge for Arusha with picnic lunch boxes provided from the kitchen of Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge and then proceed to Tarangire National Park. Game drive till late afternoon and the proceed to Arusha. Dinner and overnight Mt Meru Game Lodge.
Price includes:All transfers according to Safari programme, Entrance fees to all National Parks, Extra-fees for Ngorongoro Crater, Drivers fees/ Tracker fees, Overnight all Hotels/Campsites according to program, Special campsite, FB during safari (picnic-lunch), 2 litres mineral water per person per day on safari; tea; coffee, Select-Tent-Safari: cook, waiter, camp attendant,
Select-Tent-Safari: tents, mess tent, camping equipment, camp beds, bed linen, kitchen, equipment, dishes. Select-Tent-Safari: shower and toi tent for Special Campsites, Select-Tent-Safari: supply car for equipment and luggage, Driver/ and car (Land rover / Land cruiser) for Safaris without km-limit!, Driver/ and car (Land rover / Land cruiser) for Safaris without time-limit!!!
As A Special, Ukwamkela Safaris will provide all clients who choose the Select Tent Safari option the followings items with no extra charges:
* 1 bottle of red wine for every night in camp, * 1 bottle of Red Label Johnny Walker Whiskey, * 1 bottle of Gin, * 2 crates of Serengeti Beer (250mls bottles ), * 2 crates of Sodas, * 1 crate of Tonic Water Soda.
Please note that Serengeti Balloon Safaris caters for all ages of guests.
Price excludes:International flights, Visa fees, Drinks (if not mentioned above), Tips, Expenses of personal nature (like souvenirs), Excursions and trips not included in this program (e.g. Balloon safari Serengeti).
Please note:All bookings must be paid in full on confirmation. Exceptions: 4 - 6 months advance bookings 50% on confirmation of booking. The balance 100% 30 days prior to departure.
Wildebeest Migration Seasons and Locations
* January, February and March - As the short rains have fallen on the southern plains
of the Serengeti Seronera and northern reaches of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
the migration spreads out in vast herds, often over 10,000 animals, for calving season.
* April, May and June - By the end of April the countless animals and the new offspring
begin to congregate south of the Western Corridor in preparation for the lengthy
northwards migration of over 800km. One huge single endless herd, a column of
animals up to 40km long and several wide is the famous spectacle known over the
world. The dangerous crossing of the Grumeti River normally occurs at the end of June,
sometimes in July. It can take up to two weeks for the herd to cross and many
ungulates lives are lost to the ravenous crocodiles.
* July, August and September - The wildebeest congregate again in the Western
Corridor after crossing the river. The herds then disperse northwards making Lobo the
best place to view the migration at this time of year. About half will cross the Mara
River entering the Masai Mara in Kenya.
* October, November and December - By the end of October the animals tend to
gather together for the long slow trek southwards again aiming for the southern
plains as the short rains begin in November.
Serengeti and Ngorongoro Impressions
A hot air balloon "Serengeti balloon safari" ride is the ideal way to see wild animals on the plains of Serengeti National Park - Tanzania and the Masai Mara Game Reserve in - Kenya. To explore the Game Sanctuary and astonishing landscape of East Africa famous wildlife parks is a life time experience which you will never forget. Once a year, every year the wildebeest and other plains game estimated to numbers more than two million animals, including zebra, topi, and gazelle a continuous move, milling and unsettle
masse on a journey that takes 9 months crossing the cycle from Kenya's Masai Mara Game Reserve crossing the Mara River along the boarder of Kenya in the north, and Grumeti River to south-east into the Serengeti Plains to Ndutu were they stay for few months for breeding in Tanzania.
Tanzania Packing List:A small torch with extra batteries, a wide-brim hat and scarf for sun protection, cotton long-sleeved shirts, any special medicines, aspirin tablets, comfortable change of clothes for camp, extra towel, insect repellent, lip balm, jodhpurs/riding jeans, light rainproof jacket, malaria pills, dehydration salts, thorn proof camp footwear, sewing kit,Small denomination dollar bills for tips, soap and shampoo, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, sweater for the evenings which can be quite cold Specially in Ngorongoro Crater.
Optional Add On: Hot – Air Balloon Safari
US $ 620.00 per person sharing. Single supplement $ 325.00
A hot air balloon "Serengeti balloon safari" ride is the ideal way to see wild animals on the plains of Serengeti National Park - Tanzania and the Masai Mara Game Reserve in - Kenya. To explore the Game Sanctuary and astonishing landscape of East Africa famous wildlife parks is a life time experience which you will never forget.
Once a year, every year the wildebeest and other plains game estimated to numbers more than two million animals, including zebra, topi, and gazelle a continuous move, milling and unsettle masse on a journey that takes 9 months crossing the cycle from Kenya's Masai Mara Game Reserve crossing the Mara River along the boarder of Kenya in the north, and Grumeti River to south-east into the Serengeti Plains to Ndutu were they stay for few months for breeding in Tanzania.
Locations on Safari => Mt Kilimanjaro, Arusha & Mount Meru
Mount Kilimanjaro is a currently inactive strato-volcano in northern Tanzania, near the border with Kenya. At 5,895 metres (19,340 feet) above sea level, Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak and the world's highest free-standing mountain. As such - and aided by its relatively easy ascent - Kilimanjaro has become a major destination for mountaineers and trekkers from around the world.
Arusha is known as the 'safari capital' of Tanzania. It is a pleasant town which is overshadowed by Mt Meru. Arusha has a bohemian atmosphere and has many tourist facilities. It has good restaurants and Via Via Cafe is exceptional. Because Tanzania's the Northern Circuit is so well developed for tourism there is accommodation to suit all budgets. Most of these safaris begin and end in Arusha, the so-called 'Safari Capital' of Tanzania.The nearby Arusha National Park is good for both wildlife and hiking, with Tanzania's second highest peak, Mount Meru.
Locations on Safari => Lake Manyara & Lake Eyasi
Both Lake Manyara (alkaline) and Lake Eyasi (soda) are shallow and fluctuate in size according the season. They are both within easy reach of the 'Safari Highway' that links Ngorongoro and Serengeti with Arusha.
Lake Manyara National Park is dramatically located under the sheer wall of the Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara is scenically stunning with good populations of game. Elephant, lion and buffalo are all plentiful to mention just a few. Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions. All lions can climb trees. Lake Manyara National Park lies about 60 miles due west of Arusha, right at the edge of the Great Rift Valley. It's just south of the Ngorongoro Highlands on a thin strip of land forming part of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Evergreen forest, escarpment, acacia woodland and lake shore are home to a great diversity of wildlife.
Locations on Safari =>Serengeti National Park
Serengeti is a huge expanse of grasslands and woodlands in Tanzania and Kenya. To many of its visitors, Serengeti has come to symbolize paradise. The Maasai, who have grazed their cattle on its enormous plains for many years, called it Siringitu, "the place where the land moves on forever." World famous for its wildlife, the Serengeti region covers about 30,000 km2, of which about 80% lies in northern Tanzania. Of that area, the Serengeti National Park (SNP) covers 14,763 km2 - roughly the size of Northern Ireland - but its ecosystem is about the size of Kuwait and the largest and most complex on Earth. Peerless for its natural beauty and scientific value and containing more game animals than any other reserve, the SNP is unarguably the world's most famous wildlife sanctuary.
Serengeti is perhaps most famous for the annual wildebeest migration. Every October and November, more than a million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra travel from the Serengeti's northern hills to its southern plains, then move west, and finally north after the long rains of April, May, and June. It is awe-inspiring to witness the ancient migration, especially from the classic hot-air balloon.
Locations on Safari => Moru Kopjes
Out of the Serengeti plains rise the great Moru Kopjes. Huge granite rock formations like mini mountains in the sea of grass. This is an area of stunning beauty and excellent game viewing all year. Few trees grow in the Serengeti, as the hard volcanic crust is thick and impenetrable. In the Moru Kopjes, trees have taken root in the crevices of rocks. Vines snake the surface of the boulders and bushes spring out of cracks. Water is trapped in the area for much of the year providing water for a lot of resident game. Predators love the rocks as they provide the ideal look out points. Plains game use this area because of the water and it provides precious shade. The area has historic interest with “Gong Rock” being used for generations of tribal contact.
Locations on Safari => Olduvai Gorge
Olduvai Gorge is an archaeological site in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania. A steep-sided ravine about 50km in length and 90 metres deep on average, Olduvai is along the route from the Ngorongoro Crater to the Serengeti.
The gorge was originally called Oldupai by the Maasai, after the wild sisal that grows on its slopes. It was first brought to the world's attention in 1911 by a German Lepidopterist, who stumbled upon some fossils while looking for butterflies. Two years later another German, Hans Reck, found a controversial homo sapiens skeleton at the site. During his studies, Louis Leakey became fascinated by the Olduvai fossils and set off on an expedition to Olduvai in 1931. In the 1970s, Louis and Mary Leakey were present when one of their team discovered the 3,7-million year old footprints of Australopithecus Afarensis. These and other discoveries suggested that Olduvai was inhabited by the first humans ever to exist. Olduvai Gorge is often called the Cradle of Mankind.
Locations on Safari => Ngorongoro Crater
Often called the eighth natural wonder of the world, the Ngorongoro Crater is the spectacular main feature of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. About 2 million years ago the Ngorongoro volcano - then one of the tallest in the world - erupted, and its pipe walls collapsed. The volcano floor sank to create a natural enclosure with walls about 600 metres high. Now, at an altitude of about 5,500 feet, and about 19 km wide, Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact caldera in the world.
Ngorongoro contains five distinct habitats:
The Lerai forest of tall, yellow-barked acacias is home to many small primates and antelope as well as a small population of giant bull elephants and the Crater's few elusive leopards.
Lake Magadi in the central-western region is home to thousands of migratory flamingos, while seasonal swamps in the north-west and the south-east of the crater are homes to hippos and water birds. The crater's short grass supports grazers - wildbeest, Zebra and Thomson's gazelle - and its longer eastern grasslands support herds of buffalo. The crater contains about 30,000 animals in total (including black rhinoceros and all the predatory cats) making it arguably the best safari destination in the world.
Locations on Safari => Tarangire N.P and Conservation Area
Tarangire National Park has an area of 2,600km sq and is named after the river that flows through the park throughout the year. July to September is a good time to visit as the animals from the park and surrounding game controlled areas gather at the permanent source of water. There are fewer visitors in comparison the the busy Ngorongoro and Serengeti, which is also part of the attraction.
With this option you will be staying with Serena Lodges in Lake Manyara and in Ngorongoro Crater bust when in Serengeti you will be staying in Select Tents. This is the real thing, which goes back in time and brings the Old Africa back to life. The select tent safari is as good as staying in a lodge but this way you are staying in tent and you are closer to nature. On this Safari Our special campsites in the Serengeti are not fenced at all and by this it brings all of our guests very close to nature.
Ukwamkela Safaris has worked out a very special deal. Both of these two options whether one is staying at 4 star safari lodges or doing a Select Tent Safari these costs apply as per the above quoted price. This works out to US$ 380 Per Day per person per day all inclusive of accommodation, food, beverages, transportation and vehicles, pvt drivers, tracker, crew, all park entrances, all excursions ect...and it is personalized and private.
Mt. Meru Game Lodge& Sanctuary: Situated halfway between Kilimanjaro International Airport and Arusha - nestled between Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro - you are offered an outstanding stay in a small, but very exclusive lodge, where - since its foundation in 1959 - the guest’s needs have been given top priority. The manicured gardens surrounding the buildings are bound on one side by the tranquil waters of the Usa River and on the other by the Animal Sanctuary. The lodge offers 17 individually styled double or twin en-suite bedrooms with verandas. Your stay at the lodge supports the sanctuary which aims to offer a refuge to orphaned and injured animals and to reintegrate them into the wilderness after their rehabilitation.
Days 3, 4 & 5:
Serengeti National Park
These 3 days are spent in Serengeti in search of all worldlife predators and prey. Your personal driver tracker would know where the concentration of the animals will be. Keeping your camp as base. Returning to Camp for dinner and overnight. NB: RECOMMENDED!!! Early morning game drives in these three days.
Day 6:
On this you will be woken up at 5.00hrs and will be collected by Serengeti Balloon Safari vehicle and they will be driven to the launch site near Maasai Kopjes. You will then fly over Serengeti Plains with a Hot Air Balloon, you will have an unforgettable and amazing ride across the plains. You will drive all the way to the western corridor to find the Great Migration. Returning to camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 7:
Serengeti Special campsite – Moru Kopjes – Oldupai Gorge – Ngorongoro Crater
On this seventh day of your Safari you will depart from Serena Mbuzi Mawe Luxury Tented Lodge to Moru Kopjes, explore this area for its predators and prey. Have lunch under an Acacia Tree and then proceed to Ngorongoro Crater on the way after crossing in to Ngorongoro Conservation Area proceed to Shitting Sands.
On the way to Ngorongoro Crater, stop at the cradle of mankind (Oldupai Gorge) you will be given an introduction lecture on this fossil site and then visit a museum. Which has some very many prehistoric fossils and a full cast of the oldest foot prints in the world that date up to 1.5 million years old. Dinner and overnight Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Day 10:
Mt. Meru Game Lodge – Kilimanjaro International Airport
On this last day of the Safari you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport to connect with Air Tanzania flight back home to Johannesburg via Dar es Salaam
! SAFARI NJEMA! - (Good Journey)
We ask you to pay some attention to the details of our safari philosophy.We have set quality criteria for all Ukwamkela safaris
1. Tailor made only:we do follow your wishes, we do advise the routes regarding the animal and weather situations in the National Parks during different seasons.
2. 4 x 4 Land Rover 110 /Toyota Land Cruisers only: We provide suitable cars to guarantee a proper Safari.
3. Individual Safaris Only: You will travel individually without being mixed with other bookings. (THIS IN OUR EXPERIENCE GIVES THE GUESTS THE BEST POSSIBLE SAFARI EXPERIENCE) We accept 4 pax per vehicle maximum. For special reasons and families we also provide stretched (extended) Land Rovers and Toyota Land Cruisers with 6 window seats.
4. Unlimited kilometres and unlimited time on Safaris: All clients wish to fulfil their dreams to watch animals, to enjoy multifaceted nature, with the unique landscape of Northern Tanzania there is no clients parking in Lodges and in the camps
5. Our Select Tent Safariare conducted with 4 x 4 Land Rovers 110 TDI and Toyota Land Cruisers only .Because we find safaris in minibuses unsatisfactory. By cramming 6 to 8 persons into a minibus, individual’s interests cannot be pursued and the experience is far from a true safari feeling .You will travel exclusively without bookings added to your party. Our vehicles are equipped with library of field guides, binoculars, cooler box, HF & VHF radios & spare blanket for clients.
6. The Select Tent Safaris are guided by a Highly Experienced driver /Tracker who takes care of you at all times. The cook will provide excellent food from dawn to the campfire. The waiter will be at service for your clients and take care tents , camp beds with beddings, toilet and shower tents open mess tents, table clothing, comfortable safari chairs , porcelain table wear , glasses , silver wear and of course the campfire !! The staff, camp equipment and the food will be transported by a supply vehicle. This style of safari recommends Special campsites. These are secluded spots in the wilderness that will be occupied by your group only. The equipments and the style or our Select Tent Safaris are really “OUT OF AFRICA”. As there are no fences Hyenas, Jackals ,Lions ,Elephants , Baboons , Zebras ,Buffalos etc will visit the camp at any time ! No other safari brings your clients closer to nature and wildlife ,closer to Africa then our Select Tent Safaris – it is Africa at its very best .With this safari type we can offer the highest standard of mobile tent safaris in Tanzania and can be easily compared easily with a lodge safari. If you have any special requests for the standard or outfit of our Select Tent Safaris, please let us know.
“As you Journey through Southern Africa with Ukwamkela you will capture
in your heart an experience of stunning beauty and adventure forever”
