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Tanzania Charity Safari Detailed Itinerary
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Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary to take advantage of weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these should the need arise.
DAY 1
Arrival to Arusha
Upon arrival of your flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport, you are met by a Boundless Journeys representative who will transfer you to our lodge, set quietly amid coffee plantations on the outskirts of Arusha with views of Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Upon arrival to the lodge, you are greeted by a friendly staff offering refreshments before turning in to rest after your travels.
Kigongoni Lodge, Arusha
DAY 2
Flight into the Serengeti
Half-day Serengeti game drive.
This morning we depart our lodge early for the Arusha domestic airport, where we have our pre-safari briefing and board our flight into the Serengeti. Seeing the Serengeti from above is an experience few others will ever have, and it is unforgettable. We pass over the Great Rift Valley, and the land flattens out beneath us. Known as Siringitu to the Maasai, a word meaning “where the land goes on forever,” the Serengeti covers 5,700 square miles of open grassland, acacia dotted rolling hills, and rocky outcrops known as kopjes. It is home to millions of earth’s most impressive land animals and one of the last great migratory ecosystems on the planet.
Throughout the year, huge herds of wildebeest and zebra make their way from the southern plains, through the grassy woodlands, and into Kenya’s Masai Mara, before returning to the south to begin the cycle again.
Upon landing we board our safari vehicle, open the roof, and begin our first game drive on our way to our private camp. During July, our mobile camp lies on a private game reserve bordering Serengeti National Park. Boundless Journeys guests have exclusive use of this camp, and we have the opportunity for tracking walks, night game drives, and interaction with the Maasai who live here.
Our days are filled with wildlife, and even during moments when we are not in the midst of the migrating wildebeest and zebra, we will be getting to know the Serengeti’s other resident wildlife, including giraffe, buffalo, topi, hartebeest, waterbuck, impala, hippopotamus, elephant, crocodile, warthog, hyena, lion, cheetah, and leopard (to name a few).
This evening, after a cocktail by the campfire while the sun sets, we enjoy a delicious meal prepared by our personal bush chef.
Private Mobile Camp, Serengeti
DAY 3
The Serengeti
Full-day game drive through the Serengeti plains.
Using our mobile camp as our base, we spend these unforgettable days game viewing by 4WD vehicle with a removable roof for 360 degree views. As the bush is always changing, we make our plans on the night before based on information gained as to where the best wildlife viewing will be. Depending on the day’s plans, we may take a picnic breakfast, lunch or both. Game drives often begin early in the morning for the best lighting for photographs and for game viewing when the animals are most active.
In the evening we drift off to sleep in the comfort of our safari tents, in full-size beds with hotel quality linens, soaking in the Serengeti – distant roars of lions and a sky full of stars.
Private Mobile Camp, Serengeti
DAY 4
Serengeti Lion Project
Half-day game drive through the Serengeti plains and visit to research station.
This morning we say goodbye to our Serengeti camp staff, and make our way through the plains to the home of the Serengeti Lion Project, which is the world’s longest running consecutive research project. Currently managed by the University of Minnesota, it began in the 1950s and was founded by George Schaller. Recording and studying the behavior and genetics of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro lion prides, it has bolstered current understanding of the social behavior of lions, and provides some of the most reliable documentation of the changing environment of the Serengeti. We meet with a researcher to learn about their current projects and how they conduct their day-to-day studies.
Later this afternoon we arrive at Serengeti Sopa Lodge, located in the Niariboro hills of the southwestern Serengeti.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge, Serengeti
DAY 5
Olduvai Gorge and Ngorongoro Crater
Walks – easy to moderate, 1-2 hours on dirt tracks; afternoon game drive through the Ngorongoro Crater.
This morning we make our way through the “short grass” plains in the southern Serengeti, game driving along the way. As we leave the park, we come to the famous Olduvai Gorge, known to the world as the cradle of humanity, where the Leakeys made their incredible discoveries of remains of the earliest humans. Known to the Maasai as Oltupai, for a flower that grows abundantly here, we enjoy a short walk exploring the area, literally in the footsteps of history.
Later this afternoon we reach the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a protected area nearly the size of the Serengeti itself, whose most distinctive feature is the Ngorongoro Crater. We arrive in time for afternoon tea at our lodge, where we watchthe sun set over an incredible scene. From our vantage point at 7,500 feet,we can look down into the crater ― 100-square-mile caldera that is home to a huge concentration of wildlife ― including the "big five" ― elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, and rhino.
One of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites designated in Tanzania, Ngorongoro is the world’s largest unflooded caldera. While only 100 square miles in area, the crater is home to six distinct habitats: acacia forest, swamp, short grass plains, long grass plains, rivers, and woodland. Each habitat attracts a variety of animals. The rim of the crater reaches 7,800 feet in altitude and the crater floor rests at 5,000 feet. Home to almost 30,000 animals in an area naturally enclosed by the slopes of the volcano, this is the best location for viewing black rhino and huge, old bull elephants. There is not enough vegetation to support the large cow and calf herds, but the old males “retire” to the crater for the wonderful swamp grass and acacia forest. The only animals we will not see in the crater are the impala and giraffe. It is not known why impala do not inhabit the crater, but giraffe are unable to descend the steep grade without lowering their heads, which raises their blood pressure to dangerous levels.
Our lodge for the next two nights is set in a private location on the eastern rim of the crater.
Sopa Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater
DAY 6
Ngorongoro Crater
Full day game drive on the crater floor.
This morning we rise early to be the first on the crater floor. This is a magical time with the sun rising above the rim of the crater and the animals still active, and the sheer number of wild animals living in such close proximity is amazing. We enjoy an extended game drive, with plenty of time for photography and to simply observe the interactions of the lions, cheetah, hyena, wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, buffalo and black rhino.
Making our way slowly across the caldera floor, which contains sweeping grasslands, lerai forest, a soda lake, and marshy wetlands, people often have the sense of being in another time. The landscape is so primitive, the ecosystems so intact, that it is like taking a trip to pre-history. Coming upon a lone elephant, a beautiful giant with gracefully curving tusks quietly munching on the soft grasses, just listening to him breathe, is something one won’t soon forget. Tonight when we are back at the lodge, sitting comfortably by a crackling fire, our thoughts will be on the crater and the unseen drama unfolding in the darkness below, on the hunters and the hunted, completing life’s circle, as they have been for thousands of years.
Sopa Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater
DAY 7
Charity Event
Medical clinic in the Karatu area.
After breakfast we depart the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, entering the Great Rift Valley, where the Earth's plates are separating, allowing for the formation of the volcanoes in the region ― one reason the Serengeti supports such a unique ecosystem. Today we have the unique opportunity to give back to the people of Tanzania, by assisting the FAME directors with the administration of their medical clinic. Depending on the schedule for that week and where the greatest needs are, we may find ourselves distributing supplies with the mobile clinic (mosquito nets, basic hygiene products, and the like), or completing any number of tasks at the newly-built permanent clinic. Often the clinic is very busy and simply talking with the local people as they wait to see a physician can be an enriching experience, and it will be important to bring a spirit of flexibility to this day. In addition to helping out in person, the delivery of a cash donation and much needed medical supplies represent a rare opportunity to give back in a meaningful and productive way.
This afternoon we arrive at our comfortable accommodations for the evening in Karatu, where we enjoy dinner with Frank and Susan, the founders of the nascent Foundation for African Medicine and Education. After a busy day, they have to time to share their inspiring story of how they came to Tanzania to live and give back to its people.
Bougainvillea Lodge, Karatu
DAY 8
Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park
This morning we enjoy a brief game drive through Lake Manyara National Park. Even though Lake Manyara is one of Tanzania’s smaller national parks, its jungle-like forest and immense “soda lake” support a great variety of wildlife. As we slowly make our way along a dirt track through the park, we may encounter pools of water full of hippos, see countless pink flamingoes, dainty gazelles, and graceful giraffes meandering through tall grass.
By early afternoon we enter Tarangire National Park. Tarangire is best known for its large herds of elephants and the unique baobab trees that dot the landscape. We will also see a wide range of other animals, from the diminutive dik dik and rock hyrax to the majestic giraffe.
As evening falls, we arrive at our home for the next two nights. Swala Camp looks east over the Gursi Swamp, which acts as a giant sponge, soaking up water in the green season and then slowly releasing it during the dry season. The Gursi Swamp is one of the few sources of permanent water in the Tarangire ecosystem other than the Tarangire River, Silale Swamp and Lormakau Swamp. Massive concentrations of wildlife migrate to these few water sources during the dry season allowing for spectacular game viewing. It is a treat to shake off the dust after a day of game viewing, and sit on the terrace overlooking the park, enjoying a cool drink before an excellent dinner. Staff rangers escort us to our platform tents in the evening, in the event that some of the local animals may have come in close for a look.
Swala Camp, Tarangire National Park
DAY 9
Tarangire National Park
Full day game drive.
Today we continue our exploration of the vast wilderness of Tarangire. By now we each have favorite animals – for some it is the unflappable giraffe, standing with noble grace at up to 18 feet tall. For others it will be the herds of elephants, always protective of their young. Of course, for many it is the lions, confidently gazing from their sun-warmed kopjes, quietly planning what will be on the menu tonight.
This evening we enjoy in a final celebratory dinner, toasting the wonders of Tanzania.
Swala Camp, Tarangire National Park
DAY 10
Departure from Arusha
After breakfast we begin our return trip to Arusha, slowly returning to civilization. Upon arrival to Arusha’s domestic airport, you will meet your flight to Zanzibar (if you have reserved Boundless Journeys’ Zanzibar: The Spice Island trip extension). If you have not reserved the trip extension, you will be met by a Boundless Journeys driver who will transfer you to Arumeru River Lodge, where you will have a day-use room to rest and prepare for your evening international flight. On the way to the hotel, we will stop at an indoor market where artisans from throughout Tanzania sell their work. This is a great place to purchase batik fabric, fine wood carvings, and even tanzanite. A final transfer to the airport in time for your flight will also be provided.
Arumeru River Lodge, Usa River (day-use)