Day 1

Fly to Tanzania

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Day 2

Arusha

Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport With Your Group

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Days 3-4

Eastern Serengeti Ecosystem

Afternoon Wildlife Viewing in the Eastern Serengeti Ecosystem

Enjoy wildlife viewing this afternoon in the Eastern Serengeti Ecosystem. Be on the lookout for rarer species, such as the bat-eared fox and the smaller animals that are sometimes overlooked, such as the mongoose, hyrax, dik dik, and klipspringer.

Late Afternoon Walk

Stretch your legs on a brief but scenic walk this afternoon. As one recent guest put it, the nature refuge is “a magical place of peace and beauty,” and there’s no better way to experience it than on foot. A local wildlife scout will accompany you and your guide on this walk, pointing out nearby wildlife.

Introduction to the Nature Refuge

Your guide will give you a brief tour and history of the 10,000-acre refuge as you make your way to camp. Enjoy wildlife viewing along the way, one of the tangible results of conservation efforts in the area. Giraffe, eland, dik dik, ostrich, leopard and even wild dog can be seen in this unique wildlife haven, dubbed “Giraffic Park” by one enthusiastic guest.

Footprint Identifying

How do you tell the difference between the footprint of a dik-dik and a Thomson’s gazelle? How about a leopard and a lion? There’s a special area set aside at the edge of camp where the guide will be able to show you which animals have wandered through the area.  There are always a few surprises!

Afternoon Wildlife Viewing in the Eastern Serengeti Ecosystem

Enjoy wildlife viewing this afternoon in the Eastern Serengeti Ecosystem. Be on the lookout for rarer species, such as the bat-eared fox and the smaller animals that are sometimes overlooked, such as the mongoose, hyrax, dik dik, and klipspringer.

Morning Hike in the Eastern Serengeti Ecosystem

Head out on a light hike this morning. The terrain will be fairly mild, but make sure that you have comfortable shoes with good traction. Being out on the plains on foot at this time of day is magical.

Maasai Boma Visit

Immerse yourself in the semi-nomadic culture of the Maasai by visiting a boma, which is a settlement of circular mud-and-dung Maasai homes. Many Maasai still roam the plains of northern Tanzania with their herds of cattle, maintaining their traditions while adapting to new ways of life.

Maasai Storyteller

Gather around to listen to a Maasai elder tell folktales, which are translated into English. The story is not planned in advance, and you will hear it exactly as it is traditionally told.

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Days 5-7

Serengeti National Park

Swahili Lessons

Pick up a few useful Swahili expressions and words from your guide. Just trying out a few of them while on safari will make your experience all the more remarkable.

Wildlife Viewing En Route to Your Nyumba

Enjoy the journey to your next Nyumba camp, as there will be plenty to see along the way. Perhaps you will come across a chase between predator and prey; maybe you will spot a wake of vultures; or maybe you will be lucky enough to find a leopard relaxing high in the limbs of an acacia tree.

Optional Visit to a FoTZC Project

Focus on Tanzanian Communities (FoTZC) is Thomson’s sister non-profit organization that has worked on many successful projects in this area. Visit a school, teachers’ housing, or a medical dispensary that were all requested by the community and built by FoTZC. Learn a little bit about sustainability, how these projects are selected, and how they impact the community.

Optional Serengeti Balloon Excursion

A pre-dawn wake-up call leaves you time to drive to the balloon launch site in order to catch the most dramatic light. Then take to the skies just as the sun rises. Glide over the plains and acacia treetops, taking in spectacular views of the Seronera River Valley and the surrounding plains. After your descent, enjoy a magnificent champagne breakfast right in the midst of the Serengeti wilderness.

Continue Your Exploration of the Serengeti

Explore the pristine landscapes of the Serengeti with your guide’s uncanny wildlife spotting instincts leading the way. Expansive plains, rolling hills, dramatic granite outcrops and riverine valleys are home to an endless variety of fascinating creatures, from the lowly dung beetle to the impressive elephant.

Bow and Arrow Demonstration

An askari (watchman) from camp will demonstrate how to shoot the traditional, hand-made bow and arrow of the Ikoma people, who are known for their hunting prowess. Typically, the arrow points used by the Ikoma are covered in poison, but for demonstration purposes, safe, point-free arrows will be used. Everyone is encouraged to give it a try!

Full Day of Wildlife Viewing in the Serengeti

Spend the whole day wildlife viewing. Your guide will point out hidden animals, like leopard hiding in a tree or lion concealed by tall grass.

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Day 8

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Special Tanzanian Dinner

Enjoy a traditional Tanzanian dinner this evening. Rich with spices and fresh local vegetables, this is a chance to sample the best of local cuisine.

Wildlife Viewing as You Depart the Serengeti

As you follow the meandering path out of Serengeti National Park, take in the gorgeous scenery and wildlife viewing before moving on to the next part of your adventure.

Visit Olduvai Gorge

Make a short stop at Olduvai Gorge, a deep ravine and site of fossilized remains of animals and hominids that date as far back as two million years. A brief lecture and small museum tour are included.

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Days 9-10

Ngorongoro Highlands

Visit to the Floor of Ngorongoro Crater

Visit the Ngorongoro Crater, where you are likely to find an abundance of wildlife. With luck, you might even see rhinoceros and big cats, such as lion and cheetah. The diversity of species often inspires awe, from baboons and elephants in the Lerai Forest to wildebeest and mountain reedbuck over the crater’s grassy floor.

Gibb's Farm Tembo Fire

Relax at the Tembo Fire, an open-air sitting area nestled at the foot of the organic gardens.

Picnic Lunch on the Crater Floor

To maximize your wildlife viewing time on the crater floor, enjoy your picnic lunch near a hippo pool.

Pen Pals

After months of anticipation, the meeting of pen pals often becomes a trip highlight. Kids can learn from each other’s cultures and interact in activities, from soccer to traditional arts and crafts.

Lunch at Gibb's Farm

Savor lunch at Gibb’s Farm, where nearly every ingredient comes fresh from the estate’s organic farm. With delicacies to suit every palate, this is sure to be a memorable meal.

School Visit in the Ngorongoro Highlands

Visit a primary school in the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands. Focus on Tanzanian Communities is supporting several projects at this school. You will meet with teachers and students and learn more about education in Tanzania.

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Day 11

Leave Via Arusha

Stop at Cultural Heritage Center

Visit and shop at the Cultural Heritage Center.

Farewell Lunch at Arusha Coffee Lodge

Enjoy a special farewell lunch in Arusha as you prepare for your departure. Visit the adjoining Shanga workshop where physically challenged artisans create remarkable jewelry, learn glass-blowing, and sell their work.  This extraordinary project was created in order to mentor and empower those who are often marginalized in Tanzanian society.  You will be surprised and inspired by the quality and beauty of their creations.

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2024 Dates

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