10 Day Signature Epic Wilderness

Our Epic Wilderness Safari affords us the opportunity to experience the four finest game viewing parks on the Northern circuit in Tanzania.  We take our chance to spend two nights in the environs of the Ngorongoro Crater, Unesco world heritage site and one of the seven wonders of Africa.  We roam on upon to the endless plain proper, the Serengeti, world famous home of our Earths last great terrestrial migration.  Hard fast upon our time on the Serengeti we make our way to The Tarangire National Park, home to its namesake river and the abundance f wildlife that come to drink of her sating waters.  We round off our adventure in Arusha Town, centre of all of the Northern Circuit visiting in this time the SINYA Conservation Area, a landscape that offers us the best views of Kilimanjaro, highest free standing mountain on the Earth and the highest mountain on the African Continent.  A world awaits of wild wild life and the splendour of the East African wilds.  Welcome to The Rift Valley.

Day 1: Arrive in Arusha Tanzania

Upon your arrival you will be met by our Signature Safari Representative, with a welcoming Tanzanian smile, to convey you to the peace and tranquility of the masai land safari lodge, our carefully chosen partner lodge, where you may refresh, enjoy delectable dining, and prepare for the adventures to come.

Day 2: Arusha to Manyara wildlife

On this, the first morning of our adventures, after a hearty breakfast in the excellently appointed masai land safari lodge, we undertake our drive towards the The Ngorongoro Crater, about a hundred and sixty clicks on good tarmac road, arriving in time at our chosen lodgings , The Manyara Wildlife Lodge, for our luncheon.  On our way we take in beautiful views of Lake Manyara, host to some thousands of flamingo feeding and enjoy the sights of Maasai in their colourful garb tending cattle upon the roadside.  We take the afternoon to relax in the peaceful environs of our select lodge with the opportunity at about 1530 hrs to visit the village of Karatu where the Iraqw Tribe live and produce some of the finest artisanal crafts in the region.  After experiencing the sweet life of the Tanzanian village street we make our way back to the lodge for our delicious dinner and our rest in capacious rooms in anticipation of the day to come. 

Accommodation Kirurumo tented lodge

Day 3: Full day Crater Tour

After an early breakfast we depart our lodge for a drive through the Rift Valley to the cooler regions of the Ngorongoro highlands. The Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest volcanic caldera, formed with the massive explosion of a volcano once higher than Kilimanjaro some two to three million years ago, is almost 20km in diameter, 610 m deep, and is known for its large variety of wildlife, including ‘the big five’ – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and the elusive leopard. It is well recognised as one of the world's wonders, veritably a magnificent spectacle for the human witness lucky enough to traverse her wildlife laden floor.  In addition to the big five, the various springs attract animals such as wildebeest, gazelle, reedbuck, bushbuck, hartebeest, hippo, antelope, both Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelle, impala, to name a few, as well as over 500 species of bird. At a picnic site we have our scrumptious lunch before enjoying further game viewing in the crater.  With day drawing towards a close, at about 1630 we wend our way back up the bumpy track from the crater floor to enjoy our delectation, relaxation, and rest at The Angata tented lodge  .

Day 4: Ngorongoro to Serengeti  via Olduvai Gorge 

After our hearty breakfast we take the opportunity to see the breath-taking Ngorongoro Crater from its rim before traveling onwards to the Serengeti National Park.  The Serengeti National Park, the largest park in Tanzania, is a land of diverse landscapes and habitats such as grassy plains, swamps, lakes, savannah, and mountains. Here the great wildebeest and zebra migration makes its circuitous journey along with a range of other animals and, depending on the season, we may have the opportunity to witness thousands of animals on their search for food and water.  After taking our lunch at the Serengeti Serena Lodge we relax and take in the sensation of being upon the Serengeti.  Rejuvenation and the sensation of the landscape sinking in, with the endless African night descending we enjoy delectable dining, conversation, a star lit night and our commodious quarters awaiting to harbour our ease and dreams of wild cats. Accommodation at Serengeti heritage tented lodge 

 Day 5: Game drives in Serengeti National park

This entire day is set aside for further game drives upon the Serengeti. The Serengeti is the habitat for an abundance of wildlife, such as impala, buffalo, crocodile, and hippo, but is more well-known for its great migrating herds of zebra and wildebeest. The animals’ trek is determined by the rainfall and varies from year to year. In November and December the animals move from the northern region dominated by woodlands and hills to the grassy plains of the south. During the longer rainy season from April to June the horde return to the north. Apart from the migrating herds we may have the chance to spot the predators such as leopard, cheetah, and lion, ever and always lurking close by.  With our full day on the plains accomplished we return to our select lodge for well deserved rest and repast and comfortable sleep, encased in crisp cotton, dreaming of the savannah and her wildlife.

Accommodation at Serengeti heritage tented lodge

Day 6: Serengeti to Tarangire 

After our hearty breakfast at 0800 hrs we set out for our en-route game drive across the Serengeti and up into the Ngorngoro highlands on our path to Tarangire National Park.  Taking our lunch at The Alsopuko Safari Tented Camp, we head for the park to explore and encounter some of the multitude of animals that there reside.  Tarangire National Park, well known for its large elephant herds, seasonal swamps, savanna, and The Tarangire River which wends its way through the park inviting the wildlife to imbibe her soothing waters.    Our Partner tented camp The Alsopuko, a permanent tented camp facility offering us endless rolling vistas of the grasslands and the palm lined deserts between Tarangire and Manyara National Parks.  Something in one is changed beholding the Rift Valleys sublime landscapes.  The Alsopuko Tented Camp offer us stunning views of the Manyara National Park, The Ngorongoro Highlands, and even Oldoinyo Lengai beyond.  We dine and relax taking our ease for the evening at our lodgings.

Accommodation Alsopuko Tented Camp

Day 7: Tarangire National Park - to Arusha 

At seven thirty, after our breakfast we head off for our game drive in Tarangire.  From the open roof of our state of the art safari truck we experience the landscape as we seek sightings of the many animals including zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, elephant and giraffe. It is possible we will catch a glimpse of a lion stalking its prey or leopards watching and relaxing in the trees above. The landscape is dotted with ancient Baobab trees, Africa’s tallest tree, dwarfing the wildlife that feed below them.  Over four hundred and fifty species of bird have been identified in Tarangire making it an ornithological paradise.  At 1130 hrs we leave the park for our drive to Arusha for our lunch and relaxation in the peaceful surrounds of the elegant Ilboru Safari Lodge, a drink by the pool perhaps in the warm sunlight with an excellent dinner to look forward to.

Accommodation at Ilboru safari lodge

Day 8: Arusha to Sinya Kambi ya Tembo, the foot of West Kilimanjaro Mountain

After our breakfast at The Ilboru Safari Lodge we set out for the Sinya Conservation Area in the shadow of mount Kilimanjaro.  Sinya, a private wildlife reserve on 135,000 acres of Maasai land is made up of flood plains, hill land, acacia woodland, and the vista of Mount Meru, Africas fifth highest mountain, and the Longido Peaks, giving life to one of the most beautiful pristine wild areas of Northern Tanzania. This is the arid land of Sinya, one of the few areas in Africa where huge Elephant Bulls, more than 50 years old, carrying tusks of considerable size, are regularly seen. These bulls, some of them living permanently in the zone, together with herds of mothers and calves, migrate from Amboseli National Park to Sinya in search of water and green leaves. 

 Because of their familiarity with safari vehicles in Amboseli (Kenya), they allow you to approach them at very short distances, allowing for excellent photographic opportunities. Most of them have been monitored by Cynthia Moss in Amboseli for more than 25 years and form one of the healthiest and most balanced Elephant populations of the whole African continent. 

The Maasai in Sinya still live in the traditional way and follow all the traditional ceremonies. They are very friendly and unexposed to the commercial relationship with tourists that is common in other more visited areas. The land is leased from several local tribes, so your stay in Sinya helps preserve the area for the wildlife and generates funds for schools and other needs. You will have opportunities to be led on wildlife walks, visit the Maasai villages and market, and participate in ceremonies if the occasion arises.  We dine, relax and overnight at The Kambi Ya Tembo Luxury Tented Camp.

Day 9: Full day in Sinya at the foot of Kilimanjaro

After our breakfast at the camp we set off at about 0830 hrs for our morning game drives in Sinya.  Returning for our lunch at 1230 hrs we take the afternoon to relax by the camp with the option of an evening game drive from 1530 or, if preferred, relaxation and revitalization at the camp, set as it is in this stunning landscape.

Kambi Ya Tembo Luxury Tented Camp.

Day 10: Sinya to Arusha and then to Airport

On this, the last morning of our adventure we breakfast at the camp and then at 0900 hrs we hit the road for Arusha arriving in time for lunch.  We take our time to relax at the Ilboru Safari Lodge and with all the sights and sounds of wild East Africa tucked away into our memories (and memory cards!) our Signature Safari Representative will drive to the Airport for our onward adventure in life.

Note:

-The above prices are based on a minimum of 2 persons. Group Incentive Safari Prices Available: contact us and enjoy up to 25% saving on the per person rate!

-Christmas and New Year Supplements 50$ per person per day 23 December to 3 January

Price includes: 

: Airport and Hotel Transfers.

: Park entrance fee at Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire and Sinya.

: Full board accommodation on safari.

: Excellent driver guide with a 4x4 Vehicle, state of the art safari truck with pop up roof for game viewing.

: Driver allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver. 

: Game drives as per the Itinerary unlimited mileage. 

: Complementary bottle of water daily cold while you’re in game drive. 

: Complementary visit of Maasai Village in Ngorongoro on the way to Serengeti.

: Complementary visit of Olduvai Gorge in Ngorongoro.

: Government taxes. 

Price does not include:

- Extras at the lodges i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc. 

- International flight. 

- Departure tax. 

- Tips to drivers (highly recommended) which is 10$per day per clients.

Thanks for choosing Signature Safari as your Adventure Specialist in Africa.