7 Days Ngorongoro Crater Rim Walking Safari & Maasai Village Visit

Upon your arrival at the airport, a warm welcome awaits you from a Tranquil Kilimanjaro representative who will take you to your accommodation in Arusha. Nestled at the foothills of Mount Meru, Arusha is a city renowned for its scenic beauty. Your overnight stay will be in the tranquil and verdant surroundings of the Mount Meru Hotel, resting on 15 acres of captivating landscape.

Accommodation:

• Luxury: Grand Melia Lodge / Mount Meru Hotel / Arusha Coffee Lodge
• Mid-range: Ilboru Safari Lodge / Arusha Planet Lodge / Airport Planet Lodge
• Budget: Outpost Lodge / Tulia Boutique Hotel / Green Mountain Hotel

Embark on an exhilarating morning journey as our personal safari guide collects you from your lodgings in Arusha. We venture towards Tarangire National Park, traversing the gently rolling Masai plains adorned with scattered acacia trees. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of the Masai people in their vibrant attire, walking along the roadside, riding bicycles, herding cattle, and even driving donkey carts. Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds, also hosts a myriad of other fascinating creatures. From the open roof of our safari jeep, you’ll witness the seasonal swamps, expansive savannahs, and the life-giving Tarangire River, providing encounters with an abundance of wildlife. Zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, and many more await your arrival. With luck, you might even witness lions stealthily stalking their prey or leopards leisurely resting in the treetops. After an exhilarating game drive, we’ll head to one of our carefully chosen mid-range partner lodges for a delightful dinner and a restful night’s sleep, allowing dreams of encountering the wild cats to whisk us away.

Accommodation:

• Luxury: Kitela Lodge / Lake Manyara Kilima Moja / The Retreat at Ngorongoro
• Mid-range: Eileen’s Tree Inn / Endoro Lodge / Karatu Simba Lodge

Following a scrumptious breakfast, we continue our journey towards the fertile highlands where the Iraqw people cultivate wheat, coffee, and corn. As we pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, be prepared to be captivated by the breathtaking sight of the Ngorongoro Crater. Our adventure then leads us to the Serengeti National Park, a vast expanse covering an astounding 15,000 square kilometers. The Serengeti boasts diverse landscapes and habitats, including grassy plains, swamps, lakes, savannahs, and mountains. It is also home to the incredible phenomenon of the great migration, where wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes undertake their annual search for food and water. Depending on the season, you may witness thousands of animals on this awe-inspiring journey. After an extensive game drive, we’ll head to Seronera Valley for an evening meal and spend the night at the Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp. With its newly renovated facilities, including tents raised on wooden platforms, a splendid buffet dining tent, captivating musicians, and a warm fire on the plains, you’re in for a truly memorable experience.

Accommodation:

• Luxury: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp / Melia Serengeti Lodge / Four Season Serengeti
• Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp / Embalakai Camp / Acacia Central Camp

Dedicate this entire day to thrilling game drives within the Serengeti. As the habitat of a rich variety of wildlife, including impalas, buffaloes, crocodiles, hippos, and countless others, the Serengeti is renowned for its vast herds of migrating zebras, antelopes, and wildebeests. Their migration patterns are determined by rainfall, resulting in their movement from the woodlands and hills of the northern region to the grassy plains of the south from November to December. During the longer rainy season from April to June, they journey back to the north. In addition to observing these magnificent migrations, you may also have the chance to witness resident predators such as leopards, cheetahs, and lions carrying out their roles in the circle of life. As the day comes to a close, return to the Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp to unwind, savor a delectable dinner, and drift off to sleep on the endless plain.

Accommodation:

• Luxury: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp / Melia Serengeti Lodge / Four Season Serengeti
• Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp / Embalakai Camp / Acacia Central Camp

Following an early breakfast, embark on another thrilling game drive across the Serengeti. This may be your opportunity to spot the renowned “Big Five” – lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards. Afterward, we continue our journey towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you’ll pass by a Maasai village. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you learn about their customs, including fire-making and beadwork. You might even have the chance to interact with the villagers in their homes, with your guide readily available for interpretation if needed. This fascinating activity takes approximately one hour. Following the village visit, we proceed directly to the rim of the crater for a mesmerizing walking safari at sunset. Accompanied by an armed ranger, you’ll explore extinct volcanoes, captivating landscapes, and astonishing wildlife in these beautiful highlands. The views and scenery will leave you breathless as you spend around 2 to 2.5 hours immersed in this remarkable experience. As the evening descends, we head to your accommodation for a delightful dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.

Accommodation:

• Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge / Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
• Mid-range: Rhino Lodge / Angata Ngorongoro Camp

Rise early to witness the breathtaking spectacle of the sun rising over the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we embark on an adventurous journey down the crater’s rugged track. This UNESCO World Heritage site, one of Africa’s seven wonders, was formed approximately three million years ago and plunges 610 meters deep, covering an expansive area of around 260 square kilometers. With its dense population of approximately 25,000 ungulates, the Ngorongoro Crater provides unparalleled game viewing opportunities, surpassing all other parks in Tanzania. Within minutes of entering the crater, you’ll encounter an abundance of wildlife, including wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, elephants, and over 500 species of birds. Keep your eyes peeled, as you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive black rhino grazing in the grasslands. Following an extensive game drive and a delightful picnic lunch, we bid farewell to the crater in the afternoon and make our way back to Karatu, where we’ll spend the night at one of our carefully selected mid-range partner lodges, ensuring your comfort and satisfaction.

Accommodation:

• Luxury: Kitela Lodge / Lake Manyara Kilima Moja / The Retreat at Ngorongoro
• Mid-range: Eileen’s Tree Inn / Endoro Lodge / Karatu Simba Lodge

On the final day of your 7 days safari walking on the Crater Rim and a visit to the Maasi Villages, you will be picked up from your accommodation and driven to the airport, marking the end of your unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s magnificent national parks.

The cost for the whole 1 week  Tanzania walking safari + Maasai culture  includes and excludes the following items

The best time for this safari is during the dry season, which typically runs from June to October. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant, with lower chances of rain and comfortable temperatures. The dry season is ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources, making it easier to spot them during game drives. Additionally, the Great Migration of wildebeest and other herbivores occurs in the Serengeti from June to July, offering a remarkable spectacle to witness. However, it’s important to note that wildlife sightings can still be excellent during other months, and each season has its own unique advantages. It’s recommended to consult with a local safari expert or tour operator to plan your trip based on specific preferences and wildlife interests.