9 Days Tanzania Safari

Tanzania safari reviews

5 Star rated safari company in Moshi, Tanzania on TripAdvisor

9 Days - Northern Camping Safari

What you will learn on this 9 days cultural safari to Hadzabe of Lake Eyasi is that the lives of these Africa’s traditional hunter-gatherer tribes are impossible not to be fascinated with. The Hadzabe, one of the last and most isolated of the bushmen or hunter-gatherers, still live in the dry woodlands of distant Lake Eyasi in northern Tanzania.

They have lived for thousands of years and continue to do so today. They use giraffe tendons as bows and arrows to hunt for prey. To augment their meager diet with protein and a little more substance, they collect honey from baobab trees and dig for roots and scorpions.

Full Itinerary

Day 1:  Moshi - Lake Eyasi + -

We will pick you up from your hotel in Moshi to commence your drive to Lake Eyasi (approximately 5 hour drive, with a lunchbox provided). This afternoon you can meet the Datoga tribe, famous for being the ‘blacksmiths of Tanzania’. Later in the afternoon your guide can talk you for a walking safari around the edge of the lake, spotting out for some of the beautiful birdlife for which Lake Eyasi is famous. You will have dinner prepared by your safari chef and overnight at Lake Eyasi campsite.

Day 2: Track the Hadzabe bushmen – Ngorongoro Conservation Area + -

Following an early breakfast at the campsite you will take a walk through the scattered bush to the Bushmen’s home, accompanied by your guide and a local guide that is able to translate the language of the Hadzabe tribe, which the bushmen belong to. The Hadzabe bushmen live in groups divided into approximately 10 families and they are very welcoming to visitors. You will be able to experience their typical bush life including their unique style of hunting for a variety of game meat as well as rodents, insects, roots and leaves. They sleep in caves, without fear of the wild animals that may pass by the in the night. After spending the morning with the Hadzabe you will head back to the campsite for lunch before heading off to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive on the edge of the crater rim to set up camp at Simba Campsite. No doubt after an early start this morning you will turn yourselves in early following dinner.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater - Serengeti NP + -

Another early start this morning to descend into the Crater floor for a game drive when the wildlife are most active (don’t worry we always have coffee at the ready!). Here in this wonderful caldera you may see lions, leopard, buffalo, elephant, black rhino, zebra, hippo, wildebeest, hyena and more! Your lunch will be served at the picnic site in the crater- Ngoitoktok swamp- you will be able to eat your lunch alongside the hippos in the pool! Mid-afternoon you will ascend the crater to drive through to Serengeti National Park, setting up camp in the central Seronera region.

Day 4: Central Serengeti + -

The Serengeti’s name means ‘endless plains’ – there is definitely plenty to explore. The central region is well known for being a great place to spot big cats as well as plenty of other wildlife. Enjoy a full day game drive in this region, with a lunchbox provided. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Central Serengeti – North Serengeti + -

Drive up to the Northern Serengeti region, where the huge herds of wildebeest and zebra are likely to be this time of year. Your driver will communicate with rangers to find out where they are to give you the best chances of witnessing this wildlife spectacle. You will overnight at Lobo Campsite, in the Northern region of Serengeti National Park.

Day 6: Full day North Serengeti + -

Another full day in the Serengeti to explore the northern region. In case the herds are further west you will have time for a game drive to reach them before returning to overnight at Lobo Campsite.

Day 7: North Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area + -

Following breakfast at the campsite, hop into the car to drive through to Lake Natron, passing through the Serengeti and some wonderfully remote wilderness areas. You can have the option this evening to climb the still active volano Oldoinyo – Lengai (the mountain of God, for the Maasai living in the area. Additional Cost of US$80 per person). The climb begins shortly before midnight therefore you may wish to have a few hours sleep in the evening, or just settle in to the campsite and enjoy the surrounding views (if not climbing). For those taking the trek, be prepared for a steep and challenging hike but rewarded when reaching the summit at sunrise for amazing views.

Day 8: Lake Natron + -

Head down to the lake to witness this site famous for flamingo breeding (normally between August – October), or head off on a hike to the waterfalls or surrounding village areas. Your guide may be able to arrange a visit to a Maasai boma if you wish this day (a donation set by the village may be asked, please note not included). We don’t like to guarantee a visit as we don’t want to intrude on their way of life, but if they are happy to welcome guests this day you can learn more about their pastoral way of life.

Day 9: Lake Natron – Moshi + -

Following breakfast at the camp you will commence your drive back to Arusha/Moshi.

  • Pick up and drop off from the Kilimanjaro Airport
  • Two night accommodation at Moshi for arrival and departure
  • Camping equipment (tent, mattress, table, chair, sleeping bag) during safari
  • Extended 4 x 4 luxury safari jeep with pop up roof for game viewing
  • Professional safari English speaking guide (different languages on request)
  • Professional safari cook
  • Three meals a day
  • Binoculair
  • Vehicle supplement fee for all parks
  • All park fees
  • 18% VAT to our entrance fees.
  • Costs of a personal nature
  • Tips to your driver/guide suring safari
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Visa, flight ticket
  • Insurance

General Safari Information

Your safari guide:

Our safari guides are all well experienced in the field and passionate about showing you the amazing wildlife and culture Tanzania has to offer. All are fluent in English, and if you have a special language request just let us know as many will also have an additional language (e.g. French, Spanish, German). They are also well trained in 4×4 driving so will be able to get you anywhere on the varying road qualities we have here! Please feel free to ask your guide any questions you may have about the wildlife, culture or trip along the way.

Your meals and drinks:

All meals will be provided by the lodges you are staying at- if you are leaving on a game drive during the day then a lunch box will be provided. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at most lodges. We will provide mineral water in the car each day.

Transport:

4×4 Safari Landcruiser with 7 seats. Our safari vehicles have been specifically modified for wildlife viewing, with a pop top roof which will be open during all game drives and sliding windows. We carry at least one pair of binoculars in each vehicle. Please note our regular vehicles do not have air conditioning or refrigerator. If you would like us to arrange one of our upgraded vehicles with these facilities please just ask us to provide a quote.
Although we do everything within our powers to ensure your maximum comfort, the roads in Tanzania can vary greatly in quality from newly tarmacced to completely rough and muddy or dusty (depending on rainy or dry season!). Driving times can be long, even to cover what may seem like relatively short distances. Although we regularly maintain our vehicles (with a check-up in the garage after every safari) they can and do sometimes pop a tyre or breakdown. Our guides are well trained with lots of experience in car mechanics and 98% of the time can fix the issue themselves- and you’ll be off spotting zebras again in less than 20 minutes! Please be patient if your car encounters a mechanical issue.

Tipping:

A great area of confusion and unease for many tourists, tipping is a generally expected and highly appreciated (although not compulsory) part of your safari tour. It is a great way of saying ‘thank you’ to those that have helped you to have a wonderful experience here. Tips should be given at the end of your safari when saying your goodbyes. If you are part of a group safari it is best to try to discuss with everyone beforehand how you wish to do the tipping. To help you feel at ease we have provided a general guide below but please remember that tipping is a way of you showing your gratitude for your safari staff and is up to you! The guidelines given below are for a group amount, not individually.
Guide: 20-25 USD/ day

Best Time for Tanzania Safaris?

You can visit Tanzania all year round but the best months are the dry-season months of July – October when the parks are dry and wildlife viewing is clear, easy and action packed. Read more

How Much Does a Safari Cost?

Cost for safaris in Tanzania depends with the number of people, number of days visiting Tanzania and the type of accommodation on the safari (luxury, midrange and budget options ). Read more