Our Tanzanian Classic Safari is a classic for a reason. This immersive journey through Tanzania’s ancient culture and landscape takes you to the heart of Africa. From capturing epic up-close photos of wildlife to learning primitive hunting and firemaking techniques with two of Africa’s oldest indigenous tribes, this trip has it all. Our expert safari guides take you deep into Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, two of Africa’s premiere wildlife sanctuaries.
SUMMARY
TRIP TYPE: Safari
ACTIVITY RATING: Easy Active
TRIP LENGTH: 4 days/3 nights
SPACES AVAILABLE: 18
TRIP COST: From
Double Occupancy
From $ 2,800
per personSingle Supplement
Add + $400
per personDATES
*This 4-day trip is most often added to a Kilimanjaro Climb. It’s a perfect way to truly experience all the wonders of Tanzania and relax after your big climb.
HIGHLIGHTS
Travel with expert guides – we know every migration route, watering hole, and exotic animal in the savannah
Learn ancient hunting and firemaking techniques from the Datoga and Hadzabe Tribes
See incredible up-close views of wildlife from the comfort and safety of our open-top Land Cruisers
VIDEOS
TEASER VIDEO
TREK TIPS: SAFARI
MAP
ITINERARY
Day 1: Lake Manyara National Park Game Drive
- Today we head out on Safari. We load our Land Cruisers that have open tops so we can view animals up close and safely.
- On our way to the park we will visit the Makayuni School, where the Human Outreach Project’s School Lunch Program feeds more than 1,000 children daily.
- We will spend the afternoon on a game drive through the national park, and spend the night on the edge of the western escarpment of the Great Rift Valley.
- Overnight: Serena Lodge Lake Manyara or comparable
- Meals included: B/L/D
Day 2: Bushman and Datoga Tribes
Today we will drive to the remote areas near Lake Eyasi to see the Hadzabe (Bushman tribe). This tribe has less than 300 members remaining. After we learn about their existence, make fire, and shoot arrows from primitive bows, we will head to visit another of Tanzania’s tribes. Touring the Datoga village will show us that they are uniquely different than the Bushman tribe. Of Tanzania’s 120 tribes, these two have remained especially primitive in comparison to their counterparts.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Farmhouse or comparable
- Meals included: B/L/D
Day 3: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera which is often referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. The crater is 610 meters deep. Breathtaking views of scenery and game can be witnessed from both the crater rim and within the crater floor. It is estimated that over 25,000 larger mammals, mainly zebra and wildebeest, exist within the crater itself. The crater is home of the BIG 5: Elephant, African Buffalo, Leopard, Black Rhinoceros, and Lion, as well as Zebras, Cheetahs, Hippos, Hyenas, and a variety of other wild animals in their natural environment. This unique environment is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- During our full day drive in the crater we will stop for a picnic lunch.
- Overnight: Ngorongoro Farmhouse or comparable
- Meals included: B/L/D
Day 4: Cultural Heritage Center | Arusha | International Departures
- After arriving in Arusha we continue on to the Cultural Heritage Center. Enjoy plenty of time to wander around the Cultural Heritage Center and art gallery, then we will have lunch.
- We will pay a visit to the Human Outreach Project: Kilimanjaro Kids Community in the afternoon before heading to day rooms to rest and freshen up before international departures.
- Meals included: B/L
What's Included:
- Pre-trip planning, customization, and consultation
- Transportation throughout
- 3 nights lodging
- All meals included during scheduled itinerary
- All services, tours, hikes, entrance, and excursion fees described in the itinerary
- Gratuities to service personnel during scheduled itinerary
- Baggage handling throughout adventure
- Services of local English-speaking, professional safari driver/guide
- Interactive gear list
Not Included:
- International airfare other than as described in itinerary
- Passports and visas
- Immunization costs
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal safari gear
- Optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour
- Meals or bottled beverages other than those specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges
- Items of a personal nature: laundry, bottled beverages, incidentals, etc.
- Expenses incurred due to circumstances outside of WWTrek’s control
- Gratuities for safari driver/guide
Add-On Adventures
Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame Route | From $4,900
Climb up the tallest free-standing mountain in the world
View More Kilimanjaro Trek Routes!
Gorilla Tracking | From $4,995
Silverback Gorillas | Volcanoes National Park
Zanzibar Island | From $1,800
Stone Town, a World Heritage Site | white sand beaches | turquoise waters
HUMAN OUTREACH PROJECT IN TANZANIA
One of World Wide Trekking’s founding principles is giving back to the places we travel. Through our sister non-profit, Human Outreach Project, we are making a difference in lives around the globe, and connecting trekkers with voluntourism opportunities in local communities. We have a number of diverse projects in Tanzania that WWTrek guests can get involved with.
The Kilimanjaro Kids Community is HOP’s proudest achievement. This 4-acre orphanage sits in the shadow of Kilimanjaro and currently houses 12 Tanzanian children and 4 full-time staff. HOP has also been working at the Makuyuni Primary School to provide daily school lunches for the school’s 1,000 children, supporting the Mama Na M’toto women’s empowerment group in the village of Mto wa Mbu, as well as providing start-up funding to one of our long-time porters for his business, Bima’s Rice and Beans.
TRAVEL NOTES
Best Time of Year to Visit:
The best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season (June – October). Animals head to the grasslands to feed and congregate around water sources, enticing predators to stake out the watering holes. If you’re lucky, a dramatic chase may develop. June and July are the best months to catch Serengeti’s great migration, a spectacular sight of over 2 million zebra and wildebeest traveling together.
If you’d like to avoid the crowds during the popular dry season, you will still find plenty of fascinating wildlife viewing during the wet season. The wildebeest calving season (January – February) is a great time to see young, which can also lead to predator action. The wet season also offers spectacular green scenery and a kaleidoscope of migratory birds.
Arrivals & Departures
This safari is most often done following a Kilimanjaro climb. This trip begins and ends in the Siha District of Tanzania, in East Africa. You will fly into and out of Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
*Many guests prefer to arrive before, or leave after, the scheduled itinerary. We can help you make arrangements. Additional charges for early arrival, transportation, lodging, meals, and activities will apply.
Recommended Flights
International airfares are not included in program pricing. Although there are many flight options to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), flying through Amsterdam offers the best route. While World Wide Trekking does not book flights ourselves, we would be happy to recommend a great travel agent to assist you. Contact your adventure specialist for details.
Our preferred flight route: Home airport – AMS – JRO (one direct daily on KLM airlines).
We also recommend that you protect your flight with travel insurance and a refundable ticket. Contact AIG Travel Guard to get more information.
Customs, Visas, & Immigration:
Upon clearing customs in Tanzania, you will be required to purchase a 12-month multiple-entry tourist visa for $100. Please bring cash, as exact change is required. In addition, you will need a one-hundred dollar bill that is less than ten years old. Please keep your landing card (received in flight) and a pen handy for customs.
Contact G3 Global Services for more information on how to receive your visa prior to your arrival.
*Note: Please be sure to have at least six months validity on your passport. Most countries won’t allow travelers in their country unless their passport is expected to expire six months after the last day of travel. Make two copies of your passport, leave one at home and bring the other with you to Tanzania. Ensure you provide a copy of your passport to WWTrek 90-days prior to your departure date.
Travel Insurance:
We always recommend safeguarding your trip by purchasing travel insurance. World Wide Trekking has partnered with AIG Travel Insurance as our preferred travel insurance provider. For a price quote, or to purchase travel insurance, visit
Accommodations:
At WWTrek we understand how much the fine details matter. We make every effort to impress and provide the small comforts that make a big difference. Find postcards and bottled water on your bed awaiting your arrival. All the lodges in our itineraries are chosen with care.
Luxury: Enjoy your stay in best lodges Tanzania has to offer. These luxurious lodges offer amenities including internet, spa services, laundry, swimming pool, and fine dining.
Classic: Most equivalent to 4-star accommodations, these elegant lodges offer all the services and comforts to help you relax and rejuvenate along our exhilarating safari.
Wildlife: These carefully chosen lodges, though simple, live up to our high expectations. They offer all standard amenities, are clean, and comfortable.
Transportation:
A World Wide Trekking representative will privately transport you from the airport to your lodge. We arrange all in-country transportation and ensure safe, comfortable, and private transportation for all of our travel needs. Enjoy both land cruisers and charter flights for the best safari viewing experience.
Meals:
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in the success of all our adventures. We offer a flexible and accommodating yet flavorful and hearty dining experience shared together at the lodges. Enjoy buffet-style breakfasts and banquet style lunches and dinners. The lodges provide two or more options during each course and beverages range from water and soda to beer.
*Please contact us if you have any special dietary needs or food restrictions. We can accommodate any special diets. We are happy to help!
Health & Safety:
Our stringent commitment to safety means you have access to our medically certified guides before and throughout your trip. Our staff also carries emergency medical equipment such as a medical kit and satellite communicator.
In addition, we recommend visiting your local International Travel Clinic one month before your trip. Needed vaccinations include a current tetanus shot, annual influenza shot, Varicella, Typhoid, Hep A, and MMR.
For more information, feel free to contact us directly with any questions, at 801-943-0264. We can schedule a phone call with our medical advisor, Dr. Levy, to answer any specific questions regarding your personal needs. Visit our Trek Tips series on YouTube.
Our Team:
World Wide Trekking boasts an extensive support crew for all of our groups ranging from 8 to 12 people. At headquarters in Salt Lake City, our staff is dedicated to helping you every step of the way. If you’re planning your trip and have a question about which boots to buy, our adventure specialist is just a phone call away.
We provide medically certified, English-speaking Western guides for all of our adventures. Additionally, you have access to a local operations manager and a plethora of local professionals to aid the group.
Add-on Adventures:
Many guests prefer to arrive early or leave late so they can add more adventure into their vacation. We can help you make arrangements. Additional charges for early arrival, transportation, lodging, meals, and activities will apply. Below are some of our favorite and most popular add-on adventures.
Gratuities:
Gratuities for most services during your trip are included in the price. We have considered including a guide/driver tip as part of the trip price. We recognize that gratuities are normal in this business to recognize a wonderful service on a more personal level.
For any additional services outside of our itinerary, plan to tip 10% (transport, restaurants, baggage, lodges, etc). We will provide you with detailed tipping recommendations in your ‘Trip Detail’ document once you sign up for a trip.
Currency Exchange:
We recommend exchanging money at the airport as soon as you clear customs. We will offer additional exchange opportunities, but typically you will receive the best rates at the airport. Exchanging $100 should suit your needs for the trek and safari. We always recommend bringing $500 cash with you on your trip for incidentals.
*During your safari, you will be staying in luxury lodges where you can settle any incidentals you have with a credit card before you check out.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Country:
Tanzania is one of the world’s oldest inhabited regions. For three million years man has roamed its regions, savannas to mountains, carving out an existence from the African countryside. Drawn to exotic Africa, explorers have tried to tame her wildness to no avail. The story of Tanganyika, Tanzania, is one of unaltered wilds and progressive politics. “Kilimanjaro,” according to the President of Mozambique, Chissano, “carried the torch that liberated Africa.”
Population:
49.25 million
Time Zone:
Tanzania operates on East Africa Time Zone – UTC+03:00, putting it 8 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) and 11 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST).
Capital City:
Dodoma, Tanzania
People:
Tribes of Tanzania
Sukuma comprise the largest tribe with three million Tanzanians. Living in the northwestern area of Tanzania, they speak Bantu and are traditionally cattle herders and farmers of subsistence crops such as cassava.
Nywamwezi, also known as the “people of the moon,” are the second largest tribe in Tanzania. Similar to the Sukuma, they are also historically cattle herders, farmers, and Bantu speakers. Living in the northwest of Tanzania, near Lake Victoria, the tribe has about 1.5 million members.
The third largest tribe of Tanzania reside on the south and eastern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and Mosh. The Chaga speak Kichagga, a Niger-Congo language. They were one of the first tribes to convert to Christianity. Among the richest and most powerful people in Tanzania, they hold a strong sense of identity. Known for their advanced farming techniques, trade, and politics, they thrive as a successful tribe.
Descended from Persia, the Shirazi make up the majority of the people of Zanzibar island. They speak Swahili and practice Sunni and Shia Islam.
Culture & Religion:
Tanzanians bear a surprisingly strong national association, or ujamaa (family-hood). They rarely identify themselves by tribe upon an initial meeting. This collective attitude comes from the Julius Nyerere days and his push to unify over 120 tribes in a socialistic type society. This national mindset allows Tanzania a relatively peaceful existence with tribes coexisting. Christians and Muslims live side by side with minimal friction.
Money:
The official currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling abbreviated TZS. TZS replaced the East Africa shilling in 1966 and is abbreviated TZS. Currency exchangers subdivide the shilling into 100 senti and it is written as x/y where x is the amount over one shilling and y is the senti. Due to the fluctuating exchange rates, we recommend searching online to find out the current rate.
