11-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari, Historical Sites, and Cultural Tours
Explore Tours
Overview
Explore Tanzania’s rich heritage with an exciting 11-day journey through its iconic national parks, fascinating historical sites, and vibrant cultural landscapes. From the prehistoric wonders of Olduvai Gorge to the vast plains of Serengeti and Ngorongoro, this tour offers a balanced experience of wildlife safaris, cultural exploration, and historical insights. Get up close to the wildlife, interact with local Maasai and Sonjo tribes, and visit ancient rock art sites, all while learning about the cultural and historical significance of Tanzania.
Included/Exclude
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- All activities (unless labeled optional)
- All accommodation (unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Drinking water
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (suggested: US$10.00 per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government-imposed increases in taxes and park fees
Tour Plan
Mto wa Mbu, located at the foot of the Great Rift Valley near Lake Manyara National Park, is one of Tanzania's first cultural tourism sites. This small town, with its rich diversity of tribes, offers visitors a unique chance to experience the culture of Tanzania.
Activities:
- Guided canoe safari at Mto wa Mbu
- Visit the Manyara Painted Maasai Market
- Local food tour
- Bike tour
- Tuk-tuk tour
- Village walk tour
Main Destination: Mto wa Mbu
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge in or outside Mto wa Mbu
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, drinking water (other drinks not included)
Engaruka Ruins, located 63 km north of Mto wa Mbu, offers visitors the opportunity to explore a once-thriving irrigation system. The village is surrounded by stunning views of Oldoinyo Lengai and Lake Natron, offering a fascinating contrast between agriculture and the Maasai's nomadic lifestyle.
Activities:
- Visit the Engaruka ruins
- Hike the Kerimasi mountain
Main Destination: Engaruka Village
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge/camp near Lake Natron
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, drinking water (other drinks not included)
Lake Natron, known for its high alkalinity, is a breeding ground for thousands of flamingos. The desolate landscape is strikingly beautiful, with views of Oldoinyo Lengai, an active volcano.
Activities:
- Walk across the baked mud to the shores of Lake Natron
- Explore the surrounding area with views of Oldoinyo Lengai
Main Destination: Lake Natron
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge near Lake Natron
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, all drinks (except spirits)
Travel through Maasai and Sonjo land to the Serengeti National Park. You’ll have the chance to visit a local Maasai or Sonjo village, where you’ll learn about the culture and traditions of these nomadic tribes. Serengeti offers some of the best wildlife experiences, with a game drive on arrival.
Main Destination: North Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge inside Serengeti National Park
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, drinking water (other drinks not included)
Spend two full days in the Serengeti, experiencing morning and evening game drives. The Serengeti is famous for its "big five" and predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The endless plains are home to a multitude of species.
Main Destination: Central Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge inside Central Serengeti NP
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, drinking water (other drinks not included)
Visit the Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important archaeological sites, where the Leakeys discovered evidence of early human ancestors. Explore the Olduvai Gorge Museum and gain insight into the evolution of humans and the Serengeti ecosystem.
Main Destination: Ngorongoro Highlands
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge on the crater rim
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, drinking water (other drinks not included)
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. The crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino, lions, elephants, and many bird species.
Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge near Karatu
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, drinking water (other drinks not included)
Visit the Kondoa Irangi Rock Art sites, located at Mongomi Hill. These ancient paintings, some believed to be over 10,000 years old, depict scenes of tribal life, ceremonies, and hunting.
Main Destination: Kondoa Village
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge near Kondoa
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, drinking water (other drinks not included)
Drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and baobab trees. Enjoy a full-day game drive in this lesser-known gem of Tanzania’s wildlife.
Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
Accommodation: Mid-range lodge inside Tarangire NP
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast and lunch, drinking water (other drinks not included)
After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive before heading back to Arusha or the airport for your departure.
