Off the beaten track – 12 days

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly greeted by our representative or safari guide and transferred to Amini Maasai Lodge. Here, you’ll spend two days immersed in Maasai culture, sharing traditions and experiences that bring you closer to the heart of Tanzania. As a team of local Tanzanians, we look forward to welcoming you with open arms and ensuring your journey begins with memories to cherish. Welcome on board!

Today is dedicated to relaxation and discovery at Amini Maasai Lodge. You may join in traditional sunset dances, listen to Maasai storytelling by the fire, or try your hand at spear throwing. Explore the medicinal secrets of local plants on a guided walk, or visit the lodge’s permaculture farm for a glimpse into sustainable living. For those seeking more adventure, optional activities include game drives, donkey safaris, and guided hikes through the surrounding landscapes.

At Lake Natron, you’ll witness the breathtaking sight of thousands of flamingos painting the shoreline in vivid shades of pink. The lake’s highly alkaline waters create the perfect environment for the microorganisms these birds depend on, making it one of their most important breeding grounds. This dramatic landscape also holds echoes of the past—researchers have uncovered human footprints preserved in the mud, dating back between 5,000 and 19,000 years. To complete your experience, set out on a hiking safari to the Ngare Sero Waterfalls, where cool cascades tumble down the Rift Valley escarpment in a refreshing finale to the day.

Witness the awe-inspiring drama of the Great Migration as massive herds of wildebeest and zebra attempt to cross the Mara River, all while giant crocodiles lie in wait. This extraordinary migration involves more than 2.5 million wildebeest, driven by ancient instincts to follow water sources in a clockwise journey spanning 1,600 miles (2,575 kilometers) each year. Northern Serengeti is not only the stage for this iconic spectacle but also home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including Africa’s legendary Big Five.

Let yourself be captivated by the beauty of the Serengeti, where golden grasslands stretch endlessly, dotted with acacia trees and dramatic granite kopjes. In the Central Serengeti, every day brings opportunities to witness Tanzania’s most remarkable wildlife. Here, large prides of lions rule the plains, cheetahs sprint across open savannah, and leopards rest gracefully in the trees. Elephants and giraffes wander among the woodlands, while pods of hippos gather in the rivers, and the skies fill with abundant birdlife. This is the Serengeti at its most iconic—wild, vibrant, and unforgettable.

Today you’ll set out on a final game drive in the Serengeti, with a packed lunch allowing you to make the most of every moment in the wild. It’s another chance to capture unforgettable photographs of the landscapes and wildlife that make this park so extraordinary. Later, the journey continues to Ngorongoro, where your first glimpse of glistening streams, sweeping grasslands, and the promise of abundant wildlife offers a taste of the crater experience that awaits tomorrow. Spend the evening at leisure, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night surrounded by the highland air.

Get ready to be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of the Ngorongoro Highlands. Upon reaching the Empakai rim, you’ll descend 1.8 miles (3 km) to the crater floor, where flocks of migratory flamingos gather alongside a dazzling variety of birdlife. The descent takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and the climb back up is equally thrilling, though physically demanding. To fully enjoy this awe-inspiring adventure, be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and come prepared for the challenge.

The Ngorongoro Crater, spanning just 10 miles (16 km) across, was formed approximately three million years ago when a massive volcano collapsed in on itself. Today, it stands as the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and supports a thriving ecosystem with more than 25,000 resident animals. Within its grass-covered plains and acacia woodlands, you’ll find nearly every species native to the East African savannah — including all members of the famed Big Five.

Lake Duluti is a tranquil crater lake lying just east of Arusha, surrounded by a lush forest alive with wildlife. The shores provide a sanctuary for reptiles such as lizards and snakes, while the trees and waters are home to more than 130 bird species, from graceful ospreys and soaring eagles to colorful kingfishers, storks, and barbets. Here, you’ll set out on a serene 1.5-hour canoeing experience, gliding across the still waters and soaking in the peaceful beauty of this hidden gem.