Off The Beaten Track – 12 Days

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by our representative or safari guide, who will transfer you to Amini Maasai Lodge for 2 days of cultural immersion experience. As a team of local Tanzanians, we are excited to welcome you with open arms and make your journey memorable. Welcome on board!

Today will be a relaxing day spent at the lodge. You can take part in various captivating cultural activities at Amini Maasai Lodge such as sunset dances, Maasai storytelling, spear throwing, a medicinal plant discovery tour or a permaculture farm tour. You can also pay extra for game drives, donkey safaris, and hiking adventures.

Witness the striking pink colour of thousands of flamingos in the lake. Lake Natron accommodates a large number of flamingos due to the presence of microorganisms that thrive in the highly alkaline water. At Lake Natron, researchers found a well-preserved human footprint left in the mud between 5,000 and 19,000 years ago. You will also enjoy the Ngare Sero Waterfalls hiking safari!

Witness the spectacular sight of large herds of wildebeest and zebra trying to cross the Mara River while being hunted by giant crocodiles. The Great Migration involves over 2.5 million wildebeest, driven by ancient rhythms and natural instincts as they follow water sources in a clockwise rotation, covering 1,600 miles per year. The North Serengeti offers a large variety of wildlife, including the “Big Five”.

Let yourself be inspired by the beauty and wonder of the Serengeti, where acacia trees and granite kopjes adorn the endless waves of grass! Your time is dedicated to see the best of Central Serengeti, that offers everyday opportunities to spot Tanzania’s most impressive wildlife including big prides of lions, cheetahs, elephants, leopards, giraffes, a great number of hippos, and abundant birdlife!

Today we set off on a final game drive in the Serengeti with a packed lunch, providing more opportunities to capture heart-stopping photos. Later, we will head to Ngorongoro, where you will first glimpse the glistening streams, vast grasslands, and countless animals that await you in the crater the next day. Spend the evening at leisure, have dinner, and retire for the night.

Get ready to be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of the Ngorongoro Highlands. When you reach the Empakai rim, you will descend to the crater floor, where you can spot flocks of migratory flamingos and a variety of birdlife. The descent takes 45 minutes to an hour, and the ascent is equally thrilling, although demanding. Ensure you wear sturdy hiking shoes to conquer this awe-inspiring adventure!

The Ngorongoro crater, which is only 10 miles wide, was formed around three million years ago when a volcano collapsed. It is the world’s largest volcano caldera and is home to over 25,000 resident animals, making it a unique ecosystem. In the grass steppes and acacia forest, you can spot almost every animal in the East African savannah, including the African “Big Five”.

Lake Duluti is a small crater lake located on the eastern side of Arusha town. It is surrounded by a forest that is home to many reptiles, such as snakes and lizards. The lake is a sanctuary with a nature trail and over 130 different bird species, including osprey, buzzards, kingfishers, eagles, storks, doves, and barbets. You will enjoy a 1.5-hour canoeing experience on this beautiful crater lake.