Tours Africa

12-Day Adventure and Conservation Experience

Overview

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Tanzania while contributing to conservation and community projects. This 12-day itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking adventure and purpose.

Highlights:

  • Participate in reforestation efforts and conservation initiatives.
  • Explore Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire.
  • Interact with locals through hands-on cultural activities
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Activities:

  • Airport Meet-and-Greet: Roots & Peaks Company representatives will welcome guests at Kilimanjaro International Airport with a short briefing.
  • Transfer to Accommodation and Welcome Dinner: Upon check-in, travelers can unwind before a traditional Tanzanian welcome dinner. The tour leader will share insights about Tanzanian culture and trip highlights.

Activities:

  • Coffee Plantation Tour:  Explore a local coffee farm where guests learn the coffeemaking process from bean to cup. Sample fresh Tanzanian coffee while hearing about its significance to the local economy.
  • Cooking Class: Participate in a traditional cooking class with locals, using regional ingredients like cassava, plantain, and various spices to prepare iconic dishes like pilau rice and coconut curry.
  • Market Visit: After lunch, explore a local market where guests can find unique handcrafted souvenirs, and traditional attire, and interact with artisans to understand their craft.

Activities:

  • Morning Safari Drive: Known for its large elephant population and iconic baobab trees, Tarangire is a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Guests can expect to see elephants, giraffes, and other animals.
  • Bird watching: Guides will assist in spotting vibrant bird species, including lovebirds, hornbills, and the impressive Kori bustard.
  • Sundowner by the River: Enjoy a refreshing drink by the Tarangire River as the sun sets over the park’s savannah, providing a perfect end to a wildlife-filled day.

Activities:

  • Full-Day Safari: Lake Manyara is known for its dense population of tree-climbing lions, and elephants, and spectacular views of the Rift Valley escarpment. Guests may also spot hippos, buffalo, and a range of colorful bird species.
  • Photography Stop at the Hot Springs: The park’s natural hot springs offer beautiful photo opportunities, and guides explain the significance of these geothermal spots.
  • Picnic Lunch by the Lake: A scenic lunch spot surrounded by acacia woodlands, where guests can enjoy sightings of flamingos and other wading birds.

Activities:

  • Maasai Boma Visit: Experience Maasai culture through a guided visit to a local village. Guests are introduced to traditional dance, beadwork, and the Maasai’s daily lives, with the opportunity to support local artisans.
  • Ngorongoro Highland Walk: Enjoy a scenic guided trek with breathtaking views of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The guide shares insights on the area’s flora, fauna, and local Maasai traditions related to the land.

Activities:

  • Crater Safari: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, home to some of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife. The crater is renowned for its high concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo).
  • Picnic on the Crater Floor: Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery, where herds of animals often graze nearby.
  • Evening Return to Lodge: Return to the lodge to unwind, relive the day’s sightings, and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Activities:

  • Tree Planting with Local Volunteers: In partnership with a local environmental initiative, guests will help plant native trees to support reforestation and combat soil erosion. Guides will explain the environmental impact of this activity.
  • Visit to a Community Garden: Support a local women’s cooperative working to sustain an organic community garden. Learn about the techniques they use to grow vegetables and herbs, which provide food and income for the community.
  • Cultural Exchange Lunch: Enjoy a home-cooked meal with local leaders, exchanging stories and learning more about their daily lives and conservation efforts.

Activities:

  • Drive to Serengeti National Park: Travel to Serengeti, where guests will witness the dramatic change in landscape from lush greenery to the wide-open plains.
  • Afternoon Game Drive: Upon arrival, embark on a game drive in Central Serengeti, spotting lions, leopards, and the great herds of wildebeest and zebras.
  • Campfire Dinner: A unique evening meal around the campfire, sharing stories and stargazing in the heart of the Serengeti.

Activities:

  • Mara River Safari: Travel to the northern Serengeti for a game drive along the Mara River. During migration season, guests may witness dramatic river crossings.
  • Lunch in the Bush: Enjoy a bush lunch while surrounded by stunning landscapes and wildlife.
  • Return to Camp: After an adventurous day, head back to camp for an evening under the stars.

Activities:

  • Sunrise Safari: Early morning game drive to catch predators and other animals when they are most active.
  • Seronera Valley Safari: Continue exploring this high-predator-density area known for leopard sightings.
  • Bush Picnic: Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the Serengeti’s magnificent landscapes and wildlife.
  • Evening Return to Lodge: Guests return to their lodge, where they can relax after a full day of adventure.

Activities:

  • Visit Olduvai Gorge: Learn about the cradle of humankind, where some of the earliest hominid fossils were discovered.
  • Museum Exploration: Discover more about Tanzania’s prehistoric past, with interactive displays and expert guides explaining the area’s archaeological significance.
  • Shifting Sands Experience: Witness the unique volcanic sand dunes that move with the wind, a fascinating natural phenomenon created by volcanic activity.

Activities:

  • Relaxing Drive Back to Arusha: Enjoy scenic views on the return trip to Arusha with opportunities to stop for last-minute shopping.
  • Farewell Lunch and Debriefing: Share one last Tanzanian meal together as guests reflect on the journey.
  • Airport Transfer: The Roots & Peaks team will facilitate airport transfers, ensuring a comfortable departure experience.

Inclusions:

  • Park fees, camping gear, and meals on the mountain.
  • Experienced guides, porters, and cooks.
  • Transfers to and from the trailhead.

Exclusions:

  • International flights.
  • Tips for guides and porters.
  • Personal hiking gear.
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