Tanzania Safari Four Gems
4 days—Experience Tanzania’s top destinations: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Materuni Waterfalls, with unforgettable wildlife.
From
$1100 USD
pp
Safari summary
This unforgettable Tanzania safari takes you through some of the country’s most iconic locations, including Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Materuni Waterfalls. Each destination offers a unique experience of Tanzania’s rich wildlife, natural beauty, and vibrant culture, giving you the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes and spot an impressive array of animals.
Tarangire National Park
Your adventure begins with a visit to Tarangire National Park, known for its stunning baobab trees, vast savannah, and wildlife. The park is named after the Tarangire River, which is the main water source for animals during the dry season, making it a prime location for wildlife sightings. The park is especially famous for its large herds of elephants, which you will see up close as they drink and bathe in the river. Other animals commonly spotted here include lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and warthogs. With over 550 bird species, including the yellow-collared lovebird, bird enthusiasts will be delighted as well. The park offers a blend of different habitats, such as swamps, woodlands, and open savannahs, which support a diverse range of wildlife. Whether you’re on a game drive or enjoying a relaxing moment, Tarangire offers plenty to explore and photograph.
Lake Manyara National Park
Next, you will travel to Lake Manyara National Park, a smaller yet equally captivating destination. Known for its alkaline lake, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife and offers excellent bird-watching opportunities. The tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara are one of the park’s major attractions, as these elusive lions are often seen lounging in the branches of acacia trees. The park is also famous for its abundant birdlife, including flamingos, geese, and vultures. You’ll also encounter hippos in the lake, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, and a variety of primates such as baboons and monkeys. As you explore this park, you will witness the fascinating interactions of wildlife and the stunning backdrop of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The park’s lush vegetation and diverse habitats make it a paradise for nature lovers.
Ngorongoro Crater
A visit to Tanzania would not be complete without experiencing the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most unique wildlife destinations in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the crater is a collapsed volcanic caldera, creating a natural amphitheater that is home to a staggering variety of animals. The crater floor is teeming with wildlife, including large populations of wildebeests, zebras, buffaloes, and elephants. It’s also famous for its healthy population of predators, such as lions, hyenas, cheetahs, and jackals, which roam the crater floor in search of prey. The black rhino, one of the rarest animals in Africa, also calls the crater home, offering a rare chance to spot these majestic creatures in the wild. The Ngorongoro Crater is an ecosystem like no other, providing an unparalleled opportunity for game viewing in a truly unique landscape. The natural beauty of the crater, along with the abundance of wildlife, makes it a must-visit on your safari journey.
Materuni Waterfalls
Finally, you will visit Materuni Waterfalls, located in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. This stunning, cascading waterfall is one of the most picturesque sites in Tanzania. The Materuni village is home to the Chagga people, and a visit to the falls provides a chance to experience their culture and traditions. You can hike through lush forests to reach the falls, enjoying the cool breeze and scenic views along the way. The waterfall itself is breathtaking, with crystal-clear water flowing over rocks into a tranquil pool below. This is a perfect spot for relaxation, photography, and enjoying nature’s beauty. In addition to the waterfall, you will have the opportunity to learn about the local coffee culture, as Materuni is known for its coffee plantations. The combination of cultural immersion and natural beauty makes this an unforgettable part of your safari experience.
Summary
This Tanzania Safari takes you on a remarkable journey through diverse ecosystems, offering both wildlife encounters and cultural experiences. From the vast plains of Tarangire, where elephants roam beneath the iconic baobab trees, to the bird-filled wetlands of Lake Manyara, and the rich biodiversity of the Ngorongoro Crater, every destination promises something unique. You will also be treated to the tranquil beauty of the Materuni Waterfalls, where you can enjoy a peaceful escape while learning about the Chagga people’s way of life. Whether you are a nature lover, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone looking for cultural immersion, this safari offers something for everyone. With professional guides from Origin Ventures and Safaris, you can be assured of an exceptional and personalized safari experience that will create lasting memories.
About this tour
Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
Main focus | Game drives | |
Activity level | Moderate activity | |
Best months | All months | |
Countries | ||
Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Bird watching—with professional guide
- Walking safari—with armed guard
- Cultural visits—orphanages, markets, schools
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- International flights
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Transfer from Arusha to Tarangire.
Tarangire
After breakfast, we depart from Arusha around 7:00 AM and head to Tarangire National Park with packed lunch boxes. It’s a 2.5-hour drive to the park, where we begin our game drives. Known for its iconic baobab trees and large elephant herds, Tarangire is also home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and more. After a scenic lunch break, we resume our game drive until late afternoon, then return to your lodge for a delicious dinner.
Ngorongoro crater tour
Ngorongoro Crater
On Day 2 of your safari, an early start will have you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater by 6:30 AM. The crater, the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera, spans 260 sq km and descends over 2,000 feet. Enjoy a 5-hour game drive with abundant wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, rhinos, hippos, cheetahs, and lions. After a picnic lunch by the Hippo pool, ascend back to the crater’s edge and return to your lodge by 6:00 PM for a delicious dinner.
Transfer to Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara
After breakfast, we depart for Lake Manyara National Park with a packed lunch for a full-day game drive. As we enter, lush forests of Acacia and Mahogany trees set the scene. The drive offers chances to spot buffaloes, giraffes, impalas baboons, and blue monkeys. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions though they can be elusive. If lucky, you might see millions of flamingos. After the game drive and picnic lunch, we’ll head back to Arusha for a fresh delicious dinner and a restful night.
Visit to Materuni falls, chagga
After breakfast at 8:00 AM, we drive 2 hours to Materuni, at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. A 35-minute hike takes us to the waterfalls, with possible views of the mountain. After a swim, we’ll hike back and enjoy a traditional Swahili/Chagga lunch with a local tribe. Then, experience the coffee-making process and brew your own cup. Finally, you’ll be driven back to Arusha or the airport, with hotel accommodations available at extra cost.
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