DESTINATIONS - Tanzania

Consisting of the former British colonies of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, Tanzania, an East African nation has sometimes been called the “Cradle of Civilization” as it is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited region in the world. As a nation of extremes, Tanzania boasts the highest point in Africa (Mt. Kilimanjaro), the situs of one of the world’s largest lakes (Lake Victoria) and one of the world’s deepest lakes (Lake Tanganyika), one of the world’s most renowned protected wild game habitats (the Serengeti), the site of one of Africa's most impressive natural wonders (the Ngorongoro Highlands) and some of East Africa’s best stretches of fine white sandy beaches.

Elder Expeditions is pleased to offer the following incredible Tanzanian experience.

Minimum participants: 4 Maximum participants: 6

Languages: English

Day 1: (Arrival Day)
An Elder Expeditions representative will meet us upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha and deliver us to our initial lodging, a luxurious converted coffee farm located an easy drive from the airport. The beautiful resort, owned by a relative of the Von Trapp family, offers a pool as well as pleasant grounds where we can stroll about while watching monkeys cavort in the trees. Massage and Wi-Fi facilities are available. At dinner we will be provided with an orientation of the exciting events of our upcoming Tanzanian adventure.

Day 2: (Wilderness Experience; Optional Horseback Riding).
After a leisurely breakfast, we will set off for the drive to the Manyara Ranch Conservancy to begin our wilderness experience. Along the way we will learn about the conservancy and the essential role that it plays in protecting the migration corridors that lie between Lake Natron, Ngorongoro, Manyara, Tarangire and the Maasailands to the south. For Elder Expeditions adventurers, the Conservancy promises to provide a unique luxury wilderness experience.

Those of us who have equestrian experience and are comfortable with the three principal gaits will have an opportunity for some optional horseback riding. Game drives will be offered during the day and evening.

Day 3: (Hiking; Game Drives)
We will have a leisurely breakfast and then begin our second day at the Manyara Ranch Conservancy, a day that will consist of a combination of walking trips and game drives.

We will spend a second night at the Manyara Ranch.

Day 4: (Game Observation)
After breakfast we will depart the Manyara Ranch and head up the Great Rift Valley, traveling through an interesting terrain that features a combination of rainforest and savannah. Time permitting, we will stop at Lake Manyara National Park which is located on the fringe of one of Africa’s chain of “soda lakes” and where we may have opportunities to see hippos as well as throngs of flamingos and the infamous tree - climbing lions.

As we proceed through our day we will find ourselves in the cloud forest of the Ngorongoro Highlands. This is the tribal heartland of the of the Masai with whom we will have the opportunity for some authentic interaction that will include sitting and chatting with tribal members, helping in the preparation of goat meat, sharing a meal, preparing traditional medicine and dancing.

Overnight will be at a comfortable, but rustic, camp in the heart of the Masialand. Today we will have the chance to interact with some of the tribes’ people , i.e. sitting and chatting with them, working with them in the process of cooking a goat and then sharing the finished meal. We will have an opportunity to work with the local Masai in preparing traditional medicines and learning the local dances. We will also go for walks with the going for walks with the Maasai warriors and elders.

Day 5: (The Ngorongongoro Crater)
Today we will drive higher into the Ngorongoro highlands and onto the crater rim before descending into the Ngorongoro Crater Floor for a game drive in one of the most densely packed wildlife areas in the world. Re-ascending the rim, we will be off to the world famous Serengeti where we will spend the night at a local wildlife lodge.

Day 6: (Hot Air Ballooning over the Serengeti)
Our day starts early, before dawn, when we head out to the takeoff point for our hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti, a high point of our African adventure. We will meet the pilot, receive a safety briefing and watch the balloons being inflated. At sunrise we take off, floating to wherever the winds decide. Moving up and down in altitude, sometimes as high as 1000 feet above ground, we will have some unique panoramic views of the Serengeti as well as awesome photographic opportunities of the wildlife below.

Returning to earth, we will be greeted with glasses of sparkling wine and a delicious English style brunch, all served in the unforgettable ambience of the African bush, an experience that will be reminiscent of safari adventurers of a bygone era. After breakfast we will return to the wildlife lodge for a brief rest and then it’s off for more game viewing, this time from the vantage point of our road vehicle.

Day 7: (Indian Ocean Coastal Sojourn)
Starting a new facet of our African adventure, we will start today with a short light aircraft flight from the Serengeti to the historic port town of Tanga on the coast of Tanzania. A short drive from the air strip will bring us to the elegant but remote lodge, likely one of Tanzania’s best kept secrets, that we will call home for the next several days. During the remainder of the day we are free to relax on the beautiful point overlooking the sea. We can take a swim whenever the urge strikes or simply sit, sipping tea, on our private veranda overlooking the Indian Ocean. Today is intended to be a day to relax, unwind and prepare for tomorrow’s kayaking.

Day 8-9: (Coastal Kayaking)
Using our lodge as a home base, on both Day 8 and Day 9 we will explore, by kayak, the beautiful, historic Manza Bay and its surroundings. Paddling into areas that few tourists have seen, we will picnic on deserted beaches, beach comb coral outcrops, explore remote peninsulas, paddle mysterious mangrove creeks, snorkel, and visit traditional fishing villages. This promises to be an unforgettable experience for all of us as we experience a part of Africa that, until recently, few tourists have been privileged to see.

No kayak experience? Not to worry, prior kayak paddling experience is not necessary for maximum enjoyment of our incredible two days on the coast of the Indian Ocean.

Day 10-11: (Zanzibar)
After a leisurely morning and a chance to bid a warm farewell to our hosts and, for those of us so inclined, to take a short final paddle, we will drive back to Tanga where we will board a flight to exotic Zanzibar, the starting point for Sir Henry Stanley’s legendary search for Dr. David Livingstone.

Upon arrival in Zanzibar, a local guide will meet and accompany us the short drive into the heart of old Stonetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most enchanting cities. After we check into our lodging, a converted merchant’s house, dripping with history and character, we will set out to explore, on foot, the fascinating city of Stonetown and to learn its intriguing history. During the course of our two and a half days in Zanzibar, there will be opportunities to take the spice tour and a cultural tour, to visit the giant tortoises on Prison Island and to go snorkeling. The day is ours to do as much (or as little) as we please.

Both of our days in Zanzibar will end with sundowners overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Day 12: (Departure Day)
Towards the middle of the day we will take the domestic flight back to Kilimanjaro International Airport where we will connect with our homeward bound flights.

For anyone wishing to do some optional scuba diving in Zanzibar, contact Elder Expeditions before purchasing your airline tickets. It will be necessary to arrange your scuba day a full 24 hours before embarking on a flight.

2012 Dates

July 1, 2012 – July 12, 2012

December 19, 2012 – December 30, 2012