African People & Wildlife: Tanzania Conservation Safari
September 22 – October 2, 2024
Embark on an 11-day journey of a lifetime through the heart of northern Tanzania, where the drama of wildlife encounters unfolds against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures. This exclusive expedition promises an unparalleled adventure in the epicenter of biodiversity, witnessing firsthand the transformative conservation efforts led by African People & Wildlife (APW) in partnership with local people.
Guided by Dr. Laly Lichtenfeld, visionary Co-founder and CEO of APW and a National Geographic Explorer, you’ll have access to some of Tanzania’s most iconic ecosystems. But this trip is more than just a safari—it’s an opportunity to delve into the intricate web of human-wildlife coexistence with a leader in community-driven conservation.
With Elevate Destinations providing meticulous coordination and VIP service from start to finish, every moment of your adventure will be crafted with care and attention to detail. Join us on this extraordinary small-group tour where wildlife, natural beauty, and cultural discovery converge. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the connection between people and the world around us.
Please note: The details of this itinerary are subject to change and will be updated throughout the trip-planning process.
Highlights
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- From the majestic Tarangire National Park, where herds of elephants roam freely alongside zebras and wildebeests, to the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, prepare to be mesmerized by the sheer diversity and splendor of African wildlife.
- Meet with villagers who are integral to APW’s mission of safeguarding vital ecosystems and species for future generations. Gain insights into the innovative practices at APW’s Noloholo Environmental Center, a beacon of holistic conservation and youth education.
- As you traverse the sweeping plains and lush landscapes of northern Tanzania, you’ll enjoy the luxury of serene lodges and safari camps that seamlessly blend into the natural surroundings.
Itinerary
Day 1: Sunday, September 22
International Arrivals
Karibuni (Welcome to) Tanzania! Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). A VIP Meet & Greet representative will meet you as you disembark, escort you through immigration, and assist you with your luggage before introducing you to your driver, who will transfer you to Siringit Villa.
This evening, rest and relax at the lodge. Dinner will be at your own leisure, to allow for a true welcome in the park tomorrow.
Overnight: Siringit Villa
Day 2: Monday, September 23
Tarangire National Park
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning. Afterward, your guide will collect and transfer you to Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive.
The park contains two game-controlled zones where the animals are free to move throughout. The Tarangire River draws a variety of thirsty wildlife in the dry season including recovering lion population––an example of APW’s strong conservation impact––as well as herds of elephant and migratory wildebeest. Other animals likely to be seen are zebra, buffalo, hartebeest, and eland.
After your day of wildlife spotting, head to your luxury tented camp and celebrate the start of your trip with sundowners and a special Welcome Dinner.
Overnight: Oliver’s Camp
Day 3: Tuesday, September 24
Tarangire National Park
Have breakfast at the lodge before embarking for another full day game drive in Tarangire National Park, stopping for a picnic lunch in the park. Discuss APW’s 20+ year commitment to the conservation of the landscape directly with Dr. Lichtenfeld.
Return to the camp in the early evening to refresh and marvel at the incredible Tanzanian sunset over sundowners before dinner.
Overnight: Oliver’s Camp
Day 4: Wednesday, September 25
Karatu
Have breakfast at the camp before departing for Karatu. Drive through Tarangire one last time and up the Great Rift Valley Escarpment with sweeping views of Lake Manyara. Depending on what time you leave this morning, you will either have a boxed lunch or enjoy a leisurely lunch at Plantation Lodge in the afternoon. The exact details of this day will come together closer to the day. Upon your arrival at Plantation Lodge, check in and settle into your room to relax before tonight’s group dinner.
Overnight: Plantation Lodge
Day 5: Thursday, September 26
Ngorongoro Crater
Enjoy early morning coffee and light snacks and pastries at the lodge before departing for a full day game drive in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, bringing a boxed breakfast and lunch for your full day in the Crater.
Ngorongoro Crater was once a gigantic volcano and remains as the largest intact caldera in the world. It is now best known for its archaeological and geological significance, rich wildlife, and beautiful scenery.
Dr. Lichtenfeld will guide you down to the crater to get a glimpse of APW’s work in one of the most game-rich areas of the world. The crater floor spans 300 square kilometers and draws iconic wildlife, including the critically endangered black rhino, hyena, lions, elephants, and plenty of other animals. Along your journey, stop for a picnic lunch in a shady spot under the trees.
Return to the lodge to unwind before sundowners and dinner at the lodge.
Overnight: Plantation Lodge
Day 6: Friday, September 27
Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, you will check out and transfer to the Manyara Airstrip for a flight to the northern Serengeti (Kogatende Airstrip). This is one of Tanzania’s most exciting dirt runway flights, offering scenic views across the two parks.
The extensive savannah of the Northern Serengeti is renowned for being the center of the great migration. Land in the park and get straight into it with a half-day game drive, with boxed lunches.
After a full day, check into Olakira Migration Camp, a mobile camp that follows the wildebeest migration. This evening, enjoy sundowners and a group dinner before settling in your mesh-covered stargazing tent to take in the glittery sky.
Overnight: Olakira Migration Camp
Day 7: Saturday, September 28
Serengeti National Park
Today, after breakfast, you will have a full day of wildlife viewing where the wildebeest migration can usually be seen crossing between the Serengeti and Maasai Mara Ecosystem. Packed lunches will be provided for you.
Along the banks of the Mara River you’ll have the chance to spot wildlife and witness the half a million migrating wildebeest as well as buffalo, zebra, giraffe, gazelles, impala, lions, and leopard.
In the early evening, return to camp to freshen up before sundowners and dinner.
Overnight: Olakira Migration Camp
Day 8: Sunday, September 29
Serengeti National Park
After breakfast this morning, set out for another full day game drive in Serengeti National Park, guided by Dr. Lichtenfeld. Packed lunch will be provided for you.
In the early evening, return to camp to freshen up before sundowners and dinner.
Overnight: Olakira Migration Camp
Day 9: Monday, September 30
Noloholo Environmental Center
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before checking out and transferring to the airstrip. Today you will fly from the Serengeti (Kogatende Airstrip) to Tarangire (Kuro Airstrip).
Transfer to APW’s Noloholo Environmental Center, where you will be staying for the next two nights for an immersive experience with the APW community. This space is a critical resource and meeting place where Indigenous communities, conservation organizations, educators, government leaders, and researchers from around the world come together to tackle our greatest conservation challenges.
Enjoy programming and dinner together at Noloholo with APW.
Overnight: Noloholo Guest Cottages
Day 10: Tuesday, October 1
Noloholo Environmental Center
Experience a full day at Noloholo, where you’ll receive a special behind the scenes opportunity to experience APW’s conservation programs on the ground, meeting with the team as well as community members impacted by the work.
Overnight: Noloholo Guest Cottages
Day 11: Wednesday, October 2
Travel to Arusha & Departures
After breakfast, you will be picked up from Noloholo to transfer to Rivertrees Country Inn in Arusha where you have a day room. You will have time and space to freshen up and relax before your international departures or continued travels. Please note that any meals at Rivertrees today will be on your own.
An airport transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) will be arranged for you for your international departure or continued travel.
Day Room: Rivertrees Country Inn
