Wednesday, January 21
In flight
We depart Minneapolis Lindberg Terminal on our Northwest/KLM flight to Amsterdam, continuing on to Kilimanjaro, Africa. Refreshments will be served en route.

Thursday, January 22
Kilimanjaro
Our guide will meet us at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and we will be transferred to our overnight lodge which is built in an old coffee plantation, Mountain Village Serena Lodge. It is a beautiful traditional ’African Village’ creation surrounded by lush tropical plants and trees, overlooking Lake Duluti, where approximately 130 different bird species have been recorded. Brilliant views of Mt. Meru (15,000 ft) and Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,730 ft) on a clear day are visible from the ground.

Friday, January 23
Tarangire National Park
After breakfast we will leave early in the morning for Tarangire National Park. Our first experience of safari life will be the thrilling game drive through the vastness of Tarangire National Park. Game driving through the park, you will marvel at the beauty of this pristine wilderness before arriving at our overnight lodge, which nestles into a wooded hillside valley overlooking Tarangire Hill. The lodge has a large public area to relax in the evenings and enjoy the surrounding baobab filled landscape.
B,L,D

Saturday, January 24
Tarangire National Park
Today we will spend a full day game driving through Tarangire National Park. We will start the day very early to enjoy the sunrise in the park and when the animals are very active. Our concentration today will be along the many water sources, including the Tarangire River and the Silale Swamps. Large herds of elephants and other animals concentrate along the water sources during the dry season. We will enjoy our picnic lunch, perhaps under an acacia tree. In the evening we will drive back to the lodge to enjoy the sundowner by the swimming pool.
B,L,D

Sunday, January 25
Lake Manyara National Park
We will leave early in the morning for Lake Manyara National Park and arrive at the park gate at opening hours. We will spend the rest of the day viewing game in the park and around the lake which is known for its big population of flamingos. At sunset we will drive to our overnight lodge which is perched on the edge of Mtowa Mbu escarpment, and overlooks the Great Rift Valley and the Manyara Soda Lake. The extraordinary bird life of Manyara has made it Manyara Soda Lake. The extraordinary bird life of Manyara has made it renowned amongst the ornithologists. The interior décor of each of the rooms, circular in shape indigenous to the traditional architect, depict the bird migration pattern creating a scene of idyllic serenity.
B,L,D

Monday, January 26
Serengeti National Park
We will leave early in the morning and drive through the small town of Karatu towards Ngorongoro conservation area. We will drive around the main Ngorongoro crater rim while viewing the Serengeti endless plains. We will be spending most of the day game viewing on the plains and following the great migration of wildebeests and zebras. We will proceed with the game drive heading towards our overnight lodge scenically located in a glade guarded by 3 million-year old-granite towers. Mbuzi Mawe (meaning Klipspringer in English) makes maximum use of its unique wilderness location. Unlike any other lodge, it lies at the epicenter of the Serengeti, a place of infinite calm surrounded by untamed majesty. Mbuzi Mawe offers a timeless blend of classical safari rusticity and the world-class professionalism of Serena Lodges and Hotels.
B,L,D

Tuesday, January 27
Serengeti National Park
We depart very early in the morning for a sunrise game drive when animals are very active grazing on the grasslands and the predators are busy hunting. We will spend the entire day game viewing and following the great migration of wildebeests and a big number of predators hunting them as they migrate. We will enjoy a picnic lunch under an acacia tree. After lunch we will make our way through the plains following the Seronera river valley. Seronera, an area rich with wildlife year round is set high on the saddle of a tree-clad ridge commanding panoramic views over the endlessly rolling reaches and volcanic reefs of the Serengeti. We will stop at the Serengeti information center on the way to our next overnight lodge. Serengeti Serena Lodge, which is built on a hill overlooking the plains, is the ultimate fusion of traditional African architecture and world class style. Drawing its inspiration from the circular “Rondavel” dwellings and winding paths of a traditional Masai village, the lodge features thickly-thatched, stone built rooms, spaciously set amongst groves of indigenous trees that are cooled by sparkling streams and papyrus-fringed ponds.
B,L,D

Wednesday, January 28
Serengeti National Park
Today, after a leisurely breakfast and make our way towards the western corridor of the Serengeti National Park. Our attention today will be on the Grumeti River, very famous for its large number of the most aggressive and biggest crocodiles and hippos in Africa. We will spend time observing the crocodiles hunting for wildebeests and sharing habitat with the hippos. In the evening we will return to the lodge, arriving just in time for a sundowner at the pool. There you will have a chance to enjoy the spectacular view of the sunset on the plains while enjoying a glass of wine or ice cold beer.
B,L,D

Thursday, January 29
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Today we depart after a leisurely breakfast and make our way towards Ngorongoro conservation area while game viewing on the plains. We will stop at Olduvai Gorge, site of Louis and Mary Leakey’s famous discoveries of man’s ancient ancestors, the Zinjanthropus Bosei, where we tour the site and museum. After the tour we will proceed with our drive arriving at our next overnight lodge for a hot lunch. Following lunch and a short break, we take off to visit Masai Boma (village) to learn and explore their traditions and ways of life. We will have a chance to see them performing their traditional dances and, if interested, you can join in the dance to add something to your adventure resume! After the visit we will return to our overnight lodge which is built on the rim with spectacular views of the crater. Ngorogoro Serena lodge exists in perfect harmony with the natural environment. Awarded the Green Globe, the plant and ivy-covered, stone-camouflaged lodge has elegant rooms ornately decorated with local materials. Most of the rooms have a private terrace offering incredible views of the vast conservation area inhabited by the Maasai tribe as well as an abundant variety of wildlife and bird life.
B,L,D

Friday, January 30
In flight
We will leave very early in the morning for a half day game drive in the crater. We will spend the day exploring the Ngorongoro crater which is a World Heritage Site, home to nearly 25,000 animals, giving you a real chance of spotting the big five: lion, elephant, endangered black rhino, buffalo and leopard plus countless other African mammal species. Witness the magnificent array of habitats, each with its own unique wildlife and flora. Take time out to stretch your legs and enjoy a picnic lunch at Mgoititok Springs watching the hippos jostle for position in the water. Late afternoon, we leave the crater and drive back to Arusha, where we will have day rooms to freshen up and have a farewell dinner. We then transfer to the airport for our flight back home.
B,L,D

Saturday, January 31
Home
We return home with fond memories of Tanzania, Africa’s best kept secret, and the spectacular wildlife safari’s.

Price Per Person:
Double Occupancy: $
Single Occupancy: $
Deposit: $500 per person
Final Due: November 24, 2008
Please note: Tanzanian Visa Fee and processing is $100 additional.