Itineraries

**Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park**

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, a representative from Colours Africa Tour and Safaris will warmly greet you. Begin your safari adventure with a thrilling game drive in Tarangire National Park, renowned for its impressive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. As you explore, you may encounter giraffes, bushbucks, and hartebeests, all closely watched by predators like lions and leopards. Tarangire boasts the second-highest concentration of wildlife in Tanzania, with the Serengeti holding the top spot.

After a packed lunch in the park, proceed to your accommodation for the evening. Relax, enjoy dinner, and settle in for an overnight stay at the comfortable Karatu Safari Camp Lodge.

**Day 2: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park**

After a hearty breakfast, you'll pack your luggage into the safari jeep and embark on a game drive en route to Serengeti National Park. Enjoy a scenic drive with your lunch served in the jeep, as you traverse the picturesque Rift Valley and catch glimpses of the stunning Ngorongoro Crater.

Upon arriving in Serengeti, immerse yourself in the park’s renowned endless plains and the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration, which attracts both herbivores and their predators, including lions and leopards. Keep an eye out for buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, and Grant’s gazelles. Your driver-guide will ensure you witness some of the migration’s highlights.

In the afternoon, you’ll have lunch in the Serengeti, prepared by your driver. Following lunch, continue with an extensive game drive, including a special sunset safari in the central Serengeti.

Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at the comfortable Robin Safari Camp.

**Day 3: Exploring the Endless Plains of Serengeti National Park**

After breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive in the central Serengeti, renowned as one of the world’s premier wildlife sanctuaries. Serengeti National Park is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and significant scientific value, housing the highest concentration of plains game in Africa.

Your game drive will focus on the central Serengeti, where the dramatic Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras unfolds. From December to April, the short-grass plains are teeming with wildebeests, zebras, and other wildlife. You'll also encounter elephants, lions, black rhinos, big cats, and a wide variety of bird species.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot arranged by your guide, and continue your game drive into the late afternoon.

After a day of exhilarating wildlife encounters, return to Robin Safari Camp for a delicious dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.

**Day 4: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater**

Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the Serengeti and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Pack your lunch in the jeep for a full day of exploration. Start your game drive in the southern Serengeti, a prime location for witnessing the wildebeest migration and calving sites. The southern Serengeti's beautiful savannah is often dotted with young wildebeests during the calving season.

The timing of the Great Wildebeest Migration varies, with the best chances of viewing it from June to September, and calving typically occurring from January to March. Each year, approximately 1.5 million wildebeests migrate in search of fresh grazing and water, following the seasonal rainfall.

Enjoy a hot picnic lunch during your game drive. After exploring the Serengeti, transfer to Karatu Safari Camp for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.

**Day 5: Wildlife Adventure in Ngorongoro Crater**

After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a spectacular collapsed volcano that forms a unique and rich ecosystem. The crater's diverse vegetation and stunning landscapes create a breathtaking setting for wildlife viewing.

Ngorongoro Crater is renowned for its incredible concentration of wildlife and is one of the best places to spot all of the Big Five—lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino. The views from the crater rim are panoramic and awe-inspiring, making Ngorongoro Crater one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders.

On your game drive, you'll encounter wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, elephants, and over 500 bird species. With some luck, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive and endangered black rhino hidden in the grass.

After a satisfying lunch, ascend the crater’s steep walls and return to Karatu Safari Camp. Enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner and an overnight stay at the camp.

Day 6

Visit Ngare Sero Waterfall in Lake Natron

After breakfast, you will leave the Karatu and transfer to Lake Natron. The scenery here is beautiful, especially the Ngarasero Escarpment, the waterfalls, the gorge, Oldonyo Lengai (a still active volcano), and the flamingos across the lake. Today you will go on a walk to the waterfalls. During the walk, you will cross the water at different times, at which point you can swim and refresh under the waterfalls. It is a terrific spot so you have to get a packed lunch around the waterfall while enjoying game viewing of different bird species found in the waterfall.

After walking the safari in Ngaresero waterfalls, you will arrive back at camp during the evening for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay at Africa Safari Lake Natron campsite.

**Day 6: Explore Ngare Sero Waterfalls and Lake Natron**

After breakfast, depart from Karatu and transfer to Lake Natron, renowned for its stunning landscapes, including the dramatic Ngare Sero Escarpment, waterfalls, the gorge, and the active volcano Oldonyo Lengai. The lake itself is a hotspot for flamingos and other bird species.

Embark on a guided walk to the Ngare Sero Waterfalls. During your walk, you’ll cross the stream at various points, where you can take a refreshing dip and enjoy the cool mist of the falls. This picturesque spot is perfect for relaxing and picnicking, so you’ll have a packed lunch by the waterfall while observing the diverse birdlife.

After your invigorating waterfall adventure, return to Africa Safari Lake Natron campsite in the evening. Relax, enjoy dinner, and settle in for an overnight stay amidst the serene surroundings of Lake Natron.

**Day 7: Flamingos and Hominid Footprints at Lake Natron**

Wake up early to witness the sunrise over Lake Natron, an ideal time to observe the vibrant flamingo colonies that grace the lake. As the sun rises, explore the area and marvel at the stunning spectacle of flamingos feeding in the shallow waters.

After breakfast, embark on a guided walk to discover ancient hominid footprints within the concession area. Recent research has identified these footprints as being 120,000 years old, representing the oldest known trackways of Homo sapiens.

Enjoy a hot lunch in the afternoon, then continue your safari with a walk dedicated to observing flamingos. The lesser flamingos, known for their striking appearance, feed on algae in soda lakes across eastern Africa, with Lake Natron being a primary breeding ground.

After your explorations, return to Africa Safari Lake Natron. Arrive in time for dinner and an overnight stay, reflecting on a day filled with unique wildlife encounters and ancient discoveries.

**Day 8: From Lake Natron to Dar es Salaam**

After breakfast, take a final opportunity to explore Lake Natron and savor its stunning landscapes before beginning your journey to Dar es Salaam.

Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, a representative will greet you and transfer you to your reserved accommodation. Enjoy a restful evening, including dinner and an overnight stay at the comfortable FQ Hotel in Dar es Salaam.

**Day 9: Dar es Salaam to Mafia Island**

Start your day early with a hearty breakfast. A representative will pick you up from your accommodation and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Mafia Island.

Upon arrival, enjoy a brief town tour to get a sense of the island's charm and local culture. Afterward, you’ll be driven to your accommodation for check-in.

In the afternoon, take a leisurely bike ride to Mafia Beach. Relax and soak up the island’s serene atmosphere before returning to your accommodation.

Finish the day with dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel, reflecting on the island’s tranquil beauty.

**Day 10: Swim with Whale Sharks and Explore Chole Island**

After breakfast, embark on an exciting adventure to swim with the magnificent whale sharks. These gentle giants are seasonally found just offshore near Kilindoni Harbour. A short boat ride will take you to their feeding grounds, where you’ll have the opportunity to see these incredible creatures up close.

You might spot up to 24 whale sharks at a time—both males and females, including juveniles—all adorned with their distinctive stripes and spots. The larger sharks can exceed 14 meters in length, providing a breathtaking sight both from the boat and underwater. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling among these majestic animals for a truly unforgettable experience.

Following this exhilarating morning, you’ll have lunch on a picturesque sandbank, surrounded by the tranquil waters of Mafia Island.

In the afternoon, transfer to Chole Island. Here, you can immerse yourself in local culture, learn about the historical slave trade market, and experience the island's unique charm. Enjoy a sunset sailing adventure before returning to your lodge.

Return to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay, reflecting on a day filled with remarkable experiences and stunning natural beauty.

**Day 11: Lagoon Visit and Departure**

On your final day on Mafia Island, rise early for one last adventure. Start your day with a visit to a hidden gem—a beautiful, secluded lagoon within the marine park. Known as Mafia Island's best-kept secret, this stunning lagoon offers an unforgettable experience. Swim in its crystal-clear waters, where you’ll find hundreds of harmless jellyfish, and take in the mesmerizing blue hues of the lagoon.

Enjoy a scenic boat ride to and from the lagoon, keeping an eye out for monkeys in the trees and other beautiful sights around Mafia Island.

After your visit, return to your accommodation for a leisurely lunch.

In the afternoon, check out and transfer to the airport for your departure, bidding farewell to the enchanting Mafia Island as you head back home.

**Important to Know**

- **Group Size:** This tour is available for groups ranging from 2 to 6 people. Unfortunately, it is not available for solo travelers or groups larger than 6.

- **Rates:** Rates are per person and exclude international flights to and from your home country.

- **Children:** This tour is suitable for children aged 5 years and older. Children under 14 receive a discount.

**Rates Per Person**

| Start Dates | 2 People (1 Room) | 3 People (2 Rooms) | 4 People (2 Rooms) | 5 People (3 Rooms) | 6 People (3 Rooms) | 7 People |

|---------------------------|--------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|-----------|

| Jan 1, 2024 - Dec 31, 2024| $3,124 | $3,133 | $3,080 | $3,047 | $3,025 | n/a |

**Note:** *n/a = Not available. This tour is not offered for solo travelers or groups larger than 6 people.*

**Included**

- **Park Fees:** For non-residents

- **Activities:** All activities as described in the day-by-day itinerary (unless specified as optional)

- **Accommodation:** All accommodation as listed (unless an upgrade is requested)

- **Professional Driver/Guide:** Experienced and knowledgeable

- **Transportation:** All transfers and transportation during the tour (unless specified as optional)

- **Taxes/VAT:** All applicable taxes

- **Roundtrip Airport Transfer:** From your arrival to departure

- **Meals:** As specified in the itinerary

- **Drinks:** Includes drinks specified in the day-by-day section

**Excluded**

- **International Flights:** Flights to and from your home country

- **Additional Accommodation:** Before and after the tour (if required)

- **Tips:** Tipping guideline of approximately $10.00 per person, per day

- **Personal Items:** Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.

- **Government-Imposed Increases:** Any changes in taxes and/or park fees