Cultural Safari

Discover an itinerary covering the four major national parks in the north of the country and meet various ethnic groups.

Safari and encounters

from 4000 $US

June to February

10 days

From age 5

Safari and encounters

June to February

10 days

From age 5

from 4000 $US

Overview

This itinerary is for you if you want complete immersion in the north of the Tanzania. You'll explore must-see sites such as Lake Manyara, Tarangire, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, while having the chance to meet the locals and discover the different ethnic groups that make up Tanzania's rich culture.

June to February

10 days

From age 5

Getting to know
the locals

Our trips are conducted with the utmost respect for local populations, allowing for encounters during a safari. Tanzania where moments of sharing happen naturally. We encourage you to always respect the inhabitants and their customs so that these exchanges remain enriching for everyone.

During this trip, your safari will be in a 4x4 inside the parks, but you can also enjoy other activities. You can go on foot facing the Mount Kilimanjaro. At Eyasi, the Hadzabe will take you on a bow hunting expedition. Natron You can walk to the Engarasero waterfall oasis.

Travel Details

Meeting

Your highlights

SELECTED ACCOMMODATION

All of our lodges are carefully selected for their comfort. The trip is full board from start to finish.

CROSS PATHS WITH THE BIG FIVE

The parks include the Big 5 mammals: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.

AUTHENTICITY

On this trip, you'll have the chance to meet the different ethnic groups that live together in Tanzania. The country has more than 120 different ethnic groups.

THE NORTHERN PARKS

You will have the opportunity to tour the main parks of northern Tanzania: Manyara, Tarangire, The Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

Itinerary
details

Browse through our tour and contact us to tailor it to your travel needs.

Day 1: West Kilimanjaro

Welcome to Tanzania The ideal destination for safari lovers. Welcome by our teams upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Installation in your private 4x4 vehicle, which will be yours for the entire stay, and then drive west of Kilimanjaro.

First immersion on arrival!
In the evening, a spear-throwing contest with the Maasai, stories and songs around the fire.

Maasai Eco-Lodge
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 2: Maasai country

In the morning, a walking safari departs from the lodge with a Maasai guide. The Mount Kilimanjaro Right in front of you! He will show you the plants used by his people and explain their customs.

Oremiti Lodge
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 3: Tarangire Park safari

Full-day 4x4 safari in the Tarangire National Park. Lunchtime picnic inside the park. Tarangire Park, created in 1970, is today considered one of the country's most beautiful wildlife refuges. You will encounter a large number of elephants among the baobab forests.

Oremiti Lodge
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 4: Manyara Park safari

In the morning, enjoy a safari in the Lake Manyara National Park. Will you have the chance to see lions in the trees? Then, we'll head to the shores of Lake Eyasi. A walk towards Lake Eyasi at sunset. Lake Eyasi is one of the many lakes in the Great Rift Valley.

Lake Eyasi Lodge
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 5: Lake Eyasi

Early in the morning, depart to accompany the Hadzabe people on a (bow and arrow) hunt. The Hadzas are the last hunter-gatherer people in Africa. They have lived near Lake Eyasi for nearly 40,000 years. Breakfast after the hunt. Then, a walk in the surroundings through onion fields and other plantations. You will also have the opportunity to meet the Datoga people, who are farmers and artisans. In the afternoon, drive to reach the town of Karatu at the foot of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Karatu Lodge
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Departure in the morning for theNgorongoro Crater,a true Garden of Eden and a 4x4 safari day with a picnic lunch in the crater at midday. You may be lucky enough to spot the Big 5.

The crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It contains fresh and salt water, savannah and forest, and is home to around 100 animals per km².

We then drive to the neighbouring Serengeti Park.

Tented camp
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 7: Serengeti Park safari

Full day of safari dedicated to Serengeti National Park and its endless plains. You may choose to set off early in the morning with your breakfast to witness the savannah come to life.

The night is in a charming canvas tentTented Camp) with full board. The camp is located within the park itself in the central region. You can listen to the life of the park at night from the comfort of your canopy bed.

Tented camp
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 8: Lake Natron

Departure early in the morning to reach the Natron region in Masai country. Safari en route until the east exit of the park, 5 hours of track to reach the shores of the Lake Natron. Lunch break in the Wasso region. Upon arrival at Natron, settle into the lodge and, if time permits, hike to the Engarasero waterfall. A well-deserved swim upon reaching the waterfall.

Tented camp
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 9: Lake Natron to Lake Manyara

In the morning walk near the Lake Natron accompanied by a Maasai guide from the region. Lake Natron is a salt lake known for its flamingo colonies. During the walk, there's a view of Mount Lengaï, the sacred mountain and god of the Maasai. Ol Doinyo Lengaï is the only active volcano in Tanzania, with its last eruption in 2007. Then, it's a 4-hour drive on track to reach Lake Manyara. Upon arrival, relax by the pool.

Oremiti Lodge
Private 4x4 vehicle

Day 10: Arusha or Zanzibar

Departure from the lodge in the morning to return to Arusha town or Kilimanjaro Airport. It is entirely possible to continue this trip with a domestic flight to the island of Zanzibar.

Private 4x4 vehicle

mobile meeting

Our added value:
A tailor-made experience

An extra day? This itinerary can be modified according to your wishes, your availability and your budget. Our travel designers are on hand to help you build the safari of your dreams.

Plan your trip

Their experience

Everything went perfectly. Our guide Ali was perfect, both in his explanations and in finding the animals. Nothing to say, everything was perfect!

Alain & Danièle

More information

 

Oremiti Lodge

Oremiti Lodge is a charming retreat on the shores of Lake Manyara. The lush vegetation, the diversity of birds and butterflies, the sunset and the view of the Rift Valley from the swimming pool are simply unforgettable!

  • Room for up to 6 people
  • Pool facing the Rift Valley
  • Several dining areas
  • Lodge on a more intimate scale
  • View of Lake Manyara

Check on TripAdvisorWatch the video

Maasai Eco-Lodge

The lodge will allow you to share a real experience with these endearing people. Profits are used for local Massai community projects (school, orphanage, football academy for Massai children, etc.). They will tell you all about the projects and you can support them if you wish. This unique lodge is a firm favourite with many of our travellers.

  • Swimming pool with view
  • View of Kilimanjaro
  • View of Mount Meru
  • Maasai sauna
  • Family rooms for up to 6 people

Tented camp in Serengeti

The great plains of the Serengeti welcome you in superb, cosy tents, fitted out for your utmost comfort: large sleeping area (family tent for up to 5 people), shower room and toilet. You'll enjoy an aperitif while admiring the sunset, followed by an incredible dinner in such a remote location.

  • The comfort of a hotel in the heart of nature
  • A camp on a human scale
  • Inside the Serengeti Park
  • Tented restaurant
  • Family rooms

Tented camp in Serengeti

Our favourite accommodation in the Natron region. A dozen, very comfortable and modern tents with a canvas system from Israel for warmth. Natural pools for cooling off instead of a swimming pool. Very well integrated into the environment. Good service given the difficult remote conditions in the region.

  • A camp on a human scale
  • Near Lake Natron
  • The comfort of a hotel in a remote location.

The price of a safari in Tanzania depends on the number of participants, since certain costs, such as the vehicle, are shared. The season is also important, and there is a significant difference in price between high and low season. We invoice in US Dollars, so please be aware of the conversion rate.
The season is also important, and there is a significant difference in price between high and low season.
We invoice in US Dollars, so please be aware of the conversion rate.

This trip starts at US$4,000 per person for 2 participants in a double room, during the low season.

THE PRICE INCLUDES

  • Full service from day 1 to departure transfer
  • The entire safari in a private 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan vehicle equipped with radio, water cooler, fridge and sunroof, with a English-speaking guide.
  • Full board basis for meals
  • Government park entrance fees
  • Our assistance throughout your stay

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • Flights
  • Visa fees
  • Insurance

Manyara National Park

Manyara National Park contains a hippo pool and tropical forest, with volcanic soil and a salt lake.

Look out for:

Giraffe - Zebra - Hippopotamus - Lion - Baboon - Birds including ibis, jacanas and flamingos.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park attracts many animals thanks to the Tarangire River of the same name. It has 9 types of vegetation including umbrella acacias and baobabs.

Look out for:

Elephant – Zebra – Lion – Cheetah – Hartebeest – African wild dog

Ngorongoro crater

The Ngorongoro Crater contains fresh and salt water, savannah and forest and there are around 100 animals per km2.

Look out for:

Lion - Zebra - Wildebeest - Hyena - Buffalo - Rhinoceros

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is one of Africa's largest preserved ecosystems.

Look out for:

Big cats - Elephants - Wildebeest - Gazelles - Zebra

At the end of this tour, you can take a domestic flight from Arusha to the island of Zanzibar. This trip pairs perfectly with a few days at the beach to complete your discovery of Tanzania.

To continue the safari, take a flight to the parks in the south of the country. Or, head to the far west to Mahale in the far west to see the chimpanzees.

Frequently Asked Questions

The price of a safari in Tanzania depends on a variety of factors. The number of participants, since some costs, such as the vehicle, are shared. The type of transport: 4×4, planes for certain routes, private charters, etc. And finally the type of accommodation.

The Tanzanian government controls park entrance fees. These taxes are very important in your budget. You can find the prices of these fees on the Tanapa website.

The habit of tipping is very ingrained in Tanzania and you should also take this into account in your holiday budget.

You can travel to Tanzania all year round as long as you adapt your itinerary. Each season will reveal a different but beautiful landscape.

The dry season runs from June to October,where you cand find beauty in the dry landscapes. Evenings can be cool, especially in July and August.

The main rainy season generally extends from April to May. The main concentration of rain falls over two months.

The short rainy season, which starts in mid-October and lasts until February,rains only in the form of short showers. This is when nature is at its most beautiful and verdant.

The hottest months are from December to February..

You can travel to Tanzania with children, the important thing is to adapt the itinerary. Our travel designers are used to this and will be able to recommend the best itinerary according to their age. We can offer you family rooms specially designed to answer the safety questions that all parents ask themselves before taking their children on safari.

Children are generally entitled to a discount on accommodation up to the age of 12. For park taxes, the reduction is up to the age of 16. There is no tax for children aged 4 and under.

Formalities and Visa: For European and Canadian nationals, you need a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of return + a Tanzanian visa. The Tanzanian visa can be obtained on arrival or online at least 3 weeks before travel. The cost of a visa for Tanzania is 50 US dollars.

Health: Vaccination against yellow fever is not compulsory for entering Tanzania directly from Europe or North America. Diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis A/B and typhoid vaccinations are recommended. Vaccination against rabies is also recommended.

Malaria is endemic to the country. Make sure you protect yourself against mosquito bites with repellents, mosquito nets and clothing that covers your arms and legs.
We advise you to make an appointment with your GP or a specialist for further information on this subject.

What to bring: Except for the coast and Zanzibar, it is essential to bring sweaters as the evenings and early mornings are cool. Avoid wearing black and blue on safari, as these colours attract tsetse flies.

You'll also get sunburn if you don't take precautions. Pack an anti-diarrhoeal in your first-aid kit. You should also take insect repellent and medication to combat travel sickness. And don't forget your camera, sunglasses and a pair of binoculars.

Currency and exchange: US dollars and Tanzanian shillings are the main currencies accepted. For US dollars, you will need banknotes dated after 2009.
MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are sometimes accepted in lodges, but not everywhere.

Dress code: On safari, shorts and short-sleeved clothing (T-shirts, blouses, etc.) are not a problem. Watch out for the sun!

On the coast and in the islands, the religion of Islam is predominant, so avoid clothing that could be perceived as an affront to the religion. Wear long sleeves and trousers. On the beaches, avoid any form of nudism or revealing clothing.

Safety: In order to adopt a few safety rules when travelling in town, we recommend that you consult your respective embassy website, under the 'Travelling abroad' tab.

Customs and traditions - Specific legislation: During Ramadan, do not eat or drink in public.
The Zanzibar authorities prohibit homosexual practices. Drugs and narcotics are severely punished. The import of plastic bags is prohibited.

Photographing and filming: When photographing people, do so sparingly and respectfully; try to put yourself in their shoes: how would you like to be photographed, how would you not like to be photographed? And always ask for consent!

You can photograph landscapes without limits! Please note, however, that it is forbidden to photograph military areas and buildings or officers in uniform. The use of drones is prohibited in Tanzania's national parks.

Tipping: Tanzania, like the rest of East Africa, is a country under Anglo-Saxon influence, and tipping has become a way of life here. We will suggest a recommended amount as a guideline only, but you should never feel obliged to give a tip.

It is customary to tip at the various accommodation establishments where you will be staying. Most lodges and camps have tip boxes at reception where you can leave US$10 per room, per night, if you are satisfied with the service. The money is then shared between the staff.

It is also customary to tip your safari team at the end of the safari. As a general rule, we recommend around US$25 per day of safari for your guide.

Electricity: 220 and 230 volts, 50 Hz. Power cuts are fairly frequent. Sockets have three plugs, two horizontal and one vertical. We advise you to bring an adaptor for your electrical devices (UK type) before you leave.
In the lodges, the electricity often stops working after 10 or 10.30pm and starts up again around 6 or 7am.

Time difference: +3h to the UK standard (GMT +4h) in winter, +2h in summer.

Languages: Swahili and English are the official languages. Swahili is of Bantu origin, originally from the coastal region, and includes many words derived from Arabic. Other African languages of Nilotic and Khoisan origin are also spoken.

Plan your trip with Corto Safaris

Safari and encounters

June to February

10 days

From age 5

June to February

10 days

From age 5

from 4000 $US

How do I book?

Step 1

Choose a trip that inspires you from our catalog

Step 2

Contact us by requesting a quote on our website

Step 3

Personalize your experience with our travel designers

Step 4

Confirm your reservation and start packing!

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