Itinerary Details
G Adventures: Tanzania: Chimp Trekking & Serengeti Safari
Day 1: Arusha: Welcome to Tanzania
The Great Migration, the tallest mountain in Africa and the world's largest game reserve are only a few of the grand things that make Tanzania one of the most sought after destinations in Africa. Starting this 10 day adventure in the Geneva of Africa gives you the opportunity to explore all the sides of Tanzania. We welcome you to Arusha, and to Tanzania, and invite you to let the endless adventure of wildlife encounters deepen your connection with the earth.
Join your CEO and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing. Afterwards, head out for a delicious welcome dinner.
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater: Mto wa Mbu and Crater Safari
Millions of years ago when the volcano erupted, the world's largest intact and unfilled volcanic caldera was formed, creating Ngorongoro Crater. It is believed that animals like zebras, lions and rhinos fell into the crater almost 500,000 years ago and were trapped. The steepness of the crater is why you won't find a single giraffe inside. Travel to this incredible natural phenomenon after a day of cooking classes and a traditional lunch at your G for Good moment in Mto Wa Mbu.
Your first stop of the day is to Mto wa Mbu, your G for Good moment, where you'll participate in a cooking demonstration led by the women of the community. To understand this unique village more, we will take a walking tour through some of its most notable landmarks before enjoying a traditional lunch. Then head out in search of wildlife as you descend into Ngorongoro Crater on safari.
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater: Your OMG Day
Safaris don't always have to involve being seated, so set out today on two feet. On your OMG Day, choose between two incredible hiking options. The opportunity to explore the crater on foot provides a connected and humbling experience unlike any other safari adventure. If you are ready for a physical challenge, hike to the peak of Mount Makarot, arguably the most stunning view over the Ngorongoro plains. For a more mellow adventure, take Mt Makarot's more gentle trail to ascend to a view of Lake Eyasi on a laid back hike surrounded by the Ngorongoro highlands.
No matter which way you choose to hike Mt Makarot, you are guaranteed to feel the vast grandness that is so unique to the East African landscape. Enjoy a well deserved afternoon at leisure before a delicious dinner at camp.
Day 4: Serengeti: Safari in the Serengeti
Ngorongoro Crater and The Serengeti are two of the world's most renowned safari destinations. Driving from one iconic spot to the next means three and a half hours of nonstop beauty, wildlife and adventure. But don't go anywhere, because your time in the Serengeti is just starting. So grab your binoculars and your camera and get ready to experience some of the most jaw dropping wildlife encounters.
Today is a full day out on safari as we keep our eyes peeled for wildlife on our drive out of the Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti National Park. Your first safari in the Serengeti wouldn't be complete without a picnic. So set the blanket up, relax and enjoy your first moments in one of the most incredible parks in the world.
Day 5: Serengeti: Wildlife of Tanzania
The Serengeti is famed for its sheer numbers of wildlife. Millions of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles flock to this national park every year—accompanied by hungry predators. See for yourself how huge lions can blend into the golden backdrop of the savannah, or how giant giraffes can bend down so low that you don't see them until they're right in front of you.
What better way to spend your time in the Serengeti than a full day out on safari? Grab your camera and head out for your game drives. Have a picnic in the park and enjoy all the magic the Serengeti has to offer from sunup to sundown.
Day 6: Gombe: From Kigoma to Gombe Stream National Park
The encounters you experience on safari are life changing and some are more rare than others. With so few places left on Earth that are home to wild chimpanzees, your trek into Gombe Stream National Park may be one of the most special moments on your Tanzania trip. Adventure to the national park where Dr Jane Goodall lived and conducted her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees. Her work there, and her lifelong commitment to conservation and the protection of animals, continues to inspire travellers to this day.
To arrive to this remote part of the world, we take a plane, a road transfer and a boat to our lakefront jungle lodge. Just like the gorillas of Rwanda, trekking to see an endangered wild animal like the chimpanzee requires special care and attention to ensure their environment remains safe and protected. Tonight with your group, learn all there is to know about ensuring the safety of yourself and the chimpanzees throughout your trekking experience.
Day 7: Gombe: Chimp Trekking
Spending an hour with a family of chimpanzees is a life changing event. With complex social hierarchies, intelligent communication and human-like behavior, it's easy to see why these are our closest relatives. Spend the day trekking to see the chimpanzees. With any luck, encounter them and spend an hour observing them in their natural habitat.
Today will be a magical day. Meet your guide and head out to Kasekela where you'll begin your chimp trek. Travel on foot as your guide uses their tracking skills to find where the chimpanzees are that day. Don't forget to bring your camera so you can remember this moment forever. In the afternoon, spend free time on Lake Tanganyika.
Day 8: Kigoma: Dr. Goodall's Footsteps
Since chimpanzees are gravely endangered, there are many efforts in place to help protect the species in Tanzania. Thankfully, there are legendary conservationists, like Dr. Jane Goodall, paving the way for their protection. Spend the day exploring some of Jane Goodall's most iconic spots. Visit her former house and the research station. Hike to Jane's Peak and take a moment to reflect on yesterday's adventures.
On the unusual occasion that you did not see chimps on your trek the day before, you have the option to go out on an early morning trek for a second attempt. After the day spent exploring, return to the town of Kigoma on a boat across Lake Tanganika.
Day 9: Dar es Salaam: A Seaside Farewell to Tanzania
On your final day in Tanzania, spend time by the coast to rest your mind and body before the return home. After an epic 10 days spent discovering Tanzania's diverse beauty, the afternoon in Dar es Salaam's seaside coastal area is the perfect end to an incredible adventure.
Fly to the seaside city of Dar es Salaam and choose how you want to spend your last day. Join your CEO on an excursion to the tropical island reserve, Bongoyo Island. Or choose to explore the city, do some last minute souvenir shopping or relax at the hotel. In the evening join your group for a farewell dinner together.
Day 10: Dar es Salaam
Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time today.