Tanzania | Joseph Rosendo`s Steppin` Out

Overnight flight.

Upon arrival to Kilimanjaro International Airport, a Holbrook representative will meet you outside of the airport and transfer you to the hotel. This is an arrival day and no meals are included. Check into the small boutique hotel located on the outskirts of Arusha, south of the domestic airport of Arusha. It’s surrounded by a beautiful landscaped garden that is home to lush vegetation and old trees Attend a program orientation this evening.

After breakfast depart for Arusha National Park. Upon arrival receive an introduction to a variety of animals in a section of the park known as "Little Serengeti," and also learn about Mt. Meru and the history of Arusha National Park. Explore open grasslands dotted with giraffes, warthogs, antelopes, and a variety of bird species, including Flamingos. Continue through a wooded area in search of Colobus Monkeys before returning to the ranger post. Enjoy a boxed lunch in the park during the exploration and then later this afternoon return to the lodge.

Early this morning, take a walk on the lodge grounds. After breakfast, check out and visit a local market to view a variety of colorful handicrafts and observe daily life in Arusha. Next, visit Shanga Beads, a local project that was established in 2007 and is made up of a group of more than 70 disabled artisans who create a variety of products through weaving, glass blowing, beading, paper making, and metal work, using recycled materials wherever possible. Their philosophy is that "kindness is a language blind people see and deaf people hear." Learn about the birth of the project, visit the workshops, and stop in the gift shop to support this vital community initiative. This afternoon explore the Tarangire National Park for photo opportunities of the Baobabs and Elephants.

Early morning wildlife drive through Tarangire National Park. The Tarangire River snakes through the park, and as it’s the area’s only permanent river, wildlife travel long distances to reach it. The 1,096 square miles of protected lands are home to a large variety of wildlife, such as wildebeests, elephants, zebras, gazelles, elands, gerenuks, lions and leopards. Extensive grasslands, dotted with the occasional acacia or baobab tree, provide the optimum conditions for viewing wild animals. Bird enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see more than 500 avian species, including Yellow-collared Lovebirds, Rufous-tailed Weavers, Ashy Starlings, Stocking-thighed Ostriches, and Kori Bustards. Depart early afternoon stopping for lunch at the African Gallery which showcases African art. Continue to Ngorongoro Crater, arriving in time for a sunset drive around the rim.

This morning, descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a game wildlife among one of the most unique concentrations of wildlife on earth. Vast grasslands cover most of the crater floor and provide ample grazing for resident zebras, gazelles, wildebeest, elephants, warthogs, and rhinos. With a large number of prey species contained within the crater, it is not surprising that Ngorongoro is also home to a dense population of lions. *FD Wildlife drive with a park ranger so we can actually get out of the vehicle and walk around at different points.

After breakfast you'll check out and depart for the Serengeti - Tanzania's most renowned National Park. Home to the greatest concentration of large mammals on Earth, the migratory herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle roam widely in search of green grass and water. Once you cross through the gate of the park, your wildlife drive begins. Your guide/driver will follow the best path that leads to your camp, with the knowledge of where the wildlife can be found en route. Upon arrival at the camp, you will have the remainder of the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset and dinner at your camp.

Land of Nature & Interview with Lucas. Today enjoy wildlife drives, exploring the Central area of the Serengeti near Seronera River, which provides an important water source, and therefore attracts a lot of wildlife. This area is the best for Hippos, Crocs, Carnivores, Elephants, and Giraffes, to name a few!

Early morning visit to the local Hippo Pool. Later depart Serengeti, doing a wildlife drive along the way. En route to Lake Manyara, we will stop at Olduvai Gorge. After escorting us through the museum, the museum curator will accompany us on a walk to the Leaky camp. In the early 1930's, archaeologists Louis & Mary Leakey began excavating at Olduvai Gorge in the hopes of finding clues to the origin of mankind. Their discovery of primitive tools and, later, fossilized hominid remains (Australopithecus boisei; Homo habilis) helped lay the foundation for present day theories on human evolution.

After breakfast we'll transfer to a local Maasai village to observe as members of the community go about their morning rituals. Next, we'll transfer to Mto wa Mbu. During our walk through the village, we'll be able to observe the way of life in this rural community. We will enjoy lunch prepared by a local family with an explanation of the different culinary delights and how they are made. Later transfer to Arusha and our hotel for day room accommodations. We will be able to rest, finish packing luggage, or freshen up before going to the airport for your departure flight.

Arrive Home.