Today we explore one of the most popular parks in Tanzania, and an unforgettable highlight of this adventure. The Ngorongoro crater is an inactive volcanic crater with breathtaking views from both the rim and within the crater itself. As we descend by safari jeep, we pass through all of the conservation area’s various habitats from dense mountain forests and woodlands, to grasslands, lakes and swamps.

The huge crater floor is spotted with large herds of zebras, wildebeests, elands, Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelles. As we get closer to the game, lions can be seen as well as the occasional herd of elephants and the endangered Black Rhino.  Rare species like serval cats, hyenas, jackals, and cheetahs may be spotted, and your guide will help you adjust your eyes to watching game and looking for behaviors that may indicate if predators are around.

Not only do mammals reside in the conservation area, Ostriches, Kori bustards, Crowned Cranes, White Backed Vultures, Black Kites, Cattle Egrets, Tawny Eagles, Augur Buzzards and Lesser Flamingos can be seen at Lake Magadi.

When we have seen all we can see in the Ngorongor Crater, we will transfer to Bougainvillea Safari Lodge for dinner. Overnight at Bougainvillea Safari Lodge or similar. (BLD)

Today we step back in time to meet the people of the past, the Hadzabes and Datoga tribes.

The Hadza people, or Hadzabe’e, are an ethnic group in central Tanzania, having lived around Lake Eyasi in the central Rift Valley and in the neighboring Serengeti Plateau for over 50,000 years. Hadzabe people are among the last of the true hunter-gatherers and are a connection to the transition of a time when humans became farmers. While traditionally considered an East African branch of the Khoisan peoples, primarily because their language has clicks, modern genetic research suggests that they may be more closely related to the Pygmies. The Hadza are not closely related to any other modern people.

Visiting the Datoga tribe will complete your cultural experience at Lake Eyasi. Contrary to the Hadza people, the Datoga are skilled farmers and craftsman. The Datoga themselves blend in with their environment, their dress being the color of the reddish brown soil. Only on closer inspection will they appear colorful with their reddish, patched leather dresses, bead work, and brass bracelets and necklaces. A prominent decoration is tattooing of circular patterns around the eyes.

After an exciting morning interacting with tribes of Lake Eyasi we then return back to the lodge for hot lunch.

Dinner and overnight Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge or similar . (BLD)

Morning game drives into The Tarangire National park for a day tour and return for late for lunch, at Maramboi Tented Lodge.

Tarangire National Park, with its baobab crested landscape, is scenically one of the most beautiful parks. Baobab trees tower above the savannah and these age-old trees play a vital role in the ecosystem as they act as homes for bees, birds and bats. In addition, they provide nourishing fruit and supply animals such as elephants with indirect water, especially during the drier months.

Cats are also very much present in the park and lions can be found soaking up the sun on the river banks, whereas leopards are sometimes spotted resting in the baobab trees. Rarer species include Cheetahs and African Wild Dogs.

At Tarangire National Park, keep your binoculars close as the park also boasts 550 different bird species. The most commonly seen birds include Yellow Collared Lovebirds, Red Billed Hornbills, Southern Ground Hornbills, Lilac Breasted rollers, Ostriches, many kinds of raptors as well as several kinds of water birds just to name a few.  (BLD)

 I traveled with Green Edventures to Tanzania in May of 2019 and have been planning a return trip since the day I left!  I started the trip as a solo traveler and ended with many new friends – both trip mates and Tanzanian friends.  

A trip to Africa is like no other – from the thundering herds of animals to meeting the happiest people on earth – I’m not sure which I enjoyed more. One thing I knew for sure…. I had to go back! The trip exceeded my expectations at every turn. I knew we’d see animals, but I never expected the number to be in the thousands nor so many animals to be close enough you could see eyelashes! Our Tanzanian guides (Baraza and Karato) knew exactly when and where to be to see the most wildlife. Their expertise is unparalleled.  They positioned us alongside the mass migration – thousands of wildebeests and zebras running and leaping all around us. To see giraffes, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, ostriches and so much more all in their natural element is indescribable.  On an early morning drive two lionesses crossed in front of us with their five cubs in tow! On another morning, a gorgeous leopard appeared out of the mist and slowly walked right past our vehicle. The sky across the savannah is endless and gorgeous! We spent time with four indigenous tribes – learning about their different cultures, seeing arrowheads made, learning a few dance moves and the pinnacle event….joining the bushmen on a hunt!  I could go on and on! 

Africa – I’m ready to see all of your beauty and splendor again! I hope you will join me? 

Trip Leader:

Lori Anderson

+1-262-366-9930 

imeneone@gmail.com