Tanzania Family Journey: A Serengeti Safari
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable family adventure with the "Tanzania Family Journey: A Serengeti Safari." This immersive experience takes you through the heart of Tanzania, starting in Arusha and venturing into the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu. Here, you'll engage with local artisans and create your own banana leaf artwork. The journey continues with thrilling safaris across the Serengeti Plain, where you'll seek out the "Big 5" and explore the Ngorongoro Crater's breathtaking rim. Visit a Maasai village to learn about the Clean Cookstove Project, contributing to community well-being. With comfortable accommodations in safari lodges and tented camps, this small group tour offers a perfect blend of cultural encounters and wildlife exploration, ensuring a memorable experience for the whole family. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha
Location: Arusha
Accommodation Name: Kibo Palace Hotel
Welcome to Arusha–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.
Our National Geographic Family Journeys tour in Tanzania has a maximum group size of eighteen travellers in addition to our highly trained CEOs and safari guides/drivers. We will make use of a maximum of three 7-seat 4x4 safari vehicles, with 6 guests per vehicle, meaning everyone gets a window seat.
TRANSPORT: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
ACTIVITY: The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Day 2: Arusha/Mto wa Mbu
Location: Mto wa Mbu
Accommodation Name: Rift Valley Photographic Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duck under the giant leaves of banana trees as you explore the lush farmlands surrounding the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu, which has attracted some 18,000 residents from 120 different tribes. Take a guided walk through the village, learning about local history, industry and cuisine from members of several Tanzanian tribes. You’ll also visit a local market and learn how the villagers’ huts are made. Then enjoy lunch with a local family, tasting different types of banana and rice dishes harvested from nearby farms. After lunch, visit the workshops of village artisans who will describe influences and materials they use to make the items they sell in local markets. They’ll also show you techniques they use to create art from banana leaves—then it’s your turn to create some banana art of your own! Continue to the Rift Valley escarpment and settle into the lodge.
TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.
ACTIVITY: Take part in a cultural walk to learn about life in this East African town. Mto wa Mbu has attracted some 18,000 residents from 120 different tribes. During the two-hour tour, visit the village's local market, go right to the farmer's fields, see how huts are constructed, and meet artisans in their shops.
Afterwards, sit down with our new friends and enjoy a traditional lunch of meat and plantains.
ACTIVITY: The village of Mto wa Mbu offers visitors an opportunity to experience traditional ways of life among small communities in Tanzania. You'll spend the morning exploring the village and trying local dishes. Then, under the guidance of a local artist, try your hand at traditional painting. Your instructor will show you techniques and describe influences and materials they use to create the items you may have seen for sale in local markets.
Day 3: Mto wa Mbu/Serengeti National Park
Location: Olduvai Gorge, Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Name: Serengeti Tortilis Camps
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
It’s officially time for safari, but first an introduction to the remarkable anthropological history of the Serengeti area. Delve into the story of human origins at the Olduvai Gorge Museum and Visitor's Center, located near the site where National Geographic archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey discovered early hominid fossils and stone tools. After a filling picnic lunch, continue to the world-famous Serengeti National Park and go on a safari across the wild Serengeti Plain. Throughout your safari, keep an eye out for galloping giraffes and lounging lions. Then, head back to camp for a delicious dinner before settling in for a good night’s sleep.
TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.
ACTIVITY: The Olduvai Gorge is a steep ravine in the Great Rift Valley of Tanzania. It is one of the world’s most important paleoanthropological sites. Beginning in 1931, excavations by Louis Leakey revealed evidence of early man dating back nearly 2 million years. Visit the Olduvai museum and see bone fossils and fragments of ancient stone tools. This UNESCO World Heritage site provides an intriguing glimpse into the origin and evolution of man in these Serengeti Plains of Africa.
ACTIVITY: This is the reason you came to Africa. Charge your camera, grab your binoculars, and set out on safari. Your eagle-eyed driver will keep an eye out for wildlife – buffaloes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and more. Tanzania’s Serengeti tends to be less crowded than some of Kenya’s reserves, so enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow, and the up-close look at wild Africa.
Day 4: Serengeti National Park
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Name: Serengeti Tortilis Camps
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, get to know the incredible creatures of the Serengeti as you set out on morning and afternoon wildlife-viewing adventures. Ride in a 4x4 over golden plains, gazing out from the pop-up roof to glimpse wildlife through binoculars or watch as animals walk right by you! Watering holes also draw all kinds of visitors, from towering giraffes to the tiny dik-diks, a miniature species of antelope. With luck, spot all of Africa’s “Big 5” safari stars—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and Cape buffalo.
ACTIVITY: This is the reason you came to Africa. Charge your camera, grab your binoculars, and set out on safari. Your eagle-eyed driver will keep an eye out for wildlife – buffaloes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and more. Tanzania’s Serengeti tends to be less crowded than some of Kenya’s reserves, so enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow, and the up-close look at wild Africa.
TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.
Day 5: Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Crater
Location: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation Name: Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On a morning safari, look out for cackling jackals, brave honey badgers or long-necked ostriches strutting through the grass. Enjoy a picnic breakfast surrounded by the vast savanna before heading out of the Serengeti en route to the Ngorongoro Conservation area. Once you settle into the lodge, enjoy a delicious lunch to fuel up for your next adventure. In the afternoon, join your Chief Experience Officer and a park ranger for a walk along the rim of Ngorongoro Crater, observing the small flora and fauna that make this biodiverse spot so spectacular. Keep your eyes peeled for inspiration, as after the walk concludes, you’ll head back to the lodge to meet an artist from the local community who will guide you through a painting class. You’ll get to use your own canvas to illustrate all the things that inspired you on your walk along the rim of the crater.
TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.
ACTIVITY: This is the reason you came to Africa. Charge your camera, grab your binoculars, and set out on safari. Your eagle-eyed driver will keep an eye out for wildlife – buffaloes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and more. Tanzania’s Serengeti tends to be less crowded than some of Kenya’s reserves, so enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow, and the up-close look at wild Africa.
ACTIVITY: Join your Chief Experience Officer and a park ranger for a walk along the rim of Ngorongoro Crater. Observe the small flora and fauna, and try to spot zebra, gazelles, buffaloes, and warthogs from your vantage point. Be on the lookout for inspiration because after the walk concludes, you’ll head back to the lodge to meet an artist from the local community for a painting class. Use your own canvas to illustrate your walk along the rim of the the biggest, unbroken volcanic caldera on Earth.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater
Location: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation Name: Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Set out into the Ngorongoro Crater, an enormous volcanic caldera where animals of all kinds gather to graze or hunt. Descend into the caldera for a full-day safari drive, ready to be mesmerized by zebra stripes and the eland’s spiral horns. Spot buffalo, wildebeests, zebras and gazelles as they bound across the grass. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way within the crater.
ACTIVITY: See the wonders of the Ngorongoro Crater on a full-day safari drive down into the crater to some of the best spots to view wildlife. Watch for zebra, gazelles, buffalo, and warthogs. Keep your eyes peeled and camera ready to capture a pride of lions or a lone leopard walking along the savanna. Enjoy lunch down in the crater before driving around for more wildlife viewing opportunities.
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater/Arusha
Location: Arusha
Accommodation Name: Kibo Palace Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your day begins with a visit to a local coffee farm, where you’ll learn about the “seed to cup” coffee making process. After watching the beans roast, you’ll get to sample some of the freshly made coffee. After you enjoy lunch at the farm, take a walk through the picturesque landscape. Your next stop is a visit to a Maasai village in the Monduli district, where you’ll chat with locals and learn about the G Adventures-supported Clean Cookstoves project—an amazing initiative that seeks to reduce household air pollution. You’ll meet one of the project’s female engineers and lend a hand during the installation of a new stove in a village boma, or traditional home. Return to Arusha and gather for a farewell dinner while sharing stories about your exciting adventures.
TRANSPORT: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.
ACTIVITY: Visit a Maasai village in the Monduli District and witness the benefits of the G Adventures-supported Clean Cookstove Project. In Tanzania, 95% of people rely on cooking with wood and coal. Women and girls spend hours walking to collect wood every day (making them vulnerable to assault and unable to use their time to go to school). Indoor smoke from open-fire stoves causes cancer, emphysema, pneumonia, blindness, and burns. Take a guided tour of these villages and meet the women that have been trained as stove engineers, visit bomas (traditional homes), and observe (or get your hands dirty) by helping the Stove Team build a stove in a home. See the beneficial impact of the clean-burning stoves on the health and daily lives of the Maasai villagers, especially the women.
Day 8: Arusha
Location: Arusha
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Safari lodge (5 nts), comfortable tented camp (2 nts) -
Meals
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners -
G for Good Moment: Mto wa Mbu Village Visit and Lunch
Experience a cultural visit to Mto wa Mbu village, including a traditional lunch.
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G for Good Moment: Clean Cookstove Project Visit
Visit the Clean Cookstove Project in Mto wa Mbu to learn about efforts to reduce household air pollution.
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Family Journeys Moment: Mto wa Mbu Painting and Crafts
Participate in a painting and crafts session in Mto wa Mbu.
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Family Journeys Moment: Ngorongoro Rim Walk & Painting
Enjoy a guided walk along the Ngorongoro Crater rim and a painting session inspired by the adventure.
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Arrival Transfer
Enjoy a convenient transfer from the airport to your hotel upon arrival.
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Wildlife Safari Drives
Experience wildlife safari drives in Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park.
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Olduvai Gorge Museum and Visitors Centre
Entrance to the Olduvai Gorge Museum and Visitors Centre is included.
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Coffee Plantation Tour
Take a tour of a local coffee plantation.
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Transport Between Destinations
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is provided.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks, and tips are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Transport
7-seat 4x4 safari vehicle, walking
Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
Accommodation
Experience the comfort of safari lodges for five nights and immerse yourself in nature with two nights at a comfortable tented camp, offering a blend of luxury and adventure in the heart of Tanzania's stunning landscapes.
Group Size
Max 18.
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Odd number adult travellers in your family will be paired in twin accommodation with another adult traveller of the same sex for the duration of the trip. ...more ...less
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling and we encourage you to experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Its important to remember, that food may be different from what you are used to at home and that some things may not be available in other countries.
Some meals are included in the trip price, while others are not, to allow flexibility and choice to you and your family. For non-included meals our CEOs will still make arrangements for the group to eat together, which allows you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and approximate budget (per person) for meals not included.
Throughout this trip, breakfast is included daily (ranging from continental to buffet depending on the trip). Drinking water is available throughout (don't forget your refillable water bottle as you will have access to either filtered water from hotels or as made available by the CEO). Healthy, local snacks will also be available.
Note that any special meal requirements or dietary restrictions need to be specified at time of booking.
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Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort with a 7-seat 4x4 safari vehicle, perfect for off-road adventures and wildlife viewing, complemented by walking tours to fully immerse yourself in the Tanzanian wilderness.
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 7 years for this trip.
Important Notes
1. All parents/guardians are required to supervise their children at all times throughout the tour and may not leave their child under the supervision of the CEO, local guides, drivers, etc. Children are not to be left unattended.
Please note that on all Family Adventures one adult can only accompany up to two minors. If you have over two minors planning on travelling then a second adult will be required to attend.
2. MIGRATION
Tanzania and Kenya
The Seronera Plains, which lie in the southeast of the Serengeti National Park and extend into the western Ngorongoro Conservation Area, form the main ungulate calving grounds of the Serengeti. The wildebeest typically disperse into the Seronera plains during the short rains, which fall in late November or early December, before calving in January, and staying put until the end of the long rains from January to early May. Towards the end of April the wildebeest start to congregate on the southern plains in the preparation for the 800km northward migration. The major obstacle faced by the wildebeest on this migration is the crossing for the Grumeti River through the western corridor, which typically occurs from June into early July. From July to October, the ungulates disperse again, with about half of them cross the Mara River into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve and the remainder spreading out through the northern and western Serengeti. By late October the animals have generally started to plod back southward to the Seronera Plains, to arrive there in late November when the cycle starts all over again.
3. DRIVES
This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, as long drives and poor road conditions are the rule as opposed to the exception in Tanzania. A safari is about travelling to see animals, so we cover long distances crossing the country to visit different national parks. Once there, we spend the majority of the time viewing wildlife from the safari vehicles while driving in the parks. This translates to a lot of driving and sitting. Despite this, the diversity and scenery of the African landscape, the local culture and abundant wildlife are all well worth the experience.
4. ELECTRICITY
All lodges and camps will have electricity although many work off solar, or generators with limited times.
The power supply in Tanzania is nominally 240VAC, 50hz.
Variable voltage, spikes and sporadic, unexpected, unscheduled power cuts of varying duration can be expected.
5. YELLOW FEVER
It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon entering the country visited. Please check in with your local health expert for advice on Yellow Fever and other inoculations required for this area.
6. ACCOMMODATION
Please note all accommodation listed below is not guaranteed, but is indicative of the types of accommodation used.
7. FAMILY INSURANCE
Options for family travel insurance are available. Please enquire with your Family Trip Specialist for more information.
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Group Leader
All National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures group trips are accompanied by two of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense; you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. ...more ...less
About Accommodation
Start and end hotels on this tour offer comfortable accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, standard facilities, and wifi. Additional amenities vary from location to location. Please see the hotel listings on the full Itinerary if you would like to learn more about the offerings of your accommodations.
Please remember that hotel/lodge/camp standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel.
Rooming is based on double occupancy (2 passengers / 2 beds per room); all other room configurations are on request and cannot be guaranteed. We will try to accommodate triples/quad requests whenever possible and it's important to note that rooming configuration can change from city to city and 2 single beds are the standard configuration in a room.
Note:
1) Under certain circumstances we reserve the right to change accommodation and provide something slightly different to what is described, though it will always be of similar or better standard/level.
2) Most lodges and camps do not have 24hr electricity - they usually run on generators which are routinely shut off overnight from approximately 10pm to 5am.
3) Lodges and camps are NOT equipped with fans or air conditioning due to the electricity constraints listed above.
4) Winter nights (June to September) can be cold, and most lodges and hotels do not have insulation or central heating. If you require additional blankets or a hot water bottle, these can be requested through your CEO or at the reception.
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What to Take
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, sports bag, or backpack. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. Porters may not always be available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. ...more ...less
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can families expect during the tour?
Families can expect a variety of activities including a hands-on lesson in traditional art techniques in Mto wa Mbu, safari adventures in the Serengeti, a walk along the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, and a visit to a Maasai village to participate in the Clean Cookstove Project. ...more ...less
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 18 travelers.
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What type of transportation is used during the safari?
The safari uses 7-seat 4x4 safari vehicles, ensuring everyone gets a window seat.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation includes stays at safari lodges and comfortable tented camps.
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Are there any age restrictions for this tour?
Yes, the minimum age for this trip is 7 years.
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What is the focus of the Clean Cookstove Project in the Maasai village?
The Clean Cookstove Project aims to reduce household air pollution by installing clean-burning stoves, which helps improve health and daily life, especially for women in the Maasai village.
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What can participants learn at the Olduvai Gorge Museum?
Participants can learn about the anthropological history of the Serengeti area, including the discovery of early hominid fossils and stone tools by archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey.
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What wildlife can be expected to be seen during the safari?
During the safari, participants can expect to see a variety of wildlife including the 'Big 5'—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo—as well as giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and more.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Tanzania Family Journey: A Serengeti Safari
8 Days Starting and ending in Arusha, Tanzania
Visiting: Arusha, Mto wa Mbu, Olduvai Gorge, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
Tour operator:
Tour code:
25166
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 18
Age range:
7-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
