Gladys Adventure
Safaris
The word safari is one of the Swahili words that has been incorporated into international usage. The Swahili meaning of the word is simply "trip". Outside of East Africa the meaning has become more specific to mean a trip offering wildlife viewing in the natural habitat. In Tanzania, with over 30% of its land being protected, this means that it is not difficult for a Tanzanian trip to be a safari. While safari destinations are to be found all over the country, Gladys Adventure has elected to stay focused close to our base in Moshi, Tanzania - "in the shadow" of Mt Kilimanjaro. We offer northern Tanzania safaris. But with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater as the highlights along with several other solid destination choices, there is a great opportunity to see amazing sights. While the animals are amazing, so are the scenery and cultures. From the smoldering live volcano, Ol Doinyo Lengai, to the majestic crater walls in Ngorongoro Crater, tribal visit to the Maasai, following the Hadzabe tribe on a hunt, visiting Olduvai Gorge... the possibilities are endless.
Your Private Safari
All our safaris are private safaris. We will never add others to join your safari. Your private safari can start on any day of the year that you like. Each participant will always have a window seat and each of our safari vehicles has a pop-up safari viewing roof and charging ports for small electronics. Our vehicles are equipped with food hampers which allow us to serve you hot lunches rather than the industry standard boxed cold lunches. We use Toyota Land Cruisers with an extended body customized for safari use. We have the number of vehicles and English speaking guides to accommodate group sizes from 1 person to more than 50 people. If you feel more comfortable with languages other than English let us know well in advance. We can possibly arrange for a guide speaking the language that you prefer.
Because we want to offer you the best possible experience, we use only lodges and tented camps for safari accommodations. We do not offer basic camping safaris. We are confident that you will appreciate the difference without much impact on your budget.
Fly-in Safari Options
You may consider optimizing your holiday time and reducing the time riding over rough roads in a safari vehicle by traveling by a safari plane. An airstrip is located inside Tarangire National Park, another just outside of Lake Manyara, and there are several airstrips inside the Serengeti. Departing from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport, your safari guide and vehicle will be waiting for you at the airstrip ready for game viewing. You can opt to fly-in, or fly-out, or fly both directions. During high season (mid June - mid October) there is a flight option connecting central Serengeti (Seronera) and Zanzibar using a larger airplane (Precision Air). Full details about flight options are available upon request. We can arrange all domestic flight reservations.
Gladys Adventure Great Migration Information
A Brief Migration Overview
The migration of wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes is an annual event timed according to the rains. The herds move in a clockwise loop starting from southern Serengeti & Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) moving northward through the western portion of the Serengeti, reaching the northern border of the Serengeti where roughly half the herds cross into Kenya's Masai Mara and the others stay in the Serengeti. After a few months, the herds make their way southwards, further east from the previous path to return back to southern Serengeti and the NCA where they stay for a few months before starting the cycle again.
The two most interesting portions of this cycle is the birthing period of the wildebeests and the crossing of the Mara River by the herds. The birthing period of the wildebeests takes place in February to early March in the southern Serengeti & NCA in what is known as the Ndutu Area. During this period, a huge number of births take place daily and it is an active time for preditors. The newly born calves can stand up within 3 - 5 minutes after birth and are able to run just a few minutes later.
The most famous event of the migration is the Mara River crossing. This takes place in the northern Serengeti generally from mid-July through mid-October in the Kogatende and Lamai portions of the Serengeti. There are numerous dangers for the herds during this event, from being trampled by the herds, to evading the Nile crocodiles in the river, avoiding downing from exhaustion, to escaping lions, leopards, and hyenas waiting at the river banks.
During other times of the migration, it is still well worth visiting to see the huge number of animals and the activity of the preditors as the herds pass through their territories. A safari to the Seronera (central Serengeti) is the best location during these times.
There are airstrips at all these locations and a consideration of flying in and/or flying out is well worth considering but itineraries can be created for traveling to the destinations by safari vehicle also. The tour consultants at Gladys Adventure can aid you in creating an ideal itinerary according to the time of the year you are traveling.
Detailed Understanding of the Great Serengeti Migration
The Great Migration is among the greatest natural events on earth. Each year more than 1.5 million wildbeests, 500,000 zebras, and 450,000 gazelles and elands travel approximately 800 kilometers through the Serengeti, Kenya's Masai Mara, and neighboring protected areas in Tanzania. It is only in the Serengeti where at least a portion of the migration is present throughout the year.
It is not certain how long this annual migration has been going on, but we do know that it has been only recently that the numbers have been on the same magnitude as they are currently. It wasn't until 1958 that any documented study of this migration took place. At that time, the number of wildebeests migrating were a little under 100,000. This number has increased 15 fold in the last 65 years. By the fact that in 1958 the researchers were amazed at the number being as high as almost 100,000 it is most probable that in prior years the number was smaller yet.
The driving force behind the migration is the search for the best grass for grazing. This is dependent on the rains so there are variations each year to the timing and paths that the animals take. There is no competition for food between the wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles because their digestive systems are different, with zebras eating only the grass tops, gazelles the mid-sections, and the wildebeests eat only the short grass stubble. The wildebeests have a great sense of smell and can detect rains from a long distance away. They have good hearing but not very good eyesight. Zebras have good eyesight and good memory. Together they help each other. The herds have no natural leaders but once some animals go on the move, the others follow. But without an actual leader, the herds fragment and do not all follow the same path. Still a single herd can be up to 40km (25 miles) in length.
The soil in the southern Serengeti, Lake Ndutu, and Lake Masek in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is the most nutrient rich, making it the preferred destination for the herds. Because of the lakes, there is no shortage of water. From the months of December through March the herds reside here. December and January is when zebras give birth. From late January until early March is when wildebeests give birth.
The statistics which are given from several reliable sources including National Geographic list 400,000 calves being born. But the same sources commonly state that the vast majority of births are within a 3 week period. We at Gladys Adventure can confirm that this time period as accurate through our own observation. But yet the same sources commonly state that there are "as many as 8,000 births a day". This math does not work out (400,000 calves/8,000 calves per day = 50 days for this to occur). So lets just say that there are a huge number of births over a three week period.
A pregnant wildebeest can delay giving birth for up to four weeks in order to time the birthing with the other wildebeests. By giving birth simultaneously, it increases the survival percentage since preditors who take advantage of the fragile condition of the new-born calves and mothers can only eat so much at a time. The calves can stand within 3-5 minutes after birth and are already running a few minutes later. From late January through March is a great time of the year to safari to the Ndudu area to see the migration. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas are very active during this time. The boundary between the NCA and Serengeti is marked only with beacons and the animals roam back and forth between the two destinations. For the best game viewing, having both a permit for Serengeti and for Ngorongoro Conservation Area each day is best and is standard for Gladys Adventure safaris visiting Ndutu.
As the April rains arrive, the herds spread out and start moving north in search of fresh grass. Central Serengeti (Seronera) is a good base to find the herds except that the rains can make safaris during this time of the year more challenging in terms of visibility, comfort, and road conditions. During this time, typically some of the herds travel through the Seronera (central) portion of the Serengeti while a portion makes it way further west, toward the Maswa Game Reserve and the Western Corridor portion of the Serengeti. There is misrepresentation on some sources claiming that preditors follow after the herds. This is largely untrue because lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas are all territorial. So while there may be some encroachment into different territories by preditors, it is done at great risk and not in large numbers.
In May and June the herd movement picks up speed as the migration continues north. The migration herds in the Western Corridor cross the Grumeti and Mbalageti Rivers. Some years this provides interesting viewing but the timing of the crossing is very unpredictable. The herds are in a hurry at this time and the duration of the river crossing lasts only about a week before the herds have passed over. The river crossings here are not as spectacular as the crossing of the Mara River because the river banks are not steep entering and exiting the Grumeti and Mbalageti Rivers compared to the Mara River and some year the water levels are very low so the herds can wade across instead of swim. Nevertheless, there are some huge Nile crocodiles eagerly looking for the opportunity to attack. Because the herds are also in the Seronera at this time, during a May - early July safari, staying in Seronera portion is best. If the timing is right to see the river crossing in Western Corridor, a game drive there from Seronera is not too far and is quite possible to visit during a day's safari viewing.
During early July, some of the herds may be reaching the Kogatende portion of the Serengeti, located on the south side of the Mara River. Of course the spectaular and dangerous Mara River crossing by the herds is the most famous event during the migration cycle. What is not commonly known though is that where herds initially cross the Mara River, both sides of the river are in the Serengeti. The border into Kenya's Masai Mara is further north. Although the percentages vary each year, typically less than half the migration herds ever enter the Masai Mara, with the majority staying in the Serengeti. There are 10 commonly used Mara River crossing points in the Serengeti. To be clear, there are Mara River crossings by herds in the Masai Mara as the Mara River comes from Kenya (see map below) but the initial crossings of the Mara River are all in Tanzania.
By late July and August nearly all the herds have reached the Mara River. Many animals, especially the zebras and antelopes choose not to cross the river and spend the next two to three months grazing in the Kogatende portion of the Serengeti. Many will cross the Mara River, and will graze the a remote portion of the Serengeti known as the Lamai Triangle. The Lamai Triangle has only a few accommodations (but excellent) and is accessable by a seasonal bridge. There are airstrips at both Lamai (north of Mara River) and Kogatende (south of Mara River).
In northern Serengeti and Masai Mara, the grasses are less nutritious compared to the southern Serengeti. So the wildebeest are constantly on the move here in search of new grass using their sense of smell to detect where there has been rain. Crossing the Mara River is a very dangerous event. The herds may gather at the river bank for hours or days before the herd makes its move en mass across the river. The Mara River has steep river banks, making entering and exiting the river difficult. There are broken legs from wildebeest leaping into the river and landing on another animal or a large rock, some wildebeest being attacked by Nile crocodile, and some downing from fatigue. If a mother and calf get separated and cannot find each other, they will often swim back across, calling for each other. This can go on for several crossings until either they find each other, they drown from fatigue, or are attacked by a preditor. Reaching the steep river bank fatigued it presents lions, leopards, and hyenas opportunities to attack the wildebeest.
The above image of wildebeest drownings is from Cary Institute Website (www.caryinstitute.org).
The activity in Kogatende and Lamai Triangle is quite active from July - October. The herds in some years cross the Mara River back and forth multiple during this period. As the grasses become depleted, the herds make their way back south typically traveling south on a path further east than their northward route. For an October/November safari visiting the Lobo and Seronera portions of the Serengeti would be the best bet for spotting the herds.
The migration loop completes itself as the herds return to Ndutu in December, recovering and preparing to give birth and gather strength for another cycle.
Safari Destinations
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The oldest national park in Tanzania, the word Serengeti is derived from the Maasai word meaning "endless plain". With a reputation so huge, it might seem impossible for the park to live up to its hype. But it does indeed deserve its fame. As host to most of the continual cycle of the animal great migration this is a very good start. The Mara River crossing in the north (Kogatende portion of the Serengeti) is the most famous and spectacular portion of this cycle (Little known fact: both sides of the Mara River where the wildebeest crossings occur are in Tanzania). If you want a chance to witness this, August - September are the best bets. But there is also an excellent spectacle in February - early March. The birthing season of the wildebeest. During approximately a 3 week period over 400,000 calves are born. This occurs in the Ndutu area, which straddles the Southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The birthing is done in unison, which works as a preservation since predators can only eat so much at at a time. A mother can delay birth up to one month to be in unison with the others. A newborn calf will be able to stand within 2 - 3 minutes of birth and is able to run within 5 minutes! Overall, the movement of the migration is based on the best grazing at the moment. This in turn is based on the weather. But, there migration is not the only reason to visit the Serengeti. It is great year round. The park is known for the large number of cats (lions, cheetahs, leopards, caravels, servals). It is also one of the best places to find black rhino.
From Moshi, the central Serengeti (Seronera) is a 9 hours drive, which requires you to drive across Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), but not through the crater. There is little game viewing opportunities along this route until you arrive in the Serengeti. This long drive (and in parts a bit rough) is often broken up by either visiting Tarangire, Lake Manyara or stopping at Ngorongoro Crater for the night. There are several airstrips inside of the Serengeti to fly into by small plane. There is also a medium size plane that flies from the Seronera to Zanzibar.
Accommodations in the Serengeti can range from basic camping to exclusive lodges costing more than $10,000/night. Tented camps and lodges can fill quite early in Kogatende (August & September) and Ndutu (February & March). If very short on time, you can squeeze in a Serengeti safari in 3 days but it is quite tiring and short. At least 4 days is best. To drive to the northern Serengeti, an absolute minimum of 5 days is needed.
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Along with the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater is a destination not to be missed. Named as a World Heritage Site, the NCA is not a national park. Unlike national parks, the indigenous population is still allowed to be in the area but with certain restrictions, balancing preservation, human development and tourism. The highlight is Ngorongoro Crater, the largest unbroken caldera in the world. Winding your way down the 600m walls brings you into an area amazingly dense with animals. Most of the animals here are non-migratory so this is a reliably great destination. It is easier to list what you can't find here rather than all you can find. You will not see topi or gazelle. It is possible to spot the "Big Five" in just a few short hours. The crater is only open from 6am until 6pm. All people (including Maasai) and vehicles must be out of the crater except during these hours since the environment is fragile. The crater is only 20km in diameter though so all will be seen in the typical 4 - 5 hours inside.
All accommodations are outside of the crater. There is enough elevation-- 2,286m (7,500 ft) at the top if the crater to feel the difference in oxygen and the chill. It also tends to be quite windy at the top so bringing sufficient layers of clothes is important for your comfort. There is a number of lodges/tented camps inside of the conservation area. There are many more just to the east of NCA, a few kilometers outside of the boundary. These are good choices except not practical if coming from the Serengeti to the west. In addition to the daily conservation fee (entry fee $60/person + 18% VAT = $71/person), there is an additional fee for each vehicle that enters into the crater. At $250 + 18% VAT ($295 total) for each vehicle entering into the crater this makes a Ngorongoro Crater safari more pricey than other destinations. All Gladys Adventure prices include all park fees and taxes, so this is already calculated into any price quote. In addition to the crater itself having a restriction of people being out from 6pm until 6am each day, the NCA itself does not allow entry or exit from 6pm until 6am daily. Being a 5 hours drive from Moshi, this makes a day safari to Ngorongoro Crater possible but a tight schedule and tiring.
There is more to the NCA than the crater itself. On the way from the crater towards the Serengeti is Olduvai Gorge museum ($30 + 18% VAT admission per person). Here you can learn about the findings of Dr Leakey and his staff. This can be a 1 - 2 hours stopover on the way to/from the Serengeti. There are also some Maasai villages in the area to visit ($20/person). North of Ngorongoro Crater is a smaller crater, Empakai Crater. There is a chance for a short walk with a park ranger here.
Mentioned in the Serengeti section, is Ndutu, which straddles the Serengeti and NCA. During February and March. The animals wander back and forth in an unpredictable manner between NCA and Serengeti so it is best to have permits for both destinations during this time as their location can change from morning to afternoon or one day to the next. In this area are some nice tented camps but no public campsites. If on a budget safari you could visit as a day trip from your campsite.
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This is a beautiful and underrated park with plenty of elephants and giraffe. This park is at its best during dry months (January - February, July - October) since the only water source in the area is the Tarangire River which winds its way through the park. The landscape is dotted with the massive and unusual baobab trees and huge termite mounds. In addition to the numerous elephants and giraffe, it is possible to find lions, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, hippo, various antelope, impala, gazelle, leopard, warthog, monkeys, baboon, ostrich. You won't find rhino and there are almost no cheetah. The park has some nice lodges and tented camps. Typically we like to spend an afternoon, overnight followed by morning game drive before exiting the park. This amount of time is sufficient. The park is about 3.5 - 4 hours drive from Moshi, making it a good option for a day trip if you are short of time. Otherwise it pairs well with a trip to the Serengeti, breaking up the long drive. As a 2 day safari with either Lake Manyara or Ngorongoro this works well also.
- Lake Manyara National Park
Located along the Great Rift, this park includes the shallow soda lake Manyara. During wet season (March - May, November) this lake hosts many flamingos. The chemistry of the lake is changing so that in drier months there are no longer many flamingos at all. The park is favored greatly by bird watchers, with over over 400 species of birds present. The most numerous animals present include giraffe, zebra, lions, cheetahs, leopards, gazelle, hippos, elephants, impala, baboon and monkeys. Typically spending half day here is sufficient time. We prefer the accommodations that are found just outside of the park.
- Arusha National Park
This is a very convenient park to get to, less than one hour drive from Moshi or Arusha. But the park is not heavily visited. It has lovely landscape and contains Tanzania's second highest mountain, Mt Meru. It has large numbers of giraffe and antelope but lacks lions, cheetahs, rhino, and other tourist favorites. Walking safaris are an option here, with a mandatory armed park ranger. And we typically offer this destination as a day trip. The Mt Meru climb is a good option also (4 days typically -- see our trekking page for details).
- Lake Eyasi
This shallow soda lake located to the east of Ngorongoro Conservation area and to the south west of Lake Manyara is home to one of the most fascinating culture tours - a visit to the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. The Datooga are pastorialists who have also turned to some agriculture. They are a very isolated tribe, resisting outside influence and education. Only 5% speak Swahili and their literacy rate is at 1%. They are skilled craftsmen and are experts at melting scrap metal and molding arrowheads and knives which they trade with the Hadzabe tribe. Outside of this interaction, they are not a friendly tribe towards outsiders typically but will welcome your visit with a local guide. In the past young Datoga warriors would improve their status by killing any outsider. Fortunately this no longer is the case. They are a shy tribe but, when escorted by a local guide, welcomes visitors.
The Hadzabe (Hazda) are one of the last true hunter-gatherer tribes left in the world. They love their lifestyle and have completely rejected government attempts to assimilate them into modern society. Free houses and schools were left abandoned as they quickly returned to their traditional ways. They are very opportunistic, hunting anything with bow and arrow from mice to giraffe, with baboon being their favored prey. For large prey they use poison tipped arrows. Their dwellings are very primitive and temporary to the extent that if a large animal such as a giraffe is killed, they will move to the kill site rather than bring the animal to their camp. Since their huts of sticks, mud and leaves can be built in a few hours. They are experts at gathering wild honey and foraging for edible roots and berries. You can accompany them on a hunt, learn how to make fire without matches, compare your archery skills and join them in dance. They are a very friendly tribe.
The surrounding area is a very harsh environment with onion farming being the mainstay. We can arrange a visit to one of the small farms for an insight into the local life of the inhabitants.
To the north of Ngorongoro Conservation Area is Ol Doinyo Lengai (mountain of god --translated from the Maasai language). This is an active volcano 2962 m ( 7,650 ft) high that is sacred to the traditional Maasai religion. For geologists this volcano is of special interest due to the unique composition of the lava. This lava is much cooler than any other (but still 600°C). it is not hot enough to give off light in the daytime but emits a dull glow at night. The lava is not thick but water-like, making it flow very quickly (and dangerously). The molten lava is black in color but solidifies into a white powder. The volcano is quite active and unpredictable. The surrounding area is very desolate, dry, dusty and hot. With daytime temperatures regularly in excess of 40°C (104°F). The mountain can be climbed in half day, but is considered the toughest climb in the country (surpassing Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru). It is steep, covered with loose gravel, dusty, without shade. Gaiters to keep stones out of your shoes are essential, plenty of water must be brought (4 - 5L recommended per person), gloves for scrambling on your hands, bandanna or face mask to filter dust and good sun protection are all vital. The local authorities require climbing with one of their local guides. They do not have any safety training or equipment, very few of them speak any English and they will climb at a very fast pace with little regard to your ability to keep up. The climb starts at midnight to avoid the scorching heat of the day. It will be cold at this time so a layer of clothing is important. Most climbers return from the climb at mid morning. We do not recommend this climb but can offer it to you with a liability waiver.
Along the Kenyan border is Lake Natron, a shallow lake with a pH of the water near that of ammonia. Nothing can survive in these waters except an algae highly favored by flamingos. At times several hundred can be seen crowding the shallow waters. A trip to Lake Natron would include walking along the lake shore, hiking at a waterfalls and cultural tourism of the Maasai community. This is truly off the beaten path in a remote, desolate, scorching hot but amazing environment. One day at this destination is sufficient to see all.
Safari Itineraries
We can offer safaris covering any duration of time. The longer the itinerary, the more individualized the itinerary will become according to your interests and according to the time of the year. There are variations available especially during the birthing season of the wildebeest in February & early March and also during the migration herds Mara River crossing typically from July - October. Contact us and we can create the safari itinerary of your dreams.
We have included the most common shorter itineraries below, often requested by clients to add after a Mt Kilimanjaro trek. But even these are not the only choices for short itineraries.
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Day 1: After breakfast, we collect you from your hotel and drive you to Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport for a flight into the Serengeti. Being quite large, the Serengeti has several airstrips for small planes. The portion of the Serengeti you will arrive at will be determined well in advance according to where the best game viewing is during your particular time of travel. Your Gladys Adventure private safari vehicle and guide will be waiting for you and we will proceed on a game drive for the rest of the day. In the late afternoon we will arrive at your evening's lodge/tented camp for dinner, relaxation, and overnight rest.
Drive hours from Moshi/Arusha to airport: 45 minutes
Meals: picnic lunch, and dinnerDay 2: Full day to spend as you wish with game viewing and relaxation at your accommodations. Overnight will be at the same accommodations as the previous night.
Game viewing according to your desired time.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinnerDay 3: Enjoy more game viewing/relaxation at the accommodations. If you desire to experience an early morning hot-air balloon safari (additional fee), this is a great day to fit it into your itinerary. Regardless of which portion of the Serengeti you arrived at, by the late afternoon we will take you to accommodations in central Serengeti (Seronera) for dinner and overnight rest. Activity: Game drives/relaxation
Meals :Breakfast, lunch, and dinnerDay 4: After breakfast, we set out to get our last look at the Serengeti and view the wildlife. We continue viewing game while we make our way out of the park, entering Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA). There are optional side trips: visiting a Maasai village or visiting Olduvai Gorge Museum - an important paleontological site. We then arrive at your lodge/tented camp for relaxation, dinner and overnight rest. Note: All accommodations are outside the crater, most are near the crater rim. This is a cold location since there is some altitude (7,500 ft or 2286m). Even a knit cap and light gloves may feel welcome since it also tends to be windy.
Drive hourss: 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinnerDay 5: After breakfast, we will descend into Ngorongoro Crater. The high concentration of animals and the beauty of the surrounding crater walls makes this a wonderful safari destination. In the course of a few hours you may see all of the "Big 5". The size of the crater is such that in 4 - 5 hours all can be seen. We then we ascend out of the crater and make our way to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO),Arusha, or Moshi (You can arrive at the airport by mid-afternoon). Accommodations for this night are not included in the price quote.
Drive hours: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunchStandard package is based at staying at Into Wild Africa Camp in the Serengeti, and Rhino Lodge in Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Luxury package is based on staying at Serengeti Semetu Tented Camp or Serengeti Serena Safari Camp Lion's Paw Tented Camp or Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge. .
Other options are available but may affect the safari price.Contact us for Current Pricing
info@gladysadventure.comINCLUDES:
Flight from Kilimanjaro/Arusha to Serengeti
Transport in a 4WD safari vehicle
All park fees
All government taxes
English speaking driver guide
Accommodation and meals as stated in the program
EXCLUDES:
Accommodations before or after the safari
International flights & visas
Travel insurances
Driver guide or local escort tips
Drinks and dining rooms tips
Personal travel and baggage
Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature
Optional side-trips mentioned and balloon safari option
Activities not mentioned in the program
Clients average giving a tip for the guide of $ 30 to $ 40 per day per group
Note: The price quoted is based on double occupancy. For odd numbers, one single occupancy has already been taken into account. By default we divide the total price evenly between all participants. If you wish, we can calculate separate prices for those with double occupancy and the person with single occupancy.
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Day 1: After breakfast, we collect you from your hotel and proceed to Tarangire National Park for a game drive. This park is especially known for the large number of elephants and giraffe. Animals from the surrounding area congregate along the Tarangire River which winds its way through the park. The park has a large number of baobab trees and is quite scenic. We pause for a picnic lunch inside the park, then continue with the game drive. In the evening we settle in at our lodge/tented camp for overnight.
Drive hours from Moshi:3.5 - 4 hrs
Meals: box lunch and dinnerDay 2: After breakfast, we drive to Serengeti National Park. This drive takes us through Ngorongoro Conservation Area (not through the crater but through the highlands). Once we arrive at the Serengeti, we proceed on a game drive until evening. Relaxation, dinner and overnight will be at lodge/tented camp inside of the Serengeti.
Drive hours: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinnerDay 3: This day is all yours. You will arrange with your guide how you want to spend your time. If you ever desired an early morning hot-air ballon safari followed by a picnic breakfast in the wild accompanied by sparkling wine, this morning is your chance (extra fee). If you prefer a full day game drive, or breaking the game drives up with afternoon relaxation at the accommodations, the choice is yours. Dinner and overnight rest will be at the same accommodations as the previous night.
Activity:Your option
Meals :Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinnerDay 4: After breakfast, we set out to get our last look at the Serengeti and view the wildlife. We continue viewing game while we make our way out of the park and back into Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA). Along the way, there are optional side-trips: visiting a Maasai village or visiting Olduvai Gorge Museum - an important paleontological site. where we will have dinner and overnight rest at a lodge/tented camp. Note: All accommodations are outside the crater, most are near the crater rim. This is a cold location since there is some altitude (7,500 ft or 2286m). Even a knit cap and light gloves may feel welcome since it also tends to be windy.
Drive hrs: 3-4 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinnerDay 5: After breakfast, we will descend into Ngorongoro Crater. The high concentration of animals and the beauty of the surrounding crater walls makes this a wonderful safari destination. In the course of a few hours you may see all of the "Big 5". The size of the crater is such that in 4 - 5 hours all can be seen. We then we ascend out of the crater and make our way to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or back to Arusha/Moshi (You can arrive at the airport by mid-afternoon). Accommodations for this night are not included in the price quote.
Drive hours: 4-5 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunchStandard package is based at staying at Tarangire Safari Lodge, Into Wild Africa Camp in the Serengeti, and Rhino Lodge in Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Luxury package is based on staying at Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge
Serengeti Semetu Tented Camp or Serengeti Serena Safari Camp Lion's Paw Tented Camp or Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge or Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge. .
Other options are available but may affect the safari price.Contact us for Current Pricing
info@gladysadventure.comINCLUDES:
Transport in a 4WD safari vehicle
All park fees
All government taxes
English speaking driver guide
Accommodation and meals as stated in the program
EXCLUDES:
Accommodations before or after the safari
International flights & visas
Travel insurances
Driver guide or local escort tips
Drinks and dining rooms tips
Personal travel and baggage
Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature
Optional side-trips mentioned and balloon safari option
Activities not mentioned in the program
Clients average giving a tip for the guide of $ 30 to $ 40 per day per group
Note: The price quoted is based on double occupancy. For odd numbers, one single occupancy has already been taken into account. By default we divide the total price evenly between all participants. If you wish, we can calculate separate prices for those with double occupancy and the person with single occupancy.
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Day 1: After breakfast, we collect you from your hotel and drive you to Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport for a flight into the Serengeti. Being quite large, the Serengeti has several airstrips for small planes. The portion of the Serengeti you will arrive at will be determined well in advance according to where the best game viewing is during your particular time of travel. Your Gladys Adventure private safari vehicle and guide will be waiting for you and we will proceed on a game drive for the rest of the day. In the late afternoon we will arrive at your evening's lodge/tented camp for dinner, relaxation, and overnight rest.
Drive hours from Moshi/Arusha to airport: 45 minutes
Meals: picnic lunch, and dinnerDay 2: Enjoy more game viewing/relaxation at the accommodations. If you desire to experience an early morning hot-air balloon safari (additional fee), this is the chance to make this a reality. Regardless of which portion of the Serengeti you arrived at, by the late afternoon we will take you to accommodations in central Serengeti (Seronera) for dinner and overnight rest. Activity: Game drives/relaxation
Meals :Breakfast, lunch, and dinnerDay 3: After breakfast, we set out to get our last look at the Serengeti and view the wildlife. We continue viewing game while we make our way out of the park, entering Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA). There are optional side trips: visiting a Maasai village or visiting Olduvai Gorge Museum - an important paleontological site. We then arrive at your lodge/tented camp for relaxation, dinner and overnight rest. Note: All accommodations are outside the crater, most are near the crater rim. This is a cold location since there is some altitude (7,500 ft or 2286m). Even a knit cap and light gloves may feel welcome since it also tends to be windy.
Drive hrs: 3-4 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinnerDay 4: After breakfast, we will descend into Ngorongoro Crater. The high concentration of animals and the beauty of the surrounding crater walls makes this a wonderful safari destination. In the course of a few hours you may see all of the "Big 5". The size of the crater is such that in 4 - 5 hours all can be seen. We then we ascend out of the crater and make our way to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or back to Arusha or Moshi (You can arrive at the airport by mid-afternoon). Accommodations for this night are not included in the price quote.
Drive hours: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunchStandard package is based at staying at Into Wild Africa Camp in the Serengeti, and Rhino Lodge in Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Luxury package is based on staying at Serengeti Semetu Tented Camp or Serengeti Serena Safari Camp Lion's Paw Tented Camp or Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge. .
Other options are available but may affect the safari price.Contact us for Current Pricing
info@gladysadventure.comINCLUDES:
Flight from Kilimanjaro/Arusha to Serengeti
Transport in a 4WD safari vehicle
All park fees
All government taxes
English speaking driver guide
Accommodation and meals as stated in the program
EXCLUDES:
Accommodations before or after the safari
International flights & visas
Travel insurances
Driver guide or local escort tips
Drinks and dining rooms tips
Personal travel and baggage
Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature
Optional side-trips mentioned and balloon safari option
Activities not mentioned in the program
Clients average giving a tip for the guide of $ 30 to $ 40 per day per group
Note: The price quoted is based on double occupancy. For odd numbers, one single occupancy has already been taken into account. By default we divide the total price evenly between all participants. If you wish, we can calculate separate prices for those with double occupancy and the person with single occupancy.
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Day 1: After breakfast, we collect you from your hotel and depart for Serengeti National Park. Along the way, we will pass through several small villages and it is a good opportunity to get a glimpse of typical rural life in Tanzania. We will be driving through Ngorongoro Conservation Area, but not through the crater itself. Once arriving in the Serengeti, we will proceed on a game drive before settling in at our overnight lodge/tented camp for relaxation, dinner and sleep.
Drive hrs: 8-10 hrs
Meals: picnic lunch and dinnerDay 2: After breakfast, we proceed on a full day game drive inside the Serengeti National Park. This is a huge park and we will see a small portion of it, but it will be evident why it is considered the premier safari destination in the world. We will pause to enjoy a picnic lunch then proceed for more game viewing. Late afternoon, we return back to the lodge/tented camp for relaxation, dinner and sleep.
Activity: full day game drive
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinnerDay 3: After breakfast, we enjoy a half day game drive exploring more of the Serengeti. During the afternoon, we work our way out of the park and enter Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It is prohibited to spend overnight inside of the crater so our accommodations will be above the crater near the crater rim. This is a cold location since there is some altitude (7,500 ft or 2286m). Even a knit cap and light gloves may feel welcome since it also tends to be windy. Relaxation, dinner and sleep at tented camp/lodge.
Drive hrs from Serengeti: 3-4 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinnerDay 4: After breakfast, we will descend into Ngorongoro Crater floor for game drive. The crater has a high concentration of animals and is one of the few safari destinations where all of the "Big 5" can be spotted within a few hours. The crater is not very large though, just 20km in diameter so in 4-5 hours all can be seen. Afterwards we will make our way back to Arusha/Moshi or Kilimanjaro Airport (You can arrive at the airport by 15:00).Accommodations are not inlcuded for this night in the price quote.
Drive hrs from the crater to Kilimanjaro Airport/Moshi: 4/5 hrs
Meals: Breakfast and box lunchStandard package is based on staying at Into Wild Africa Camp in the Serengeti and Rhino Lodge in Ngorongoro
Luxury package is based on staying at Serengeti Semetu Tented Camp or Serengeti Serena Safari Camp Lion's Paw Tented Camp or Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge or Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge. .
Other options are available but may affect the safari price.Contact us for Current Pricing
info@gladysadventure.comINCLUDES:
Transport in a 4WD safari vehicle
All park fees
All government taxes
English speaking driver guide
Accommodation and meals as stated in the program
EXCLUDES:
Accommodations before or after the safari
International flights & visas
Travel insurances
Driver guide or local escort tips
Drinks and dining rooms tips
Personal travel and baggage
Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature
Activities not mentioned in the program
Clients average giving a tip for the guide of $ 30 to $ 40 per day per group
Note: The price quoted is based on double occupancy. For odd numbers, one single occupancy has already been taken into account. By default we divide the total price evenly between all participants. If you wish, we can calculate separate prices for those with double occupancy and the person with single occupancy.
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Day 1: After breakfast, we collect you from your hotel and proceed to Tarangire National Park for a game drive. This park is especially known for the large amount of elephants and giraffe. Animals from the surrounding area congregate along the Tarangire River which winds its way through the park. The park has a large number of baobab trees and is quite scenic. In the evening we will go to our lodge/tented camp for dinner and overnight rest.
Drive hrs from Moshi: 3-4 hrs
Meals: picnic lunch and dinnerDay 2: After breakfast, we drive to Serengeti National Park. This drive takes us through Ngorongoro Conservation Area (but not through the crater). Once we arrive at the Serengeti, we proceed on a game drive until evening. Relaxation, dinner and overnight will be at lodge/tented camp.
Drive hrs: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinnerDay 3: After breakfast, we set out to explore of the Serengeti and view the wildlife. We continue viewing game while we make our way out of the park and back into Ngorongoro Conservation Area where we will have dinner and overnight at lodge/tented camp. Note: Overnights are not permitted inside of the crater. All accommodations are outside the crater, most are near the crater rim. This is a cold location since there is some altitude (7,500 ft or 2286m). Even a knit cap and light gloves may feel welcome since it also tends to be windy.
Drive hrs from Serengeti: 3-4 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner or brunch and dinnerDay 4: After breakfast, we will descend into Ngorongoro Crater.The concentration of animals in the crater and with the majestic crater walls it makes for great photographic opportunities. This is a superb destination but not very large, just 20 km in diameter so in half day, all will be seen. We then ascend out of the crater and make our way back to Moshi or Kilimanjaro Airport (You can arrive at the airport by 15:00).
Drive hrs from the crater to Kilimanjaro Airport/Moshi: 4-5 hrs
Meals: Breakfast and picnic lunchStandard package is based at staying at Tarangire Safari Lodge, Into Wild Africa Camp in the Serengeti and Rhino Lodge in Ngorongoro Conersation Area.
Luxury package is based on staying at Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge
Serengeti Semetu Tented Camp or Serengeti Serena Safari Camp Lion's Paw Tented Camp or Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge or Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge. .
Other options are available but may affect the safari price.Contact us for Current Pricing
info@gladysadventure.comINCLUDES:
Transport in a 4WD safari vehicle
All park fees
All government taxes
English speaking driver guide
Accommodation and meals as stated in the program
EXCLUDES:
Accommodations before or after the safari
International flights & visas
Travel insurances
Driver guide or local escort tips
Drinks and dining rooms tips
Personal travel and baggage
Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature
Activities not mentioned in the program
Clients average giving a tip for the guide of $ 30 to $ 40 per day per group
Note: The price quoted is based on double occupancy. For odd numbers, one single occupancy has already been taken into account. By default we divide the total price evenly between all participants. If you wish, we can calculate separate prices for those with double occupancy and the person with single occupancy.
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Day 1: After breakfast, we pick you up at your hotel and drive to Tarangire National Park. We will proceed on a game drive inside the park. This park is an exceptional park due to the fact that the only water source in the area is the Tarangire River which winds its way through the park. This causes many animals to gather in the area. There are large numbers of elephants and giraffe in the park and the scenery of the huge baobab trees is quite nice.
Drive hrs from Moshi:3-4 hrs
Meals: picnic lunch and dinnerDay 2: Morning game drive in Tarangire National Park. Afterwards we travel to the village of Mto wa Mbu for a walking culture tour. In the late afternoon we enter into Ngorongoro Conservation Area for overnight.
Drive hrs from Tarangire to Ngorongoro:2.5 -4hrs
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner or brunch and dinnerDay 3: After breakfast we will venture into the World Heritage Site of Ngorongoro Crater.This day we will have four to five hours game drive. This is sufficients since the size of the crater floor is only approximately 300 sq km. The density of the animals and the huge diversity makes this one of the premier safari destinations in the world. Afterwards we will ascend the crater floor making our way to Arusha/Moshi or Kilimanjaro Airport (YOu can arrive at the airport by 15:00).
Drive hrs from the Crater to Moshi: 5 hrs (4 hours to JRO)
Meals: Breakfast and picnic lunchStandard package is based at staying at Tarangire Safari Lodge and Rhino Lodge
Luxury package is based on staying at Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge
Lion's Paw Tented Camp or Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge or Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.
Other options are available but it may affect the safari price.Contact us for Current Pricing
info@gladysadventure.comINCLUDES:
Transport in a 4WD safari vehicle
All park fees
All government taxes
English speaking driver guide
Accommodation and meals as stated in the program
EXCLUDES:
Accommodations before or after the safari
International flights & visas
Travel insurances
Driver guide or local escort tips
Drinks and dining rooms tips
Personal travel and baggage
Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature
Activities not mentioned in the program
Clients average giving a tip for the guide of $ 30 to $ 40 per day per group
Note: The price quoted is based on double occupancy. For odd numbers, one single occupancy has already been taken into account. By default we divide the total price evenly between all participants. If you wish, we can calculate separate prices for those with double occupancy and the person with single occupancy.
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Day 1: After breakfast, we pick you up at your hotel and drive to Lake Manyara National Park. We will proceed on a game drive inside the park. This park is a beautiful park noted for its tree climbing lions, flamingoes and high number of bird species. Elephants, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and baboons are commonly seen here. In the later afternoon, we will then exit the park and drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) before their gates close at 6 pm. Note: This location tends to be cold and windy since there is a high elevation (7,500 ft/2,286 m).
Drive hrs from Moshi:3-4hrs
Drive hours Lake Manyara - NCA: 1 hour
Meals: picnic lunch and dinnerDay 2: After breakfast, we will venture into the World Heritage Site of Ngorongoro Crater. This is one of the premier safari destinations in the world with a high density of animals and a wide variety of species present. It is one of the few places where the “Big 5” might all be spotted within a few hours. But the crater is not very large, just 20km in diameter, so in 4 - 5 hours all will be seen. At that time we ascend out of the crater and drive back to Moshi or Kilimanjaro Airport (You can arrive at the airport by 15:00). Accommodations are not included in the price quote for this night.
Drive hrs: 4-5 hrs
Meals: Breakfast and picnic lunchStandard package is based at staying at Rhino Lodge
Luxury package is based on staying at Lion's Paw Tented Camp or Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge or Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.
Other options are available but it may affect the safari price.Contact us for Current Pricing
info@gladysadventure.comINCLUDES:
Transport in a 4WD safari vehicle
All park fees
All government taxes
English speaking driver guide
Accommodation and meals as stated in the program
EXCLUDES:
Accommodations before or after the safari
International flights & visas
Travel insurances
Driver guide or local escort tips
Drinks and dining rooms tips
Personal travel and baggage
Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature
Activities not mentioned in the program
Clients average giving a tip for the guide of $ 30 to $ 40 per day per group
Note: The price quoted is based on double occupancy. For odd numbers, one single occupancy has already been taken into account. By default we divide the total price evenly between all participants. If you wish, we can calculate separate prices for those with double occupancy and the person with single occupancy.
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Day 1: After breakfast at your hotel, we drive to Lake Manyara National Park. This park is along the Great Rift and features the shallow soda Lake Manyara, favored by flamingos. The park is home to over 300 bird species and also has huge numbers of baboon. It is also famed for its tree climbing lions who sleep mid-day among the branches of trees. There are also large many giraffe, elephant, antelope, cheetah, gazelle and even some python. We will bring a picnic lunch that we can enjoy. In the late afternoon, we head out for our evening’s dinner and overnight rest.
Drive hrs: 3-4 hrs
Meals : picnic lunch and dinnerDay 2: Very early morning wake up call as we go near Lake Eyasi to follow the Hadzabe tribe on a hunt. This is one of the last true hunter-gatherer tribes left in the world. Using bow and arrow they hunt for anything from mice to giraffe (with poison tipped arrow for large game). They are experts at foraging for edible roots and gathering wild honey. After the hunt, you can compare your archery skills with theirs and your ability to create fire without matches. Around noon time we depart to make our way to Moshi or Kilimanjaro Airport (We can arrive at the airport by 15:00.) Accommodations for this night are not included in the price quote.
Drive hrs: 4-5 hrs
Meals: BrunchTrip notes: The second day will involve physical activity moving through bush and forest. You will need to dress with appropriate shoes and we suggest wearing clothes that will minimize scrapes from branches and bushes. The Hadzabe will be on a hunt, so there likely will be killing of animals by bow and arrow.
Standard package is based at staying at Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge
Luxury package is based on staying at Ziwani Lodge
Other options are available but it may affect the safari price.Contact us for Current Pricing
info@gladysadventure@gmail.comINCLUDES:
Transport in a 4WD safari vehicle
All park fees
All government taxes
English speaking driver guide
Accommodation and meals as stated in the program
EXCLUDES:
Accommodations before or after the safari
International flights & visas
Travel insurances
Driver guide or local escort tips
Drinks and dining rooms tips
Personal travel and baggage
Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature
Activities not mentioned in the program
Clients average giving a tip for the guide of $ 30 to $ 40 per day per group
Note: The price quoted is based on double occupancy. For odd numbers, one single occupancy has already been taken into account. By default we divide the total price evenly between all participants. If you wish, we can calculate separate prices for those with double occupancy and the person with single occupancy.
Our Safari Vehicles
All our safari vehicles are Toyota Landcruisers equipped with custom pop-up safari viewing roof, charging ports for small electronics, a mini-fridge/cooler, and a food hamper which allows us to serve hot lunches during your game drives. We offer standard and extended body vehicles. The standard body will fit a maximum of 5 for game drives, all with window seats. The extended body vehicles can accommodate up to 7 clients. All our vehicles are well maintained and our guides are well experienced, safe drivers.
Tented Camps/Lodges
For all Gladys Adventure safaris we use lodges and tented camps for overnight accommodations. The term tented camp is sometimes confusing. The difference between a basic camping tent (which we never use) and what is used in a tented camp is completely different. In the tented camps, these will be high enough to easily stand inside, they will be room sized with lighting (either solar powered or generator operated during predetermined hours), will be fully furnished with bed frames and will be self contained. You can expect hot water for showers. The meals will be prepared not by Gladys Adventure but by their own chef and served in a communal dining tent. You can expect a communal bar/lounge. Some have swimming pools and entertainment at night. Some of these operate seasonally and move according to where the migration herds typically are at that time of the year.
There are many, many lodge and tented camp options. We have some where we have had very good response from our clients that we like to use. But we are in no way limited to certain accommodations. We can book any lodge/tented camp that you would like.
Standard Tented Camps
As an example of a standard tented camp, below are pictures of Into Wild Africa Camp in the Seronera portion of the Serengeti (central Serengeti).
Luxury Tented Camps
Luxury tented camps are difficult to remember that they are even tents. As an example. we are showing pictures of Lion's Paw Tented Camp in Ngorongoro Conservtion Area below.
Standard Lodges
For lodges, there are also a wide variety, ranging in prices from around $250/night to over $10,000/night! As an example that we have chosen to show for a mid range lodge is Rhino Lodge in Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Some pictures of this lodge are shown below
Luxury Lodges
The very top end lodges such as Four Seasons Serengeti we consider to be exclusive lodges and prices are available by request. Just below this though are what we catagorize as luxury lodges. As an example of this catagory we are showing pictures of Sopa Lodge Ngorongoro below.
We are able and willing to book any lodge or tented camp. We price our safaris as standard and luxury. But prices will be adjusted according to the accommodations selected. During your itinerary, you are not restricted to one catagory. You can mix standard and luxury options in the same itinerary. What type of accommodations you desire should be taken into consideration when planning your itinerary. There is very little use of luxury accommodations if your itinerary gets you to your accommodations in the evening and schedules you to depart at 6am the next morning.
For safaris during busy months (February, June, July, August, September) we recommend booking at least 4 months prior to secure the preferred accommodations. There is no deadline for booking but we will not secure accommodations until a deposit has been made. Typically the accommodations will hold a reservation for 10 days before a deposit needs to be made.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Tarangire National Park and Serengeti National Park offers balloon safaris. Your day will begin early, departing from your accommodations at approximately 5am to travel to the balloon launch site. After the balloon inflation and safety instructions are given, the balloon carrying between 12 - 16 passengers will launch for a flight lasting approximately one hour. At times hovering just a few meters off the ground to other times soaring very high. At the landing there is a sparkling wine celebration, and a full-table English breakfast (with more sparkling wine and fresh juices). The entire event will be finished by 10am after which you will proceed with the rest of your day's itinerary. Including a balloon safari in your itinerary adds $600/person to your itinerary price. We must make reservations for you in advance for your participation. There is no maximum age for "reasonably mobile" passengers. The minimum age is 7 years old (with some loopholes for 6 year olds based on height and ability to understand English). Passengers weighing more than 120kg (265lbs) may be charged an additional amount.