Northern Tanzania Excursions

Local Village Visits

N’GIRESI VILLAGE VISIT (NEAR ARUSHA), 3 HOURS EXCLUDES LUNCH

Travel into the foothills of Mount Meru and visit a local village of the Wa Arusha tribe. The Wa Arusha, cousins of the Maasai, took roots and unlike the Maasai, are a farming community. Their crops include coffee and bananas and the visit to this community includes a visit to local homes, a church and school. You also have a chance to see some of the farming techniques and perhaps sample mbege, a local beer made from millet and bananas. The excursion includes transfers from your Arusha area lodge or hotel.

OLPOPONGI MAASAI VILLAGE VISIT (NEAR ARUSHA)
FULL DAY – INCLUDES LUNCH 

Transfer to the village and share the day experiencing the life of the traditional Maasai people. Your activities include a village tour, lesson on hunting techniques, demonstration of traditional medicine and bush walk in the Maasai land of the village. A traditional lunch is served. The excursion includes transfers from your Arusha area lodge or hotel.

RIFT VALLEY TOUR (MTO WA MBU NEAR LAKE MANYARA)
4 HOURS – EXCLUDES LUNCH

The guided walk leads visitors up a spectacular ravine, which pierces the escarpment close to the lodge. Featuring a plunging river, cool forest, spectacular views and extraordinary bird life. Transfer from Lake Manyara area lodge.

CULTURAL WALK (MTO WA MBU NEAR LAKE MANYARA)
3 HOURS – EXCLUDES LUNCH

Enjoy a guided tour of this interesting village where a number of tribes call home. Visits include local homes, farmlands, resident bars, a school and a church. Depending on time requirements, the guided tour may be before lunch. Transfer from Lake Manyara area lodge.

IRAQW VILLAGE TOUR (KARATU)
2 HOURS – EXCLUDES LUNCH

The collapse of the volcano that created Ngorongoro Crater more than 25 million years ago, sent a massive plume of ash that has fostered a rich farmland in the foothills of the crater. It is here, in the village of Karatu, that some of the finest coffee is grown. A nature walk through the farmlands provides an opportunity to view more than 100 species of birds as well as beautiful flowers and gives an insight into the fascinating Iraqw people. Includes transfers from your Karatu area lodge.

HADZABE AND DATOGA BUSHMEN (LAKE EYASI)
FULL DAY – PICNIC LUNCH

Morning drive from your lodge to Lake Eyasi. Observe the activities of these remarkable tribesmen who have maintained their hunter/gatherer traditions for dozens of generations. After your picnic lunch, you view the shores of the lake, visit an onion farm and return to your lodge by dinner. Transfers from Karatu or Lake Manyara area lodge.

MAASAI VILLAGE VISIT (NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA)
2 HOURS – EXCLUDES LUNCH

Morning drive from your lodge to Lake Eyasi. Observe the activities of these remarkable tribesmen who have maintained their hunter/gatherer traditions for dozens of generations. After your picnic lunch, you view the shores of the lake, visit an onion farm and return to your lodge by dinner. Transfers from Karatu or Lake Manyara area lodge.

Children’s Centre Visits

ABOUT CHILDREN’S CENTRE VISITS

We often have requests to stop at a local school. As school timings may not fit the safari itinerary, we suggest a visit to a local children’s centre catering to disadvantaged Tanzanian children. Prime Safaris supports several facilities and disadvantaged youngsters and is happy to help arrange a visit.

HALF DAY DEPARTING AFTERNOONS FROM ARUSHA

Travel to the village of Usa River and spend some time at this children’s centre, home to boys and girls ranging from 3 years up to 14 years old. Visit includes a donation to the centre. Transfers from Arusha area lodges and hotels.

HALF DAY DEPARTING AFTERNOONS FROM KARATU

Travel to the village of Usa River and spend some time at this children’s centre, home to boys and girls ranging from 3 years up to 14 years old. Visit includes a donation to the centre. Transfers from Karatu area lodges.

Lake Manyara by Night

NIGHT GAME DRIVE IN LAKE MANYARA PARK, 3 HOURS

After an early dinner at the lodge, transfer to the park in the late afternoon and game drive through the sunset hours. Experience the changes of the park as the nocturnal animals become active. Return to your Lake Manyara area lodge.

Meserani Snake Park

FROM ARUSHA – 3.5 HOURS – INCLUDES LUNCH
EN ROUTE FROM NATIONAL PARKS – 2 HOURS – INCLUDES LUNCH

Spend some time viewing and learning more about Africa’s most feared creatures with scores of species kept in habitats representing their normal environment. Enjoy a light lunch or snack at the garden restaurant at the snake park. Available as a day trip from Arusha or en route between the northern parks and Arusha.

Scenic Flights

ONE HOUR FROM ARUSHA OR SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

You transfer to the nearest airport or airstrip. You are assisted onto your light aircraft by your pilot for a one hour scenic flight. Travellers departing from Arusha will fly along the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru providing spectacular views of both volcanic mountains (weather conditions permitting). If travelling in Serengeti National Park, you seek out the great migration and get a true picture of the diversity of the park.

Day Hike on Mount Kilimanjaro

FULL DAY DEPARTING EARLY MORNING – PICNIC LUNCH

Depart your Arusha or Moshi area hotel and transfer to the park gate. Spend about 2 hours hiking on the mountain until you reach a viewpoint. After a break and picnic lunch, you begin your descent back to the park gate. Transfer back to your Moshi or Arusha area hotel or lodge.