On Safari: Tanzania’s Great Migration

TRAVELER FAVORITE

9 DAYS FROM $9,695

• Meet Dr. Louise Leakey or Dr. Fidelis Masao for a tour of the fossil-rich Olduvai Gorge. • Travel alongside a wildlife biologist, who will interpret the flora and fauna we encounter. • Learn firsthand about Maasai culture during a private village visit.

Signature Land Light

DAYS 1–2 I ARUSHA, TANZANIA/LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK Arrive in Arusha and transfer to our hotel. The next day, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its elephants, hippos, giraffes, flamingos, and tree-climbing lions. Set out on our first safari to discover East Africa’s legendary wildlife. Rivertrees Country Inn; Plantation Lodge Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D DAY 3 I LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK On a morning game drive, observe the wildlife that congregates on the shores of Lake Manyara. Later, hike to an area coffee plantation. Plantation Lodge | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 4 I NGORONGORO CRATER Travel to the Ngorongoro Highlands to meet with Maasai community members. Far from the tourist circuit, enjoy a rare opportunity to view traditional singing and dancing, witness an initiation ritual, and learn about this fascinating culture from the village chief and his wives. Descend 2,000 feet to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, where volcanic slopes shelter more than 25,000 animals. Observe the interactions between predator and prey; spot colorful birdlife; and track elephants, rare black rhinos, cheetahs, and more. Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 5 I NGORONGORO CRATER Return to the crater floor for breakfast and a morning safari, followed by an afternoon to relax. Tonight, National Geographic Explorerat-Large Louise Leakey or Dr. Fidelis Masao, co-director of the Olduvai Landscape Paleoarchaeology Project, joins us for dinner and a discussion about the groundbreaking paleontological finds in the region. Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 6 I OLDUVAI GORGE/SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK Drive to the Olduvai Gorge, where, on a National Geographic–sponsored expedition in 1960, Louis and Mary Leakey discovered Homo habilis—one of the earliest members of the human genus. This morning, Dr. Leakey (the Leakeys’granddaughter) or Dr. Masao will discuss the family’s legacy and ongoing work at Olduvai Gorge. Then take a private tour of the site, or accompany Dr. Masao on a walk through the area where much of his life’s research has been conducted. Later, look for wildlife while driving to our lodge in the southern Serengeti. Serengeti Sopa Lodge | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAYS 7–8 I SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK Rise early for an optional hot-air balloon safari or a morning game drive before flying to the northern Serengeti. With luck, we will witness the dramatic river crossings of the wildebeest migration. Great herds of wildebeests and zebras eye predators warily as crocodile snouts break the surface of the Mara River. Take in the region’s spectacular array of wildlife on morning

and afternoon game drives. On our last evening, gather for a candlelit farewell dinner in the bush. Sayari Camp | Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D

DAY 9 I SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK/ ARUSHA After a final early morning safari, fly back to Arusha. Relax in dayrooms at our hotel before connecting with your flight home. Rivertrees Country Inn | Meals: 1B, 1L

A lilac-breasted roller shows off its palette of pastels. MIGRATION SEASONS IN THE SERENGETI

In order to provide travelers with the best opportunity to witness the wildebeest migration, the Serengeti portion of the itinerary differs by season. The itinerary shown describes the July through October departures, when the wildebeests are in the northern Serengeti.

On the December through February departures, when the migration moves south, we’ll set out for the southeastern border of the Serengeti on Day 7. For the evenings of Days 6, 7, and 8, we’ll stay at Lake Masek Tented Camp. Here, we will go on morning and afternoon game drives and take an off-track safari in the Ndutu area. See our website for details. A National Geographic Expert, Expedition Leader, and local guides will accompany this trip.

Laly Lichtenfeld Conservationist

Tanzania-based National Geographic Explorer Laly Lichtenfeld co-founded African People & Wildlife and established the Noloholo Environmental Center. National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative has supported her work to protect predators in partnership with rural people. Find the departure(s) Laly will join on our website.

INFORMATION

Dates: This expedition is offered from December through February and from July through October. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. Internal flights are an additional $500–$800 per person. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

Photography Expeditions: Several of our departures are designated photography expeditions, designed for all skill levels and led by a National Geographic photographer.

Visit website for complete details and dates.