T R AV E L E R F AV O R I T E
O N SA FA R I : TA N Z A N I A’ S G R E AT M I G R AT I O N
• 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.
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
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 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
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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
Clockwise from above: Travelers follow migrating wildebeests in the Serengeti; Maasai youths take part in a traditional jumping contest; a male lion rests in the grasslands; a copper sunset sets off a lone tree in the wilds of Tanzania.
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