Cradle of Mankind – A Tanzania Safari

Game drive in Tanzania This landcruiser safari includes a private tour at Olduvai Gorge that was made famous by Mary Leakey. She discovered fossil fragments of one of the ancestors of Homo Sapiens and thus established Tanzania as the ‘cradle of mankind’. The fossils have been dated back to 3.5 million years, which pushed the dawn of mankind much further back than previously supposed. There is a museum at the gorge, which has a number of archaeological findings. Your guide will arrange for you to descend into the gorge itself and view the actual sites of the digs and also the current dig findings in the gorge.

Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Arusha/Kilimanjaro (D)
Meet and greet and private transfer to your lodge. Arusha Accommodation: Coffee Lodge

Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire (B,L,D)
This morning travel by 4WD Land Cruiser southwest to Tarangire National Park. This afternoon enjoy a game drive by 4WD vehicle. Accommodation: Swala

Day 3: Tarangire National Park (B,L,D)
Today you will enjoy a full day on safari with morning and afternoon game drives by 4WD Land Cruiser. This park is famous for its large herds of elephants, with viewing at its best from July to October when the elephants migrate through the park in search of water. During your stay you will have the opportunity to visit the Gijedabung Primary School. Accommodation: Swala

Day 4: Tarangire National Park – Ngorongoro Crater (B,L,D)
Today travel to Ngorongoro Conservation area, stopping for lunch at Gibb’s Farm enroute to your lodge. Accommodation: Ngorongoro Manor

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater (B,L,D)
Descend into this vast extinct volcano whose towering walls are a natural enclosure for a dazzling abundance of wildlife. See wildebeest, zebra, buffalo and gazelle on the plains, waterbuck, bushbuck and eland in the forest, a healthy elephant population, black rhino, lion, leopard, hippo and flamingo. A picnic lunch is included during your day in the crater. Accommodation: Ngorongoro Manor

Day 6: Ngorongoro – Olduvai Gorge – Serengeti National Park (B,L,D)
Continue further north-west to the Serengeti National Park stopping en route at Olduvai Gorge, commonly referred to as the ‘Cradle of Mankind’. It was here in 1959 that Mary and Louis Leakey uncovered a 1.8 million year old hominid skull. Descend with your guide into the gorge to observe the dig sites and witness current works. From the gorge drive to the shifting sands, a mound of black volcanic ash that has been pushed by the prevailing winds. Your game adventure resumes as you leave behind the volcanic plains and drive into the vast wilderness of the world famous Serengeti National Park. Accommodation: Kusini

Day 7: Serengeti National Park (B,L,D)
A full day in the Serengeti with morning and afternoon or full day game drives by 4WD vehicle. With an expert safari guide, explore the south central plains and many kopjes (rocky outcrops) in search of predators and other plains game. The Serengeti plays host to a wonderful spectacle each year - the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra that follow the rains in their continual search for grass and water (seasonal)- an unforgettable experience for even the most seasoned African traveller! Accommodation: Kusini

Day 8: Serengeti – Arusha/Kilimanjaro (B,L)
A flight returns you to Arusha or Kilimanjaro where your safari ends.

Prices and departures may vary please contact your Concierge Traveller Advisor for more information.