Accommodation: Osiligilai Maasai Lodge

Activities: Sunrise yoga; Game drive; MDWC visit; Traditional Maasai storytelling

Transit times: Short walk or drive from lodge

Welcome the sunrise over Mt. Kilimanjaro with some gentle sun salutations to start your trip. After breakfast, visit the social project Maasailand Development for Women and Children (MDWC) in Tinga Tinga. On your way, get your first glimpses of iconic East African wildlife! At MDWC, play with Maasai primary-school children and take part in the school activities. The children love having visitors, and their beautiful smiles will make this a memorable day. Afterwards, visit the local women’s group and see how they make traditional Maasai jewellery like necklaces and earrings etc. Return to the lodge by 5:30pm to watch a Maasai spear throwing competition. Can you beat the Maasai and hit the wooden lion target with the Maasai spear? As the sunsets, enjoy your first sundowners while watching the Maasai sundown dance. In the evening, gather around the fire for some traditional storytelling and a delicious dinner overlooking the savannah. You will learn about their way of life and countless traditions. Rest in your traditionally decorated bungalow to prepare for tomorrow’s exciting adventures!

Destination: Lake Manyara National Park

Accommodation: Kirurumu Manyara Lodge

Activities: Game drive; Ethno-botanical walk; Sunset yoga

Transit Times: Arusha to Lake Manyara – 2 hrs

Wake for an early breakfast at Osiligilai, before departing for Lake Manyara National Park, which lies at the base of the western wall of the eastern arm of the Great Rift Valley. Typically shimmering in a golden heat haze, the lake is often frosted with thousands of flamingos, while the trees that surround the lake are famous for their tree-climbing lions. The park also offers abundant sightings of monkeys, jackals, mongoose, hyenas, hyraxes, zebras, hippos, warthogs, buffalos, giraffes, duikers, waterbucks, and impalas. Significant numbers of elephants are also resident in the park, while sightings of black rhino and leopard are not uncommon. Before lunch, check into Kirurumu Manyara Lodge, set high on the edge of the Great Rift Valley where guests enjoy a marvelous panoramic view eastward over Lake Manyara, the Rift floor and Mt. Losimingori. Behind Kirurumu, the Ngorongoro Highlands rise in green and fertile splendor and form the gateway to Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge, and the Serengeti. After settling in and meeting camp staff, a member of one of the nearby Maasai villages, with whom Kirurumu enjoys fruitful relationships and supports through community-based tourism, will take us on an ethno-botanical walk where we will find herbs and plants used in traditional Maasai medicine, daily life, and rituals while learning more about Maasai culture from your guide. Towards sunset, we’ll return to camp and enjoy the melting sunset overlooking Lake Manyara and The Great Rift Valley from the sundeck (perfect for yoga!) before feasting in the open air dining room. After dinner, enjoy a performance by members of the nearby community of traditional dance and song, including the famous Adumu! Retreat to your tented room and sleep soundly to the night chorus of crickets, cicadas, tree frogs, and the occasional soulful call of a hyena and other passing wildlife.

Destination: Lake Natron 

Accommodations: Lake Natron Camp 

Activities: Game drive; Swimming; Yoga

Transit Times: Lake Manyara to Lake Natron – 3.5 hrs

Let the morning birds and the smell of fresh local coffee gently rouse you out of your slumber. After an early breakfast, drive about 3.5 hours north toward Lake Natron. Sitting below Ol Doinyo Lengai, Tanzania’s only active Volcano, Lake Natron is a mineral-rich alkaline lake in the middle of Maasailand, straddling the border of Tanzania and Kenya. It is fed by the Ewaso Ng’iro River and natural hot springs and reaches alkalinity levels greater than a pH of 12. The lake’s characteristic crimson hue is due to the microorganisms that thrive in such conditions, providing food for the 2.5 million lesser flamingo of the East African region that breed only at this site, making it essential to the survival of the species. At the southern foot of this lake and stunning, otherworldly landscape lies Lake Natron Camp, a low-footprint eco-camp with impactful community involvement featuring 10 luxury Bedouin-style tents that blend into the natural surroundings, a perfect base for a relaxing and intriguing series of adventures. Check in, unwind, and enjoy a dip in the clear natural pools that lie right in front of the tents. Squeeze in some evening yoga before dinner to stretch away the day’s travels. Enjoy sleep in the quietude of this desolate landscape.

Destination: Lake Natron

Accommodations: Lake Natron Camp 

Activities: Sunrise yoga; Give Back/Voluntourism visit to Ngare Sero School and Village; Flamingo Walk 

Transit Times: Short walk or drive from camp

Greet the day with a sunrise yoga practice before enjoying a delicious breakfast. Afterwards, drive a few minutes to the neighboring Maasai village of Engare Sero (meaning “dappled water” in the Maa language), which gets its name from the river flowing out of the escarpment through a spectacular gorge that is both arid and lush. Upon arrival, visit their primary school, where Adumu Safaris “Generous Giving” fund is being put towards the Destiny Foundation’s food security program. As with other stops on this grand tour, you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with Maasai living their lives as normal, striking up interesting conversations, forging memorable connections, and contributing to your growing knowledge of Maasailand and its people. These visits are not staged, so who knows what you will learn and discover! Return in the early evening for a sunset walk to the lake from camp to see the thousands of flamingo who flock there. Walk back and enjoy a sundowner on the stream bank looking out toward Lengai and stroll to the dining tent for a lovely dinner. Sleep soundly in the peace and quiet of your tent.

Destination: Pastoral Women’s Council; Serengeti National Park

Accommodations: Nimali Camp

Activities: Pastoral Women’s Council visit; Game drive; massage (optional); Sunset yoga

Transit Times: Lake Natron to Serengeti – 5 hrs

Today, have an early breakfast to get a head start on the long, but scenic drive to the iconic Serengeti National Park via a stop at the Pastoral Women’s Council (PWC) in Loliondo to learn about their work. The PWC strives to improve education quality, access, and retention for Maasai girls; empower Maasai women through economic self-determination; and educate Maasai women and their legal and human rights to empower them to participate in community decision-making. Arrive at beautiful Nimali Camp in the heart of the Serengeti plains. Built close to Makoma Hill, this luxury tented camp is hidden away offering a sense of seclusion in this part of the National Park. Makoma Hill is well known for its vast herds of buffalo and elephants, giraffe and of course many predators including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Numerous small hills and kopjes dot the landscape where lions are often found warming themselves on the smooth rocks. Check-in to your spacious and inviting room furnished with natural woods and lush Persian carpets with large, comfortable beds and a private verandah perfect for private dining or an in-house spa treatment. As the sun sets, complete a truly special yoga practice in one of the most unique and celebrated landscapes in the world. Enjoy a local farm to table dinner under the broad canopy of a large acacia tree with lanterns hanging from every branch and chairs surrounding an open fire where flames dance to the stories of the night. Here, guests are immersed in nature and have the unforgettable experience of being under canvas in the middle of this vast wilderness as the sun begins to slip over the horizon and the stars start to make their mark in the night sky.

Accommodations: Nimali Camp

Activities: Balloon Safari (optional); Classic game drive; Yoga

Transit Times: Leisurely game drives throughout the day

For a truly spectacular sunrise, opt for a hot air balloon safari to watch wildlife while gliding above the unique savannah landscape. One of the world’s most iconic wildlife conservation areas, Serengeti National Park, a World Heritage Site, is a “must see” on your Tanzania safari. Totaling 14,763 sq km in area, the park is appropriately named after the Maasai work for “endless plains”. Given the vast terrain, weather patterns, and migratory patterns of the innumerable species, many animals of the Serengeti are constantly on the move. No two balloon safaris are ever alike! Touching back down on the ground, you will be treated to a hot bush breakfast. Spend the rest of the day exploring deep into the Serengeti on a traditional game drive. Being a little closer to the ground means you are certain to get up close and personal with the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and cape buffalo) and hosts of other iconic and hidden-gem species. Depending on your preference, a yoga practice can be enjoyed either before or after your game drive. Return to Nimali for another delicious farm to table dinner and sleep to the nighttime calls of wildlife outside your tent.

Destination: Serengeti National Park

Accommodations: Nimali Camp

Activities: Yoga; Walking safari; Night game drive (optional)

Transit Times: Leisurely game drives throughout the day

Spend another day in the breathtaking Serengeti, but this time on foot! After a leisurely morning yoga practice and fresh local breakfast, head out to see what the day has to offer. The birds of the Serengeti are just as spectacular and varied as the larger animals

Walking safari—there are several types of eagles and vultures, ostrich, secretary birds, kori bustards, hornbills, guinea fowl, as well as a host of smaller birds. There have been almost 500 species of birds recorded in the park, including several that migrate from Europe and Asia in the winter months. After dinner, you have the option to take a night game drive in the park and see how the animals behave after dusk. This is a wonderful opportunity to witness the predatory action of lion prides and other predators! Return to camp for your last sundowners in the Serengeti and enjoy another restful night of sleep.

Destination: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodations: Plantation Lodge

Activities: Game drive; Yoga

Transit Times: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater, 2 hrs

Depart camp early for an early morning game drive as you leave the Serengeti en route to Ngorongoro Crater. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a rare protected area where people (the Maasai) and wild animals coexist in harmony. A large permanent concentration of wild animals can be found in the huge and perfect crater. Ngorongoro is technically a caldera, the largest sunken ancient caldera in the world. Estimated three million years old, the once-volcanic Ngorongoro is now considered one of “Africa’s eighty wonders”. Also known as the “Garden of Eden”, the crater floor is a natural safe haven for thousands of animals such as wildebeest, more than two hundred lion prides, zebras, elephants, hippos, hyenas, Thomson gazelles, African buffalo, crocodiles, ostriches, and many species of birds, not to mention that this is one of the best places to spot an endangered Rhinoceros. Check into the Plantation Lodge and choose to relax by the pool, do yoga in the gardens, or by enjoying a sundowner on the bar’s terrace. To end the day, enjoy a truly indulgent, multi-course farm to table meal with the option to select from the lodge’s extensive wine list. Sleep soundly to the sounds of birds in the garden in your stylish and secluded suite.

DAY 10 | ARUSHA – PEMBA

Destination: Arusha airport, Pemba Island

Accomodations: The Manta Resort

Activities: Yoga; Transfer to the coast; Massage (optional)

Transit Times: Transfer to Zanzibar – 1.5 hrs; Zanzibar to Pemba – 30 mins; Airport to Resort 1.5 hrs

Enjoy a leisurely morning at Plantation lodge, fitting in some yoga before heading to Arusha to catch your flight to Pemba Island. Pemba Island, part of the Zanzibar archipelago, has been separated from the mainland of Tanzania and Zanzibar for centuries, leaving an untouched and pristine island of great beauty and fertility. The mosaic of forests, swamps, mangroves, hidden beaches, and lagoons is scattered with the ruins of mosques and tombs dating back to the 17th century. Arrive at The Manta Resort around 16:00h and enter a completely different world–sunshine, sweet-smelling air, natural food, and friendly company to care for you and yours. Folded into the edge of a primitive forest and overlooking the purest turquoise waters you’ve ever seen, the Manta Resort features unspoiled coral reefs fringed by snow white, delicately soft sand on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. In this remote island hideaway, you can relax and experience the simplicity of a naturally evolved traditional Swahili island culture–and timeless peace and quiet. Perhaps, treat yourself to a massage, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or enjoy another yoga session before indulging in the unique cuisine of the spice islands for dinner. Settle into your garden room featuring local materials and traditional decor with contemporary comfort. Relax privately on your garden balcony or watch the sunset from the lounge where you can learn the traditional game of Bao from the staff!

DAY 11 | PEMBA

Destination: Kwanini Foundation

Accommodations: The Manta Resort

Activities: Pemba Island tour; Kwanini Foundation service visit; yoga

Transit times: Within walking distance of the Resort

After some sunrise yoga practice and an early breakfast, take off on a full-day exploration of Pemba Island. Pick and choose from visiting the ancient Ngezi rainforest to spot local flora and fauna, touring a local spice farm, getting to know the community by visiting a local school! Link up with The Manta Resort’s partners at the Kwanini Foundation which focuses on conservation and community development in Pemba. Learn about the freshwater shortage on Pemba, reef restoration efforts, the sustainable waste disposal project, and how you can sponsor the Kwanini Foundation’s endeavors! You can also contribute by participating in a beach cleanup with local community members and/or volunteer to participate in a citizen science project during your morning snorkel tomorrow. Return to The Manta Resort for specialty sundowners made from the freshest handpicked island mango, lime, pineapple, and coconuts. Do some evening yoga to melt away the day’s exertions before returning to your room to sleep to the sound of gentle ocean waves crashing into the sandy shores of this island paradise.

Destination: Sandbank

Accommodations: The Manta Resort

Activities: Snorkeling (optional); Sandbank picnic and yoga; Ngalawa sailing

Transit times: Leisurely sailing throughout the day

If you’re a true early riser, head out for a morning snorkel when the waters are clearest! You will be taken out with an expert guide to the Manta Resort’s house reef within the Kwanini Conservation Area located directly in front of the resort. Hundreds of species of colorful marine life and crystal clear tropical waters make this a must for all nature lovers. Return to the resort for a breakfast including fresh fruit and Tanzanian coffee. At low tide (confirm time with resort management), take a short boat ride to protruding sandbanks of pure white coral sand – the perfect canvas for group yoga followed by a picnic. Surrounded by azure blue waters, this is sure to be one of the most stunning yoga spots you’ll ever experience! With your free time, take advantage of your last day in paradise by taking a dip in the pool to cool off or relaxing on the beach to catch an ocean breeze. Cap off your trip with an evening cruise on a Ngalawa, a traditional fishing vessel, with local fisherman Captain Ali and celebrate a fantastic Tanzanian adventure with a bottle of bubbly!

Destination: Dar es Salaam; International Departure

Activities: Morning free time; International departure home

Transit Times: Drive to Pemba Airport, 1.5 hrs; Flight to ZNZ, 30 mins; Flight to DAR, 30 mins

Depending on the time of your international flight, leave in the morning or after lunch to fly to Dar es Salaam and connect to your international flight home. Kwaheri!

To reserve this trip we require $500 per person. The remainder is due 59 days before departure. All major credit cards and PayPal are accepted. We will send a secure payment link when you are ready to confirm this trip.

Please note that we offer these variations to demonstrate some of the ways that we can modify an itinerary to suit your preferences (destinations, activities, level of luxury, type of accommodations, length of stay, budget, etc.). If none of these options looks best for your group, we are more than happy to gather more information from you and customize the perfect trip. You can call us at +1 530 574 9519 or email us at to discuss this itinerary or others on our website.

Karibu Africa!
The Adumu Safaris Team