Tanzania

Where the Wild Things Are: Tanzania With Your Family

Program No. 22428RJ
Learn why Tanzania is the best place for animal lovers as you and your family search for big cats on safaris, while also meeting local children to get an inside look into this country.

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At a Glance

Journey to a land where elephants roam free and lions snooze in the afternoon sun. On expert-led game drives through humongous national parks and reserves, search for leopards, rhinos, elephants and cheetahs with the locals that know their favorite hangouts. When you’re not searching for wildlife with your family, get to know the villagers at a local school to learn what a typical day is like – minus the homework! – and make some new friends. When the day is done, huddle in close with your family at the campfire to hear wild animal tales as you create lifelong memories in Tanzania together.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Transportation in 4x4 safari vehicles, with pop-tops, on unpaved roads. Outside game parks, travel on paved roads.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Keep your eyes peeled for lions as you explore Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks during game drives with expert naturalists.
  • Play soccer with local children and follow along as they show you inside their daily lives at school and at home.
  • Let the locals teach you a thing or two as you try your hand at Tinga Tinga painting and making tasty chapattis – a special bread.

General Notes

For three generations (grandchildren ages 9 & up). Children ages 15 and under get a discount at national parks and other sites in Tanzania. This discount is already reflected in the shown program price. A copy of the child participant's passport identification page must be faxed or emailed to the Program Coordinator upon enrollment so that it can be used as proof of age.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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13 days
12 nights
30 meals
10 B 10 L 10 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
DAY
2
Arrive to Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Arusha
Arusha
Under The Shade Safari Lodge

Activity note: Kilimanjaro International Airport to the Arusha hotel is approximately 25 miles; about 1 hour. Check in from 3:00 p.m. See your program's "Getting There" information regarding transfers.

Evening: Upon arriving at the lodge, we will check in and get our room assignments. Our Group Leader will be on hand to provide assistance as needed. The rest of the evening will be at leisure so we can get a good night's rest in preparation for the day ahead.

DAY
3
Orientation, Arusha National Park
Arusha
B,L,D
Under The Shade Safari Lodge

Activity note: From the hotel to Arusha National Park is approximately 30 miles; about 1 hour. The slow paced, 2-hour walk in Arusha National Park will include walking on unpaved trails over mostly flat terrain. Some uneven, rocky stretches and potentially muddy areas should be expected.

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: Orientation: 8 a.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. This is a Road Scholar Family program. Adults are responsible for their minor children. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Minors are never to be left unsupervised. Meals on our program feature local and international cuisine. In many cases, they will be plated and served set meals; in others, we will have buffets with multiple options. Beverages include coffee, tea, water; other beverages are usually available for purchase. The transportation used throughout our program for transfers and game drives will be provided by four-wheel drive safari vans with pop-tops. Driving distances and times noted in your program itinerary are estimates. Actual driving times might vary depending on local traffic, road conditions and weather. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Following our orientation, we will learn about Tanzania's history, economy and people during a presentation given by a local expert. Next, we will board our safari vehicles and transfer to Arusha National Park, arriving in time for lunch.

Lunch: Picnic lunch at Arusha National Park.

Afternoon: At Arusha National Park, we will accompany a park ranger on a nature walk on local trails. During our explorations we hope to get close-up views of local wildlife in their natural habitat. Some animals we might be lucky to spot include giraffes, zebras, baboons, buffalo and warthogs. Then we'll return to the lodge with free time to relax, take a dip in the pool and recharge our batteries.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
Shanga Beads Project, Maasai Village
Tarangire National Park
B,L,D
Tarangire Osupuko Lodge

Activity note: From Arusha to Tarangire National Park is approximately 100 miles; about 3.5 hours.

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: After checking out of the lodge and loading our safari vehicles, we will begin our drive to Tarangire. Along the way, we will make a brief stop at a local market in Arusha. We will purchase food items that we will gift later on to a Maasai community during a visit to their village. Next, we will stop at Shanga--a project in Arusha that trains and employs locals with various disabilities in the production of jewelry and crafts. A member of the project will walk us through the gallery and share the inspirational story behind the creation and success of Shanga. We'll continue our drive to Tarangire, arriving at the lodge in time for lunch.

Lunch: At the lodge.

Afternoon: Check in and room assignments followed by free time to rest and relax at the lodge. Late in the afternoon we will transfer in safari vehicles to a local Maasai village. The food we purchased at the market in Arusha will be donated to the village. Our Group Leader will help introduce us to members of the community and we will learn about Maasai culture and their way of life. Return to the lodge. A pre-dinner talk by a local expert will focus on Tarangire's large population of elephants in preparation for our activities in the park.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
5
Game Drives in Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
B,L,D
Tarangire Osupuko Lodge

Activity note: Full day of safari game drives; breaks for lunch and bathroom use. Participants with lower back issues might consider bringing a small lumbar pillow or a back brace/belt for extra support during off-road drives. A "buff" or face mask can offer added protection from dust during game drives in the drier seasons.

Breakfast: Early, at the lodge.

Morning: We will board our safari vehicles and drive into Tarangire National Park for a day of safari game drives in search of local wildlife. The Tarangire River snakes through the national park that bears its name. Wildlife travel long distances; drawn to the area's only permanent river. The 1,096 square miles of protected lands are home to a large variety of game such as: wildebeests, elephants, zebras, gazelles, elands, gerenuks, lions and leopards. Extensive grasslands, dusted with the occasional acacia or baobab tree, provide the optimum conditions for viewing wild animals.

Lunch: Box lunch in the park.

Afternoon: We'll resume our game drives in Tarangire, looking for resident wildlife. Mid-afternoon return to the lodge, followed by free time.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
6
Mto wa Mbu Village, Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro
B,L,D
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Activity note: From Tarangire to Mto wa Mbu is approximately 66 miles; about 2 hours. Mto wa Mbu to Ngorongoro Crater is approximately 40 miles; about 1.5 hours.

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: After check out, we will begin our transfer to the Ngorongoro Crater via Mto wa Mbu Village. At Mto wa Mbu Village, we will participate in a painting workshop with a local artist. We will learn the origin of the colorful Tanzanian paintings called Tinga Tinga (also Tingatinga) and how they are made. Then we'll give free rein to creativity as we create our own Tinga Tinga masterpieces.

Lunch: At Mto wa Mbu Village, we will learn how to make chapattis (a flat bread that resembles a flour tortilla) and then enjoy a traditional meal with members of the community.

Afternoon: We'll continue our transfer to Ngorongoro, making a stop at a lookout point to enjoy a panoramic view of the Great Rift Valley. The Great Rift Valley is a wide valley that extends from Syria in Western Asia, then down through East Africa, all the way to Mozambique in Southern Africa. This incredible geological feature is the result of a break and shift in layered segments of the planet’s crust (called tectonic plates). The separation of two plates pulling in opposite directions led to the creation of a deep valley dotted with lakes and edged by mountains and volcanoes. Once we arrive at our camp we will check in and settle into our tents. Next we will meet our Group Leader for a brief orientation of next day's activities.

Dinner: At the camp.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
7
Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater, Transfer to Serengeti
Central Serengeti
B,L,D
Semipermanent Tented Camp - Central Serengeti

Activity note: From Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti is approximately 109 miles; about 3 hours. We’ll climb into 4x4 vehicles for our descent into the crater and a full morning game drive amid one of the most extraordinary concentrations of wildlife on earth. Viewing animals from such relatively close range, with the wall of the crater as backdrop, provides opportunities for incredible photos.

Breakfast: Early, at the camp.

Morning: After check out, we will begin our descent into the Ngorongoro Crater in preparation for a full morning game drive among one of the most unique concentrations of wildlife on earth. Ngorongoro Crater is the star attraction in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area (5,152 sq miles); a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The massive volcanic crater occupies an area of approximately 186.41 sq miles and is 1,968 feet deep. Vast grasslands cover most of the crater floor and provide ample grazing for resident zebras, gazelles, wildebeest, elephants, warthogs and rhinos. With such a large number of prey species contained within the crater, it is not surprising that Ngorongoro is also home to a dense population of lions. As the morning comes to a close we will drive out of the crater and begin our transfer to the Serengeti.

Lunch: Picnic-style lunch en route.

Afternoon: We'll continue our transfer to Central Serengeti, enjoying wildlife viewing along the way. We’ll check in upon arrival at the camp with time to freshen up relax before joining our Group Leader for an overview of next day's activities.

Dinner: At the camp.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
8
Game Drives in Central Serengeti
Central Serengeti
B,L,D
Semipermanent Tented Camp - Central Serengeti

Activity note: Full day of safari game drives; breaks for lunch and bathroom use.

Breakfast: Early, at the camp.

Morning: After breakfast, we will begin our first game drive of the day in the Serengeti. Wildlife viewing is usually best early in the morning, when animals take advantage of the cooler temperatures to hunt and forage.

Lunch: Picnic-style lunch in the Serengeti.

Afternoon: Continue with game drives in the Serengeti. Late in the afternoon we will return to the camp and freshen up before dinner.

Dinner: At the camp.

Evening: We’ll join our Group Leader around the campfire for a talk about wildebeests and their adaptation mechanisms.

DAY
9
Game Drives in Central Serengeti
Central Serengeti
B,L,D
Semipermanent Tented Camp - Central Serengeti

Breakfast: Early, at the camp.

Morning: After breakfast, we will board our safari vehicles and begin our game drive in the Serengeti.

Lunch: In the Serengeti, picnic-style.

Afternoon: Transfer to the Serengeti National Park Headquarters, enjoying some game viewing en route. At the headquarters, a park ranger will talk to us about the role of rangers and other staff in monitoring and protecting the wildlife in the Serengeti National Park. Return to camp.

Dinner: At the camp.

Evening: We'll meet our Group Leader for one final campfire talk in the Serengeti. As we sit under the seemingly endless African sky, we'll learn about the great animal migration that takes place across the Serengeti Plains every year.

DAY
10
Olduvai Gorge Archaeological Site, Transfer to Karatu Area
Karatu
B,L,D
Acacia Farm Lodge

Activity note: From Central Serengeti to Olduvai Gorge is approximately 75 miles; about 3 hours. From Olduvai Gorge to Karatu is approximately 46 miles; about 2 hours.

Breakfast: At the camp.

Morning: We will check out of our camp this morning and begin our drive to Karatu with a stop at the Olduvai (also known as Oldupai) Gorge to view its archaeological site. A local expert will reveal information about the important hominid fossils and tools discovered by paleoanthropologists Louis and Mary Leakey.

Lunch: Box lunch at Olduvai Gorge.

Afternoon: Next, we will continue our transfer to Karatu. Once at the lodge, we will check in and settle into our rooms and then have the rest of the afternoon free to enjoy the pool or rest before dinner.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
11
Interacting with Local Schoolkids
Karatu
B,L,D
Acacia Farm Lodge

Activity note: The approximately 30-minute walk from the rural school to the local village will take place on slightly undulating, dirt paths/roads. Wear tennis shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen and bug repellent. It is not mandatory to bring anything to donate to the school and/or the children. However, anyone wishing to do so might consider bringing a few basic school supplies such as pencils and erasers, pens, colored markers, etc. to donate during the visit.

Breakfast: Early, at the lodge.

Morning: After an early breakfast, we'll drive to a local school to find out what a typical school day is like in Tanzania. We'll interact with teachers and students and sit in on classes. Best of all...we won't have any tests or homework!

Lunch: At the local school.

Afternoon: After the classes are done for the day, we will join a couple of schoolchildren on their walk home to a nearby village. During our journey we will learn how the children get to and from school every day. At the village, we'll see how the kids live and meet some members of the community. We will walk back to the school and board our vehicles for the return journey to the lodge. We'll have free time at the lodge to enjoy the swimming pool and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the lodge. Enjoy your last night in Tanzania among newfound Road Scholar friends.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
12
Drive to Arusha, Program Concludes, In Transit from Program
Arusha
B,L,D
Under The Shade Safari Lodge

Activity note: From Karatu to Arusha is approximately 96 miles; less than 3 hours. Hotel dayroom only (check out by 6:00 p.m.); no overnight accommodations are included on this day. The drive to Kilimanjaro International Airport is approximately 25 miles; about 1 hour. See your program's "Getting There" information regarding transfers.

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: After checking out, we'll begin our transfer to Arusha.

Lunch: A local family will host us for lunch at their home.

Afternoon: Transfer to Arusha and check into our dayrooms. Next, enjoy free time to rest, finish packing luggage, or freshening-up before catching a night flight to North America.

Dinner: Before leaving for the airport, we will have a light snack at the hotel. This concludes the program.

Evening: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

DAY
13
Arrivals to North America
In Flight





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