8-Day Solidarity Safari in Tanzania: An Unforgettable Journey of Wildlife and Maasai Culture

On the first day of the trip we will be picked up at the airport or at a pre-arranged place, and we will head to Momella, where we will visit the projects of the NGO Africa Amini Alama. We will see from the first minute the impact of travelling with Trip to help as the money invested in the trip goes directly to the different social projects that the NGO has: schools, medical centres, orphanage and vocational training. With a bit of luck we will meet Cornelia, doctor and daughter of the founder, who spends long periods of time there running the day to day running of the NGO. We will stay at Hillside Retreat, a charming little hotel in the middle of nature that belongs to the NGO.

After an early breakfast, we’ll set off on the first day of your safari adventure, heading to the majestic Tarangire National Park. As we drive through the scenic landscapes of northern Tanzania, anticipation builds as we approach this iconic wildlife destination. Upon entering the park, you’ll immediately notice the vast open plains dotted with the iconic baobab trees, known as the "Tree of Life" for their ability to store water and survive extreme conditions.Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds, and it won't take long before you see these magnificent creatures roaming freely in their natural habitat. The park is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Tanzania, so get ready to witness their unique behavior as they gather around watering holes, interact with each other, and care for their young. Your guide, a knowledgeable expert on wildlife, will provide fascinating insights into the elephant families and their role in the ecosystem.During the midday break, we’ll stop for lunch at a scenic picnic spot within the park, where you’ll enjoy a delicious meal surrounded by the breathtaking landscape. You may even catch sight of a herd of elephants or zebras strolling by as you relax in the heart of the African wilderness.In the afternoon, we’ll continue exploring deeper into the park, where you'll have the opportunity to see more of Tanzania's impressive wildlife diversity. Tarangire is a bird lover’s paradise, with over 500 bird species recorded in the park. From colorful lilac-breasted rollers to majestic martial eagles, you’ll be able to appreciate the incredible variety of avian life that thrives here.As the day comes to a close, the golden light of the African sunset will cast a magical glow over the landscape, creating a perfect backdrop for photography. We’ll make our way to Tarangire Safari Lodge, a beautiful lodge nestled within the park, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Here, you’ll settle into your comfortable accommodation, complete with all the amenities you need to relax after a thrilling day in the wild.Dinner will be served at the lodge’s restaurant, where you can enjoy a delicious meal while gazing out at the expansive views of the Tarangire plains. After dinner, you can unwind under the starry night sky, listening to the sounds of the African bush as you reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters of the day.

On the third day, we will head to Serengeti National Park, one of Africa's most iconic and awe-inspiring wildlife destinations. We’ll set out early, leaving the serene landscapes of Tarangire behind as we drive through the changing scenery on our way to the Serengeti. The drive itself is a fascinating part of the experience, offering glimpses of rural life in Tanzania, with scattered villages, endless plains, and occasional wildlife sightings along the way.As we approach the entrance to the Serengeti, excitement builds. The Serengeti’s name alone conjures up images of vast open savannahs, teeming with wildlife, and the legendary Great Migration. This park is one of the best places on Earth to witness the raw beauty of nature at its most untamed.By midday, we’ll arrive at the Serengeti National Park for a picnic lunch. After lunch, we’ll begin our first game drive in the Serengeti. The park’s immense size—covering approximately 14,750 square kilometers—means that each game drive is a new adventure, with opportunities to encounter a wide variety of wildlife at every turn.The Serengeti is famous for its Big Five—lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos, and rhinos—as well as for the Great Migration, a spectacular annual event where over a million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles migrate in search of fresh grazing grounds. Depending on the time of year, you may witness this incredible natural phenomenon, with vast herds crossing the plains, predators close behind.In the afternoon, we’ll explore deeper into the park, where the seemingly endless savannah is dotted with acacia trees and rocky outcrops known as kopjes—prime resting spots for lions and leopards. Your guide will help you spot the animals that blend so well into the landscape. Keep an eye out for cheetahs sprinting across the plains in search of prey or hyenas prowling in the distance.We’ll also pass through areas where elephants and giraffes can often be seen grazing peacefully, while impalas and gazelles leap gracefully through the grasslands. Birdlife in the Serengeti is equally diverse, with species ranging from majestic eagles and vultures to vibrant bee-eaters and weavers.As the sun begins to dip toward the horizon, casting a golden glow over the savannah, we’ll make our way to our accommodation for the night: Katikati Luxury Tented Lodge. Nestled within the heart of the Serengeti, this luxurious tented camp offers a truly immersive experience in the wild, with all the comforts you need after a day of exploration. Each tent is elegantly designed, with en-suite bathrooms and spacious beds, providing a perfect balance of luxury and wilderness.After settling into your tent, you’ll have time to relax and freshen up before dinner. The lodge’s open-air dining area offers breathtaking views of the Serengeti plains, and you’ll enjoy a delicious meal while listening to the sounds of the African bush at night—perhaps the distant roar of a lion or the soft rustling of elephants passing nearby.After dinner, you can gather around the campfire, sharing stories of the day’s adventures with fellow travelers. The clear, unpolluted skies of the Serengeti are perfect for stargazing, offering an incredible view of the Milky Way and a dazzling array of stars. This magical experience marks the end of an unforgettable day, with the thrill of the Serengeti waiting to unfold again tomorrow.

Today, you’ll have the luxury of a full day in the Serengeti National Park, giving you plenty of time to experience the beauty and wildlife of this world-renowned location. With your private guide by your side, the pace is entirely yours—there’s no need to rush. You’ll spend the day exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems, from the wide-open plains to rocky kopjes, where lions often rest.As you set out on your early morning game drive, the Serengeti comes to life with activity. Early mornings are prime wildlife viewing hours, with predators like lions and leopards on the move, searching for their next meal.You’ll also have time to observe elephant herds as they move majestically across the plains, accompanied by their playful calves. Watch as giraffes nibble on acacia trees and zebras graze alongside herds of wildebeests. Every moment in the Serengeti is like watching a wildlife documentary unfold in real time.The afternoon will provide another opportunity for exploration. Perhaps you’ll visit a nearby riverbank, where hippos wallow in the muddy waters and crocodiles sun themselves on the shores. You might also come across one of the Serengeti’s famed kopjes, where you could spot a leopard resting among the rocks or lions enjoying a nap in the shade.A delicious picnic lunch will be served in a scenic spot within the park, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding savannah. As you enjoy your meal, you’ll have the chance to take in the serenity of the environment, observing animals from a distance and soaking up the unique ambiance of the Serengeti.As the day draws to a close, we’ll return to Katikati Luxury Lodge for the night.With no strict itinerary, this day in the Serengeti is all about enjoying nature at your own pace, making it a truly special part of your journey through Tanzania.

On the fifth day of our safari, we’ll venture to one of Tanzania’s most remarkable natural wonders, the Ngorongoro Crater. This massive, unbroken volcanic caldera is the largest inactive crater in the world, stretching 20 kilometers across and teeming with wildlife. Often referred to as Africa’s Garden of Eden, the crater offers unparalleled opportunities to spot a wide variety of animals in a stunning, enclosed environment.We’ll descend into the crater early in the morning, when wildlife is most active, and the atmosphere is cool and serene. The steep drive down offers breathtaking views of the crater floor, a lush, fertile landscape where thousands of animals coexist in harmony. Once inside, you’ll feel as though you’ve entered a different world, as the diversity of wildlife is concentrated in this unique habitat.As we traverse the crater floor, there’s a good chance of encountering the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and, if we’re fortunate, the endangered black rhino. The rhino is notoriously elusive, but the Ngorongoro Crater remains one of the few places in Tanzania where this magnificent creature can still be seen in the wild.The crater’s landscape is diverse, ranging from open savannahs to swamps, forests, and lakes. Along the shores of the soda lake, you’ll often see large flocks of flamingos wading in the water, their vibrant pink color adding a splash of brightness to the scene. Herds of zebras and wildebeests roam the plains, while hippos cool off in the crater’s waterways. The predators—lions, hyenas, and occasionally cheetahs—are never far behind, keeping the delicate balance of life in motion.Your guide will share stories and insights about the crater’s unique ecosystem, which supports one of the densest populations of wildlife in Africa. You’ll have plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the majestic scenery as we spend the day exploring every corner of this natural wonder.In the late afternoon, we’ll leave the crater and head to our accommodation at the Ngorongoro Farmhouse, a charming lodge located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Surrounded by lush gardens and coffee plantations, this cozy lodge offers a peaceful retreat after an exhilarating day of wildlife exploration. Enjoy a hearty dinner, relax and recount the incredible sights and experiences of the day.

On Day 6, we’ll shift from the wildlife of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro to a deeply enriching cultural experience as we head to the Original Maasai Lodge. This eco-lodge is managed entirely by the Maasai community and provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to immerse yourself in their rich culture and traditions. Nestled in a picturesque location, the lodge offers spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, which looms majestically in the distance.Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the Maasai, who will share their customs and daily practices with you throughout your stay. The Maasai people are famous for their distinctive attire, vibrant beadwork, and their profound connection to the land and nature. You’ll have plenty of time to engage with the Maasai community, learning about their deep-rooted traditions, from herding and cattle raising to their spiritual beliefs and sustainable way of living.The Original Maasai Lodge combines a traditional Maasai experience with modern comforts. The unique bomas (Maasai homes) have been designed to reflect authentic Maasai architecture while providing eco-friendly amenities. Relaxation is key, and you’ll have time to unwind in the lodge’s swimming pool, which also offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro. You can take a dip and soak in the tranquility of this peaceful setting while admiring the breathtaking landscape around you.In the afternoon, there’s ample opportunity to participate in a variety of cultural activities hosted by the Maasai. These include storytelling and  traditional dances.As the sun sets over the savannah, casting a golden light on Kilimanjaro, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner prepared with local ingredients.

On this day, you’ll dive even deeper into the Maasai way of life, embracing their traditions and daily routines. Your Maasai guide will take you on an intimate tour of the Bomas, the authentic Maasai houses built from natural materials like mud, sticks, and cow dung. As you explore these homes, you’ll learn about the Maasai’s traditional living arrangements, family structures, and their resourceful use of local materials to build their dwellings.Throughout the day, you’ll witness the Maasai’s daily routines—whether it’s tending to livestock, crafting their beautiful beadwork, or preparing traditional meals. This immersive experience offers a rare glimpse into their time-honored customs, giving you a firsthand understanding of how the Maasai have maintained their way of life for centuries despite external changes.In the evening, you’ll be treated to a traditional Maasai dance, a powerful and rhythmic performance that has been passed down through generations. The Maasai warriors’ chanting and high jumping are integral parts of their celebrations and rituals, showcasing the strength and unity of the community.

After your final breakfast at the Original Maasai Lodge, you’ll have time to reflect on the incredible experiences from your 8-day safari in Tanzania. Following check-out, your guide will escort you to your departure point, either Arusha Airport or another pre-arranged location, marking the end of this remarkable journey. As you leave, the memories of the wildlife, Maasai culture, and the positive impact of your trip will stay with you, ensuring this adventure remains unforgettable.