Tarangire National Park

Depart this morning for Tarangire National Park, passing fertile valleys and traditional villages as we skirt the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Tarangire is home to Africa’s largest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti ecosystem. The Tarangire River traces a path through the red-dust plains and is the lifeblood for huge herds of wildebeest and zebra, buffalo and elephant that inhabit this seldom-visited park. Our camp is located south of the park's busier northern sector, secluded among prolific wildlife. Evocative of an earlier era of exploration, the camp will delight safari enthusiasts who want a genuine wilderness experience in one of the most uncrowded corners of East Africa while also enjoying special comforts and luxuries. Enjoy a wildlife drive accompanied by sundowner cocktails this evening before settling in for a gourmet dinner at camp.

Spend a full day discovering Tarangire National Park, which offers some of Africa’s best wildlife viewing on its broad savannas and open acacia woodlands studded with ancient baobab trees. Our introduction to this vast ecosystem that spans more than 1,000 square miles begins with a half-day walking safari, offering an intimate encounter with the park's native flora and fauna. Tarangire is known for its large elephant herds. We can observe several hundred elephants at a time, drawn to permanent underground springs that sustain great numbers of animals during the dry season from July to November. These plains are also Tanzania’s only home for fringe-eared oryx and gerenuk—two rare dry-country antelope—along with more commonly seen eland, impala and gazelle. Some 550 bird species are drawn to Tarangire's swamps—we may see ground hornbills blustering about, and the Kori bustard, the world’s largest flying bird. The savanna is also home to northern Tanzania’s only pack of African wild dogs.

After a midday siesta back at camp, set out in open 4x4 vehicles on an afternoon wildlife drive in search of more animals, including Tarangire’s healthy predator population. Like Lake Manyara, Tarangire is home to tree-climbing lions. Leopards are also frequently spotted high in the branches savoring the bounty of their hunt. Each evening, after sipping sundowners as the sky turns orange and fades to dusky blue, we return to camp to dine and revel in stories of the day around the campfire under the stars.

After breakfast, make a final wildlife drive en route to the park gate, followed by a road transfer to Arusha. On arrival, have lunch and relax with the use of a day room where you can laze by the swimming pool, stroll through the forest and gardens, or relax over a drink in front of the open fireplace. This evening, transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for homeward flights.