October 9, 2010  Meet your guides and fellow travelers in the Arusha area in the early afternoon.  Drive about two hours to Tarangire River Camp, a beautiful permanent tented lodge with the amenities of a lodge (including plumbing!) but the nature experience of a tented camp.  Your tent-cottages are situated on raised platforms, Masai warriors escort you to and from your tents after dark, and you will hear and see signs of animals around this camp immersed in the beauty of Tarangire.  http://www.mbalimbali.com/tarangireLodge.aspx   All meals included starting with supper tonight.

October 10, 2010  Game drive in Tarangire National Park, well known for its large concentrations of elephant and great wildlife viewing during the dry season.  Large baobab trees dot the landscape.  Overnight at Tarangire River Camp again.

October 11, 2010  Morning nature walk with local Masai guide if desired.  Either another game drive in Tarangire (partial day) or you can visit a local market as well as visit a Masai boma (village) set up to allow visitors to learn about this tribe and their way of life.  The Esilalei boma is a Masai community that is set up for visitors, but offers a very real insight into the traditions and life of the Masai people. This particular boma project is part of a community and women’s empowerment project to help the community in exchange for their help safeguarding an important wildlife migration corridor near here.  The Mto wa Mbu village market has carvings and artwork, and as well as colorful local fabrics for sale.  Overnight Bougainvillea Lodge in Karatu www.bougainvillealodge.net

October 12, 2010  Lake Manyara game drive.  This park is situated at the edge of the Rift Valley escarpment - the visible edge of the Great Rift Valley. A variety of wildlife live here, including the elusive tree-climbing lions.  You can choose to have this be a shorter game drive to allow time for relaxation or massages (extra cost) at the lodge in the morning or late afternoon, or a more full day of wildlife viewing.

October 13, 2010  Ngorongoro Crater game drive.  This amazing intact volcanic caldera is home to numerous resident animals, both predators and prey alike.  Watch the circle of life unfold in front of you. 

October 14, 2010  After breakfast, return to Arusha area in time for afternoon or evening flights (or stay on for Zanzibar).  Last meal included is lunch today.