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Classic Wildlife Safaris
Tarangire Day Trip
Northern Highlands Walking Tour

From the vast open plains of the Serengeti to the volcanic crater of Ngorongoro, a safari in Tanzania is the fulfilment of a childhood dream. Nothing can compare with the first time that an elephant strolls across the path in front of your car, or your first glimpse of a lazy lion dozing in the afternoon sun. 

At Oreteti, we can provide you with a guide who has special insight into the culture of the local people, ensuring that you don’t only watch the wildlife, but also connect with the living legends and stories of the land that you visit. We promise to donate at least 10% of the profit from your safari to Tanzanian-led organisations that work to preserve ancient traditions in a context of positive change. We also encourage our guests to step out of the 4x4 vehicles and into a deeper understanding of Tanzania’s culture, history and spirit by participating in our walking tours, village-based cultural programmes, volunteer work camps and short courses. 

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Classic Wildlife Safaris

Our most popular itinerary takes in four very different National Parks: Tarangire, the prime location for elephants; Lake Manyara, a haven for flamingos and other water birds, with its cool, shady forests filled with monkeys; Serengeti, with its vast herds of wildebeest and zebra, where you might also spot cheetahs, lions and leopards lazing on the rocky outcrops; and Ngorongoro, sometimes described as ‘the greatest wildlife show on earth’.

We offer two distinct, but equally unforgettable, safari options: either camping under the stars, surrounded by the sounds and scents of the African bush, or relaxing in a comfortable lodge with en-suite facilities. Although we usually recommend five or six days to get the most from your experience, we can offer shorter programmes according to your interests and budget.

Tarangire Day Trip

If you don’t have the time or money for a full-scale safari, Tarangire National Park provides the perfect ‘taster’, as a comfortable day trip from Arusha town. In the dry season, game congregates along the Tarangire River after migrating from the Masai Mara, so there is a particularly high density of wildlife between June and October – especially elephant, buffalo, wildebeest, warthog, lion, leopard, giraffe, and a diverse range of antelope species. Tarangire is also an ornithologist’s paradise, with over 550 bird species recorded. 

Northern Highlands Walking Tour

One of the best ways to explore the spectacular volcanic landscapes of the Ngorongoro region is on foot, and Oreteti’s Maasai guides can provide a unique insight into the history, myths and spiritual significance of the area. Our tailor-made programmes typically last for 3-6 days and incorporate visits to the Olmoti and Empakaai Craters, a game drive in Ngorongoro Crater itself (where walking is unfortunately not permitted) and a day’s hiking in Olduvai Gorge, where fossil hominid remains and the world-famous Laetoli Footprints were discovered. Armed rangers will accompany you for all hiking in the Conservation Area.

‘Little Serengeti’, Engaruka, Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo L’Engai

North of Lake Manyara, far from the beaten track, lie some of Tanzania’s most fascinating and least explored destinations. You can start with a walking or cycling safari across the flat plain of Enjang’ita Sapuk, nicknamed ‘Little Serengeti’ by locals because of the large numbers of zebras, gazelles and impala, and then head to Engaruka to explore the fifteenth-century ruins and take part in a Maasai cultural programme or a forest retreat by the river. You’ll visit the Soitok Rocks, mysterious jagged rock formations rising out of the beautiful but desolate semi-desert of Enjanipus, before heading north again to Lake Natron – one of the world’s most important breeding sites for flamingos. Finally, you can take a pilgrimage with your Maasai warrior guide to Oldoinyo L’Engai, the Maasai ‘Mountain of God’, which is Tanzania’s only active volcano. Climbing to see the lava flows may be possible, depending on the level of activity of the volcano. Return to Lake Manyara for a classic safari, or continue on foot to Ngorongoro Conservation Area for a walking tour that reveals the true spirit of the Maasai people.

Oreteti Cultural Tourism Discovery is a company registered in the United Republic of Tanzania, Reg. No. 150884