Luxury Tanzania Safari
Destination
Tanzania
Travel Period
Jan-Mar, Jun-Oct, Dec
Duration
6 days | 5 nights
- 1 800 414 3090
- info@africansafarico.com
Karatu is a ‘gateway’ town within easy reach of the iconic Ngorongoro Crater as well as the Lake Manyara National Park. The bustling town is a hub of activity in the fertile ‘Crater highlands,’ lush and verdant hillsides where tourists easily mingle with local artisans and tradespeople. Because of the volcanic soil the area is superb for agriculture, and as well as subsistence and commercial farmers there are a multitude of working coffee farms, some of which offer accommodation.
Since the town is only 140 kms from Arusha, the area makes a great stop over for guests on the way to the crater, which is only some 20kms away on decent roads.
Acacia Farm Lodge is a romantic Country Lodge nestled in an active mixed farm located high on the spectacular Great Rift’s escarpment area with a commanding panoramic views of the amazing Karatu farmlands and the nearby Ngorongoro forest area. Unrivaled area’s natural beauty is finely complemented by the elegant lodge. A timeless tranquility emanates from the exuberance of birdsong, mature trees and the lovely coffee plants.
Acacia Farm Lodge is strategically located between the Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks on one side and Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park on the other, this is a perfect base from which to explore these world-famous reserves as well as enjoy many other adventurous activities and impressive cultural experiences found in the local area.
The weather almost always calls for a swim in the large and crystal clear swimming pool. You can have a sip of a cocktail, as there is an outdoor bar by the pool. The peaceful surroundings at Acacia Farm Lodge alone would make you want to grab a chair and relax in the sun. Add a beautiful pool into the equation and you have instant serenity.
Mini-Suite
All 32 suites are identical in size, style, and amenities. All cottages are positioned within the coffee farm and each has a private balcony with an amazing view of the farm.
Acacia Farm Lodge’s complimentary activities include a coffee farm tour and nature walk with a professional Naturalist, cycling across the diverse terrain, and birding. A number of additional activities and excursions can be pre-booked (at additional cost), including a nature walk to Endoro Elephant Caves, a cultural visit with Iraqw, Hadzabe or Datoga tribes, bush meals, and massage.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is only 325 km2 (125 mi2) in size and yet offers a unique wilderness experience with an incredible diversity of habitats, from its Acacia forests and dense woodlands to its soda lake and steep escarpment. This spectacular setting, within easy road access from Arusha, makes Manyara a popular stop off on the way to the crater highlands.
The park is famous for its tree climbing lions and some of the largest baboon troops in the country, as well as for often having large numbers of flamingos at its shorelines. Great herds of buffalo can also be found, alongside general plains game and excellent birding.
Ngorongoro Crater
A veritable Garden of Eden, the Ngorongoro Crater is only 260 km2 (100mi2) in size yet has some of the highest densities of lion and spotted hyena found anywhere in the world. The view from the crater rim at 600 m (1970 ft) is nothing short of breathtaking. The thick mountain forests of the crater highlands strike a sharp contrast with the short grass plains of the crater floor with its yellow fever Acacia woodlands and streams. The soda lake Magadi in the center of the crater floor sometimes attracts lesser flamingos, and the area is known for very large tusked elephants, black rhino, and great predator action.
Easily accessible from Arusha, the three million year old Ngorongoro Crater was once a gigantic volcano that some suggest was even higher than Mt Kilimanjaro. It is the largest intact caldera in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walks are available on the rim in certain areas, but game viewing on the crater floor is strictly by vehicle and on designated game drive routes. Local Maasai pastoralists and their villages surround the western side of the crater whilst the eastern side is heavily forested up to the farming town of Karatu.
This photographer’s paradise is one of the best places in Africa to view the big cats as well as an amazing array of plains game. The northern Serengeti has the classic big open plains of the African savannah, sprawling views, and consistently delivers excellent wildlife sightings. It is one of the best places in East Africa for leopards, and the kopje strewn hillsides that are home to these elusive creatures are in themselves stunningly beautiful. A few days here can be very action packed and there’s even chances to see black rhinos in some areas.
The Serengeti is perhaps the most famous African wilderness area, its name synonymous with the notion of safari for nearly a hundred years. This UNESCO World Heritage site covers 14,750 km2 (5,700 mi2) of premiere game viewing in Acacia woodlands, open grasslands, and undulating savannahs interspersed with seasonal rivers. The park on the northern side borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and, together with several other smaller reserves and conservation areas, forms the larger Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.
Taasa Lodge is situated approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Kleins Gate, to the North East of the Serengeti National Park. Being in a private concession ensures you’ll see wildlife as nature intended and without the hoards of tourists, and with the flexibility to off-road, night drive, and enjoy walking safaris. The camp consists of twelve split-level accommodation tents.
Thoughtfully designed and tastefully decorated, the main lodge is finished with a combination of precious timbers and large picture windows. The main lounge, with its opulent settees and indoor fireplace, is located on a second level next to the lounge bar, with a selection of fine wines and spirits. A large outdoor patio with fire pit and lounge chairs provides the perfect venue for aperitifs and hors d’oeuvres or simply for reading, relaxing and meeting other guests.
Guest Tents
Guests feel right at home between game drives in one of the luxurious and spacious en-suite tents. Expertly appointed, each one seamlessly blends modern comforts with uniquely African accents. Enjoy stunning views of the Lobo Valley from the serenity of the private verandah or curl up with a good book in the cozy sitting area, beautifully furnished with a large sectional couch and desk. A raised sleeping area features either a king or twin sized beds. En-suite bathrooms are complete with a stone shower, double vanity, and hair dryer, along with sumptuous robes and towels – a touch of indulgence in the bush.
Taasa offers a unique combination of luxurious accommodation, extraordinary wildlife, the exhilarating freedom to participate in guided game & nature walks, the rare opportunity to go on night game drives as well as to drive off-road and a fascinating insight into the culture of the local Maasai tribesmen and women. Hot air balloon safaris can also be arranged at additional cost.
The Maasai are among the best known of African tribes due to their adherence to their distinctive customs and dress. Unlike many Northern Serengeti Maasai tribes, the Ololosokwan tribe remains unaffected by large-scale tourism. They welcome the few visitors they do receive and are always enthusiastic about sharing their way of life and customs with others, providing a wonderful opportunity to experience Africa in a way that may touch visitor’s lives forever. Interactions for all ages can be arranged, including having your child herd sheep with the Maasai boys or learning how the Maasai build their homes.
Hot Air Balloon
A balloon flight over the Serengeti is widely considered a bucketlist activity that offers a serene and spectacular experience floating over the vast, lush, and game filled plains.
A lift off at dawn means you watch the sun rise as you head in a generally western direction. Flights usually last close to an hour and depending on the take off spot you float over riverine woodlands, watching hippos return to their daytime refuges and crocodiles basking on sandbanks. Sometimes predators and large antelope herds can be spotted below, pointed out by your experienced captain.
After the flight you will be met by the trailing transfer vehicles and taken to a pre-prepared picnic breakfast, beautifully set up in an idyllic spot on the plains.
The Kilimanjaro Golf & Wildlife Estate (Kiligolf) is situated on 1,040 acres of prime African bush land, nestled between Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru. To the south stretches the Maasai Steppe and the great ridges of the ancient Eastern Arc chain: the Pare, Usambara and Blue Mountains, all of which are visible from the estate. The Usa River, an important water source, runs along the western side of the estate.
Kiligolf boasts its own private airstrip and provides a luxury option for people traveling to and from Tanzania’s National Parks, Zanzibar and other Tanzanian destinations. Several local airlines have included Dolly Airstrip on their flight schedules, and private charters are available on request.
Siringit Villa by Mantis is located within the confines of the superb Kilimanjaro Golf and Wildlife Estate on the edge of the 5th fairway of the 18 hole championship golf course just 30mins from Kilimanjaro International Airport. This spacious and elegant property has been carefully created to provide an unrivalled guest experience, and the rest of the villa is true to form: whether it be in the gorgeous living room, the private dining room, the lush gardens, the relaxing terraces, or the invigorating lap pool.
Siringit Villa by Mantis is a luxury six bedroom villa which can be booked exclusively or individual rooms. Each of the six rooms at Siringit Villa can be configured as singles and doubles or twins. A further three rooms can be configured as triples. Four of the rooms have interconnecting doors and are ideal for use by families with small children.
The Mantis golf experience is set apart by spectacular natural backdrops, and the game you will play at Siringit Villa by Mantis is no exception. The golf course at Kilimanjaro Golf and Wildlife Estate is set amidst the natural beauty of Arusha with Mount Meru in the skyline and fairways manicured around streams and tended gardens. This is the first 18-hole championship golf course in Tanzania, and it is right on your doorstep when staying at Siringit Villa.
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