This is Africa as you've always imagined it! This classic safari offers unsurpassed opportunities to view wildlife in a spectacular natural setting. Your adventure will take you to some of Africa's premier game parks including the Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Accommodations include deluxe lodges constructed of local materials and in harmony with their environment. In the Serengeti and Lake Eyasi you will stay in comfortable classic tented camps, where you will be immersed in the sights and sounds of Africa. Food at all locations is well prepared and delicious.

DAY 1: USA - AMSTERDAM - ARUSHA
On arrival, you will be met at the airport by an Andean & Rainforest Expeditions representative and taken to the hotel. Overnight at the Kigongoni Lodge.

DAY 2: LAKE MANYARA
Lake Manyara is a relatively small park that includes the western wall of the Great Rift Valley and lies at 3,150 feet in altitude. It is noted for having the densest elephant population in Africa. The park is 123 square miles in area, 88 square miles of which is lake. Flamingos and hippos inhabit the lakeshore, which is surrounded by ground-water forest, with wild fig, palm, tamarind, and baobab trees. We will spend the day exploring the park. The lodge is designed to resemble a traditional village, with a dramatic setting overlooking the Rift Valley and the beautiful soda lake of Manyara. Overnight at the Manyara Serena Lodge. B,L,D

DAY 3: LAKE MANYARA - NGORONGORO CRATER
Today we spend the morning on further explorations in Lake Manyara National Park. In the afternoon we depart for Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most famous wildlife viewing areas in the world. Overnight at the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. This newly built lodge is constructed of local stone, hidden within the forests of the west rim of the crater. It offers a stunning view of the crater, with close proximity to the access road for the descent. B,L,D

DAY 4-5: NGORONGORO CRATER
We will spend two days exploring the crater, leaving early in the morning. We will descend from the rim, at about 7,600 feet in elevation, to the floor of the crater some 2,000 feet below for the first game drive. This 102-square-mile crater is the world's largest, unflooded, unbroken caldera. Within its perimeter are thousands of wildebeest, many black rhino, cheetah, gazelle, giraffe, and a high density of lions, hyenas, and other predators. (Recommended reading: The Innocent Killers by Jane and Hugo Van Lawick-Goodall). Flamingos inhabit an alkaline lake in the center of the crater, and other bird life is abundant. We'll spend full days in the crater with picnic lunches, maximizing the time there, and returning as late as possible in order to get the last golden rays of light. Overnights at the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. B,L,D

DAY 6-10: SERENGETI
From Ngorongoro we'll drive to the Serengeti, via Ol Karien Gorge, or Olduvai Gorge, the world-renowned site of discoveries of early hominids made by archaeologists Mary and Louis Leakey. The Serengeti is one of the most famous wildlife areas in the world. The park's 5,700 square miles are part of the 9,600-square-mile Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, home to incredible herds of wildebeest and other grazing animals. This vast area consists of treeless central plains, savannah dotted with acacias and granite outcroppings called kopjes, and riparian bush and forest in the north. Although there are never guarantees in the natural world, with any luck we will be able to see huge herds of wildebeest and other plains animals grazing on the savannah. The herds follow the rains and feed on the new grass, so what we will actually see depends upon the weather pattern. Camping near the herds, away from the tourist lodges, will provide you with unforgettable memories. As you sit around the campfire at night, sounds of wildebeest, hyenas, and lions fill the air. Private mobile camp. B,L,D

DAY 11: SERENGETI - KARATU
We will say farewell to the Serengeti plains and drive back past Ngorongoro to a lovely inn, The Plantation Lodge. The inn is situated on an old coffee farm. It has beautiful gardens and exceptional rooms, with en-suite full bathrooms. You will immediately notice the care and attention that went into creating this lodge. Overnight at Plantation Lodge. B,L,D

DAY 12: ARUSHA - AMSTERDAM
This morning we will drive back to Arusha. The remainder of the day will be free, We'll have a dayroom and farewell dinner at the before departing for the airport in the evening. Kigongoni Lodge. B,L,D

TRIP DIFFICULTY: Moderate activity is required.

INCLUDES: All hotel accommodations based on double occupancy, all park and camping fees. Meals as specified in the itinerary, B=Breakfast; L= Lunch; D=Dinner. English speaking guides. All transfers. Soft drinks and water in the luxury mobile camp.

NOT INCLUDED: International airfares, airport departure taxes or visa fees, excess baggage charges, tips and gratuities for driver guides and camp staff, additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations, alcoholic beverages or bottled water, snacks, insurance of any kind, laundry, phone calls, radio calls or messages, and items of personal nature.