6 days - Arusha, Lake Eyasi and the Serengeti
Six days by helicopter from Arusha to the Mwiba Wildlife Sanctuary in the Serengeti, with Hadzabe and Datoga cultural visits at Lake Eyasi on the way.
The journey
Skies clear and the tracks firm up. A very good month for the Hadzabe visit, the walking safari and long clear views over the Rift Valley.
A private helicopter transfer from the airport to the Legendary Lodge.
You fly straight from the airport by private helicopter to the Legendary Lodge in Arusha, with aerial views of Mount Kilimanjaro on the way.
Spend the afternoon at the lodge, making the most of its facilities. This is the start of your Tanzania VIP safari.
A cultural day with the Hadzabe and the Datoga.
After breakfast you travel north to the shores of Lake Eyasi for a cultural encounter. You spend time with the Hadzabe, one of East Africa’s last hunter-gatherer peoples, and learn about their ancient way of life.
You continue to the Datoga, known for their craftsmanship and traditions.
At the end of the day you unwind at one of the most luxurious lodges in the region.
Fly camping, a Rift Valley helicopter safari and two nights at the sanctuary’s lodges.
You see the Serengeti in two ways today.
A helicopter takes you to the Mwiba Wildlife Sanctuary in the Serengeti region, flying high above the Ngorongoro Highlands and the open plains.
You touch down on the plains for a fly camping experience. The Iconic Expeditions team has chosen the location, and your private tented camp offers the comforts you expect from us. Set away from everything, you are surrounded by the Serengeti ecosystem, and in the afternoon you set out on a guided walking safari.
Today you see the Rift Valley from the air. The helicopter safari is divided into flights of 30 to 40 minutes, with views of the flamingos of Lake Natron, the smouldering Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, Lake Eyasi, the Ngorongoro Highlands and the vast Serengeti.
There are stops for meals and photographs. At the end of the day you retire to one of the Mwiba Wildlife Sanctuary’s signature lodges.
Today is yours. Use the facilities at your lodge to relax, or explore the area at your own pace.
Your lodge offers every comfort you would expect of a five-star stay, with optional activities for those who want to make the most of their time in the Serengeti region.
Today you leave the Serengeti, either returning to Arusha by helicopter or flying by private jet to the beaches of Zanzibar.
Iconic Expeditions handles all your onward travel arrangements, so you can simply relax.
The detail
Mwiba Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the Serengeti ecosystem, a private reserve that offers exclusive game viewing away from the busier parks. This six-day VIP safari moves by helicopter between Arusha, Lake Eyasi and the sanctuary, so you spend your time in the landscapes rather than on the road.
You meet the Hadzabe and the Datoga at Lake Eyasi, spend a night fly camping on the plains with a guided walking safari, and fly a helicopter safari over Lake Natron, Ol Doinyo Lengai and the Rift Valley. Two nights at the sanctuary’s lodges, with full-service accommodation and private game viewing, complete the trip.
Good to know
Photographs from the route, not stock library scenery.
Work down the list. Each step depends on the one above it.
The practical detail that decides whether a trip runs smoothly.
Helicopter flights depend on cloud, wind and visibility. Mornings are usually clearest, so your pilot may adjust the day’s timing. Keep your plans flexible on days two to four.
The private tented camp is set up for you on the plains, away from the lodges. Bring a head torch and warm layers for the evening, and dress for an afternoon on foot.
The afternoon walking safari on day three is led by a guide. Wear neutral colours, closed shoes and a hat, and follow your guide’s instructions about distance and silence.
The Lake Eyasi visits begin early and are on foot in the heat. Ask before photographing anyone, and follow your hosts’ lead.
Wide to medium zooms work best from a helicopter. Keep a lens hood on to cut window glare, and bring spare batteries and cards, as the flights run for 30 to 40 minutes at a time.
Your guide, driver and the lodge staff will expect a tip at the end of your stay. Ask us for current guidance, and bring small notes.
Plan this journey
Every journey is planned around your dates and your party. Tell us who is travelling and when, and a specialist will come back with a tailored itinerary and a quote. Payment is by invoice.
