February 13th, 14th and 15th - Serena Mountain Village Lodge
After a long journey, we will spend our first three nights in the comfort of Serena Mountain Village Lodge. Nestled on the edge of Arusha at the foot of the wooded slopes of Mount Meru, The Serena Mountain Village Lodge is also amidst surrounding coffee plantations on the shores of tranquil Lake Duluti.
Our first day has been designed to have a slow pace with breakfast and then an optional morning outing to the Cultural Heritage Center (shops / museum). We will return for lunch and then a late afternoon orientation prior to dinner. You will also be able to relax while taking a walk through the lush garden or just sipping your coffee while enjoying your first day in Tanzania.
The Cultural Heritage Center has so much to offer, guest have commented it is overwhelming to only have a brief time on the last day of the safari to see the museum, shop, and make decisions. This morning will give you a much more relaxed space of time; you will be able to make purchases you desire, they will package them and hold them for when we come back on the last day. Or you can, at the very least, get ideas about what you like and be able to compare as we see other shops along our safari.
Arusha National Park
The following day will be spent exploring Arusha National Park's many riches. With both morning and afternoon game drives, you’ll have plenty of time to experience all this beautiful place has to offer.
Unlike many of Tanzania’s protected lands, Arusha National Park is lush with vegetation, rainforest and mountainous terrain. Its slightly moister climate offers home to a wide variety of birds and animals, including its mascot, the unique and acrobatic black-and-white colobus monkey. A crater in the midst of its forest has a huge marsh on its floor, supporting large herds of warthog and buffalo. The park is bordered on the west by Mount Meru (14,000 feet), and has a commanding view of Mount Kilimanjaro (19,341 feet) to the east (weather permitting).