Let’s Make Memories Together
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
FINAL TRAVEL FORM
Please review the OPTIONAL excursion details outlined below, then complete and submit the Final Travel Form by June 4th, 2025.
In addition to selecting excursions in Mainland Tanzania, the form also requires other critical, time-sensitive information. Timely submission is essential to ensure smooth planning and coordination of your trip.
A separate form will be provided for the Zanzibar excursions. You will be notified when this form becomes available.
JULY 8TH, 2025 | FOR EARLY ARRIVALS | BY LION KING ADVENTURES | PICK UP & DROP OFF AT YOUR HOTEL
The optional excursions on July 8th are intended for guests arriving in Arusha on July 7th. If you are arriving earlier than July 7th and wish to participate in more than one of the excursions listed below, please inform Udish. He will coordinate the arrangements, if you wish, with Lion King Adventures on your behalf.
For those planning to explore Arusha independently on July 8th, please ensure you're back at your hotel by mid-afternoon to rest and recharge. We have a scheduled meeting with Lion King Adventures at 6:00 PM at the Gran Meliá Hotel, followed by a private group dinner. Guests staying at Mount Meru Hotel will be picked up at 5:30 PM and transported to the Gran Melia Hotel, with return transfers arranged after dinner.
If you're interested in an excursion not included on the list, you will be referred directly to Lion King Adventures to organize a private tour. Should you choose this option, please be sure to review the distance and estimated travel time in advance before discussing feasibility with the tour operator.
The guests will be back at their hotel, after their activities, around 3pm on July 8th.
1. ARUSHA CITY TOUR: (July 8th)
*Charged per vehicle
* $120 per vehicle (for 4–5 passengers)
* Cost per person will vary based on total number of passengers
*Note: Lunch not included
This enriching tour takes you through the vibrant heart of Arusha, beginning with a visit to the bustling fruit and vegetable markets—an immersive experience full of local color, flavor, and energy. You'll also stop at the iconic Clock Tower, a historic landmark often said to mark the midpoint between Cape Town and Cairo.
The journey continues with a visit to the Cultural Heritage Center and/or the Shanga Project at Arusha Coffee Lodge. Shanga is a remarkable social enterprise that empowers people with disabilities by employing them to create beautiful, handcrafted jewelry, glassware, and home décor. Each piece is a testament to Tanzanian artistry and the power of inclusive, sustainable craftsmanship.
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2. MERU COFFEE TOUR: (July 8th)
* Charged per vehicle
*$200 per vehicle (up to 21 passengers)
* Cost per person will vary based on total number of passengers
*Activity fee: $40 per person
*Note: Local lunch included
Set against the tranquil and picturesque backdrop of Arusha Town in northern Tanzania, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the region’s most prized treasures - coffee. Nestled at the foothills of Mount Meru, the area’s rich volcanic soil and ideal climate make it perfect for cultivating some of the world’s finest coffee beans.
Guests will visit local coffee plantations, gain hands-on experience with traditional coffee processing methods, and follow the journey from green beans to perfectly roasted coffee. The experience concludes with a guided tasting session, allowing guests to savour the rich, complex flavours of Tanzanian coffee.
Beyond the coffee experience, guests can opt for a refreshing hike to a nearby waterfall, enjoy panoramic views of Mount Meru (weather permitting), and engage with the local community through visits to villages and insight into grassroots development projects.
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3. SERVAL WILDLIFE CENTRE: (July 8th)
*Charged per vehicle
*$150 per vehicle (for 4–5 passengers)
* Cost per person will vary based on total number of passengers
*Entry fee: $120 per person
*Note: Lunch not included
The sanctuary spans over 1,000 acres and is developed in phases - 50 acres at a time - according to the evolving needs of the animals. Animals are ethically sourced, either from zoos or rescued from the wild due to injury, with the goal of encouraging natural behaviors and ultimately rehabilitating them for release into the wild. This process is carried out in collaboration with the Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA) and the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI).
All animals within the sanctuary are owned by the Tanzanian Government and are often entrusted to the sanctuary by TAWA, typically as orphans or injured wildlife. The sanctuary provides medical care and behavioral training to prepare these animals for reintroduction into their natural habitats, specifically within Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) protected areas.
In addition to serving as a rehabilitation facility, the sanctuary also functions as a reintroduction platform for endangered species. This includes translocating animals to regions within their historical range where populations have significantly declined or disappeared, with the aim of establishing viable, self-sustaining populations.
Most recently, the sanctuary has focused on preparing a group of lions for release. These lions were transferred from other zoos after being rejected by their mothers at a very young age. Upon arrival, they were in poor condition but have since been nursed back to health and trained for survival in the wild. With continued support from TAWA, they are now undergoing a soft release process, transitioning gradually from captivity to their natural environment.
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JULY 9, 2025 | ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES FOR KILIMANJARO OPT-OUTS | BY LION KING ADVENTURES |NO CHARGE
If you choose not to participate in the Kilimanjaro day hike, on July 9th, and would like to join one of the complimentary optional activities, indicate your selection on the final form provided by the tour organizer. Please pick one of the 4 activities shown below.
1. Arusha National Park (this activity may take 5 to 6 hours. The drive time from Arusha to the park is approximately 35 to 40 minutes) - (July 9th)
The park has an incredible variety of fauna and flora, which cannot fail to impress. Your day trip will include a visit to the Ngurdoto Crater, often called Little Ngorongoro. Along the way, you might see the troops of olive baboons, different birds, and plant species. You will also see buffaloes, waterbucks, giraffes, warthogs, and zebras which gather through the year- round. Occasionally, Elephants can be seen and if lucky can also sport a leopard.
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2. Arusha City Tour (this activity may take 4 to 5 hours) - (July 9th)
This enriching tour takes you through the vibrant heart of Arusha, beginning with a visit to the bustling fruit and vegetable markets—an immersive experience full of local color, flavor, and energy. You'll also stop at the iconic Clock Tower, a historic landmark often said to mark the midpoint between Cape Town and Cairo.
The journey continues with a visit to the Cultural Heritage Center and/or the Shanga Project at Arusha Coffee Lodge. Shanga is a remarkable social enterprise that empowers people with disabilities by employing them to create beautiful, handcrafted jewelry, glassware, and home décor. Each piece is a testament to Tanzanian artistry and the power of inclusive, sustainable craftsmanship.
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3. Materuni Village Visit (this activity may take 4 to 5 hours excluding the drive times to/from. The drive time is approximately 2.5 - 3 hours one way) - (July 9th)
Nestled in the lush foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, Materuni is a charming village in Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro region, home to the Chagga people and renowned for the stunning Materuni Waterfall.
Your tour begins with a scenic walk through the village, offering a glimpse into local life and the chance to see how tropical fruits like avocados, mangos, lemons, and bananas are grown. Along the way, you'll learn about the area's rich cultural heritage, traditional farming practices, and the rhythms of daily village life.
At the end of the trail, the majestic Materuni Waterfall awaits—perfect for a refreshing dip in its natural pool, so don’t forget your swimsuit!
The adventure continues with a visit to the local coffee plantations, where Chagga villagers will guide you through the traditional process of coffee cultivation - from picking and roasting to grinding and brewing. Join in the singing and dancing as you prepare your own cup of fresh, organic Arabica coffee. Then sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest.
The experience is rounded out with a delicious traditional Chagga lunch, offering a true taste of local hospitality and flavour.
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4. Serval Wildlife Centre (this activity may take 1 to 2 hours excluding the drive times to/from. The drive time is approximately 2 – 2.5 hours one way) - (July 9th)
The sanctuary spans over 1,000 acres and is developed in phases—50 acres at a time—according to the evolving needs of the animals. Animals are ethically sourced, either from zoos or rescued from the wild due to injury, with the goal of encouraging natural behaviors and ultimately rehabilitating them for release into the wild. This process is carried out in collaboration with the Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA) and the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI).
All animals within the sanctuary are owned by the Tanzanian Government and are often entrusted to the sanctuary by TAWA, typically as orphans or injured wildlife. The sanctuary provides medical care and behavioral training to prepare these animals for reintroduction into their natural habitats, specifically within Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) protected areas.
In addition to serving as a rehabilitation facility, the sanctuary also functions as a reintroduction platform for endangered species. This includes translocating animals to regions within their historical range where populations have significantly declined or disappeared, with the aim of establishing viable, self-sustaining populations.
Most recently, the sanctuary has focused on preparing a group of lions for release. These lions were transferred from other zoos after being rejected by their mothers at a very young age. Upon arrival, they were in poor condition but have since been nursed back to health and trained for survival in the wild. With continued support from TAWA, they are now undergoing a soft release process, transitioning gradually from captivity to their natural environment.
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5. Meru Coffee Tour (this activity may take 4 to 5 hours excluding the drive times to/from. The drive time is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour) - (July 9th)
Set against the tranquil and picturesque backdrop of Arusha Town in northern Tanzania, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the region’s most prized treasures - coffee. Nestled at the foothills of Mount Meru, the area’s rich volcanic soil and ideal climate make it perfect for cultivating some of the world’s finest coffee beans.
Guests will visit local coffee plantations, gain hands-on experience with traditional coffee processing methods, and follow the journey from green beans to perfectly roasted coffee. The experience concludes with a guided tasting session, allowing guests to savour the rich, complex flavours of Tanzanian coffee.
Beyond the coffee experience, guests can opt for a refreshing hike to a nearby waterfall, enjoy panoramic views of Mount Meru (weather permitting), and engage with the local community through visits to villages and insight into grassroots development projects.
Night Time Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania
JULY 15TH, 2025 - BY LION KING ADVENTURES
TRAVEL TIME TO MANYARA GATE: 20 MINS FROM LAKE MANYARA KILIMAMOJA LODGE & 1 HR 20 MINS FROM NGORONGORO OLDEANI MOUNTAIN LODGE
ACTIVITY DURATION: APPROXIMATELY 2 TO 2.5 HRS
MEETING TIME: ALL GUESTS PARTICIPATING IN THIS ACTIVITY MUST MEET AT MANYARA GATE BY 7.45PM
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE ARRANGE WITH YOUR GUIDE ON THE TIME YOU WOULD LIKE TO DEPART YOUR LODGE AFTER DINNER TO ENSURE TIMELY ARRIVAL AT THE GATE
Discover the Enchanting Nightlife of Lake Manyara
Venture into the Wild After Dark
When the sun sets over Lake Manyara, a whole new world awakens. Embark on an exclusive night game drive and uncover the secrets of the park’s nocturnal residents. Guided by expert naturalists and equipped with high-powered spotlights, you'll have front-row seats to nature’s most elusive creatures — from stealthy leopards and prowling lions to civet cats, white-tailed mongooses, and cape hares as they roam under the stars.
This is not just a safari — it's a thrilling after-dark adventure that reveals the untold stories of the African wilderness.
An Ecosystem Like No Other
Nestled beneath the towering cliffs of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park is a biodiversity haven. Its 11 unique ecosystems, including dense groundwater forests, open floodplains, shimmering lake shores, and acacia woodlands, create the perfect backdrop for a captivating night safari.
While the park is renowned for its iconic tree-climbing lions, it’s also home to a vibrant population of leopards that are far more active and visible after dusk. The park’s year-round water sources attract a rich variety of wildlife, ensuring every night drive offers fresh encounters and unforgettable moments.
Your Night Safari Experience
- Start Time: 8PM
- Route: Journey through the enchanted groundwater forest, skirt the shores of the lake, and follow the winding Simba River to the hippo pools.
- End Time: Approximately 10.30PM at the park gate
As the night unfolds, you’ll be immersed in the sights and sounds of Africa’s hidden nightlife — an experience that lingers long after the drive ends.
Book your Lake Manyara night game drive today and see the wild like you’ve never seen it before, under the cover of darkness, where the mystery and magic of nature truly come alive. Buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey that will ignite your senses and leave you breathless with excitement and memories that will last a lifetime!
Cost: US$ 219 ($160 + $59 Night time Park fees)
Hot Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
JULY 12TH OR 13TH, 2025, DEPENDING ON AVAILABILITY, IN SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK - BY LION KING ADV.
PICK-UP TIME: 4.20AM FROM HOTEL
TRAVEL TIME TO LAUNCH SITE: APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR FROM FOUR SEASONS SAFARI LODGE & SERENGETI SERENA SAFARI LODGE
Get ready for the most exhilarating adventure of a lifetime! Soar high above the awe-inspiring Serengeti with the Hot Air Balloon experience, where every moment promises pure excitement!
You will be floating peacefully at dawn, gazing down upon the majestic landscape and the incredible wildlife below. The vast plains unfold beneath you, revealing the stunning beauty of the savannah and the iconic animals freely roaming about. As the sun paints the sky with hues of gold, seize the chance to capture jaw-dropping aerial photographs and videos and create memories that will last a lifetime.
With skilled pilots guiding your journey, this magical experience provides an unmatched perspective of the Serengeti's natural wonders, making it an absolute highlight of your safari adventure!
The Journey Begins: From Camp to Balloon
4.00AM – 5:15AM
Some experiences are worth rising early for—and this is one of them. As the Serengeti slumbers under the stars, your adventure begins with a pre-dawn transfer from your camp. The stillness of the early morning heightens the anticipation. With luck, you may catch a glimpse of a nocturnal predator illuminated by your safari vehicle’s headlights on this rare, nighttime game drive en route to the launch site.
Preparing for Takeoff: Safety & Setup
6:15AM – 6:45AM
As the first light of day brightens the sky, your pilot delivers a safety briefing while the balloon envelope—vibrant in savannah gold and acacia green—billows to life. Flames from the burners light up the scene as excitement builds. You climb aboard while the basket is grounded, preparing for liftoff as the Serengeti awakens around you.
Serengeti from the Sky
6:45AM – 8:15AM
And then, lift-off. Every flight is a unique voyage, carried by the wind across the endless plains. One moment you’re skimming the tall grasses, the next, rising high above to watch the golden horizon curve beneath you. With decades of experience, our pilots guide you with precision while interpreting the wildlife and landscape below. After an unforgettable hour or so in the skies, your gentle descent marks the return to earth, but the adventure continues.
A Toast to the Skies
8:15AM – 8:30AM
Upon landing, tradition calls for celebration. With the words of the balloonist’s blessing still in the air, raise a glass of chilled bubbly to your incredible flight. A short walk or scenic drive later, you’ll find yourself at our signature Serengeti breakfast location.
Bush Breakfast in the Wild
8:30AM – 9:30AM
Under the shade of an acacia tree, indulge in a breakfast unlike any other. Fresh tropical fruits, just-baked breads, and hot eggs (or a delightful avocado alternative) are served on fine linens, bone china, and Sheffield cutlery—evoking the romance of ‘Out of Africa.’ Shared with fellow adventurers, this is the perfect ending to an unforgettable morning.
Cost: US$ 500
FINAL TRAVEL FORM
PLEASE COMPLETE AND SUBMIT NO LATER THAN JUNE 4TH, 2025:
This is your final travel form for the upcoming Safari trip. It contains important, time-sensitive details and must be completed and submitted no later than June 4th, 2025.
PLEASE NOTE: A SEPARATE FORM WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE ZANZIBAR EXCURSIONS.
Once submitted, Lion King Adventures will issue your booking confirmation / invoice based on the information you provide. Prompt payment is required to secure your spot for the excursions.
Thank you for your cooperation!
How To Pay Lion King Adventures
Please click on the button below for payment options.
COUNTDOWN TO OUR AFRICAN SAFARI TRIP HAS BEGUN!
JULY 8TH IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER…
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