Itinerary
Overview
Classic Safari Adventure
Experience 16 days of extraordinary wildlife encounters across Tanzania’s most renowned landscapes. This itinerary combines the scenic beauty of the Mara Savannah, the vast plains of the Serengeti, the majestic Ngorongoro Crater, and the baobab-studded vistas of Tarangire. Each region offers unique opportunities to observe the Great Migration, spot the Big Five, and capture unforgettable photographs.
Highlights & Activities
What's on offer during this trip?
Mara River Crossings (Northern Serengeti): Witness the dramatic spectacle of wildebeests and zebras braving crocodile-infested waters during the Great Migration.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Mahale: Explore the verdant forests of Mahale Mountains National Park to encounter wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Serengeti Game Drives: Discover the endless plains of the Serengeti, teeming with wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and gazelles.
Ngorongoro Crater Safari: Descend into the world’s largest unbroken caldera, offering unparalleled wildlife viewing and breathtaking landscapes.
Ruaha Wilderness Adventure: Experience the raw beauty of Ruaha National Park, home to large elephant herds, big cats, and diverse bird species.
Sunrise & Sunset Viewing: Enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets over some of Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes, from the Serengeti plains to the rugged hills of Ruaha.
Mahale Lakefront Relaxation: Unwind on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, surrounded by pristine wilderness and crystal-clear waters.
Cultural Encounters with Local Communities: Engage with local cultures, including optional visits to nearby villages to learn about traditional lifestyles.
Luxury Accommodations in Nature: Stay in lodges and camps seamlessly integrated into the environment, providing comfort and connection to the wilderness.
Photographic Opportunities: Capture every moment, from the dramatic Mara River crossings to the intimate encounters with chimpanzees and the vast beauty of Tanzania’s landscapes.
Itinerary
Day to day
Day 1: Arrival and Briefing in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be greeted and transferred to KIA Lodge near the airport. Settle into your room and take the remainder of the day to rest, recover from your journey, and prepare for the days ahead. Dinner can be enjoyed at the lodge’s restaurant, offering views of Mount Kilimanjaro if weather permits.
Days 2–6: Mara Savannah
Leave Arusha in the morning for the Mara Savannah region (Northern Serengeti side near the Mara River). Over the next five days, explore the sweeping plains that serve as the stage for the dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration. Game drives focus on spotting wildebeests, zebras, and a range of predators such as lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles lurking in the river. Evenings are spent in a comfortable tented camp or lodge, where you can relax under star-studded skies while listening to the distant sounds of wildlife.
Highlights:
Possible sightings of the famous Mara River crossingsPredators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenasBirdlife along the riverbanks, including storks and kingfishersDays 7–9: Serengeti National Park (Central) – Kati Kati Camp or Similar
Travel to Central Serengeti, known for the Seronera Valley with its year-round water supply attracting a high concentration of wildlife. Spend three days observing large prides of lions, herds of elephants, and elegant leopards perched on acacia branches. The golden plains also provide excellent photographic backdrops at sunrise and sunset. Evenings are spent at Kati Kati Tented Camp (or similar), where you can unwind in your en-suite tent and share safari stories around the campfire.
Highlights:
Game drives in the heart of the SerengetiPossible leopard sightings in the Seronera regionSunsets over the endless plainsDays 10–12: Ngorongoro Conservation Area – EWA Private Mobile Camp
Head to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you will stay at an EWA Private Mobile Camp set in a secluded location. Over the course of three days, visit the Ngorongoro Crater—often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”—and descend 600 meters to the crater floor for outstanding wildlife viewing. Capture images of the Big Five, and if you wish, enjoy cultural interactions with the Maasai who call this region home. The private mobile camp experience allows for a more intimate connection to the environment and flexible scheduling of activities.
Highlights:
Full-day crater tour with high chances of seeing black rhinosClose-up encounters with lions, buffaloes, and elephantsUnique private camp ambiance, enhancing the wilderness feelDays 13–15: Tarangire National Park – Kati Kati Camp or Similar
Continue to Tarangire National Park, celebrated for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Over three days, explore the park’s varied landscapes—from open savannahs to riverine forests—and keep an eye out for zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and predators like lions and leopards. Bird enthusiasts will also delight in the abundant species found near the Tarangire River. Evenings are spent at Kati Kati Camp (or similar), where you can savor the tranquility of the African bush.
Highlights:
Large elephant populations in TarangireSpectacular baobab trees dotting the landscapeBirdwatching along the Tarangire RiverDay 16: Departure
After a final morning game drive (time permitting) and breakfast, transfer to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight. Reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters and scenic landscapes experienced over the past 16 days as you head home or continue to your next destination.
What's Included?
- Accommodation in lodges/tented camps as indicated
- Meals as specified (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- All park entry and conservation fees
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing
- Bottled water during game drives
- Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
What's Excluded?
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon safari)
- Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Personal expenses (beverages, laundry, souvenirs)
Rates
- Price per 8,995 $
- EBD 15% BY JAN 31.2025
Our rates are per person sharing unless we note differently