Itinerary
Overview
Ultimate Wildlife and Wilderness Exploration
This 21-day safari offers a complete Tanzanian adventure, spanning both the iconic Northern Circuit and the remote Southern parks. From the vast Serengeti plains, where the Great Migration takes place, to the untouched wilderness of Katavi and Mahale Mountains, this itinerary is perfect for true wildlife enthusiasts seeking to explore Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems. You will experience world-famous national parks, lesser-known gems, and unique wildlife encounters, including chimpanzee trekking in Mahale. The itinerary concludes with game drives in Ruaha, one of Tanzania’s largest national parks, known for its raw and unspoiled beauty.
This 21-Day Northern & Southern Tanzania Safari is the ultimate experience for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers. From the famous Serengeti plains to the hidden gems of Katavi, Mahale, and Ruaha, this safari offers the perfect balance of iconic game viewing and remote wilderness exploration. With luxurious accommodations, expert guides, and unforgettable wildlife encounters, this itinerary provides a once-in-a-lifetime Tanzanian adventure.
Highlights & Activities
What's on offer during this trip?
- Serengeti Great Migration: Witness the annual wildlife spectacle in the Serengeti, including the possibility of seeing wildebeest river crossings.
- Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale Mountains: Trek through the tropical forests to observe the habituated chimpanzees of Mahale.
- Exclusive Camps & Lodges: Stay in luxury tented camps and remote lodges that provide an intimate wilderness experience.
- Diverse Wildlife: Encounter elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, and more in some of Tanzania’s most famous parks.
- Scenic Flights: Enjoy flights between parks, offering breathtaking aerial views of Tanzania’s landscapes.
- Private Mobile Camps: Get closer to nature with fully serviced mobile camps, providing a true bush experience.
- Pristine Wilderness of Katavi & Ruaha: Explore Tanzania’s remote southern parks, which are home to fewer tourists and abundant wildlife.
- Visit the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Experience authentic Maasai culture with a village visit.
- Luxurious tented camps and lodges offering comfort and panoramic views
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to The African Tulip in Arusha. Relax and prepare for your safari adventure.
Overnight: The African Tulip
Day 2: Fly to Serengeti National Park – Kogatende Airstrip
Fly to Serengeti National Park and enjoy an enroute game drive to your camp. The Serengeti is world-famous for its incredible wildlife density and diversity. After lunch, continue game-viewing in the northern part of the park.
Days 3-5: Full Day Game Drives in Northern Serengeti
Spend the next three days exploring the northern Serengeti, where you may witness the Great Migration and see predators in action. The river crossings of wildebeest are a dramatic highlight, alongside regular sightings of giraffes, lions, and elephants.
Days 6-9: Serengeti to Katavi National Park
Fly from Kogatende to Katavi, one of the most remote and wild parks in Tanzania. Game drives in Katavi offer a true off-the-beaten-path experience, with opportunities to see huge herds of buffalo and elephants.
Days 10-12: Katavi to Mahale Mountains National Park
Take a short flight to Mahale Mountains National Park, followed by a dhow boat transfer to your lodge. Over the next three days, you will trek through the dense forest to see the famous chimpanzees of Mahale, while also enjoying the scenic beauty of Lake Tanganyika.
Days 13-20: Mahale to Ruaha National Park
Fly to Ruaha National Park, a vast wilderness known for its large populations of elephants and predators like lions, leopards, and wild dogs. Enjoy several days of game drives, exploring different parts of this remote and diverse park.
Day 21: Ruaha to Arusha – Departure
After a final morning game drive, fly back to Arusha for your departure. You will be transferred to the airport for your international flight home, concluding your Tanzanian adventure.
What's Included?
- Accommodation: 6 nights in luxury tented camps and lodges.
- Meals: Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the safari.
- Transport: 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing, including airport transfers.
- Professional Guide: Services of an experienced, English-speaking safari guide.
- Park Fees: All national park entrance fees, including the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Game Drives: Daily game drives as per the itinerary.
Drinking Water: Bottled water during game drives. - Maasai Village Visit: A cultural visit to a Maasai village (if time permits on Day 7).
- Internal Flights: Domestic flight from Arusha to Serengeti (if applicable).
- Emergency Evacuation: AMREF Flying Doctors emergency evacuation insurance.
What's Excluded?
- International Flights: Flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Visas: Entry visas for Tanzania.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
- Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff.
- Personal Expenses: Items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, additional beverages, and laundry services.
- Optional Activities: Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., hot air balloon safari).
- Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic drinks at lodges and camps unless otherwise stated.
- Covid-19 Related Expenses: Any testing or quarantine costs related to Covid-19 regulations.
Insider Insight
We know because we've been there.
Discover the perfect blend of luxury and adventure on this bucket list African safari, featuring breathtaking highlights and serene sanctuaries.
Hamisi Mnaro
Africa Safari Specialist
