12 Days of Unrivalled Tanzanian Grandeur, Tanzania
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12 Days of Unrivalled Tanzanian Grandeur

12 Days Arusha National Park · Tarangire National Park · Serengeti National Park · Ngorongoro Crater · Lake Manyara National Park Private safari

From $4,280 per person

Safari Overview

This twelve-day expedition offers an profound immersion into the heart of East Africa's most iconic wilderness areas. Beginning in the lush foothills of Mount Meru, your journey weaves through the prehistoric baobab forests of Tarangire and the bird-rich groundwater forests of Lake Manyara, before venturing into the vast, golden horizon of the Serengeti. Each day is curated to provide intimate wildlife encounters led by our expert guides, ensuring you witness the raw pulse of the African savannah.

As you traverse these ancient landscapes, you will stay in a handpicked selection of premium lodges and luxury tented camps. These sanctuaries are designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, offering refined comfort after days spent tracking the Big Five. The itinerary allows for a deliberate pace, giving you ample time to appreciate the smaller nuances of the bush, from the delicate flora of the Ngorongoro highlands to the evening chorus of the central Serengeti.

Your adventure culminates in the unparalleled Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheatre teeming with life. Throughout the safari, you will experience the warmth of Tanzanian hospitality, gourmet bush cuisine, and the thrill of the wild, all within the exclusivity of a private vehicle. This is more than a tour; it is a comprehensive exploration of the natural wonders that make Tanzania the world's premier safari destination.

Highlights

  • Full-day exploration of the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater
  • Extensive four-night residency in the legendary Serengeti
  • Elephant tracking among the ancient baobabs of Tarangire
  • Search for tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara
  • Guided nature walks and drives in Arusha National Park

Day by Day

Your Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Kilimanjaro/Arusha to Arusha City

    Upon your arrival, our professional driver-guide will meet you and provide a comfortable transfer to your serene lodge. Spend the afternoon at leisure, acclimating to the African rhythm and preparing for the journey ahead.

    Activities:
    Arrival transfer and briefing
    Meals:
    Breakfast
    Overnight:
    Arusha Farm House (Mid-range)
    Distance:
    50km (1 hour)
  2. Day 2

    Arusha City to Arusha National Park

    Delve into the diverse ecosystems of Arusha National Park, where the dramatic silhouette of Mount Meru oversees sightings of black-and-white colobus monkeys. Enjoy a flexible day of game drives and scenic walks in this verdant volcanic landscape.

    Activities:
    Guided game drives and nature walks
    Meals:
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Overnight:
    Arusha Farm House (Mid-range)
    Distance:
    35km (45 mins)
  3. Day 3

    Arusha to Tarangire National Park

    Journey to the 'Home of Giants,' a park famous for its massive elephant populations and iconic baobab trees. Your first afternoon game drive reveals the park's rugged beauty and rich predator activity.

    Activities:
    Afternoon game drive
    Meals:
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Overnight:
    Ang’ata Tarangire Camp (Luxury)
    Distance:
    150km (3 hours)
  4. Day 4

    Tarangire National Park Exploration

    Spend a full day exploring the Tarangire River valley, where animals congregate in high concentrations. The diverse terrain, from marshes to woodlands, offers exceptional birding and big game photography.

    Activities:
    Full day game drives
    Meals:
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Overnight:
    Suricata Boma Lodge (Mid-range)
    Distance:
    Variable (Full day)
  5. Day 5

    Tarangire to Lake Manyara Region

    Traverse the scenic landscape towards the Rift Valley escarpment. Enjoy the changing vistas as you transition between the arid Tarangire and the lush highlands.

    Activities:
    Scenic transit and local exploration
    Meals:
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Overnight:
    Land of Nature Camp (Mid-range)
    Distance:
    100km (2 hours)
  6. Day 6

    Central Serengeti National Park

    Head into the world-famous Serengeti, entering through the central Seronera Valley. This region is a year-round hub for big cats and the vast herbivore herds that define the plains.

    Activities:
    Afternoon game drive
    Meals:
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Overnight:
    Land of Nature Camp (Mid-range)
    Distance:
    210km (5-6 hours)
  7. Day 7

    Western Serengeti Exploration

    Travel towards the Western Corridor, following the migratory path of the great herds. This region offers a unique perspective on the park's topography and specialized wildlife.

    Activities:
    Game drives in the Western Serengeti
    Meals:
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Overnight:
    Misako Serengeti Camp (Luxury)
    Distance:
    Variable (Full day)
  8. Day 8

    Full Day in Western Serengeti

    Enjoy a deep dive into the wilderness, tracking leopards in the acacia trees and witnessing the sheer scale of the savannah. The day is yours to explore the hidden corners of the Serengeti.

    Activities:
    Morning and afternoon game drives
    Meals:
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Overnight:
    Misako Serengeti Camp (Luxury)
    Distance:
    Variable (Full day)
  9. Day 9

    Western to Central Serengeti

    Return to the central plains, maximizing your chances of seeing hunts and diverse pride interactions. The Seronera region remains one of the best places in Africa to spot elusive leopards.

    Activities:
    Game drives en route
    Meals:
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Overnight:
    Land of Nature Camp (Mid-range)
    Distance:
    100km (3-4 hours)
  10. Day 10

    Serengeti to Karatu Highlands

    Perform a final sunrise loop in the Serengeti before ascending to the lush Karatu highlands. The cooler air and green coffee plantations provide a beautiful contrast to the plains.

    Activities:
    Morning game drive and transit
    Meals:
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Overnight:
    Farm of Dreams Lodge (Mid-range)
    Distance:
    160km (4 hours)
  11. Day 11

    Ngorongoro Crater Floor

    Descend 600 metres into the caldera for a breathtaking day of wildlife viewing in one of the world's most dense animal sanctuaries. Look for the rare black rhino and majestic bull elephants.

    Activities:
    Full day crater floor tour
    Meals:
    Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Overnight:
    Suricata Boma Lodge (Mid-range)
    Distance:
    30km (45 mins)
  12. Day 12

    Lake Manyara to Arusha

    Conclude your safari with a visit to Lake Manyara, famous for its tree-climbing lions and flamingo-filled shores. After a farewell picnic, return to Arusha for your onward journey.

    Activities:
    Morning game drive and departure transfer
    Meals:
    Breakfast, lunch
    Overnight:
    None
    Distance:
    130km (2.5 hours)

What's Included

  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Exclusive use of a 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser
  • Full board accommodation as specified
  • All national park entrance and conservation fees
  • Complimentary bottled water and soft drinks during game drives
  • In-vehicle charging points and binoculars

Not Included

  • International and domestic airfare
  • Tanzanian entry visas
  • Gratuities for safari staff
  • Optional Serengeti balloon safaris ($600 per person)

Best Time for This Safari

The dry months from June to October offer the most prolific wildlife viewing as animals congregate around permanent water sources. For those interested in the Great Migration, timing varies depending on rainfall patterns across the Serengeti.

Questions

Safari FAQs

Tanzania is one of the few places where you can see all five. We frequent the Ngorongoro Crater for Black Rhino and the Serengeti for Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, and Elephant.

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