This 7-day safari allows you to experience the highlights of the Northern Safari Circuit. You will experience breathtaking wildlife in the midst of some of the most diverse landscapes; monkeys in the forest, lions in trees, elephants amongst acacias, and a huge variety of animals inside a collapsed volcano. You will also visit the world-famous Serengeti National Park. The landscapes are breathtaking and the variety and volume of wildlife you will see are unforgettable.
You can also suggest or opt for a Budget Camping Safari Itinerary – And it can be adapted to suit your own personal needs and preferences, as well as for any seasonal changes or migratory animal movements.
Tour Highlights
- Departure and Return Place: We can start/end this tour from any hotel in Moshi/Arusha or from Kilimanjaro International Airport(Google Maps)
- Departure Time: Please be ready by 6:45 AM for a prompt departure at 7:15 AM.
- Return Time: Approximately 4:30 PM in the evening.
- Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hat, and spare clothing.
- Customizations: Can be amended/customized upon request, to suit your requirements
- Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request
- Season: The Dry season (from late June to October) offers the best wildlife viewing in general – with the wildebeest migration as its absolute highlight. The timing of the migration varies every year (the best chance of seeing it is during June and July) while the wildebeest calving is from late January to February.
- Your own private guide and driver for in-depth wildlife touring based on your interests
- Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our locally-born travel specialists
- Around-the-clock support from your travel designer and concierge before, during, and after your trip
What to Expect on Tour
- You will experience the excitement of game viewing in some of the most spectacular national wildlife game parks in Africa
- Look out over incredible views of the Ngorongoro Crater
- Witness the annual great migration of a million wildebeest and zebra crossing the open plains of the Serengeti
Details
Day 1 Arrival In Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Arusha town. You will meet your guide who will brief you on your Africa Safari tour. You will spend the rest of your time at your own leisure and relaxation
Mount Meru Hotel
Day 2 Tarangire National Park
In the morning you will be collected from your accommodation in Arusha by your personal Safari Guide. The drive to Tarangire is on a good tarmac road, across the gently rolling Masai plains with scattered acacia trees. On the route, you will pass many Masai in their colorful dress walking on the roadside, riding bicycles, herding their cattle, and driving donkey carts.
Tarangire National Park is well known for its large elephant herds. From the open roof of the vehicle, you will experience the seasonal swamps, savanna, and Tarangire River in search of many animals including zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, elephant, and giraffe. It’s possible that you will catch a glimpse of a lion stalking its prey or leopards watching and relaxing in the trees above. After an extensive game drive, having experienced the various sights and sounds of the wilderness, you will leave the park and head to a nearby campsite, where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Lilac Campsite
Karatu Simba lodge
Day 3 Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, you will continue towards the fertile highlands where wheat, coffee and corn are grown by the Iraqw people. Passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you will be able to see the breath-taking Ngorongoro Crater before traveling onwards to the Serengeti National Park, which you will reach by midday. The Serengeti National Park is the largest park in Tanzania with divers landscapes and habitats, such as grassy plains, swamps, lakes, savannah and mountains. Here the biggest wildebeest and zebra migration takes place and depending on the season, you may have the opportunity to witness thousands of animals on their search for food and water.
After an extensive game drive, you will drive to your campsite where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Nyani Campsite
Sound of Silence Tented lodge
Day 4 Serengeti National Park
The entire day is set aside for more game drives in the Serengeti National Park. The Serengeti is the habitat for an abundance of wildlife, such as impalas, buffalo, crocodiles and hippos, but is more well-known for its great migrating herds of zebras and wildebeest. The animals’ trek is determined by the rainfall and varies from year to year. In November and December the animals move from the northern region, dominated by woodlands and hills, to the grassy plains of the south. During the longer rainy season from April to June, they return to the north. Apart from the migrating herds, you might have the chance to see predators, such as leopards, cheetahs and lions, always lurking close by.
After an unforgettable day, you will return to your campsite for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accomodation: Nyani Campsite
Sound of Silence tented lodge
Day 5 Serengeti National Park
After an early breakfast you will head out for another game drive in the Serengeti. You might be able to spot the “Big Five” – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard – before embarking on your journey to the Ngorongoro Crater. The animals roam freely through the unfenced reserves offering you an uninterrupted game viewing experience. Arriving at the edge of the crater you will have your first glimpse of what awaits you the following day – glistening streams, open grassland and an infinite amount of animals. You will spend the night at a campsite directly on the crater’s edge with the orange glow of sunset surrounding you as you drift off to sleep.
Accomodation: Simba Campsite
Sound of Silence tented lodge
Day 6 Ngorongoro Crater
Early risers are rewarded with breath-taking views of the rising sun over the crater’s edge and after a hearty breakfast you will drive down the adventurous track into the crater. This UNESCO world heritage site, formed millions of years ago, is 610 m deep and covers roughly around 260 square kilometres. Due to its dense animal population of approximately 25 000, the crater offers the best game viewing of all the parks in Tanzania. In matter of minutes you will be able to see wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, elephants and some of the more than 500 bird species in the area. With a little bit of luck you might catch a glimpse of the endangered black rhino through the grass.
After lunch you will ascend the steep walls of the crater and head to your campsite for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accomodation: Lilac Campsite
Ngorongoro Farm house lodge
Day 7 Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, you will drive to your final destination on this epic safari – Lake Manyara National Park. This is a relatively small but diverse park, 120km west of Arusha. The park’s namesake is a shallow, salt lake. It covers a large area of the park, flooding and drying with the seasons and is home to thousands of flamingos and over 500 other bird species. On your exploration of the park you will see monkeys, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, elephant and with some luck, lions lounging in the trees. The park is known for its diverse landscapes; not only open grassy plains, but also primate-filled woodlands and baobab dotted cliffs.
After an extensive game drive through the park, you will head back to Arusha, where you will arrive in the early evening
Tour Pricing
Number of People | Cost Per Person in US($) Budget Camping | Cost Per Person in US($) Standard |
---|---|---|
1 Person | $2,810 | $6,075 |
2 People | $1,825 | $3,954 |
3 People | $1,520 | $3,424 |
4 People | $1,365 | $3,065 |
5 + People | $1,225 | $2,925 |
Tour Accommodations
Tour Day | Budget Camping Package | Standard Package |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Mount Meru Hotel | |
Day 2 | Lilac Campsite | Karatu Simba Lodge |
Day 3 | Nyani Campsite | Sound of Silence Tented Lodge |
Day 4 | Nyani Campsite | Sound of Silence Tented Lodge |
Day 5 | Simba Campsite | Sound of Silence Tented Lodge |
Day 6 | Lilac Campsite | Ngorongoro Farm House Lodge |
Questions & Answers
What can I expect on a typical safari day?
Depends on which park you have chosen in your itinerary. Every park has a distinct character, topography, and animals with attitude. If it’s Serengeti then enjoy the endless savannahs and Big 5. Tarangire’s offerings are a semi-arid landscape with majestic baobabs with no shortage of wildlife. Including the Big 5 in a day
Will there be wildlife roaming at the camps and lodges?
Yes. Bear in mind they are wild and unpredictable. The thought restrains you from getting too adventurous on hands-on when you cross paths with a wild animal. Attacks are rare but discretion is a better part of valor. Exercise caution. Remember it’s their territory and you are the intruder.
Will the safari be dusty?
Definitely! What’s the point of a safari if you don’t kick up the dust. And there will be plenty to kick in the dry months. Some of the trails on the safari route are bumpy and dusty, especially between Ngorongoro and Serengeti. So roll up the window and turn the AC on. Use sunglasses and a hat, and protect your electronic equipment from the dust storms
Will I see wildlife?
Prior to the climb, you’ll enjoy an acclimatization day with wildlife viewing and nature walks. Trekking through the rain forest, you’re likely to spot black-and-white Colobus monkeys, tropical birds and more.
Who are your operators in Tanzania?
We are. We are not agents for anybody, but run the treks ourselves through our own Tanzanian company. So you can rest assured that whoever you speak to in our company has climbed Kilimanjaro – and probably many times.
What travel documents do I need?
You will need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your dates of travel with an entry or re-entry visa, duly endorsed.
What is the maximum group size per vehicle?
The maximum group size is Six (6) guests per vehicle.
What if I have special dietary requirements?
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, celiac, lactose-free, or if you have any allergies, just give us a heads up and you will be catered to.
What happens if I get sick or injured on safari?
Any health or medical emergency will be attended to. If the condition requires hospitalization, you will be evacuated to the nearest hospital immediately. Make sure you have travel and health insurance coverage. It’s highly recommended
What do you mean by game drives?
The opportunity to explore the thriving wildlife of Tanzania in a safari vehicle by going deep into the secluded zones for an up-close and personal experience of Tanzania’s biggest and meanest
What about tipping the safari driver guides?
Tipping for services is not obligatory, but very common in Tanzania. Your tip is highly appreciated and can make a big difference to your guide and lodge staff.
Tipping is a good courtesy. Tip generously. And always keep their counsel for that optimum and safe safari experience. On safari, this is US$15-20 per person per day, handed directly to the guide at the end of your stay. Of course, you should only give a tip if you are satisfied with the quality of the service.
What about the roads on safari?
Bumpy on the safari circuits and on the game drives. If you have a back condition then take precautions with back braces, pillows, or whatever works for you.
What about solar protection?
Tanzania is very near to the equator. So the sun is always at its acme for most of the day. The sun can be fierce and cause sunburns and sunstroke. Wear a hat, shades, and use SPF sunblock lotion
What about snakes and insects?
They are pretty common. Though sighting one is not a pretty thought. But on safaris atop a vehicle, they are not an issue. While on a walking safari, wear boots when venturing into bushes or woodlands. Use full trousers and long sleeve shirts to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other fly bites. In the bushes, they are a pestilence. Use insect repellent to keep them at bay.
What about bathrooms in the bush?
The safari trips have public bathroom facilities. In case you have to go and there isn’t one in sight. Relieving behind the vehicle is a good option. of course with the concurrence of your guide. They are sympathetic to nature calls
How much does a safari cost?
Safaris are costly. Tanzania Wildlife Safaris prices depend on the number of people on the trip, how many days of safari, and the level of comfort or luxury.
How far in advance do I need to book a Safari?
Book your trip early. Ideally, 6 months in advance and 10-12 months in advance if you want to witness the Wildebeest migration in Serengeti.
Are safaris suitable for children?
We often get asked about family safaris and most children absolutely love their safari experience. If they are old enough to fully benefit from what is a holiday of a lifetime.
There is nothing better for children than to be so close to our amazing wildlife, so much better than watching it on TV or merely reading a book about it.
We advise on child-friendly accommodations and ensure that you get a family-friendly room. It is essential to be realistic, however. A safari involves a lot of driving over rough terrain, and we would not recommend a safari trip for children under 3 years old.
Will I see the famous ‘Big 5’?
There are never any guarantees with wildlife, but our driver-guides work hard to find you the ‘Big 5’ and so much more. But you will certainly have a good chance of seeing the Big 5, depending on which parks you choose to visit as part of your itinerary. If your goal is to see a black rhino, you should include Ngorongoro on your schedule.
Where are the best places in Tanzania for bird-spotting?
Tanzania is truly a phenomenal place for birds, which of course makes it a remarkable place for bird-spotters, too!
One thing is certain, you will not leave Tanzania without witnessing some incredible avian species.