Itinerary Snapshot
DAY 01: October 20
Following your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll be welcomed by private transportation that will take you to your Arusha accommodation. The Arusha Serena Hotel, nestled among the woodland slopes of Mount Meru at the edge of Lake Duluti, offers the perfect introduction to Tanzania’s beauty. You’ll have the afternoon at leisure to relax and recover from your journey. This evening, you’ll meet your fellow travelers over our welcome dinner to get to know each other and kickoff the Safari adventure.
Overnight: Arusha Serena Hotel Resort & Spa or equivalent
DAY 02 – October 21
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll embark on your first safari adventure with a scenic four-hour drive to Tarangire National Park. As you leave Arusha behind, the landscape transforms into rolling hills and acacia-dotted plains. Upon arrival at Serian Tarangire Luxury Camp, you’ll check into your elegantly appointed tented suite—a perfect blend of luxury and wilderness immersion. After lunch and time to settle in, you’ll head out for your first afternoon game drive through Tarangire. Watch as massive elephant herds gather at watering holes, giraffes browse among ancient baobab trees, and lions lounge in the shade. As the sun sets over the savannah, you’ll return to camp for a delicious dinner under the stars.
Overnight: Serian Tarangire Luxury Camp or equivalent
DAY 03 – October 22
Rise early for a magical morning game drive when the animals are most active and the light is perfect for photography. You’ll venture deep into Tarangire National Park, where experienced guides will help you spot leopards in trees, cheetahs on the hunt, and countless bird species. The park’s diverse ecosystem—from riverine forests to open grasslands—ensures every drive reveals something new. After returning to camp for a leisurely brunch, you’ll have the afternoon to relax by the pool, enjoy a spa treatment, or simply watch wildlife from the comfort of your tent. As temperatures cool, you’ll head out for another evening game drive, ending with sundowners in the bush—a classic safari tradition where you’ll toast the sunset with drinks and appetizers as the African sky transforms into brilliant hues of orange and pink.
Overnight: Serian Tarangire Luxury Camp or equivalent
DAY 04 – October 23
Today brings a change of scenery as you depart Tarangire and journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. But first, you’ll stop for a full-day cultural immersion at Lake Manyara and the village of Mto wa Mbu. This vibrant community offers a window into authentic Tanzanian life. You’ll explore local markets bursting with colorful produce, meet artisans crafting traditional goods, and choose between biking, driving, or walking tours through the surrounding countryside. A local guide will share stories about the region’s diverse ethnic groups and their customs. You’ll enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by community members before continuing your drive to Kitela Lodge in the Ngorongoro highlands. Perched on a hillside with stunning views of coffee plantations and waterfalls, this boutique lodge offers colonial charm and modern comfort. Settle into your cottage and enjoy dinner as you anticipate tomorrow’s adventure.
Overnight: Kitela Lodge or equivalent
DAY 05 – October 24
Today is the day you’ve been waiting for—a full-day safari in the Ngorongoro Crater. After an early breakfast, you’ll descend 2,000 feet into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the “eighth wonder of the world.” The crater floor is a wildlife paradise where you’ll encounter the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and the rare black rhino—all within a single day. Hippos wallow in pools, flamingos wade in shallow lakes, and massive herds of zebra and wildebeest graze across the grasslands. Your expert guide will position you for incredible wildlife sightings and photo opportunities. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated spot on the crater floor, surrounded by nature’s magnificence. After a full day of exploration, you’ll ascend back to Kitela Lodge for a well-deserved dinner and evening of relaxation, sharing stories of the day’s incredible encounters.
Overnight: Kitela Lodge or equivalent
DAY 06 – October 25
After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic three-hour drive to the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s most famous wildlife destination. This isn’t just a transfer—it’s an en-route safari as you pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and into the Serengeti ecosystem. Your guide will stop for wildlife sightings along the way, and you’ll witness the landscape gradually transform from highlands to the iconic endless plains. Upon arrival at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, you’ll be struck by its dramatic setting—built into an acacia-lined ridge with panoramic views across the vast grasslands. After checking in and enjoying lunch, you’ll visit a local Maasai community to learn about their traditional way of life, customs, and the challenges they face in a changing world. Later, you’ll head out for your first Serengeti game drive, where lions and cheetahs stalk their prey and massive migrating wildebeest herds darken the landscape. Return to the lodge for dinner and your first night in the heart of the Serengeti.
Overnight: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
DAY 07- October 26
Wake before dawn for a hot-air balloon safari—a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers unparalleled views of the Serengeti from above. As you drift silently over the plains at sunrise, you’ll witness the landscape come alive with wildlife below: elephant herds moving to water, lions on the prowl, and endless herds of herbivores. After landing, you’ll celebrate with a champagne breakfast in the bush before returning to the lodge. For those not ballooning, a morning game drive offers equally spectacular wildlife encounters. The afternoon is yours to relax at the lodge, perhaps enjoying the infinity pool with its stunning views, or joining another game drive. As evening approaches, you’ll head out for a final game drive, ending with a sundowner—a toast to the sunset and the incredible journey you’ve shared. Your last dinner in the Serengeti will be a celebration of all you’ve experienced, surrounded by the sounds of the African night.
Overnight: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
DAY 08 – October 27
After a final breakfast with views across the Serengeti, you’ll begin your journey back to Arusha. The six-hour drive offers one last chance to spot wildlife and soak in the African landscape. Upon arrival in Arusha, you’ll visit the Shanga Foundation, a remarkable social enterprise that employs people with disabilities to create beautiful handcrafted jewelry, glassware, and textiles. You’ll tour the workshops, meet the artisans, and have the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs that support this inspiring organization. Enjoy a farewell dinner with the group this evening, celebrating what has been a memorable week.
DAY 09 – October 28
This morning be transferred 1.5hrs to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure flight, carrying memories of an extraordinary safari adventure that will last a lifetime.
Note: Please plan to book your flights departing after 9am local time on October 28.
*Please note that this is a tentative itinerary and it is subject to change.
Highlights
Incredible Wildlife
Unique Accommodations
Natural Beauty
Pricing & Inclusions
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
9 days & 8 nights' accommodations
Single occupancy, luxury lodges and tented camps
Airport transfers
Private safari vehicle with professional driver-guide
2x Daily game drives in Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti
Full-day Lake Manyara-Mto wa Mbu cultural experience
Maasai village visit
Visit to Shanga Foundation
Serengeti Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
All park entrance fees and conservation fees
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Tips for drivers & guides
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
Roundtrip airfare to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Tanzania visa
Travel insurance
Items of a personal nature
Alcoholic beverages
Is This Tour For Me?

Travel Style: Wildlife/Nature
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of a destination with guided nature walks, wildlife spotting tours, and breathtaking landscapes.
Physical Rating: 3
Age requirement: 18+

Chieko Steely

Host


















