Experience Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife regions on a six-night safari that moves from the peaceful foothills of Arusha into the Great Rift Valley, across the endless plains of the Serengeti and down into the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater.
Your journey begins at Lake Manyara, where the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment rises beyond the park and the woodland is home to elephants, giraffes, zebra and waterbuck. Keep watch in the trees for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions, an unusual sight that makes every game drive feel full of possibility.
From there, continue into the Serengeti, where open grasslands stretch towards the horizon and each day brings a new wildlife story. Follow the movements of the animals across the plains, enjoy a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch and, if you choose, rise above the park on a sunrise hot-air balloon flight.
The final chapter unfolds at Ngorongoro, where the walls of an ancient volcanic caldera shelter an extraordinary concentration of wildlife. Descend into the crater for a full day among elephants, rhinos, big cats, buffalo and grazing herds, before returning to Arusha with a wealth of unforgettable memories.
Throughout the safari, stay at Serena safari lodges selected for their exceptional locations, allowing you to experience Tanzania’s landscapes from some of the most memorable settings in the region.
Your Tanzanian adventure begins when you arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, where you will be met and transferred to Arusha Serena Hotel..
Set away from the bustle of the city, the hotel offers a peaceful first taste of Tanzania. Settle into the calm surroundings, enjoy lunch and prepare for the landscapes and wildlife experiences ahead.
After breakfast, leave Arusha behind and travel towards Lake Manyara National Park. As the Great Rift Valley comes into view, the landscape changes dramatically, with the escarpment creating a striking backdrop to the park below.
Enjoy a morning game drive in search of the wildlife that makes Lake Manyara so distinctive. Elephants, giraffes, zebra and waterbuck may appear among the woodland and open areas, while the park’s famous tree-climbing lions may be found resting above the ground.
Return to your lodge for lunch and time to relax while taking in panoramic views across the Rift Valley. Later, head out for an afternoon game drive as the changing light brings a fresh atmosphere to the park.
Continue towards the world-famous Serengeti National Park. The journey itself becomes part of the safari, with game viewing opportunities along the way as the scenery opens into the park’s vast grasslands.
The word ‘Serengeti’ means ‘endless plain’ in the Maasai language, a fitting description of its seemingly limitless horizons. Acacia trees and rocky outcrops punctuate the plains, while wildlife moves across the landscape in search of food and water.
Arrive at your accommodation in time for lunch before setting out on a late-afternoon game drive. As the heat eases, watch for the first signs of the Serengeti’s evening activity.
Spend the day exploring the Serengeti on a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch. With open plains stretching in every direction, the day offers time to follow wildlife at a relaxed pace and discover the changing scenes of this extraordinary park.
Depending on the season and location of the herds, you may encounter migrating animals moving across the grasslands, predators watching from the shade or grazing wildlife gathered around the water. No two game drives are the same, and every sighting adds another chapter to your Serengeti story.
For an alternative experience at an additional cost, take an early-morning *hot air balloon flight over the plains. Watch the sunrise from above before enjoying a bubbly bush breakfast, then continue with an afternoon game drive and picnic lunch.
Leave the Serengeti behind and travel towards the Ngorongoro Crater, passing through the historic landscapes of Olduvai Gorge along the way.
The route leads to Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, perched on the jagged rim of the crater. Arrive in time for lunch and take in the extraordinary views across the vast caldera below. The afternoon is at leisure, giving you time to relax and appreciate the setting before tomorrow’s descent into the crater.
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of game viewing with a picnic lunch. The steep crater walls create a natural enclosure for an exceptional concentration of wildlife, making this one of Tanzania’s most rewarding safari experiences.
Across the crater floor, look for wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, gazelles, elephants, rhinos and big cats. The changing scenery creates a dramatic setting for every encounter, from quiet grazing herds to predators moving through the grasslands.
Subject to time, you may also visit a local Maasai village and gain an insight into the people and communities connected to this remarkable region.
After breakfast, return to Arusha and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Later, transfer to the airport for your onward travel arrangements, taking with you memories of Tanzania’s wildlife, volcanic landscapes and endless plains, or choose to extend your holiday with a relaxing beach escape in Zanzibar. Our specialists can recommend the best luxury resorts for your tastes and budget. Alternatively, venture further afield to Mauritius, the Maldives, or the Seychelles. Contact us for further details.
Due to operational reasons, both accommodation and the itinerary may be subject to change. *Optional activities at own cost
Speak to a specialist for pricing, availability and extension options.
