The Ultimate Tanzanian Experience is an 8-day journey of luxury, adventure, and cultural immersion. The trip begins with your arrival in Arusha, followed by a scenic flight to the iconic Serengeti. Here, you dive into exhilarating game drives in the famed Seronera Valley, home to the Big Cats, and enjoy the unparalleled luxury of the Four Seasons Serengeti. A highlight is the magical hot air balloon safari at sunrise, offering a unique perspective of the vast plains before a champagne bush breakfast.
The adventure continues with a transfer to the magnificent Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular game drive, a rare opportunity to spot the Big Five in a single day. The journey also provides a profound cultural experience with visits to the Maasai, Hadzabe (hunter-gatherer), and Datoga tribes, offering an authentic glimpse into their ancient traditions.
The final leg of the safari takes you to Tarangire National Park, celebrated for its enormous elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Your game drives are followed by a relaxing stay at the exclusive Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge. The trip concludes with some last-minute shopping in Arusha before your departure, leaving you with memories of Tanzania's incredible wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich heritage.
Inclusions:
Exclusions:
Day 1: Four Points by Sheraton Arusha The Arusha Hotel, Arusha:
Arusha:
Resting at the foot of Mount Meru, the sprawling city of Arusha is known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the remarkably scenic surrounding area which includes majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Parks. Arusha is a good spot to take a day or two off from the safari circuit as it features a temperate climate and lush surrounds. Visitors can look forward to exploring the wildlife-abundant Serengeti National Park; the magnificent Arusha National Park; and taking on the challenge of climbing Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth highest mountain.
Day Itinerary: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO):
Meeting Your Representative: Once you exit the airport building, you will be met by a representative holding a sign with your name. You will be assisted with your luggage and guide you to your transfer vehicle.
Transfer to Four Points by Sheraton Arusha: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is located approximately 50-60 kilometers from the city of Arusha. The transfer to the Four Points by Sheraton Arusha will take about an hour, depending on traffic. Your representative will handle the transportation, which is included in your package.
Four Points by Sheraton Arusha: Your stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Arusha includes accommodation on a "bed and breakfast" basis. The hotel also has other amenities you can enjoy, such as an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a bar. You can purchase other meals or drinks at the hotel's restaurant or poolside bar.
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Day 2: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Ikoma:
Ikoma:
Ikoma is situated in Tanzania, east of the Serengeti National Park, at the base of the majestic Mt. Meru, Ikoma is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater are both within easy driving distance, making Ikoma the perfect base for exploring the region. In addition to its natural wonders, Ikoma is also home to a number of great activities, including hiking, biking and bird watching. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder Ikoma is one of Tanzania's most popular tourist destinations. Other Highlights in the surrounding area include Lake Ndutu, and the Olduvai Gorge. Ikoma is also home to a number of Masai villages, where visitors can learn about the traditional culture and way of life. With its unique location and range of activities on offer, Ikoma is an ideal destination for those looking to explore the natural beauty and culture of Tanzania.
Serengeti National Park:
The Serengeti, together with Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Park, constitute Africa's most famous wildlife park, spread over the enthralling landscapes of northern Tanzania. This is a precious ecosystem, supporting the annual wildebeest migration through the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. The largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet involves more than a million animals following the rains, including more than 1.5 million white-bearded wildebeest and 250 000 zebras. Prides of lions, as well as groups of elephants, giraffes, gazelles, and eland, roam among the photogenic vast grass plains between weird-and-wonderful-looking acacia trees. Aside from traditional vehicle safaris, hot-air ballooning over the Serengeti plains and horse riding safaris are on offer.
Day Itinerary: Today, your safari adventure truly begins by flying from Arusha to the heart of the Serengeti and your first game drive.
Early Morning Transfer to Arusha Airport (ARK): You will wake up early for your transfer from the Four Points by Sheraton Arusha to Arusha Airport. The airport is the main hub for scheduled flights to the various national parks in northern Tanzania. The drive is short, and the airport is small and easy to navigate.
Flight to Seronera Airstrip (SEU): From Arusha Airport, you'll board a light aircraft for a scenic flight into the Serengeti. The flight to Seronera Airstrip takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. As you fly, you'll get a spectacular aerial view of the Tanzanian landscape, transitioning from populated areas to the vast, open plains of the Serengeti.
Upon landing at Seronera Airstrip, Your Guide will meet you with a safari vehicle. This is where your first game drive begins! The Seronera Valley, located in the heart of the Serengeti, is renowned for its year-round wildlife. The Seronera River provides a permanent water source, which attracts a high concentration of animals, especially during the dry season.
The area is particularly famous for its population of big cats:
During your game drive, you can also expect to see a wide variety of other wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hyenas, and a multitude of antelopes like impala and topi. Your experienced safari guide will be an invaluable resource, providing information on the animals' behavior and the ecosystem.
Transfer to Four Seasons Serengeti: In the late afternoon, your guide will drive you to the Four Seasons Serengeti Safari Lodge, which is conveniently located near the Seronera Airstrip. The lodge is perched on elevated platforms with a view of a nearby watering hole, which is a popular spot for wildlife.
All-Inclusive Stay at Four Seasons Serengeti: Your overnight stay at the Four Seasons Serengeti is on an "all-inclusive" basis. This typically means the following is covered:
You'll be able to enjoy the lodge's luxurious amenities, which may include a beautiful infinity pool, a spa, and a fitness center. You can relax and recount the day's sightings while watching for animals at the watering hole from your private balcony or a communal viewing deck.
Basis:
Day 3: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Ikoma:
Central Serengeti:
Situated in the heart of Tanzania, the Central Serengeti encompasses the world-famous Seronera Valley which is known for its prime wildlife-viewing opportunities. This picture-perfect landscape is characterised by endless stretches of savannah-covered open plains interspersed by rocky outcrops of granite and scattered with acacia woodlands and covered in a network of rivers and streams. The Central Serengeti forms part of the great wildebeest and zebra migration and provides an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife such as giraffe, impala, waterbuck, hippo, elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, hyena, jackal, serval and much more. Popular activities include: game viewing, cultural tours, horse riding safaris, and hot air ballooning over the spectacularly scenic terrain.
Day Itinerary: Today will be an unforgettable day, starting with a unique aerial perspective of the Serengeti and continuing with a deep dive into some of its most exclusive and wildlife-rich areas.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Game Drive in Central and Eastern Serengeti: After your champagne breakfast, your guide will meet you to continue your game drive for the rest of the day. You will explore two distinct areas: the Central Serengeti (Seronera) and the more remote Eastern Serengeti (Namiri Plains and Gol Area).
Evening Return to Four Seasons Serengeti: After a full day of thrilling game drives, you will return to the luxury of the Four Seasons Serengeti Safari Lodge in the evening. You can unwind and enjoy the lodge's amenities, perhaps with a relaxing massage at the spa or a drink by the infinity pool overlooking the savanna, before an exquisite dinner. Your guide will update you on the plan for the next day's adventures.
Basis:
Day 4: Ngorongoro Lodge Meliá Collection, Ngorongoro Conservation Area:
Ngorongoro Conservation Area:
Situated in the Crater Highlands in Northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is best known for its archaeological and geological significance, rich wildlife, and beautiful scenery. The conservation area encompasses the famous Crater, the renowned Olduvai Gorge and vast plains of grasslands, forests and mountains extending to the Serengeti. This 8000-square-kilometre protected area is recognised for its natural beauty and has been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visitors flock here to soak up the spectacular views of the Ngorongoro Crater, voted as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, it is famed for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Popular activities include: mountain biking, hiking, game drives, bush walks, and visiting a local Maasai village.
Day Itinerary: After your magnificent hot air balloon experience, you will check out from the Four Seasons Serengeti for a change of scenery and a new adventure.
Last Game Drive and Departure from Serengeti: This morning, you will enjoy a final game drive through the Serengeti as you make your way towards the exit gate. Your guide will take you on a different route, giving you a chance to spot any animals you may have missed on previous drives. The Serengeti's landscape is vast and diverse, so there's always something new to see. It's an opportunity to bid farewell to the endless plains and the abundant wildlife that call this ecosystem home.
Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA): The journey from the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is an adventure in itself. The drive is approximately 3-4 hours, though it can take longer with stops for wildlife viewing along the way. You will transition from the wide-open plains of the Serengeti to the lush, volcanic highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is a very scenic drive, offering stunning views of the Rift Valley escarpment.
Visit to a Maasai Village: As you enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you will have the opportunity to visit a traditional Maasai village, also known as a "boma." This is a special cultural experience that offers an authentic glimpse into the lives of the Maasai people, a semi-nomadic tribe known for their distinctive red shukas (robes) and rich traditions.
During your visit, you can expect the following:
Arrival at Melia Ngorongoro: After the Maasai village visit, you will continue your drive to the luxurious Melia Ngorongoro, a lodge perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. This location provides spectacular, panoramic views of the crater below.
You will be staying in a Crater Suite with Terrace, which offers:
The combination of the Maasai cultural experience and the magnificent views from your suite will be a perfect way to end a day of travel and transition from the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
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Day 5: Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater:
Ngorongoro Crater:
Located in Northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater is best known for its natural beauty and abundance of diverse wildlife; which makes it one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations. Surrounded by Tanzania’s highlands, this UNESCO-listed crater is said to be the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Visitors can look forward to spotting the world-renowned Big Five and a host of other wildlife species including large herds of zebra and wildebeest. It is famed as one of Tanzania’s best tourist attractions offering visitors an array of wonderful activities including excellent bird watching, trekking, wildlife viewing, mountain biking and visiting a local Maasai village. Don’t miss the opportunity to jump on an excursion to the magnificent Olduvai Gorge.
Day Itinerary: Today, your journey takes you from the high-altitude lodge on the crater rim to the crater floor itself for an unforgettable game drive, before continuing to the "coffee country" of Karatu.
Morning Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater: Your day will start with an early breakfast and check-out from your lodge. To make the most of your time and increase your chances of spotting the more elusive animals, your guide will take you on an early morning descent into the Ngorongoro Crater. This is the best time for game viewing as the animals are most active during the cooler hours of the day.
The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural wonder. The crater floor, which is a massive, unbroken caldera, is a self-contained ecosystem teeming with wildlife. During your game drive, you can expect to see a high concentration of animals, including:
Afternoon Drive to Karatu: After your game drive and a picnic lunch on the crater floor, you will begin your ascent out of the crater. The drive from the crater rim to the town of Karatu is relatively short, taking approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
The drive is scenic as you leave the highlands and enter the fertile landscape of the Karatu area, known as the heart of Tanzania's coffee country. Your guide will drive you to your lodge, where you will have time to settle in and relax.
Dinner and Overnight Stay: You will arrive at your lodge in Karatu in the late afternoon, with plenty of time to freshen up before dinner. The lodges in this area, like the Manyara Kilimamoja Hotel, offer a luxurious and comfortable stay. Your dinner will be included as part of your all-inclusive basis, allowing you to enjoy a well-deserved meal after an exciting day of safari.
Basis:
Day 6: Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater:
Day Itinerary: Based on your request, today will be a full-day cultural immersion and a stark contrast to the wildlife safaris you've experienced so far.
Early Morning Departure and Drive to Lake Eyasi: Your day will begin very early, likely before sunrise, with a packed breakfast. You will check out from your lodge and embark on a scenic drive to the Lake Eyasi region. The drive from Karatu to the Lake Eyasi area takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on road conditions. The landscape will become noticeably drier as you approach the saline lake.
Cultural Visit with the Hadzabe Tribe: Upon arrival, you will be introduced to your local guide and the Hadzabe people, one of the last true hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa. The Hadzabe live in small, temporary camps and have a unique way of life that has remained unchanged for thousands of years. Your visit is a rare and authentic opportunity to learn about their culture and traditions firsthand.
Your activities will be a hands-on experience, following the daily rhythm of the tribe:
Visit to the Datoga Tribe: Often, a visit to the Hadzabe is combined with a short stop to a neighboring tribe, the Datoga. The Datoga are pastoralists and skilled blacksmiths, known for creating weapons, knives, and jewelry from scrap metal. This provides an interesting contrast between a hunter-gatherer and a pastoralist culture.
Return to the Lodge: In the late afternoon, you will say your goodbyes and begin your drive back to your lodge in Karatu. You can use the drive to reflect on the unique experience. You will arrive back at your lodge in time to relax, enjoy dinner, and share stories of your incredible day.
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Day 7: Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge, Tarangire National Park:
Tarangire National Park:
Tarangire National Park, situated within Tanzania’s spectacular Manyara Region, is an awe-inspiring national park comprising of granite ridges, river valleys, mixed vegetative landscapes, and free-roaming wildlife. During the annual dry season, the Tarangire River is a magnet for thirsty wildlife. Large herds of elephants and migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland gather and not surprisingly the predators follow. With lion being among the most commonly spotted animal, it is a rare day that a visitor does not spot this majestic animal prowling or grazing. Tarangire is also the one place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope such as oryx and gerenuk are seen regularly. This expansive area is also known for its spectacular baobab trees, its breathtaking views of the Masaai Steppe and the wondrous mountains to the south.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area (As previously described)
Ngorongoro Crater (As previously described)
Day Itinerary: Today will be an exciting day of transition as you leave the highlands and head to the vast, wild landscapes of Tarangire National Park.
Morning Drive to Tarangire National Park: After an early breakfast and checking out from your lodge in Karatu, you will begin your drive to Tarangire National Park. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours, during which you will descend from the cool, high-altitude environment of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area into the warmer, arid savanna of Tarangire.
Game Drive in Tarangire: Upon arrival, your guide will handle the park entry formalities, and you will begin your game drive. Tarangire National Park is a hidden gem and is renowned for several key features:
You will enjoy a picnic lunch in a designated area of the park, allowing you to maximize your time on the game drive.
Afternoon Transfer to Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge: In the late afternoon, your game drive will conclude, and you will be transferred to Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge. The lodge is beautifully situated inside Tarangire National Park, perched on a ridge with sweeping, panoramic views of the Tarangire River and the valley below.
All-Inclusive Stay at Lemala Mpingo Ridge: Your overnight stay at Lemala Mpingo Ridge is on an "all-inclusive" basis. This typically covers:
The lodge's elevated position means you can often spot wildlife from the comfort of your private deck or the main lodge area, making for a truly immersive safari experience.
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Day 8: End of Itinerary:
Day Itinerary: Today marks the end of your incredible Tanzanian safari adventure. It's a day for a final farewell to the savanna and to gather some last-minute souvenirs before your flight home.
Morning Departure and Drive to Arusha: After a final breakfast at Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge, you will check out and begin your scenic drive out of Tarangire National Park. The journey to Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania, will take approximately 2-3 hours. This drive will be your last chance to see the landscapes you've grown to love.
Souvenir Shopping in Arusha: Arusha is the perfect place to do some souvenir shopping before your flight. You will find a wide variety of shops and markets offering authentic Tanzanian crafts. Your driver-guide will be able to take you to a few of the best places, which may include:
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): After your shopping, your driver-guide will take you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight home. The drive from Arusha to JRO takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
As you board your flight, you can look back on your journey from the endless plains of the Serengeti to the majestic Ngorongoro Crater and the unique cultural experiences of the Lake Eyasi region.
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