11 day Tanzania's Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Beyond Small Group Tour - includes flights!

Please note that the itinerary may change depending on departure day.

DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Tanzania

Depart for Tanzania

DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Kilimanjaro

Arrive in Kilimanjaro; transfer to the hotel in Arusha, the safari capital of northern Tanzania, nestled at the foot of Mt Meru. The rest of the day is yours to rest, relax and get ready for the extraordinary adventure that lies ahead

Overnight: Arusha

Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Wednesday - Tarangire National Park

This morning travel to the vast Tarangire National Park, known for its huge herds of elephants and giraffe as well as a remarkable variety of over 500 bird species. The Tarangire River and its tributaries provide the only permanent water supply on Maasai land during the dry season, thus supporting a great diversity of wildlife - up to 6,000 elephants, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, lion, leopard and cheetah. The afternoon game drive is sure to inspire - be sure to capture photos of the park's gigantic Baobab trees silhouetted against the sky!

Overnight: Tarangire

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Thursday - Tarangire Game Drives

The thrilling sounds of the animals and birds in the bush awaken you. Enjoy an early morning and afternoon game drive in beautiful Tarangire National Park. Time for personal pursuits before tonight’s delightful dinner

Overnight: Tarangire

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Friday - Lake Manyara National Park

After an early breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, world-famous for its nimble blue monkeys and elephants. More than 400 species live here, along with an abundance of bird life that makes it a haven for bird watchers. The afternoon is at leisure to rest and enjoy the amenities of the lodge. This evening, a sumptuous dinner awaits with your fellow travellers

Overnight: Lake Manyara

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Saturday - Serengeti National Park

After an early breakfast, depart for the fabled Serengeti National Park. Unequalled in its natural beauty and undoubtedly the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the world, the vast plains of the Serengeti host Africa’s highest concentration of game. Standing majestically in this vast savannah, outcrops of granite called kopjes provide a habitat for many creatures because of the thriving vegetation, caves and flowing rivers. The spectacular Simba Kopje was used as inspiration for some of the scenes in the movie The Lion King. The first game drive explores the lush Seronera Valley, renowned for its lion and leopard populations, as well as a variety of other wildlife. At dusk, return to the campsite, sip a glass of wine by a warming campfire and share tales of today’s remarkable experiences

Overnight: Serengeti National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Sunday - Serengeti Game Drives

Rise before dawn to prepare yourself for the optional Sunrise Balloon Safari -- a truly memorable experience! Take off in a hot air balloon as the sun rises. Float softly over the tranquil landscape viewing wild game roaming the vast plains. A sumptuous champagne breakfast awaits you at the end of the journey. Continue game viewing as you drive leisurely back to camp. Then, an exciting exploration of Moru Kopjes (weather permitting), the jewel in the Serengeti’s crown, an area of stunning beauty and excellent game viewing all year round. This unique landscape is characterised by rocky cliffs (kopjes) along with boulders and caves that act as canvases for ancient Maasai paintings. At the lodge tonight, enjoy a magnificent dinner and great conversation

Optional: Serengeti Sunrise Balloon Safari & Breakfast (AM)

Overnight: Serengeti National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Monday - Serengeti Game Drives

The early morning game drive takes you again into the protected Serengeti refuge. The breathtaking savannahs are a stunning backdrop to a diverse and abundant wildlife population throughout the entire year. On your return to the camp, a leisurely lunch and time to relax before setting out on the afternoon game drive. After dinner tonight, listen to the sounds of the wilderness and gaze at the changing colours of the African skies

Overnight: Serengeti National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Tuesday - Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Olduvai Gorge Museum

After an early breakfast, bid farewell to the Serengeti plains and continue to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping en route to visit the remarkable Olduvai Gorge Museum with its displays of fossils that provide significant evidence of our ancestors almost four million years ago. Tonight at the lodge, dinner together accented by a gorgeous African sunset

Overnight: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Wednesday - Ngorongoro Game Drive

Explore the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Africa’s “Garden of Eden”. Descend almost 2,000 feet to the floor of the crater, one of the largest calderas in the world, containing diverse ecosystems and an astounding concentration of birds and animals. You’ll surely be awed by the profusion and beauty of the wildlife in this natural enclosure! View herds of elephants slowly wandering along the trails as lions wait for their prey and guard their prides. You may spot gazelles, zebra and perhaps even the endangered rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch in this astonishing setting before you ascend to the crater rim and travel to Arusha. Time to relax before tonight’s delightful dinner. Bid a fond farewell to your Tour Manager and newfound friends as you share memories of your magnificent adventure in Tanzania

Overnight: Arusha

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Thursday - Depart Tanzania

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Passengers with evening flights will have a day-use hotel room and be transferred to the airport later in the evening

Day Room: Arusha

Meals: Breakfast

Advertised pricing based on 22 May 2020 tour with return airfares from Sydney. Please note prices may vary and are subject to availability at time of booking. Multiple departure dates available throughout 2020.

Land only prices are available on request.

Freecall our local travel team on 1300 414 198 for more details or to book your tour.

Please note accommodation is subject to change depending on day of departure. Hotels include:

• The African Tulip, Arusha
• Tarangire Sopa Lodge, Tarangire Reservation
• Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge, Lake Manyara
• Ole Serai Luxury Camp - Seronera, Serengeti National Park or Ole Serai Luxury Camp - Moru Kopjes, Serengeti National Park or Ole Serai Luxury Camp - Turner Springs, Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Four Points by Sheraton Arusha, The Arusha Hotel, Arusha
• Lake Duluti Lodge, Arusha

Is This Trip Right for You? - This is an active trip. Our small group covers a lot of ground each day, and we spend most of our time driving over roads that are often rough and bumpy in safari vehicles that cannot be air-conditioned. Only "bush toilets" are available during game drives. We have many early mornings. Electricity for our camps is provided by generator and may not be available 24 hours a day. Many of the accommodations are built in the traditional local style and have no air-conditioning. Visitors to Tanzania are required to carry proof of Yellow Fever vaccination if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever, and are encouraged to consult their health care providers regarding malaria prophylaxis. We suggest you check with your health-care provider before signing up for this tour. Safari vehicles have high ground clearance and require agility to embark and disembark. During this tour, you may come into proximity of wild animals whose actions can be unpredictable. Certain inherent risks are involved which should be considered at your own discretion. This is a Small Group program.

Passports and Visas - It is each traveller's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. 

Vaccinations - It is recommended that you see your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip. Malaria is present throughout Tanzania. It is recommended that malaria prophylaxis and preventative measures be taken when travelling in Tanzania. Travellers are encouraged to wear insect repellent and clothing that adequately covers arms and legs. Passengers continuing onto Tanzania from Kenya must present proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival to Tanzania. Passengers arriving to Tanzania directly from Australia are not required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination. The World Health Organization (WHO) website is helpful and provides information on outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad.

This tour visits areas of high elevations. The area surrounding the Ngorongoro Crater reaches 7,500 feet above sea level, and may cause temporary altitude discomfort for some travellers. Those affected should avoid over-exertion, drink extra water, and eat lightly.

Climate & Clothing - Due to its location near the equator, Tanzania does not have a lot of seasonal variation. Generally, the weather is pleasant. The rainy season is from April to May and short rains occur from November to December as well. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. A bandanna or light scarf is recommended as protection against dust and dirt on game drives. Pack a DEET-based repellent to prevent mosquito bites. On game reserves, visitors should wear neutral colours such as brown, khaki, and beige. In some areas it is considered inappropriate to wear shorts or short sleeve shirts.