Tanzania Wildlife Safari

Embark on a transformative 12-day wildlife safari through the heart of East Africa, where Tanzania's sun-drenched savannas provide a breathtaking stage for some of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles. With exceptional access to renowned national parks and reserves, you’ll encounter vibrant local traditions, a rich diversity of wildlife and three of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. Gaze upon the snow-capped peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro rising above the horizon, descend into the vast Ngorongoro Crater—home to a thriving ecosystem within its ancient volcanic walls—and witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration, as thousands of wildebeests and zebras thunder across the Serengeti Plains.

Tour Highlights

– Dive deep into the heart of East Africa accompanied by expert naturalist guides who will enrich your experience with their knowledge and passion.

– Safari through some of the region's most important parks and reserves, including the legendary Serengeti—host at different times to the year-round Great Migration, the cyclical journey of 1.6 million herbivores on their quest for survival.

– Participate in up to 12 game drives aboard safari-outfitted Land Cruisers.

– Spend a full day at Ngorongoro Crater—home to populations of lions, leopards, black rhinos, hyenas, wildebeests, buffaloes, elephants and zebras.

– Uncover the mysteries at Olduvai Gorge, an archaeological treasure and place of profound historical significance.

– Soar above the Serengeti during an optional hot air balloon sunrise safari including a champagne breakfast and game drive (additional fee).

Activity Level: 3

Moderate

Tour days tend to be long, flow at a consistent pace and may include long periods of travel. Guests should be prepared to walk longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or excursions, on sometimes uneven surfaces including cobblestones or unpaved pathways and trails. Some destinations may have variations in altitude and/or temperature. Daily pace and timing may vary significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited.

• Guests will need to get in and out of a 4 x 4 Land Cruiser and physically tolerate vehicle motion on oftentimes bumpy, unimproved roads.

• The highest elevation for the main tour is 5,500 feet.

Event Itinerary

Day 1: Depart from the U.S.

• Depart on overnight flights bound for Tanzania

Day 2: Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania

• Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel
• Overnight at the Arusha Serena Hotel, Resort & Spa

Days 3–4: Tarangire National Park

• Tarangire National Park
• Daily morning and afternoon game drives
• Bush lunch inside the park
• Evenings at Tarangire Sopa Lodge

Day 5: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• Morning game drive en route to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Guided farm walk and lunch at the award-winning Gibb's Farm
• Evening dinner under the stars at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater

• Full-day game drive into Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Days 7–8: Olduvai Gorge / Serengeti National Park – Seronera Valley

• Visit Olduvai Gorge
• Continue to the Serengeti
• Daily morning and afternoon game drives
• Optional: Sunrise hot air balloon safari over the southern Serengeti, followed by a champagne breakfast (advance purchase required)

Days 9–10: Western Serengeti / Grumeti

• Travel into the western corridor of the Serengeti and the Grumeti River region
• Game drives through open savannas, woodlands, and floodplains along the crocodile-inhabited Grumeti River
• Bush dinner at Kirawira Serena Camp

Day 11: Serengeti / Flight to Arusha / Depart for U.S.

• Flight back to Arusha
• Lunch and last-minute shopping
• Day rooms at the Arusha Serena Hotel before evening transfer to the airport

Day 12: Arrive in the U.S.

• Return home, crossing back to the U.S.