Safaris in Tanzania: 7-8 days

Essential Northern Circuit

TOUR CODE RS1702

Arriving into Serengeti by plane always means more time for game-viewing. The lodges used on this safari are located in the most sought-after areas in Northern Tanzania, so animals are always just a stone’s throw away. This itinerary may also be operated in reverse.

Safari Routing

01 Afternoon flight from Arusha to Serengeti, followed by a game drive en-route to the lodge.

02 Morning and afternoon game drives.

03 Drive via Olduvai Gorge to Ngorongoro Crater with a picnic lunch en route.

04 Game-viewing in the Crater with lunch at the lodge. Afternoon Maasai village visit.

05 Morning drive to Mto Wa Mbu village for a cultural experience, lunch and an afternoon game drive. See Page 21 for further details on Mto Wa Mbu.

06 Morning drive to Tarangire National Park, lunch and an afternoon game drive.

07 Morning depart to Arusha for onward arrangements.

Itinerary at a glance      
Day
Destination Accommodation
Board
Activity
01
Serengeti National Park Serengeti Sopa Lodge
HB
Trsf, Air, P
02
Serengeti National Park Serengeti Sopa Lodge
FB
A, P
03
Ngorongoro Crater Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
FB
Olduvai
04
Ngorongoro Crater Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
FB
Crater
05
Lake Manyara National Park Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
FB
HD, P
06
Tarangire National Park Tarangire Sopa Lodge
FB
P
07
Depart    
Trsf

Gems of the North

TOUR CODE RS1801

Gems of the North captures the essence of travelling around Northern Tanzania in the grandest of luxury.

On this safari, expect to be impressed by the accommodation which is opulent and exquisitely designed, the guides, who are knowledgeable and the activities, which are as flexible as you would like them to be. For those guests seeking a stylish safari oozing with romance, sophistication and character, we highly recommend this trip.

This safari includes all meals, drinks and activities. Depending on where you are staying, activities are generally based on game drives and walking safaris.

Mnemba Island Add-on - 3 nights

Upon arrival in Arusha, you will connect with a flight to Zanzibar. From here, transfer north to a jetty, where a short boat-ride brings you to the romantic idyll of Mnemba Island. Here, barefoot luxury, superb cuisine and stylish dining await you. For further details on Mnemba, see Zanzibar - Island Retreats. Tour code RSE1801

Safari Routing

01 Afternoon transfer to the airport and fly to Lake Manyara. Game-viewing en route to the lodge.

02 Morning and afternoon game activities.

03 Morning game-viewing en route to Ngorongoro. Lunch and afternoon game-viewing in the Crater.

04 Game-viewing in the Crater with lunch at the lodge. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

05 Transfer to Manyara and fly to Serengeti. Lunch and afternoon game activity.

06 Morning and afternoon game activities.

07 Morning flight back to Arusha and transfer for your onward arrangements.

Itinerary at a glance      
Day
Destination Accommodation
Board
Activity
01
Lake Manyara National Park Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
FI
Trsf, Air, P
02
Lake Manyara National Park Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
FI
A, P
03
Ngorongoro Crater Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
FI
Crater
04
Ngorongoro Crater Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
FI
Crater
05
Serengeti National Park Klein’s Camp/Grumeti River Camp
FI
Air, P
06
Serengeti National Park Klein’s Camp/Grumeti River Camp
FI
A, P
07
Depart    
Air, Trsf

 

Simba Safari

TOUR CODE RS1901

Exploring four of the country’s most stimulating parks, guests will have increased opportunities of spotting the Big-5 and a huge variety of other species, no matter the season. These three safaris follow similar routes, but accommodation varies slightly in style, cost and location. From any of these lodges, you should be able to relax with binoculars and a refreshing drink to view an incredible landscape that lies beyond.

Safari Routing

01 Afternoon departure from Arusha to Lake Manyara.

02 Morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, lunch and depart for the Serengeti.

03 Morning and afternoon game drives.

04 Game drive en route to Olduvai Gorge, picnic lunch and continue on to Ngorongoro Crater.

05 Game-viewing in the Crater with lunch at the lodge. Afternoon Maasai village visit or nature walk.

06 Morning depart to Tarangire. Game drive en route to the lodge, lunch and afternoon game drive.

07 Morning depart to Arusha for your onward arrangements.

Itinerary at a glance RS1901A RS1901B RS1901C    
Day
Destination Accommodation Accommodation Accommodation
Board
Activity
01
Lake Manyara National Park Lake Manyara Serena Lodge Lake Manyara Serena Lodge Lake Manyara Hotel
HB
Trsf
02
Serengeti National Park Serengeti Serena Lodge Serengeti Sopa Lodge Seronera Wildlife Lodge
FB
A, P
03
Serengeti National Park Serengeti Serena Lodge Serengeti Sopa Lodge Seronera Wildlife Lodge
FB
A, P
04
Ngorongoro Crater Ngorongoro Serena Lodge Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge
FB
Olduvai
05
Ngorongoro Crater Ngorongoro Serena Lodge Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge
FB
Crater
06
Tarangire National Park Tarangire Sopa Lodge Tarangire Sopa Lodge Tarangire Sopa Lodge
FB
P
07
Depart        
Trsf

 

Tembo Safari

TOUR CODE RS1902

Combining northern Tanzania’s ultimate wildlife experience with time to explore the Maasai culture, the Tembo Safari has been split into three different trips that follow the same route though differ in location, style and cost. The Tarangire’s spectacular river system and diverse wildlife, plus a visit to N’giresi Cultural Village on the slopes of Mt. Meru are sure to be highlights.

Itinerary at a glance

01 Afternoon departure from Arusha to Lake Manyara.

02 Morning game drive in Lake Manyara, lunch and depart for Serengeti.

03 Morning and afternoon game drives.

04 Game drive en route to the Olduvai Gorge, picnic lunch and continue to Ngorongoro Crater.

05 Game-viewing in the Crater with lunch at the lodge. Afternoon Maasai village visit or nature walk.

06 Morning depart to Tarangire. Game drive en route to the lodge, lunch and afternoon game drive.

07 Depart to Arusha, lunch and N’giresi Cultural Village tour. See Page 17 for details.

08 Morning depart Arusha for your onward arrangements.

Safari Routing RS1902A RS1902B RS1902C    
Day
Destination Accommodation Accommodation Accommodation
Board
Activity
01
Lake Manyara National Park Lake Manyara Serena Lodge Lake Manyara Serena Lodge Lake Manyara Hotel
HB
Trsf
02
Serengeti National Park Serengeti Serena Lodge Serengeti Sopa Lodge Seronera Wildlife Lodge
FB
A, P
03
Serengeti National Park Serengeti Serena Lodge Serengeti Sopa Lodge Seronera Wildlife Lodge
FB
A, P
04
Ngorongoro Crater Ngorongoro Serena Lodge Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge
FB
Olduvai
05
Ngorongoro Crater Ngorongoro Serena Lodge Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge
FB
Crater
06
Tarangire National Park Tarangire Sopa Lodge Tarangire Sopa Lodge Tarangire Sopa Lodge
FB
P
07
Lake Duluti/Arusha Serena Mountain Village Arusha Coffee Lodge Impala Hotel
FB
N’giresi
08
Depart        
Trsf

 

Serena’s Tanzania Safari

TOUR CODE RS2001

With a mix of stylish and imaginative accommodation throughout Northern Tanzania, Serena Lodges occupy some of the parks’ most sought-after locations.

These lodges are among the most comfortable available and perfect for exploring the abundant wildlife from your doorstep. Some travel is by air, which allows more time to be spent in the bush.

Safari Routing

01 Afternoon transfer to the airport and fly to Serengeti. Game drive en route to the lodge.

02 Morning and afternoon game drives.

03 Drive via Olduvai Gorge to Ngorongoro Crater, lunch and a nature walk.

04 Game-viewing in the Crater with lunch at the lodge. Afternoon Maasai village visit.

05 Depart to Gibb’s Farm. Visit the Iraqw Centre and enjoy a short farm tour before lunch. Continue to Manyara, with a late afternoon escorted nature walk around the Rift Valley.

06 A full day around Lake Manyara with a game drive and Mto wa Mbu Village excursion including lunch.

07 Morning depart to Arusha for your onward arrangements.

Other Lake Manyara Activities

After a bush dinner next to the park entrance explore the area from an open game drive vehicle, viewing nocturnal animals: leopard, hippos, porcupines, genets, civets, bush babies and a lot more. Listen to the night sounds and learn about the African stars.

For those seeking more of a buzz, a microlight flight is a fantastic way to see the scenery of the area on an exhilarating flight over the Great Rift Valley. These flights are very safe and you can choose between three different lengths of time in the air.

Itinerary at a glance      
Day
Destination Accommodation
Board
Activity
01
Serengeti National Park Serengeti Serena Lodge
HB
Trsf, Air, P
02
Serengeti National Park Serengeti Serena Lodge
FB
A, P
03
Ngorongoro Crater Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
FB
Olduvai, Walk
04
Ngorongoro Crater Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
FB
Crater
05
Lake Manyara National Park Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
FB
HD, Walk
06
Lake Manyara National Park Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
FB
FD
07
Depart    
Trsf

 

The Ultimate Discoveries

TOUR CODE RS2002

For intimate African moments and soaking up the rich cultures of hunters, herders and fishermen, Ultimate Discoveries offers an extremely rewarding safari. Game-viewing will include all the larger species but this safari also offers the chance to enjoy the less frequented parts of northern Tanzania.

Safari Routing

01 Afternoon transfer to the airport and fly to Grumeti. Afternoon game drive en route to the lodge.

02 Morning and afternoon activities which may include fishing, a village visit and escorted walks along the shores of Lake Victoria.

03 Morning game drive en route to Serengeti Mbuzi Mawe Camp. Lunch and afternoon game drive.

04 Morning and afternoon game drives

05 Game drive via Olduvai Gorge to Ngorongoro Crater with a picnic lunch en route.

06 Game-viewing in the Crater with lunch at the lodge. Afternoon escorted nature walk.

07 Morning drive to Mto Wa Mbu village for a cultural experience and traditional lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive.

08 Morning depart to Arusha for your onward arrangements.

Speke Bay Lodge

Located a short distance from Serengeti, the lodge looks like a small traditional village, stretched along the south-eastern shores of Lake Victoria. The main buildings are whitewashed and roofs thatched in the traditional style of the Sukuma. All eight bungalows are comfortable, spacious and situated along the lake ensuring privacy and great views. Much of the lodge’s furniture is made locally, built from solid Mkola wood, adding to the ambience.

Serengeti Mbuzi Mawe Camp

Slightly elevated and built into a glade of granite outcrops some three million years old, Mbuzi Mawe is small, sophisticated and extremely charming. It is located at the epicentre of Serengeti, with some of the most picturesque scenery and best game-viewing on its doorstep. The camp offers a classic safari atmosphere, with just 16 luxurious tents, 24-hour electricity, stylish en-suite bathrooms, a dressing area, two double four-poster beds and a verandah with a double sun-bed. Under the professional management of Serena Hotels, expect delightful food, excellent guides and a charming service. There is often game wandering around camp and the klipspringer (mbuzi mawe in Swahili) is often seen silhouetted on granite rock against an orange sunset.

Itinerary at a glance      
Day
Destination Accommodation
Board
Activity
01
Lake Victoria Speke Bay Lodge
HB
Trsf, Air, P
02
Lake Victoria Speke Bay Lodge
FB
FD
03
Serengeti National Park Serengeti Mbuzi Mawe Camp
FB
A, P
04
Serengeti National Park Serengeti Mbuzi Mawe Camp
FB
A, P
05
Ngorongoro Crater Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
FB
A, P
06
Ngorongoro Crater Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
FB
Crater
07
Lake Manyara National Park Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
FB
HD, P
08
Depart    
Trsf

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