Classic Tanzania Safari

Arrival in Arusha

Welcome to Tanzania. Upon arrival in Arusha, a local representative will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to your comfortable hotel nestled at the foot of Mount Meru. The rest of the day is free to relax ahead of your safari adventure. Overnight at Arusha Serena Hotel (or similar).

Things to do:

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Seek out Africa's headlining wildlife on an escorted group safari

Arusha & Lake Manyara

After breakfast, drive for 2-hours past rustic villages and coffee, maize and banana plantations to Lake Manyara National Park. You’ll arrive in time for lunch at the Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, before heading out on your first game drive. This small but scenic national park lies at the base of the Rift Valley Escarpment with a seasonal shallow soda lake that attracts numerous animals. It’s richly populated with herds of elephant, large troops of baboons, pods of wallowing hippo, tree-climbing lions and you may see clouds of pink flamingo. Returning to the lodge, enjoy a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the gleaming waters of the lake. Overnight at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge (or similar).

Things to do:

✓  Included

See tree-climbing lions and 400 species of birds at Lake Manyara

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Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge: Maasai-inspired, lake-view luxury

Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro

The day starts with a morning game drive around the shores of Lake Manyara, in search of further wildlife and some of the 400 species of birds that have been recorded here. Then drive for 2-hours to Ngorongoro, stopping for lunch en route at Gibb’s Farm. Originally a 1920’s coffee farm, this charming guesthouse sits amongst lush floral gardens and vegetable fields with views over the rolling hills. After a tour around the farm, you’ll visit the Iraqw tribespeople, learning about their culture, beliefs and traditional dance moves! Upon reaching Ngorongoro you’ll be staying in a unique stone lodge that rises out of the natural environment on the western edge of the crater. Overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge (or similar).

Things to do:

✓  Included

Experience the Ngorongoro Crater

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The organic farm lunch and Iraqw tribe visit

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Crater rim views at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Ngorongoro

It’s well worth rising early this morning, as the lodge’s uninterrupted crater views offer memorable sunrises. After breakfast you’ll descend 600 metres from the rim to explore the stunning Ngorongoro Crater on a full day game drive. The vast landscape of forest, lakes, and open grassland is home to the densest concentration of wildlife in Africa. It’s common to spot elephant, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, Black rhino, lion and cheetah here, as well as hippo in a small lake where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch. You’ll return to the lodge late in the afternoon. Overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge (or similar).

Things to do:

✓  Included

The Ngorongoro crater picnic

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Crater rim views at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Ngorongoro & Central Serengeti

After breakfast, drive for 3.5-hours to Serengeti National Park, keeping a close eye out for wildlife and visiting the archaeological site of Olduvai Gorge en route. Arriving in the Serengeti you’ll settle into your lodge, with stone rondavels and thatched roofs inspired by traditional African villages. From the infinity pool you can enjoy panoramic views across the grasslands and often see giraffe, elephants and zebra wandering past. Overnight at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge (or similar).

Things to do:

✓  Included

Enjoy a dream safari in the Serengeti

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Discover the Cradle of Mankind at Olduvai Gorge

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Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge: the traditional African-style safari lodge

Central Serengeti & Serengeti Western Corridor

The Serengeti is broadly divided into four areas, with the annual great migration passing through the areas at different times of year. You’ll appreciate the vastness of the park on a game drive through the Western Corridor, probably the most famous area within the region. The area supports a high population of lion, elephant, giraffe, zebra and wildebeest. The game drive ends at an exclusive colonial-style camp for a classic ‘Out of Africa’ tented safari experience. Here you’ll enjoy spectacular views across the endless plains of the Serengeti’s Western Corridor and a 5-course gourmet dinner served in an Edwardian-styled dining tent. Overnight at Kirawira Serena Tented Camp (or similar).

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Kirawira Serena Camp: a touch of Edwardian-chic

Optional

Witness the world’s top wildlife show: the Great Migration

Serengeti Western Corridor

You’ll spend today exploring the Western Corridor on morning and afternoon game drives in search of big cats and their prey. But first there’s the opportunity to enjoy a completely different perspective of the Serengeti with an optional hot air balloon flight. Waking early, you’ll watch as the balloon is prepared, then take flight and drift upwards as the sun rises across the vast savannah and wildlife roam below. Back at camp you can enjoy a cooking class, try a Swahili language lesson or relax with a massage, before toasting the end of a glorious day with sundowners in the bush. Overnight at Kirawira Serena Tented Camp (or similar).

Things to do:

✓  Included

Spend a day exploring the world-famous Serengeti

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Kirawira Serena Camp: a touch of Edwardian-chic

Optional

Fly high above the Serengeti on a hot air balloon safari

Serengeti Western Corridor & Departure

After breakfast, fly by light aircraft from Grumeti airstrip to Arusha, a journey that offers views of Tanzania’s landscape from above. The flight takes 2.5-hours to Arusha, where you’ll have lunch and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK or onward travel.