Arrive in Aruha.  Upon arrival complete your immigration formalities and claim your bags. As you exit Kilimanjaro International Airport, a warm welcome awaits from your personal Tanzania Specialist guide, who greets you with a cheerful "Karibu Tanzania - welcome to Tanzania!" The guide will escort you directly to your hotel. Depending on when you arrive, you might have some time to unwind and get ready for the thrilling adventure ahead!

Arusha, located in East Africa's Tanzania, lies at the base of the volcanic Mount Meru. It is a crucial hub for accessing various safari locations and the famous Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak at 5,895 meters, which is about 100 kilometers to the northeast..
 

Overnight in Arusha

After a hearty breakfast, prepare for an exclusive, private safari with your guide, giving you the freedom to travel at your own pace. Enjoy the comfort of your own safari jeep and take your time stopping to observe the wildlife as you wish. This morning, you'll head to Tarangire National Park, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive on well-maintained tarmac roads. Named after the Tarangire River, which runs through the park, this ˜river of warthogs" is the only water source for wildlife in the area during the dry season. The park is renowned for its large elephant herds, often seen by the river, and you might also encounter giraffes, bushbucks, and hartebeests. These animals are frequently followed by predators like lions and leopards. Tarangire boasts the highest number of breeding bird species found anywhere in the world, and you'll also see the impressive ancient Baobab trees, some of which are believed to be over a thousand years old. Enjoy a boxed lunch within the park, and after your game drive, you'll be transferred to your accommodation where a delicious dinner awaits, followed by a restful overnight stay.

Overnight: Tarangire National Park

Enjoy your breakfast and take time to view wildlife within the park. This region boasts the largest elephant population in northern Tanzania, with around 2,000 elephants often seen along the river during certain seasons. In the dry months (July–November), many animals in the Tarangire ecosystem migrate to the Tarangire River's permanent waters. The verdant riverbanks attract a diverse array of wildlife, making for excellent game viewing. The park is dotted with dry baobab and acacia trees, providing a habitat for over 500 bird species. Visitors to East Africa frequently share glowing reports of their safaris in this national park, renowned for its remarkable flora and fauna.

Overnight in Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, you'll drive into the cooler highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with an opportunity to stop and admire the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. From there, you'll continue through the conservation area to the Serengeti, entering from the south. The Serengeti is renowned for its stunning open grasslands, which provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. While it is home to a wealth of wildlife, the park is especially famous for the Great Migration. Every year, huge herds of wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes travel in search of fresh grazing grounds. Depending on the time of year, you might be able to witness this incredible natural event, often referred to as one of the 'Seven Wonders of the Natural World.'

Following an exciting game drive across the park's vast landscape, you'll head to your lodge for dinner.

Add-on: Visit Masai Village - USD 75 Per person
Immerse yourself in a traditional Maasai village. The Maasai are one of Africa's most renowned tribes, primarily found in northern Tanzania, particularly near the Serengeti. This nomadic warrior community has maintained many of its customs, living largely free from modern influences.

Maasai villages are situated on the fringes of the Serengeti National Park. Although there is an entry fee, visitors are encouraged to buy handmade crafts from the locals, though it is not obligatory. The Maasai live in Manyatta, which are low huts made of mud and cow dung, featuring a single entrance and few windows. These huts cluster together to form a Boma, creating a homestead, and multiple Bomas can combine to form a larger village.

Inside a Manyatta, the dim lighting results from the small windows, and these traditional villages lack piped water, electricity, or gas, in contrast to nearby developed areas. A typical Manyatta hut, with a Maasai woman outside and an earthen stove within, exemplifies their simple yet resilient lifestyle.

Overnight in Serengeti National Park

There's nothing like waking up refreshed to the sounds of the Serengeti. After breakfast, you'll step out into the acacia-dotted savannah to begin another day of safari adventure. By the end of today, you'll likely appreciate why the Serengeti is known as "endless plains" In the late afternoon, you'll head to Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma. The sunrise in the Serengeti is a mesmerizing sight and a prime time for spotting wildlife, so we'll start with an early morning game drive in search of the Big Five. Afternoons are typically more relaxed, with wildlife becoming more active again as temperatures cool. We'll plan for a late afternoon drive before heading back to camp for dinner.

For those looking for an added thrill, there's an optional early morning hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti, providing breathtaking views of the landscape and wildlife.

Add-on: Morning Hot Air Balloon including breakfast: USD 590 Per Adult 
A hot air balloon safari in the iconic Serengeti National Park promises to be a highlight of your Tanzania adventure. Rising at sunrise, you'll float gracefully over the vast Serengeti plains, soaring at treetop height above the baobabs and acacias, allowing for close views of wildlife below. This tranquil experience offers breathtaking panoramic views and an unparalleled perspective on the animals.

Begin your day before dawn, departing from your Serengeti camp in the serene silence of the early morning. At the balloon launch site, your pilot will conduct a safety briefing as the crew prepares the balloon. Then, climb into the basket and get ready to ascend into the sky.

As the balloon rises, watch the horizon reveal itself, painted in stunning gold and pink hues by the rising sun. Your experienced pilot will skillfully navigate the African winds while pointing out wildlife beneath you.

After about an hour in the air, the basket will descend back to the Serengeti plains. Each flight is unique, with landing points determined by the wind direction, adding to the adventure. Upon landing, celebrate with a glass of bubbly before being transported to a special breakfast location.

Savor a delicious breakfast served under an acacia tree in the heart of the Serengeti. Enjoy tropical fruits, freshly baked bread, and eggs cooked in the bush, all presented elegantly on linen and bone china with Sheffield cutlery, in true "Out of Africa" style. Share the experience with fellow passengers as you reminisce about the extraordinary flight you've just enjoyed.

Overnight in Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, you'll journey towards Ngorongoro Crater, hopefully encountering more marvels along the way! At nearly 2,300 meters above sea level on the Crater rim, mornings can be brisk and the area is occasionally shrouded in low cloud. Be sure to bring warm clothing, as it can be quite chilly. We will descend into the Crater for a day of wildlife viewing, including a picnic lunch. As a World Heritage site, Ngorongoro Crater is one of the last havens for the endangered black rhino in northern Tanzania, with a well-protected population that's often visible. The 100 square kilometer caldera, home to over 30,000 animals, serves as a natural amphitheater with its permanent water source and diverse habitats. After our day of exploration, we’ll drive back up to our accommodation on the Crater rim and settle in for the night, where a comforting dinner will be waiting.

Overnight in Karatu

After breakfast, After breakfast, you'll embark on a transfer to Mto wa Mbu, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the vibrant local village and immerse yourself in its culture. The village tour will provide insight into daily life, traditional practices, and local crafts. You can also take some time to shop for unique souvenirs and handmade items.

Lunchboxes will be provided for you to enjoy at a scenic picnic spot during your visit, allowing you to savor a meal surrounded by the beautiful landscape.

In the late afternoon, you'll make your way back to your lodge. Once there, you can unwind and relax as you take in the stunning views and witness a picturesque sunset, marking a perfect end to your day.

Overnight in Karatu

On your final day, you can unwind at the lodge for a bit longer, depending on your flight schedule. Our driver will then take you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure. If you're having second thoughts, consider extending your holiday with a few extra days on one of Tanzania's stunning islands, like Zanzibar.

Note - Depending on the flight schedule, the departure flight could be next day early morning.  Actual return date will be advised once the flight schedule is finalized