Tanzania Explorer
Tanzania
11 days from $6,695 per person
* Based on double occupancy, incl. taxes & fuel surcharges, restrictions apply.
Classic Collection
LOCALLY-HOSTED SMALL GROUP
Explore Tanzania on a small group journey through its legendary northern circuit. Begin with Tarangire tours, where elephants roam among ancient baobabs, and continue to Lake Manyara, alive with flamingos and tree-climbing lions. Tour Serengeti National Park, where vast plains and glowing sunsets frame unforgettable wildlife encounters. Conclude with a Ngorongoro tour, descending into the crater’s natural amphitheater to witness one of Africa’s greatest spectacles. With handpicked accommodations across Tanzania’s northern circuit and the insight of local experts, this Serengeti Ngorongoro safari offers a seamless Tanzania itinerary designed for comfort and discovery.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON TANZANIA EXPLORER SAFARI
- Small Groups up to 20 guests
- Locally Hosted by expert guides
- Premium Accommodations in prime locations
- Exceptional Value with all touring, most meals and land transfers between locations included
- Set Departures throughout 2025 & 2026 - view Dates & Prices tab
- No Single Supplement on most departures (Excludes July & August) – Limited to First Two Solo Travelers
Highlights
Explore UNESCO's Serengeti Plains, renowned for the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth - the great migration of wildebeest and zebra. The resident population of lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, and birds is also impressive.
Discover the Ngorongoro Crater, hailed as one of the Natural Wonders of the World, and home to both predator and prey.
Experience game drives among the ancient baobabs in Tarangire National Park, known for its large concentration of elephants.
Enjoy Lake Manyara, home to more than 400 bird species, including thousands of seasonal pink-hued flamingos on their perpetual migration.
Accommodations
1. Gran Melia Arusha
Gran Meliá Arusha is an oasis of five-star comfort and elegance, set amid lush coffee and tea plantations in the heart of Arusha. Blending African exoticism with modern luxury, this first-class hotel offers spacious, stylish suites, many with private balconies overlooking Mount Meru. Guests enjoy world-class amenities, including an infinity pool, a full-service spa, a gym, and exceptional international cuisine, highlighted by The Grill restaurant and a rooftop dining experience with breathtaking views.
2. Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Tanzania, Tarangire National Park
Tarangire Sopa Lodge is nestled among the small rocky hills or kopjes scattered with ancient baobab trees. All spacious rooms at this lodge have a private lounge with a mini bar. Each room has two queen-size beds with a mosquito net around them. Ceiling fans keep the rooms cool and glass sliding doors open out on to a balcony, with a great view of the landscape beyond. Wildlife can sometimes be spotted while sitting on the balcony. The bar is located between the lobby and the dining room furnished with comfortable seats for total relaxation. The dining room is a large, spacious, and airy room with an enormous outdoor patio. All meals are included.
3. Kimarishe Serengeti Lodge
Serengeti, Tanzania
Nestled within the renowned Serengeti National Park, Kemarishe Serengeti Lodge offers a prime location near Kemarishe Hill amidst the sweeping savannah, offering captivating vistas. Unwind and swap safari tales by the crackling fire pit, or enjoy a refreshing dip in the infinity swimming pool. Savor a drink from the bar while soaking in the panoramic Serengeti plains. Our dining area showcases a delightful fusion of local and continental cuisine. Each of our generously appointed en suite tents features modern amenities including hot and cold showers, flush toilets, solar energy, mosquito nets, a cozy lounge area, and a veranda with ample seating for relaxation.
4. Ngorongoro Rim Lodge
Ngorongoro, Tanzania
Perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, Ngorongoro Rim Lodge offers a stunning view of the natural wonder. The lodge blends modern amenities with the natural surroundings, providing a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy delicious meals, relax on their private balconies, and take in the breathtaking views. Safari adventures into the crater, guided by experienced staff, offer a chance to see a variety of wildlife. After a day of exploration, guests can unwind with a massage or share safari stories by the fireplace. Ngorongoro Rim Lodge offers a memorable retreat in the heart of Tanzania's wildlife paradise.
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Arusha, Tanzania
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, transfer to your hotel. Relax and enjoy the remainder of your day.
2025 Departures - Four Points by Sheraton Arusha Hotel / 2026 Departures - Gran Meliá Arusha
Day 2. Arusha / Tarangire National Park
After breakfast drive to Tarangire. Lunch at Tarangire Sopa Lodge. This afternoon join your expert safari ranger for your first game viewing activity. The grassy acacia woodlands and gigantic baobabs make for spectacular vistas. (BLD)
Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Day 3. Tarangire National Park
Enjoy your morning at leisure with an optional balloon safari. After lunch depart on a game drive in the Tarangire National Park. Your guide is an experienced wildlife expert whose knowledge and ability to spot the animals and birds will astound you. Not knowing what you’ll see next is all part of the fun of a safari! (BLD)
Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Day 4. Tarangire National Park / Lake Manyara
After breakfast drive to Escarpment Luxury Lodge, arrive in time for lunch. Enjoy a game drive in this scenic gem, with a setting praised by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa”. Return to lodge in time to freshen up before dinner. (BLD)
Escarpment Luxury Lodge
Day 5. Lake Manyara
This morning take part in a tree planting exercise, creating shade for the community. Can you think of a better way to leave your footprints in Africa? In the afternoon, enjoy another game drive in Lake Manyara, home to leopards, lions, cheetahs, elephants, blue monkeys, dik-diks, gazelles, hippos, giraffes, impalas, flamingos and nearly 400 bird species. (BLD)
Escarpment Luxury Lodge
Day 6. Lake Manyara / Serengeti National Park
The adventure continues as you set off after breakfast to the vast plains of the Serengeti arriving at the lodge in time for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in the greatest game sanctuary in the world, fantastic in its natural beauty. Watch territorial hippos lounging in the water, giraffes foraging in the tree tops and lions relaxing in the shade before the evening hunt begins. (BLD)
Kimarishe Serengeti Lodge
Day 7. Serengeti National Park
Depart during the early morning splendor of an African sunrise for your first game drive of the day. Your expert ranger will maneuver you to the perfect spots to collect a gallery of thrilling images as the morning unfolds. Watch alert elephant carefully guarding their young as they traverse the bush; a startled warthog running with its tail erect; ungainly herds of wildebeest grazing alongside zebra. This afternoon, relax at the lodge until the day cools down and the animals become more active for your afternoon drive. Before retiring, stretch out and listen to the sounds of the wilderness and watch the illumination of the infinite African sky. (BLD)
Kimarishe Serengeti Lodge
Day 8. Serengeti National Park
Perhaps start with a dawn adventure in a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti, offering breathtaking wildlife views (available at an extra cost). During morning and afternoon game viewing activities, your ranger continues to lead you to spectacular locations of outstanding natural beauty where you can observe the wildlife in their natural habitat. (BLD)
Kimarishe Serengeti Lodge
Day 9. Serengeti National Park / Ngorongoro Crater
Continue your journey to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Africa’s best-known wildlife areas. (BLD)
Ngorongoro Rim Lodge
Day 10. Ngorongoro Crater
Descend 2,000 feet through the early morning mists, to explore the crater floor of this extinct volcano. You’ll be in awe of the profusion of wildlife concentrated here. Enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to your lodge. Share the day’s magical moments with your safari companions as the sun sinks below the horizon. (BLD)
Ngorongoro Rim Lodge
Day 11. Ngorongoro Crater / Arusha Day Room/ Depart
After breakfast, drive to Arusha. Enjoy lunch and unwind with access to a day room, available as needed for your comfort. Later this afternoon, transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your international departure. Bid farewell to Africa—until next time. (BL)
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are carefully selected for their positive impact on local communities, the planet, and wildlife—while creating meaningful and immersive moments for our guests.
Pricing
Land Arrangements (Price per person)
No Single Supplement on Most Departures (Excludes July & August) – Limited to First Two Solo Travelers.
Air Arrangements (Internal Airfare)
No internal air is required for this itinerary.
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Tanzania Explorer – Frequently Asked Questions
This tour is led by expert local guides, with no dedicated travel director accompanying the group. It blends elements of independent and group travel.
The itinerary includes premium accommodations, most meals, guided game drives and activities, transfers between locations, and park fees. Not included: international flights, visas, gratuities, personal expenses, and optional activities like a Serengeti hot air balloon safari.
Transfers, game drives, and some meals are shared, while many dining opportunities and downtime are on your own. This mix provides both the camaraderie of traveling with like-minded guests and the flexibility to enjoy independent time at the lodges.
Overland transfers are in comfortable 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs. Each vehicle seats six guests, guaranteeing a window seat and uninterrupted views during your Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari drives.
A Tanzanian e-visa is required and can be applied for online at visa.immigration.go.tz.
Yes. Solo travelers are welcome on all departures. On most dates outside of July and August, the single supplement is waived for the first two solo travelers who book, making this Tanzania itinerary especially appealing for independent explorers.
The core itinerary and dates are set. However, you can personalize your journey with optional experiences like a Serengeti hot air balloon safari, or extend your trip to Zanzibar, Kenya, or Rwanda for gorilla trekking.
It’s ideal for travelers who want to see Tanzania’s iconic parks, enjoy a balance of guided group travel and independent time, stay in premium accommodations, are comfortable with road transfers, and are looking for exceptional value.
In addition to your locally hosted guides at each destination, you’ll have access to 24/7 on-call support for any questions or emergencies. This ensures peace of mind so you can focus on the adventure of your Serengeti Ngorongoro safari.
