8-Day Classic Safaris
Varies by
Season
From
$7,758
Per Adult
Select Your Season:
Experience Tanzania’s unique and vibrant Green Season safari, where the endless plains of golden grasses transform into a lush, verdant paradise from December to March. This time of year offers a photographer’s dream with soft light, dramatic clouds, breathtaking skyscapes, and beautiful birds in every direction. With smaller crowds, little dust, and fun mud-bogging, the Green Season is the perfect time to witness the Great Migration and the birthing of over 400,000 babies in the Ndutu region. You might even hear the sound of rain on your tent as you sleep and witness rainbows over the savannas. The Ndutu region, a seasonal part of the Serengeti, is accessible during this time, making it a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the Great Migration and witness love in the air as animals mate.
The Green Season is a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t want to miss.
This is a quick outline of our itinerary.
- DAY 1 – Arrivals
- DAY 2 – Lake Manyara National Park
- Day 3 – Ngorongoro Highlands & Crater Day
- Day 4 & 5 – Southern Serengeti (Ndutu)
- Day 6 & 7 – Central Serengeti National Park
- Day 8 – Bush Flight to Arusha / Lunch / Day Use / Departures
As With All Grand Explorations, It May Be Necessary To Slightly Modify This Itinerary On The Fly… But For Now, This Is What We Have Planned For Your Safari!
Day 1 – Arrivals
Your safari begins the moment you exit the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and are greeted by your guide(s). They will help you with your luggage, and will take you to your first night’s accommodation at a beautifully appointed safari lodge in Arusha.
Day 2 – Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is a great place to let the fun begin! In fact, the fun may even start before you enter the park, as a HUGE troop of baboons sort of “own” the stretch of highway leading to the park. We think of them as the official greeters for LMNP!
Lake Manyara National Park is home to a wide variety of animals which thrive in the short savannah grasslands and the mixture of shrubs which dominate the landscape. Keep an eye out for leopards, elephants, wildebeest, cape buffalo and giraffes. And continually scan the trees for lions, as LMNP is affectionately known as the “Home of the Tree-climbing Lions.”
LMNP is a birding paradise as well! It is home to approximately 400 bird species that thrive in the variety of habitats inside this park.
Day 3 – Ngorongoro Highlands & Crater Day
It is worth the early wake up to be one of the first groups to reach the crater floor on “Crater Day!” The primary goal of this day is to be on the lookout for the endangered Black Rhino. This will be your best shot at finding this element of the Big Five!
Although Tanzania has many wilderness and wildlife show pieces, this one is particularly difficult to put into words. With remarkable views from the ridge above, to the real action on the crater floor, the crater embodies a constant stir of wildlife and unspoiled scenes to keep you engrossed.
One of our past guests described Ngorongoro as “Where Heaven Meets Earth!” Another said it was like “A mixture of Narnia and Seuss, with just a dash of Jurassic Park!” However you describe it, it is a MUST-SEE on any Tanzanian safari!
Millions of years ago this enormous volcano collapse and formed this massive CALDERA that we mistakenly refer to the “Ngorongoro Crater”. Present day, this caldera is now an incredible, self-sustaining ecosystem that boasts the highest density of African wildlife on Earth, and a UNESCO World Heritage site to boot!
Days 4 & 5 – Southern Serengeti (Ndutu)
Your next adventure will take place on the Ndutu Plains in the Southern Serengeti. This area was made famous by documentary and cinematic filmmakers, and by researchers such as Jane Goodall.
The best months to visit the Ndutu Region are from December (when the Great Migration herds start to arrive from the north) until April when the millions of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle have begun their next march northwards once again.
In the early months of the year – with a peak in February – the wildebeest herds are calving on the verdant grassy plains (upwards of 8,000 baby animals are born in this region each day during calving season), which, in turn, also attracts the attention of cheetahs, lions and hyenas. All six of the big cat species can be found in the area all year – lion, leopard, cheetah, caracal, serval and African wildcat.
Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek form shallow basins where water accumulates from the nearby highlands. The water in both lakes are extremely saline… too saline for human consumption. Lake Ndutu comes alive with animals during the migration because it is surrounded by the dense woodlands and short-grass plains, which provide ample cover and food.
As warthogs go, this one is spectacular! The ladies on this safari nicknamed him “Fabio.”
Days 6 & 7 – Central Serengeti National Park
The majestic and world famous Serengeti is the thing that dreams are made of! Granite kopjes (pr. co-pees) pop up, seemingly out of nowhere, and dot the landscape like islands in a sea of grasses breeze-blown grasses.
The park has a well-earned reputation for reliable and unforgettable wildlife encounters that at times seem to be around every bend in the road! You should have no problem spotting elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes of every variety, hippos… and BIRDS! The birds in the parks of Tanzania are nothing short of mind blowing, both in volume and beauty!
Day 8 – Bush Flight to Arusha / Lunch / Day Use / Departures
There’s time for just one last mini-game drive on the way to the airstrip.
Saying goodbye to your safari guide(s) at the end of an incredible journey is bittersweet. They have shared their knowledge, expertise and passion for Africa’s wilderness with you, making your safari experience safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.
These guys were complete strangers just 8 short days ago, but now they are your forever friends.
Be sure to look out the windows as your plane lifts off from the tiny dirt runway, and silently say your thanks and goodbyes to the mighty Serengeti too!
Upon landing back in Arusha, new guide(s) will meet you to escort you through your final day in Tanzania. Time permitting, they may offer a lunch and shopping opportunity, or perhaps a few hours in day-use rooms so that you can repack, refresh, and prepare for your long flights home again.
Either way, the goal of this day is to ensure you get to the airport in plenty of time to negotiate the check in and security process, and then relax onto your homeward flight… with your heart and mind full of the wonderful memories from your time in Tanzania!
Once home, we truly hope that you’ll tell your friends about the epic adventure and fun you had with Wanderful Tanzania!
If you think that being on a safari means you’ll be roughing it… THINK AGAIN!!
Our small size really works to our advantage (and YOURS)! Because we are not beholden to one brand or chain of camps and lodges, we have the latitude and flexibility to select accommodations that are just right for each of our safaris. See what we’ve got planned for this safari:
Day 1 – Arusha – Planet Lodge
The Planet Lodge in Arusha is where you’ll spend your first night in Tanzania. This sweet little lodge is quietly tucked away from the bustling main streets of Arusha. The casita-style accommodations are spread out amongst the beautifully manicured lawns and gardens, and guests can enjoy a meal or drink at their onsite restaurant and bar in the man building.
After your long flights, you can rest assured that a nice hot shower and comfortable bed await.
Days 2 & 3 – Ngorongoro Highlands – Safari Lodge
Following today’s game drive you’ll check into one of the spectacular lodges that the Karatu region is known for. Delicious meals, comfortable beds, and vibrant lounges will have you make you feel at home while in the lush surroundings of the Ngorongoro highlands.
Feel free to get out and stretch your legs on the paths and walkways that meander around these properties.
Days 4 & 5 – Ndutu – Tented Camp
Wanderful Tanzania selects only well-located and well-run tented camps that can truly deliver an amazing experience to our guests. Nothing beats a hot shower and a spacious, comfy place to relax after a long day of game driving, bumpy roads, and close-up wildlife encounters. After you’ve rested a bit, wander over to the campfire for an evening drink and to compare notes with others about that day’s adventures…or just sit quietly and reflect on your own amazing day.
Days 6 & 7 – Serengeti – Tented Camp
Another beautiful tented camp will be home base for your final two nights on safari. This time, you’ll be smack dab in the heart of the mighty Serengeti! The sunsets in Tanzania are incredible, as is the beauty of this wild and precious place. Before you know it… dinner is once again served!