8-Day Classic Safaris
Varies by
Season
From
$7,509
Per Adult
Select Your Season:
Experience the magic of a Peak Season Safari in Northern Tanzania. As the long rainy season comes to an end, the land begins to dry out, and the new grasses quickly fade to iconic golden tones. With less rainfall, the animals are out in the open and on the move, providing reliable wildlife viewing opportunities. Spotting wildlife is almost effortless due to the shorter grasses, and the need for many animals to congregate around limited wetlands. You can also enjoy the bright blue skies and the breathtaking views that stretch on forever. And, bustling towns and villages with street markets and social activities offer a glimpse into the vibrant local culture.
A Peak Season Safari is an unforgettable adventure that will leave you in awe of Tanzania’s natural beauty.
This is a quick outline of our itinerary.
- Day 1 – Arrivals
- Days 2-3 – Tarangire National Park
- Day 4 – Ngorongoro Highlands & Crater Day
- Days 5-7 – Olduvai Gorge & 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.
Days 2-3 – Tarangire National Park
Your guide(s) will drive you through the countryside and villages of Tanzania on your way to the Tarangire region, where you will have the chance to thoroughly explore the incredible Tarangire National Park.
Roughly 1/4 the size of the Serengeti, Tarangire is home to large elephant herds and the very distinctive baobob trees that dot the landscape. It also has several very different ecological regions — river valleys, forests, marshes, and grasslands… your guide will do his best to explore them all! And, as always, keep one eye out for the hundreds of bird species that make their home in this park. You should have no problem spotting all of these and so much more while in this truly magnificent park.
Day 4 – 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 5-7 – Olduvai Gorge & Central Serengeti National Park
Along the route that takes you from the Ngorongoro Highlands to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, sits the intriguing and important OLDUVAI GORGE. Time permitting, your guide(s) will stop here for an hour or two so that you can have a “lunch-and-learn” session and visit their small and well-curated museum. This gorge is known around the world as “The Cradle of Mankind,” as the oldest human footprints were famously discovered there by Mary Leakey in 1959..
NEXT STOP… Serengeti National Park!!
The majestic and famous Serengeti is the thing that dreams are made of! Giant granite kopjes (pr. co-pees) seemingly pop up out of nowhere, dotting the landscape like islands in a sea of breeze-blown grasses.
The park has a well-earned reputation for reliable and unforgettable wildlife encounters which, 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 more! Your guide(s) will help you spot the big cats, as those are usually much harder to locate. And the birds in the parks of Tanzania are nothing short of mind blowing in terms of volume, variety, 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 take great care in selecting the accommodations that are just right for each of our safaris. Your safety and comfort are always our top priority!
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.
Day 2 – Maramboi Tented Lodge
While in the Tarangire regions, you’ll stay at this incredible tented lodge about 30 minutes outside the park gates. Enjoy the free evening happy hour, poolside, as you watch the sun slide behind the mountains across the beautiful lake… and then dinner should be served!
Days 3-4 – Safari Lodge in Karatu
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 5-7 – 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!