Wild Connections Safari

Highlights

Serengeti National Park – Quintessential Africa

Ndutu Plains – Serengeti’s off-roading playground and calving grounds for Great Migration

Baby Bloom – Witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration as more than 2 million animals flood the plains and bring over 400,000 new babies into the world. 

Ngorongoro Crater – You just have to see it to believe it

Duration:

10 Days

Date:

March 7-16, 2026

Price:

from $7,899

WILD CONNECTION SAFARI – Right in the heart of the action, as the Great Migration thunders across the plains and newborn animals wobble into the world.

This is prime time for adventure, when nature throws open her arms and says, “Come see what you’ve been missing.”
If you’re like most of our guests, Tanzania will steal your breath, stir your soul, and send you home a storyteller. It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s unlike anything else on Earth.
But make no mistake—this isn’t a typical big-box or budget safari…we simply don’t do “cookie-cutter.” Instead, Wanderful Tanzania creates immersive, heart-pounding, wildly personal journeys that plunge you into the wild and surround you with nature’s most powerful players. Our world-class guides and strategically positioned camps/lodges ensure you’re exactly where the magic happens—no filters, no fences.
And. best of all, you’ll be traveling with “the safari company with heart!” A nickname we’ve earned by choosing a different path—one paved with intention, respect, and soul. We travel lightly, tread kindly, and pour love into every detail. It’s not just a safari—it’s a homecoming to something ancient, awe-inspiring, and fiercely beautiful.
WILD CONNECTIONS SAFARI WANDERFUL TANZANIA MARCH 2026

Our Safari Philosophy

All Wanderful Tanzania safaris are intentionally crafted with a unique rhythm designed to strike a balance between adventure and rest. We refer to this cadence as an “unhurried journey of discovery.” So, while you’ll have ample opportunity for exploration and excitement, there will also be plenty of time for relaxation, reflection and rejuvenation. We believe that this balance creates a more meaningful, enjoyable, and memorable safari experience for our guests.

Come into the wild with Wanderful, and lose yourself to Tanzania!

Why Safari During Green Season?

The short answer to that question is… because its green and its time for the Baby Bloom!!

If you picture endless plains of golden grasses waving in the wind, with some magnificent beast in the foreground when you think of a safari, you’re not alone! You share that iconic image with millions of people around the world, as it is the epitome of PEAK Season in Tanzania.

Now imagine that same scene, but this time imagine your creatures surrounded by vibrant green grasses and blue waterways under stunningly gorgeous skies. That’s what Green Season is all about in Tanzania!

More Benefits of a Green Season Safari

  • Smaller crowds
  • Little to no dust
  • Fun mud-bogging is possible (and sometimes necessary)
  • Access to the spectacular Ndutu region (seasonal region of the Serengeti)
  • Soft light and drama!!! This time of year there are dramatic clouds and breathtaking skyscapes in every direction (a photographer’s dream!)
  • A slight chance for rainbows over the savannas
  • A chance to hear the sound of rain on your tent as you drift off to sleep
  • You’ll be immersed in the Great Migration as they gather on the Ndutu plains, where they will give birth to more than 400,000 babies between around the February timeframe.
  • There are beautiful birds, everywhere!
  • Love is in the air! (while the Great Migration is busy bearing their young, it seems like everyone else is mating!)

Your safari begins the moment you exit the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and are greeted by Wanderful Tanzania’s local 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.

KLM / DELTA – Recommended airlines to Tanzania

Only a handful of airlines offer flights to Kilimanjaro Airport. Wanderful Tanzania has had the best luck with the Delta/KLM flight from Amsterdam, and recommend that carrier to all our guests. Other routes/carriers may cause the need to arrange additional accommodations due to early arrivals or early departures. Should you choose to fly a different route, please confer with Susie before booking. She can help you navigate the need for additional reservations/accommodations to ensure you have a smooth trip.

Lake Manyara National Park is the perfect place to kick off the adventure.

In fact, the fun might start before you even enter the park—watch for the massive troop of baboons that have claimed the roadside as their own. We like to think of them as the park’s unofficial welcome committee!
Once inside, Lake Manyara offers an exciting mix of short-grass savannahs and shrubby woodlands—prime habitat for an incredible variety of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for leopards, elephants, wildebeest, cape buffalo, and towering giraffes. And don’t forget to look up—Lake Manyara is famously 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. Try to keep track of how many you spot during your time in this park! You’ll be amazed!
 
Once you’ve finished your safari warm-up in LMNP, you’ll head to the beautiful plantation style accommodations of the Ngorongoro Farm House located in the rolling foothills near the Ngorongoro Crater.

It’s Crater Day— get ready for one of the most unforgettable experiences of any African safari.

Yes, it’s an EARLY wake-up… but trust us, it’s worth every yawn to be among the first to descend to the floor of this extraordinary place. As the morning mist lifts from the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater—technically a caldera formed by a collapsed volcano millions of years ago—you’ll begin to understand why this site is both a UNESCO World Heritage treasure and one of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife havens.
The crater is a self-sustaining ecosystem teeming with life, boasting the highest density of wildlife in Africa. From the breathtaking views along the rim to the pulse-quickening encounters below, Ngorongoro offers nonstop action and surreal beauty.

This is also your best chance to spot the endangered Black Rhino, the most elusive member of the famed “Big Five.” (The Big Five is: Rhino, Elephant, Lion, Leopard, and Buffalo)

Past guests have called Ngorongoro everything from “Where Heaven Meets Earth” to “a wild mix of Narnia and Seuss with a dash of Jurassic Park.” No matter how you describe it, one thing’s for sure: Ngorongoro isn’t just a stop on your safari—it just might be the one place that stays with you forever!

Down the Mountain and Into Deep Time

After breakfast, our trucks will roll out once again—this time descending from the highlands into the spectacular Ndutu Plains of the Southern Serengeti. But before we head off-road, we’ll make a fascinating stop at one of the most important archeological sites in the world: Oldupai Gorge.
 
Often referred to as the “Cradle of Humankind,” Oldupai (also spelled Olduvai) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the oldest human footprints were famously discovered by Mary Leakey in 1959. You’ll enjoy a “lunch-and-learn” experience here, including a short presentation, time to explore the small but impressive museum, and sweeping views of the gorge itself.
 
This site is still an active archaeological dig, with researchers from universities and museums around the world continuing to unearth the story of our earliest ancestors. It’s a humbling and awe-inspiring place—every human being on Earth can trace their lineage back to this very patch of ground.

Into the Wild: The Ndutu Plains

After lunch, we’ll continue our journey into the lush, green Ndutu region—birthplace of the Great Migration’s newest generation—and arrive at your charming tented camp, your home for the next three nights.
This area is world-renowned thanks to iconic wildlife documentaries, research from the likes of Jane Goodall, and cinematographers who’ve captured the beauty of this place for decades.

You’ll spend three unforgettable nights here, with options to add on a Hot Air Balloon Safari during this portion of the journey (for those who decide to lean in and add the flight—get ready for a sunrise you’ll never forget!).

 
Ndutu shines brightest from December to April, when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move through the area as part of the Great Migration. The calving season peaks in late February, with as many as 8,000 baby animals born here each day—a mind-blowing spectacle of life and survival.
 
And where there are babies, predators follow. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and even all six of Africa’s “small” and “big” cat species—lion, leopard, cheetah, serval, caracal, and African wildcat—can all be found in this region.
 
Two shimmering alkaline lakes, Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek, anchor the ecosystem. Though too salty for humans, these shallow basins attract an abundance of wildlife thanks to the nearby woodlands and the nutritious short-grass plains that surround them.

Welcome to the Serengeti

Where time slows… the Earth breathes… and the wild rules.
 
The Serengeti—a name that evokes wonder in every traveler’s soul. This is the Africa of your dreams: vast, grassy plains stretching to the horizon, scattered with acacia trees and dotted with ancient granite kopjes (pr. co-pees) that rise like islands from the sea of grass. These iconic rock outcrops serve as lookout towers for lions, shade for leopards, and shelter for hyraxes.
 
The Serengeti is one of the most legendary ecosystems on Earth, and it has earned that reputation. Here, wildlife encounters feel like magic—surprising, raw, and unforgettable. Elephants lumber through golden light. Giraffes glide past like living sculptures. Hippos grunt from muddy pools. And zebras, wildebeest, and antelope move in mesmerizing rhythm across the land.

But the true thrill? It’s in the search for the big cats.

Cheetahs crouched in the grasses. Lions draped across tree limbs or lounging atop the kopjes. Leopards slinking silently in the shadows. Your expert guides will help you track them—eyes trained, cameras ready.

And when the day begins to fade… oh, the sunsets. Each evening, the sky becomes a watercolor of fire and dust, bathing the plains in a golden glow as the animals settle in and the night sounds rise. We hope you take a moment to “paws” and let it all sink in.

And don’t forget to look up—the Serengeti skies are alive with birds. Thousands of them. From tiny, flitting weavers to the majestic crowned crane, to the impossibly colorful lilac-breasted roller—each a tiny miracle with wings.
 

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 10 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, your new guide 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 processes, 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! REFERRALS ARE OUR BIGGEST COMPLIMENT!

You’ll spend your first night in Tanzania at one of the adorable safari lodges in town. Gmodations 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 main building.

During your time in Ngorongoro Highlands, you’ll be staying at one of the amazing safari lodges in the Karatu region. Check with the front desk to see what activities or amenities may be available each evening. If you have a chance to join the ground tour one evening, take it! Weather permitting, dining here is outdoors.

This spectacular property is located in the Karatu area of Tanzania. It provides ideal access to the Ngorongoro Crater, and is a splendid lodge at which to spend a couple of nights during the safari.

Although it is still a working coffee plantation, it is as refined and relaxing as any place in Africa! It has all of the amenities you could ask for… and then some! Guests will enjoy the chance to freely explore this vast property’s beautiful shade-grown coffee groves, exquisite gardens, manicured grounds, and sparkling swimming pool.

Guests are welcome to join a guided tour of the grounds each evening, or you are most welcome to just explore on your own. There are more than 600 acres of manicured gardens and groves to wander through. Perhaps you’d rather have a dip in the pool, or enjoy a massage or pedicure? Just check with the hotel staff to verify schedule of activities and spa openings!

Also, each evening the lodge offers a complimentary happy hour, poolside.

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.

During your time in the Central Serengeti, you’ll be staying at one of the incredible tented camps in that region. While each camp has a different vibe, they are little havens of comfort and relaxation smack-dab in the middle of the bush! With all the amenities you could desire, they are truly a wonderful home away from home!
 
The sunrises and sunsets in the Serengeti are reliably breathtaking, as is the beauty of this wild and precious place. You can’t help but feel the tensions of the first world melt away, so be sure to stay present and soak in every detail of your safari. So once back at camp after a long day of game viewing, take a nice hot shower, get a bit of rest, and then head over to the campfire to have a drink before dinner and to watch one of those aforementioned sunsets. We hope these are the moments that give you pause, and let you simply relax and reflect on where you are, and the gifts from another day on safari.

Hot Air Balloon Experience

$650 pp

Experience the serenity and breathtaking beauty of the Serengeti at sunrise by adding the hot-air balloon experience option to your safari. An early morning, for sure, but it provides the only time during the safari for seeing the Serengeti from a safari truck in the darkness. The Serengeti comes alive at night with nocturnal predators, grazing hippos, and other things that go bump in the night! Just the truck ride is a great experience, but nothing compares to soaring peacefully above this majestic land!

All of the balloon pilots are all highly trained and skilled balloon professionals. While they cannot control WHERE the balloon goes, they can control the elevation and can spin the balloon 360 degrees, ensuring everyone has the perfect view of every scene you may float above!

It is breathtaking to look DOWN on a tower of giraffes, or soar above the grasslands and witness a pride of lions or herd of elephants on the move… or so actually see the endless lines of the great migration herd strung out across the plains.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience is followed by a champagne toast and a full English-breakfast and celebration in the bush. Advanced bookings are required, so please let us know if you wish to add this to your safari package.

Reservations and advanced bookings are required. Please let us know if this is something you would like to add to your safari, and we’ll handle the rest.

Zanzibar Island Escape

from $1,895 pp*

Pre or Post Safari ISLAND TIME at your nearly all-inclusive beachfront resort

There is simply no better way to start or finish an incredible wildlife safari than to hit the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar with your toes in the sand and cold drink in your hand!

Choose to begin or end your trip with this island chill time.

You’ll be greeted by Susie’s friend/driver/guide (Juma) as you leave the Zanzibar airport upon arrival, and be whisked to the Melia Zanzibar Resort (about an hour away from the airport (+/-). Once there, and spend 4 days (3 nights) enjoying everything Zanzibar has to offer!

What will you do with your island time? Will you take a swim in the warm, clear waters of the Indian Ocean, or perhaps a long stroll along the shoreline at sunrise? Maybe a bit of kayaking, SUP, or snorkeling are more your speed? Or maybe you just want to grab your book and a cocktail and just sit with your feet in the pool as you watch the sunlight glint off the ripples of the beautiful sea. There are zero bad choices when you’re in Zanzibar

ACCOMMODATIONS

3-nights at the stunning ocean-front and ALL-INCLUSIVE Melia Zanzibar Resort

TRANSFERS & TRANSPORTATION

MEET JUMA!!!

Your transfers between the airport and resort are included in this package, and will be provided by (or coordinated by) Juma, Susie’s dear friend and professional driver in Zanzibar. 

You will meet Juma and his team as they greet you at the airport, take you to our resort, and get you back to the airport in time for your onward flights.

NOTE: I will also give you his WhatsApp details so you can reach out to him as well, just in case you want to leave the resort to explore the island a bit!

Juma is a Zanzibar native, and knows the island inside and out. He has been absolutely rock solid and reliable every single time I’ve needed him, and has taken excellent care of the guests I’ve sent to Zanzibar on their own.

ACTIVITIES IN ZANZIBAR

Some of the FUN THINGS I’ve done on my trips to Zanzibar…
You will have plenty of things to keep you occupied at the resort… but should you choose to leave the property, I hope the following suggestions are helpful!

  • A simple driving tour to the Northern tip of the island or some of the other popular beach areas, like Zanzibar Kite Park along Paje Beach.
  • A wonderful walking tour of Stone Town (including Freddie Mercury’s house, and a heart-wrenching visit to the Slave Market…ooph… powerful, my friends!)
  • A super fun, interactive, and educational visit to one of the famous Spice Farms.
  • If you really want a treat, ask Juma to take you to the Forodhani Gardens Night Food Market along the harbor front. There, vendors sell grilled seafood, kebobs, pizzas, and other delicious bites! It is a warm, welcoming, casual environment where everyone is welcome!

* Dependent on final accommodations & level of room selected)

With some advanced planning, our “almost wallet-less” journeys can make safari dreams a reality for nearly everyone.

“Almost wallet-less“ means that we include about 90% of the total costs in the price of the safari, and then offer guests a flexible payment schedule which allows them to break the payments into smaller payments that can be made over many months leading up to the safari. The other 10% (+/-) of the associated costs is money that guests will need to bring in cash on the safari, which we talk about in detail in our Tour Packet, which we send out to every guest upon registration.

In fact, we guide you all the way through the paperwork and preparation needed before the safari. Our goal is for every guest to arrive in Tanzania relaxed and ready to enjoy their wild adventure, without needing to worry about their wallets.

Included

  • Pre-trip preparation and guidance, including detailed Tour Packet and series of infographics designed to make sure you are ready to safari
  • Arrival welcome by your safari guide(s) as you exit the Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania
  • All transfers throughout the safari (to/from airports, hotels, tour-related excursions, etc.)
  • One-way bush plane flight from the Serengeti to Arusha (or vice versa)
  • Experienced, local, professional driver(s)/guide(s) (English speaking)
  • All accommodations at a variety of tented camps, safari lodges/resorts
  • All breakfasts and dinners, chef-prepared daily
  • All lunches (either hot lunch or box lunches, depending on daily schedule)
  • All snacks, water, coffee, and tea (alcohol & sodas are on your own)
  • All ground transportation in safari-modified Land Cruisers, inclusive of fuel
  • All taxes related to tourism
  • All park, service, conservancy, and entrance fees associated with safari itinerary

NOT Included

  • Airfare to/from Tanzania
  • Tips for driver(s), guide(s) and the staffs of the various camps & lodges – tipping guidelines are offered in Tour Packet
  • Beverages (beer, wine, liquor, soft drinks) purchased from lounges, camps, restaurants or stores. (Beverages are generally very inexpensive in Tanzania)
  • Travel and evacuation insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Pre- or Post-Safari accommodations, transportation, meals, or tours

Reserve Your Spot

Pay a 20% deposit today to reserve your place on this once-in-a-lifetime safari!