Iconic Tanzania

Iconic Tanzania

Iconic Tanzania

Iconic Tanzania

A quintessential journey through Tanzania's top National Parks and wildlife reserves

Days: 10 | From: $11,990/per person

  • Includes accommodations at best in class hotels and lodges
  • Travel with an expert private guide in a custom safari vehicle
  • Safari through four quintessential national parks and reserves

Discover the renowned parks, scenic wilderness, and friendly locals of Northern Tanzania as you journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Experience the elements of a truly classic safari: the elephants and baobabs of Tarangire, the hippos and flamingos of Lake Manyara, the ancient Ngorongoro Crater, and the multitude of wildlife on the expansive plains of the Serengeti.

Talk to a Vaya Africa Specialist

We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.

5-Star Reviews

We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.

At a Glance

  • Arusha
    1 night: Discover this gateway city at the base of Mount Meru, with the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance
  • Tarangire National Park
    2 nights: Discover the spectacular wildlife of this beautiful park, dotted with mighty baobab trees
  • Ngorongoro Crater
    2 nights: Descend the steep walls of this ancient caldera to experience the exceptional game viewing below
  • Serengeti National Park
    4 nights: Enjoy an unparalleled safari experience in this vast park, the jewel of Tanzania's safari scene

All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.

5-Star Reviews

Find out why our discerning travelers consistently rate us with 5-stars.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Tanzania!

Arrive to Arusha, a bustling city and the gateway to some of the continent’s best safari destinations. Your private guide will be waiting to transfer you to your boutique hotel, composed of spacious chalets located in a verdant coffee plantation.

Accommodations: Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge

Located in a verdant coffee plantation, Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge is reminiscent of the region’s traditional plantation houses. The property comprises 30 wooden chalets nestled among the surrounding gardens and coffee trees. Amenities include a restaurant and bar, swimming pool, spa, and vibrant gardens.

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 2: The Safari Begins

Set out for your first adventure. As your expert guide drives you to the national park for your first wildlife sightings, you can take in the sights of local life along the road: vibrant markets, women with impossibly large loads balanced elegantly on their heads, and traditional Maasai people walking with their livestock.

Accommodations: Lemala Mpingo Ridge , 2 nights

Lemala Mpingo Ridge sits on top of an escarpment with sweeping views across the Tarangire River and the valley below. Each of the 15 tented suites has been carefully positioned to maximize the views over Tarangire, also taking advantage of the cooling breezes during hot weather. The tented suites feature en-suite bathrooms, private decks, and sunken outside lounges that convert to afternoon siesta beds. One of the suites has two bedrooms. Each tent also offers a private outside bathtub, allowing you to be immersed in the nature of the area without sacrificing luxury.

*Includes: All Inclusive

Day 3: Tarangire National Park

Embark on your first morning game drive with your private safari guide as you watch the sunrise and the African bush come to life. The early morning hours are a prime time for wildlife.

Tarangire National Park is home to thousands of elephants, who gather in the central riverbeds and marshes, and the swamps are a bird-watcher’s paradise. Giant, ancient baobab trees decorate almost every corner of this beautiful park.

Accommodations: Lemala Mpingo Ridge , 2 nights

*Includes: All Inclusive

Day 4: From Tarangire to Ngorongoro via Lake Manyara

Take a leisurely drive out of Tarangire National Park and head for Lake Manyara. Explore the shallow alkaline lake and see the giant fig trees of this quaint park. Nestled at the base of the Rift Valley, Lake Manyara is home to a variety of birds and wildlife.

You will also have the option today to engage with local communities, with a visit to a local village or spending some time in a traditional Maasai boma. We will be happy to arrange these options for you on request in an authentic and culturally respectful way.

Accommodations: Gibb’s Farm , 2 nights

Gibb's Farm is a historic organic farm and family coffee plantation covering over 80 acres on the forested outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater in Northern Tanzania, overlooking the Great Rift Valley. Comprising two family houses and seventeen cottages, Gibb’s Farm is a tranquil place deeply rooted in East African culture and community. Beautiful architectural details, such as the farmhouse’s original wooden beams and colorful artworks, are inspired by local African artists. The farm’s organic vegetable and terraced flower gardens provide a peaceful setting for afternoon tea or a quiet walk.

*Includes: All Inclusive

Day 5: Descend the Ngorongoro Crater

Descend the steep walls of the Ngorongoro Crater in your private safari vehicle. This spectacular caldera is almost three million years old and was formed as the result of a gigantic explosion that caused the original volcano to collapse in on itself, creating the massive crater we see today. Twelve miles wide and approximately 2,000 feet deep, the journey from the edge of the rim to the bottom of the floor takes roughly 45 minutes by vehicle.

The crater floor has an abundance of wildlife, all taking advantage of the fertile soil and lush grazing. Roughly 25,000 animals call this place home. Flocks of flamingos, hippos in the pools, and a range of herds, solitary predators, and even a few very rare black rhino make this one of the most interesting safari landscapes on earth.

Accommodations: Gibb’s Farm , 2 nights

*Includes: All Inclusive

Day 6: Into the Wild Serengeti

Journey into the Serengeti. Arguably the most famous safari location in the world, Serengeti National Park evokes for many the images of what it truly means to travel to Africa. Discover its vast open plains, lonely acacia trees, and rocky kopjes as you make your way into this vast wilderness.

Traveling from the lush rainforests of the Karatu Highlands, make your way over the dusty plains before finding yourself in a sea of gently waving grasses. Along the way you may visit the Olduvai Gorge, one of the world’s most important paleoanthropological sites and sometimes referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind.”

Accommodations: Lemala Nanyukie , 4 nights

Located in Eastern Serengeti, Lemala Nanyukie sits in the park’s central region, with outstanding views across the fascinating endless plains. The camp itself is set on a grassy savanna dotted with rocky kopjes and shaded by ancient giant acacia trees. With canvas walls, arching ceilings and broad hardwood decks, the tented suites at Lemala Nanyukie offer the best in luxury bush camping. The main area features a comfortable lounge and bar, outdoor viewing deck leading to a refreshing swimming pool, and indoor and outdoor dining areas. Guests can arrange special meals like bush breakfasts and lantern-lit dinners, and the campfire is perfect for a post-dinner drink and sharing tales about the day on safari. A separate spa tent among the trees offers secluded relaxation.

*Includes: All Inclusive

Day 7: The Safari Continues

Enjoy game drives and lodge activities, with your expert private safari guide helping you discover the wonders of the Serengeti and connect with nature. During the heat of the afternoon, spend a few hours relaxing or enjoying the amenities at your lodge. Get set for another exciting game drive as the sun makes its decent below the horizon and the wildlife becomes more active.

Accommodations: Lemala Nanyukie , 4 nights

*Includes: All Inclusive

Day 8: Exploring the Serengeti

Explore further afield with your guide as you gaze out the open-roofed safari vehicle in search of wildlife. Depending on the season, you may find yourself in the midst of the impossibly large herds of wildebeest that make up the Great Migration.

In the afternoon, indulge in an “armchair safari” from the many sumptuous viewing decks at your luxury tented camp, or from the unique vantage point in your private plunge pool. Join a highly experienced ranger for a bush walk around camp to discover the smaller things that make up the diverse ecosystem of the Serengeti.

Accommodations: Lemala Nanyukie , 4 nights

*Includes: All Inclusive

Day 9: A Final Safari

Catch the breathtaking sunrise on the Serengeti as the wildlife wakes for the day. Spend a final day exploring the plains of the Serengeti with your knowledgeable guide, and enjoy a sunset cocktail at a private bush bar.

For a truly memorable experience, your Vaya specialist can help you arrange a hot air balloon flight during your stay, for a unique birds-eye perspective on game viewing.

Accommodations: Lemala Nanyukie , 4 nights

*Includes: All Inclusive

Day 10: Fly back to Arusha to depart for home or your onward journey

Bid farewell to your Vaya safari guide at the Seronera airstrip, and enjoy spectacular views of the Rift Valley on your short bush flight back to Arusha. On arrival a private driver will whisk you away to your hotel, where you can enjoy a day room and lunch before your transfer to the international airport and your flight home.

Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary

  • Choose from a selection of carefully curated lodges and hotels to ensure this trip fits your travel style and budget. Depending on the time of year, your Vaya specialist can also guide you to the best location for the Great Migration.

  • Add a hot air balloon for a truly unique game viewing perspective, as you float peacefully above the savannahs of the Serengeti.

  • Include some downtime for rest and relaxation! Some free time to unwind or have a massage will allow you to feel refreshed and ready for the remainder of your trip. Many of our properties include excellent spas or wellness centers. We can help arrange these services or include properties that offer health & wellness amenities.

  • Engage with locals in a meaningful, authentic, and culturally respectful way with a visit to a community project, village or traditional Maasai boma.

  • Add a few extra days, or split up your Serengeti safari to include two distinct locations in this vast park, offering you a real diversity of both wildlife and landscape.

  • Add a beach extension and spend a few days under a palm tree on the tropical island of Zanzibar, an easy connection directly from the Serengeti.

  • Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.

Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.
Contact Us +1 (800) 342-1796

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