Tanzania Highlights Small Group Safari

This extraordinary Tanzania small group safari invites you to delve into the heart of the wild, aiming to capture the mesmerizing migration, observe wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater, and relish the optional adventure of a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti.

Picture yourself beneath the expansive African sky, immersed in a vast wilderness, attuned to the mysterious symphony of predator and prey echoing beyond your tent's canvas walls. Greet the day with fresh pastries, steaming beverages, and the warmth of our camp staff, illuminated by the rising sun over the plains. Anticipate the adventures ahead as you embark in spacious customized 4x4 land cruisers, unveiling the secrets of this iconic wildlife sanctuary. Witness the grandeur of the Ngorongoro Crater, once towering higher than Kilimanjaro, capture the essence of Tarangire with its distinctive baobabs, and marvel at palatial termite mounds. Immerse yourself in Tanzanian culture, gaining insights into the Maasai and other tribal groups. This multifaceted experience creates lasting memories in this extraordinary safari destination.

Embark on an unforgettable Tanzanian adventure with a 9-day itinerary. Begin in Arusha, the safari capital, and enjoy a night at Rivertrees Country Inn, offering a garden room with access to a swimming pool. Explore Arusha's charm, take a city tour, and transfer to Wayo Manyara Green Camp near Lake Manyara National Park. Indulge in a range of activities, including a canoe safari, mountain biking, and game drives. Move on to Karatu, a vibrant town in the northern highlands, for a night at The Plantation Lodge, featuring a treetop walkway and a village walk. Continue to Ngorongoro Crater for a night at Mysigio Camp, experiencing a thrilling game drive onto the crater floor. Conclude the journey in the Northern Serengeti with a 3-night stay at Wayo Serengeti Green Camp North, offering walks and game drives to witness the annual wildebeest migration. The adventure ends with a scenic flight back to Arusha and optional extensions to Zanzibar.

Day 1 - 2 : Arusha

Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania, nestled at the foot of Mt. Meru, is the gateway to iconic parks like Kilimanjaro, Manyara, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro. With a temperate climate and proximity to Serengeti, Arusha offers a refreshing break.

Day 2 - 4 : Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park boasts diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, including baboons and tree-climbing lions. The park offers acacia woodlands, water forests, hot springs, and stunning views.

Day 4 - 5 : Karatu

Karatu, a vibrant town in Tanzania's northern highlands, serves as a stopover for Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater explorers. Cultural tours, brewery visits, and walks through Ngorongoro Forest are highlights.

Day 5 - 6 : Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater, a wildlife haven, witnesses daily dramas of zebras, wildebeests, lions, leopards, elephants, and black rhinos. The Crater's rim and surroundings add to the spectacle.

Day 6 - 9 : Northern Serengeti

The Northern Serengeti, lush and green year-round, hosts the spectacular annual wildebeest migration. The vast plains teem with diverse wildlife, offering a mesmerizing safari experience.

Where to go?

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is well known for its baobab trees, year-round population of elephants and prolific birdlife. The park comes into its own during the dry season (June-October) when the number of elephants increase along with herds of zebra, wildebeest, antelope and other game which are attracted to the river.

Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area

Enroute to Ngorongoro you’ll stop to view Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley’s dramatic escarpment below. The silvery soda ash waters attract thousands of pink flamingo. Make your way up the outside of the Crater before making your way down the 600m wall into this 250km² wildlife sanctuary. Proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, this is the biggest intact caldera in the world. Previously a mountain higher than Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro imploded over 2 million years ago, leaving this unique natural wonder of swamps and lakes and plains, teeming with wildlife. The lion population has fluctuated over the years, partly due to the migration in and out of the crater and disease. The spotted hyena, golden and black-backed jackal can also be seen here and it is one of the few places in Tanzania where you may be lucky enough to see rhino in the world.

Serengeti National Park

The park is part of the much larger Serengeti eco-system, including the surrounding Grumeti Reserves, the Ngorongoro Conservation area and the Masai Mara in neighbouring Kenya. Huge open grassland plains are dotted with isolated granite hillocks known as Kopjes and acacia woodland. There is limited permanent water apart from a few rivers, hence the wildebeest always migrating in search of fresh grazing as a result of rainfall patterns. The wildebeest migration draws people to different areas of this vast park throughout the year. Whether you are in the southern Serengeti (Dec – March) for calving season, the western reaches (April to June) as the herds seek out fresh pastures, or the North (July-August) when the herds bunch up gathering the nerve to cross the rivers, your guide will take you to the best areas for encountering wildlife. You also have the option to take an early morning balloon safari (at an additional cost) over the Serengeti before enjoying a bush breakfast.

Rivertrees Country Inn

Nestled in the foothills of Mt. Meru with a captivating view of the majestic Kilimanjaro, Rivertrees Country Inn in Northern Tanzania offers a tranquil escape just outside Arusha. Once an old coffee farm, the inn boasts elegantly rustic cottages strategically placed along the river and amidst tall trees, providing privacy and tranquility. The expansive grounds, an extension of Mt. Meru's sloping foothills, create a sanctuary for indigenous birds and wildlife. Guests can savor delicious meals at the on-site restaurant, indulge in candle-lit dinners under the stars, and explore nearby nature reserves. Rivertrees seamlessly combines unpretentious comfort with subtle style accents, inviting travelers to experience a timeless pause in their journey with a genuine sense of warmth and welcome.

Wayo Manyara Green Camp

Manyara Green Camp offers a unique safari experience deep in the Manyara Forest, adjacent to the captivating Endabash Waterfalls. Positioned strategically in Lake Manyara National Park, renowned for its tree-climbing lions and diverse wildlife, the camp provides a non-stop safari encounter. Nestled on the banks of the Endabash River, the camp boasts eight eco tents on raised platforms, each offering stylish interiors, comfortable beds, and eco-friendly amenities. The prime location allows guests to witness wildlife gathering at the river for a drink, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The camp's central mess tent provides a comfortable space to unwind, complete with lounge chairs and a small library. Guests can enjoy delicious 3-course meals prepared by a chef in an eco-friendly camp kitchen. Committed to sustainability, Manyara Green Camp operates in an environmentally conscious manner, employing low impact energy solutions, minimizing waste, and promoting eco-friendly practices.

The Plantation Lodge

The Plantation Lodge, located near Karatu at an elevation of 1,600 meters, offers a picturesque retreat on its ten-hectare landscaped grounds. With individually designed rooms and suites, the owner-run lodge exudes an atmosphere of well-being. Guests can relish in a four-course menu at the excellent restaurant, sourced from local produce. The lodge is strategically positioned for easy access to major national parks, including Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, and Central Serengeti. Room options include standard rooms, family units, suites, and family suites, each uniquely furnished with amenities such as naturally lit bathrooms, verandas or terraces, mosquito nets, and more. The lodge provides services like free WLAN, laundry, a souvenir shop, a pool, massages, and afternoon tea. The pleasant climate and the lodge's history, evolving from a farmstead to a renowned safari hotel, add to the appeal of this charming retreat in Tanzania.

Mysigio Camp

Mysigio Camp, located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area near Mysigio Village, provides a luxury highland experience immersed in Maasai culture. The camp, set away from the busy crater rim, offers tranquility on an exclusive semi-permanent site. With 12 spacious luxury tents featuring en-suite bathrooms, a wood-heated lounge, and a dining mess, the camp combines comfort with environmental responsibility, utilizing 100% solar power and eco-friendly practices. Guests can engage in authentic Maasai activities arranged by Chief Ole Dorop and his family, including the traditional Maasai Orpul Ceremony, Maasai dancing, and visits to the Maasai Boma. Various walks with a ranger and Maasai escort provide picturesque views of Ngorongoro. Reviews highlight the immersive experience, cultural insights, and the camp's environmental consciousness.