12 DAYS TANZANIA LUXURY SAFARI
Arusha – Randilen – Karatu – Central Serengeti – Northern Serengeti
12 Days / 11 Nights
Introduction
Start | Accommodation | Destination | Basis | Duration |
Day 1 | Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge | Arusha | B&B | 1 Night |
Day 2 | Elewana Tarangire Treetops | Randilen | AI | 2 Nights |
Day 4 | Elewana The Manor Ngorongoro | Karatu | AI | 2 Nights |
Day 6 | Ole Serai Luxury Camp | Central Serengeti | AI | 3 Nights |
Day 9 | Serengeti Bushtops | Northern Serengeti | AI | 3 Nights |
Key
B&B: Bed and Breakfast
FB: Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
AI: All Inclusive – Bed and All Meals
ARUSHA
Arusha is the safari capital of Tanzania located at the foot of Mt. Meru, close to Mount Kilimanjaro, the Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Parks. From there it’s only a short trip to the Serengeti. Just to the north, on the slopes of Mt. Meru is the Arusha National Park. Built by the Germans as a centre of colonial administration because of the temperate climate, Arusha is a good spot to take a day or two off from your safari.
RANDILEN
Designated by the Maasai people, Randilen is a community wildlife management area of 327 km², which extends organically from Tarangire National Park’s north-eastern boundary and adheres to strict ecological principles that benefit both wildlife and the community. In the dry season between July and October, wildlife is concentrated around a few water sources, particularly the Tarangire River Valley. Wildlife moves into the surrounding hills during the green season, which comes alive with lushness, flowering blooms, epic skies, and exuberant wildlife. Aside from elephant and buffalo, species most likely to be seen are giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, waterbuck, bushbuck, impala, lesser kudu, eland and warthog. Among the predators are lion and leopard, as well as jackals and mongoose.
KARATU
Travellers heading for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater will inevitably pass through the town of Karatu in the green hills of Tanzania’s northern highlands. Presided over by the towering Ol Deani Volcano, this small, colourful town serves as a popular overnight stop for visitors exploring the area’s many game parks. The town offers a variety of activities including browsing the bustling marketplace, sampling beer at a local brewery, visiting a traditional Iraqw homestead, or taking a guided walk through the Ngorongoro Forest in search of waterfalls and elephants caves. Whether you are looking for cultural tours, hiking and biking opportunities, a chance to enjoy an authentic rural Tanzania experience, or simply a break between safari game drives, this underrated town has plenty to offer.
CENTRAL SERENGETI
The Serengeti together with Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Park form Africa’s most famous wildlife park. The image of acacia trees on an endless grass plain epitomises Africa for many, and then add a Masai warrior and some cattle to the picture and the conversation need go no further. The annual wildebeest migration through the Serengeti and the Masai Mara is the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. But that is not where the game viewing ends; large prides of lions, elephants and giraffes in grasslands, gazelles and eland to mention but a few. Aside from traditional vehicle safaris, hot-air ballooning over the Serengeti plains has become almost essential and you can even do a horseback safari.
NORTHERN SERENGETI
Unlike the southern plains of the Serengeti that dry out, forcing all but the hardiest of species to leave, the Northern Serengeti remains lush and green throughout the year. The annual wildebeest migration through the Serengeti and the Masai Mara is the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. From July through to October the Migration is in the Northern Serengeti and this is where many of the most famous scenes of the Migration occur with almost daily crossings of the Mara River. But that is not where the game viewing ends; large prides of lions, elephants and giraffes in grasslands, gazelles and eland to mention but a few.
DAY 1
Day Itinerary
Welcome to Tanzania – Where Adventure Meets Elegance
Prepare to be captivated from the moment you step off the plane. Tanzania welcomes you with an awe-inspiring abundance of wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and some of the most iconic national parks on Earth, a destination where every moment is infused with wonder.
With Wakanda Expeditions, your journey is seamless, safe, and deeply enriching. After clearing border formalities, look out for a personalized sign bearing your name. Our warm, professional representative will be waiting at the arrivals hall to assist with your luggage and escort you in comfort to your hotel. From the very beginning, we ensure your experience is nothing short of exceptional.
Overnight: Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge
Located in the middle of a verdant coffee plantation, Arusha Coffee Lodge is a sanctuary of aromatic tranquility and a welcome retreat after a long international flight, or the dust and excitement of a thrilling bush safari.
DAY 2
Day Itinerary
After an early gourmet breakfast, set off on a scenic drive to the breathtaking Tarangire National Park. En route to your exclusive camp, enjoy a leisurely game drive with prime opportunities to photograph majestic elephants, ancient baobab trees, and diverse wildlife gathering along the life-giving Tarangire River.
Later in the afternoon, delve deeper into the park on a dedicated game drive. This is your chance to track elusive big cats, witness massive elephant herds in their natural habitat, and soak in the dramatic landscapes that define Tarangire ,a true photographer’s paradise.
Overnight: Elewana Tarangire Treetops
On the path of an annual elephant migration, Tarangire Treetops sits alone in a 312km2 private wildlife area bordering Tarangire National Park, amid a landscape of rolling and baobab-studded hills. Our elevated “treehouse” suites are perched high up with views over the adjacent baobab and marula trees, giving Tarangire Treetops an adventurous and exotic feel.
DAY 3
Day Itinerary
Full-Day Safari in Tarangire
Spend an unforgettable day deep into the untamed beauty of Tarangire National Park on an expertly guided full-day game drive. Traverse the park’s diverse landscapes at your leisure, from open savannahs to lush riverine forests, all teeming with wildlife.
Pause midday for a gourmet picnic lunch at a scenic spot within the park, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. Continue your adventure in this wildlife-rich sanctuary, where each turn offers the possibility of extraordinary encounters and breathtaking moments.
DAY 4
Day Itinerary
From Tarangire to Ngorongoro – A Scenic Journey into the Highlands
Begin your day with an exhilarating morning game drive through Tarangire National Park, capturing the final glimpses of its iconic wildlife and landscapes. Afterward, embark on a picturesque journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a scenic transfer of approximately 3.5 hours through the heart of northern Tanzania.
Along the way, pause at the Lake Manyara Viewpoint, where you’ll have the perfect opportunity to photograph the breathtaking Rift Valley escarpment and shimmering lake below.
Upon arrival at your elegant lodge, check in and enjoy a tranquil afternoon at leisure, unwind with the comforts of your surroundings and take in the peaceful ambiance of the highlands.
Overnight: Elewana The Manor at Ngorongoro
The Manor at Ngorongoro, with its luxurious cottages and magnificent Manor House, brings “old-world” opulence to a green and lush setting. The Manor is nestled into one of these coffee plantations, very close to the entrance to the Ngorongoro conservation area.
DAY 5
Day Itinerary
Ngorongoro Crater – A Day on the Floor of Eden
On Day 5, rise early for a remarkable descent into the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often referred to as Africa’s “Garden of Eden.” Enjoy a full-day game drive in this natural amphitheater, home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including all members of the Big Five.
Savor a gourmet picnic lunch in the heart of the crater, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and the sounds of nature. The day is dedicated to capturing the crater’s dramatic landscapes and witnessing unforgettable wildlife interactions in this one-of-a-kind ecosystem.
As the sun begins to set, ascend the crater walls and return to your lodge to relax and reflect on the day’s incredible experiences.
DAY 6
Day Itinerary
Journey to the Serengeti – Into the Heart of the Wild
Today, your adventure continues as you travel to the legendary Serengeti National Park, the crown jewel of Tanzania’s wildlife reserves and one of the most celebrated safari destinations in the world.
Spanning vast golden plains and endless horizons, the Serengeti is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its rich biodiversity, iconic landscapes, and the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Great Migration. As you traverse the park, expect close encounters with lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and a variety of graceful antelopes. With luck, you may also spot cheetahs, serval cats, and other elusive predators of the African savannah.
Your journey takes you into the central Serengeti, specifically the Seronera region, a wildlife-rich area known for its year-round game viewing and striking natural beauty. This is the land that inspired Disney’s The Lion King , though the drama and majesty of the real Serengeti is anything but fiction. It is raw, untamed, and profoundly beautiful.
Settle into your luxury tented camp and let the sights and sounds of the wild welcome you.
Overnight: Ole Serai Luxury Camp
The Ole Serai Luxury Camp – Seronera is located 14kms from the Seronera HQ / Airstrip, and lies right in the Heart of Central Serengeti. It is located on a spectacular and secluded location perched atop the slopes of Makoma Hills overlooking the magnificent Makoma plains (which is famous for its large numbers of resident Cheetas) and the Thatch Kopjes (famous for its large Makoma Prides of resident Lions). The location also boasts all year game and a large population of wildcats – who are drawn to the huge concentration of prey in and around the area.
DAY 7 & 8
Day Itinerary
Predator Encounters in the Central Serengeti
Spend the next two days immersed in the untamed beauty of the Central Serengeti, where each moment offers the promise of extraordinary wildlife encounters. Begin with sunrise game drives, when the savannah stirs to life and predators are most active, and conclude with sunset explorations, bathed in golden light.
These days are dedicated to seeking out the Serengeti’s most formidable predators, from powerful lion prides to elusive leopards and lightning-fast cheetahs. You’ll also witness the essential roles of scavengers such as hyenas and vultures, adding layers to the complex drama of life on the plains.
Guided by expert trackers, you’ll gain deep insight into predator behavior, hunting techniques, and the fragile balance of this world-renowned ecosystem, all while surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery on the continent.
DAY 9,10 &11
Day Itinerary
Journey to the Northern Serengeti & The Great Migration
After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic game drive en route to the Northern Serengeti, a region renowned for its raw beauty and dramatic wildlife encounters. This part of the Serengeti offers front-row seats to one of nature’s greatest spectacles – the Great Migration.
Your journey today centers around the iconic Mara River crossings, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-infested waters in their relentless search for greener pastures. This awe-inspiring event is filled with tension, movement, and survival offering unparalleled photographic opportunities and unforgettable memories.
Settle into your luxurious camp in the north and prepare for the next chapter of your adventure amid the thunder of hooves and the pulse of the wild.
Overnight: Serengeti Bushtops Camp
Serengeti Bushtops is a unique five star safari experience within Tanzania’s glorious Serengeti. Imagine returning from safari and watching the sun set from the comfort of your tent’s private hot tub. Consider the thrill of watching the annual migration thunder across the mighty Mara river.
DAY 12
Day Itinerary
Board a scenic charter flight from Kogatende to Kilimanjaro Airport, offering a final aerial perspective of Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes. This flight provides a unique opportunity to capture the vast beauty of the region from above.
Upon arrival, you will either be transferred to the international terminal for your onward journey or enjoy one final night in Arusha, depending on your travel plans.
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All accommodations listed (on full board basis)
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Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with a professional guide
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All park and conservation fees
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Scheduled game drives
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All meals and drinks as specified in the itinerary during safari
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Filtered water in the vehicle during the safari
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Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro or Arusha)
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Domestic flight (Serengeti to Arusha)
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International flights to/from Tanzania
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Visa fees (approx. $50 per person)
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Travel insurance
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Tips for guide and lodge staff (budget $15–$30 per day per guest)
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Optional activities (e.g. hot air balloon in Serengeti ~$550 pp)
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Alcoholic beverages unless included by lodge
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