Table of Contents
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- Pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA)
- DAY 1: LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
- DAY 2: FULL DAY IN SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
- DAY 3: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
- DAY 4: EXPLORE SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
- DAY 5: NGORONGORO CRATER AND CONSERVATION AREA
- DAY 6: TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
- Payment
- The following is not included in the program:
- There are the following variants of accommodation
- Activities
- Your budget
- Season
- Activities
- Our Safari Jeeps
- Sky Safari
- Balloon safari
- Put together your own dream Safari trip
- Frequently Asked Questions
All safari trips can be combined as desired. Either you choose one of our suggested safari trips or we put together a suitable safari trip in Tanzania that suits you and your travel budget.
All our safari trips in Tanzania can be combined with extra overnight stays in Arusha and with a sun and beach holiday on the paradise island of Zanzibar, which is located in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Tanzania. We also sell domestic flights for safari travelers who want to fly from Arusha to Zanzibar.
All safari packages are divided into four distinct accommodation classes to suit different budgets and preferences. You can also mix and match hotels between the different classes until the price fits your budget and desires.
- “Exclusive” includes only the absolute best hotels and is designed for those who want to indulge in luxury and enjoy the finest accommodations and standards available in Tanzania.
- “Standard” is our most common safari offer, consisting of comfortable hotels with affordable accommodations. This option is ideal for those who don’t want to pay for luxury but still desire good quality lodging.
- “Budget” is for those whose budget doesn’t stretch to the “Standard” class but still want to enjoy as many national parks as possible at an affordable price. Budget travelers place less emphasis on hotel quality and are willing to stay in simple, clean hotels with lower standards. This option may be best suited for young people or seasoned travelers, such as former backpackers.
- “Tent Camping” is the most cost-effective way to go on safari. Here, it may not be your budget that dictates your choice, but rather the desire to camp and get close to nature. This option is recommended for those ready to stay in a simple tent, rewarded with cozy evenings where the accompanying cook prepares meals over an open fire. We stay at designated campsites within the national parks or on private camping grounds. The campsites offer basic toilets and usually showers. However, camping is not included in Arusha, where a standard lodge is provided instead.
Pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA)
You will be picked up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) and transported to Arusha, a journey of about 1 hour (55 km). Upon arrival in Arusha, you will check in at your hotel. Once in the Hotel, your Safari guide will meet and pre-briefing you about your upcoming Safari adventure and later leave you to rest. The landscape around Arusha is dominated by two impressive mountains: Kilimanjaro (5,895 m – the highest mountain in Africa) and Mount Meru (4,566 m – the fifth highest mountain in Africa). The area is characterized by extensive coffee and banana plantations.
Arusha has a population of approximately 350,000 people, with a high growth rate of about 6 percent. The city is situated at an altitude of 1,265 meters above sea level, giving it a pleasant climate. Arusha is not only an administrative center and the starting point for safari trips but also an important hub for the production of textiles, beverages and food products.
Overnight stay in Arusha:
Exclusive: Arusha Coffee Lodge
Standard: African Tulip Hotel
Budget: Green Mountain Lodge
DAY 1: LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, depart for the nearby Lake Manyara National Park. The park covers an area of 330 km², of which 230 km² is water. Entry to the park is through the small rural town of Mto wa Mbu (the name means “Mosquito River”), which is surrounded by a fertile agricultural district with large fruit plantations. Lake Manyara lies along the massive Great Rift Valley, which was formed 20 million years ago and stretches 6,400 km from the Dead Sea to the Kalahari Desert in Botswana.
The park is incredibly scenic, with forested, hilly terrain along the Great Rift Valley and expansive grassy plains near the picturesque bird lake. No less than around 400 bird species have been observed here, and at certain times, the lake is invaded by thousands of pink-tinged lesser flamingos.
During the afternoon game drive in Lake Manyara, there is a chance to see elephants, zebras, hippos, African buffalo, wildebeests, warthogs, baboons, and giraffes. Occasionally, you might also spot tree-climbing lions, for which the park is famous, though these sightings are unfortunately rare.
The best time to visit Lake Manyara is during the dry season, from June to October and January to February. In the late afternoon, return to Karatu for an overnight stay at a hotel.
Overnight stay in Karatu:
Exclusive: Ngorongoro Manro Lodge
Standard: Eileen’s Trees Inn
Budget: Karatu Safari Lodge
DAY 2: FULL DAY IN SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Full-day safari in the surroundings of Seronera in Serengeti National Park. Unlike the vast grasslands of southern Serengeti, the nature around Seronera is much more diverse, featuring water systems, trees, hills, and mountains. With good hopes, it is possible to spot all the animals in “the Big Five” during this ongoing safari. “The Big Five” is the classic collective term for the five African animals—lion, leopard, elephant, African buffalo, and rhinoceros—that big game hunters considered the most dangerous and sought-after trophies.
The area around Seronera is one of the best places to find the elusive leopard. During a typical game drive, several beautiful spots along the Seronera River and Maasai Kopjes are visited, where the chances of seeing lions are high. A packed lunch is often enjoyed at the picnic site at Songore, where you can stretch your legs. A “must” is to drive the “Banagi Hill loop” to the “Hippo Pool,” which is the finest of its kind in all of Africa. Here, you get close to up to 100 hippos from the edge of the water hole, where you can stand in the open and listen to the loud grunts and splashing of the hippos. Occasionally, a crocodile may also be spotted. If you wish to see many, especially large crocodiles, the Grumeti River (about 50 km northwest of Seronera) is the place to go.
Annually, the wildebeests are forced to cross this river—where many weakened wildebeests fall prey to crocodiles—but this spectacle occurs only during the period from June to July. To experience this event during your safari, it is necessary to add an extra day in Serengeti (typically staying at Grumeti Lodge, 2 km from the Grumeti River). The area around Seronera can be visited throughout the year. The reason for the consistent presence of animals here is due to the constant availability of water in the Seronera River. A large portion of the passing herds of wildebeests and zebras can be seen around Seronera from March to June. In most of Africa’s national parks, it is well known that the cooler dry season (May to August) is best for wildlife viewing, as animals are forced to seek out the few waterholes that exist.
The southern Serengeti grasslands near the park entrance at Naabi Gate are almost entirely devoid of animals during the European summer, as the animals have moved to northern Serengeti and into Maasai Mara National Park in southern Kenya. During the rainy season (September to May), the large herds of wildebeests, followed closely by predators, once again move toward the southern parts of a green and lush Serengeti. This annual weather-driven migration cycle of nearly 2000 km—the “Great Migration”—involves about 2 million animals (approximately 1.6 million wildebeests, 150,000 zebras, 12,000 elands, 230,000 Thomson’s gazelles, 30,000 Grant’s gazelles) and is essential for ensuring the intake of grass and water. It is noted that the total amount of grass consumed by all these animals daily amounts to about 4,000 tons.
Overnight stay in Serengeti:
Exclusive: Serengeti Serena Lodge
Standard: Serengeti Sound of Silence
Budget: Serengeti Matawi Lodge
DAY 3: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Morning safari before departing from Seronera in a southeast direction towards Naabi Hill for further travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (8,350 km²). Stops will be made along the way for wildlife observation and photography as desired. In the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, there is an opportunity to visit a Maasai village near Olduvai Gorge (additional cost: 20 US dollars). Here, you can experience the fascinating culture and living conditions of the Maasai. The Maasai come from the Nile Delta and have managed to retain most of their old traditions. A Maasai village is built in a circle with the animals kept in the center at night and the huts constructed of wood covered with clay. Their diet is quite unique, consisting almost entirely of cow’s milk. After an agreement in 1959, all Maasai were relocated from Serengeti to Ngorongoro. Today, 40,000 Maasai live in Ngorongoro. There is also an opportunity to visit Olduvai Gorge—a place worth exploring as it was home to our small, hairy ancestor, Australopithecus afarensis (the same species as “Lucy,” discovered in Ethiopia in 1974) 3.75 million years ago.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the most spectacular tourist destination in Africa, with enchanting nature and unforgettable wildlife experiences. There are many beautiful hiking trails in the reserve (ranging from half-day to multi-day tours) for those seeking a more physically active safari vacation (advance booking required). Ngorongoro is a conservation area and does not have national park status because the nomadic Maasai have lived here for 200 years with their herds of livestock. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area has nine different craters, with the most famous being the Ngorongoro Crater. This is the sixth largest caldera (collapsed volcano) in the world, measuring 21 km east-west and 18 km north-south, with a total area of 304 km². The crater rim is at an elevation of 2,200–2,400 meters above sea level, while the crater floor is at 1,700–1,800 meters. The crater is located 50 km west of Lake Manyara (170 km west of Arusha). In the afternoon, we reach the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater and are rewarded with a breathtaking view.
Overnight stay in Serengeti:
Exclusive: Serengeti Serena Lodge
Standard: Serengeti Sound of Silence
Budget: Serengeti Matawi Lodge
DAY 4: EXPLORE SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Today you will be amazed by the vistas and understand why Serengeti means “endless plains”! You can enjoy the beautiful nature while planning your own days, e.g. the whole day on the road with a picnic lunch or a morning and afternoon game drive with a delicious lunch in the camp. During the Great Migration, you should see hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras and the hyenas, leopards and lions hunting. But you will also see herds of elephants, many giraffes, jackals, cheetahs, hippos and gazelle. Especially the hundreds of thousands of animals that graze the grassy plain and savannahs of the Serengeti, including zebras and wildebeest, make it a great experience. The grassy plains cover more than 1/3 of the park, so you will find many animals here all year round. The lions, hyenas, cheetahs and leopards that prey on these herbivores can also be found in the park all year round, as well as spotted hyena, eagles and vultures that eat the leftovers. You will also find Thomson gazelles, Grant’s gazelles, moose, ostriches, giraffes, impalas, hartebeest, buffalo, various species of bucks and antelopes, hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and dikdik’s in large numbers. You will also find a wide variety of monkeys and exotic birds.
Overnight stay in Serengeti:
Exclusive: Serengeti Serena Lodge
Standard: Serengeti Sound of Silence
Budget: Serengeti Matawi Lodge
DAY 5: NGORONGORO CRATER AND CONSERVATION AREA
In the morning, continue to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (8,350 km²), located 50 km west of Lake Manyara (170 km west of Arusha). Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the most spectacular tourist destination in Africa, offering enchanting nature and unforgettable wildlife experiences. There are many excellent hiking trails in the reserve (from half-day to multi-day treks) for those seeking a more physically active safari vacation (advance booking required). Ngorongoro is a conservation area and does not have national park status because the nomadic Maasai have lived here for 200 years with their herds of livestock. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area includes nine different craters, the most famous being the Ngorongoro Crater. This is the sixth largest caldera (collapsed volcano) in the world, measuring 21 km east-west and 18 km north-south, with a total area of 304 km². The crater rim is at an elevation of 2,200–2,400 meters above sea level, while the crater floor is at 1,700–1,800 meters.
During the day’s jeep safari, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater (about 500 meters below the crater rim). Hopefully, Lake Magadi will be filled with flamingos searching for plankton. Lions, wildebeests, zebras, African buffaloes, hyenas, Grant’s gazelles, Thomson’s gazelles, baboons, hippos, and black rhinos (only about 25 individuals remain) are some of the many species found here in one of the most wildlife-rich areas in Africa. Also notable are the old male elephants with extremely large tusks that live in the crater until their death. Ngorongoro Crater can be visited with great pleasure throughout the year. The rainy season lasts from November to May, with light rains in November-December and more consistent rains from February to May. The dry season extends from June to October, which is the best time for wildlife viewing. February-March is also an exciting time as wildebeests and zebras are calving.
In the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, there is an opportunity to visit a Maasai village near Olduvai Gorge (additional cost: 50 US dollars per person). Here, you can experience the fascinating culture and living conditions of the Maasai. The Maasai originate from the Nile Delta and have managed to retain most of their old traditions. A Maasai village is built in a circle with the animals kept in the center at night, and the huts are made of wood covered with clay. Their diet is quite unique, consisting almost entirely of cow’s milk. After an agreement in 1959, all Maasai were relocated from Serengeti to Ngorongoro. Today, 40,000 Maasai live in Ngorongoro. In the late afternoon, return to Mto wa Mbu for an overnight stay at a hotel.
Overnight stay in Mto wa Mbu:
Exclusive: Lake Manyara Serena Hotel
Standard: Mawe Mawe Lodge
Budget: Panorama Camping Ground
DAY 6: TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Morning jeep safari in Tarangire National Park. The park covers an area of 2,650 km² and is located about 50 km south of Lake Manyara National Park. The landscape in Tarangire is diverse, featuring palm forests, tree- and grass-covered savannas, cliffs, and hilly terrain. Without the presence of the Tarangire River, this park would not support much wildlife. However, it is the densest national park in Africa for elephants, with approximately 2,000 individuals.
The best time to see large numbers of elephants is during September and October; at other times of the year, they are more dispersed and can be difficult to spot. The park is also one of the richest in bird species in Tanzania. Tarangire is best visited during the dry season from June to October (though it may have troublesome tsetse flies at times) and during January–February. There is a short rainy period typically from November to December, while the long rains fall from mid-March to May. January to March is an exciting time in Tarangire as zebras and wildebeests are calving.
Last but not least, Tarangire National Park is known for its impressive baobab trees, which can reach up to 15 meters in height. These trees have an enormous, swollen trunk (above ground) while the canopies have a rather sparse and thin branching structure. Other notable tree species in the park include desert date trees, candelabra trees, acacias, and sausage trees. In the afternoon, we will return to Arusha Town for an overnight stay at a hotel.
Overnight stay in Arusha:
Exclusive: Arusha Coffee Lodge
Standard: African Tulip Hotel
Budget: Green Mountain Lodge
~ End of Tour ~
Organizer:
Safari ASAP
Payment
- 30% is paid in advance, and the remaining 70% is due no later than 14 days before the safari starts.
- It typically takes up to 5 banking days for the payment to reach our bank, KCB in Tanzania.
- Please email contact@safariasap.com as soon as the payment has been made.
- Use your name as the reference for the payment/bank transfer.
Travel Conditions:
- Follow the link to our website for more information.
The following is included in the program:
- Accommodation in Arusha as per the above program
- Private jeep during the safari
- Meals at lodges and packed lunches during the safari, as well as drinking water in the jeep
- All park fees
- All accommodation during the safari
- Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro Airport (KIA) or Arusha Airport
- In the case of camping, all camping equipment
- A driver who is also your guide (English-speaking) and a cook (only if camping is included in the program)
The following is not included in the program:
- Flight to Tanzania
- Visa for Tanzania
- Personal items and services such as drinks, snacks, and laundry
- Travel insurance, cancellation protection, vaccinations, and personal equipment
- Tips for the driver who is also the guide or a translator (recommended tip 20–30 US dollars per day) and the cook (if camping is included in the program)
- Meals at the hotel in Arusha except for breakfast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?
The best time to visit Tanzania is during the main dry season, from June to October. During this period, rainfall is minimal, making travel across national parks easier and ensuring excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around remaining water sources. While the rainy seasons bring lush green landscapes, they can also make some roads and trekking trails more challenging due to mud and slippery conditions, especially in remote areas.
How many days do I need for a safari in Tanzania?
The ideal number of days for a safari in Tanzania depends on the experience you want, but here is a clear guide:
A minimum of 3–4 days is enough for a short safari, usually covering one or two parks such as Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater. This is suitable for travelers with limited time. However, a more complete and rewarding safari experience is 6–10 days, which allows you to explore Tanzania’s top destinations at a relaxed pace, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and sometimes Lake Manyara.
If you want to experience the Great Wildebeest Migration or go deeper into remote areas of the Serengeti, a longer itinerary of 10–12 days or more is highly recommended.
What Animals will I see on safari?
On a Tanzania safari, you can expect to see an incredible variety of wildlife, including the famous Big Five: lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhinoceros. In addition to these iconic animals, you will often encounter giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals roaming freely in their natural habitats. Tanzania is also a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with over 1,000 species recorded, including flamingos, eagles, ostriches, and brightly colored kingfishers. The exact sightings depend on the park and season, but destinations such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park consistently offer some of the best and most diverse wildlife viewing experiences in Africa.
Is Tanzania safe for safari travel?
Yes, Tanzania is generally very safe for safari travel, especially when you book with a reputable tour operator like Safari ASAP and travel with experienced guides. Tourism is one of the country’s most important industries, and national parks are well managed with trained rangers and regulated visitor access. During game drives and lodge stays, safety standards are high, and guides are always there to ensure you follow park rules and stay safe around wildlife. As with any travel destination, it is always recommended to take normal precautions, but overall Tanzania is considered one of the safest and most rewarding safari destinations in Africa.
What should I pack for a safari?
For a safari in Tanzania, it’s best to pack light, practical, and comfortable clothing suited for changing temperatures. Neutral-colored clothes such as beige, khaki, green, and brown are ideal, as they help you blend into the environment and avoid attracting insects, especially tsetse flies. You should also bring comfortable walking shoes or boots, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for protection during game drives. A light jacket or fleece is important for early morning and evening drives, as it can get chilly. Other essentials include insect repellent, binoculars for wildlife viewing, a good camera, and personal medications. It’s also advisable to pack a small backpack for daily safari use and avoid heavy luggage due to vehicle space limitations.
Are Safari Asap safaris private or shared??
All Safari Asap safaris are private. We specialize in personalized experiences with dedicated guides, private vehicles, and itineraries tailored to your interests and pace. We do not offer shared or joining safaris, as they can be difficult to coordinate in Tanzania due to different accommodation choices, budgets, and travel preferences. Shared safaris often involve multiple hotel pick-ups, reducing valuable game-viewing time and affecting the overall experience. With a private safari, you enjoy greater flexibility, comfort, and a smoother, more rewarding wildlife experience.
Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?
Yes, most international travelers need a visa to visit Tanzania. The visa can be obtained either online through the official e-visa system before arrival or on arrival at major entry points such as airports and border crossings, depending on your nationality. A standard tourist visa usually costs USD$ 50, and it is valid for up to 90 days and is suitable for safari and holiday travel. It is always recommended to check the latest visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling, as rules may change.
Can I see the Great Wildebeest Migration?
Yes, you can see the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania or the Masai Mara in Kenya, and it is one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences in the world. The migration is a continuous movement of over a million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, traveling through the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water.
The exact location of the herds changes throughout the year, so different regions of the Serengeti offer different highlights depending on the season. For example, the southern Serengeti is famous for the calving season between January and March, while the western and northern Serengeti are known for dramatic river crossings around the Grumeti and Mara Rivers between June and October. Because the migration is year-round and always moving, with the right timing and planning, it is possible to witness this natural wonder in Tanzania at different stages throughout the year.
Is tipping expected on safari in Tanzania?
Yes, tipping is customary and appreciated in Tanzania’s safari industry, as it is a way to show gratitude for good service. While it is not compulsory, it is a widely accepted practice for guides, drivers, and lodge staff who work hard to make your experience enjoyable. As a general guide, many travelers tip their safari guide at the end of the trip, 20 USD per person per day for the guide, and smaller amounts are also often given to lodge or camp staff through a shared tipping box. The exact amount depends on the level of service and your satisfaction, but your tour operator can always advise you on appropriate and fair tipping guidelines.
What are safari vehicles like during a safari in Tanzania?
Our safari vehicles are 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers equipped with charging sockets for phones and cameras, air conditioning for comfort, and a built-in cool box stocked with free drinking water for guests throughout the safari.
How can I personalize my Tanzania trip with your services?
At Safari Asap, every trip is tailor-made to match your interests, travel style, and budget. Whether you are interested in wildlife safaris, the Great Migration, cultural experiences, hiking, beach relaxation in Zanzibar, or a combination of activities, we can design an itinerary specifically for you. You can choose your preferred accommodation standard, travel pace, activities, and destinations, while our experienced local team takes care of all the logistics to create a seamless and memorable Tanzania experience.
What can I expect from a safari in Tanzania with Safari Asap?
Expect unforgettable wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and expert guidance throughout your journey. Your safari will include game drives in Tanzania’s famous national parks, opportunities to see the Big Five and other incredible wildlife, comfortable accommodations, and a private guide dedicated to your experience. At Safari Asap, we focus on personalized service, flexible itineraries, and authentic local knowledge to ensure your safari is both seamless and memorable from arrival to departure.
How sustainable is safari travel with Safari Asap?
At Safari Asap, sustainability is at the heart of every safari experience. We are committed to responsible tourism that protects Tanzania’s wildlife, preserves natural habitats, and supports local communities. Our safaris are designed to minimize environmental impact by working with eco-friendly lodges, reducing unnecessary waste, and encouraging respectful wildlife viewing practices. We also actively support community-based projects, cultural experiences, and local employment, ensuring that tourism directly benefits the people living near the parks. By traveling with Safari Asap, guests are not only experiencing the beauty of Tanzania but also contributing to conservation and long-term sustainability efforts.
What is a typical day like on safari?
A typical safari day in Tanzania follows the rhythm of nature. In the morning, you start early with a game drive when animals are most active, and the light is perfect for photography. Around noon, you can return to the lodge or camp for lunch and some rest or continue with a game drive. In the afternoon, you head back into the park for another game drive, exploring different areas and spotting more wildlife. In the evening, you enjoy sunset views over the savannah before returning to camp. At night, you have dinner and relax around the campfire or in your lodge, often listening to the sounds of the African bush under the stars.
Can I combine a Tanzania safari with Kenya’s Maasai Mara?
Yes, you can easily combine a Tanzania safari (Serengeti) with Kenya’s Maasai Mara in one trip. Both parks are part of the same Serengeti–Maasai Mara ecosystem, so wildlife, especially the Great Wildebeest Migration, moves between them depending on the season. Travelers usually connect the two destinations by flight between Serengeti airstrips and the Maasai Mara, or by road through the Isebania border. This combination offers a richer safari experience with diverse landscapes, cultures, and incredible wildlife sightings in both countries.
Which airport should I use to land for a safari in Tanzania?
The main airport to start your safari in Tanzania is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located between Arusha and Moshi. It is the most convenient gateway for safaris to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara.
Alternatively, you can also fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam or Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar, depending on your travel route. From these airports, you can connect to safari destinations via domestic flights or road transfers. For most safari itineraries, Kilimanjaro Airport is the best and most recommended entry point for a smooth and efficient start to your Tanzania adventure.
Let us create your tailor-made trip
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