8 Days | Classic Luxury Tanzania Signature Safari

Tommy MO
Jan 6, 2020
7 min read

Updated: Jan 8

Breakfast Served in the wilderness of Serengeti National Park during Luxury Tanzania Safari — Classic Safari Breakfast In the Serengeti Vast Plains

At a glance:

Experience an action-packed adventure on the northern safari circuit, exploring Tanzania‘s most iconic national parks and game reserves located in the country’s north.

You will track herds of Elephants through the Tarangire vast open woodlands, observe large Lion prides in the Jurassic caldera of the Ngorongoro Crater, then follow the migration and wildebeest herds stalked by predators across the northern Serengeti plains. This is a trip that will deliver some of Tanzania’s signature game sights and thrilling animal encounters in style and with expert guiding throughout.

Trip highlights

Marvel at the spectacle of thousands of pink flamingos feeding on algae on the shores of Lake Manyara
Young travelers can spend time with a Maasai warrior learning useful bush skills
Soak up the sun on your own private island
Join an experienced Maasai scout for a walk through the bush, spotting a wide variety of animals and plants
Dip beneath the surface off the coast of Thanda Island, taking in the spectacular underwater world
Dine on the freshest seafood dishes as the sun sinks below the horizon

TRIP COST – Starts at $ 8,900 Per Person

SAFARI ITINERARY

DAY 1 –– Arrive Arusha, Tanzania

Arrive in Arusha and transfer to your lodge, situated on a working coffee plantation. Your private chalet near Mount Meru features a log fireplace and a balcony. Arusha in Africa is your gateway to Tanzania's treasure store.

The charming town of Arusha rests underneath the mighty gaze of Mount Meru and is an ideal base to explore Tanzania Northern Safari Circuit. It's hard to think of another place in the world that is in close vicinity to such a variety of national parks and game reserves!

Here, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are only a short flight away from Arusha's beloved coffee plantations. Savoir the beautiful sceneries of Arusha, taking a short tour of the city and its amazing people, landscapes, foods etc.

Favorite Lodges in Arusha

ARUSHA COFFEE LODGE

Ideally situated on the outskirts of Arusha, this lodge is a brilliant spot to stay either before, or after your safari in Tanzania. Hidden on the grounds of one of Tanzania’s largest coffee farms, with wonderful views of the Tanzanian countryside and away from the hustle and bustle of the city of Arusha.

The cottages offer you a homely space to either relax after a long international flight, or to flick through your photos before you head home again. In the main lodge you can enjoy the warmth of open log fires while sipping a well-earned gin and tonic or spend time in the gardens breathing in the smells of the coffee bushes around you.

GRAN MELIA ARUSHA

A tranquil connection to your Tanzania safari. Little under an hour from Kilimanjaro Airport and few minutes from Arusha Airport, Gran Melia Arusha is the perfect stopover on your way to or from a Tanzanian safari.

Featuring views of Mount Meru, this refined hotel is set on 7 hectares of coffee and tea plantations. It's 10 km from Arusha Airport.

Featuring balconies, the polished rooms offer Wi-Fi, minibars, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Upgraded rooms add mountain views, and club level quarters have access to a private lounge. Suites feature separate living rooms, and upgraded suites include butler service.

There are 5 chic restaurants and bars (1 is poolside and another is rooftop). Other amenities consist of a spa, an outdoor pool and a 24-hour gym, as well as a running track, gardens and a business centre. Breakfast and parking are available.

DAYS 2 & 3 – Tarangire National Park

Luxury Safari Dinner at Tarangire - Nimali Tarangire Lodge

Explore the the incredibly diverse landscape of Tarangire National Park.

Famous for its magnificent Baobabs and high numbers of elephants and with the largest populations of animals migrating here between June and September, the dry season provides an awe-inspiring spectacle of wildlife. Spend your days on both day and night game drives out into the African bush tracking and witnessing the variety of predators and mammals such as dry-country antelope; this is the one place in Africa where the fringe-eared oryx and long-necked gerenuk are regularly observed.

Favorite Lodges in Tarangire

NIMALI TARANGIRE

Located on its own concession on the eastern edge of neighbouring Tarangire National Park, Nimali Tarangire is within easy driving distance of Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater. The camp is inspired by the local Maasai culture which is reflected in artfully curated artefacts and soft furnishings.

Designed to blend effortlessly into the surrounding environment, Nimali Tarangire is home to an underground hide where you can witness animals at close quarters as they come down to drink.

TARANGIRE TREETOPS

Tarangire Treetops sits secluded in a private game reserve bordering Tarangire National Park and the Maasai Steppe. It offers spectacular views of Lake Manyara, Mount Kilimanjaro and the beautiful Rift Valley wall. Distinctively furnished, blending natural materials and modern décor, the 20 treehouses provide magnificent views from expansive private balconies. Sumptuous suites each boast an ensuite bathroom (with a double shower), a private balcony, ceiling fans and ample mosquito netting.

The guest areas in the Main Lodge, which is built around a thousand-year-old baobab tree, include a superb restaurant, bar, an inviting swimming pool (which overlooks a nearby watering hole) and a boutique store for guests’ convenience. Adventures include morning and evening game drives, informative bush walks and visits to a nearby Maasai village. Romantic bush meals and sundowners can also be arranged.

DAY 4 –– Ngorongoro Crater

Lions at the heart of the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania - Amara Safari

A Full Day Private Tour of Ngorongoro Crater is your next experience in this wonderful Tanzania luxury safari. Alongside your personal guide, explore the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world. Magnificent geography and fertile soils lure huge herds of plains game and predators in what makes for a multi-coloured and thrilling amphitheater of wildlife. The Big Five are all present here and you can spot flamingos on the central soda lake, zebras grazing along the plains, lions lazing in the tall grass and leopards in the trees of the crater rims.

Favorite Lodges in Ngorongoro Area

THE HIGHLANDS LODGE

The spectacular Highlands Lodge combines a cutting-edge, open design with an intimate setting within the lush forest that sprawls along the slopes of the Olmoti volcano. Stylish and contemporary, The Highlands balances its striking design with a deeply authentic wilderness experience in an exclusive setting. Just eight canvas-and-glass domed suites draw their inspiration from the enchanting Maasai bomas that dot the landscape. Guests can expect warm and contemporary interiors that offer the perfect atmosphere to unwind after a successful day of game viewing.

Guest areas include a well-stocked library, cosy bar area and luxuriously comfortable sitting areas that surround an indoor fireplace. Hearty gourmet meals are prepared with only the freshest organic ingredients and are served in a variety of dining areas. Adventures include game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater, community and cultural visits and hiking along Maasai cattle trails through the various habitats of the Olmoti volcano.

MELIA NGORONGORO LODGE

A natural wonder in the largest volcanic caldera in the world. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to an ecosystem that is unlike any other in Africa. Designed with the utmost respect for the environment, this lodge allows you to sleep accompanied by the sounds of nature, wake up admiring the Ngorongoro Crater, and enjoy a truly extraordinary safari experience.

A 600-metre deep crater, more than 25,000 animals and 2.5 million years of history are just some of the treasures awaiting you in this "Garden of Eden". Ngorongoro Lodge Meliá Collection is fully integrated with the local biodiversity, home to the Maasai, one of the largest tribes in the country. Relax in its exclusive spa and delight yourself with a gastronomic proposal deeply rooted in the local cuisine.

DAY 5 TO 7 –– Explore The Serengeti National Park

Serengeti Migration - Herds animals river crossing in North Serengeti

Three Days on Safari in the North Serengeti––Spend your days mostly exploring the northern section of the Serengeti on safari tracking the great array of game and wildlife that this vast area offers.

If you're there at the right time for the great migration (depending on the season), this is the region where the herds are at their most concentrated because the North Serengeti forms the border with the Famous Maasai Mara of Kenya, and it’s where (if you’re lucky) you’ll see the infamous river crossings. It’s also an area of untamed natural beauty, of rolling hills, rivers, forests and open plains.

Favorite Lodge in Serengeti National Park

NIMALI MARA

Tucked into the kopjes, Nimali Mara is a chameleon, blending effortlessly into its surroundings. An infinity pool set within the natural rock formations offers the perfect place to cool down during the heat of the day.

The eight tented suites and two honeymoon suites immerse guests seamlessly Into their environment. Private decks afford our guests with exceptional views out over the Serengeti. Enjoy a luxurious bath in view of the grassy plains. Nimali Mara's interior design is a mix of slick and contemporary elements with more earthy textures and fabrics and styling elements.

MELIA SERENGETI LODGE

In harmony with the fabulous natural surroundings of the Serengeti National Park, this hotel offers an intense wildlife experience accompanied by all the comforts of the most exclusive accommodation. Elegant rooms inspired by Maasai traditions with spectacular views of the hotel gardens or Serengeti plains. A cuisine that reinterprets local dishes with ingredients inspired by international cuisine. And magnificent, sustainable facilities that include an incredible infinity pool, gym and spa.

The magic of Africa permeates every corner of the Meliá Serengeti Lodge, Meliá Collection. Savor the experience on the fabulous terrace of your room and marvel at the immensity of the Serengeti National Park. If you've always wanted to go on a safari, you've come to the right place. Visit with your family. Kids will also enjoy their own little African adventure in the kids' club.

DAY 8 –– Last Day on Safari

Last game drive in the morning before private transfer from Northern Serengeti Lodge to Kogatende airstrip, in Central Serengeti. Fly to Arusha and relax in a comfortable dayroom before transferring to the airport for your flight home.