Best of Tanzania

Best of Tanzania

Tanzania game reserves have some of the largest concentrations of wildlife on the African continent. The wide open plains of the Serengeti are home to over 2 million wildebeest and zebra migrating annually along ancient animal paths, constantly pursued by a host of predators. Throughout this diverse region animals in their countless millions roam freely through the vast expanses of land dedicated to conservation. With names like Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro this is where safaris were born. The fascinating Maasai people have roamed these plains for years living in complete harmony with the wildlife.

Quick Summary



Itinerary Detail

Day 1: Arusha

Arusha, Tanzania
Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to your lodge
  • Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge
  • Meals: D

Upon arrival in Kilimanjaro you are met and transferred to your lodge.

Arusha, Tanzania

Arusha is the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Situated below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley, it has a mild climate and is close to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Kilimanjaro as well as having its own Arusha National Park.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park
Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Road transfer Arusha to Tarangire National Park
  • Accommodation: Oliver's Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D

This morning you are collected from your hotel by your private safari guide who will give you a full safari briefing before heading off to Tarangire National Park. The drive to the Park entrance is approximately 2 hours. After your guide takes care of entrance formalities, you enter the Park en route to your camp. At this point timing is flexible as you stop for wildlife you encounter on the way.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire, arguably northern Tanzania's most interesting park, is famous for the large herds of elephants and spectacular baobab trees - a fantastic choice for safari The permanent water of the Tarangire River lures large herds of migrant wildlife from the parched surrounding areas. In the peak of the dry season, Tarangire's resident populations of wildebeest, zebra, eland, elephant and buffalo rival those of the Serengeti. It is a place of dense woodlands, clusters of palm trees and thick stands of baobabs.

Day 3: Tarangire National Park

On safari in Tarangire National Park
Daily Summary

On safari in Tarangire National Park

Join your experienced, professional guide as you explore further into Tarangire, the sixth largest national park in Tanzania. The park is famous for its huge number of elephants, baobab trees and tree climbing lions. Visitors to the park can expect to see any number of resident zebra and wildebeest in addition to the less common animals. Other common animals include waterbuck, giraffe, and olive baboons. Home to more than 550 species, the park is a haven for bird enthusiasts who can expect to see dozens of species even in the dry season. The swamps are the focus of the largest selection of breeding birds anywhere in the world. Yellow-collared Lovebirds are a common bird sighting in the trees along the Tarangire River.

Day 4: Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater

Manyara National Park
Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Road transfer Tarangire National Park to Ngorongoro Crater with stop at Manyara en route
  • Accommodation: The Highlands
  • Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast you will drive to Lake Manyara National Park, departing with packed lunch. Enjoy a game drive in the Park, famed for its tree climbing lions and flamingoes on the lake! Later drive to your lodge near the Ngorongoro Crater.

Manyara National Park

Between the cliff of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara, the unusually dense forest vegetation of Manyara National Park is supported by underground water that has traveled down the 1,968 foot rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Babbling freshwater and hot springs provide a unique setting for the 380 species of birds and abundant wildlife that is found here including the famous Manyara tree-climbing lions. Although their behavior remains a mystery, it is quite possible to find an entire pride of lions stretched out in the branches of the acacia trees. Herds of buffalo, wildebeest and zebra are often found on the grassy plains as are giraffe – some so dark they appear to be black from the distance.

Ngorongoro Crater

Located in Northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater is best known for its natural beauty and abundance of diverse wildlife; which makes it one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations. Surrounded by Tanzania’s highlands, this UNESCO-listed crater is said to be the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Visitors can look forward to spotting the world-renowned Big Five and a host of other wildlife species including large herds of zebra and wildebeest. It is famed as one of Tanzania’s best tourist attractions offering visitors an array of wonderful activities including excellent bird watching, trekking, wildlife viewing and visiting a local Maasai village.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater
Daily Summary

On safari in the Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast drive into the Crater for a full day safari with a boxed lunch.

The largest unbroken caldera in the world, Ngorongoro Crater was formed nearly 2.5 million years ago. The 100 square mile crater floor contains one of the highest concentrations of predators in Africa who are drawn by the large herds of prey animals. Although the crater is dominated by lions and hyenas, the elusive serval cat can also be found prowling the marshes for water birds while cheetah are often seen pursuing small antelope. The crater floor is also one of the last habitats of the endangered black rhino. Bird life is prolific with regular visits by large flocks of migratory birds including flamingos, white storks and yellow wagtails.

Day 6: Northern Serengeti

Northern Serengeti National Park
Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Transfer from Ngorongoro to Manyara Airstrip
  • Domestic Flights: Light Aircraft Flight Manyara to Serengeti National Park
  • Accommodation: Olakira Camp
  • Meals: B, L, D
Light Aircraft Flight Manyara to Serengeti National Park
Flight Manyara to Serengeti. Aircraft may make stops en route.

This morning you are transferred to the Manyara Airstrip for your flight to the Serengeti National Park

Northern Serengeti National Park

The vast, rolling savannah of the Northern Serengeti, is known as the hub of the great migration. The landscape is characterised by vast stretches of savannah interspersed with acacia trees and riverine woodlands. Wildlife can be seen along the banks of the Mara River and visitors can view the annual spectacle of the half a million migrating wildebeest. Commonly spotted wildlife include: a multitude of plains game such as buffalo, zebra, gazelles, impala, giraffe as well as lion and leopard. Visitors can look forward to bird watching, hot air ballooning, game safaris and guided bush walks.


Days 7 - 9: Northern Serengeti

On safari in the Serengeti National Park
Daily Summary

On safari in the Serengeti National Park

Although the Great Migration dominates certain areas at certain times, wildlife viewing in the Serengeti is consistent throughout the year. The vast savannas and grasslands support substantial resident populations of giraffe, wildebeest, elephant, zebra and other typical plains animals, and of course, lion and other big predators.

Day 10: Depart

Depart
Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Transfer from camp to airstrip
  • Domestic Flights: Light Aircraft Flight Serengeti National Park to Kilimanjaro/Arusha
  • Meals: B, L
Light Aircraft Flight Serengeti National Park to Kilimanjaro/Arusha
Flight Serengeti to Kilimanjaro Airport. Aircraft may make stops en route.

After breakfast this morning you will be transferred to the airstrip for your flight to Kilimanjaro where you will connect with your international flight back home.

Accommodation

Arusha Coffee Lodge

Arusha Coffee Lodge

Arusha Coffee Lodge features a divine aromatic and sensory experience. On the gently rolling foothills that cascade down the ever-present Mount Meru, lies the bustling town of Arusha. It is here, on the outskirts of town, hidden amidst one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations, that you will find the Arusha Coffee Lodge. Comprised of 30 Plantation Houses that decorate the evergreen coffee fields, the lodge was designed around the original landowner’s home, which dates back to the early 1900’s. The theme of coffee permeates throughout the property, creatively reflected in the colors, textures, styles and designs.

Oliver

Oliver's Camp

Located in the middle of the Tarangire wilderness, Oliver’s Camp has one of the most wonderful settings one could imagine and offers an unparalleled bush experience. Even though it is now a permanent camp, it still retains a real bushcamp feel, and has a rustic charm with a luxurious edge. The food, service and guiding here are very good and the camp offers a great wilderness experience. With only 10 tents you'll enjoy a truly intimate experience! Oliver’s Camp’s crew has been a team for many years and as a result, a stay in camp feels like joining a warm family. A family that will not only prepare amazing meals for you, but one that will also share with you a deeper knowledge of this stunning national park and its inhabitants. Naturalist guides will not only be able to find you the lion prides, but will also be able to tell you about the different family members of the lion prides, their characters and their habits. Walking safaris are the specialty of the camp!

The Highlands

The Highlands

Accommodation at The Highlands strikes the perfect balance of a wilderness escape and a high-end tented sanctuary with all the creature comforts. The Highlands Camp is set in a perfectly private location at the edge of the mountain forest that hugs the Olmoti Volcano, 40 kilometres to the north of the famous Ngorongoro Crater. The highest-altitude property within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), the camp has heart-stopping views spanning east and west: take in both sunset and sunrise framed by the Gol Mountains in the northwest, Empakaai Crater in the east and the Olmoti Crater rim to the south. Eight elegant domed suites offer king-sized beds with floor-to-canvas-ceiling bay windows opening out to the spectacular views, en-suite bathrooms with hot running water, showers and flushing toilets, and wood-burning stoves for the cold winter evenings.

Olakira Camp

Olakira Camp

As the Great Migration makes its way across the expansive Serengeti plains, so the luxury seasonal Olakira Camp follows. In the early part of the year, Olakira is perfectly situated to witness the calving of wildebeest. In the drier months the camp moves to the Northern Serengeti to have a front row seat for when the big herds move north. Under canvas and intimate, Olakira Camp captures the essence of classic mobile tented safaris, reminiscent of safaris in the old days. Olakira’s nine tents offer a modern take on the vintage charm of East Africa. Each has a king-sized bed (twin beds are available) complete with rich linens, an under-cover veranda with comfortable chaise lounge,and en-suite bathroom and dressing area with hot-water safari bucket showers and flushing toilets.

Why Maxim Tours?

Why Maxim Tours?

Uncommon Safaris for Discerning Adventurers

Experience Matters

Since 1993 Maxim Tours’ passion for exotic destinations has made us a highly sought after Boutique Tour Operator for discerning travelers. After three decades we continue to exceed our clients' expectations. Our approach over these many years is simple; offer the very best service and travel experience at the most competitive prices while balancing the importance of sustainable tourism with a high quality travel product.

Premier Guides 

Maxim Tours' guides have a reputation for being the best in the business. Experts in their fields, friendly and interesting,  a good guide will bring the most out of every excursion while creating lifelong memories.  

24/7 Support

At no time during your adventure will you be alone. Our local partners are available 24/7 in the event you need any assistance while traveling. We will monitor your progress and take care of any unexpected developments so that your trip continues unhindered.

Responsible Tourism

Responsible and sustainable tourism should be more than just a phrase - it has to be an ongoing and tangible commitment to balancing tourism with the upliftment of local communities and preservation of the natural environment. Maxim Tours actively supports camps and lodges whose business models reflect this commitment.