Overview
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
Day 1
Arusha
Upon arrival in Kilimanjaro you are met and transferred to your lodge.
Arusha, Tanzania
Welcome to a vibrant city nestled at the foot of Mount Meru in Tanzania. Arusha is a bustling hub of culture, adventure, and natural beauty. Explore the colorful markets, taste the delicious local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the locals. From thrilling safaris in nearby national parks to breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha offers a perfect blend of urban excitement and outdoor exploration. Get ready for an unforgettable journey in this dynamic city in the heart of East Africa.
Daily Summary
Day 2
Tarangire National Park
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.
Daily Summary
Day 3
Tarangire National Park
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.
Daily Summary
Day 4
Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater
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.
Daily Summary
Day 5
Ngorongoro Crater
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.
Daily Summary
Day 6
Southern Serengeti
After an early breakfast, you will depart to Ndutu with our guide and luxury safari vehicle. You have the option to arrive at the camp for a hot lunch or go for a longer game drive with packed lunch. Arrive at the camp for dinner and overnight.
Southern Serengeti National Park
Grassy plains studded with granite kopjes extend endlessly across the scenically beautiful Southern Serengeti, which stretches from the bottom of the Central Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Maswa Game Reserve. It’s one of the best areas to see the animals of the Great Migration: visit between December and May to see the huge herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle arriving to calve, and then at the beginning of the dry season making their way northwards again in search of green grass.
Daily Summary
Days 7 - 8
Southern Serengeti
On safari in the Serengeti National Park
You spend your time on safari in the Serengeti.
As large as the state of Connecticut, the Serengeti is most famous for its seasonal migration of wildlife that traverse the length of the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing, closely followed by a host of predators including lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena - literally "a moving feast." This mass concentration of wildlife and the ensuing interaction between predator and prey creates a spectacle unrivaled in the natural world.
Daily Summary
Day 9
Central Serengeti
After an early breakfast, you will depart to the Central Serengeti with our guide and luxury safari vehicle. You have the option to arrive at the camp for a hot lunch or go for a longer game drive with packed lunch. Arrive at the camp for dinner and overnight.
Central Serengeti National Park
The Central Seronera Valley and Southern Plains are vast, open grasslands ranging from north of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, dotted with acacia trees and teeming with wildlife from November to April, although resident game can be found here all year round. The Central Seronera Valley, has open plains, rocky outcrops and hills providing the perfect backdrop for any safari. The migration typically passes through in April/May but the resident game here is phenomenal with a high concentration of lion, leopard and cheetah. The migration can be viewed in the south or the west of Seronera from November to June which makes this a great area to be based from during this time.
Daily Summary
Days 10 - 11
Central Serengeti
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.
COVID: During your time here your guide will take you to the Seronera medical centre for Covid testing if necessary. Covid test fee not included.
Daily Summary
Day 12
Depart
Time permitting you will enjoy a morning game viewing activity followed by breakfast before being transferred to the airstrip in time for your flight.
Daily Summary
Accommodation
| Accommodation | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Arusha Coffee Lodge | Arusha, Tanzania | |
| Nimali Tarangire Camp | Tarangire, Tanzania | |
| Gibbs Farm | Karatu, Tanzania | |
| Lemala Ndutu | Serengeti, Tanzania | |
| Elewna Pioneer Camp | Serengeti, Tanzania |
Arusha, Tanzania
Arusha Coffee Lodge
Tarangire, Tanzania
Nimali Tarangire Camp
Karatu, Tanzania
Gibbs Farm
Serengeti, Tanzania
Lemala Ndutu
Serengeti, Tanzania
Elewna Pioneer Camp
Why Maxim Safaris & Journeys
Uncommon Safaris for Discerning Adventurers
Experience Matters
Since 1993 Maxim Safaris & Journeys’ 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 Safaris & Journeys' 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 Safaris & Journeys actively supports camps and lodges whose business models reflect this commitment.
Details
Price Includes
• All accommodation as indicated in the itinerary• All transfers as indicated in the itinerary. All transfers are private unless otherwise indicated.
• Price is based on one transfer for all passengers on the itinerary. In the event people arrive/depart on different flights, additional transfers may be required at an extra cost.
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary.
• Private guide & vehicle for duration of safari
• Park fees unless specified otherwise
• All tours as indicated in the itinerary. All tours are private unless otherwise indicated. Standard entrance fees included.
• Internal light aircraft flights on safari if specified.
• 24/7 local assistance in all countries.
Price Excludes
• International and domestic scheduled flights unless shown as included.• Gratuities.
• Any Covid or related testing required during the trip.
• Quarantine costs due to Covid-related issues.
• Optional activities offered by lodges and payable directly.
• Travel Insurance.
• Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless specified in the itinerary.
• Meals not specified in the itinerary.
• Items of a personal nature.
• Laundry unless specified in the itinerary.
• Visa fees.
• Airport departure taxes.
• Any items or services not specified in the itinerary.
About Us
Since 1993, Maxim Safaris & Journeys has been dedicated to creating unforgettable journeys to some of the world's most exotic destinations. Over three decades, we’ve earned a reputation as a trusted boutique tour operator for discerning travelers, with a level of experience and personal service that is unmatched. Proudly rooted in the 21st century yet firmly committed to old-fashioned service values, we still answer the phone when you call and respond to emails without delay. Our philosophy has always been simple: deliver exceptional service and travel experiences at competitive prices, while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainable tourism and high-quality programs.
I'm Paul Webster, the owner of Maxim Safaris & Journeys. Born and raised in Zimbabwe and South Africa, I spent most of my life in Africa and developed a deep passion for its extraordinary landscapes and cultures, a passion that extends to all the destinations we offer. I personally oversee every trip we design, ensuring each journey is as unique as the traveler taking it. I look forward to helping you craft your own “Uncommon Safari.”
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend getting travel insurance upon booking your trip, as unforeseen events can affect even the best-laid travel plans. Travel insurance plans can cover trip cancellation, missed connections and itinerary changes, baggage issues, emergency medical and other issues, and more.
Passport Details
For many of our itineraries (eg. Inca Trail, etc) we require your passport information to be able to complete the booking process. Please check with your travel specialist after purchasing your trip. Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six month after arrival date.
Medical
Please consult a Travel Doctor or Travel Clinic prior to departure to make sure you receive professional advice about required and recommended shots.