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.
Quick Summary
Day 1
Arusha
Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel.
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.
Your guide will be with you for the duration of the Tanzanian safari.
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
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.
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
Days 6 - 7
Central Serengeti
Central Serengeti National Park
Continue with your guide to the Central Serengeti. The entire drive is through the Park so keep your eyes peeled!
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
Day 8
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.
Daily Summary
Day 9
Northern Serengeti
Drive from the Central Serengeti to the Northern Serengeti. This drive is through the Park so look out for wildlife!
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.
Daily Summary
Days 10 - 11
Northern 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.
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
Light Aircraft Flight Serengeti National Park to Kilimanjaro/Arusha
Flight Serengeti to Kilimanjaro Airport. Aircraft may make stops en route.
Accommodation
| Accommodation | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| The African Tulip Hotel | Arusha, Tanzania | |
| Nimali Tarangire Camp | Tarangire, Tanzania | |
| Lemala Ngorongoro | Ngorongoro, Tanzania | |
| Nimali Central Serengeti | Serengeti, Tanzania | |
| Siringit Migration Camp by Mantis | Serengeti, Tanzania |
Arusha, Tanzania
The African Tulip Hotel
Tarangire, Tanzania
Nimali Tarangire Camp
Ngorongoro, Tanzania
Lemala Ngorongoro
Lemala Ngorongoro is intimately set in a delightful ancient acacia forest close to the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. As it is located next to the quiet Lemala crater access road on the eastern side, a key advantage of staying at Lemala Ngorongoro is the quick and easy drive down on to the crater floor in the morning; Lemala guests usually have an hour’s head start over others descending via the far busier Seneto crater access road on the western rim. And of course can stay later in the afternoon before returning to camp. As Africa’s game is most active in the early morning and late afternoon this means better wildlife experiences for Lemala guests. Game drives from camp may start as early as 6.15am and guests can be down among Ngorongoro’s abundant wildlife on the floor within 10-15 minutes – crucial for photographers who demand the best light conditions. Escorted walks are also available into the forest and along the crater rim with an armed ranger and Maasai guide.
Serengeti, Tanzania
Nimali Central Serengeti
Located at eye level with grazing herds of wildlife, the camp has been beautifully designed to capture the best views over the Serengeti plains, offering guests a peaceful and nurturing place of solitude and respite from modern life. It embodies the essence of intuitive simplicity and comfort,further providing the opportunity to rest, restore and revive. Designed to provide an authentic safari experience with all the modern furnishings, while exerting minimal impact on the environment. Guests are immersed in nature and have the unforgettable experience of being under canvas in the middle of the wilderness, bringing the sights and sounds of the bush closer than ever before. Sundowners can be enjoyed under the lantern lit tree with a large open fire every evening. Enjoy endless views, fire-lit meals under the vast African sky, guided game drives and probably the most beautiful balloon flight in the world.
Serengeti, Tanzania
Siringit Migration Camp by Mantis
The Serengeti National Park is undoubtedly one of the best-known wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Unequalled for its natural beauty and scientific value, it has the greatest concentration of plains game in Africa.
It is the migration for which Serengeti is perhaps most famous. Thousands of wildebeest and zebras flow from the Northern to the Southern plains, in a bid to follow the annual rains. This spectacle calls travellers from all over the world wanting to check their bucket list.
The Siringit Migration Camp is the latest addition to the Siringit Collection by Mantis, which includes Siringit Serengeti Camp located in the Serengeti National Park and Siringit Villa located near Arusha.
The migration camp will be launching in late 2021, and will give guests exclusive access to viewing the abundance of wildlife in the area – a front-row seat to the Migration.
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.
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.