Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Ngorongoro Crater & Northern Tanzania,The Endless Serengeti Plains
100% customisable for you
Wave goodbye to the UK because your African adventure starts today. After whizzing through airport security, relax in the lounge before boarding the first of two flights to Tanzania. The journey is typically just under 14 hours, transiting through either Ethiopia or the Middle East.
If you’re travelling with youngsters, charge up the tablets and make sure The Lion King films are downloaded. When they tire of their favourite movies, their family fun packs will help keep them entertained.
When you land in Tanzania, a member of our team will assist you through immigration before you’re privately transferred an hour-and-a-half to your hotel in Arusha.
Arusha is the gateway to many of northern Tanzania's incredible national parks, so enjoy a restful night's sleep here, ready for tomorrow's onward journey to the bush…
After breakfast, you’ll be driven to nearby Arusha Airport to catch your 30-minute flight into the heart of Tarangire National Park. At the bush airstrip, you'll be welcomed by your guide and driven by jeep across the open plains to your tented safari camp, discreetly located in the heart of the Tanzanian bush.
Your animal neighbours will bring a surreal feel to everyday activities – the first time you see elephants stroll by, just feet away, as you sip coffee on your veranda will come as quite the surprise…
In the late afternoon, hop in the jeep for a thrilling game drive to look out for all manner of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes and zebras. Your guide will use their expert knowledge to maximise your chances of some great sightings. After stopping for a sundowner, head back to camp for a candle-lit supper.
Rise bright and early to join your guide for a sunrise game drive to watch the wilderness awakenings, as this can often be the best time for animal sightings. The sunrise here is pretty magical, in case you needed further motivation to get out of bed…
After a memorable morning, a hearty breakfast awaits you back at camp. This afternoon, enjoy spending time with a local Maasai family, learning about their culture and traditional way of life. If you have time, take a walking safari with your guide to explore the territory and glean a different perspective on the land and its creatures. They can teach you how to track and recognise signs that certain species have passed through.
In the evening, your guide may suggest a night drive – your jeep’s special spotlights are good for seeing night-time wildlife activity and elusive big cats such as leopards and cheetahs.
This morning you'll be driven to your next safari camp near Lake Manyara, which boats beautifully crafted private tents nestled among acacia trees and palms.
Enjoy game drives, complete with sunset drinks, and suppers under the stars serenaded by the sounds of the bush. A nightcap shared with fellow guests around the cosy firepit can round off an enchanting evening.
There’s plenty to do here besides chilling out in your comfortable new home. Take a walk with a local guide for a different take on life, visit a local school to exchange ideas and experiences, learn bush skills, meet local Masai families, enjoy a massage at the camp’s spa, or even go running with a Masai warrior, then cool off with a dip in the pool. Better yet, at sunrise, take a guided hill walk for stunning views over the plains.
If you're here during flamingo season, this morning's dawn event is not to be missed. You’ll be driven to Lake Manyara to watch as pastel-pink clouds of these exquisite birds crowd the tranquil waters alongside white pelicans and around 350 other bird species.
Back at camp, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before deciding what to do next – you could take a half-day trip deeper into Tarangire National Park, home to the iconic baobab tree species and where elephant herds roam alongside zebras, wildebeests, elands and gazelles. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch with a stunning views before meandering slowly back to camp in time for sundowner drinks and a delicious supper later.
Today you’ll travel by jeep to the Ngorongoro Highlands, stopping for a picnic on the way. As you wind up the hillside, the stunning Ngorongoro Crater will gradually come into view; this vast expanse is home to a magnificent array of wildlife, which you’ll discover over the next few days.
Your next camp is on the crater rim, providing the perfect vantage point to observe the ever-changing light and explore the animal-rich slopes during your stay.
Beautifully constructed to make the most of the panoramic views, the camp provides all your creature comforts and more, with delicious dishes freshly prepared each day.
After supper, make time for a little star gazing – the sky appears larger and brighter from up here, with the sounds of the animals carried up from the crater floor, creating a sound-and-light show with a difference.
Cameras at the ready because you’re going on a dawn game drive to the crater floor – this 115-square-mile caldera is home to wildebeests, zebras, elands gazelles and a large population of lions. If you’re lucky, you may even spot endangered black rhinos that are still seen here. Climbing back up the slopes, where the vegetation changes, look out for leopards and mountain reedbucks, spotted hyenas, wild dogs and cheetahs.
You could also take a guided walk with a Maasai to explore the terrain, pausing for a cooling drink as you view the spectacular panorama.
Wake up early for another morning game drive to the lush plateau below the crater. Look out for the Big Five African animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) as well as hundreds of bird species.
In the afternoon, pay a neighbourly visit to the Maasai who live in the next valley along from camp. You'll be warmly welcomed and offered a tour around their simple village, giving you the chance to learn about their cattle and culture, and how they build their homes. You might even pick up tips on high jumping, a skill these impressive natural athletes have turned into an art form.
Enjoy a beautiful guided walk at sunset, followed by a delicious supper for your last evening here.
After a tasty breakfast, you'll be driven to the Manyara airstrip to catch a flight to Kogatende, which takes just over an hour. On landing, your friendly guide will drive you to your home for the next three nights – a stylish lodge, magnificently located overlooking the Kogakuria Kopje plains in the northern Serengeti.
If you're here from July to October, witness the drama and sheer scale of the annual Great Migration, when over a million wildebeest cross the Mara River to reach greener pastures. Your guide can take you to the perfect vantage point to watch in silent awe.
Even outside the migration season, the game viewing here is excellent, with high concentrations of lions, leopards and buffalos. The landscape is green and fertile for most of the year, creating a vibrant backdrop for your photos.
Under the watchful supervision of your expert guide, enjoy a bush walk through the rugged landscape, along rivers and streams with banks lined with trees and shrubs – all providing excellent camouflage for getting a closer look at the animals.
Back at the lodge, chill out in the afternoon sunshine before setting off for a sunset game drive to check out this evening’s animal action. Keep your eyes peeled for hyenas, ostriches, giraffes and more.
Sadly, this is your last full day in this wonderful place. Head to the riverside for another chance to observe migrating wildebeest crossing the Mara River or along the lush plains to spot big cats in search of a meal. If some species have been a little elusive, perhaps they'll reveal themselves today…
Back at the lodge, the chef will create a memorable last supper for you to devour on the deck under a star-filled sky. Enjoy a celebratory toast with new-found friends before turning in for the night.
After rising early and saying farewell to your hosts, you’ll be whisked to the airstrip at Kogatende along with a breakfast picnic to munch on the way. Here, you'll board a morning flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport, arriving in good time for your onward flight to London – this takes around 14 hours, transiting through Ethiopia or the Middle East.
You’ll touch down in the UK the following morning, leaving you plenty of time to swipe through your wildlife photos and start planning your next adventure.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
