9 Days Best of Tanzania Safari

Welcome to the pinnacle of East African luxury with Rwakabunga Safaris, where untamed wilderness meets unparalleled sophistication. This 9-day itinerary, “Best of Tanzania Safari,” is meticulously crafted for discerning tourists seeking a seamless and exclusive journey through Tanzania’s most iconic national parks: Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the vast plains of the Serengeti. From opulent tented camps offering intimate encounters with nature to world-class lodges perched on crater rims, every detail has been arranged to ensure a luxurious, comfortable, and unforgettable experience. Prepare to witness the Big Five in their natural habitat, soar above the plains in a hot air balloon, and receive impeccable, personalised service throughout your grand Tanzanian adventure.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha & Relaxation

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by a dedicated Rwakabunga Safaris representative and transferred by private, luxury vehicle to your opulent lodge situated near Arusha. This first day is designed for you to unwind after your international flight, offering a gentle introduction to the tranquility of Tanzania. You will have ample time to settle into your lavish surroundings, perhaps enjoying a refreshing dip in the pool or indulging in an optional spa treatment before gathering for a gourmet dinner to discuss the thrilling safari ahead with your expert guide.

Accommodation Options: Arusha Coffee Lodge, Legendary Lodge, Rivertrees Country Inn

Meals: (Dinner)

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Elephant Herds and Baobab Giants

Your luxurious safari officially begins with a private drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, famed for its massive elephant herds and the scenic, iconic baobab trees that dot the landscape. Upon arrival, you will embark on an afternoon game drive, a superb introduction to the Northern Circuit, where you will be focusing on the large elephant families gathering around the Tarangire River. Your custom-designed 4×4 safari vehicle ensures comfort and optimal viewing as you track various plains game, majestic lions, and diverse birdlife before retiring to your exquisite tented camp or lodge, perfectly situated for immersive wilderness living.

Accommodation Options: Sanctuary Swala Camp, Chem Chem Lodge, Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Full Day Exploration of Tarangire National Park

Dedicate a full day to the wonders of Tarangire, where your luxury experience is enhanced by engaging in unique, high-end activities. Beyond the conventional morning and afternoon game drives, which will focus on seeking out leopards and the park’s elusive predators, you may opt for a guided walking safari with an armed ranger, providing a deeply immersive and sensory connection to the bush. Alternatively, your exclusive camp may offer a private bush breakfast or an evening night game drive (where permitted), a rare opportunity to spot nocturnal wildlife under the African stars, culminating in a specially prepared, multi-course dinner.

Accommodation Options: Sanctuary Swala Camp, Chem Chem Lodge, Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Tarangire to Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Crater Rim Views

Following a final, leisurely breakfast in Tarangire, you will enjoy a scenic private transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your destination is an exclusive lodge perched directly on the crater rim, offering arguably the most breathtaking views in Africa. The afternoon is dedicated to soaking in the colonial elegance and plush amenities of your accommodation, with time set aside for a cultural visit to a local Maasai village (boma), a deeply enriching interaction that provides insight into their traditional way of life, complete with an elegant sundowner experience as the sun dips below the crater horizon.

Accommodation Options: &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Ngorongoro Lodge Meliá Collection, Entamanu Ngorongoro

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Floor Game Drive

Today is the highly anticipated descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and a natural wonder teeming with an estimated 25,000 large animals. Your full-day, private game drive inside the crater is a wildlife spectacle, providing the best chance to spot the endangered Black Rhino, along with lions, cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, and a multitude of antelopes. The luxury of your trip includes a meticulously planned, gourmet picnic lunch served at a designated spot on the crater floor, ensuring your comfort and enjoyment, maximizing your time in this unparalleled ecosystem before the ascent back to the rim for the evening.

Accommodation Options: &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Ngorongoro Lodge Meliá Collection, Entamanu Ngorongoro

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti National Park – Fly-in Safari

Leaving the highlands, you will be driven to a nearby airstrip for a thrilling scenic flight into the heart of the Serengeti National Park, a truly luxurious and time-efficient method of travel. Your private flight will land at an airstrip in the Seronera area, Central Serengeti, where your next expert guide awaits with an open-top 4×4 safari vehicle. You will then proceed on a short, initial game drive en route to your exclusive tented camp, an area renowned for its year-round abundance of big cats and general game, allowing you to commence your wildlife viewing almost immediately upon arrival.

Accommodation Options: Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Namiri Plains

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Full Day Central Serengeti Safari

Spend a glorious full day immersed in the sheer scale and drama of the Central Serengeti, often referred to as the “Big Cat Capital” of Africa. Your day is filled with both early morning and late afternoon private game drives, timed perfectly to witness the predatory action of lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The luxury of a private vehicle allows for flexibility to follow wildlife sightings, dedicating extra time to exceptional moments. A professionally prepared picnic lunch will allow for maximum time in the field, with the evening culminating in a spectacular, finely-curated bush dinner at your lavish camp, complete with roaring campfire.

Accommodation Options: Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Namiri Plains

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Serengeti Luxury – Optional Hot Air Balloon & Exclusive Game Drive

For an unforgettable, world-class experience, Day 8 offers the option to embark on a Hot Air Balloon Safari over the Serengeti plains at sunrise, a truly spectacular and exclusive vantage point of the wilderness, followed by a champagne breakfast upon landing. The remainder of the day is dedicated to further exploring the Serengeti, focusing on regions that may offer unique sightings, such as the mysterious rock outcrops, or kopjes. This is a perfect opportunity for the tourists to seek out any remaining members of the Big Five they haven’t yet seen, before returning for a final, celebratory gourmet dinner under the vast African sky.

Accommodation Options: Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Namiri Plains

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Departure

Enjoy a final, leisurely breakfast overlooking the Serengeti plains, a moment for reflection on the incredible journey and exceptional sightings of the past week. Depending on your international flight schedule, a final, short game drive may be possible as you transfer to the nearest airstrip for your light aircraft flight back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Here, you will connect with your onward international flight, carrying with you indelible memories of your luxury Tanzanian safari with Rwakabunga Safaris.

Meals: (Breakfast)

End of the 9 Days Best of Tanzania Safari