Soulful safari in Tanzania
November 23-30, 2024
USD $6,995/person
Join us on a 9-day Tanzania Safari, adventuring through Tanzania’s top National Parks! Search for the Big Five, immerse yourself in cultural experiences, and open up your heart to meaningful connections.
Trip Overview
Join us (Oksana & Max) on a trip of a lifetime through the enchanting plains of Northern Tanzania!
Spend 9 days on an unforgettable safari through Tanzania’s top National Parks. Encounter the Big Five, delve into the Maasai culture, connect with the local community and enjoy the magical setting of Northern Tanzania!
Tanzania is one of our favourite destinations in the world. Over the years, we have explored many corners of this beautiful country and have custom-designed this itinerary to include our favourite spots, from the baobab-studded landscapes of Tarangire National Park and the unique ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Crater to the endless plains of the enchanting Serengeti National Park. Each destination offers something unique and promises high chances of spotting the iconic Big Five!
Our accommodation on the trip will be in a mix of intimate tented camps and luxury lodges, carefully selected from the Lemala Camps and Lodges Collection to offer a touch of luxury amidst the wild savannahs of Northern Tanzania. Committed to conservation and community empowerment, our long-term friends from Lemala are the perfect partners on the ground. Their guides are incredible, and their staff are the kindest humans you will ever meet.
This trip reflects our passion for responsible travel, ensuring a safari experience that leaves a positive impact on both nature and local communities! The group size is limited to just 12 people plus us, so it’ll be a very intimate and unique experience.
Come along and join us for a week of drinking tea and traveling in Tanzania – it’ll be a trip of a lifetime!
Trip Details
Arusha
1 NIGHT
Arusha represents the middle of the Old British Empire marked by a monumental clock tower. Dig beneath its chaotic, dusty exterior and you’ll find there are plenty of reasons to explore this city.
Tarangire National Park
2 NIGHTS
Tarangire is known for its majestic baobab trees and is particularly spectacular in the second half of the year when huge herds of animals congregate near the perennial Tarangire River offering great wildlife sighting opportunities.
Ngorongoro Crater Area
2 NIGHTS
The ultimate Big Five destination, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a blend of landscapes, wildlife, people and archaeology. The Crater itself is the largest unbroken caldera in the world, home to a plethora of wildlife.
Serengeti National Park
3 NIGHTS
The Serengeti is undoubtedly one of the world's most celebrated wilderness areas. Central Serengeti has high-density game-viewing at all times and is particularly well-known for its large concentration of cats.
Where We'll Stay
Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge
Hidden amongst one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations, Arusha Coffee Lodge is a perfect haven for relaxation before or after any East African safari. Comprising of 30 rooms and suites that radiate out into the evergreen coffee fields, this lodge has been designed around the original landowner’s home that dates back to the early 1900s.
Sitting on top of an escarpment inside Tarangire National Park, Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge offers sweeping views across the perennial Tarangire River and valley below. Enjoy a real sense of wilderness and excellent game viewing. This luxury lodge is both a relaxing standalone destination and a great place to start a safari.
A simple but cozy safari camp, Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp is intimately set in a delightful ancient acacia forest close to the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. The camp offers a quick and easy drive down onto the crater floor, offering Lemala guests an hour’s head start over other guests and a better wildlife experience.
Lemala Ewanjan is an authentic, intimate tented camp set in a secluded part of the game-rich Seronera Valley in Central Serengeti. Thanks to its careful positioning, the camp offers uninterrupted views across the plains during the day, with stunning sunsets and starry skies at night.
Special Inclusions
Professional Photography
Whether you want to take your photography to the next level or just want to have the memories from this trip captured for personal use, we’ve got you covered. As professional photographers, we can help you hone your photography skills, or take beautiful shots of you in action, enjoying your best life on safari in Tanzania!
Maasai Chief Lobulo Boma Visit
Getting an authentic glimpse into the distinctive Maasai culture is a must whilst in Tanzania. Preservation of their proud traditions has set the Maasai apart from other indigenous groups in Tanzania and embodies a side of Africa with which few outsiders can contact. We have included a special and very memorable opportunity to experience the Maasai way of life through an excursion to a traditional boma. You will be able to participate in a variety of unique cultural activities as well as take part in a Q&A session with the Chief and his first wife. We encourage you to delve as deep into the experience as possible!
Night Game Drive: Tarangire National Park
Just because the sun has set, doesn’t mean that the wildlife goes to sleep. The star-studded skies, the gentle winds, the shadow of an elephant meandering through the forest, the eery silence broken by the lions roar and the shining eyes of curious wildlife peering at you as you drive by. It becomes another world altogether bathed in moonlight, a sensory experience that allows you to search for unique nocturnal wildlife. It’s an experience we absolutely love, but not all National Parks allow it. We are thrilled to be able to add it to our itinerary in Tarangire National Park.
Sunday Mto Wa Mbu Cultural Experience
This is a truly authentic and unique way to get a glimpse of the way of life in Tanzania. On this visit, we’ll get to meet Sunday, a hero to many with a great story to tell. Sunday will guide us through a cultural experience in the village of Mto wa Mbu, where we will spend a few hours exploring the village in a …tuk tuk! We’ll see the rice fields and learn how it plays such a vital part in the food of Tanzanians, meet the Makonde carvers, watch the colourful Tinga Tinga painters, visit a local primary school, before finishing up with a delicious Tanzanian lunch in the shade of the Banana trees.
Lemala Ngorongoro Crator Floor BBQ Brunch | Lunch
Ngorongoro hot lunch – Experience that Out of Africa feeling No safari is complete without experiencing a traditional bush lunch. Relax under the natural canopy of an acacia tree, whilst your personal butler serves up a feast. Nothing is quite so essentially safari as this. Tailored service with cold drinks and your private chef preparing delicious meals surrounded by breath-taking surroundings in total privacy totally completes this Out of Africa experience. After enjoying your morning game drive, your guide will bring you to your private location within the Ngorongoro Crater where our team awaits to seat you.
Sundowner On Safari
Sundowners are more than just happy hour! The sundowner is a cherished African tradition and forms an integral part of your safari experience. It is a time to relax, reminisce about your day, and enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine around the camp fire with your fellow travellers, who inevitably become friends after sharing the excitement and exhilaration of a safari together.
Day by Day Itinerary
Arrive in Arusha and take private transfer to your accommodation just outside of town. Relax and unwind after a long journey.
Tonight, at dinner, you’ll meet the rest of the group and enjoy a welcome meal and a chance to get to know each other and get excited for our adventure ahead!
Overnight at: Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge (or similar)
After breakfast, we will set off from Arusha on a leisurely 2-3 hour drive to Tarangire National Park.
Cultural Activity: Just before we enter the park, we’ll make a stop at an authentic Maasai Boma Village where we’ll meet Chief Lobulo and get an opportunity to learn more about the Maasai way of life. We’ll have an opportunity to participate in unique activities and have a casual Q&A session with the Chief and his wife.
It’s then onwards to Tarangire National Park. Our first Game Drive begins as soon as we pass through the gates. We’ll meander through the park in search for wildlife, arriving at our lodge just in time for lunch. After lunch, you can unpack, relax and enjoy the facilities.
Afternoon Game Drive will commence around 4pm and run until dusk. As the sun sets, we’ll return back to the lodge and gather around the campfire to enjoy a few sundowner cocktails before ending our night with a group dinner to celebrate and reflect on our first full day on safari.
Overnight at: Lemala Mpingo Lodge
Your day will begin with at sunrise. Enjoy a quick cup of tea or coffee with some snacks before setting off on our Morning Game Drive.
We’ll return back to the lodge for lunch and a few hours of R&R and head back out on another Game Drive in the afternoon. As the sun sets, we’ll head back to the lodge for dinner, but tonight, the adventures don’t stop there.
After dinner, we’ll hop in the vehicles one more time for an exhilarating Night Game Drive – trust us, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss!
Overnight at: Lemala Mpingo Lodge
Following breakfast, our journey will take us towards the highlands, with a stop in Mto wa Mbu Village, offering you a one-of-a-kind cultural encounter. This authentic experience provides a unique window into the Tanzanian way of life.
We’ll then continue onwards to Ngorongoro Crater, checking into Ngorongoro Tented Camp in later afternoon. We’ll enjoy a relaxing evening with sundowners by the campfire and a lively dinner under the stars.
Overnight at: Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp
Following breakfast, we’ll set of for a full day Game Drive inside Ngorongoro Crater. We’ll enjoy early morning activity and stay out until sunset, make plenty of stops for coffee/tea/snacks and a hot lunch throughout the day. Dinner will be waiting for us back at camp.
Overnight at: Lemala Nogorongoro Tented Camp
After breakfast, we’ll depart Ngorongoro and drive west to Serengeti National Park. We’ll enjoy a Game Drive en route to our camp arriving just in time for lunch.
We’ll have a few hours to relax before setting off on an afternoon Game Drive through the vast plains of the Serengeti. Cat city awaits! We’ll return to camp just after sunset for another great family meal!
Overnight at: Lemala Ewanjan Camp
Today is another magical day of safari in the Serengeti. As a group we can decide to do a combination of early morning and late afternoon Game Drives, or a full day Game Drive with a picnic lunch.
In the evening, it’ll be time to relax, reminisce about our day, and enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine around the campfire with our group, followed by a lovely family meal.
Overnight at: Lemala Ewanjan Camp
It’s our last day on safari so we’ll be sure to make the most of it. We’ll focus today’s Game Drives to searching for elusive wildlife to cross off our bucket lists. The search beings early and ends at sunset.
Tonight, a special celebratory dinner awaits us back at the camp.
Overnight at: Lemala Ewanjan Camp
It’s time to bid farewell to the plains of Serengeti and the wildlife we’ve all come to love over this incredible week on safari.
Whether you are continuing your adventure in Tanzania or heading back home, a scenic flight will take us back to Arusha where we’ll say our goodbyes.
A Recap: What's Included?
The cost of the trip is $6,995 per person, an incredible value considering all the add-ons and special experiences we’ve been able to include in this itinerary. Our long standing relationship with Lemala Camps and Lodges has allowed us to secure the BEST rates for this incredible itinerary. Here is another breakdown of what’s included/excluded in the price.
Included
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Domestic Flights– Scheduled flight from Seronera to Arusha
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Transfers– Arrival airport transfers in Kilimanjaro
– Airstrip transfers to Seronera Airstrip
– All transfers between lodges/camps and tours -
Accommodation– 1 nights at Arusha Coffee Lodge in standard room
– 2 nights at Lemala Mpingo Lodge in standard suite
– 2 nights at Lemala Ngorongoro Camp in standard tent
– 3 nights at Lemala Ewanjan Camp in standard tent -
Food & Drinks– All meals throughout the itinerary
– Unlimited soft drinks
– Wine, Beers, and local spirits -
Game Drives– Unlimited game drives (as indicated in itinerary) in 4 x 4 Landcruiser vehicle
– Services of a qualified English speaking Driver Guides -
Park & Other Fees– All park fees + concession fees + crater vehicle descent fee
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Special Add-ons– Professional photography throught the trip
– 1 night Game Drive in Tarangire
– 1 picnic bush breakfast or lunch
– 1 private dining experience
– Private sundowner on Mkoma Hill in Serengeti
– Maasai Boma Visit
– Sunday Tuk Tuk Cultural Experience -
Other– WiFi
– Laundry
– Emergency Medical evacuation to nearest hospital
Excluded
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International Flights– It will be on you to get yourself to Arusha. We’d be happy to assist you with finding the best flight options!
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Visas– A tourist visa is required for U.S. and Canadian passport holders for entry into Tanzania. You can obtain e-visa before departing your home country or opt for a visa on arrival process upon arrival in Tanzania (long process, not recommended).
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Travel and Personal Accident Insurance– Medical and Travel Interruption insurance is HIGHLY recommended for this trip. We will gladly suggest a couple of options.
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Premium Drinks– Top shelf liquor and special wine may be available upon request but may be at additional cost.
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Tips & Gratuities
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Additional Excursions– including but not limited to Hot Air Ballooning, walking safaris, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot on the trip. Full payment is due 90 days prior to arrival. In the event of cancellation by client, deposit will be forfeited. Payment can be processed via Bank Transfer or Credit Card. There is a non refundable 3% fee for payments by credit card. In the unfortunate event of cancellation of confirmed booking, the following schedule of penalties applies: Cancellation is received 89 – 65 days prior to arrival – 25% | Cancellation is received 64 days to 50 days prior to arrival – 50% | Cancellation is received 49 days or less – 100%
In case of cancellations, changes, or delays to ground handling arrangements by suppliers, we’ll assist with rearrangements. Costs incurred will be passed to the client.
The single supplement for this trip is ONLY $100!!! Yes, you read that right. We are so lucky that our on the ground operator does not charge a single supplement so we can pass these savings on to you! This is so uncommon and makes this trip so much more enticing for a solo traveler. So if you can’t find a friend or partner to travel with on this trip but you really want to go, join in – we’ll keep you company!
Please review the list of inclusions/exclusions on this page to familiarize yourself with the details of what’s included in our Group Trip package. Additional charges/expenses may arise in form of any meals (on days not included in the itinerary), visas, additional excursions, premium drinks, gifts and souvenirs, tips and gratuities.
Tanzania has a cash-based economy. Cash transactions can be made in either U.S. dollars or local currency. It is advised to carry U.S. dollars that are recently issued bills in smaller denominations. Major credit cards are accepted, but on a very limited basis, mainly in the largest shops, hotels and lodges. Access to ATM machines is available in large cities such as Arusha and Dar es Salaam and Stone Town (Zanzibar), but limited in rural areas.
Yes you can! There is no age restrictions at Lemala Camps & Lodges. In fact, if your child is between 3-15 years old, sharing a room with 1 or 2 adults, their accommodation is FREE! Lemala Camps also has a great Lemala Cubs program to keep kids entertained and educated throughout the trip. So the short answer is yes you can bring your child on this trip, but there are some caveats. Submit a trip inquiry form and let’s chat so we can offer you further advice.
The start and finish point of this trip is in the town of Arusha. To get to Arusha, you’ll have to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). The airport is well connected offering direct flights from major transportation hubs like Amsterdam (AMS), Istanbul (IST), Doha (DOH), Zurich (ZRH), among others. Qatar Airways, KLM, and Turkish Airlines are the best airlines flying into JRO (although there are many others). Round trip flights from a number of US/CA cities can be found for under $1500/person.
A tourist visa is required for U.S. and Canadian passport holders for entry into Tanzania. The cost is $50-$100 (depending on your nationality, subject to change without notice) and can be obtained electronically before arrival or at the airport upon arrival. We recommend that you apply for an e-visa at least 60 days prior to your arrival date. Average time to receive an eVisa is approximately 10 days.
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for all trip participants, because Medical Emergencies happen when you least expect them. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance coverage for the duration of the trip. We will happily offer suggestions.
COVID: Tanzania currently has no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry for U.S. and Canadian residents. All requirements are subject to change.
Yellow Fever: A yellow fever vaccination is only required to enter Tanzania (including Zanzibar Island) if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a yellow fever-endemic area in South America or Africa – including East African countries such as Kenya and Uganda. This means that if your itinerary includes visits to both Kenya and Tanzania, you may be asked to show proof of yellow fever vaccination when entering either country. If you are adding a Trip Extension to our Group Trip that will take you to Uganda or Kenya, you will need to get Yellow Fever Vaccination and carry an International Certificate of Vaccination provided by your physician. You may be denied entry without it. If in doubt, get the vaccine and travel with the Yellow Fever Vaccination Card.
Malaria: You will be traveling to an area of malaria transmission. We strongly advise that you speak with your GP or travel clinic regarding your itinerary, individual risk assessment and options for mosquito bite prevention and antimalarial drugs. We recommend filling any prescriptions before you depart.
Yes! It’s one of the safest countries in East Africa. Tanzanians are very well known for their friendly, laid-back attitude. In most cases you will be humbled by their hospitality.
Tracking down the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros—has become a must-do safari experience for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. If this is your first safari, you’ll likely want to see these iconic animals on your safari in Tanzania. But hey, we’re not just about the Big Five! We’ll also be on the lookout for the Ugly Five, the Little Five, and who knows, we might even get lucky and spot a few creatures from the Secret Seven. It’s all part of our mission to explore Africa’s diverse wildlife and support conservation efforts!
Tanzania has a comfortable, tropical climate year-round. In the highlands, temperatures range between 10 and 20 °C (50 and 68 °F) during cold and hot seasons respectively. The rest of the country has temperatures rarely falling lower than 20 °C (68 °F). The hottest period extends between November and February (25–31 °C or 77–87.8 °F) while the coldest period occurs between May and August (15–20 °C or 59–68 °F).
Northern Tanzania experiences rain between October–December ~ referred to as the short rains or Vuli and March–May ~ known as the long rains or Masika.
We recommend packing lightweight, neutral-colored clothing suitable for warm days and cooler evenings. Essential items include sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses, sturdy walking shoes, and a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing. A complete packing list will be shared with confirmed participants in the lead up to the trip.
Lemala provides free wifi in all of their properties. WIFI connection is via satellite and whilst perfectly adequate for catching up with friends and family on email or social media it may vary in speed depending on usage. Generally, it is not suitable for live streaming or heavy usage applications.
We encourage you to take this time to fully disconnect from work or other responsibilities, but understand that it’s not always possible. If you foresee a need for fast connection, particularly on the days we will be in Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti, we recommend that you purchase a Tanzania mobile SIM or eSIM to get mobile coverage on your phone.
There is no weight limitation in the vehicles but it is recommended to travel with soft side duffle bags as it makes for easier carrying and packing of vehicles. For planes the limit is 15kgs plus a small carry on bag and again soft sided bags so they can be placed in the pod of the plane easily.
The power supply in Tanzania is mostly 220-240 volts. Plugs are 3 pin square. All Lemala Camps and Lodges have spare adapters but we recommend you bring your own as they are often in high demand.
Lemala Tented Camps are authentic canvas tents reminiscent of a bygone era of exploration – perfect for a guest who wants to thrill at the sound of a zebra baying across the valley or a lion summoning the pride to a hill. They pride themselves on ability to deliver this level of exciting experience without compromising comfort levels.
Each of the accommodation tents is large enough for two king size beds, a desk and wardrobe, whilst the en suite bathroom has a single basin, a towel rack and a luggage rack for your toiletry bag. Toilets are as you’d expect flushing a distinct improvement on the old explorer’s safari ‘choo’ as they called them. Lemala safari, bucket showers are an effective yet environmentally friendly way to shower where water is at a premium. They provide plenty of hot water to wash comfortably. Lemala staff and guests alike affectionately refer to these as Talking Showers.
Meals at tented camps are communal events often served at a Captains table that facilitates easy exchange of stories between guests. Guests will choose their meals from the a la carte menu ahead of time.
Lemala Camps and Lodges have invested in reverse osmosis plants that ensure all water at their properties is 100% safe for drinking.
You can bring your own water bottle or use one of the Lemala branded bottles that will be supplied to you upon arrival.
For dietary needs, we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have any specific dietary restrictions or preferences, just let us know in advance, and the Lemala Team will ensure that your meals during the trip are tailored to meet your needs.
The national roads that you will use in northern Tanzania are generally of a high standard and paved. Away from the main areas and in the bush roads are gravel or earth. Sometimes especially after rain, they can be muddy and during drought can be bumpy. Maintenance is carried out sporadically by the conservation and park authorities to ensure they are passable. Inside the parks, the roads are usually bumpy, get ready for a FREE African massage!
Have more questions? Let’s hear them!
