12 Days – Ultimate Tanzania Explorer Safari
Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Materuni Waterfalls
Embark on the Safari Adventure of a Lifetime
Unveil the magic of East Africa on our 12 Days Ultimate Tanzania Explorer Safari, a professionally curated journey by RESMA TOURS, one of Tanzania’s leading tour operators. This exclusive private safari package immerses you in some of Africa’s most iconic and diverse landscapes: from the lush forests of Arusha National Park to the endless plains of the Serengeti and the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater. Along the way, encounter prolific wildlife including the legendary Big Five, flocks of flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and playful elephants.
Our itinerary seamlessly blends exhilarating game drives, cultural encounters, and a refreshing day hike to the Materuni Waterfalls near Mount Kilimanjaro. Each day is designed for comfort, adventure, and the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, seasoned safari enthusiast, photographer, or honeymooner, this tour promises memories to last a lifetime.
Wildlife Highlights and Landscapes
- Search for the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) across legendary reserves.
- Witness the Great Migration in Serengeti (seasonal).
- Explore volcanic calderas, savannahs, acacia woodlands, and soda lakes teeming with pink flamingos.
- Discover the lush foothills of Kilimanjaro and Materuni’s cascading waterfall.
Ideal Travel Season
The best time for this Tanzania Safari is from June to October for prime game-viewing and migration spectacles. However, wildlife is abundant year-round.
Who is This Safari For?
Perfect for couples, families, solo travelers, and small groups wanting an in-depth, private Tanzania safari adventure with comfort and authenticity.
Arrival in Tanzania – Warm Welcome & Safari Briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), our friendly RESMA TOURS representative will greet you with a personalized signboard, a warm smile, and seamless assistance through customs. After a private transfer, you’ll check in to your comfortable Arusha hotel. This evening, enjoy a detailed safari briefing from your expert guide, covering the journey ahead, safety tips, and what to expect in Tanzania’s spectacular national parks.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
- Activity: Meet and greet at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Private transfer to your Arusha hotel.
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: Arusha (see options below)
- Highlights: Relax after your international flight, enjoy lush gardens and mountain views, and receive a personalized safari briefing.
Day 2: Arusha National Park – Forests, Lakes & Colobus Monkeys
- Morning: After breakfast, short drive to Arusha National Park (approx. 45 mins). Enjoy a guided walking safari with an armed ranger, exploring the scenic foothills of Mt. Meru, lush montane forests, and open bushland.
- Afternoon: Game drive around Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater. Spot buffalo, giraffe, colobus monkeys, flamingos, and potentially leopards.
- Evening: Return to Arusha for dinner and relaxation.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Land of the Giants
- Morning: Depart for Tarangire National Park (approx. 2.5 hrs), famous for its majestic baobabs and large elephant herds.
- Afternoon: Game drives along the Tarangire River; spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, and up to 500 bird species.
- Evening: Check in to your Tarangire lodge or tented camp, enjoy a sunset drink.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Full Day Safari in Tarangire National Park
- Morning & Afternoon: Explore Tarangire’s diverse landscapes, from swamps to woodlands. Watch elephants bathe, seek elusive predators, and enjoy picnic lunch in the bush.
- Evening: Optional night game drive or sundowners at camp.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park – Rift Valley Paradise
- Morning: Leisurely breakfast and scenic drive to Lake Manyara National Park (approx. 1.5 hrs).
- Afternoon: Game drive through groundwater forests and acacia woodlands. Look for tree-climbing lions, hippos, and flocks of flamingos along the lake shore.
- Evening: Overnight in a lodge overlooking the Rift Valley escarpment.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park – Into the Wild
- Morning: After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro Highlands (approx. 4-5 hrs, with scenic stops en route).
- Afternoon: Enter the legendary Serengeti plains. Begin wildlife viewing en route to your camp/lodge.
- Evening: Settle in, enjoy campfire stories and dinner under the stars.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Serengeti National Park – The Endless Plains
- Morning & Afternoon: Full-day game drives in Central Serengeti, renowned for high predator concentrations and herds of wildebeest, zebra, and buffalo.
- Optional Activity: Hot air balloon safari at sunrise (additional cost).
- Evening: Relax at your camp with spectacular sunset views.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Serengeti National Park – Tracking the Big Five
- Morning: Early morning drive for predator action; seek lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
- Afternoon: Visit hippo pools, acacia woodlands, and kopjes. Birdwatching and photographic opportunities abound.
- Evening: Overnight in Serengeti.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Crater Rim Views
- Morning: Sunrise game drive and breakfast in the bush. Depart for Ngorongoro Conservation Area (approx. 3-4 hrs), with optional visit to a Maasai village.
- Afternoon: Arrive at your lodge on the crater rim with breathtaking views.
- Evening: Briefing on the next day’s crater safari.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater – Lost World of Wildlife
- Morning: Descend 600 meters into Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day safari. Spot rhinos, lions, elephants, hyenas, and thousands of antelopes.
- Afternoon: Picnic lunch by the hippo pool, more wildlife viewing, then ascend to the rim.
- Evening: Drive to Karatu town for overnight stay.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Experience – Kilimanjaro Foothills
- Morning: Depart for Moshi (approx. 2 hrs), village walk to Materuni Waterfalls. Enjoy a guided hike through lush rainforest, learn about local Chagga culture, and swim at the base of the falls.
- Afternoon: Participate in a traditional coffee-making tour—pick, roast, grind, and savor fresh Kilimanjaro coffee.
- Evening: Return to Arusha for your final night.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Departure – Farewell to Tanzania
- Morning: Leisurely breakfast and time for optional shopping or relaxation.
- Afternoon: Private transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Assistance with check-in and departure formalities.
- Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation Options
Budget
- Outpost Lodge (Arusha)
- Tarangire Safari Lodge
- Twiga Lodge (Lake Manyara)
- Serengeti Seronera Camps
- Octagon Lodge (Karatu)
Mid-range
- Kibo Palace Hotel (Arusha)
- Sangaiwe Tented Lodge (Tarangire)
- Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp
- Serengeti Heritage Camp
- Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge
Luxury
- Arusha Coffee Lodge
- Tarangire Treetops
- Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge
- Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
- Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Safari Includes
- All park entry and conservation fees
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Unlimited game drives and bottled mineral water
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Meals as indicated
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- Guided Materuni Waterfalls & coffee tour
- Government taxes and levies
Safari Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Visa and travel insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, tips, drinks)
- Optional activities (hot air balloon, night game drive)
- Items not specified as included
Best Time to Visit
- June to October: Dry season, best for game viewing and migration in Serengeti.
- November to March: Calving season in Southern Serengeti; excellent for predators.
- April-May: Green season, fewer crowds, lush landscapes (occasional showers).
Wildlife You May See
- Mammals: Elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, hyena, warthog, baboon
- Birds: Ostrich, flamingo, crowned crane, lilac-breasted roller, secretary bird, many raptors
- Reptiles: Nile crocodile, monitor lizard
What to Pack
- Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing
- Warm fleece/jacket for evenings & crater rim
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Binoculars and camera
- Insect repellent
- Personal medications
- Reusable water bottle
Why Choose This Safari?
- Expertly crafted, all-inclusive itinerary covering Tanzania’s top safari destinations
- Private, flexible tours with experienced guides and safe vehicles
- Authentic cultural experiences and nature walks
- Handpicked accommodations to suit every budget
- Exceptional value and personalized service from RESMA TOURS
- Perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and comfort
- Opportunities to witness the Big Five and Great Migration
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is this safari suitable for families with children?
Yes, we customize for all ages. Private safaris allow flexibility for family needs. -
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Absolutely! Please inform us in advance. -
What type of vehicle will be used?
Private, 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for maximum viewing comfort. -
Is it possible to extend or modify this itinerary?
Yes, we specialize in tailor-made Tanzania safaris! -
Are park fees included in the package price?
Yes, all park and conservation fees are included. -
Will I have the same guide throughout?
Yes, you’ll have a dedicated professional guide for consistency and deeper insights. -
What is the group size?
This is a private safari—just you and your party. -
Can I add a Zanzibar beach extension?
Yes, many travelers choose to relax in Zanzibar after safari. -
What level of fitness is required?
Moderate; the Materuni hike can be adjusted for most fitness levels. -
Is WiFi available during the safari?
Most mid-range and luxury lodges offer WiFi in public areas.
Ready for Your Ultimate Tanzania Safari?
Experience Africa’s untamed beauty and legendary wildlife on a private, expertly guided Tanzania Safari with RESMA TOURS. Whether you dream of a classic Serengeti Safari, a thrilling Big Five Safari, or cultural encounters in the Ngorongoro Highlands, our team is ready to craft your perfect adventure.
Contact us now for a personalized quote, or request a custom itinerary to fit your travel style and bucket-list dreams. Let’s make your Tanzanian safari unforgettable!
Request Your Quote or Tailor Your Safari Today!
Contact RESMA TOURS – Your Ultimate Tanzania Safari Specialist