Package Overview What this trip is, in a nutshell
This six-day private Tanzania safari begins with a restful Arusha arrival, crosses the Ngorongoro highlands into Central Serengeti and continues through Lobo to the Kogatende and Mara River sector of Northern Serengeti. A long but scenic southbound wildlife transfer leads to an overnight near Ngorongoro, followed by a crater-floor safari and a return night in Arusha before the final airport transfer.
A private extended 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof is reserved for the party. The professional English-speaking Tanzania guide-driver can adapt departure times, wildlife stops, photography pace and meal timing within park rules, road conditions and confirmed lodge schedules. The route is compact and includes a demanding Northern Serengeti-to-Ngorongoro transfer on Day 4; an extra night or scheduled flight can be quoted for travelers who prefer a slower pace.
Accommodation combines an Arusha garden lodge with en-suite tented camps in Central Serengeti, Northern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The named plan uses Arusha Planet Lodge, Sightseeing Luxury Tented Lodge, Sero Tented Camp and Embalakai Ngorongoro Camp, or confirmed comparable properties of similar standard and practical location.
The displayed USD 2,230 rate is the supplied high-season planning estimate per person for two travelers sharing. The supplied two-traveler estimates are USD 2,090 in low season and USD 2,310 in the peak northern-migration period. Supplied high-season estimates are USD 1,930 pp for three travelers, USD 1,780 pp for four, USD 1,690 pp for five and USD 1,630 pp for six. Final pricing depends on dates, room configuration, park fees, camp availability, road routing and selected options.
Solo travel is available by tailored quotation. The supplied USD 3,820 high-season solo estimate cannot be represented accurately by the website's automatic sole-traveler formula, so automatic solo pricing remains hidden.
The northern route is normally strongest from June through October. Outside that period, or when rainfall, roads, camp operations or current field reports make another sector more suitable, the Serengeti nights may shift to Central, Western or Southern Serengeti. Wildebeest concentrations, predator encounters, black rhino, Mara River crossings and all other sightings are natural events and cannot be guaranteed.
Package Summary Everything at a glance
| Item | Package detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 Days / 5 Nights |
| Safari type | Private |
| Comfort level | Semi-Luxury |
| Starting point | JRO, Arusha Airport or Arusha |
| Ending point | JRO, Arusha Airport or Arusha |
| Main destinations | Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Arusha |
| Accommodation type | Lodge (Lodge, Tented Camp) |
| Meal plan | Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast |
| Transportation | Private Car, 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Suitable travellers | Family, Friends, Honeymoon, Couples and small groups |
| Customization | Yes — this itinerary can be tailored to you |
Route Overview 6 days — where you go and how far
| Day | Route | Overnight | Approx. distance | Approx. time | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | JRO, Arusha Airport or an agreed Arusha meeting point → Kilimanjaro-Arusha corridor and Moshi or Arusha outskirts → Arusha | Arusha | About 50 km from JRO; about 10-15 km from Arusha Airport | About 1-1.5 hours from JRO; 20-35 minutes from Arusha Airport | Private Car |
| Day 2 | Arusha → Mto wa Mbu, Karatu, Ngorongoro highlands and Naabi Hill → Central Serengeti (Seronera) | Serengeti | About 320-350 km | About 7-9 hours including viewpoints, gates, picnic lunch and wildlife-viewing p | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 3 | Central Serengeti → Seronera, Lobo hills and northern plains → Northern Serengeti (Kogatende and Mara River sector) | Serengeti | About 135-160 km | About 4-6 hours at safari pace; longer when sightings are productive | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 4 | Northern Serengeti → Lobo, Central Serengeti, Naabi Hill and Ngorongoro highlands → Ngorongoro Conservation Area | Ngorongoro | About 295-330 km | About 8-10 hours including wildlife viewing, picnic lunch and gate formalities | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 5 | Ngorongoro Conservation Area → Ngorongoro Crater floor, Karatu and Great Rift Valley → Arusha | Arusha | Crater circuit varies; approximately 180-205 km from the crater area to Arusha | About 5-6 hours in the crater, followed by 3.5-4.5 hours to Arusha | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 6 | Arusha → Arusha city or Kilimanjaro-Arusha corridor → JRO, Arusha Airport or agreed Arusha drop-off | No accommodation — departure day | About 50 km to JRO; about 10-15 km to Arusha Airport | About 1-1.5 hours to JRO; 20-35 minutes to Arusha Airport | Private Car |
Distances and driving times are indicative and vary with road and game-viewing conditions.
Day 1 A Warm Tanzanian Welcome in Arusha
Day 1 — A Warm Tanzanian Welcome in Arusha
| Starting location | JRO, Arusha Airport or an agreed Arusha meeting point |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Kilimanjaro-Arusha corridor and Moshi or Arusha outskirts |
| Ending location | Arusha |
| Main destination | Arusha |
| Approx. departure | Flight-dependent after arrival formalities |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Typically 15:00-15:30 from JRO, or within 20-35 minutes from Arusha Airport |
| Approx. distance | About 50 km from JRO; about 10-15 km from Arusha Airport |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 1-1.5 hours from JRO; 20-35 minutes from Arusha Airport |
| Transport | Private Car |
Day description
Meet the Splendor Safari representative after arrival formalities and transfer privately to Arusha Planet Lodge. Settle in, review the route with the safari coordinator and prepare for the early overland departure to Serengeti.
Morning
Guests arriving in the morning are met after immigration and baggage collection. The representative assists with luggage, confirms the transfer and remains available for practical questions.
Afternoon
Transfer privately through the Kilimanjaro-Arusha corridor or across Arusha to the quieter Moshono area. Check in, use the gardens or pool, confirm equipment and meet the safari coordinator.
Evening
Enjoy dinner at the lodge. The guide confirms the early pickup and reviews photography priorities, mobility needs, family considerations and route expectations.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Activities
- 🏞 Airport Pick Up — JRO Or Arusha Airport (Afternoon)
- 🏞 Transfer — Airport To Arusha (1.5 Hours)
- 🏞 Rest & Relax — Arusha Planet Lodge (Afternoon)
Meals
Arusha Planet Lodge
About this stay
Upper mid-range garden lodge in Moshono Village, Arusha. Alternatives are Ilboru Safari Lodge and Arusha Serena Hotel Resort and Spa, which may involve a supplement.
Lunch and dinner are included from arrival when flight timing permits; late arrivals may receive dinner only. Keep essential medication, one change of clothes and valuables in hand luggage.
Day 2 Across the Highlands to Central Serengeti
Day 2 — Across the Highlands to Central Serengeti
| Starting location | Arusha |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Mto wa Mbu, Karatu, Ngorongoro highlands and Naabi Hill |
| Ending location | Central Serengeti (Seronera) |
| Main destination | Serengeti |
| Approx. departure | Approximately 07:00 after an early breakfast |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Approximately 16:00-17:00 depending on stops and wildlife activity |
| Approx. distance | About 320-350 km |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 7-9 hours including viewpoints, gates, picnic lunch and wildlife-viewing p |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Drive from Arusha through Mto wa Mbu, Karatu and the Ngorongoro highlands to Naabi Hill, then turn the transfer into an afternoon game drive across the Central Serengeti to the Seronera camp.
Morning
Depart Arusha on the road toward Mto wa Mbu and Karatu, passing towns, escarpment views and cultivated highlands. Complete conservation-area formalities before continuing west.
Afternoon
Pause for an authorized viewpoint and picnic lunch, then enter the Serengeti beyond Naabi Hill. The transfer becomes a game drive through open plains, kopjes, drainage lines and Seronera wildlife country.
Evening
Arrive, check in and enjoy dinner inside the Serengeti ecosystem. Review the northbound route and current wildlife reports with the guide.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Transfer — Arusha To Central Serengeti (Full Day)
- 🏞 Game Drive — Central Serengeti (Afternoon)
- 🏞 Photographing — Ngorongoro Highlands And Serengeti (Full Day)
Meals
Sightseeing Luxury Tented Lodge
About this stay
Premium mid-range en-suite tented lodge in the Seronera area of Central Serengeti. Alternatives are Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp and Embalakai Serengeti Camp.
This is a long scenic transfer. Road conditions, gate procedures, rainfall and wildlife stops can change arrival time. Pack lunch, camera protection and a light fleece in the day bag.
Day 3 Northbound Through Lobo to the Mara River Country
Day 3 — Northbound Through Lobo to the Mara River Country
| Starting location | Central Serengeti |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Seronera, Lobo hills and northern plains |
| Ending location | Northern Serengeti (Kogatende and Mara River sector) |
| Main destination | Serengeti |
| Approx. departure | Approximately 06:45-07:15 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Approximately 14:30-16:00 after a game-viewing transfer |
| Approx. distance | About 135-160 km |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 4-6 hours at safari pace; longer when sightings are productive |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Game drive north from Central Serengeti through changing habitats and the Lobo region to the Kogatende-Mara River sector, using current wildlife information and road conditions to shape the route.
Morning
Leave camp after breakfast and game drive north through open central plains, wooded valleys, rocky outcrops and the Lobo region. Resident predators and elephants may occur along the route.
Afternoon
Stop at an authorized picnic or safe scenic location, then enter the Kogatende-Mara sector. Explore riverine loops when time permits and use current field reports to locate seasonal herds responsibly.
Evening
Check in at the seasonal tented camp, enjoy dinner and discuss the following morning plan with the guide based on current ranger and camp reports.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Game Drive — Central To Northern Serengeti (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Lobo And Northern Serengeti (Full Day)
Meals
Sero Tented Camp
About this stay
Premium mid-range seasonal en-suite tented camp used in the Kogatende or Northern Serengeti sector during the northern migration season. Alternatives are Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp and comparable seasonal camps.
Migration concentrations and river crossings are unpredictable. The guide may wait at designated positions, alter loops or move to another sector; no crossing or species is guaranteed.
Day 4 Dawn in the North, Then South to Ngorongoro
Day 4 — Dawn in the North, Then South to Ngorongoro
| Starting location | Northern Serengeti |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Lobo, Central Serengeti, Naabi Hill and Ngorongoro highlands |
| Ending location | Ngorongoro Conservation Area |
| Main destination | Ngorongoro |
| Approx. departure | Approximately 06:00-06:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Typically 17:30-18:30 |
| Approx. distance | About 295-330 km |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 8-10 hours including wildlife viewing, picnic lunch and gate formalities |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Begin with an early Northern Serengeti wildlife circuit when conditions allow, then make the long game-viewing journey south through Lobo, Central Serengeti and Naabi Hill to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Morning
Take an early breakfast and a short wildlife-focused northern circuit if conditions are promising, then turn south through Lobo or the central corridor according to road reports.
Afternoon
Continue through Serengeti with a picnic lunch and meaningful wildlife stops that do not jeopardize gate timing. Exit at Naabi Hill and cross the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as the highland landscape becomes cooler and greener.
Evening
Arrive in time for check-in, dinner and an early night. Confirm the crater descent time, breakfast arrangement and luggage plan for the following morning.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Game Drive — Northern To Central Serengeti (Full Day)
- 🏞 Transfer — Serengeti To Ngorongoro (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Serengeti And Ngorongoro Highlands (Full Day)
Meals
Embalakai Ngorongoro Camp
About this stay
Upper mid-range to luxury en-suite tented camp within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, positioned for early crater access. Alternatives are Ang'ata Ngorongoro Camp and Rhino Lodge Ngorongoro.
This is the longest road day. Travelers who prefer fewer vehicle hours should add a night, fly between sectors or revise the route. Wildlife stops must not compromise conservation-area gate timing.
Day 5 Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha
Day 5 — Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Return to Arusha
| Starting location | Ngorongoro Conservation Area |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Ngorongoro Crater floor, Karatu and Great Rift Valley |
| Ending location | Arusha |
| Main destination | Ngorongoro |
| Approx. departure | Approximately 06:00-06:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Typically 17:30-19:00 in Arusha |
| Approx. distance | Crater circuit varies; approximately 180-205 km from the crater area to Arusha |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 5-6 hours in the crater, followed by 3.5-4.5 hours to Arusha |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Descend early into Ngorongoro Crater for a private wildlife circuit across grasslands, marshes, woodland and lakeshore habitat, then ascend and drive through Karatu and the Rift Valley corridor to Arusha.
Morning
Take an early breakfast and proceed to the descent road. Explore grasslands, marshes, woodland and lakeshore habitats while adjusting the route to visibility, traffic and recent animal activity.
Afternoon
Enjoy a picnic lunch at an authorized site, continue the crater drive, then ascend and begin the road transfer through Karatu and the Rift Valley corridor to Arusha.
Evening
Check in and enjoy a final included dinner. Confirm the Day 6 airport transfer, onward flight, Zanzibar connection or any post-safari arrangements.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Crater Tour — Ngorongoro Crater (Full Day)
- 🏞 Game Drive — Ngorongoro Crater (5 Hours)
- 🏞 Photographing — Ngorongoro Crater (Full Day)
- 🏞 Transfer — Ngorongoro To Arusha (4.5 Hours)
Meals
Arusha Planet Lodge
About this stay
Final upper mid-range garden-lodge night in Moshono Village, Arusha. Alternatives are Ilboru Safari Lodge and Arusha Serena Hotel Resort and Spa, which may involve a supplement.
Crater mornings can be cold and later warm quickly. Wildlife-viewing vehicles may concentrate around rare sightings; the guide will balance viewing quality, animal space and respectful distance.
Day 6 Farewell Transfer or Continue to Zanzibar
Day 6 — Farewell Transfer or Continue to Zanzibar
| Starting location | Arusha |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Arusha city or Kilimanjaro-Arusha corridor |
| Ending location | JRO, Arusha Airport or agreed Arusha drop-off |
| Main destination | Arusha |
| Approx. departure | Flight-dependent; for JRO normally 3.5-4 hours before an international departure |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Airport arrival typically 2.5-3 hours before an international flight |
| Approx. distance | About 50 km to JRO; about 10-15 km to Arusha Airport |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 1-1.5 hours to JRO; 20-35 minutes to Arusha Airport |
| Transport | Private Car |
Day description
Enjoy breakfast, check out and transfer privately to Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha Airport or an agreed Arusha drop-off according to the confirmed onward schedule.
Morning
Enjoy breakfast and check out according to the confirmed transfer time. Early-flight guests may relax at the lodge until the standard check-out or add a day room.
Afternoon
Transfer to the appropriate airport with luggage assistance. Travelers continuing to Zanzibar transfer according to the ticketed flight and baggage policy.
Evening
No scheduled activity or accommodation is included. Guests may be flying home, beginning a Zanzibar extension or continuing elsewhere in East Africa.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Activities
- 🏞 Transfer — Arusha To JRO Or Arusha Airport (1.5 Hours)
- 🏞 Airport Drop Off — JRO Or Arusha Airport (Afternoon)
Meals
About this stay
No overnight accommodation is included after the transfer. A day room, extra Arusha night, airport hotel or Zanzibar extension can be added.
Domestic safari flights often use small aircraft with strict baggage limits. Confirm the ticketed allowance before packing and allow appropriate airport check-in time.
Safari Highlights 12 reasons this trip stands out
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Use an exclusive private extended 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and window seating for the party.
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Travel with a professional English-speaking Tanzania guide-driver from the first safari departure through the return to Arusha.
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Cross the Ngorongoro highlands and Serengeti plains on a scenic game-viewing route into Central Serengeti.
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Explore Central Serengeti kopjes, river systems and year-round wildlife habitat.
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Continue north through Lobo to Kogatende and the Mara River sector when the season and roads support that routing.
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Stay in en-suite tented camps selected for practical access to Central Serengeti, Northern Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
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Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a private wildlife circuit across grassland, marsh, woodland and lakeshore habitats.
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Adapt wildlife stops, photography pace and departure times within park rules and the practical demands of the route.
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Receive arrival and departure airport transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport.
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Request an extra safari night, scheduled flight, balloon safari, cultural visit or Zanzibar extension.
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Use season-led routing that follows current field information instead of promising the migration in one fixed place.
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Follow responsible wildlife-viewing practices without guaranteed species, behavior or river crossings.
Included
- Private extended pop-up-roof 4x4 Land Cruiser for the described road-safari itinerary
- Professional English-speaking Tanzania safari guide-driver from safari departure through the return to Arusha
- Private arrival and departure airport transfers from JRO or Arusha Airport on the scheduled tour dates
- Five nights at the named properties or confirmed comparable alternatives
- Meals specifically stated in the day-by-day itinerary
- Non-resident national park entry fees and applicable Ngorongoro conservation fees in the confirmed quotation
- Ngorongoro Crater service and vehicle fees for the planned descent
- Game drives and wildlife-viewing transfers described in the itinerary
- Reasonable game-viewing mileage within the confirmed route and operational day
- Drinking water in the safari vehicle
- subject to operational availability
- Government taxes and VAT specifically included in the final written quotation
- Pre-safari briefing and itinerary coordination
- Emergency logistical support and communication during the safari
- Basic first-aid kit carried in the vehicle
Excluded
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Tanzania visa costs and passport-related expenses
- Travel
- medical evacuation
- cancellation and interruption insurance
- Medical consultations
- treatment
- medication
- vaccinations and health tests
- Tips for the guide-driver
- transfer drivers
- lodge teams and camp staff
- Souvenirs
- personal shopping
- telephone charges and other personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- premium drinks
- bottled soft drinks and specialty coffees unless stated in the confirmed plan
- Laundry unless a confirmed property expressly includes it
- Optional activities and upgrades not written into the final quotation
- Serengeti hot-air balloon safari
- Scheduled or charter domestic flights unless expressly included
- Additional accommodation
- day rooms or meals before Day 1 or after breakfast on Day 6
- Bank-transfer
- foreign-exchange
- card-processing and payment charges where applicable
- Costs caused by airline disruption
- personal itinerary changes
- force majeure or services outside operator control
- Government tax or fee increases introduced after quotation where booking terms permit adjustment
- Anything not expressly listed under inclusions
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time of year for this tour?
Dry seasons often offer easier wildlife viewing (Jun–Oct). Green seasons are beautiful and quieter (Nov–Mar).
Can we customize the itinerary?
Yes — add days, change lodges (lodge/camp), or include balloon safaris/cultural visits.
What is the typical group size?
Private tours are just your party with a driver-guide. Shared departures may have 4–7 guests per vehicle.
See it for yourself
A few moments from this safari, filmed on the ground.
