Package Overview What this trip is, in a nutshell
This six-day private safari combines the depth of a road journey through Tanzania's northern circuit with a scheduled Serengeti fly-out that avoids repeating the long overland return. Begin with a comfortable Arusha arrival night, explore Tarangire's baobab and river habitats, descend into Ngorongoro Crater, then spend two nights in Central Serengeti before flying from Seronera Airstrip.
The landscapes change from Tarangire woodland and seasonal swamps to the Ngorongoro volcanic highlands and the open plains, kopjes and river systems of Central Serengeti. Wildlife possibilities include elephant, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, lion, cheetah, hyena, hippo and varied birdlife. Leopard and black rhino are possible in suitable habitats but can never be guaranteed.
Accommodation follows a premium mid-range pattern with selected luxury camp nights: Arusha Planet Lodge, Farm of Dreams Lodge in Karatu, Embalakai Ngorongoro Camp and two nights at Sightseeing Luxury Tented Lodge near Seronera. The private pop-up-roof 4x4 and dedicated guide-driver give your party control over pacing, photo stops and comfort breaks.
The displayed USD 2,701 rate is the supplied standard/high-season estimate per person for two travelers sharing, including the Day 6 scheduled light-aircraft fly-out. Planning estimates are USD 2,530 pp for three travelers, USD 2,430 pp for four, USD 2,370 pp for five and USD 2,325 pp for six. Solo travel is available by tailored quotation because the supplied USD 3,850 standard estimate does not match the website's automatic solo formula.
Central Serengeti supports resident wildlife year-round, but migration-focused routing can be moved seasonally when another Serengeti sector is more appropriate. Great Migration concentrations, calving events, river crossings, predator encounters and particular species are controlled by nature and cannot be guaranteed. Accommodation, flight schedules, routing and baggage allowances are reconfirmed for the exact travel dates.
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 | Arusha, Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar |
| Main destinations | Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire |
| Accommodation type | Tented Lodge (Lodge, Tented Camp) |
| Meal plan | Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Picnic lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch |
| Transportation | Private Car, 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up, Domestic Flight |
| Suitable travellers | Family, Friends, Fly-In, 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 | Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha Airport or Arusha → Moshono Village → Arusha | Arusha | About 15 km from Arusha Airport or 50 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport | About 25 minutes from Arusha Airport or 1-1.5 hours from JRO, traffic dependent | Private Car |
| Day 2 | Arusha → Tarangire National Park → Karatu | Karatu | About 120-140 km Arusha-Tarangire and about 100 km Tarangire-Karatu, excluding g | About 4-5 hours total transfer time, excluding game-drive stops | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 3 | Karatu → Ngorongoro Crater → Ngorongoro Conservation Area | Ngorongoro | About 20-35 km to crater access plus crater-floor tracks and the onward camp tra | About 2-3 hours total transfer time, excluding the crater game drive | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 4 | Ngorongoro Conservation Area → Naabi Hill → Central Serengeti (Seronera) | Serengeti | About 150-180 km | About 4-5 hours road and transit time, longer with wildlife and photography stop | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 5 | Central Serengeti (Seronera) → Seronera River and kopje circuits → Central Serengeti (Seronera) | Serengeti | About 40-120 km of flexible game-drive tracks | Flexible game-drive day | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 6 | Central Serengeti (Seronera) → Seronera Airstrip → Arusha, Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar | No accommodation — departure day | About 15-35 km lodge-to-airstrip plus the scheduled flight | About 0.5-1 hour direct airstrip transfer plus approximately 1-2 hours flight ti | Domestic Flight |
Distances and driving times are indicative and vary with road and game-viewing conditions.
Day 1 Welcome to Arusha - Safari Begins at an Easy Pace
Day 1 — Welcome to Arusha - Safari Begins at an Easy Pace
| Starting location | Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha Airport or Arusha |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Moshono Village |
| Ending location | Arusha |
| Main destination | Arusha |
| Approx. departure | According to flight arrival |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Usually 30-90 minutes after airport pickup |
| Approx. distance | About 15 km from Arusha Airport or 50 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 25 minutes from Arusha Airport or 1-1.5 hours from JRO, traffic dependent |
| Transport | Private Car |
Day description
Meet the Splendor Safari representative at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha Airport or an Arusha address and transfer privately to the lodge. Rest after the journey and meet the guide for a private route and safari briefing.
Morning
For a morning arrival, meet the representative, transfer privately to Arusha and settle into the lodge without pressure to begin a major excursion after a long flight.
Afternoon
Rest, enjoy the lodge grounds or take a pre-arranged Arusha cultural or market visit if arrival time and energy allow. Meet the safari guide to review route, park etiquette, photography, luggage and drinking water.
Evening
Enjoy dinner at the lodge and an early night before the road safari begins.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Activities
- 🏞 Airport Pick Up — JRO Or Arusha Airport (Morning)
- 🏞 Transfer — Airport To Arusha Lodge (2 Hours)
- 🏞 Rest & Relax — Arusha Planet Lodge (Afternoon)
Meals
Arusha Planet Lodge
About this stay
Premium mid-range lodge in Moshono Village with practical airport access for the first safari night. Alternatives are Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha and Gran Melia Arusha.
Lunch is included for travelers arriving in time. Provide the exact flight number and arrival time before travel so the private transfer can be scheduled correctly. A city or cultural visit is optional and depends on arrival time.
Day 2 Baobabs and Elephants - Tarangire to Karatu
Day 2 — Baobabs and Elephants - Tarangire to Karatu
| Starting location | Arusha |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Tarangire National Park |
| Ending location | Karatu |
| Main destination | Tarangire |
| Approx. departure | 07:30 after breakfast |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Tarangire gate around 10:00; Karatu lodge around 18:00 |
| Approx. distance | About 120-140 km Arusha-Tarangire and about 100 km Tarangire-Karatu, excluding g |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 4-5 hours total transfer time, excluding game-drive stops |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Drive from Arusha across Maasai steppe to Tarangire National Park. Explore baobab woodland, open grassland, seasonal swamps and river habitat before continuing through the Great Rift Valley corridor to Karatu.
Morning
Travel southwest across Maasai steppe and farming areas, enter Tarangire and begin game viewing through baobab woodland, open grassland and riverine habitat.
Afternoon
Enjoy a picnic lunch and explore Tarangire River loops or quieter habitats according to water, wildlife and road conditions. Exit later in the afternoon and continue toward Karatu.
Evening
Check in at the lodge, shower, relax in the garden setting and enjoy dinner.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Transfer — Arusha To Tarangire (3 Hours)
- 🏞 Full-day Game Drive — Tarangire National Park (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Tarangire National Park (Full Day)
- 🏞 Transfer — Tarangire To Karatu (2 Hours)
Meals
Farm of Dreams Lodge
About this stay
Premium mid-range safari lodge in Karatu on full board, positioned for an early Ngorongoro departure. Alternatives are Marera Valley Lodge and Acacia Farm Lodge.
Tarangire tracks can be dusty and corrugated in dry months or muddy after rain. Keep camera equipment protected and carry a scarf or lens-cleaning kit.
Day 3 Into the Caldera - Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Day 3 — Into the Caldera - Ngorongoro Crater Safari
| Starting location | Karatu |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Ngorongoro Crater |
| Ending location | Ngorongoro Conservation Area |
| Main destination | Ngorongoro |
| Approx. departure | 06:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Crater rim or gate around 07:15-08:00; camp late afternoon |
| Approx. distance | About 20-35 km to crater access plus crater-floor tracks and the onward camp tra |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 2-3 hours total transfer time, excluding the crater game drive |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area early and descend into the crater. Explore grassland, marsh, woodland and lake habitats before ascending the rim and continuing to a tented camp within the wider conservation area.
Morning
Drive into the highlands, complete entry formalities and descend the crater road. Explore grasslands, marshes, lakeshore and woodland patches on the caldera floor.
Afternoon
Take a picnic lunch at a designated site and continue through areas such as Lerai Forest, open plains and hippo pools according to wildlife activity and road conditions. Ascend and continue to camp.
Evening
Enjoy dinner at the tented camp in the cooler highland air and, on a clear night, look for a broad star field away from city lights.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Crater Tour — Ngorongoro Crater (Full Day)
- 🏞 Game Drive — Ngorongoro Crater Floor (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Ngorongoro Crater (Full Day)
Meals
Embalakai Ngorongoro Camp
About this stay
Luxury tented camp inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, selected to keep the route within the highland sequence after the crater game drive. Alternatives are Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge and Ngorongoro Lion's Paw Camp.
Ngorongoro mornings can be cold at altitude, so keep a fleece or light jacket accessible. Black rhino is possible but cannot be promised, and all wildlife remains free-ranging.
Day 4 Across the Highlands to the Endless Plains
Day 4 — Across the Highlands to the Endless Plains
| Starting location | Ngorongoro Conservation Area |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Naabi Hill |
| Ending location | Central Serengeti (Seronera) |
| Main destination | Serengeti |
| Approx. departure | 07:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | 13:00-15:00 depending on wildlife stops and road conditions |
| Approx. distance | About 150-180 km |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 4-5 hours road and transit time, longer with wildlife and photography stop |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Cross the Ngorongoro highlands toward Naabi Hill and enter Serengeti National Park. The transfer becomes a game drive as wildlife opportunities increase, continuing through the Seronera ecosystem to a Central Serengeti tented lodge.
Morning
Leave the Ngorongoro highlands and cross open conservation-area landscapes toward Naabi Hill. The journey reveals the transition from highland slopes to broad Serengeti plains.
Afternoon
Take a picnic lunch en route or after entry. Explore Seronera river lines, kopjes and year-round water sources as the transfer becomes a wildlife drive, then continue to camp.
Evening
Enjoy dinner at the tented lodge and listen to the sounds of the Central Serengeti bush from camp.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Full-day Game Drive — Ngorongoro To Central Serengeti (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Naabi Hill And Central Serengeti (Full Day)
Meals
Sightseeing Luxury Tented Lodge
About this stay
Premium mid-range luxury-style tented lodge in the Seronera area near Seronera Airstrip, selected for Central Serengeti wildlife access. Alternatives are Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge and Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge.
This is a meaningful overland transfer. Keep a day bag with water, camera equipment, sunscreen and a light layer accessible rather than packed deep in the main luggage.
Day 5 Full Day in Central Serengeti
Day 5 — Full Day in Central Serengeti
| Starting location | Central Serengeti (Seronera) |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Seronera River and kopje circuits |
| Ending location | Central Serengeti (Seronera) |
| Main destination | Serengeti |
| Approx. departure | 06:00-06:30 for sunrise, or later by private preference |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Return between late afternoon and sunset |
| Approx. distance | About 40-120 km of flexible game-drive tracks |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Flexible game-drive day |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Spend a flexible private day exploring Seronera kopjes, river valleys and open plains according to current wildlife information and your photographic priorities. Choose a full-day picnic circuit or split morning and afternoon drives.
Morning
Start early for soft light and cooler wildlife activity. Explore kopjes, river valleys and open plains according to recent reports and the party's photographic priorities.
Afternoon
Continue with a picnic circuit or return to camp for lunch and rest before a second drive. The private format supports longer observation of behavior rather than rushing through a checklist.
Evening
Return for dinner and a final Serengeti evening. Review the ticketed flight time and light-aircraft baggage arrangements with the guide.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Full-day Game Drive — Central Serengeti (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Central Serengeti (Full Day)
- 🏞 Hot Air Balloon — Central Serengeti (Morning)
Meals
Sightseeing Luxury Tented Lodge
About this stay
Second full-board night at the Seronera tented lodge. The repeated stay avoids repacking and supports a complete flexible Central Serengeti day.
Central Serengeti supports year-round resident wildlife, but seasonal Migration herds are not fixed to Seronera and cannot be guaranteed for any date. A shared balloon safari can be requested early, subject to weather and availability.
Day 6 Sunrise Game Drive and Scenic Serengeti Fly-Out
Day 6 — Sunrise Game Drive and Scenic Serengeti Fly-Out
| Starting location | Central Serengeti (Seronera) |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Seronera Airstrip |
| Ending location | Arusha, Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar |
| Main destination | Serengeti |
| Approx. departure | 06:00-06:30 for a final game drive; airstrip check-in according to ticket |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Late morning to early afternoon, depending on ticketed destination and routing |
| Approx. distance | About 15-35 km lodge-to-airstrip plus the scheduled flight |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 0.5-1 hour direct airstrip transfer plus approximately 1-2 hours flight ti |
| Transport | Domestic Flight |
Day description
Take a final sunrise wildlife drive through Central Serengeti and continue to Seronera Airstrip. Fly by scheduled light aircraft to Arusha, Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar according to the confirmed ticket and onward plan.
Morning
Pack the main luggage, take breakfast or an early packed breakfast and enjoy a final sunrise drive. The guide reaches Seronera Airstrip with enough time for check-in.
Afternoon
Fly by scheduled light aircraft, possibly with short bush-airstrip stops. Connect with the confirmed transfer or onward travel in Arusha, Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar.
Evening
No accommodation is included after the safari unless an Arusha post-tour night or Zanzibar extension has been added.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Game Drive — Central Serengeti (Morning)
- 🏞 Photographing — Central Serengeti And Aerial Views (Morning)
- 🏞 Scenic Flight — Seronera To Arusha, Kilimanjaro Or Zanzibar (2 Hours)
- 🏞 Airport Drop Off — Confirmed Flight Destination (Afternoon)
Meals
About this stay
No accommodation is included after the fly-out. An Arusha hotel or Zanzibar beach or Stone Town extension can be added.
Light-aircraft baggage limits vary by carrier. Pack in soft-sided luggage and follow the exact ticketed allowance. The flight may be direct or make short airstrip stops, and wildlife stops cannot compromise check-in time.
Safari Highlights 12 reasons this trip stands out
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Travel in a private pop-up-roof 4x4 reserved for your party throughout the road safari.
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Explore Tarangire baobabs, river habitats and elephant country on a full game-drive day.
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Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a picnic lunch and private crater-floor game drive.
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Spend two Central Serengeti nights for flexible sunrise, afternoon or full-day wildlife circuits.
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Stay in premium mid-range lodges and tented camps, including one luxury Ngorongoro camp night.
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Finish with a scheduled flight from Seronera Airstrip to reduce the final overland journey.
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Select Arusha, Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar as the final flight destination when routing permits.
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Use the private format to control photography stops, observation time and comfort breaks.
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Follow seasonal routing advice when Great Migration interests favor another Serengeti sector.
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Enjoy private airport transfers, safari briefing, drinking water and on-trip logistical support.
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Customize accommodation level, flight endpoint, safari pace, extra nights or a Zanzibar extension.
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Responsible wildlife viewing makes no promise of sightings, crossings, hunts or close approaches.
Included
- Private pop-up-roof 4x4 safari vehicle from Arusha through Central Serengeti until the Day 6 airstrip drop-off
- Professional English-speaking Tanzania guide-driver during the road safari
- Private airport arrival transfer and appropriate end-of-flight transfer when specified in the written quotation
- Five nights of accommodation as listed or confirmed comparable alternatives
- Meals stated in the day-by-day itinerary
- National park entry and conservation fees for the stated itinerary
- Applicable Ngorongoro Crater service and vehicle fees included in the final quotation
- All scheduled game drives and the crater safari described in the itinerary
- Scheduled light-aircraft flight from Seronera Airstrip on Day 6 within the confirmed fare allowance
- Drinking water in the safari vehicle
- Government taxes included in the final quotation unless explicitly identified otherwise
- Pre-safari briefing and on-trip logistical coordination
- Emergency logistical support and assistance with appropriate local response arrangements
Excluded
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Tanzania visa and other entry-permit costs
- Travel insurance and emergency evacuation insurance unless specifically added
- Medical expenses
- vaccinations
- medicines and personal health consultations
- Guide
- lodge
- camp and porter tips
- Personal purchases
- souvenirs
- telephone calls and minibar items
- Alcoholic beverages and premium drinks unless explicitly included by a property
- Laundry unless a specific property includes it
- Optional ballooning
- cultural visits
- private bush meals and premium upgrades
- Additional domestic flights or flight-fare increases beyond the confirmed allowance
- Zanzibar accommodation and activities unless the safari is extended
- Dinner on Day 6 and accommodation after the fly-out unless specifically added
- Bank transfer
- card-processing
- foreign-exchange or intermediary charges where applicable
- Government-imposed fee increases after quotation validity has expired
- 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.
