Package Overview What this trip is, in a nutshell
The Grand Descent reverses the usual northern safari. Begin with an included scheduled light-aircraft flight from Zanzibar to the remote Grumeti country, where two nights at a hillside luxury lodge create a full day among riverine forest, black-cotton plains, crocodile pools and resident predators. From there, cross the full width of Serengeti as a game drive rather than a simple transfer.
Stay directly on the Ngorongoro Crater rim for an early descent, then continue to a luxury lodge above Lake Manyara. The final safari night is inside Tarangire, protecting a dawn game drive among baobabs and elephants before the private transfer to Arusha, Arusha Airport or JRO.
The mainland safari is entirely private in a dedicated pop-up-roof 4x4 with a professional English-speaking Tanzania guide-driver who meets the western airstrip arrival and stays through the final morning. The included flight replaces a full inbound road day; park and crater fees, stated full-board meals, safari accommodation, Zanzibar departure transfer and final mainland airport transfer are included as described.
Accommodation is luxury throughout, with a comfortable premium lodge inside Tarangire on the final night: two nights at Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge, Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge on the crater rim, Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge above the Rift Valley and Tarangire Sopa Lodge inside the park. Named properties remain subject to availability and may be replaced with comparable options in equivalent logical positions after consultation.
The displayed USD 4,389 rate is the supplied high-season estimate per person for two travelers sharing, including a fixed allowance for the Zanzibar-to-Western-Serengeti flight. The supplied two-traveler estimates are USD 3,960 in low season and USD 4,580 in peak season. High-season estimates are USD 4,240 pp for three travelers, USD 4,140 pp for four, USD 4,060 pp for five and USD 4,000 pp for six.
Solo travel is available by tailored quotation. The supplied USD 6,020 high-season solo estimate cannot be represented accurately by the website's automatic sole-traveler formula, so automatic solo pricing remains hidden. Light-aircraft schedules, routing stops, ticketed baggage limits and any fare above the included allowance are reconfirmed for exact dates.
Wildlife possibilities include lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, crocodile and black rhino. All sightings, Great Migration concentrations and river crossings are controlled by nature and cannot be guaranteed. The Serengeti sector may be repositioned seasonally when current herd distribution and road conditions make another area more appropriate.
Package Summary Everything at a glance
| Item | Package detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 Days / 5 Nights |
| Safari type | Private |
| Comfort level | Luxury |
| Starting point | Zanzibar Airport |
| Ending point | Arusha, Arusha Airport or JRO |
| Main destinations | Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara, Tarangire, Arusha |
| Accommodation type | Lodge |
| Meal plan | Lunch, Dinner; breakfast at the Zanzibar hotel before departure, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Picnic lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Picnic brunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch; dinner at leisure or in flight |
| Transportation | Private Car, Scheduled Flight, 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Suitable travellers | Fly-In, 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 | Zanzibar hotel and Zanzibar Airport → Western Serengeti airstrip and Grumeti corridor → Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge | Serengeti | Scheduled flight plus about 20-50 km of game-drive transfer | Flight about 2.5-3 hours including stops, then an afternoon game drive | Private Car, Scheduled Flight, 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 2 | Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge → Grumeti River and Western Serengeti → Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge | Serengeti | Local Western Serengeti game-drive loops | Flexible full day or two drives with a midday lodge rest | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 3 | Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge, Western Serengeti → Seronera Valley, Naabi Hill and Ngorongoro highlands → Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Crater Rim | Ngorongoro | About 270 km | About 6-7 hours structured as a full-day game drive with breaks | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 4 | Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Crater Rim → Ngorongoro Crater floor and Rift Valley → Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge | Manyara | About 110 km including crater access roads | About 2.5 hours road transfer plus up to 5 hours in the crater | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 5 | Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge → Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire River → Tarangire Sopa Lodge | Tarangire | About 100 km plus game-drive tracks | About 2 hours road transfer with game drives in both parks | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 6 | Tarangire Sopa Lodge → Tarangire National Park and Maasai Steppe → Arusha, Arusha Airport or JRO | No accommodation — departure day | About 150 km plus morning game-drive tracks | About 2.5 hours road transfer after the morning game drive | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up, Private Car |
Distances and driving times are indicative and vary with road and game-viewing conditions.
Day 1 Island to the Western Corridor
Day 1 — Island to the Western Corridor
| Starting location | Zanzibar hotel and Zanzibar Airport |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Western Serengeti airstrip and Grumeti corridor |
| Ending location | Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge |
| Main destination | Serengeti |
| Approx. departure | Early Zanzibar hotel transfer; flight typically mid-morning |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | About 17:00, confirmed flight dependent |
| Approx. distance | Scheduled flight plus about 20-50 km of game-drive transfer |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Flight about 2.5-3 hours including stops, then an afternoon game drive |
| Transport | Private Car, Scheduled Flight, 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Transfer from the Zanzibar hotel to the airport, fly by scheduled light aircraft to a Western Serengeti airstrip and meet the private guide and 4x4. Begin wildlife viewing immediately on the game-drive transfer to the hillside lodge.
Morning
Transfer privately from the Zanzibar hotel to the airport, complete check-in and fly across the coast and Tanzania toward the Western Serengeti.
Afternoon
Meet the guide and private 4x4 at the western airstrip, take lunch according to arrival timing and explore Grumeti river edges, woodland and open country en route to the lodge.
Evening
Check in at the hillside lodge, enjoy the pool and terrace view, take a sundowner and dine overlooking the western plains.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Transfer — Zanzibar Hotel To Airport (Morning)
- 🏞 Domestic Flight — Zanzibar To Western Serengeti (3 Hours)
- 🏞 Game Drive — Western Serengeti (Afternoon)
- 🏞 Photographing — Grumeti Corridor (Afternoon)
Meals
Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge
About this stay
Luxury hillside lodge inside the Western Serengeti overlooking the plains, selected for its quiet Grumeti access. Alternatives are Mbalageti Serengeti and Kirawira-area luxury camps.
The ticketed airline schedule and baggage rule take precedence. Plan for a soft-bag limit commonly around 15 kg total and travel with everything needed because the itinerary ends in Arusha.
Day 2 A Full Day on the Grumeti
Day 2 — A Full Day on the Grumeti
| Starting location | Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Grumeti River and Western Serengeti |
| Ending location | Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge |
| Main destination | Serengeti |
| Approx. departure | About 06:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Around sunset or midday and late afternoon on a split plan |
| Approx. distance | Local Western Serengeti game-drive loops |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Flexible full day or two drives with a midday lodge rest |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Use a fully flexible private day for the Grumeti River, riverine forest, open plains, kopjes, seasonal pans and black-cotton country. Choose a picnic in the field or a genuine midday lodge break during the two-night stay.
Morning
Drive at dawn along the Grumeti River, working riverine forest edges, crocodile pools and open plains for predators, herbivores and birdlife.
Afternoon
Take a picnic or return for a hot lunch and pool rest, then explore kopjes, seasonal pans and quieter black-cotton plains.
Evening
Enjoy a terrace sundowner, dinner and exceptionally dark Western Serengeti skies.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Full-day Game Drive — Western Serengeti (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Grumeti Corridor (Full Day)
- 🏞 Bird Watching — Grumeti River (Full Day)
- 🏞 Sundowner — Western Serengeti (Evening)
Meals
Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge
About this stay
Second night at the same luxury Western Serengeti lodge removes a packing cycle and protects a complete Grumeti day. Alternatives are Mbalageti Serengeti and Kirawira-area luxury camps.
Tsetse flies are more common in western woodland. Avoid dark blue and black clothing and keep repellent accessible; migration and Grumeti crossings remain nature dependent.
Day 3 Across the Serengeti to the Crater Rim
Day 3 — Across the Serengeti to the Crater Rim
| Starting location | Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge, Western Serengeti |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Seronera Valley, Naabi Hill and Ngorongoro highlands |
| Ending location | Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Crater Rim |
| Main destination | Serengeti, Ngorongoro |
| Approx. departure | About 06:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | About 17:30 |
| Approx. distance | About 270 km |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 6-7 hours structured as a full-day game drive with breaks |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Cross Serengeti from the Western Corridor through Seronera and the Naabi plains as a full-day game drive. Continue into the Ngorongoro highlands and arrive directly on the crater rim for dinner and an early night.
Morning
Use a final Grumeti wildlife morning while turning east as western woodland opens into the central plains.
Afternoon
Continue through Seronera, picnic at a scenic site, cross short-grass country toward Naabi Hill and climb into the crater highlands.
Evening
Check in on the crater rim, watch the caldera fill with changing light and mist, dine and rest before the early descent.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Game Drive — Western To Central Serengeti (Full Day)
- 🏞 Transfer — Serengeti To Ngorongoro (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Serengeti Traverse And Crater Rim (Full Day)
Meals
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
About this stay
Luxury lodge directly on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, selected for caldera views and efficient pre-dawn access. Alternatives are Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge and Embalakai Ngorongoro Camp.
This is the longest day at roughly 6-7 hours across the park. Keep a warm layer accessible for the crater rim, where evenings can be below 10 C.
Day 4 Into the Caldera, Then Down to the Lake
Day 4 — Into the Caldera, Then Down to the Lake
| Starting location | Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Crater Rim |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Ngorongoro Crater floor and Rift Valley |
| Ending location | Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge |
| Main destination | Ngorongoro, Manyara |
| Approx. departure | About 06:00 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | About 16:30 |
| Approx. distance | About 110 km including crater access roads |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 2.5 hours road transfer plus up to 5 hours in the crater |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Descend early into Ngorongoro Crater for a private game drive across grassland, marsh, Lerai forest and Lake Magadi habitat. Continue after the crater to a luxury lodge above Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley.
Morning
Reach the descent road before dawn, drop to the caldera floor and explore cooler early hours across grassland, wetland and Lerai forest.
Afternoon
Take a picnic brunch near the hippo pool, finish the crater loops, ascend and descend the highlands and Rift escarpment toward Lake Manyara.
Evening
Enjoy the pool or terrace, a Rift Valley sundowner and dinner overlooking the lake and valley floor.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Crater Tour — Ngorongoro Crater (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Ngorongoro Crater (Full Day)
- 🏞 Transfer — Ngorongoro To Lake Manyara (Afternoon)
- 🏞 Rest & Relax — Lake Manyara Escarpment Lodge (Afternoon)
Meals
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
About this stay
Luxury lodge on the Rift Valley escarpment above Lake Manyara, selected for a restful afternoon and practical access to the park. Alternatives are Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge and Escarpment Luxury Lodge.
Crater mornings can be below 10 C while the Rift Valley afternoon is warm. Dress in removable layers; crater-floor vehicle time is regulated.
Day 5 Forest, Flamingos and Baobabs
Day 5 — Forest, Flamingos and Baobabs
| Starting location | Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire River |
| Ending location | Tarangire Sopa Lodge |
| Main destination | Manyara, Tarangire |
| Approx. departure | About 07:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | About 17:00 |
| Approx. distance | About 100 km plus game-drive tracks |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 2 hours road transfer with game drives in both parks |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Explore Lake Manyara groundwater forest and accessible lakeshore habitat in the morning, then continue to Tarangire for a private afternoon game drive along the river and a final night inside the park.
Morning
Descend to Lake Manyara and explore groundwater forest, primate habitat and accessible lakeshore areas where seasonal waterbirds gather.
Afternoon
Take lunch en route or near Tarangire, enter the park and game drive along baobab savanna, river habitat and swamp fringes toward the lodge.
Evening
Check in inside Tarangire, enjoy a sundowner and final safari dinner with the sounds of the park close by.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Game Drive — Lake Manyara National Park (Morning)
- 🏞 Bird Watching — Lake Manyara National Park (Morning)
- 🏞 Game Drive — Tarangire National Park (Afternoon)
- 🏞 Photographing — Manyara And Tarangire (Full Day)
Meals
Tarangire Sopa Lodge
About this stay
Comfortable premium lodge inside Tarangire National Park, selected to protect the final dawn game drive. Alternatives are Maramboi Tented Lodge and Tarangire Simba Lodge.
Tarangire can be dusty during the dry season. Keep a buff or scarf and protected camera bag accessible and settle lodge extras before the morning departure.
Day 6 A Last Morning Among the Giants
Day 6 — A Last Morning Among the Giants
| Starting location | Tarangire Sopa Lodge |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Tarangire National Park and Maasai Steppe |
| Ending location | Arusha, Arusha Airport or JRO |
| Main destination | Tarangire, Arusha |
| Approx. departure | About 06:30 for game drive; leave the park around 11:00 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Arusha about 14:30; airport timing according to flight |
| Approx. distance | About 150 km plus morning game-drive tracks |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 2.5 hours road transfer after the morning game drive |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up, Private Car |
Day description
Use the final dawn for a private Tarangire game drive, then return for brunch or take a picnic before leaving the park and crossing the Maasai Steppe to Arusha, Arusha Airport or JRO.
Morning
Game drive at dawn while the park is quiet, using recent sightings to choose loops around baobabs, river habitat and elephant country.
Afternoon
Return for brunch or take a picnic, exit the park and drive east across the Maasai Steppe to the agreed Arusha or airport drop-off.
Evening
The tour ends after drop-off. Continue onward, add an Arusha night or use a separately booked Zanzibar return flight.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Game Drive — Tarangire National Park (Morning)
- 🏞 Photographing — Tarangire National Park (Morning)
- 🏞 Transfer — Tarangire To Arusha (Afternoon)
- 🏞 Airport Drop Off — Arusha Or JRO (Afternoon)
Meals
About this stay
No accommodation is included after drop-off. A day room or final Arusha night can be quoted according to the onward schedule.
Airport transfers are timed to the confirmed flight. A day room, final Arusha night or return flight to Zanzibar can be added when needed.
Safari Highlights 12 reasons this trip stands out
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Fly by scheduled light aircraft from Zanzibar directly to the Western Serengeti within the included fare allowance.
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Spend two consecutive nights in the Grumeti country, one of the quieter sectors of Serengeti.
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Explore riverine woodland, crocodile pools, black-cotton plains, kopjes and seasonal migration habitat.
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Cross Serengeti west to east as a full-day private wildlife drive rather than treating it as a transfer.
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Stay on the Ngorongoro Crater rim for dawn views and efficient early access to the descent road.
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Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for wildlife viewing across grassland, marsh, Lerai forest and Lake Magadi.
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Contrast the crater with Lake Manyara groundwater forest, Rift Valley scenery and lakeshore habitat.
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Sleep inside Tarangire National Park and use the final morning for an early baobab-and-elephant game drive.
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Travel in a private pop-up-roof 4x4 with a professional English-speaking Tanzania guide-driver.
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Photograph empty western landscapes, crater dawn, Manyara birdlife and elephants beneath baobabs.
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Request a seasonal Northern Serengeti or Ndutu variation, an extra Serengeti night or a return Zanzibar flight.
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Responsible wildlife viewing follows park rules, safe distances and respectful sighting behavior.
Included
- Scheduled light-aircraft flight from Zanzibar to Western Serengeti within the stated fare allowance
- Private Zanzibar hotel-to-airport transfer and western airstrip arrival transfer
- Final transfer to Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport on Day 6
- Private pop-up-roof 4x4 safari vehicle exclusively for the booked party from the airstrip onward
- Professional English-speaking Tanzania guide-driver from western airstrip arrival through the final morning
- Five nights at the named properties or confirmed comparable alternatives
- Meals specifically stated in the day-by-day itinerary
- National park
- conservation-area
- crater-service and concession fees included in the confirmed quotation
- Private game drives described in the itinerary
- Drinking water during safari game-drive days
- Government taxes and VAT included in the confirmed quotation at the time of issue
- Pre-safari briefing and itinerary coordination
- AMREF Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover for the safari duration
- Emergency logistical support from the Arusha operations team
Excluded
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Accommodation and meals in Zanzibar before Day 1 or Arusha after Day 6 unless quoted
- Return flight to Zanzibar unless added as a variation
- Tanzania visa and other immigration charges
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- medical expenses and vaccinations
- Light-aircraft fare increases above the included allowance and excess-baggage charges
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal purchases
- souvenirs
- telephone or data charges
- spa treatments and laundry unless included
- Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages unless a confirmed lodge plan includes them
- Optional activities such as ballooning
- night drives
- cultural visits and private dining
- Bank-transfer
- card-processing and foreign-exchange charges
- Government-imposed increases in taxes or park fees after quotation where booking terms allow 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.
