Package Overview What this trip is, in a nutshell
This seven-day private luxury safari is designed for travellers who want the classic northern circuit of Tanzania with enough variety to feel genuinely immersive rather than rushed. The journey begins with an easy arrival in Arusha, continues to elephant-rich Tarangire, adds a guided walking experience and game drive in Lake Manyara, spends two nights in the Central Serengeti, includes a sunrise hot-air balloon safari, and finishes with a Ngorongoro Crater safari before returning to Arusha.
The wildlife experience changes naturally from park to park. Tarangire is associated with elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, antelope and rich birdlife, especially around the river system in the drier months. Lake Manyara blends groundwater forest, woodland, wetlands and Rift Valley scenery. The Central Serengeti offers year-round resident wildlife alongside seasonal migration movements, with possibilities including lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest. The Ngorongoro Crater adds a compact mosaic of grassland, marsh and woodland where large herbivores and predators are frequently encountered and black rhino may be seen with luck.
Accommodation follows a high-comfort lodge-and-tented-camp style: a five-star Arusha hotel, a luxury Lake Burunge property near Tarangire, Gibb's Farm on the Ngorongoro highlands, and a luxury Central Serengeti tented camp. The private format gives your party exclusive use of the 4x4 and guide-driver, allowing game-drive timing, photography stops and rest breaks to be adjusted within park rules and the practical demands of each transfer day.
The included Serengeti balloon flight is a major value component, not an optional headline added later - one shared sunrise flight of approximately one hour, followed by a celebratory bush breakfast. The Lake Manyara walking safari is included on the same basis, with an authorized guide or ranger. Both remain subject to weather, age and safety rules, and the walking safari can be replaced with additional game-drive time if mobility, age, weather or preference makes walking unsuitable.
Central Serengeti balloon operations run year-round, while the rest of the itinerary can be seasonally fine-tuned around rainfall, wildlife concentrations and traveller preferences. This makes the package particularly attractive for couples, families with older children, honeymooners, photographers and first-time Tanzania visitors who want a complete premium safari without extending beyond one week.
Accommodation is subject to availability. If a named property is unavailable, Splendor Safari may propose a comparable property of a similar standard and location.
Package Summary Everything at a glance
| Item | Package detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 Days / 6 Nights |
| Safari type | Private |
| Comfort level | Luxury |
| Starting point | Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha Airport or Arusha |
| Ending point | Arusha, Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport |
| Main destinations | Arusha, Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro |
| Accommodation type | Lodge (Hotel, Tented Lodge, Lodge, Tented Camp) |
| Meal plan | No meals included, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch |
| Transportation | Private Car, 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Suitable travellers | Family, Friends, Honeymoon, Sole travellers, Couples and small groups |
| Customization | Yes — this itinerary can be tailored to you |
Route Overview 7 days — where you go and how far
| Day | Route | Overnight | Approx. distance | Approx. time | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport → The JRO-Arusha corridor, Mount Meru views, Arusha coffee-estate country → Arusha | Arusha | Approx. 10-55 km | Approx. 20 minutes to 1.5 hours | Private Car |
| Day 2 | Arusha → Maasai Steppe landscapes, baobab woodland, open plains, riverine habitat, the Lake Burunge corridor → Lake Burunge / Tarangire area | Tarangire | Approx. 120-145 km plus game-drive tracks | Approx. 2-2.5 hours to Tarangire, then a flexible game drive | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 3 | Lake Burunge area → Groundwater forest, woodland and wetland habitats, the Rift Valley escarpment, Karatu highlands → Karatu / Ngorongoro Highlands | Karatu | Approx. 80-105 km total plus park tracks | Approx. 2-3 hours of transfers plus the walking safari and game drive | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 4 | Karatu / Gibb's Farm → Ngorongoro Conservation Area, crater viewpoint, short-grass plains, kopjes, the Seronera and Orangi River sector → Central Serengeti | Central Serengeti | Approx. 165-185 km plus game-drive tracks | Approx. 4-5.5 hours pure driving; longer with viewpoints and wildlife stops | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 5 | Central Serengeti → Balloon launch site, aerial views of the plains and river systems, kopjes, river valleys, open plains → Central Serengeti | Central Serengeti | Local transfers and game-drive tracks | Balloon approx. 1 hour aloft; the game-drive schedule is flexible | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 6 | Central Serengeti → Serengeti grasslands, Ngorongoro highlands, the crater floor, marshes and soda-lake scenery, Karatu → Karatu / Gibb's Farm | Karatu | Approx. 180-215 km plus crater game-drive tracks | Approx. 4.5-6 hours road time plus 4-5 hours of crater safari | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 7 | Gibb's Farm / Karatu → Karatu, Mto wa Mbu, the Rift Valley corridor, Maasai Steppe scenery → Arusha or the airport | No accommodation — departure day | Approx. 160 km to Arusha; approx. 210 km to JRO | Approx. 2.5-3 hours to Arusha; add approx. 1 hour to JRO | Private Car |
Distances and driving times are indicative and vary with road and game-viewing conditions.
Day 1 Welcome to Arusha: A Gentle Luxury Arrival
Day 1 — Welcome to Arusha: A Gentle Luxury Arrival
| Starting location | Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | The JRO-Arusha corridor, Mount Meru views, Arusha coffee-estate country |
| Ending location | Arusha |
| Main destination | Arusha |
| Approx. departure | According to your flight arrival |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Approx. 20 minutes from Arusha Airport, or 1-1.5 hours from JRO |
| Approx. distance | Approx. 10-55 km |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Approx. 20 minutes to 1.5 hours |
| Transport | Private Car |
Day description
A private airport transfer and a deliberately light first day, so the safari begins rested rather than rushed.
Morning
For morning arrivals, meet your Splendor Safari representative after immigration and baggage collection, then transfer privately to Arusha. If your room is not yet ready, luggage can be stored while you relax over refreshments or explore the hotel grounds.
Afternoon
Check in and recover from international travel - the afternoon is intentionally light. Meet your safari specialist or guide-driver for a private briefing covering the route, vehicle setup, park etiquette, luggage, photography needs, dietary requirements and the early starts ahead. Travellers with energy can add a short Arusha cultural or coffee-focused excursion.
Evening
Enjoy the hotel at leisure, dine at your preferred restaurant and prepare a small day bag for Tarangire.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Meals
Gran Melia Arusha
About this stay
A five-star luxury hotel on Simeon Road, Arusha - a high-comfort arrival base with good access to Arusha and the onward northern-circuit road transfer. Alternatives: Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge; Legendary Lodge Arusha.
Meals today are at your own expense unless added to the final quotation. If arriving after midnight, consider adding a pre-tour night so Day 2 can begin comfortably - international flight delays can affect the next morning if the arrival is too late.
Day 2 Tarangire: Baobabs, Elephants and River Country
Day 2 — Tarangire: Baobabs, Elephants and River Country
| Starting location | Arusha |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Maasai Steppe landscapes, baobab woodland, open plains, riverine habitat, the Lake Burunge corridor |
| Ending location | Lake Burunge / Tarangire area |
| Main destination | Tarangire National Park |
| Approx. departure | Approx. 07:30-08:00 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Park gate approx. 10:00; lodge approx. 17:30-18:30 |
| Approx. distance | Approx. 120-145 km plus game-drive tracks |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Approx. 2-2.5 hours to Tarangire, then a flexible game drive |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
A full day in Tarangire among baobab woodland and the river system that draws its famous elephant herds, ending at a luxury tented lodge on the Lake Burunge corridor.
Morning
After breakfast, depart Arusha in your private 4x4 and drive south-west through Maasai Steppe landscapes toward Tarangire. Enter the park and begin a game drive through baobab woodland, open plains and riverine habitat.
Afternoon
Enjoy a picnic lunch at an authorized site. During the drier months the Tarangire River and remaining water sources can concentrate wildlife; in greener months the landscape becomes more dispersed and birding can be especially rewarding. Continue game viewing with time for elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, impala and other species commonly associated with the park, then exit toward the Lake Burunge area.
Evening
Relax with views toward the lake and bush, enjoy dinner and discuss the walking-safari logistics for tomorrow with your guide.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Meals
Lake Burunge Baobab Tented Lodge
About this stay
A luxury tented lodge in the Lake Burunge corridor near Tarangire National Park - close to the park while adding lake and corridor scenery and a relaxed lodge evening. Alternatives: Maramboi Tented Lodge; Lemala Mpingo Ridge.
Tarangire can be hot and dusty in the dry season. Keep water, hat, sunscreen and a light scarf accessible in the vehicle. A private sundowner, bush dinner or night-drive experience may be available where currently permitted.
Day 3 Lake Manyara on Foot and by 4x4
Day 3 — Lake Manyara on Foot and by 4x4
| Starting location | Lake Burunge area |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Groundwater forest, woodland and wetland habitats, the Rift Valley escarpment, Karatu highlands |
| Ending location | Karatu / Ngorongoro Highlands |
| Main destination | Lake Manyara National Park |
| Approx. departure | Approx. 07:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Approx. 16:30-17:30 |
| Approx. distance | Approx. 80-105 km total plus park tracks |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Approx. 2-3 hours of transfers plus the walking safari and game drive |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
The included walking safari: 1.5 to 3 hours on foot with an authorized guide or ranger, then a game drive through groundwater forest and wetland before climbing the escarpment to a historic coffee farm.
Morning
Drive toward Lake Manyara National Park and meet the authorized walking-safari guide or ranger. After a safety briefing, explore a permitted walking route for approximately 1.5-3 hours depending on conditions, age requirements and park operations. The walk emphasises tracks, plants, birds, ecology and landscape awareness rather than approaching dangerous wildlife.
Afternoon
Return to the vehicle and continue with a game drive through groundwater forest, woodland and wetland habitats, with lunch at an authorized picnic location. Look for elephants, baboons, monkeys, giraffes, buffalo, zebra, hippos and water-associated birdlife - tree-climbing lions are historically associated with the park but should be treated as an occasional possibility rather than an expectation. Then drive up the escarpment to Karatu.
Evening
Settle into the farm atmosphere, enjoy dinner and, if timing permits, a short garden or coffee-estate orientation.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Meals
Gibb's Farm
About this stay
A luxury highland lodge and historic coffee farm on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro highlands near Karatu - excellent positioning after Lake Manyara and before the Serengeti transfer. Alternatives: The Manor at Ngorongoro; Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge.
Walking routes may have minimum-age or fitness requirements and can be cancelled or altered for safety, wildlife activity, weather or park management reasons. The walking safari is not mandatory - it can be replaced with additional game-drive time or anot
Day 4 Across the Highlands to Central Serengeti
Day 4 — Across the Highlands to Central Serengeti
| Starting location | Karatu / Gibb's Farm |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Ngorongoro Conservation Area, crater viewpoint, short-grass plains, kopjes, the Seronera and Orangi River sector |
| Ending location | Central Serengeti |
| Main destination | Central Serengeti National Park |
| Approx. departure | Approx. 07:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Approx. 16:30-18:00 depending on game viewing |
| Approx. distance | Approx. 165-185 km plus game-drive tracks |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Approx. 4-5.5 hours pure driving; longer with viewpoints and wildlife stops |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
The long scenic crossing of the Ngorongoro highlands and down onto the plains, with the transfer becoming a game drive as you reach the Seronera and Orangi River sector.
Morning
After breakfast, climb toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and cross the highlands. Weather permitting, pause at an authorized crater viewpoint before continuing toward the Serengeti plains - the transition from highland forest to open grassland is one of the most distinctive landscape changes on the northern circuit.
Afternoon
Continue through the conservation area and enter Serengeti National Park, with a packed lunch at an authorized site, then begin game viewing as you move toward the central Seronera and Orangi River sector. The transfer becomes a game drive, your guide selecting tracks based on current wildlife information and road conditions.
Evening
Arrive at camp, settle into the tented accommodation, enjoy dinner and receive the early-morning balloon briefing.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Meals
Nyota Serengeti Camp
About this stay
A luxury tented camp in the Central Serengeti, Orangi and Seronera sector - inside the central safari sector, suitable for afternoon game viewing and next-morning balloon logistics. Alternatives: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge; Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti.
This is a scenic but long transfer. Keep layers and camera gear accessible, and expect corrugated or dusty sections depending on conditions. A Manyara-Seronera flight can replace much of the road transfer on a customized version.
Day 5 Sunrise Balloon Safari and a Full Serengeti Day
Day 5 — Sunrise Balloon Safari and a Full Serengeti Day
| Starting location | Central Serengeti |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Balloon launch site, aerial views of the plains and river systems, kopjes, river valleys, open plains |
| Ending location | Central Serengeti |
| Main destination | Central Serengeti National Park |
| Approx. departure | Balloon collection commonly around 04:30-05:30; the exact time is confirmed loca |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Rejoin your guide mid-morning; back at camp by evening |
| Approx. distance | Local transfers and game-drive tracks |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Balloon approx. 1 hour aloft; the game-drive schedule is flexible |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
The signature day: a pre-dawn transfer to the launch site, roughly an hour aloft over the plains at sunrise, a celebratory bush breakfast on landing, and then a full private game-drive day.
Morning
Wake before dawn and transfer to the balloon launch site. After the safety briefing from the pilot and the inflation process, take off around sunrise for an approximately one-hour flight, with direction and landing point determined by wind and safety. Wildlife may be visible from the air, but sightings cannot be guaranteed. After landing, enjoy the celebratory bush breakfast laid on by the operator before rejoining your private guide.
Afternoon
Continue the day as a private Serengeti safari - depending on wildlife information, choose a picnic lunch in the field or return toward camp for a more relaxed meal. Explore another Central Serengeti circuit rather than repeating the route from the previous day: kopjes, river valleys and open plains create varied habitat for predators and herbivores, and photography can focus on behaviour, environmental portraits and changing light rather than a checklist of species.
Evening
Return for a relaxed final Serengeti evening. Review photographs, enjoy dinner and prepare for the early start toward Ngorongoro.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Meals
Nyota Serengeti Camp
About this stay
The second consecutive night at the same camp - it avoids unnecessary packing and protects time for the balloon plus a full day of game viewing. Alternatives: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge; Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti.
Ballooning is weather-dependent and governed by the safety decision of the pilot. If the flight is cancelled, refund or rescheduling follows the terms and availability of the balloon operator. Breakfast today is the balloon bush breakfast, which may repla
Day 6 Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater
Day 6 — Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater
| Starting location | Central Serengeti |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Serengeti grasslands, Ngorongoro highlands, the crater floor, marshes and soda-lake scenery, Karatu |
| Ending location | Karatu / Gibb's Farm |
| Main destination | Ngorongoro Crater |
| Approx. departure | Approx. 05:45-06:15 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Approx. 17:30-18:30 |
| Approx. distance | Approx. 180-215 km plus crater game-drive tracks |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Approx. 4.5-6 hours road time plus 4-5 hours of crater safari |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
The longest combined transfer-and-game-drive day: an early departure across the plains to the crater rim, four to five hours on the caldera floor, then up and out to the highlands.
Morning
Depart the Central Serengeti early and drive toward Ngorongoro. The journey crosses changing grassland and highland scenery before reaching the crater rim; descend into the caldera as early as practical to maximise time on the crater floor.
Afternoon
Explore grasslands, woodland, marsh and lake-edge habitats, with a picnic lunch at an authorized site. The crater is associated with buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, gazelles, hippos, hyenas, lions and elephants, and black rhino may be present though sightings are never guaranteed. Continue game viewing before ascending the crater wall and driving to the highlands - the schedule is deliberately structured to avoid a late-night return from the Serengeti while preserving meaningful crater time.
Evening
Enjoy a final safari dinner in the highlands. The quieter farm setting provides a comfortable transition before the return to Arusha.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Meals
Gibb's Farm
About this stay
Back to the historic farm lodge on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro highlands - a comfortable post-crater base and an efficient final-day road connection to Arusha. Alternatives: The Manor at Ngorongoro; Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge.
This is the longest combined transfer-and-game-drive day of the itinerary. Road and gate conditions may alter timing, and a warm layer is useful on the crater rim. An additional Ngorongoro night can be added to slow the pace further.
Day 7 Highland Morning and Return to Arusha
Day 7 — Highland Morning and Return to Arusha
| Starting location | Gibb's Farm / Karatu |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Karatu, Mto wa Mbu, the Rift Valley corridor, Maasai Steppe scenery |
| Ending location | Arusha or the airport |
| Main destination | Arusha And The Departure Transfer |
| Approx. departure | Usually 08:30-10:00, adjusted to your onward flight |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Arusha approx. 11:30-13:00; JRO typically 1 hour later |
| Approx. distance | Approx. 160 km to Arusha; approx. 210 km to JRO |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Approx. 2.5-3 hours to Arusha; add approx. 1 hour to JRO |
| Transport | Private Car |
Day description
An unhurried highland morning with time for a farm or garden walk, then the drive down the Rift Valley to Arusha or the airport, timed around your confirmed flight.
Morning
Enjoy breakfast and a relaxed final morning. If flight timing permits, take a short farm or garden walk, or a coffee-focused experience at the property before departure.
Afternoon
Drive through Karatu, Mto wa Mbu and the Rift Valley corridor toward Arusha, with lunch included and arranged en route or in Arusha depending on the onward schedule. Transfer to Arusha town, Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport; travellers with late international flights may request a day room, spa stop or additional Arusha night.
Evening
End of safari services unless additional accommodation or onward arrangements have been booked.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Meals
Allow a generous airport check-in buffer - Splendor Safari plans departure timing around the confirmed flight rather than a fixed generic schedule. Dinner is not included unless a post-tour stay is added. Optional post-tour stays: Gran Melia Arusha; Elewa
Safari Highlights 12 reasons this trip stands out
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Exclusive use of a private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing and photography
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Professional English-speaking guide-driver throughout the road safari, with pacing adapted to your private party
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Luxury accommodation spanning Arusha, the Tarangire and Lake Burunge ecosystem, the Ngorongoro highlands and the Central Serengeti
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A full Tarangire game drive among baobab landscapes and the wildlife associated with the Tarangire River system
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A guided Lake Manyara walking safari with an authorized guide or ranger, subject to park conditions - included, not an extra
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Two nights in the Central Serengeti, allowing an arrival game drive, a full exploration day and flexible wildlife routing
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An included sunrise hot-air balloon safari over the Central Serengeti, approximately one hour aloft, followed by a celebratory bush breakfast
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A Ngorongoro Crater descent with private game viewing across grassland, woodland, marsh and lake-edge habitats
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Airport transfers and an arrival safari briefing for a smoother transition from international travel into the safari
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Season-aware routing that can shift emphasis according to rainfall, current wildlife concentrations and traveller interests
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Strong photography opportunities from ground level, on foot where permitted, from crater viewpoints and from the balloon
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Responsible wildlife viewing: no chasing, crowding or guaranteed-sighting language, and guide decisions that prioritise safety and park rules
Included
- Private pop-up-roof 4x4 safari vehicle from the start of the road safari through the return to Arusha
- Professional English-speaking guide-driver for all private road-safari days
- Airport arrival and departure transfers as stated in the finalized itinerary
- Six nights of accommodation in the stated properties or confirmed comparable alternatives
- Meals exactly as shown in the itinerary: Day 1 at own expense; full board Days 2-6; breakfast and lunch on Day 7
- House beverages at safari properties where included in the confirmed lodge or camp meal plan
- National-park entry fees, conservation fees and vehicle-related park charges
- Private game drives in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro as described
- Authorized Lake Manyara walking safari and required guide/ranger arrangements, subject to park operating conditions
- One shared Central Serengeti hot-air balloon safari with transfers, an approximately one-hour flight and bush breakfast
- Bottled or filtered drinking water in the safari vehicle
- Safari briefing, itinerary coordination and emergency logistical support during the safari
- Government taxes and VAT specifically included in the final quotation
Excluded
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Tanzania visa fees and passport-related costs
- Travel insurance, trip cancellation cover, medical evacuation cover and personal medical expenses
- Vaccinations, medicines and personal health consultations
- Tips and gratuities for guides, lodge staff, balloon crew and other service providers
- Personal purchases, souvenirs, telephone charges and items of a personal nature
- Meals on Day 1 unless added to the quotation, and dinner after the safari on Day 7
- Premium spirits, reserve wines, champagne and other beverages outside the included house-drinks package of the property
- Laundry unless a specific property includes it
- Optional activities and upgrades not explicitly listed as included
- Additional or private balloon flights beyond the one shared flight already included
- Domestic flights used to replace road sectors unless the final quotation specifically includes them
- Additional accommodation before Day 1 or after Day 7
- Bank transfer, card-processing or foreign-exchange charges
- Any government-imposed fee or tax increase introduced after quotation validity
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.
