Package Overview What this trip is, in a nutshell
This premium northern Tanzania safari combines exceptional wildlife areas with a deliberately simple accommodation sequence. Begin at Gran Melia Arusha, explore Tarangire's baobab and elephant country, stay above the Rift Valley at Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge, then cross the Ngorongoro highlands for three consecutive nights at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. Return through Ngorongoro Crater and finish with a contrasting Lake Manyara game drive.
Three Serengeti nights create time for a complete Central Serengeti wildlife experience without packing every morning. Your private pop-up-roof 4x4 and professional guide-driver allow early starts, full-day or split-drive schedules, longer observation at productive sightings and a pace adapted to couples, families, friends, photographers or celebrations.
Wildlife possibilities across the route include elephant, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, hippo, lion, cheetah, leopard, spotted hyena and black rhino. Sightings, Great Migration concentrations, calving activity and river crossings are natural events and cannot be guaranteed. The Serengeti base can be repositioned by season when a clear wildlife benefit justifies changing the accommodation plan.
The displayed USD 7,065 rate is the supplied high-season estimate per person for two travelers sharing. Supplied planning estimates for two travelers are USD 6,495 in low season and USD 7,695 in peak season. High-season estimates are USD 7,795 pp for three travelers and USD 6,545 pp for four to six travelers, subject to exact rooming, dates, lodge availability and current government fees.
Solo travel is available by a tailored quotation. The supplied high-season solo estimate is USD 10,950, which does not match the website's automatic sole-traveler formula, so automatic solo pricing remains hidden. Optional upgrades include a Serengeti balloon safari, premium rooms or suites, special dining, a scheduled bush-flight redesign, an additional Ngorongoro night or a Zanzibar extension.
Package Summary Everything at a glance
| Item | Package detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 Days / 6 Nights |
| Safari type | Private |
| Comfort level | Premium |
| Starting point | JRO, Arusha Airport or Arusha |
| Ending point | Arusha, Arusha Airport or JRO |
| Main destinations | Arusha, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara |
| Accommodation type | Lodge (Hotel, Lodge) |
| Meal plan | Breakfast the following morning, Breakfast, Picnic lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch or picnic lunch, Dinner, Early breakfast or breakfast box, Picnic lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch |
| 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 7 days — where you go and how far
| Day | Route | Overnight | Approx. distance | Approx. time | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha Airport or Arusha hotel → Arusha city → Gran Melia Arusha | Arusha | About 50 km from JRO or 10 km from Arusha Airport | About 1-1.5 hours from JRO or 20-35 minutes from Arusha Airport | Private Car |
| Day 2 | Gran Melia Arusha → Tarangire National Park → Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge | Manyara | About 185-200 km total transfer distance, excluding game-drive loops | About 3.5-4 hours road transfer in segments, excluding game viewing | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 3 | Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge → Ngorongoro highlands and Naabi Hill → Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti | Serengeti | About 220-250 km | About 5.5-7 hours including conservation transit and gate formalities | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 4 | Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti → Central Serengeti wildlife circuits → Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti | Serengeti | Typically 80-160 km of game-drive roads | Flexible game-drive day depending on sightings and chosen circuit | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 5 | Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti → Central or seasonally productive Serengeti circuits → Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti | Serengeti | Typically 80-180 km depending on seasonal focus | Flexible game-drive day | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 6 | Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti → Naabi Hill and Ngorongoro Crater → Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge | Manyara | About 220-260 km total road movement | About 6-7.5 hours road and transit time in segments plus the crater game drive | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 7 | Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge → Lake Manyara National Park → Arusha, Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport | No accommodation — departure day | About 135 km to Arusha or 185 km to JRO after the park | About 2.5-4 hours road transfer after the game drive | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Distances and driving times are indicative and vary with road and game-viewing conditions.
Day 1 Welcome to Tanzania - Arrival in Arusha
Day 1 — Welcome to Tanzania - Arrival in Arusha
| Starting location | Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha Airport or Arusha hotel |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Arusha city |
| Ending location | Gran Melia Arusha |
| Main destination | Arusha |
| Approx. departure | Flight-dependent or at the agreed pickup time |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | About 20-90 minutes after collection |
| Approx. distance | About 50 km from JRO or 10 km from Arusha Airport |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 1-1.5 hours from JRO or 20-35 minutes from Arusha Airport |
| Transport | Private Car |
Day description
Meet the Splendor Safari representative at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha Airport or an agreed Arusha hotel and transfer privately to Gran Melia Arusha. Rest, settle in and complete a private briefing for the northern-circuit journey.
Morning
For a morning arrival, transfer privately to Arusha, check in and keep the first hours deliberately restful after the international journey.
Afternoon
Relax by the pool, enjoy the landscaped grounds or use the spa according to arrival time. Meet the safari team for a route, luggage, hydration and photography briefing.
Evening
Keep the evening flexible and dine at your own account unless a meal arrangement is added. Prepare an accessible day bag for the Tarangire departure.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Activities
- 🏞 Airport Pick Up — JRO Or Arusha Airport (Afternoon)
- 🏞 Transfer — Airport To Arusha (2 Hours)
- 🏞 Rest & Relax — Gran Melia Arusha (Afternoon)
Meals
Gran Melia Arusha
About this stay
Five-star luxury city hotel on Simeon Road with high-end facilities and a convenient setting for the safari briefing. Alternatives are Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge and Legendary Lodge.
Day 1 lunch and dinner are at your own account unless added. Guests arriving late should consider an extra pre-safari night so Day 2 can depart on time without fatigue.
Day 2 Baobabs and Elephant Country - Tarangire National Park
Day 2 — Baobabs and Elephant Country - Tarangire National Park
| Starting location | Gran Melia Arusha |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Tarangire National Park |
| Ending location | Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge |
| Main destination | Tarangire |
| Approx. departure | About 07:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | About 17:30-18:00 |
| Approx. distance | About 185-200 km total transfer distance, excluding game-drive loops |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 3.5-4 hours road transfer in segments, excluding game viewing |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Travel southwest from Arusha to Tarangire for the first major private game drive. Explore baobab woodland, river habitat and seasonal swamps, then continue toward the Manyara and Karatu highlands.
Morning
Drive through settled farmland into drier acacia country, enter Tarangire and follow routes selected around current animal movement, road conditions and recent sightings.
Afternoon
Take a picnic lunch at an authorized site and continue around the Tarangire River, shade lines, water points, mature baobabs and seasonal swamps before exiting toward the highlands.
Evening
Check in at Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge, enjoy dinner and relax above the Rift Valley landscape.
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 Manyara Highlands (2 Hours)
Meals
Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge
About this stay
Luxury lodge on or near the Great Rift Valley escarpment in the Manyara and Karatu area, positioned logically after Tarangire and before the Serengeti crossing. Alternatives are Gibb's Farm and Elewana The Manor at Ngorongoro.
Tarangire can be dusty in the dry season. Keep one camera setup ready and protect spare equipment in a sealed bag. A sunset setup or lodge experience can be quoted where available.
Day 3 Across the Highlands to the Endless Serengeti Plains
Day 3 — Across the Highlands to the Endless Serengeti Plains
| Starting location | Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Ngorongoro highlands and Naabi Hill |
| Ending location | Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti |
| Main destination | Serengeti |
| Approx. departure | About 07:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | About 16:30-18:00 depending on stops |
| Approx. distance | About 220-250 km |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 5.5-7 hours including conservation transit and gate formalities |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Climb through the Ngorongoro highlands and cross the conservation landscape toward Naabi Hill. Enter Serengeti National Park and continue with an introductory wildlife drive toward Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti.
Morning
Leave the Manyara highlands, climb into cooler Ngorongoro country and pause at permitted viewpoints before crossing the conservation landscape toward Serengeti.
Afternoon
Take a picnic lunch en route, enter Serengeti and use the final approach as an introductory game drive across open plains and kopje habitat.
Evening
Arrive at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, settle into the premium savannah setting and enjoy dinner before the first complete Serengeti day.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Full-day Game Drive — Manyara Highlands To Central Serengeti (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Ngorongoro Highlands And Serengeti (Full Day)
Meals
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
About this stay
Premium luxury lodge inside Central Serengeti National Park, selected for strong facilities and a three-night uninterrupted base. Alternatives are One Nature Nyaruswiga Serengeti and Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp with route adjustment.
This is one of the longest road days. Travelers sensitive to rough roads should discuss seating and pacing with the guide. A scheduled bush flight requires redesigning the route and pricing.
Day 4 Central Serengeti - Full-Day Wildlife Exploration
Day 4 — Central Serengeti - Full-Day Wildlife Exploration
| Starting location | Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Central Serengeti wildlife circuits |
| Ending location | Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti |
| Main destination | Serengeti |
| Approx. departure | About 06:15-06:30 for a full day, or by private preference |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | About 17:30-18:30 |
| Approx. distance | Typically 80-160 km of game-drive roads |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Flexible game-drive day depending on sightings and chosen circuit |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Spend a flexible private day around Central Serengeti river valleys, open plains, kopjes and woodland edges. Follow current wildlife information while balancing observation time, photography, meals and rest.
Morning
Start early in cooler temperatures and explore river valleys, open plains, kopjes or woodland edges selected around current wildlife activity and photographic light.
Afternoon
Remain in the field with a picnic or return to the lodge for lunch and rest, then continue as temperatures ease and wildlife activity changes.
Evening
Return before park-driving cutoffs, enjoy dinner and an unhurried evening at the lodge.
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)
- 🏞 Rest & Relax — Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti (Afternoon)
Meals
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
About this stay
Second premium full-board night inside Central Serengeti. The repeated stay allows a complete field day or a flexible split-drive schedule without packing.
Choose a full field day or a split-drive schedule with a lodge break. A private photographic guide, nature walk where permitted, spa treatment or special lodge dining can be quoted separately.
Day 5 Serengeti at Your Pace - Predators, Plains and Optional Balloon Safari
Day 5 — Serengeti at Your Pace - Predators, Plains and Optional Balloon Safari
| Starting location | Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Central or seasonally productive Serengeti circuits |
| Ending location | Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti |
| Main destination | Serengeti |
| Approx. departure | Before dawn for balloon guests or early morning for game-drive guests |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Flexible; return before park-driving cutoffs |
| Approx. distance | Typically 80-180 km depending on seasonal focus |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Flexible game-drive day |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Use the third Serengeti day to explore a different sector or go deeper around a productive wildlife concentration. Start with an optional sunrise balloon flight or another early private game drive.
Morning
Balloon guests leave before dawn for a weather-dependent flight and bush breakfast. Other guests take a private game drive in a different sector from Day 4.
Afternoon
Return for lunch and a longer rest or stay in the field with a picnic when wildlife distribution makes the extra distance worthwhile. Resume in changing afternoon light.
Evening
Return for the final Serengeti dinner and prepare for the early road journey toward Ngorongoro Crater.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Hot Air Balloon — Serengeti National Park (Morning)
- 🏞 Full-day Game Drive — Serengeti National Park (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Serengeti National Park (Full Day)
- 🏞 Rest & Relax — Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti (Afternoon)
Meals
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
About this stay
Third premium full-board night at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, supporting deeper exploration and optional ballooning without another accommodation move.
The optional Serengeti balloon safari is estimated from USD 599 per person and is weather, operator, sector and eligibility dependent. It is not included in the displayed package price.
Day 6 From Serengeti to the Crater Floor - Ngorongoro
Day 6 — From Serengeti to the Crater Floor - Ngorongoro
| Starting location | Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Naabi Hill and Ngorongoro Crater |
| Ending location | Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge |
| Main destination | Ngorongoro |
| Approx. departure | About 05:45-06:00 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | About 17:30-18:30 |
| Approx. distance | About 220-260 km total road movement |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 6-7.5 hours road and transit time in segments plus the crater game drive |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Leave Central Serengeti before or around sunrise, cross the conservation area and descend into Ngorongoro Crater. Explore its grassland, marsh, woodland and lake-edge habitats before continuing to the Manyara highlands.
Morning
Use the first Serengeti section as a game-viewing transit, continue through Naabi Hill and the highlands, then descend into Ngorongoro Crater after formalities.
Afternoon
Take a picnic lunch at an authorized crater site and continue across grassland, marsh, woodland and lake-edge habitats before ascending the rim and driving toward Manyara.
Evening
Return to Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge for a simple evening of dinner, rest and preparation for the final park day.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Game Drive — Serengeti Exit (Morning)
- 🏞 Crater Tour — Ngorongoro Crater (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Ngorongoro Crater (Full Day)
- 🏞 Transfer — Ngorongoro To Manyara Highlands (Afternoon)
Meals
Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge
About this stay
Second full-board night at the luxury Great Rift Valley lodge, positioned conveniently after Ngorongoro Crater and for Lake Manyara the following morning.
This is an operationally demanding day and an early departure is important. Black rhino may be seen at a distance but no species is guaranteed. An extra Ngorongoro night can turn this into a more relaxed eight-day route.
Day 7 Rift Valley Finale - Lake Manyara and Return to Arusha
Day 7 — Rift Valley Finale - Lake Manyara and Return to Arusha
| Starting location | Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Lake Manyara National Park |
| Ending location | Arusha, Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport |
| Main destination | Manyara |
| Approx. departure | About 07:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Arusha about 15:30-16:30 or JRO about 17:00-18:00 |
| Approx. distance | About 135 km to Arusha or 185 km to JRO after the park |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 2.5-4 hours road transfer after the game drive |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Explore Lake Manyara groundwater forest, acacia woodland, floodplain and lakeshore scenery on the final private game drive. Continue after lunch to Arusha, Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Morning
Enter Lake Manyara and explore groundwater forest, acacia woodland, floodplain and lakeshore sectors available under current conditions.
Afternoon
Enjoy a picnic or arranged lunch, leave the park and continue to the confirmed Arusha hotel, Arusha Airport or JRO drop-off with a conservative flight buffer.
Evening
No accommodation is scheduled. A day room, final Arusha overnight or Zanzibar extension can be arranged separately.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Full-day Game Drive — Lake Manyara National Park (Full Day)
- 🏞 Bird Watching — Lake Manyara National Park (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Lake Manyara And Rift Valley (Full Day)
- 🏞 Airport Drop Off — Arusha Or JRO (Afternoon)
Meals
About this stay
No accommodation is included after the safari. Gran Melia Arusha or Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge can be added for a day room or post-tour night.
Dinner and post-safari accommodation are not included. For JRO, a flight later than about 20:00 is generally more comfortable; exact timing must be checked against the confirmed airline schedule.
Safari Highlights 12 reasons this trip stands out
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Travel privately in a pop-up-roof 4x4 reserved for your party.
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Stay at Gran Melia Arusha, Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge and Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti.
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Explore Tarangire baobab woodland, river habitat and landscapes strongly associated with elephants.
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Spend three consecutive nights in Central Serengeti for deeper wildlife exploration and fewer hotel changes.
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Choose full-day or split Serengeti game drives around river valleys, kopjes, woodland and open plains.
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Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a private game drive across grassland, marsh and woodland habitat.
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Finish in Lake Manyara groundwater forest, floodplain and lakeshore ecosystems beneath the Rift Valley wall.
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Photograph baobabs, Serengeti horizons, kopje silhouettes, crater panoramas and Rift Valley forest light.
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Receive private airport transfers, safari briefing, drinking water and day-to-day logistical support.
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Request a seasonal Serengeti variation, balloon safari, bush flight, special dining or Zanzibar extension.
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Customize the route for family pacing, photography priorities, celebrations or an extra Ngorongoro night.
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Responsible wildlife viewing follows safe distances, park rules and guide and park-authority instructions.
Included
- Private pop-up-roof 4x4 safari vehicle for the planned road-safari itinerary
- Professional English-speaking safari guide-driver from safari departure through the final road transfer
- Private arrival transfer on Day 1 and final transfer to Arusha, Arusha Airport or JRO on Day 7
- Six nights at the named luxury properties or confirmed comparable alternatives
- Breakfast on Day 2, lunch and dinner on Day 2, all meals on Days 3 to 6, and breakfast and lunch on Day 7
- National park entry fees and conservation charges required for the stated itinerary
- Ngorongoro conservation, crater and applicable vehicle charges in the confirmed quotation
- Game drives and inter-park road transfers described in the itinerary
- Bottled or filtered drinking water carried in the safari vehicle
- Government taxes and VAT included in the final confirmed quotation
- Pre-safari briefing and itinerary coordination by Splendor Safari
- Basic emergency logistical support and coordination during the safari
- Selected lodge beverages only where explicitly included in the final confirmed supplier rate
Excluded
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Tanzania visa and immigration-related fees
- Travel insurance, medical insurance and emergency evacuation cover
- Medical expenses, vaccinations, prescriptions and personal health consultations
- Tips and gratuities for the guide, lodge teams and other service staff
- Personal purchases, souvenirs, telephone charges and other private expenses
- Alcoholic beverages, premium wines, spirits and soft drinks unless specifically included
- Laundry unless explicitly included by the confirmed property or room category
- Optional activities and upgrades including balloon safari, cultural visits, spa treatments and private dining
- Domestic or bush flights unless specifically added to the confirmed quotation
- Additional accommodation before Day 1 or after Day 7 unless added
- Day 1 lunch and dinner and Day 7 dinner
- Bank-transfer fees, card-processing charges and currency-conversion costs
- Government taxes, park fees or conservation levies introduced or increased after confirmation 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.
