Package Overview What this trip is, in a nutshell
This six-day private northern-circuit safari is designed for honeymooners and couples who want wildlife, refined comfort and an unhurried pace. Begin gently at Gran Melia Arusha, explore Tarangire's baobab and elephant country, enjoy a romantic villa night near Lake Manyara, then spend two nights at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti before a final crater-rim stay and Ngorongoro Crater safari.
Each stage creates a different mood. Tarangire combines seasonal wetlands, river habitat and ancient baobabs. Central Serengeti brings wide savannahs, granite kopjes and river corridors associated with lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, elephant, giraffe and large plains-game populations. Ngorongoro adds cool forested highlands, panoramic crater views and a compact crater-floor ecosystem. Particular sightings are never guaranteed.
The premium accommodation sequence is part of the experience: Gran Melia Arusha, Manyara's Secret, two nights at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti and Ngorongoro Lodge Melia Collection. Couples have private time between drives, strong scenic settings, excellent dining and optional spa treatments, ballooning, special dinners, room upgrades or a Zanzibar extension.
A private pop-up-roof 4x4 and dedicated professional guide-driver allow early starts for soft light, longer observation at a compelling sighting, shorter afternoons for lodge time and daily adjustments around road, weather and wildlife conditions.
The displayed USD 5,005 rate is the supplied high/peak-season estimate per person for two travelers sharing. Planning estimates are USD 4,650 pp for three travelers, USD 4,330 pp for four, USD 4,180 pp for five and USD 4,100 pp for six. Low-season estimates begin at USD 3,722 pp for two. Solo travel is available by tailored quotation because the supplied USD 7,350 high-season estimate does not match the website's automatic solo formula.
The route works year-round and can be redesigned around current Great Migration patterns when herd proximity is a priority. Migration movements, calving events, river crossings, predator encounters and particular species are controlled by nature and cannot be guaranteed. Accommodation and special arrangements are reconfirmed for the exact dates.
Package Summary Everything at a glance
| Item | Package detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 Days / 5 Nights |
| Safari type | Private |
| Comfort level | Premium |
| Starting point | Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha |
| Ending point | Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport |
| Main destinations | Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro |
| Accommodation type | Lodge (Hotel, Lodge) |
| Meal plan | Lunch, Dinner where arrival time permits, Breakfast, 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 6 days — where you go and how far
| Day | Route | Overnight | Approx. distance | Approx. time | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha → Arusha city → Arusha | Arusha | About 55 km from JRO to central Arusha | About 1-1.5 hours, traffic dependent | Private Car |
| Day 2 | Arusha → Tarangire National Park → Lake Manyara / Mto wa Mbu area | Manyara | About 120 km to Tarangire, 50 km onward and the game-drive circuit | About 2-2.5 hours to the park and 50-75 minutes onward after game viewing | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 3 | Lake Manyara / Mto wa Mbu area → Ngorongoro highlands and Naabi Hill → Central Serengeti | Serengeti | About 230-250 km | About 5-6.5 hours plus stops and en-route game viewing | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 4 | Central Serengeti → Seronera River and kopje circuits → Central Serengeti | Serengeti | Variable, commonly 40-120 km depending on sightings | Flexible 5-8 hours of game viewing with breaks | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 5 | Central Serengeti → Naabi Hill and Ngorongoro highlands → Ngorongoro crater rim | Ngorongoro | About 170-190 km | About 4.5-5.5 hours plus wildlife and scenic stops | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 6 | Ngorongoro crater rim → Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport | No accommodation — departure day | Variable crater circuit plus about 200 km to Arusha or 250 km to JRO | About 4 hours crater viewing plus 3.5-5 hours onward travel | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Distances and driving times are indicative and vary with road and game-viewing conditions.
Day 1 Arrival in Arusha - A Gentle Beginning
Day 1 — Arrival in Arusha - A Gentle Beginning
| Starting location | Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Arusha city |
| Ending location | Arusha |
| Main destination | Arusha |
| Approx. departure | According to flight arrival, commonly 12:00-18:00 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Approximately 1-1.5 hours after airport departure |
| Approx. distance | About 55 km from JRO to central Arusha |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 1-1.5 hours, traffic dependent |
| Transport | Private Car |
Day description
Meet the Splendor Safari representative at Kilimanjaro International Airport or in Arusha and transfer privately to Gran Melia Arusha. Rest after the journey, enjoy the hotel facilities and meet the guide for a private safari briefing.
Morning
For a morning arrival, meet the representative after immigration and baggage collection, transfer privately to Arusha and prioritize check-in, a shower, light meal and rest.
Afternoon
Enjoy the hotel grounds, spa or pool at your own pace. Meet the guide to review vehicle comfort, park etiquette, road conditions, photography and the next morning's plan.
Evening
Enjoy dinner and an early night. A confirmed celebratory setup, private dinner or couple spa treatment can create a gentle honeymoon beginning.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Activities
- 🏞 Airport Pick Up — Kilimanjaro International Airport (Afternoon)
- 🏞 Transfer — JRO To Arusha (2 Hours)
- 🏞 Rest & Relax — Gran Melia Arusha (Afternoon)
Meals
Gran Melia Arusha
About this stay
Five-star luxury city hotel in Arusha with premium facilities and a calm transition after international travel. Alternatives are Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge and Legendary Lodge.
Keep essential medication, one change of clothes and valuables in cabin baggage. Avoid an exhausting activity immediately after a long-haul arrival. Celebratory room setup, spa treatment or private dining should be requested in advance.
Day 2 Tarangire - Baobabs, Elephants and a Romantic Rift Valley Evening
Day 2 — Tarangire - Baobabs, Elephants and a Romantic Rift Valley Evening
| Starting location | Arusha |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Tarangire National Park |
| Ending location | Lake Manyara / Mto wa Mbu area |
| Main destination | Tarangire |
| Approx. departure | 07:30-08:00 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Tarangire gate 10:00-10:30; lodge after the game drive |
| Approx. distance | About 120 km to Tarangire, 50 km onward and the game-drive circuit |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 2-2.5 hours to the park and 50-75 minutes onward after game viewing |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Travel from Arusha through Maasai country to Tarangire National Park for a private game drive among baobabs, river habitat and seasonal marshes. Continue to a private-villa lodge overlooking the Lake Manyara area.
Morning
Drive southwest through open Maasai country and farming landscapes. Enter Tarangire and begin viewing through woodland, riverine and open-savannah habitats according to recent conditions.
Afternoon
Pause for lunch, observe elephants at shade or water and continue through baobab landscapes near the Tarangire River. Leave later for the Lake Manyara escarpment and Mto wa Mbu area.
Evening
Settle into the private villa, enjoy the terrace and plunge-pool atmosphere and relax over dinner in the Rift Valley setting.
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 And The Rift Valley (Full Day)
- 🏞 Transfer — Tarangire To Lake Manyara Area (2 Hours)
Meals
Manyara's Secret
About this stay
Luxury boutique villas at Losirwa near Mto wa Mbu, overlooking the Lake Manyara area with private terraces and plunge pools. Alternatives are Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge and Gibb's Farm.
Dust can be significant in dry months. Keep camera bodies capped when changing lenses and use a light scarf or buff. A private sundowner, spa treatment or special dinner can be requested separately.
Day 3 Into the Serengeti - From Rift Valley Green to Endless Plains
Day 3 — Into the Serengeti - From Rift Valley Green to Endless Plains
| Starting location | Lake Manyara / Mto wa Mbu area |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Ngorongoro highlands and Naabi Hill |
| Ending location | Central Serengeti |
| Main destination | Serengeti |
| Approx. departure | 07:00-07:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | 15:00-17:00 depending on wildlife stops and gate formalities |
| Approx. distance | About 230-250 km |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 5-6.5 hours plus stops and en-route game viewing |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Climb through the Ngorongoro highlands and cross the conservation area toward Naabi Hill. After entering Serengeti National Park, use the journey as a game drive across the plains toward Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti.
Morning
Climb from warmer Rift Valley country into the cool Ngorongoro highlands, making practical scenic stops while protecting enough daylight for a meaningful first Serengeti drive.
Afternoon
Cross the conservation area toward Naabi Hill with a picnic lunch en route. After park formalities, search plains, kopjes and river corridors as the transfer becomes a game drive.
Evening
Check in at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, enjoy dinner and settle into the premium savannah setting. A waterhole-view room can be requested separately.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Full-day Game Drive — Manyara To Central Serengeti (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Ngorongoro Highlands And Serengeti (Full Day)
Meals
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
About this stay
Premium safari lodge inside Central Serengeti National Park with spa, waterhole setting and strong access to resident wildlife areas. Alternatives are One Nature Nyaruswiga Serengeti and Melia Serengeti Lodge Melia Collection.
This is the longest road-transfer day. The private vehicle allows comfort, photography and wildlife stops. A scheduled light-aircraft alternative can be quoted, subject to timetable and baggage rules.
Day 4 Central Serengeti - Wildlife, Light and Time Together
Day 4 — Central Serengeti - Wildlife, Light and Time Together
| Starting location | Central Serengeti |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Seronera River and kopje circuits |
| Ending location | Central Serengeti |
| Main destination | Serengeti |
| Approx. departure | 06:00-06:30 for sunrise, or later by preference |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Flexible return, often 16:30-18:30 |
| Approx. distance | Variable, commonly 40-120 km depending on sightings |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Flexible 5-8 hours of game viewing with breaks |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Spend a flexible private day around Seronera river systems, open plains and granite kopjes. Choose a full-day picnic circuit or split the day between sunrise and afternoon drives with time at the lodge.
Morning
Start early for cooler temperatures and soft light. Follow recent wildlife information around Seronera river systems, open plains and kopjes, spending time observing behavior.
Afternoon
Choose a picnic lunch in the field or return to the lodge for lunch, pool, spa or terrace time before a golden-hour drive when the light softens.
Evening
Return for dinner and a relaxed evening. Confirmed private dining, spa or celebratory arrangements can be enjoyed 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)
- 🏞 Hot Air Balloon — Central Serengeti (Morning)
- 🏞 Rest & Relax — Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti (Afternoon)
Meals
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
About this stay
Second premium full-board night at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. The repeated stay protects a complete wildlife day without packing and moving.
A focused area often produces better observation and photography than constant long-distance driving. A balloon safari, romantic dinner, couple spa appointment or room enhancement can be requested in advance.
Day 5 Serengeti to Ngorongoro - From Open Plains to Crater-Rim Romance
Day 5 — Serengeti to Ngorongoro - From Open Plains to Crater-Rim Romance
| Starting location | Central Serengeti |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Naabi Hill and Ngorongoro highlands |
| Ending location | Ngorongoro crater rim |
| Main destination | Ngorongoro |
| Approx. departure | 07:00-08:00 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | 15:30-17:30 |
| Approx. distance | About 170-190 km |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 4.5-5.5 hours plus wildlife and scenic stops |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Enjoy a final Central Serengeti wildlife drive, cross changing grasslands and climb into the cooler Ngorongoro highlands. Arrive at Ngorongoro Lodge Melia Collection for panoramic crater views and a relaxed final safari evening.
Morning
Use a final Central Serengeti drive to revisit a productive area or focus on a species or photographic scene that became a priority during the previous day.
Afternoon
Travel east through grassland, stop for lunch and climb into the cooler Ngorongoro highlands. Arrive with time to enjoy caldera views before dinner.
Evening
Relax in the romantic crater-rim setting. A confirmed crater-view room, private cocktail, special dinner or quiet celebration can be enjoyed before an early night.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Game Drive — Central Serengeti Exit (Morning)
- 🏞 Photographing — Serengeti And Ngorongoro Highlands (Full Day)
- 🏞 Transfer — Central Serengeti To Ngorongoro (Full Day)
Meals
Ngorongoro Lodge Melia Collection
About this stay
Premium luxury lodge in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a dramatic crater-rim setting and access for the early crater descent. Alternatives are AndBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge and Lemala Ngorongoro.
Ngorongoro can be much colder than Serengeti, especially at night and early morning. Keep a warm layer, closed shoes and rain protection accessible. A crater-view room or special dinner must be requested in advance.
Day 6 Ngorongoro Crater - A Final Wildlife Chapter Before Arusha
Day 6 — Ngorongoro Crater - A Final Wildlife Chapter Before Arusha
| Starting location | Ngorongoro crater rim |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Ngorongoro Crater |
| Ending location | Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport |
| Main destination | Ngorongoro |
| Approx. departure | 06:00-06:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Arusha 16:30-18:00; JRO later according to flight schedule |
| Approx. distance | Variable crater circuit plus about 200 km to Arusha or 250 km to JRO |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 4 hours crater viewing plus 3.5-5 hours onward travel |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Descend early into Ngorongoro Crater for a private game drive across grassland, marsh, woodland and lake-edge habitats. After a picnic lunch, ascend the rim and transfer to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Morning
Descend early and explore crater grassland, marsh, woodland and lake-edge habitat while the guide balances current wildlife information, traffic and road conditions.
Afternoon
Stop for a picnic lunch, complete the crater drive and ascend the rim. Continue toward Arusha or JRO with timing coordinated around the confirmed onward plan.
Evening
The safari ends at the agreed drop-off. A day room, final dinner, post-tour luxury hotel or Zanzibar extension can be added separately.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Crater Tour — Ngorongoro Crater (Full Day)
- 🏞 Game Drive — Ngorongoro Crater (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Ngorongoro Crater (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 post-tour night.
Avoid an international flight too soon after the crater drive because road delays can occur. Splendor Safari should review the flight time before confirmation; an extra Arusha night is recommended for early departures.
Safari Highlights 12 reasons this trip stands out
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Travel privately in a pop-up-roof 4x4 with window-seat-focused planning for a small party.
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A dedicated professional Tanzania guide-driver adapts timing around wildlife, light and your preferred pace.
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Explore Tarangire baobab country, river habitat and landscapes strongly associated with elephants.
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Stay in a private-villa setting near Lake Manyara with a terrace and plunge-pool atmosphere.
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Spend two nights at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti for a complete flexible Central Serengeti day.
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Search Seronera plains, kopjes and river corridors for big cats, plains game and birdlife.
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End with a romantic crater-rim lodge night followed by an early Ngorongoro Crater descent.
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Photograph baobabs, golden-hour savannah, Serengeti kopjes, crater vistas and changing highland light.
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Request romantic enhancements such as spa time, a private meal, celebratory room setup or suite upgrade.
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Customize the route with a balloon safari, domestic flight, extra night or Zanzibar beach extension.
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Seasonal Serengeti routing can follow current wildlife patterns without promising a Migration event.
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Responsible wildlife viewing prioritizes patience, safe distances, park rules and animal welfare.
Included
- Private pop-up-roof 4x4 safari vehicle for the complete road safari
- Professional English-speaking Tanzania guide-driver
- Private airport transfer on arrival and final transfer to Arusha or JRO according to the confirmed itinerary
- Five nights in the named accommodation or confirmed comparable alternatives
- Day 1 lunch and dinner where arrival time permits
- Full-board meals on Days 2 through 5
- Breakfast and lunch on Day 6
- National park and conservation-area entry fees included in the final quotation for the stated itinerary
- Ngorongoro Crater service and vehicle fee included in the confirmed quotation
- Game drives and road transfers described in the itinerary
- Drinking water in the safari vehicle during game drives and transfers
- Government taxes and statutory charges specifically included in the issued quotation
- Pre-safari briefing and itinerary review
- Emergency logistical support from Splendor Safari during the safari
- Reasonable assistance with dietary notes
- room preferences and special-occasion requests before travel
Excluded
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Tanzania visa and entry-permit costs
- Travel insurance
- medical insurance and evacuation cover
- Medical consultation
- medication
- vaccinations and health-related expenses
- Tips and gratuities for guide
- lodge staff and activity providers
- Personal purchases
- souvenirs and telephone charges
- Alcoholic beverages
- premium wines
- spirits and minibar items unless explicitly included
- Laundry unless included by the selected room or lodge package
- Optional activities and romantic enhancements not listed in the final quotation
- Serengeti balloon safari unless specifically added
- Domestic flights unless specifically included
- Passport costs and expenses caused by airline delay
- missed connections or baggage problems
- Bank-transfer fees
- foreign-exchange costs and card-processing charges where applicable
- Accommodation before Day 1 or after Day 6 unless specifically added
- Dinner on Day 6 unless a post-safari night is added
- 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.
