Package Overview What this trip is, in a nutshell
This carefully paced six-day private safari links four major northern Tanzania ecosystems without reducing the journey to a rushed checklist. Begin softly at an Arusha garden lodge, explore Tarangire's baobabs and elephant habitat, spend two nights in Central Serengeti, descend into Ngorongoro Crater and finish among the groundwater forest, floodplain and lakeshore habitats of Lake Manyara.
The route creates a strong progression from Tarangire riverine woodland to cultivated Rift Valley highlands, broad Serengeti plains and kopjes, the cool Ngorongoro highlands and the compact crater-floor ecosystem. Wildlife possibilities include elephant, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, hippo, lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena and black rhino, but all sightings remain natural and cannot be guaranteed.
Accommodation follows a premium mid-range pattern: Arusha Planet Lodge, two practical Karatu nights at Eileen's Trees Inn and two nights at Embalakai Serengeti Camp in the Banagi area of Central Serengeti. Your private pop-up-roof 4x4, professional guide-driver and dedicated daily pace support longer observation, flexible meal and rest stops and photography-led game viewing.
The displayed USD 2,335 rate is the supplied high-season estimate per person for two travelers sharing. Planning estimates are USD 2,175 pp for three travelers, USD 2,090 pp for four, USD 2,035 pp for five and USD 1,995 pp for six. The source also provides a USD 2,195 low-season and USD 2,550 peak-season two-traveler estimate. Solo travel is available by tailored quotation because the supplied USD 3,625 high-season estimate does not match the website's automatic solo formula.
Central Serengeti is an efficient year-round base for resident wildlife. When Great Migration herd proximity is the main goal, the Serengeti nights can be moved seasonally to Ndutu, the Western Corridor or Northern Serengeti, sometimes with an extra night or domestic flight. Migration movements, river crossings, predator encounters and particular species are controlled by nature and cannot be guaranteed.
Package Summary Everything at a glance
| Item | Package detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 Days / 5 Nights |
| Safari type | Private |
| Comfort level | Semi-Luxury |
| Starting point | JRO, Arusha Airport or Arusha |
| Ending point | Arusha, Arusha Airport or JRO |
| Main destinations | Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara |
| Accommodation type | Lodge (Lodge, Tented Camp) |
| Meal plan | Dinner when arrival time permits, Breakfast, Picnic lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch or picnic lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Picnic 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, Arusha Airport or Arusha → Moshono → Arusha | Arusha | About 15 km from Arusha Airport or 50-55 km from JRO | About 30 minutes from Arusha Airport or 60-75 minutes from JRO | Private Car |
| Day 2 | Arusha Planet Lodge → Tarangire National Park → Karatu | Karatu | About 200-215 km total road movement plus game-drive tracks | About 4-4.5 hours road time, excluding game viewing and stops | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 3 | Karatu → Ngorongoro highlands and Naabi Hill → Central Serengeti | Serengeti | About 185-205 km | About 4-5 hours, excluding scenic and wildlife stops | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 4 | Central Serengeti → Seronera River and kopje circuits → Central Serengeti | Serengeti | Typically 60-120 km of game-drive tracks | Flexible full-day game drive with rest and meal stops | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 5 | Central Serengeti → Ngorongoro Crater → Karatu | Karatu | About 190-220 km total road movement plus crater tracks | About 5-6 hours road movement plus the crater game drive | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
| Day 6 | Karatu → Lake Manyara National Park → Arusha, Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport | No accommodation — departure day | About 155-215 km depending on final drop-off | About 3-4 hours road time, excluding the Lake Manyara 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 Arusha - A Soft Landing Before Safari
Day 1 — Welcome to Arusha - A Soft Landing Before Safari
| Starting location | Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha Airport or Arusha |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Moshono |
| Ending location | Arusha |
| Main destination | Arusha |
| Approx. departure | On flight arrival or at the agreed pickup time |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | About 30-75 minutes after collection |
| Approx. distance | About 15 km from Arusha Airport or 50-55 km from JRO |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 30 minutes from Arusha Airport or 60-75 minutes from JRO |
| Transport | Private Car |
Day description
Meet the Splendor Safari representative at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha Airport or an agreed Arusha pickup point and transfer privately to Arusha Planet Lodge. Settle in and complete the safari briefing before the overland journey begins.
Morning
For a morning flight, transfer to the lodge, settle in and rest. A short city, coffee or craft visit is possible only if arrival timing and energy are suitable.
Afternoon
Complete the private airport transfer, check in and organize camera equipment and luggage. Review the route, vehicle etiquette, park rules and expected road conditions with the safari team.
Evening
Enjoy a welcome dinner when arrival time permits. Late arrivals follow a simplified arrangement within the lodge service hours.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Activities
- 🏞 Airport Pick Up — JRO Or Arusha Airport (Afternoon)
- 🏞 Transfer — Airport To Arusha (2 Hours)
- 🏞 Rest & Relax — Arusha Planet Lodge (Afternoon)
Meals
Arusha Planet Lodge
About this stay
Comfortable garden lodge in Moshono on the quieter outskirts of Arusha, selected as a convenient soft-landing base. Alternatives are Ilboru Safari Lodge and Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha.
Keep essential medication, one change of clothes, travel documents and valuables in hand luggage in case checked baggage is delayed. A short Arusha city, coffee or craft visit can be arranged only when arrival time and energy allow.
Day 2 Baobab Country - Tarangire Elephants and Rift Valley Highlands
Day 2 — Baobab Country - Tarangire Elephants and Rift Valley Highlands
| Starting location | Arusha Planet Lodge |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Tarangire National Park |
| Ending location | Karatu |
| Main destination | Tarangire |
| Approx. departure | 07:30 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | 17:30-18:30 |
| Approx. distance | About 200-215 km total road movement plus game-drive tracks |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 4-4.5 hours road time, excluding game viewing and stops |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Drive southwest from Arusha to Tarangire National Park for a substantial private game drive through baobab woodland, river habitat and seasonal swamps. Continue through the Rift Valley corridor to Karatu.
Morning
Enter Tarangire and explore acacia woodland, baobab country and riverine habitat, following tracks selected around recent wildlife movement, road conditions and party interests.
Afternoon
Take a picnic lunch and continue around water, shade and woodland habitats. Exit later for the Mto wa Mbu and Rift Valley corridor and the climb into Karatu.
Evening
Check in, shower, dine and review the longer Ngorongoro highlands to Serengeti route planned for the next day.
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 Rift Valley (Full Day)
- 🏞 Transfer — Tarangire To Karatu (2 Hours)
Meals
Eileen's Trees Inn
About this stay
Comfortable country lodge in Karatu between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro highlands, chosen to avoid backtracking. Alternatives are Country Lodge Karatu and Marera Valley Lodge.
Dust can be significant in the dry season, so keep a light scarf, lens cloth and sealed camera bag accessible. A Mto wa Mbu or Karatu cultural visit requires an earlier start or shorter park circuit.
Day 3 Across the Crater Highlands to the Endless Serengeti Plains
Day 3 — Across the Crater Highlands to the Endless Serengeti Plains
| Starting location | Karatu |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Ngorongoro highlands and Naabi Hill |
| Ending location | Central Serengeti |
| Main destination | Serengeti |
| Approx. departure | 07:00 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | 13:00-14:30 in Central Serengeti, followed by game viewing |
| Approx. distance | About 185-205 km |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 4-5 hours, excluding scenic and wildlife stops |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Cross the Ngorongoro highlands and conservation area toward Naabi Hill, treating the journey as a scenic progression rather than dead mileage. Enter Serengeti and explore Central Serengeti before continuing to camp.
Morning
Ascend toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, pause at safe viewpoints and continue west through the highlands toward the Serengeti entrance.
Afternoon
Take a picnic lunch en route or after park entry. Explore Central Serengeti river lines, kopjes and open plains according to wildlife and road conditions.
Evening
Arrive at the tented camp before or around dusk when possible, dine and listen to the Serengeti night sounds from the safety of camp.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Full-day Game Drive — Karatu To Central Serengeti (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Ngorongoro Highlands And Serengeti (Full Day)
Meals
Embalakai Serengeti Camp
About this stay
Upper-mid-range en-suite tented camp in the Banagi area of Central Serengeti, north of the Seronera wildlife zone. Alternatives are Tanzania Bush Camps - Central Serengeti and Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge.
This is a longer transfer day. Keep a soft-sided day bag, water and an easy-access camera setup available. A light-aircraft variation requires redesigning Days 2 and 3 and is quoted separately.
Day 4 A Full Day in Central Serengeti - Follow Wildlife, Not a Clock
Day 4 — A Full Day in Central Serengeti - Follow Wildlife, Not a Clock
| 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, or later by private preference |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | Return around 18:00-18:30 |
| Approx. distance | Typically 60-120 km of game-drive tracks |
| Approx. road-driving duration | Flexible full-day game drive with rest and meal stops |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
With no inter-park transfer, spend a flexible private day around Seronera river systems, kopjes, acacia-dotted plains and broad savannah. Shape the day around current wildlife, photographic light and your preferred pace.
Morning
Start early for cooler temperatures and directional morning light, following wildlife information through river valleys, kopjes and open plains.
Afternoon
Remain in the field with a picnic or return to camp for a longer break, then continue in a different sector as light and animal activity change.
Evening
Return before night-driving restrictions, enjoy dinner and review the next route toward Ngorongoro.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Full-day Game Drive — Central Serengeti (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Central Serengeti (Full Day)
- 🏞 Hot Air Balloon — Central Serengeti (Morning)
Meals
Embalakai Serengeti Camp
About this stay
Second full-board night at the Banagi en-suite tented camp. The repeated stay protects a complete Central Serengeti day from transfer time.
A full field day can be tiring. Ask the guide to balance game viewing with shade, hydration, comfort stops and a camp lunch when useful. A shared balloon safari is optional and requires reconfirmation.
Day 5 Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater - A Day of Dramatic Contrasts
Day 5 — Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater - A Day of Dramatic Contrasts
| Starting location | Central Serengeti |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Ngorongoro Crater |
| Ending location | Karatu |
| Main destination | Ngorongoro |
| Approx. departure | 05:45-06:15 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | 17:00-18:00 |
| Approx. distance | About 190-220 km total road movement plus crater tracks |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 5-6 hours road movement plus the crater game drive |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Leave Central Serengeti early, cross the conservation area and descend into Ngorongoro Crater. Explore grassland, marsh, woodland and lake-edge habitat before ascending the rim and returning to Karatu.
Morning
Drive east through Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, complete formalities and descend into the crater for a private game drive.
Afternoon
Take a picnic lunch at an approved crater site, continue according to traffic, access and wildlife distribution, then ascend and travel to Karatu.
Evening
Relax over dinner at the country lodge and review the Lake Manyara plan and departure arrangements.
Landscapes & attractions
Wildlife possibilities
Photography opportunities
Read about where you are
Activities
- 🏞 Game Drive — Central Serengeti Exit (Morning)
- 🏞 Crater Tour — Ngorongoro Crater (Full Day)
- 🏞 Photographing — Ngorongoro Crater (Full Day)
- 🏞 Transfer — Ngorongoro To Karatu (Afternoon)
Meals
Eileen's Trees Inn
About this stay
Second mid-luxury night at the Karatu country lodge, positioned conveniently after the crater and for Lake Manyara the following morning.
The crater is cooler than the plains, especially early morning. Keep a fleece or insulated layer in the vehicle. Black rhino occurs in the ecosystem but is difficult to see and cannot be promised.
Day 6 Lake Manyara Finale - Forest, Escarpment and Return to Arusha
Day 6 — Lake Manyara Finale - Forest, Escarpment and Return to Arusha
| Starting location | Karatu |
|---|---|
| Pass-by location | Lake Manyara National Park |
| Ending location | Arusha, Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport |
| Main destination | Manyara |
| Approx. departure | 07:00 |
| Approx. arrival at lodge | 15:30-17:00 in Arusha; later at JRO when required |
| Approx. distance | About 155-215 km depending on final drop-off |
| Approx. road-driving duration | About 3-4 hours road time, excluding the Lake Manyara game drive |
| Transport | 4x4 Land Cruiser Pop-up |
Day description
Descend from Karatu and explore Lake Manyara groundwater forest, woodland, floodplain and lakeshore sectors. After a picnic lunch, transfer to Arusha, Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Morning
Drive to Lake Manyara and explore groundwater forest, woodland, floodplain and lakeshore sectors that are accessible under current park conditions.
Afternoon
Take a picnic lunch in or near the park, then return toward Arusha for the confirmed city, hotel or airport drop-off.
Evening
No accommodation is scheduled. A day room, extra Arusha night or onward 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. Arusha Planet Lodge or Ilboru Safari Lodge can be added for an extra night.
Do not schedule an international departure too tightly after a park day. Splendor Safari should review the exact flight time. An extra Arusha night, Zanzibar connection or Kilimanjaro foothills experience can be added.
Safari Highlights 12 reasons this trip stands out
-
Use a private pop-up-roof 4x4 reserved exclusively for your party.
-
Travel with a professional English-speaking Tanzania guide-driver throughout the road safari.
-
Explore Tarangire baobab woodland, river habitat and landscapes strongly associated with elephants.
-
Spend two nights in Central Serengeti instead of treating the park as a brief transit.
-
Follow flexible Central Serengeti circuits around river systems, kopjes and open plains.
-
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a private game drive across grassland, marsh and woodland habitat.
-
Finish in Lake Manyara groundwater forest, floodplain and lakeshore ecosystems beneath the Rift Valley wall.
-
Stay in comfortable lodges and an en-suite Central Serengeti tented camp positioned along the route.
-
Photograph baobabs, Serengeti big skies, golden-hour wildlife, crater panoramas and forest light.
-
Receive private airport transfers, safari briefing, drinking water and day-to-day logistical support.
-
Request a seasonal route variation, balloon safari, flight sector, extra night or Zanzibar extension.
-
Responsible viewing follows safe distances, park rules and guide and park-authority instructions.
Included
- Private pop-up-roof 4x4 safari vehicle for the complete road-safari program
- Professional English-speaking Tanzania guide-driver throughout the road safari
- Arrival transfer from JRO
- Arusha Airport or an agreed Arusha pickup point
- Departure transfer coordinated with the Day 6 itinerary
- Five nights at the named properties or confirmed comparable alternatives
- Welcome dinner on Day 1 when arrival time permits
- Breakfasts
- picnic or lodge lunches and dinners as stated in the itinerary
- National park entry and conservation fees required for the stated itinerary
- Applicable Ngorongoro Crater vehicle and descent-related fee in the final quotation
- Scheduled game drives and inter-park transfers described in the itinerary
- Drinking water carried in the safari vehicle
- Government taxes included in the confirmed quotation
- Pre-safari briefing and route orientation
- Emergency logistical support and coordination by Splendor Safari
- Standard binocular sharing where available in the safari vehicle
Excluded
- International and regional flights unless explicitly included in the quotation
- Tanzania visa and other immigration charges
- Travel insurance
- evacuation insurance and trip-cancellation cover
- Medical expenses
- vaccinations
- tests and medications
- Guide
- lodge and porter gratuities
- Personal purchases
- souvenirs and personal communications
- Alcoholic beverages
- premium drinks and specialty beverages unless included by the property
- Laundry unless specifically included by the confirmed accommodation
- Optional cultural
- walking
- balloon
- night-drive and private dining activities
- Serengeti hot-air balloon safari unless added to the quotation
- Domestic light-aircraft flights unless added
- Extra hotel nights
- day rooms and meals before or after the stated itinerary
- Dinner on Day 6
- Bank-transfer fees
- card-processing charges and intermediary banking costs where applicable
- Government fees
- taxes or levies introduced after quotation validity 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.
