- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
Traverse the wild heart of Tanzania, from Tarangire’s ancient baobabs to the Serengeti’s endless horizon. Your path leads deep into the Ngorongoro Crater and through the history of Olduvai Gorge, connecting you with conservation experts who reveal the living story of the landscape, its wildlife, and its people.
Travel Style: National Geographic Signature
Trip Type: Small Group
Service Level: Luxury
Age Requirement: 12+ (Under age 18 must be with an adult)
Physical Grading: 2 - Light
Day 1 Arusha
Welcome to Tanzania. Your expedition begins at the airport where you will be met and transferred to your
hotel, a peaceful retreat situated in the verdant foothills of Mount Meru. Take time to settle into the
rhythm of East Africa. If you arrive early, you may wish to explore the area — perhaps visit a local coffee
estate to trace the bean from berry to cup, wander through colourful markets brimming with crafts and
produce, or simply relax by admiring the views of Mount Meru in the distance as the sun dips behind the
peaks.
Arrival Transfer
Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha 45m-1h 30km
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Arrival Day
Arusha
The adventure begins tomorrow. Feel free to explore on your own before your welcome meeting on the
morning of day two. Check for the meeting time in the welcome note at the hotel.
Accommodation
Arusha Serena Hotel, Resort & Spa (or similar)
Hotel
Day 2 Arusha/Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, meet your fellow travellers and National Geographic Expedition Leader. The adventure
opens with an inspiring talk by a conservationist from African People & Wildlife, co-founded by National
Geographic Explorer Dr. Laly Lichtenfeld. Then, travel to Tarangire National Park, a landscape defined by
sweeping savannahs, the bulbous silhouettes of towering baobabs, and the rumble of Tanzania’s largest
elephant herds. Watch for giraffes, lions, and a whole host of birdlife as you make your way to the lodge.
Upon arrival, check in to your inviting haven and enjoy lunch. Later, head out on an afternoon safari
drive, watching the bush come alive in the amber light of dusk, before returning to the lodge to refresh
and enjoy a warm welcome dinner served against the backdrop of the wild.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour.
Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up
with the group on the morning of day two.
National Geographic Expert Talk by Dr. Laly Lichtenfeld
Arusha 1h
Enjoy a National Geographic Expert-led talk given by Dr. Laly Lichtenfeld where she will discuss African
People & Wildlife (APW), co-founded in 2005 by herself and Charles Trout. Their mission? A world where
Africa's people and wildlife not just coexist, but thrive together in healthy landscapes. Learn about
innovative efforts on the ground and how community engagement plays a role in successful, lasting
outcomes.
Private Vehicle
Arusha – Tarangire National Park 2h30m 140km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. You will be able to search for
wildlife after passing into Tarangire National Park along the way to your lodge stay.
Afternoon Safari Drive in Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park 2h
Enjoy the wildlife viewing opportunities inside Tarangire National Park. Admire the ancient baobab trees
and the presence of far fewer crowds, in this lesser-known, but mighty national park.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Accommodation
Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge (or similar)
Lodge
Day 3 Tarangire National Park/Ngorongoro
Ascend towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area this morning, climbing from the dry plains into the
cool, mist-shrouded forests of the highlands. The drive offers chances to spot wildlife as you transition
from Tarangire’s savannas into the lush hills. Upon arrival, check in and have lunch at the lodge. In the
afternoon, engage with the KopeLion Project, meeting conservationists dedicated to protecting lions in
this shared landscape. Learn how the Maasai coexist with predators during a visit to a nearby boma,
hearing stories of resilience and respect. Return to the lodge to refresh, then gather for sunset drinks and
dinner overlooking the crater rim as the vast caldera falls into shadow.
Private Vehicle
Tarangire National Park – Ngorongoro 3h-4h30m 160km
Enjoy the scenery on the drive from Tarangire to Ngorongoro. The entire Ngorongoro Conservation Area is
recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its natural and cultural significance. Once through
the gate, the group will drive 45 minutes to the lodge with a stop at the crater view point on the rim of
the world's largest intact volcanic caldera in northern Tanzania.
Free Time
Ngorongoro
Enjoy free time to relax and take advantage of the property amenities. There will be sunset drinks and
another expert discussion before dinner at the lodge.
Signature Moment: KopeLion Presentation & Field Work Visit
Meet with representatives from KopeLion, which was founded with the aim of finding a working model for
coexistence together with the pastoralist communities, and alongside the conservation authorities in the
Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The group will be taken into the field to meet staff and see firsthand how
the organization helps people live alongside lions on a daily basis. Many of the activities that are part of
the visit will be demonstrated in a Maasai boma setting, adding a real-life glimpse into the harmony
between humans and wildlife.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Accommodation
Ngorongoro Lodge Meliá Collection (or similar)
Lodge
Experience an extraordinary safari at Ngorongoro Lodge Meliá Collection, a proud member of The Leading
Hotels of the World. Set in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the lodge is designed with deep
environmental respect. Rooms feature Maasai-inspired décor, organic amenities, and sweeping views of
the 600-metre-deep Crater. Guests enjoy an exclusive spa, heated infinity pool, local cuisine,
personalised butler service, crater rim walks, and visits to a nearby Maasai Boma.
Day 4 Ngorongoro
Descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, you enter a lost world — one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife
havens. On a morning safari across the crater floor, the density of wildlife is staggering; watch for
elephants, lions, spotted hyenas, and grazing herds roaming against the dramatic backdrop of sweeping
volcanic walls. Pause for a scenic bush brunch set amidst the acacia, surrounded by the sounds of the
wild and the cool morning breeze. Returning back to the lodge, spend the afternoon at leisure, soaking in
breathtaking views of the crater from the rim. As the light softens, gather for sundowners and an
engaging talk on conservation through tourism, before ending the day with dinner at the lodge.
Ngorongoro Crater Morning Safari Drive & Bush Brunch
Ngorongoro Crater 4h-5h30m
Set an alarm and rise early and descend to the Ngorongoro crater floor for a morning wildlife safari drive
and a bush brunch. Here you’ll see Maasai herdsmen in the morning mist and all the best spots to view
wildlife. Spot zebra, gazelles, buffaloes, and warthogs. The swamp and forest are home to hippos, rhinos,
elephants, baboons, and monkeys. Keep your eyes peeled and camera ready to capture a pride of lions or
a lone leopard walking along the crater floor. Enjoy brunch in the bush amid the sounds of the wild.
Free Time
Ngorongoro Afternoon
Enjoy an afternoon to relax, enjoy the amenities of the lodge, opt for a guided walk on the rim of the
crater, and later watch the sun set over the crater from the lodge.
National Geographic Expert Talk - Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro 45m
During a discussion this afternoon, learn more about conservation through tourism from one of your
National Geographic Experts on tour.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Accommodation
Ngorongoro Lodge Meliá Collection (or similar)
Lodge
Day 5 Ngorongoro/Serengeti National Park
Travel across the highlands to Olduvai Gorge, the dusty ravine where a National Geographic– supported
expedition led by Louis and Mary Leakey uncovered Homo habilis. Explore the museum and drive into the
gorge to learn about this groundbreaking discovery that rewrote history. Continue into the vast plains of
Serengeti National Park, stopping for a picnic lunch under the open sky. This afternoon, enjoy your first
safari drive through the Serengeti’s iconic landscapes — a sea of gold grass alive with wildebeest, zebras,
impala, and the big cats stalking the herds. Arrive at the lodge to check in and enjoy dinner beneath the
stars, accompanied by the distant calls of the wild.
Private Vehicle
Ngorongoro – Olduvai Gorge 1h30m 44km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Olduvai Gorge Private Tour
Olduvai Gorge 2h
The Olduvai Gorge is a steep ravine in the Great Rift Valley of Tanzania. It is one of the world’s most
important paleoanthropological sites. Beginning in 1931, excavations by Louis Leakey revealed evidence
of early man dating back nearly 2 million years. Enjoy a private visit to the Olduvai museum and see
bone fossils along with fragments of ancient stone tools, and depart with an intriguing glimpse into the
origin and evolution of man in the Serengeti Plains of Africa. The group will also see the Mary Leakey
Living Museum.
Private Vehicle
Olduvai Gorge – Serengeti National Park 4h30m 223km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Olduvai Gorge and your
lodge in Serengeti National Park.
Please note there will be an hour-long picnic lunch stop at the Naabi Hill Gate. The remainder of the drive
will be a safari through the park to the lodge in the Central Serengeti.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Accommodation
Meliá Serengeti Lodge (or similar)
Lodge
Day 6 Serengeti National Park
Rise to the sounds of the savannah — the dawn chorus of birds and the low grunts of hippos — and set
out early for a morning safari drive across the Serengeti’s golden plains. Watch the drama of the bush
unfold: elephants stripping bark from trees, lions seeking shade, and herds of antelope bounding through
the tall grass. Return to the lodge for breakfast and a relaxed morning before gathering for a talk to
deepen your understanding of the Serengeti’s intricate ecosystem. After lunch, enjoy time at leisure
before venturing out again for an afternoon safari drive to track predators on the move. As dusk settles,
return to the lodge for dinner and share the day’s stories around the fire.
Central Serengeti Morning Safari Drive
Serengeti National Park 3h
Begin the day with a morning safari drive in the Central Serengeti for a classic African wildlife experience.
The park is known for its consistent and exceptional wildlife viewing year-round.
Free Time
Serengeti National Park
Listen to an expert talk before lunch and then enjoy a few hours of free time around the middle, hottest
part of the day. Sample the lodge's amenities or lounge with a good book. The group will reconvene for
high tea together before the afternoon safari drive.
Central Serengeti Afternoon Safari Drive
Serengeti National Park 3h
Enjoy an afternoon safari drive in the heart of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. With luck, you may
encounter the impressive herds of the famed wildebeest migration.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Accommodation
Meliá Serengeti Lodge (or similar)
Lodge
Day 7 Serengeti National Park
Wake early and set out on a safari drive across the park’s sweeping savannahs, seeking out the elusive
sightings: lions, elephants, cheetah, and other wildlife moving against the endless horizon. Return to the
lodge for breakfast, then enjoy free time to relax or explore the lodge’s surroundings, perhaps watching
wildlife from your private deck. This afternoon, gather for high tea — a refined pause in the wilderness —
then venture out on one last wildlife drive in the national park as the sun paints the sky in hues of violet
and orange. Return to the lodge for a farewell dinner, celebrating the sights, sounds, and memories of
your Serengeti adventure.
Central Serengeti Morning Safari Drive
Serengeti National Park 3h
Begin the day with a morning safari drive in the Central Serengeti for a classic African wildlife experience.
The park is known for its consistent and exceptional wildlife viewing year-round.
Free Time
Serengeti National Park
Enjoy free time at the lodge to try out the various amenities available to guests. During the hottest part
of the day, it's best to relax and recharge before more time in the bush. The group will reconvene for high
tea before the afternoon safari drive.
Central Serengeti Afternoon Safari Drive
Serengeti National Park 3h
Enjoy an afternoon safari drive in the heart of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. With luck, you may
encounter the impressive herds of the famed wildebeest migration.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Accommodation
Meliá Serengeti Lodge (or similar)
Lodge
Day 8 Serengeti National Park/Arusha
Take to the skies for a flight back to Arusha, watching the sprawling ecosystem shrink to a patchwork of
green and gold below. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and some time to refresh at the lodge — a final moment
of calm — before your onward transfer to the airport. Reflect on your expedition through Tanzania’s iconic
landscapes — from the ancient trunks of Tarangire’s baobabs and the sheer walls of Ngorongoro’s crater
to the boundless space of the vast Serengeti plains — as you prepare to say farewell to East Africa.
Private Vehicle
Serengeti National Park – Seronera Airport 1h30m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Plane
Seronera Airport – Arusha Airport 27m
Sit back and enjoy the views from above on a short flight between Serengeti National Park and Arusha.
Private Vehicle
Arusha Airport – Arusha 1h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between the airport and the hotel
in Arusha.
Here, have lunch, refresh, and wait for your departing flight.
Departure Transfer
Arusha – Kilimanjaro International Airport 45m 30km
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch
What's Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Arusha
- Signature Moment: KopeLion Presentation & Field Work Visit, Ngorongoro
- Arrival transfer
- Safari drives in Tarangire National Park
- Safari drive in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Morning safari drive to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater with brunch in the bush
- Visit to the Olduvai Gorge and its museum
- Safari drives in the Central Serengeti
- Free time to enjoy lodge amenities
- Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expert Throughout
- Internal flight from the Serengeti to Arusha
- Departure transfer
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
International flights & optional activities
