Tanzania: The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Local Flavours

  • thumbnail image_tanzaniatheserengetingorongorocraterlocalflavours
  • thumbnail map_tanzaniatheserengetingorongorocraterlocalflavours

Duration: 7 days

Begins: Arusha

Ends: Arusha

Trip Code: DTAG

From

£3,999 per person

Get a quote

or Call 01273 099433

    Some destinations set the bar. Tanzania built it. On this 7-day adventure, safari drives across the Serengeti bring the Great Migration to life before the ancient walls of Ngorongoro Crater pull you deeper into the wild. A cooking experience in Mto wa Mbu and a picnic beside Hippo Lake round out a trip that earns every moment.
    Is this tour for me?
    Travel Style
    The Geluxe Collection
    With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations, and comfort at their very core, these premium active trips are adventure at its finest.
    Service Level
    Upgraded
    Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
    Physical Rating
    3 - Average
    Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
    Trip Type
    Small Group
    Age requirement
    12+
    All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
    What's Included
    • Your G for Good Moment: Mto wa Mbu Banana Plantation Bike Ride or Village Walk & Community Lunch, Mto wa Mbu
    • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
    • Your OMG Day: Lake Manyara Safari Drive or Elephant Cave Walk & Coffee Plantation Tour, Karatu
    • Complimentary Arrival and Departure Transfers
    • Welcome and Farewell dinners
    • Picnic lunch at Hippo lake
    • Crater Rim View Point Visit
    • Safari drive inside Ngorongoro Crater
    • Serengeti National Park safari drives
    • Wildlife Safari Drives near Ngorongoro Highlands
    • Banana Plantation Bike Ride or Village Walk on return to Arusha
    • All tips included for activities and meals, except for CEO and porterage
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

    Allow USD75-100 for meals not included.

    Day 1 : Arusha: Welcome to Tanzania

    The Great Migration, the tallest mountain in Africa and the world's largest game reserve are only a few of the grand things that make Tanzania one of the most sought after destinations in Africa. Starting this 7 day adventure in the Geneva of Africa gives you the opportunity to explore all the sides of Tanzania. We welcome you to Arusha, and to Tanzania, and invite you to let the endless adventure of wildlife encounters deepen your connection with the earth.

    Join your CEO and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing. Afterwards, head out for a delicious welcome dinner.

    Airport Transfer

    Kilimanjaro International Airport - Arusha 1h15m - 1h45m 54km

    You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

    Meet Your CEO and Group

    1h

    Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. 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.

    Welcome Dinner

    Arusha

    Join your CEO and group for a Welcome Dinner.

    Meals Included:

    Dinner

    Day 2 : Ngorongoro Crater: Impressive Views and Crater Safari

    Millions of years ago when the volcano erupted, the world's largest intact and unfilled volcanic caldera was formed, creating Ngorongoro Crater. It is believed that animals like zebras, lions and rhinos fell into the crater almost 500,000 years ago and were trapped. The steepness of the crater is why you won't find a single giraffe inside. Travel to this incredible natural phenomenon and spend the day getting to know the landscape from both above at the breathtaking crater rim, and below on a safari drive and picnic near Hippo Lake on the crater floor.

    The day begins with breakfast at the hotel before continuing on from Arusha to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Travel to the impressive Crater Rim View Point featuring the vast caldera below. Then, drive down into the crater for a unique safari experience and a picnic lunch amidst the sounds of the African bush near the tranquil Hippo Lake. From an incredible density of wildlife to the vast open sky, this is the glimpse of Tanzania you've been searching for. Dinner will be had the lodge accommodations near the crater.

    7-Seat 4x4 Safari Vehicle

    Arusha - Ngorongoro Crater 3h - 4h 179km

    Sit back and enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your private safari vehicle between Arusha and Ngorongoro Crater. Please note, this drive time includes the transport between the crater and this evening's accommodations.

    Ngorongoro Crater Afternoon Wildlife Safari Drive

    Ngorongoro Crater

    Head down into the crater and to all the best spots to view wildlife. Spot zebras, 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.

    Picnic Lunch at Hippo Lake

    Ngorongoro Crater 0h30m - 1h

    Gather around the tranquil Hippo Lake known as the Ngoitoktok Spring for a delicious picnic lunch amid the gorgeous Tanzanian scenery.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

    Day 3 : Serengeti: Impressive Wildlife Safari Drives

    Ngorongoro Crater and The Serengeti are two of the world's most renowned safari destinations. Driving from one iconic spot to the next means three and a half hours of nonstop beauty, wildlife and adventure. But don't go anywhere, because your time in the Serengeti is just starting. So grab your binoculars and your camera and get ready to experience some of the most jaw-dropping wildlife encounters.

    Depart the lodge this morning for the Central Serengeti. The scenic drive takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the Naabi Hill Gate, your entrance to the vast Serengeti National Park. Today is about maximizing your wildlife viewing opportunities. You will enjoy a safari drive en-route to your beautiful accommodations where you will have lunch before another afternoon wildlife drive out in the alluring landscape.

    7-Seat 4x4 Safari Vehicle

    Ngorongoro Crater - Serengeti National Park

    Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.

    Serengeti National Park Wildlife Safari Drive

    Serengeti National Park

    This is the reason you came to Africa. Charge your camera, grab your binoculars and set out on safari. Your eagle-eyed driver will keep an eye out for wildlife – buffaloes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras and more. Enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow and the up-close look at wild Africa.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

    Day 4 : Serengeti: Wildlife of Tanzania

    Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Serengeti, where millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle flood the plains in their annual migration, trailed by the continent's most formidable predators. Prepare to be captivated as massive lions dissolve into the shimmering golden savannah, and towering giraffes emerge from the horizon, their grace humbling you as they stand right before your eyes.

    Choose to rise early for an exciting day of wildlife viewing and embark on the optional, once-in-a-lifetime chance to take to the skies on a Serengeti Balloon Safari, which includes a one-hour flight and a champagne breakfast upon landing. For those who choose to remain on the ground, enjoy an early morning safari wildlife drive in the area, followed by a delicious bush lunch back at the lodge. The afternoon brings another exhilarating safari wildlife drive in the Serengeti before being whisked away for sundowner drinks as the sun sets over the Serengeti. Return to the lodge to freshen up before gathering for a relaxing group dinner.

    Full-Day Serengeti National Park Wildlife Safari Drive

    Serengeti National Park 7h30m

    Spend the entire day in the gorgeous landscapes of Serengeti National Park, a true icon of Eastern Africa. The park is most famous for the Great Migration, where over a million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, migrate annually across the plains in search of food and water. Try to spot the big five and simply enjoy the views across the vast, open grasslands known as the "endless plains". Tanzania’s Serengeti tends to be less crowded than some of Kenya’s reserves, so enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow, and the up-close look at wild Africa.

    Optional Activities - Day 4

    Serengeti Balloon Safari

    Serengeti National Park

    Spirited aloft in a hot-air balloon, view the wildlife and terrain of the Serengeti that only the birds see. Enjoy a champagne breakfast and keep that shutter-finger good and limber—you’ll be using it plenty over the course of your hour in the air. Please note, additional fees will apply for passengers exceeding the 120 kg (265 lbs) weight limit.

    Be wowed with your bird's eye view of the wildlife and terrain of the majestic Serengeti. Enjoy a champagne breakfast and keep that shutter-finger ready —you’ll be using it plenty over the course of your hour in the air.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

    Day 5 : Karatu: The Beauty of Tanzania's Varied Landscapes

    Nestled in the highlands between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the vibrant market town of Karatu offers an authentic glimpse into Tanzanian rural life and serves as a key gateway to the region's most iconic wildlife parks. Experience the lively energy and learn about the unique, local culture while simultaneously enjoying the stunning, rolling green landscapes. Karatu is a place to pause, absorb the local rhythm, and prepare for—or reflect on—the thrilling safari adventures just a short drive away.

    After breakfast at the lodge, embark on an immersive wildlife safari drive between the Serengeti and Karatu. Pass through the vast planes and fertile landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area before arriving at your lodge near Karatu. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon to relax and simply bask in your lovely surroundings.

    7-Seat 4x4 Safari Vehicle

    Serengeti National Park - Karatu 5h 180km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your safari vehicle between the Serengeti and Karatu. The group will enjoy a wildlife safari drive en-route through Serengeti NP and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

    Free time:

    Karatu Afternoon

    Stretch those legs and relax this afternoon during free time at your beautiful lodge's property. Situated on a picturesque hill with spectacular views onto Oldeani Mountain and the Ngorongoro Crater Rim, the lodge is elevated with 360 degree views that extend all the way to Lake Eyasi and Lake Manyara. This is your OMG stay.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

    Day 6 : Karatu: Your OMG Day

    A Day of Choices featuring a morning safari adventure or an Elephant Caves hike makes for an unforgettable day. Hoping to rise with the sun? Travel to Lake Manyara National Park for an early morning safari drive and bush brunch. If you’re looking for a change of scenery, choose a guided walk to the famous Elephant Cave, a watering hole used by elephants for their essential mineral intake. Sit down for lunch at a local, organic farm.

    No matter which experience you choose today, you are guaranteed to feel the vast grandness that is so unique to the East African landscape. Enjoy free time this afternoon at the lodge before a group dinner in the evening.

    Lake Manyara Safari Drive or Elephant Cave Walk & Coffee Plantation Tour

    Karatu 6h - 7h

    Option 1: Lake Manyara is known for its diverse birdlife, including flamingos that flock to the lake's alkaline waters. The core of the excursion is a wildlife safari drive through the park, where you can spot various animals like elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, and the distinctive tree-climbing lions. Breakfast will be early before going to Lake Manyara to focus on birding. Then there will be two safari drives split up by a packed brunch in the park. You’ll return to the lodge in the early afternoon to rest and have free time. Option 2: After breakfast at the lodge, depart for Gibb’s Farm, featuring a multi-generational history of organic farming, and go for a walk to the Elephant Caves. These massive holes in the forested hillside were carved by elephants over the centuries as they used their tusks to access the mineral-rich soil. The walk is for about two hours through the forest landscape. Then, enjoy a coffee plantation tour and sit down for lunch at the farm before returning to the lodge a bit later in the afternoon for rest and relaxation.

    Free time:

    Karatu

    Enjoy an afternoon at your leisure.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

    Day 7 : Arusha: Mto wa Mbu

    Rise with the sun and enjoy a hearty breakfast at the lodge before embarking on a journey to the heart of East African culture in Mto wa Mbu. This vibrant town is a mosaic of life, home to 18,000 residents from 120 different tribes, offering a truly unique cultural immersion.

    Start your day with breakfast at the lodge before heading to Mto wa Mbu. Here, choose between a scenic bike ride through a banana plantation or a fascinating two-hour cultural village walk. The walk is a G Adventures-supported experience, where you'll connect with the community, visit the local market and farmer's fields, see traditional hut construction, and meet local artisans. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional local lunch of meat and plantains before departing for Arusha where your adventure comes to an end at the airport.

    Please do not book onward travel prior to 5pm.

    7-Seat 4x4 Safari Vehicle

    Karatu - Mto wa Mbu 1h 32km

    Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.

    Mto wa Mbu Banana Plantation Bike Ride or Village Walk & Community Lunch

    Mto wa Mbu 3h

    Choose to go on a bike ride through a banana plantation or take part in a cultural walk to learn about life in this East African village. Mto wa Mbu has attracted some 18,000 residents from 120 different tribes. During the two-hour tour, visit the community's local market, go right to the farmer's fields, see how huts are constructed and meet artisans in their shops. Afterwards, sit down together and enjoy a traditional lunch of meat and plantains.

    7-Seat 4x4 Safari Vehicle

    Mto wa Mbu - Kilimanjaro International Airport 1h30m 88km

    Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    dates start-End Availability remaining spaces Price Per Person
    May 2027
    Sat, 29 May - Fri, 04 Jun 7+ available £3,999 Request a quote
    Jun 2027
    Sat, 26 Jun - Fri, 02 Jul 7+ available £4,759 Request a quote
    Jul 2027
    Sat, 31 Jul - Fri, 06 Aug 7+ available £4,759 Request a quote
    Sep 2027
    Sat, 04 Sep - Fri, 10 Sep 7+ available £4,379 Request a quote
    Oct 2027
    Sat, 02 Oct - Fri, 08 Oct 7+ available £4,379 Request a quote
    Nov 2027
    Sat, 27 Nov - Fri, 03 Dec 7+ available £4,379 Request a quote
    Jan 2028
    Sat, 01 Jan - Fri, 07 Jan 7+ available £3,999 Request a quote