Trip Highlights
As the golden sun rises over the sweeping plains of the Serengeti, the deep roar of a distant lion echoes across the savannah—a powerful reminder that this is nature in its rawest, most majestic form. Here, elephants roam ancient migration paths, flamingos scatter like rose petals across shimmering salt lakes, and baobab trees stand like sentinels of time.
But beyond the wildlife, it’s the people who truly bring Tanzania to life. The proud and graceful Maasai, adorned in vivid cloth and intricate beadwork, share stories passed down through generations—tales of courage, community, and deep harmony with the land. This is more than a journey; it’s a connection to something timeless, wild, and deeply human.
Each day spent in Tanzania is a page from the greatest wildlife story ever told.
Welcome to Tanzania & Wildlife Sanctuary Stay
We begin our journey between Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, relaxing in a peaceful lodge surrounded by wildlife and nature.
Tarangire Safari & Baobab Plains
Our first game drive takes us through Tarangire’s elephant-rich landscapes, ancient baobabs, and a scenic bush lunch.
Ngorongoro Crater & Maasai Sunset
We descend into the wildlife-dense Ngorongoro Crater, ending with a sunset walk guided by Maasai warriors.
Serengeti & Cultural Encounters
After visiting a Maasai village, we enter the Serengeti for big cat sightings, wide open plains, and campfire nights.
Grumeti Region & Night Safari
We explore the lush Grumeti area by day and head out after dark for a rare and thrilling night safari
Walking Safari & Mara River
A morning walking safari leads us north to the Mara River, where we may witness dramatic wildebeest crossings.
Northern Serengeti & Migration
We spend two days immersed in the Northern Serengeti, tracking predators and possibly witnessing the Great Migration.
Saadani Coast & River Cruise
We end at Saadani, where game drives, boat safaris, village visits, and beachside relaxation meet in perfect harmony.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Tanzania
Touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where the African breeze greets you like an old friend. You’ll be met and transferred to a peaceful oasis nestled midway between the airport and Arusha.
This serene property spans seven hectares in a protected sanctuary, home to dik-diks, playful monkeys, and a dazzling array of birdlife. With views of both Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, the lodge is a tranquil starting point. The rest of the day is yours to unwind and absorb the magic of Africa.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Arumeru River Lodge
PLEASE NOTE: The itinerary is subject to changes and once you get in country, you will be lead by the guide daily and informed of the activities.
Day 2 - Elephants and Baobabs in Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, head out on your first real adventure—Tarangire National Park, known for its majestic baobab trees and large elephant herds. En route, you’ll pass rural villages and golden savannahs, slowly giving way to a wildlife-rich haven.
Enjoy a bush lunch perched on a ridge with sweeping views, you won’t want to leave.
Tarangire is teeming with wildlife—lions, giraffes, elephants, zebras, and rare antelope such as kudu and oryx. After an afternoon of exploration, retire to Camp, dramatically situated atop a granite outcrop with panoramic views over Lake Manyara and the plains beyond.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation: Maweninga Camp
Day 3 - To Karatu’s Green Hills
A final morning game drive in Tarangire lets you bid farewell to its wild inhabitants before heading towards the fertile highlands of Karatu. Nestled on a steep hillside, Rift Lodge offers sweeping views and a peaceful setting. This is the gateway to Ngorongoro with nearby coffee plantations, and Lake Eyasi, where the Hadzabe people still hunt and gather as their ancestors did. Spend your afternoon relaxing. It’s time for some r&r.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Bashay Rift Lodge
Day 4 - Into the Ngorongoro Crater and the Land of the Maasai
Today we descend into the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater, a 600-meter-deep caldera that shelters one of the densest concentrations of wildlife on the planet. Lions lounge in the sun, rhinos graze on the crater floor, and flamingos paint the soda lake pink.
Enjoy a scenic bush lunch before continuing to the vast open plains near Olduvai Gorge. In the evening, take a gentle sunset walk with Maasai warriors to a rocky kopje and watch the savannah glow. Dinner and overnight at Camp, where man and wildlife coexist in the heart of this ancestral land.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Olduvai Camp
Day 5 - From Culture to the Serengeti
It’s a special start to the morning with a visit to a Maasai village to learn about their rich traditions and deep connection to the land. Then journey into the Central Serengeti, a land of golden grasslands and endless skies.
Arrive at Camp which is ideally positioned for wildlife viewing. After lunch, set out again in search of lions, leopards, elephants, and more. As the sun sets, gather around the campfire or enjoy the night sounds of the bush from your tent.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Ronjo Camp
Day 6 - To Grumeti’s Wild Heart
Drive west to the Grumeti Wildlife Management Area, a corridor of diverse ecosystems bordering the Serengeti. After lunch embark on a thrilling afternoon game drive in this lush and lesser-travelled wilderness. Wildlife here is abundant year-round, from grazing herbivores to prowling predators.
Tonight, enjoy an early dinner as we are in for a treat… we will be heading out for a night safari, where nocturnal creatures—like genets, bush babies, and lions—emerge under the cover of darkness.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Grumeti Hills
Day 7 Walking safari and journey to the Mara River
Begin the day with a walking safari before breakfast, an unforgettable way to experience the wild from ground level. Learn about the flowers and fauna, the tracks animals have left behind and discover who you are following in the footsteps of!
Later, drive north toward the Mara River with a picnic lunch en route. This is the Serengeti at its wildest—rolling plains, distant hills, and the ever-present chance of seeing a river crossing, where wildebeest face the gauntlet of crocodiles. This is where the savannah stretches as far as the eye can see.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mara River Post
Day 8 & 9 - Following the Migration
Spend two full days immersed in the drama and beauty of Northern Serengeti. Explore this renowned region where the Great Migration may be unfolding before your eyes. The plains are alive with predators – cheetahs chase gazelle, lions stalk silently, and elephants drink beside hippos at the river’s edge.
Whether we picnic under a lone acacia or return to the lodge for lunch, the days are dictated by wildlife movements. Return each evening to your hilltop tented camp overlooking the Mara River – just magical.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mara River Post
Day 10 - From Savannah to Sea
Bid farewell to the Serengeti as you transfer to Kogatende airstrip for your flight to Saadani National Park, Tanzania’s only wildlife reserve that meets the sea.
With a picnic lunch on board, you’ll fly over dramatic landscapes before arriving at Kasa Bay, a hidden gem nestled between pristine beaches and untamed wilderness. Relax as the Indian Ocean laps the shore outside your suite. But….
This is no ordinary beachside retreat because….
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Saadani Kasa Bay
Internal flights not included – We will plan together
Day 11 & 12 - Where Ocean Meets the Wild
Spend two leisurely days enjoying all that Saadani National Park has to offer.
Wake with the sunrise and either set off on your game drive, as golden light filters through the acacia trees. Elephants trudge through morning mist, lions laze in the grass, and giraffes stretch high for their breakfast…
Or – simply relax with a book and the sound of the ocean. Here, wildlife meets the beach in a rare and magical fusion.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Saadani Kasa Bay
PLEASE NOTE:
- The itinerary is subject to changes – Whilst we do our best to keep to our planned itinerary, on occasions things do have to be altered.
Occasionally, room sizes may vary within each property.
- There are two internal flights in this trip which are charged for separately.
The USD price may differ upon booking due to the exchange rate at the time.
We reserve the right to adjust hotel accommodations if necessary. Rest assured, we strive to maintain the highest level of comfort and service.
Our travels will be conducted exclusively as a group, and wherever possible, tours will be private, provided we meet the minimum participant numbers required.
FAQ
What's Included
- Airport pick up
- 12 nights accommodation on a shared twin room basis (single supplement available)
- Luxury lodges & intimate tented camps
- Expert safari guides
- 4×4 game drives
- Bush lunches
- Walking safaris
- Night drives
- Cultural experiences and coastal activities
- Meals as per itinerary
- Park Entrance fees and conservation fees
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Transfers throughout the tour
- Pre-Departure Support via WhatsApp
- 24hr On-Site Support
What's not included
- International Airfares – You will need to book a flight into Kilimanjaro International and out of either DAR or ZNZ
- Internal flight from Serengeti to the Coast – this will be advised and we will help organise with this once the trip is confirmed (Cost approx £400/$550)
- Internal flight at the end of your trip Saadani to DAR – we will organise (Cost approx £145/$200)
- Drinks
- Meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Additional activities not mentioned in itinerary
- Visas – You will need 2. 1 for Tanzania and 1 for Zanzibar
- All items of a personal nature
- Gratuities and Tipping (approx $20-$30 per day)
- Travel Insurance – compulsory
Your hosts
Anna will guide you on a journey of self-discovery amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Tanzania, where the untamed beauty of nature serves as the backdrop for inner exploration and growth.
Anna Miller
Anna is the visionary founder of Wild Hearted Adventures, whose warmth, inspiration, and charm set the perfect tone for our retreat. Her boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm will inspire you to embrace every moment of this experience.
She is also a travel writer and the creative mind behind the popular family travel blog, Twins and Travels.
At times, unforeseen circumstances may require a change in your assigned host. However, rest assured that you’ll always be in the capable hands of a passionate, knowledgeable, and exceptional host from the Wild Hearted team, ensuring an unforgettable experience.