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Tanzania Safari 2025

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Serengeti, Tanzania 8 DAYS

TUE 12 AUG - TUE 19 AUG 2025

US$3,999 per person

Overview

Join our Detailed Journey's small group tour to Tanzania!
Get ready for an incredible safari adventure in Tanzania! You’ll learn about and witness the striking biodiversity during game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. The hope is to also see the famed Wildebeest migration in the Northern Serengeti. Cross your fingers that they decide it’s the perfect time to make their move when you’re visiting!

In addition to fabulous wildlife encounters, you’ll also visit the town of Mto Wa Mbu. Delve into local culture with a guide who will take you around the village and through their farms. Afterwards, the group will enjoy a traditional meal before continuing towards the Serengeti.

The next three and a half days will be filled with thrilling game drives. You’ll weave through the vast savanna, past acacia and sausage trees. Wildlife won’t be hard to spot this time of year, thanks to lower grass during the dry season. Make sure to keep your eyes out for the Big Five - lion, leopard, cape buffalo, elephant, and rhino - in their natural habitat.

During the safari portion of the trip you’ll be staying in tented camps. They provide you with the perfect location to start out on early morning drives, when the animals are grazing and hunting. With opportunities for campfires and stargazing, you’ll enjoy relaxed evenings before falling fast to sleep surrounded by nature.

This trip will be filled with awe-inspiring moments and memories that will stay with you forever. Pack your bags and get ready to discover the marvels of Tanzania!

Benefits of traveling with Detailed Journeys to Tanzania:

A maximum of 10 travelers
Private Driver Guide and transportation
Well-rated hotels and tented camps, with a goal to stay at Black Tanzanian-owned properties whenever possible
3.5 days of safari drives in the Serengeti including Ngorongoro Crater and the Northern Serengeti National Park with a hope to see the Wildebeest migration
Park entrance fees are covered
Visit to the town of Mto Wa Mbu for a guided walk of the village and farm, followed by a traditional meal
Airport transfers to and from the airport
All meals are included
Connect with like-minded travelers

Enhance your trip with:

Post-trip to Zanzibar, August 19 - 22, $949/person if booked by September 11 (normally $999).
- Optional experience for a tour of Stone Town and the Darajani Market, $25/person.
- Optional activities you can book in Northern Zanzibar for sunset dhow boat rides, snorkeling at Mnemba Island, and scuba diving for those who are PADI certified.
Additional night in Arusha, August 19 - 20, $133/person.
Hot Air Balloon Ride in the Serengeti, $600 (estimated price).

Important Information:

Arrivals: please be careful when booking flights, you want to arrive into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on August 13. Your flight can arrive 1-3 days after departure due to multiple factors. For example, you may leave home on August 11 and arrive at JRO on August 13. Please speak with us before booking your flights.
Rigors: We will be driving long stretches of bumpy, unpaved roads between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Northern Serengeti. We cannot stress enough that these drives will be quite bumpy for extended periods of time. If you have any back problems, we recommend speaking with your doctor. Our farm & village walk in Mto Wa Mbu will be about 2.5 hours long.
Entry Requirements:
- Tanzania e-visa: a one-year multi-entry visa for US$100/person.
- Yellow Fever Vaccine: Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination is REQUIRED (or a doctor's letter if you cannot get it). While government websites state it's only needed in some cases, our ground operator has advised that all travelers should carry proof as it can depend on the agent processing your arrival at the airport.
- Zanzibar Travel Insurance: If you are taking the post-trip to Zanzibar, the Zanzibar government has introduced a Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance policy for all tourists. It is only sold by the Zanzibar Insurance Company via the government's website. It is a cost of US$44/person.
Packing: One day bag and one suitcase. We recommend using a backpack and a duffel bag.
Age Limit: open to anyone who is 18+.
Deposit: $300, non-refundable.
Final Payment: due 60 days prior to departure, June 13, 2025.
Trip Minimums: the main tour will run with a minimum of 5 travelers. The post-trip will run with a minimum of 4 travelers. We recommend that you wait to book flights until we have met these numbers. You can see the number of travelers by clicking on the "people" tab in your trip portal.

**LGBTQIA+ Travelers**
Sadly, homosexuality is illegal in Tanzania. We openly welcome any LGBTQIA+ travelers to join us on all of our trips, but want to make sure that you are aware of this prior to booking this destination. Complete discretion is advised for your safety, including public displays of affection - which is also frowned upon for heterosexual couples. In addition, the Tanzanian government does not accept passports with the "X" gender marker due to their anti-LGBTIQIA+ laws.

Want to learn more about Detailed Journeys?
Head to our website by clicking here!

Private Driver Guide & Transportation

Throughout the trip the group will have a private driver guide. The guide will be knowledgable on local biodiversity and driving in the region.

Locally-Owned Accommodations

Our goal for this trip is to stay at Black Tanzanian-owned properties. The locations listed under highlights will be booked once we fill the tour. If space is no longer available at any of them by that time, we will stay at similar spaces.

Gold Crest Hotel Arusha

4 stars
Views of Mount Kilimanjaro
Pool and gym
Free wifi
Restaurant, bars, 24 hour room service
Luggage storage
Elevator

Marera Valley Lodge - Karatu Town

Stunning views
Evening campfire & walking track
Pool and spa
Free wifi in common area
Bar & Restaurant

Osinon Camp Serengeti

3 stars
Located in the central Serengeti, surrounded by acacia trees
Free wifi
Bars & Restaurant
Fireplace

Kenzan Mara Tented Camp

Mobile camp, located near the Mara River in the Northern Serengeti
Free wifi
Bar & Restaurant

Ngorongoro Crater

Established in 1959, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is known for diverse landscapes, wildlife, Maasai pastoralists, and the Ngorongoro Crater. The crater is globally significant for biodiversity, endangered species, abundant wildlife, migrations, and archaeological discoveries dating human evolution back 3.6 million years.

Northern Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti, stretching across 1.5 million hectares of savannah, witnesses the annual migration of herbivores such as wildebeest, gazelles, and zebras, trailed by predators, towards permanent watering holes – a significant natural spectacle. This park shelters at least four globally endangered animal species: the black rhinoceros, elephant, wild dog, and cheetah.

In contrast to the bustling southern Serengeti plains, the unspoiled and tranquil northern Serengeti boasts remarkable beauty. The Northern Serengeti Wildebeest migration is renowned as the most illustrious migration, celebrated as one of the seven wonders of animal behavior on Earth.

Zanzibar Post-Trip Extension

We're offering an extension after the safari to visit Zanzibar! Our first night will be spent in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town. Then we will journey north to Kendwa Beach for x nights. Fill your time relaxing on the beach or in the pool, sail on a dhow boat at sunset, enjoy snorkeling, or if you're PADI certified you can head out for a dive!

Itinerary

Nothing scheduled for this day, click ALL to see everything

12 Aug 2025

Tue 12 Aug 2025

Day 1 - travel day (may be Aug 12, 11, or 10)

Book your flights to arrive on Wednesday, August 13 at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
August 12 - departure date from home if your itinerary only adds a a day.
August 11 - departure date from home if your itinerary adds two days.

August 10 - departure date from home if your itinerary adds three days.

Please email us if you have any questions about booking flights, we are here to help!

13 Aug 2025

Wed 13 Aug 2025

Day 2 - arrival in Arusha

**Wednesday, August 13 is the date you should arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).**

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at the airport you will be met by an airport representative and transferred to your Arusha hotel. With everyone arriving at different times throughout the day meals are on your own today. Get some rest after your long flight so you're ready to hit the road tomorrow morning!

14 Aug 2025

Thu 14 Aug 2025

Day 3 - Mto Wa Mbu and Karatu Town

It's the first full day in Tanzania and it's time to start making our way west towards the wildlife!

Departure is after breakfast and will be followed by a stop in the town of Mto Wa Mbu. The group will be welcomed by a guide who will take you for a walk through the village and farms. This will allow you to learn about the local way of life and the village culture. Lunch will be a traditional meal, served buffet style and made with ingredients from the area.

A short drive later and you'll arrive in Karatu, where you'll spend the night at another relaxing hotel. Soak in the pool and head to bed early because tomorrow you'll be up earrrrrllyyy (trust us, it's worth it)!

15 Aug 2025

Fri 15 Aug 2025

Day 4 - Ngorongoro Crater

The sun may not have risen yet, but you'll be ready as it's Ngorongoro Crater time! Game drives usually start early in the morning to catch the animals during their grazing and hunting times.

“Human civilization” ends at the conservation area entrance. You'll enter the unique ecosystem that has been created by the high walls of the collapsed volcanic cone. As a natural sanctuary, there is some of the densest populations of large mammals in all of Africa here. Like we said, the early morning today is well worth it.

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the few places in the world where you might spot all these magnificent creatures in one day. Our experienced guide will share fascinating insights about the behavior and habitat of these animals, making your safari experience both thrilling and educational. Plus, absorb your breathtaking surroundings during a picnic lunch in the Crater!

The drive will begin to head north towards the Central Serengeti, your own sanctuary for the night. After a long day, enjoy dinner and then retire to bed to prepare for the next day.

16 Aug 2025

Sat 16 Aug 2025

Day 5 - Central & Northern Serengeti National Park

It's time for another early morning before embarking on a game drive through the Central Serengeti region, where a diverse range of ecosystems supports varied wildlife and vegetation. The landscapes are adorned with acacia trees and small granite outcrops known as kopjes. These rock formations are home to unique plant species that thrive exclusively on them and not the surrounding plains.

Referred to as "Seronera," this area teems with wildlife, particularly predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. At the convergence of the Seronera and Orangi Rivers lies the renowned Retina Hippo Pool.

You may have the chance to partake in a hot air balloon ride over the savannah, with more information available after registering for the tour. To set the right expectation, if you’re interested, this optional experience typically costs around $600 per person.

Following lunch at the camp, you'll journey north. While continuing your game drive en-route, be on the lookout for large herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope. Hopefully, they will still be gathering before crossing the Mara River!

Your accommodation for the next two nights will be at a mobile camp in the Northern Serengeti, set up by local operators to cater to visitors eager to witness the famous Wildebeest migration. The evening will conclude with a refreshing drink by the campfire.

17 Aug 2025

Sun 17 Aug 2025

Day 6 - Northern Serengeti National Park

The Mara River, located in the Northern Serengeti, serves as a the crossing point during the Wildebeest Migration. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, as well as zebra and antelope, gather here, preparing to cross into Kenya's Masai Mara. They must navigate predators on both sides of the river and crocodiles lurking in the water.

The goal is to witness these immense herds or be exceptionally fortunate to observe their river crossing. The timing of this natural wonder varies annually, but the effort to witness it firsthand justifies the lengthy, rugged journeys to the park's northern region. Staying in a mobile camp that is right in the area where it takes place, allows you to be closer to the action.

In addition to the Wildebeest Migration, you may encounter zebras, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, and the elusive leopard. Depending on wildlife sightings, a boxed lunch may be provided versus returning to camp mid-day. This makes it possible for you to indulge in a full day of game viewing and make the most of your time amidst the migrating wildlife.

18 Aug 2025

Mon 18 Aug 2025

Day 7 - Serengeti & Karatu Town

This morning, you will head back south, enjoying another game drive along the way. Upon leaving the Serengeti National Park at the Naabi Hill gate, you’ll stop for lunch before continuing through the Ngorongoro plains.

After three and a half eventful days of safari drives, which have filled your heart and camera gallery with unforgettable memories, you will spend another night in Karatu town. Tonight, during your last dinner together, take the opportunity to reflect on all the amazing sights you have witnessed with your fellow travelers.

19 Aug 2025

Tue 19 Aug 2025

Day 8 - departure day OR extend your stay

Ok, so you could end your trip after breakfast today, but do you really want to do that?

If you have too, make sure you don't book an early morning flight as your included airport transfer to JRO will take a few hours.

However, if you've got the time, join us for three nights in Zanzibar. We also have an option to stay for another night in Arusha if you'd like to get some more R&R time in before the long flight home.

Tue 19 Aug 2025

Day 8 - optional additional night in Arusha (double room)

Add-on +US$133

If you are not taking the post trip to Zanzibar, but would like another night in Tanzania before departing, this is the option to choose!

This room is for two people and each of you need to add it to your booking.
We will drop you off at the hotel on the way to the Arusha airport.

Lunch, dinner, and free time is all on your own. On Wednesday, August 20, breakfast and your transfer to the airport are included in the price.

Tue 19 Aug - Fri 22 Aug 2025

Day 8 to 11 - optional Zanzibar Post-Trip Extension

Add-on +US$949

Day 8 continued, Tuesday, August 19 - Karatu Town → Arusha Airport → Stone Town, Zanzibar

Mid-morning flight from Arusha to Zanzibar, guests are welcomed by the airport rep who transfers them to the hotel for check-in to the Tembo House Hotel. Relax poolside or stroll to the local beaches! There is also an optional experience you can book for a Stone Town and Darajani Market Tour (3 hours), $25/person.

Day 9, Wednesday, August 20 - Stone Town → North Zanzibar

Depart after breakfast for a 2 hour drive to North Zanzibar. We will stop to visit the Spice Tour en-route. This tour is about two hours long and takes place on flat terrain. Zanzibar is known for their spices, including cloves, vanilla, cardamom, lemongrass, and more.

You'll enjoy the next two nights at the Sunset Kendwa Hotel, which is right on the beach! In addition to enjoying the beach and pool, there are a lot of optional activities to enjoy while in North Zanzibar, which we will help you arrange.

Optional Activities:
Sunset dhow boats (~ $10/person)
Snorkeling at Mnemba Island, half-day (~ $50-$70/person)
Scuba Diving for those PADI certified, (~ $80-$90/person for 1 dive or ~ $130-$140 for 2 dives in a single day)

Day 10, Thursday, August 21 - North Zanzibar
Breakfast and then a full day of free time to relax and enjoy the area.

Day 11, Thursday, August 22 - North Zanzibar
Breakfast is included, in addition to your airport transfer today. Avoid early morning flights as it's about a 2 hour drive to the airport.

Included:

Flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
Breakfast daily
Airport transfers
3 nights of Accommodations
Spice Farm Tour

Not Included:

Optional activities
International airport departure tax
Tips for drivers and housekeeping
Lunches and dinners

Entry Requirement: As of 10/1/24 the Zanzibar government requires that all tourists purchase Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance. It is only sold via the Zanzibar Insurance Company and is sold via the government's website for a cost of US$44/person.

Tue 19 Aug 2025 3:00PM

Day 8 - optional experience in Stone Town, Zanzibar

Add-on +US$25

If you've signed up for the Zanzibar extension, you can add on this optional experience to go on a guided tour of Stone Town and the Darajani Market Tour. The times shown are estimated, but it does last about 3 hours.

Stone Town is where the oldest settlements have been on Zanzibar, and recent archeological work is dating it even further back than originally thought. Zanzibar's history is complicated, nuanced, and at many times dark. As an important trading hub, this historical city has Arab, Indian, European, and African influences.

The Darajani Market was built in 1904 and is mainly a food market for those who live in Stone Town today. During this walking tour we will learn about the history, culture, and modern ways of life that make Zanzibar what it is today.

**This tour is only for those joining the post-trip extension to Zanzibar. It can be cancelled until you pay in full.

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Select a Package:

One Person - Shared Room

US$3,999 per person

Only 4 left!

This room has 2 beds and you are booking 1 of them.

If you are traveling with a friend or family member, please inform us that you want to be roomed together.
If you are booking solo we will match you with another traveler!
If you are a couple and prefer sharing the same bed, please let us know and we will change the room type if the hotels have availability.

Invoice

Included:

A maximum of 10 travelers
Private Driver Guide and transportation
6 nights of accommodations in well-rated hotels and tented camps, with a goal to stay at Black Tanzanian-owned properties whenever possible
3.5 days of safari drives in the Serengeti including Ngorongoro Crater and the Northern Serengeti National Park with a hope to see the Wildebeest migration
Park entrance fees
Visit to the town of Mto Wa Mbu for a guided walk of the village and farm, followed by a traditional meal
Airport transfers to and from the airport (there may be a small additional fee if you are arriving/departing at very different times than the rest of the travelers, $60 maximum per person each way. We are trying to coordinate similar flight times for travelers to avoid this.)
All meals are included (except on arrival day)
Travel consulting for getting to & from the tour
Google map with pins showing our itinerary
Journey On Certificate worth $50 for a trip departing 8/20/25 - 8/19/26, or a value of $35 for a trip departing 8/20/26 - 8/19/27.
Access to YouLi mobile app

Not Included in package:

Travel to & from the tour
Airport transfers: for sustainability purposes we recommend using public transportation, which is easily accessible & affordable!
Travel insurance: required for anyone who is not a Tanzanian citizen per our terms & conditions
Meals on arrival day and after breakfast on departure day
Tips, which are recommended, but not required, for:
- Your Driver Guide
- Your Tour Leader
- Airport Transfer Representatives
- Housekeeping
Optional Experiences that are booked onsite or in advance

HOW TO BOOK:

1. Read through the trip details to make sure it's is right for you!
2. Click on Book Now, read and accept the terms & conditions, then move forward.
3. Make your $300 non-refundable deposit to confirm your spot. **If you'd like to add on the Zanzibar extension, or the additional night in Arusha, please do not pay in full when booking. We need to manually adjust your reservation first.**
4. You'll now have access to the trip portal where you can see pre-trip tasks, the itinerary, and more.

Save $200 with our Early Booking Offer!