Grand Tour in Northern Tanzania

From €1890

8 Days / 7 Nights

Kilimanjaro – Arusha National Park – Lake Manyara – Lake Eyasi – Serengeti – Ngorongoro – Tarangire – Kilimanjaro Airport

We invite you to join this grand tour of all the world-famous attractions of the fantastic north of Tanzania with a small group of adventurers.

You will hike through the foothills of “the Roof of Africa”, the majestic Kilimanjaro; step on the trails of giraffes and buffaloes in the beautiful Arusha National Park; discover why Tarangire Park is called the “land of giants.”
The beautiful Lake Manyara will amaze you with flocks of pink flamingos and lions resting on sprawling tree branches.

A close encounter with ancient tribes at Lake Eyasi will definitely be much more than an excursion: it is a journey into yourself, to the origins of your own nature. The iconic attraction of Africa, Serengeti National Park, will amaze you with its endless plains and the unexpected variety of majestic animals. And world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, with its huge herds of wild residents and stunning, unique landscapes, will give you a chance to meet the entire Big Five of African animals.

Unite yourself with pristine nature on this grand tour. Give yourself unforgettable impressions of the raw beauty of Tanzania.

Grand Tour Day-by-Day:

Day 1: Arrival to Kilimanjaro Airport. Mt Kilimanjaro

Driving distance: 46 km
Driving time: 1 hr 10 min
Activities included: Waterfall Hike; Coffee Tour and Cultural Excursion
Alternative activities: Kilimanjaro Day Hike to Mandara Hut, 2700 m (optionally); or Kilimanjaro Jeep Ascent to Shira Plateau and a Hike, 3500 m (optionally)

Welcome to Tanzania! After meet-and-greet upon your arrival to Kilimanjaro International Airport, our driver will take you for check-in to your cozy lodge in the suburbs of Moshi town (if you arrive in the evening or night a day before, we will happily accommodate you for an extra night in the same lodge before the start of a tour).

Depart for exciting adventures at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Walk along the slopes of the highest peak in Africa to reach a picturesque waterfall located at an altitude of about 1500 m. Our local guide, an indigenous Chagga tribesman, will take you on a coffee tour and in-depth cultural excursions immersing you in the daily life of the Chagga mountain tribe and the thrilling history of old Masai-Chagga conflicts. Taste freshly-cooked local Tanzanian dishes in the mountain village surrounded by banana plantations, and enjoy steaming cup of handmade organic coffee.

Alternative options for this day:

1) Mandara Hut Day Hike

A one-day ascent to an altitude of 2700 m. Mandara Hut is the first destination of the climbers ascending Kilimanjaro via Marangu Route. Catch a glimpse of black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkey and various bird species in a mountain forest. Admire the view of Kilimanjaro peak, Northern Tanzania and Kenya from the rim of Maundi Crater.

2) Shira Plateau Jeep Ascent and a Hike

A jeep ride, then trekking on the Shira Plateau to Shira-1 Camp at an altitude of 3500 m. Shira-1 Camp is the second overnight point of those who climb Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route. Due to the significant height, you will experience the change of three (out of five) Kilimanjaro’s climate zones: cultivation zone, rainforest and moorland zone. Enjoy the abundant endemic flora of Shira Plateau, cross flashy Simba River, and take in the stunning views of Kibo Peak in the clear day.

Choose one of the above alternatives, and get a flavor of hiking Kilimanjaro without spending a week on the mountain!

At the end of the day, our driver will take you back to your lodge for a well-deserved dinner and night rest.

Overnight: Chanya Lodge
Meal plan: lunch, dinner

Day 2: Arusha National Park

Driving distance: 102 km
Driving time: 2 hr 45 min
Activities: Game Drive; Walking Safari

After breakfast in your lodge, you will be transferred to the gate of Arusha National Park, where your game drive starts.

Apart of a colorful game drive, Arusha National Park is one of the very few safari parks in Africa that offer a unique experience of a walking safari!

Face-to-face encounters with graceful giraffes, colorful zebras and other mighty herbivores; waterfall, Momella lakes with pink flocks of flamingos, beautiful Mount Meru… Arusha National Park is a truly worthwhile destination!

Overnight: Africa Safari Arusha
Meal plan: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park

Driving distance: 156 km
Driving time: 2 hr 45 min
Activities: Game Drive; Treetop Walkway (optionally)

In Lake Manyara National Park you will witness majestic lions lounging atop sprawling trees, massive elephants sauntering through the bush, and graceful giraffes feeding on treetops. Hippos and other large herbivores call this place home too.

The park is also a bird-lover’s paradise with over 400 species, including the famous pink flamingos, flocking around the stunning lake. Ernest Hemingway himself was in awe of its beauty, and it’s not hard to see why.

Optional Treetop Walkway

Take a stroll along the suspension bridges that will take you through the treetops, 18 m above the ground, giving you a view of untouched nature and wildlife from a unique perspective. This is Tanzania’s first Treetop Walkway and one of the longest in Africa.
A great outdoor activity for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

End your day in style, surrounded by the lush green hills of Tanzania, at our authentic countryside eco-lodge. It is nested next to an organic coffee plantation, just a stone’s throw away from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Overnight: Hhando Coffee Lodge
Meal plan: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Tribes of Lake Eyasi

Driving distance: 100 km
Driving time: 2 hr 30 min
Activities: Hadzabe, Datoga and Blacksmiths tribe excursions; Nature Walk

Lake Eyasi is a seasonal salty shallow lake at the bottom of the Great Rift Valley, being home to African tribes, who have preserved their traditional way of life to this day. We will visit three of them: Hadzabe tribe, Datoga people and the community of blacksmiths.

These unbelievable people make and wear costumes from animal skins, shoot bows to hunt and get their daily nutrition, collect scrap metal and make arrowheads, handy household items, tools and jewelry from it, practice gathering and cattle breeding. Fascinating cultural excursions will deeply introduce you to real, genuine East Africa. You will literally touch the history and traditions of African nations.

We will call it a day with sundowner near Lake Eyasi listening to the silence and watching the birds, reflecting on the impressions of today’s one-of-a-kind-experience.

Overnight: Hhando Coffee Lodge
Meal plan: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Serengeti National Park

Driving distance: 160 km
Driving time: 3 hr 30 min
Activities: Game Drive

With excitement in the air, start your day with a scrumptious breakfast and views of the lush green hills. Then, get ready to hit the road as you embark on the journey to the most significant destination of your trip.

Translated from the Masai language, or Maa, the name Serengeti stands for “endless plains”, and it is for a reason. Serengeti National Park voted the World’s Best Safari Destination for several years in a row. The abundance of large animals, including rare predators, and a huge variety of birds will surprise even the most seasoned travelers. It is here that you have every chance to witness the grandiosity of the largest legendary Great Migration of animals. Hold your breath, for this unprecedented privilege is sure to become one of the most memorable events in your life.

Your day will finish with a dinner in a luxurious stylish safari lodge, nested in the heart of the mighty Serengeti, offering the sounds of the wild in the night and early morning game viewing opportunities.

Overnight: Serengeti Safari Lodge
Meal plan: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Driving distance: 156 km
Driving time: 3 hr 20 min
Activities: Game Drive; Hot Air Balloon Safari (optionally); Masai tribe excursion (optionally)

Optional Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari

For even more exclusive experience, for those who are looking for more. Take off into the air over the greatness of Serengeti together with the rising sun. You will have the best chance of seeing nocturnal predators and the morning lion hunt. From the balloon basket you will admire countless herds of zebras, wildebeests, elephants. The view of the morning savanna, flooded with the first rays of the rising sun, will strike your imagination. After landing, experience the joy of a tastefully served bush breakfast and champagne to celebrate the beginning of a new, such a significant day in your life.

Today the road takes us towards the stunning Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a spectacular en-route game drive in the mesmerizing Serengeti. Witness the stunning Serengeti flora and fauna in all their glory and capture breathtaking photos.

As we continue our journey, we will enjoy a delightful picnic lunch before delving deep into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Here, the Masai men graze their cattle and the Masai women collect wild honey, all while coexisting in perfect harmony with the magnificent zebras, giraffes, wildebeest and other animals that freely roam around.

Optional Masai Tribe Excursion

Not to miss a chance to learn more about the diversity of African culture, opt for a visit to a traditional Masai village, located right onto the territory of Ngorongoro. Immerse yourself in their unique culture and customs, as you witness the daily life of these authentic African people. Explore the traditional Masai houses, admire their clothing and jewelry, and even participate in their dances and songs.

Overnight: Ngorongoro Wild Camp
Meal plan: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater

Driving distance: 80 km
Driving time: 2 hr 40 min
Activities: Game Drive

This morning your journey starts with a panoramic drive to the crater viewpoint, where you’ll be captivated by the stunning views over the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater and the magic lakes on its floor. Get ready for an exhilarating game drive in the crater, where you’ll encounter an abundance of wild animals including majestic lion prides, rare black rhinos, graceful zebras, and playful hippos. As you explore this natural wonder, your expert guide will provide you with fascinating insights into the area’s unique ecosystem and wildlife.

After your thrilling game drive, enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch near the tranquil hippo lake and continue a fascinating game drive. In the early evening, you will be taken back to your authentic countryside eco-lodge in Karatu.

Overnight: Hhando Coffee Lodge
Meal plan: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: Tarangire – Kilimanjaro Airport

Driving distance: 280 km
Driving time: 5 hr
Activities: Game Drive

After breakfast, our safari driver guide will be eagerly waiting to take you on an exciting trip to Tarangire National Park.

In this true “land of the giants,” you will be amazed by the large herds of elephants and towering baobabs that dominate the park’s landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for various antelopes, giraffes, baboons, lions, warthogs, exotic birds, and other incredible wildlife as you embark on an unforgettable game drive through the park. Your lunch will be served at a picturesque picnic site with the Tarangire River view.

Then your will be taken back to Arusha, where you will say good-bye to your driver guide and depart on a private transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport, from where you will fly back home – or to Zanzibar island for the next leg of your adventure.

Meal plan: breakfast, lunch

Good bye! Thank you for traveling with us!

What’s included:

All transfers according to the itinerary
Game Drives in fully-equipped 4WD Toyota Land Cruisers with a pop-up roof
All activities according to the itinerary
Accommodation in lodges according to the itinerary
All entrance fees to the national park and conservation areas
All concession fees for overnights in lodges on the national park territories
All government taxes and fees
Meals according to the itinerary
Chilled drinking water during the safari and transfers
Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide and guides on other excursions
Binoculars on safari (1 per vehicle)
24/7 information support from your travel manager and safari coordinator

What’s not included:

Day trip to Mandara Hut (€160 per person) or Shira Plateau (€220 per person)
Treetop Walkway in Lake Manyara (€45 per person)
Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari (€550 per person)
Masai excursion ($50 per group/vehicle)
Extra drinks ordered by you in the lodges
Tipping for the driver guide (at your own discretion)
Visa ($50 on arrival or online at https://visa.immigration.go.tz/)
Medical insurance
Single room supplement (€240)

We can assist you with arranging these items if needed. Tipping your driver guide is a common practice and shows appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Obtaining a visa and medical insurance is your responsibility, but we are happy to guide you also through these processes.

Group size	Price per person
1 person	€3950
2 people	€2755
3 people	€2355
4 people	€2150
5 people	€2040
6 people	€1955
7 people	€1890
Children 0-4 years	free of charge
Children 5-15 years	discount €430