Tanzania - The Great Plains & Mara Safari

Price

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Inclusions

• 1 night Arusha, Arumeru River Lodge
• 2 nights Tarangire National Park, Maweninga Camp
• 3 nights Karatu, Bashay Rift Lodge
• 2 nights Serengeti, Togoro Plains Camp
• 3 nights Masai Mara, Mara River Post
• Private 4x4 vehicle during safari
• English-speaking guide
• Flight from Kogatende to Arusha
• Full board through lunch on final day
• Beverages during safari (soda, beer, wine and local liquor)
• Park concessions and camping fees

Exclusions

International Airfare

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Map

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Itinerary

• 

  Day 1 - Arusha (D)

  Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Arumeru River Lodge, a peaceful retreat set in lush gardens beneath Mount Meru. Enjoy time relaxing after your journey.

  • 

    Arumeru Lodge (Deluxe)

    On a former coffee plantation surrounded by lush, magnificent gardens and wonderful views of Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru lies Arumeru Lodge. Situated midway between Arusha city center and Kilimanjaro International Airport, within easy reach of Tanzania's renowned national parks, this charming lodge provides a perfect base for exploring the wonders of northern Tanzania.

    Warm hospitality is at the heart of Arumeru Lodge, with the friendly and attentive staff dedicated to ensuring a memorable stay for every guest. 

    Arumeru's 31 chalets, junior suites and family rooms are individual bungalows spread across the large tropical estate, which also features a beautifully landscaped swimming pool and many exotic tree species and indigenous plants which attract local birdlife. The lodge's architecture blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, featuring traditional thatched roofs, rustic wooden furnishings, and earthy tones that evoke a sense of African authenticity. Each of the lodge's spacious cottages and suites is thoughtfully designed to provide a peaceful haven for guests, with private verandas or balconies offering stunning views of Mount Meru or the lodge's lush gardens. The decor of all rooms fits into the lodge theme with rustic-smart interiors, traditional beds, mosquito nets, fan, kettle for coffee and tea, telephone and en-suite bathrooms with shower.

    Arumeru is an eco-lodge. Plastic bottle-free since 2020, the lodge has a light CO² footprint and most hot water is already now produced by solar water heaters. The water served for meals and in the rooms is produced by the latest filtering technologies. 

    The lodge's dining options showcase the rich culinary heritage of Tanzania, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and flavorful dishes. Guests can savor traditional Tanzanian specialties at the lodge's main restaurant or enjoy a leisurely meal al fresco on the terrace, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush.

    With its idyllic setting, warm hospitality, and range of amenities, Arumeru River Lodge offers travelers a delightful retreat in the heart of Tanzania's breathtaking landscapes. Whether heading out on a safari or returning from one, guests are sure to create cherished memories at this enchanting lodge.

    Breakfast is included in your stay. 

    Arumeru Lodge  (Deluxe)
• 

  Day 2 - Arusha to Tarangire National Park (B,L,D)

  Depart with your private 4x4 vehicle and English-speaking guide for Tarangire National Park. Enjoy your first game drive en route to Maweninga Camp, dramatically perched on a rocky outcrop with panoramic views.

  • 

    Maweninga Camp (Deluxe)

    Perched on the top of an imposing granite rock, Maweninga Camp is within the Tarangire National Park, overlooking Lake Manyara and Burunge. Spread over 1780 square miles, the average altitude of the park reaches 3500 feet. 

    Tarangire is considered one of the most beautiful shelters of fauna in Tanzania. Its large herds of elephants as well as its huge baobab trees have established Tarangire's reputation as a premier National Park. Tarangire is also home to large numbers of wild animals that are hard to find in others parks; Gerenuk, lesser and greater Kudu, Oryx and Eland.

    Maweninga Camp was built in a remote area of Tarangire, on the top of a huge granite rock that towers over the picturesque landscape.

    Maweninga Camp offers 16 canvas tents built on individual raised wooden platforms. Each tent features an open terrace, a bedroom, a dressing room alcove with en-suite bathroom. All tents are uniquely decorated and offer unique views over the savannah, Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley. The picturesque backdrop on the horizon are the volcanoes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ngorongoro Crater, Oldeani and Lemagrut. 

    Public areas consist of a lovely restaurant and bar with wooden floors and makuti roof adjacent to the huge flat rock terrace. Refreshing drinks are served while guests admire breathtaking views and the sun setting over the bushlands. A smaller private dining area and camp fire in the bush are popular with those seeking privacy. 

    Experience the African sky after dinner in a lounge chair at the magical campfire and listen to Maasai stories. 

    Built to the highest eco-friendly standards, Maweninga has a particularly low-carbon footprint. The entire camp is powered by solar energy. The electricity and hot water are supplied by a new generation solar system. Rainwater provides up to 50% of the annual water consumption, the remaining being fetched from a borehole.

    Dinner and breakfast are included in your stay. 

     

    Maweninga Camp  (Deluxe)
• 

  Day 3 – Tarangire National Park (B,L,D)

  Spend a full day exploring Tarangire, known for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and diverse wildlife. Morning and afternoon game drives offer excellent viewing opportunities.

  • 

    Maweninga Camp (Deluxe)

    Perched on the top of an imposing granite rock, Maweninga Camp is within the Tarangire National Park, overlooking Lake Manyara and Burunge. Spread over 1780 square miles, the average altitude of the park reaches 3500 feet. 

    Tarangire is considered one of the most beautiful shelters of fauna in Tanzania. Its large herds of elephants as well as its huge baobab trees have established Tarangire's reputation as a premier National Park. Tarangire is also home to large numbers of wild animals that are hard to find in others parks; Gerenuk, lesser and greater Kudu, Oryx and Eland.

    Maweninga Camp was built in a remote area of Tarangire, on the top of a huge granite rock that towers over the picturesque landscape.

    Maweninga Camp offers 16 canvas tents built on individual raised wooden platforms. Each tent features an open terrace, a bedroom, a dressing room alcove with en-suite bathroom. All tents are uniquely decorated and offer unique views over the savannah, Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley. The picturesque backdrop on the horizon are the volcanoes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ngorongoro Crater, Oldeani and Lemagrut. 

    Public areas consist of a lovely restaurant and bar with wooden floors and makuti roof adjacent to the huge flat rock terrace. Refreshing drinks are served while guests admire breathtaking views and the sun setting over the bushlands. A smaller private dining area and camp fire in the bush are popular with those seeking privacy. 

    Experience the African sky after dinner in a lounge chair at the magical campfire and listen to Maasai stories. 

    Built to the highest eco-friendly standards, Maweninga has a particularly low-carbon footprint. The entire camp is powered by solar energy. The electricity and hot water are supplied by a new generation solar system. Rainwater provides up to 50% of the annual water consumption, the remaining being fetched from a borehole.

    Dinner and breakfast are included in your stay. 

     

    Maweninga Camp  (Deluxe)
• 

  Day 4 – Tarangire to Karatu (B,L,D)

  Travel through scenic landscapes toward the highlands of Karatu. Arrive at Bashay Rift Lodge, surrounded by coffee plantations and views over the Rift Valley.

  • 

    Bashay Rift Lodge (Deluxe)

    Bashay Rift Lodge, perched atop the dramatic cliffs of the Great Rift Valley, commands exquisite views and is ideally located in the heart of the fertile Karatu area, only a few miles away from iconic Ngorongoro Crater.  

    Set against the backdrop of the vast Rift Valley escarpment, the lodge's communal areas provide the perfect setting for relaxation and socialization. The main lounge, with its inviting fireplace and comfortable seating, offers a cozy ambiance for guests to unwind and enjoy panoramic views of the valley below. The elegant restaurant, bar, swimming pool, spa and terraces, have stunning views over Lake Eyasi and the Rift Valley.

    Bashay Rift Lodge comprises 32 elegantly appointed cottages and suites, each thoughtfully designed to offer comfort and privacy. Guests can unwind in spacious rooms adorned with traditional African decor, featuring cozy furnishings, locally sourced materials, and modern amenities. Rooms are spread out in lovely gardens with a special "Out of Africa" feeling, and boast breath-taking views. 

    The lodge's restaurant serves a delectable array of local and international cuisine, showcasing the flavors of Tanzania with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby markets and farms. Coffee plantations dot the Karatu region, and a cup of fresh Tanzanian coffee is a heavenly way to start the day. 

    Mountain bikes are available to guests and are an ideal way to explore the local farming areas and nearby villages. Local tribal culture includes the Irak tribe, as well as the Hadzabes and Datoga tribes, traditional hunter-gatherers who still live their traditional lifestyle.

    After a day of exploration, guests can rejuvenate their senses at the lodge's spa, where a range of treatments and therapies are available to soothe the body and mind.

    Alternatively, they can relax by the infinity pool, soaking in the breathtaking views of the Rift Valley landscape as the sun sets on another unforgettable day in Tanzania.

    Dinner and breakfast are included in your stay. 

    Bashay Rift Lodge  (Deluxe)
• 

  Day 5 – Ngorongoro Crater Excursion (B,L,D)

  Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day safari. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers one of Africa’s highest concentrations of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rare black rhino.

  • 

    Bashay Rift Lodge (Deluxe)

    Bashay Rift Lodge, perched atop the dramatic cliffs of the Great Rift Valley, commands exquisite views and is ideally located in the heart of the fertile Karatu area, only a few miles away from iconic Ngorongoro Crater.  

    Set against the backdrop of the vast Rift Valley escarpment, the lodge's communal areas provide the perfect setting for relaxation and socialization. The main lounge, with its inviting fireplace and comfortable seating, offers a cozy ambiance for guests to unwind and enjoy panoramic views of the valley below. The elegant restaurant, bar, swimming pool, spa and terraces, have stunning views over Lake Eyasi and the Rift Valley.

    Bashay Rift Lodge comprises 32 elegantly appointed cottages and suites, each thoughtfully designed to offer comfort and privacy. Guests can unwind in spacious rooms adorned with traditional African decor, featuring cozy furnishings, locally sourced materials, and modern amenities. Rooms are spread out in lovely gardens with a special "Out of Africa" feeling, and boast breath-taking views. 

    The lodge's restaurant serves a delectable array of local and international cuisine, showcasing the flavors of Tanzania with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby markets and farms. Coffee plantations dot the Karatu region, and a cup of fresh Tanzanian coffee is a heavenly way to start the day. 

    Mountain bikes are available to guests and are an ideal way to explore the local farming areas and nearby villages. Local tribal culture includes the Irak tribe, as well as the Hadzabes and Datoga tribes, traditional hunter-gatherers who still live their traditional lifestyle.

    After a day of exploration, guests can rejuvenate their senses at the lodge's spa, where a range of treatments and therapies are available to soothe the body and mind.

    Alternatively, they can relax by the infinity pool, soaking in the breathtaking views of the Rift Valley landscape as the sun sets on another unforgettable day in Tanzania.

    Dinner and breakfast are included in your stay. 

    Bashay Rift Lodge  (Deluxe)
• 

  Day 6 – Karatu at Leisure / Optional Activities (B,L,D)

  Enjoy a relaxed day in Karatu. Optional activities include cultural visits, guided walks, or excursions around the highlands.

  • 

    Bashay Rift Lodge (Deluxe)

    Bashay Rift Lodge, perched atop the dramatic cliffs of the Great Rift Valley, commands exquisite views and is ideally located in the heart of the fertile Karatu area, only a few miles away from iconic Ngorongoro Crater.  

    Set against the backdrop of the vast Rift Valley escarpment, the lodge's communal areas provide the perfect setting for relaxation and socialization. The main lounge, with its inviting fireplace and comfortable seating, offers a cozy ambiance for guests to unwind and enjoy panoramic views of the valley below. The elegant restaurant, bar, swimming pool, spa and terraces, have stunning views over Lake Eyasi and the Rift Valley.

    Bashay Rift Lodge comprises 32 elegantly appointed cottages and suites, each thoughtfully designed to offer comfort and privacy. Guests can unwind in spacious rooms adorned with traditional African decor, featuring cozy furnishings, locally sourced materials, and modern amenities. Rooms are spread out in lovely gardens with a special "Out of Africa" feeling, and boast breath-taking views. 

    The lodge's restaurant serves a delectable array of local and international cuisine, showcasing the flavors of Tanzania with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby markets and farms. Coffee plantations dot the Karatu region, and a cup of fresh Tanzanian coffee is a heavenly way to start the day. 

    Mountain bikes are available to guests and are an ideal way to explore the local farming areas and nearby villages. Local tribal culture includes the Irak tribe, as well as the Hadzabes and Datoga tribes, traditional hunter-gatherers who still live their traditional lifestyle.

    After a day of exploration, guests can rejuvenate their senses at the lodge's spa, where a range of treatments and therapies are available to soothe the body and mind.

    Alternatively, they can relax by the infinity pool, soaking in the breathtaking views of the Rift Valley landscape as the sun sets on another unforgettable day in Tanzania.

    Dinner and breakfast are included in your stay. 

    Bashay Rift Lodge  (Deluxe)
• 

  Day 7 - Karatu to Serengeti National Park (B,L,D)

  Journey into the Serengeti with game viewing along the way. Arrive at Togoro Plains Camp, set in the heart of the plains.

  • 

    Togoro Plains (Deluxe)

    Togoro Plains Camp is a luxury safari retreat located in the Lobo area of the Serengeti National Park, northern Tanzania. This camp offers an immersive wilderness experience, set amidst rolling hills, acacia-dotted landscapes, and vast open plains. Known for its exclusivity and commitment to eco-tourism, Togoro Plains Camp provides an ideal base for exploring the Serengeti's remarkable biodiversity.

    Accommodations at the camp include spacious, eco-friendly tents with en-suite bathrooms, private verandas, and solar-powered amenities, ensuring comfort while minimizing environmental impact. Guests can enjoy gourmet meals in the dining area and unwind in communal spaces designed to blend with the natural surroundings​

    Activities include guided game drives, walking safaris, and cultural excursions to Maasai villages. The camp's location also offers prime access to the Great Migration and excellent year-round game viewing, including sightings of the Big Five and other iconic wildlife​.

     

    Togoro Plains  (Deluxe)
• 

  Day 8 – Serengeti Safari (B,L,D)

  Enjoy a full day of game drives in the Serengeti, home to the Big Five and the Great Migration (seasonal). Explore vast plains and predator-rich habitats.

  • 

    Togoro Plains (Deluxe)

    Togoro Plains Camp is a luxury safari retreat located in the Lobo area of the Serengeti National Park, northern Tanzania. This camp offers an immersive wilderness experience, set amidst rolling hills, acacia-dotted landscapes, and vast open plains. Known for its exclusivity and commitment to eco-tourism, Togoro Plains Camp provides an ideal base for exploring the Serengeti's remarkable biodiversity.

    Accommodations at the camp include spacious, eco-friendly tents with en-suite bathrooms, private verandas, and solar-powered amenities, ensuring comfort while minimizing environmental impact. Guests can enjoy gourmet meals in the dining area and unwind in communal spaces designed to blend with the natural surroundings​

    Activities include guided game drives, walking safaris, and cultural excursions to Maasai villages. The camp's location also offers prime access to the Great Migration and excellent year-round game viewing, including sightings of the Big Five and other iconic wildlife​.

     

    Togoro Plains  (Deluxe)
• 

  Day 9 – Serengeti to Masai Mara (B,L,D)

  Continue north toward the Masai Mara ecosystem. Arrive at Mara River Post, ideally located near the Mara River.

  • 

    Mara River Post (Deluxe)

    Kogatende, the northern part of the Serengeti along the Mara River, epitomizes Tanzania’s magic. Blessed with great biodiversity and wildlife, Kogatende is  one of Africa's most game rich safari areas. Kogatende's great plains provide an excellent chance for safari-goers to see such prized sights as herds of rhinoceros, or cheetahs stalking and hunting gazelles. 

    In Kogatende, Mara River Post camp, perched atop a knoll, offers16 stylish luxury safari tents, each elegantly furnished with comfortable beds, ensuite bathrooms, and private verandas. Set amidst the acacia trees and native vegetation, the tents blend seamlessly with the natural environment while providing modern amenities and creature comforts.

    All tents offer amazing views over the savannah and the Mara River which carries water all year round and is frequented by elephants and many hippos.  Mara River is particularly known for its spectacular and sometimes dramatic scenes that take place between June and October, when millions of wildebeests cross the river trying to survive the currents and the attacks of resident crocodiles.

    The main area of Mara Post Camp serves as a hub for socializing and relaxation, featuring a spacious lounge and dining tent where guests can unwind after a day of safari adventures Common areas are set on raised platforms, to maximize the views over the river, where you can see the wildebeest crossing or families of elephants even while not on a game drive. Public areas available on both sides of the hill feature cozy lounges and bars as well as superbly designed open dining areas. The camp's relaxed atmosphere and personalized service evokes a feeling of being at home. 

    Mara Post camp runs 80% on rainwater, and is powered by solar energy. Hot water is provided by solar heating systems. 

    Mara Post Camp offers a range of safari activities to suit every interest and preference. Guided game drives provide opportunities to encounter Africa's Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros – as well as an array of other fascinating wildlife, including wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and cheetahs. Guests can also embark on guided nature walks, birdwatching excursions, and cultural visits to nearby Maasai villages, immersing themselves in the traditions and customs of this iconic region.

    When not game viewing, guests take a dip into the swimming pool or enjoy a nap on the sundeck, or visit the spa for a treatment.

    All meals are included in your stay. 

     

     

     

     

     

    Mara River Post  (Deluxe)
• 

  Day 10 – Masai Mara Safari (B,L,D)

  Spend the day exploring the Masai Mara, renowned for its abundant wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives.

  • 

    Mara River Post (Deluxe)

    Kogatende, the northern part of the Serengeti along the Mara River, epitomizes Tanzania’s magic. Blessed with great biodiversity and wildlife, Kogatende is  one of Africa's most game rich safari areas. Kogatende's great plains provide an excellent chance for safari-goers to see such prized sights as herds of rhinoceros, or cheetahs stalking and hunting gazelles. 

    In Kogatende, Mara River Post camp, perched atop a knoll, offers16 stylish luxury safari tents, each elegantly furnished with comfortable beds, ensuite bathrooms, and private verandas. Set amidst the acacia trees and native vegetation, the tents blend seamlessly with the natural environment while providing modern amenities and creature comforts.

    All tents offer amazing views over the savannah and the Mara River which carries water all year round and is frequented by elephants and many hippos.  Mara River is particularly known for its spectacular and sometimes dramatic scenes that take place between June and October, when millions of wildebeests cross the river trying to survive the currents and the attacks of resident crocodiles.

    The main area of Mara Post Camp serves as a hub for socializing and relaxation, featuring a spacious lounge and dining tent where guests can unwind after a day of safari adventures Common areas are set on raised platforms, to maximize the views over the river, where you can see the wildebeest crossing or families of elephants even while not on a game drive. Public areas available on both sides of the hill feature cozy lounges and bars as well as superbly designed open dining areas. The camp's relaxed atmosphere and personalized service evokes a feeling of being at home. 

    Mara Post camp runs 80% on rainwater, and is powered by solar energy. Hot water is provided by solar heating systems. 

    Mara Post Camp offers a range of safari activities to suit every interest and preference. Guided game drives provide opportunities to encounter Africa's Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros – as well as an array of other fascinating wildlife, including wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and cheetahs. Guests can also embark on guided nature walks, birdwatching excursions, and cultural visits to nearby Maasai villages, immersing themselves in the traditions and customs of this iconic region.

    When not game viewing, guests take a dip into the swimming pool or enjoy a nap on the sundeck, or visit the spa for a treatment.

    All meals are included in your stay. 

     

     

     

     

     

    Mara River Post  (Deluxe)
• 

  Day 11 – Masai Mara Safari (B,L,D)

  Another full day in the Mara offers further opportunities to witness incredible wildlife, including big cats and, seasonally, river crossings.

  • 

    Mara River Post (Deluxe)

    Kogatende, the northern part of the Serengeti along the Mara River, epitomizes Tanzania’s magic. Blessed with great biodiversity and wildlife, Kogatende is  one of Africa's most game rich safari areas. Kogatende's great plains provide an excellent chance for safari-goers to see such prized sights as herds of rhinoceros, or cheetahs stalking and hunting gazelles. 

    In Kogatende, Mara River Post camp, perched atop a knoll, offers16 stylish luxury safari tents, each elegantly furnished with comfortable beds, ensuite bathrooms, and private verandas. Set amidst the acacia trees and native vegetation, the tents blend seamlessly with the natural environment while providing modern amenities and creature comforts.

    All tents offer amazing views over the savannah and the Mara River which carries water all year round and is frequented by elephants and many hippos.  Mara River is particularly known for its spectacular and sometimes dramatic scenes that take place between June and October, when millions of wildebeests cross the river trying to survive the currents and the attacks of resident crocodiles.

    The main area of Mara Post Camp serves as a hub for socializing and relaxation, featuring a spacious lounge and dining tent where guests can unwind after a day of safari adventures Common areas are set on raised platforms, to maximize the views over the river, where you can see the wildebeest crossing or families of elephants even while not on a game drive. Public areas available on both sides of the hill feature cozy lounges and bars as well as superbly designed open dining areas. The camp's relaxed atmosphere and personalized service evokes a feeling of being at home. 

    Mara Post camp runs 80% on rainwater, and is powered by solar energy. Hot water is provided by solar heating systems. 

    Mara Post Camp offers a range of safari activities to suit every interest and preference. Guided game drives provide opportunities to encounter Africa's Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros – as well as an array of other fascinating wildlife, including wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and cheetahs. Guests can also embark on guided nature walks, birdwatching excursions, and cultural visits to nearby Maasai villages, immersing themselves in the traditions and customs of this iconic region.

    When not game viewing, guests take a dip into the swimming pool or enjoy a nap on the sundeck, or visit the spa for a treatment.

    All meals are included in your stay. 

     

     

     

     

     

    Mara River Post  (Deluxe)
• 

  Day 12 – Depart Masai Mara (B)

  Transfer to Kogatende Airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Arusha.

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