Arusha (Tanzania) | Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania) | Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) | Tarangire National Park (Tanzania)
The following are Signature: Tanzania's Serengeti, Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
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Welcome to Tanzania. Your expedition begins at the airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel, a peaceful retreat situated in the verdant foothills of Mount Meru. Take time to settle into the rhythm of East Africa. If you arrive early, you may wish to explore the area - perhaps visit a local coffee estate to trace the bean from berry to cup, wander through colourful markets brimming with crafts and produce, or simply relax by admiring the views of Mount Meru in the distance as the sun dips behind the peaks.
The adventure begins tomorrow. Feel free to explore on your own before your welcome meeting on the morning of day two. Check for the meeting time in the welcome note at the hotel.
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
After breakfast, meet your fellow travellers and National Geographic Expedition Leader. The adventure opens with an inspiring talk by a conservationist from African People & Wildlife, co-founded by National Geographic Explorer Dr. Laly Lichtenfeld. Then, travel to Tarangire National Park, a landscape defined by sweeping savannahs, the bulbous silhouettes of towering baobabs, and the rumble of Tanzania's largest elephant herds. Watch for giraffes, lions, and a whole host of birdlife as you make your way to the lodge. Upon arrival, check in to your inviting haven and enjoy lunch. Later, head out on an afternoon safari drive, watching the bush come alive in the amber light of dusk, before returning to the lodge to refresh and enjoy a warm welcome dinner served against the backdrop of the wild.
Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. 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 on the morning of day two.
Enjoy a National Geographic Expert-led talk given by Dr. Laly Lichtenfeld where she will discuss African People & Wildlife (APW), co-founded in 2005 by herself and Charles Trout. Their mission? A world where Africa's people and wildlife not just coexist, but thrive together in healthy landscapes. Learn about innovative efforts on the ground and how community engagement plays a role in successful, lasting outcomes.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. You will be able to search for wildlife after passing into Tarangire National Park along the way to your lodge stay.
Enjoy the wildlife viewing opportunities inside Tarangire National Park. Admire the ancient baobab trees and the presence of far fewer crowds, in this lesser-known, but mighty national park.
Ascend towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area this morning, climbing from the dry plains into the cool, mist-shrouded forests of the highlands. The drive offers chances to spot wildlife as you transition from Tarangire's savannas into the lush hills. Upon arrival, check in and have lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, engage with the KopeLion Project, meeting conservationists dedicated to protecting lions in this shared landscape. Learn how the Maasai coexist with predators during a visit to a nearby boma, hearing stories of resilience and respect. Return to the lodge to refresh, then gather for sunset drinks and dinner overlooking the crater rim as the vast caldera falls into shadow.
Enjoy free time to relax and take advantage of the property amenities. There will be sunset drinks and another expert discussion before dinner at the lodge.
Enjoy the scenery on the drive from Tarangire to Ngorongoro. The entire Ngorongoro Conservation Area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its natural and cultural significance. Once through the gate, the group will drive 45 minutes to the lodge with a stop at the crater view point on the rim of the world's largest intact volcanic caldera in northern Tanzania.
Meet with representatives from KopeLion, which was founded with the aim of finding a working model for coexistence together with the pastoralist communities, and alongside the conservation authorities in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The group will be taken into the field to meet staff and see firsthand how the organization helps people live alongside lions on a daily basis. Many of the activities that are part of the visit will be demonstrated in a Maasai boma setting, adding a real-life glimpse into the harmony between humans and wildlife.
Descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, you enter a lost world - one of Africa's most remarkable wildlife havens. On a morning safari across the crater floor, the density of wildlife is staggering; watch for elephants, lions, spotted hyenas, and grazing herds roaming against the dramatic backdrop of sweeping volcanic walls. Pause for a scenic bush brunch set amidst the acacia, surrounded by the sounds of the wild and the cool morning breeze. Returning back to the lodge, spend the afternoon at leisure, soaking in breathtaking views of the crater from the rim. As the light softens, gather for sundowners and an engaging talk on conservation through tourism, before ending the day with dinner at the lodge.
Set an alarm and rise early and descend to the Ngorongoro crater floor for a morning wildlife safari drive and a bush brunch. Here you'll see Maasai herdsmen in the morning mist and all the best spots to view wildlife. Spot zebra, 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. Enjoy brunch in the bush amid the sounds of the wild.
Enjoy an afternoon to relax, enjoy the amenities of the lodge, opt for a guided walk on the rim of the crater, and later watch the sun set over the crater from the lodge.
During a discussion this afternoon, learn more about conservation through tourism from one of your National Geographic Experts on tour.
Travel across the highlands to Olduvai Gorge, the dusty ravine where a National Geographic- supported expedition led by Louis and Mary Leakey uncovered Homo habilis. Explore the museum and drive into the gorge to learn about this groundbreaking discovery that rewrote history. Continue into the vast plains of Serengeti National Park, stopping for a picnic lunch under the open sky. This afternoon, enjoy your first safari drive through the Serengeti's iconic landscapes - a sea of gold grass alive with wildebeest, zebras, impala, and the big cats stalking the herds. Arrive at the lodge to check in and enjoy dinner beneath the stars, accompanied by the distant calls of the wild.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
The Olduvai Gorge is a steep ravine in the Great Rift Valley of Tanzania. It is one of the world's most important paleoanthropological sites. Beginning in 1931, excavations by Louis Leakey revealed evidence of early man dating back nearly 2 million years. Enjoy a private visit to the Olduvai museum and see bone fossils along with fragments of ancient stone tools, and depart with an intriguing glimpse into the origin and evolution of man in the Serengeti Plains of Africa. The group will also see the Mary Leakey Living Museum.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Olduvai Gorge and your lodge in Serengeti National Park. Please note there will be an hour-long picnic lunch stop at the Naabi Hill Gate. The remainder of the drive will be a safari through the park to the lodge in the Central Serengeti.
Rise to the sounds of the savannah - the dawn chorus of birds and the low grunts of hippos - and set out early for a morning safari drive across the Serengeti's golden plains. Watch the drama of the bush unfold: elephants stripping bark from trees, lions seeking shade, and herds of antelope bounding through the tall grass. Return to the lodge for breakfast and a relaxed morning before gathering for a talk to deepen your understanding of the Serengeti's intricate ecosystem. After lunch, enjoy time at leisure before venturing out again for an afternoon safari drive to track predators on the move. As dusk settles, return to the lodge for dinner and share the day's stories around the fire.
Begin the day with a morning safari drive in the Central Serengeti for a classic African wildlife experience. The park is known for its consistent and exceptional wildlife viewing year-round.
Listen to an expert talk before lunch and then enjoy a few hours of free time around the middle, hottest part of the day. Sample the lodge's amenities or lounge with a good book. The group will reconvene for high tea together before the afternoon safari drive.
Enjoy an afternoon safari drive in the heart of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. With luck, you may encounter the impressive herds of the famed wildebeest migration.
Wake early and set out on a safari drive across the park's sweeping savannahs, seeking out the elusive sightings: lions, elephants, cheetah, and other wildlife moving against the endless horizon. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then enjoy free time to relax or explore the lodge's surroundings, perhaps watching wildlife from your private deck. This afternoon, gather for high tea - a refined pause in the wilderness - then venture out on one last wildlife drive in the national park as the sun paints the sky in hues of violet and orange. Return to the lodge for a farewell dinner, celebrating the sights, sounds, and memories of your Serengeti adventure.
Begin the day with a morning safari drive in the Central Serengeti for a classic African wildlife experience. The park is known for its consistent and exceptional wildlife viewing year-round.
Enjoy free time at the lodge to try out the various amenities available to guests. During the hottest part of the day, it's best to relax and recharge before more time in the bush. The group will reconvene for high tea before the afternoon safari drive.
Enjoy an afternoon safari drive in the heart of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. With luck, you may encounter the impressive herds of the famed wildebeest migration.
Take to the skies for a flight back to Arusha, watching the sprawling ecosystem shrink to a patchwork of green and gold below. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and some time to refresh at the lodge - a final moment of calm - before your onward transfer to the airport. Reflect on your expedition through Tanzania's iconic landscapes - from the ancient trunks of Tarangire's baobabs and the sheer walls of Ngorongoro's crater to the boundless space of the vast Serengeti plains - as you prepare to say farewell to East Africa.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Sit back and enjoy the views from above on a short flight between Serengeti National Park and Arusha.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between the airport and the hotel in Arusha.
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Signature: Tanzania's Serengeti, Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater tour:
Max 18, avg. 14.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, ArushaSignature Moment: KopeLion Presentation & Field Work Visit, Ngorongoro. Arrival transfer. Safari drives in Tarangire National Park. Safari drive in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Morning safari drive to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater with brunch in the bush. Visit to the Olduvai Gorge and its museum. Safari drives in the Central Serengeti. Free time to enjoy lodge amenities. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expert Throughout. Internal flight from the Serengeti to Arusha. Departure transfer. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Learn how experts empower communities to protect wildlife in the Tanzanian savanna, Connect with the team helping Maasai herders and lions coexist on the crater rim, Walk the gorge where the Leakeys unearthed history on a National Geographic funded expedition to Tanzania, Witness the drama of the wild on drives through the Serengeti's endless golden plains
Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory prerequisite for participation in all our departures. To safeguard your well-being, your National Geographic Expedition Leader will kindly request to verify your physical policy details before you may officially join your fellow travellers.When choosing your coverage, please ensure your policy includes full medical protection, featuring a strict minimum requirement of $200,000 USD for emergency rescue and medical repatriation. For complete peace of mind while exploring, we also strongly advise securing comprehensive coverage for personal liability, trip cancellation or curtailment, and the loss of luggage and personal belongings. If you intend to rely on insurance provided through your credit card, you must supply formal proof of purchase—such as a credit card statement or receipt in your name—along with explicit confirmation from your banking institution regarding the participating insurer, exact policy limits, and their dedicated 24-hour emergency contact number.
Across the vast, sun-baked savannas of Africa, the line between a rugged journey and a front-row seat to the natural world depends entirely on your vessel. For this expedition, the terrain is traversed in custom-engineered, private 7-seat 4x4 safari vehicles. Outfitted with expansive sliding windows and a signature large pop-up roof, these mechanical beasts are meticulously designed to optimize wildlife viewing. To ensure both comfort and an intimate connection with the landscape, occupancy is strictly capped at six explorers per vehicle, with larger expeditions utilizing a convoy of up to three vehicles.The African interior is a study in elemental extremes. The tracks beneath our wheels span the entire spectrum of terrain, from newly paved stretches to deeply rutted, bone-rattling pathways. During the scorching dry seasons, these trails transform into ribbons of dust. Yet, this traditional style of overland travel remains unrivaled. The vehicles offer a vital sanctuary of comfortable seating, while the autonomy of a private fleet grants us the invaluable luxury of spontaneity—allowing the expedition to halt at a moment's notice to witness a crouching lioness lock eyes with her prey.In these remote regions, safety dictates our pace. All vehicles are outfitted with speed governors locked at a conservative 80 km/h, ensuring a controlled transit through unpredictable environments. For your personal protection against the sudden jolts of the terrain, seat belts must be worn at all times while the vehicle is in motion. Our vehicles are maintained to the highest standards, and in the unlikely event of a technical issue, our expert drivers are equipped to resolve it efficiently.
Hotel (1 nt), Lodges (6 nts)
7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout.
Every National Geographic Signature departure is accompanied throughout by a dedicated National Geographic Expedition Leader, whose purpose is to ensure a seamless experience so you can fully immerse yourself in the destination. Your Expedition Leader offers deep insight into the landscapes you traverse, suggests enriching independent activities, recommends exceptional local dining venues, and connects you with our community friends along the way. Rather than acting as conventional guides, they possess a broad, sophisticated understanding of the historical, cultural, religious, and social tapestry of the region. To offer the ultimate perspective, we complement their expertise with specialist local guides whose deep regional knowledge adds profound depth to specific sites—delivering a masterfully balanced exploration.
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your National Geographic Signature Specialist or booking agent for further details.In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Private vehicle, 4x4 safari vehicle, plane, walking
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a National Geographic Signature tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Cold weather:o Long-sleeved shirts or sweatero Scarfo Warm gloveso Warm hato Warm layersDocuments:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Smart Dress:o Smart outfit (For evenings out)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao SwimwearNote: Tanzania's climate varies between the lush highlands and the open savannah. While days are typically warm and sunny, early morning safari drives and evenings on the Ngorongoro Crater rim can be quite cool. We recommend packing versatile layers and a light windproof jacket to ensure your comfort during wildlife viewing.We're working with our accommodation partners to reduce single-use plastic on our tours by providing safe drinking water for refillable bottles wherever possible. Complimentary filtered water is provided in all safari vehicles and at lodges. Find out more about our Plastics Partnership Project here.
Tanzania's climate varies between the lush highlands and the open savannah. While days are typically warm and sunny, early morning safari drives and evenings on the Ngorongoro Crater rim can be quite cool. We recommend packing versatile layers and a light windproof jacket to ensure your comfort during wildlife viewing.We're working with our accommodation partners to reduce single-use plastic on our tours by providing safe drinking water for refillable bottles wherever possible. Complimentary filtered water is provided in all safari vehicles and at lodges. Find out more about our Plastics Partnership Project here.
When deciding what to pack, considerations will vary based on your specific itinerary, the regions you are visiting, and the season in which you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend packing thoughtfully and keeping your luggage to one checked bag at a manageable weight to facilitate seamless transitions throughout your expedition.In addition to your primary luggage, you will also require a small day pack or shoulder bag. This smaller bag is essential for keeping your camera, water, and personal items close at hand during day walks, excursions, and daily explorations.
Laundry services are available during your journey. Please consult your Expedition Leader for assistance with making these arrangements during your stay.
Luxury: Five-star hospitality and meticulously curated inclusions, featuring iconic properties, fine dining, and private door-to-door service.