per person based on double occupancy
Join us on a transformative wildlife safari through the heart of East Africa, the backdrop to the year-round migration of grazing herbivores that traverse the Serengeti Plains. Here, exploration is rewarded with insight, and every experience provides memories that resonate over a lifetime. With exceptional access to national parks and reserves, you'll witness spectacular wildlife, colorful local traditions, and endless, sun-drenched savannas of Tanzania during this epic 12-day journey.
– Dive deep into the heart of East Africa accompanied by expert naturalist guides who will enrich your experience with their knowledge and passion.
– Safari through some of the region's most important parks and reserves, including the legendary Serengeti—host at different times to the year-round Great Migration, the cyclical journey of 1.6 million herbivores on their quest for survival.
– Participate in up to 12 game drives aboard safari-outfitted Land Cruisers.
– Spend a full day at Ngorongoro Crater—home to populations of lions, leopards, black rhinos, hyenas, wildebeests, buffaloes, elephants and zebras.
– Uncover the mysteries at Olduvai Gorge, an archaeological treasure and place of profound historical significance.
– Soar above the Serengeti during an optional hot air balloon sunrise safari including a champagne breakfast and game drive (additional fee).
Day 1: En Route from U.S.
Day 2: Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania
Days 3-4: Tarangire National Park
Day 5: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater
Days 7-8: Olduvai Gorge | Serengeti National Park – Seronera Valley
Days 9-10: Western Serengeti | Grumeti
Day 11: Serengeti | Flight to Arusha | Depart for U.S.
Day 12: En Route | Arrive in U.S.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Locations selected for this safari promise excellent viewing of wildlife, however, spotting specific wildlife cannot be guaranteed. Some activities are dependent on weather and seasonal conditions.
Day 1: En Route from U.S.
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Day 2: Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
After an evening arrival to Kilimanjaro International Airport an Orbridge representative will be waiting to assist with your transfer to the hotel.
Days 3-4: Tarangire National Park
Thursday, January 9, 2025 - Friday, January 10, 2025 (B,L,D daily)
Following breakfast and a welcome briefing by your Orbridge Expedition Leader depart for Tarangire National Park for two full days of exploration.
Tarangire National Park is known for its iconic baobab trees, sweeping savannas and abundant pachyderm population. This seasonal park has the second highest concentration of wildlife (after the Serengeti), including diverse habitats of dry open woodlands, thorny Acacia thickets, rolling hills, rocky outcrops and extensive swamps. Daily morning and afternoon game drives provide your introduction to Africa's natural beauty, power and wonder.
Tarangire reportedly has the largest elephant concentration in the world during the dry season. Experience the thrill of witnessing herds of these majestic creatures up close, along with giraffes, zebras and various antelope species.
A birder's paradise, the park hosts hundreds of bird species—the highest of any in Tanzania. Notable common birds include the ashy starling, red-and-yellow barbet, red-bellied parrot, speckle-fronted weaver, little bee-eater and tawny eagle. Spot for flocks of dazzling yellow-collared lovebirds and the equally striking lilac-breasted rollers.
Between game drives gather for a bush lunch inside the park with time to recount exciting animal sightings and share photographs before setting off again in the afternoon.
In the evenings retreat to lodging inside the park where you again may encounter elephants serenely strolling the grounds. Unwind at the lounge or relax beside the pool before dinner.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Saturday, January 11, 2025 (B,L,D)
After breakfast set out towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a morning game drive en route.
Arrive at Gibb's Farm for a guided farm walk and lunch. This award-winning sanctuary, established in the early 1900s as a coffee plantation, specializes in organic cuisine using farm-fresh ingredients. During the visit, take advantage of immersive, hands-on experiences, including harvesting vegetables, milking cows, feeding pigs and collecting eggs.
Continue to Ngorongoro O'ldeani Mountain Lodge—your stunning accommodations for the following two evenings. This five-star colonial lodge is situated atop a picturesque hill with spectacular views of Mount Oldeani and the Ngorongoro Crater Rim.
This evening gather together for a spectacular dinner followed by leisure time to sit under the stars.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater
Sunday, January 12, 2025 (B,L,D)
Explore Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven natural wonders of Africa. The largest intact caldera in the world, this once giant volcano shelters an astonishing diversity of wildlife.
During a riveting full-day game drive, spot for the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes), as well as an array of other species like wildebeest and flamingos. This area is also the best place in East Africa to spot the rare black rhino.
Returning to the property and reflect on your adventures while relaxing beside the lodge's stone hearth before dinner.
Days 7-8: Olduvai Gorge | Serengeti National Park – Seronera Valley
Monday, January 13, 2025 - Tuesday, January 14, 2025 (B,L,D daily)
Glimpse into the origins of humanity at Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important prehistoric archaeological sites on Earth. Here in the 1950s, Louis and Mary Leakey first uncovered the fossilized skull of one of man's earliest ancestors. Stone tools and similar artifacts have also been discovered during other excavations.
After an interpretive presentation continue to the Serengeti—Tanzania's oldest and most popular national park, and the quintessential African safari destination. Spanning 12,000 square miles this ecosystem’s name is appropriately derived from the Maasai language meaning “endless plains.”
Daily morning and afternoon game drives through awe-inspiring landscapes offer exhilarating opportunities to witness a plethora of grazing animals. Predators like cheetahs and hyenas are never far behind, creating ideal occasions for wildlife photography.
Optional Serengeti Excursion: Take a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise safari by hot air balloon. Ascend above the southern Serengeti at dawn for an exclusive, birds-eye view of wildlife roaming the expansive landscape. Afterward enjoy a champagne breakfast plus a game drive before rejoining the group. This excursion must be purchased from Orbridge Guest Services in advance to guarantee availability. Purchase is non-refundable inside 90 days from departure.
In the evenings take pleasure amidst the luxurious amenities of your award-winning lodge. Laze in the outdoor infinity pool, indulge in a massage treatment (additional fees apply) and dine on impressively crafted cuisine.
Days 9-10: Western Serengeti | Grumeti
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 - Thursday, January 16, 2025 (B,L,D daily)
Traveling beyond the Seronera Valley enter the western corridor of the Serengeti and the Grumeti River region, a more secluded and wild side of the park. This relatively narrow corridor—consisting of open savannas, woodlands and floodplains—follows the path of the crocodile-inhabited Grumeti River all the way to Lake Victoria. It's home to abundant wildlife, including rare Colobus monkeys.
Daily morning and afternoon game drives afford additional opportunities to observe, explore and learn about these reserves and their diversity of bird and mammal species.
As your memorable journey nears its close gather together during a festive bush dinner to reflect upon this meaningful time spent among the many wonders of the Serengeti.
Day 11: Serengeti | Flight to Arusha | Depart for U.S.
Friday, January 17, 2025 (B,L)
From Grumeti take the short, scenic flight back to Arusha. Upon arrival have lunch and finish any last-minute shopping for woodcarvings or art at the Cultural Heritage Center.
Day rooms at the hotel provide comfort until your transfer to the airport this evening for flights home.
Day Room: Rivertrees Country Inn
Day 12: En Route | Arrive in U.S.
Saturday, January 18, 2025
(Itinerary subject to change.)
| Category | Rate* |
|---|---|
| Double: | $7,995 |
| Single: | $10,495 |
*Special group rate; limited offer. Rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Airfare for the flight from the Serengeti to Arusha on day 11 is included. Airfare otherwise not included.
Search for the gorillas that traverse the Virunga Mountains for the heart-pounding thrill of observing these giants in their natural habitat. The intimate experience of coming close to these gentle giants as they interact, play and nestle into the forest foliage can be life-changing and unforgettable.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day +1: En Route from U.S.
Saturday, January 4, 2025
Day +2: Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda
Sunday, January 5, 2025
After arriving meet your host for the transfer to the Kigali Serena Hotel for a restful evening.
Day +3: Kigali | Kinigi
Monday, January 6, 2025 (B,L,D)
Morning sightseeing today includes a tour of the Genocide Museum. Enjoy lunch in Kigali before the drive to the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge where you can rest and prepare for tomorrow morning's trek.
Day +4: Kinigi | Volcanoes National Park | Morning Gorilla Trek | Kigali
Tuesday, January 7, 2025 (B,L,D)
After an early breakfast we begin the gorilla trek. Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is one of the most exciting natural history opportunities in all of Africa. To be so close to these amazing animals can truly be a life-changing event. Experienced national park guides will lead you through the thick forest in search of one of the habituated gorilla families that traverse the Virunga Mountains. Upon finding the group, we will have one hour with them to observe and capture remarkable photographs.
Following this memorable adventure, return to Kigali for the evening.
Day +5: Kigali | Flight to Arusha | Main Program Begins
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 (B)
After breakfast take the group flight to Arusha to join fellow travelers to begin the main program.
NOTE: Trekking will involve walking and climbing hills in tropical forests on uneven and sometimes rocky, steep and/or slippery ground at a moderate, unhurried pace. Park regulations state that the maximum time that can be spent with the gorillas is one hour. The time spent searching for the gorillas does not count as part of the hour.
Pre-tour space is limted. We recommend reserving early for best availability.
(Itinerary subject to change.)
| Category | Rate** |
|---|---|
| Double: | $4,395 |
| Single: | $5,595 |
Pre-tour rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Airfare from Rwanda to Tanzania on day +5 is included. Airfare otherwise not included. NOTE: In lieu of a pre-tour deposit, the gorilla trek permit fee is required to guarantee availability. The gorilla trek permit is purchased at the time of reservation at a cost of $750 per person. The gorilla trek permit fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Known as Spice Island and overflowing with influences from Africa, Arabia, India and Europe, Zanzibar is a fascinating destination with a dramatic history, endless coastlines and a magical atmosphere.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day 11: Flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
Friday, January 17, 2025 (L,D)
Following this morning's game drive and flight from the Serengeti Grumeti airstrip to Arusha, board the quick flight to Zanzibar—the Spice Island.
Day 12: Zanzibar | Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Saturday, January 18, 2025 (B,D)
Awake to your spectacular view over the Indian Ocean.
After breakfast set out on a walking tour of Zanzibar's old town, Stone Town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and its market, which exists today much as it did in the days when Zanzibar was a popular trading center known throughout the world for spices and timber.
Following the winding streets notice the serene atmosphere and neighborhoods dotted with whitewashed houses, ornately carved wooden doors and balconies studded with brass.
Visit the House of Wonders, which displays exhibitions dedicated to Swahili culture, as well as the Palace Museum, highlighting its ties to Zanzibar's Omani history.
At the Zanzibar Old Fort discover the fortification's colorful history, from its development in 1698 to how the structure is still being occupied today.
After lunch travel across the island through quaint villages and lush vegetation to enchanting Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park—the only national park in Zanzibar and home to the unique red colobus monkey. Enjoy time to explore the forest before returning to the hotel for dinner.
Day 13: Zanzibar | Optional Spice Plantation Tour | Depart for U.S.
Sunday, January 19, 2025 (B,L)
The morning is at leisure to wander Stone Town or enjoy the beach.
Or, depending on departing flight times, you may choose to join the optional spice tour excursion. This walking tour and tasting through organic spice plantations reveals why Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island. The bounty of cloves, nutmeg, ginger, chilies, black pepper, vanilla, coriander and cinnamon have found their way around the world for centuries. (You may purchase this optional excursion in advance from our Guest Services team. Space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.)
Relax in your room at the Zanzibar Serena Hotel until taking the complimentary transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for flights home.
Day Room: Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Day 14: En Route | Arrive in U.S.
Monday, January 20, 2025
Post-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.
This post-tour is not escorted by an Orbridge Travel Director. Included sightseeing is accompanied by a local guide.
(Itinerary subject to change.)
| Category | Rate** |
|---|---|
| Double: | $2,195 |
| Single: | $2,895 |
We recommend you look into travel insurance immediately after making your deposit. It's important to note that some coverage can be linked to timing of your initial payment.
Orbridge's travel insurance partner, Redpoint, has a specific policy option to meet your needs. Visit redpointtravelprotection.com/partner/orbridgeripcord for a quote and more information. To speak with a Redpoint agent directly, call (415) 481-0610 and their team will be glad to assist.
Our air partners can make flight arrangements for guests. In the event of flight delays and/or schedule changes, they will provide guests with personalized assistance. To book flight reservations with our air partners, contact (206) 319-5011 and select the option for your destination to discuss flight details with our air colleagues. Upon ticketing, a fee will be charged.
Orbridge looks forward to welcoming you on tour. Find frequently asked questions below to help you prepare for your travels.
NOTE: For guests confirmed on this tour, important Program Documents will be sent to the email address provided during the reservation process approximately four to five months prior to your departure date. Final Documents will be emailed and shipped via FedEx approximately two weeks prior to your departure date.
If you have questions about those documents or have questions not addressed below, contact Orbridge Guest Services at (206) 855-6929 or via email at guestservices@orbridge.com.
Guests should be sure-footed and able to walk safely over uneven and slippery ground without assistance, transport luggage a short distance, get in and out of a 4x4 vehicle, and physically tolerate vehicle motion on sometimes bumpy roads. The highest elevation for the main tour is 5,500 feet.
For the optional pre-tour, guests should be in very good physical condition with the ability to walk up and down hills in tropical forests on uneven and sometimes rocky, steep and/or slippery terrain. The forest can be humid and paths may have heavy vegetation. A degree of physical fitness is necessary as you may need to pull yourself up steep slopes by grasping onto branches or bushes, or even get a boost. Porters can be hired at Volcanoes National Park to assist you with trekking and to carry your equipment. Trekking can take anywhere from 1-5 hours, depending on wildlife sightings. Guests will experience varying altitudes to which they may not be accustomed. The maximum elevation is 5,100 feet in Kigali and between 7,000-9,000 feet while trekking.
Arrival and departure information is provided in the Air & Transfer section of the Confirmation Documents emailed to reserved guests approximately five to seven days after booking a tour. Guests who arrive and depart during the suggested times are eligible to receive complimentary airport transfers. If you need an additional copy of your Confirmation Documents or have questions, email guestservices@orbridge.com for assistance.
All U.S. citizens require a passport and visa to enter Tanzania. You will go through the e-visa process to secure a visa ahead of time.
Apply for your visa between 30 and 60 days before your departure. Do not apply prior to 90 days before your departure.
Apply using this link: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/
Have the following items ready to complete the application process:
Your visa application will take about one week to process. The visa will be valid for a year from the date of issue.
Once you receive your visa, double check the expiration to ensure it is valid for your travel dates.
To avoid delays with processing and/or mistakes that can lead to an invalid visa or one not being processed in time for your departure, you may utilize a service called Passport Visa Express for assistance. Visit https://www.passportvisasexpress.com/ if you would like assistance with your visa application. Orbridge Guest Services cannot assist with individual visa questions and can only speak broadly about the visa process.
For the optional pre-tour, a passport and a separate tourist visa are required to enter Rwanda.
The Tanzanian Shilling (Tsh) is Tanzania's legal currency, however, U.S. dollars are widely accepted.
We recommend you carry U.S. cash in small denominations to cover your expected expenses, plus a small reserve. Depending upon your spending habits, we suggest carrying between $500-$700 per person for expenses (souvenirs, laundry, beverages, etc). U.S. dollars must be dated 2006 or newer and in good condition. Torn bills are unexchangeable.
ATMs are not widely available in Tanzania, and foreign bank fees can be shockingly high. Check with your bank to ensure you can use your ATM card in a foreign country.
Visa and MasterCard are accepted at hotels, as well as at some stores and restaurants. American Express is rarely accepted in Tanzania. When using a major credit card, you may be charged a higher exchange rate than if you use cash. Be aware that credit cards might not be accepted for small purchase amounts, and merchants may require a minimum purchase.
Inform your bank or credit card company prior to departure that you will be using your card(s) in another country to avoid security blocks. Your bank or credit card company may charge a fee for international transactions.
Keep all receipts in case you have questions about the conversion rate and as proof of purchase for any items to be shipped.
For the optional pre-tour, the Rwandan Franc (RWF) is Rwanda's legal currency, however U.S. dollars are legal and widely accepted. Very few places in Rwanda accept credit cards, and visitors are encouraged not to depend on them for making purchases. ATMs are located in the airport and near the hotel, however, they can be unreliable. We recommend you carry U.S. dollars (about $200 per person) in small denominations for personal expenses and gratuities. While on safari, only cash can be used for currency conversion.
Tanzania weather is typically warm with low humidity. High temperatures reach low- to mid-80s ºF, and low temperatures are in the low- to mid-60s ºF.
Check the predicted forecast for your travel dates on weather.com to help you prepare.
For the optional pre-tour, Rwanda's climate is pleasant year-round with minor temperature variations. High temperatures range between 75°F to 85°F. Low temperatures range between 50°F to 60°F. It can be cooler at higher altitudes.
Tanzania has two types of outlets that will require the use of an adapter:
On this tour, you will only need an adapter for Type G outlets. If you are traveling independently in Tanzania outside of this tour, you may need a Type D adapter.
Converter Requirements: North American 110V or 120V appliances will require a converter to operate on a 220-240V system. The need for a converter also depends on your electrical device. Many newer devices are equipped to handle dual voltages. Before using a converter, check the power label on your device. If it shows "110V AC or 120V AC," it requires a converter (curling irons and flat irons will likely need one). If the label shows "110-240V," it is dual voltage and only requires an adapter plug. Some devices have a switch to go back and forth between voltages.
Use a high quality electric current converter to avoid risk of burning out your device. We recommend purchasing an international adapter/converter set so that your two-or three-prong plug can connect to the electrical outlets and convert the voltage, if necessary.
Some areas in Tanzania can experience occasional power outages. The hotels and tented camps visited during this tour are equipped with back-up generators that activate in these instances, but guests may experience several minutes without electricity.
Many areas of Tanzania are remote, and cell phone or internet access may not always be available. Though individual accommodations have internet access, service can be intermittent.
Your U.S.-based cell phone may or may not work depending on your phone plan. Prior to travel, check with your cell phone provider about international phone plans, international fees, and service availability.
Listen carefully to your guides throughout this tour. They are the ultimate judges of the distance that needs to be maintained from wildlife. Your guide will position the safari vehicle for optimal wildlife viewing and photography.
At the properties, there may be free-roaming wildlife. Never attempt to feed or approach wildlife. At times, it may be necessary for a guide or staff member to accompany you on the walk from the main lodge to your accommodations.
Facilities for proper trash disposal exist at all locations visited.
Due to limited space on the safari vehicles, luggage is limited to one medium soft-sided luggage or duffle bag and one carry-on. Internal flights have a strict 44-pound weight limit per person that includes both your checked and carry-on luggage. Luggage that cannot fit in the overhead bin or under your seat must be checked and additional fees may apply.
Plastic bags are illegal in Tanzania, so avoid using plastic bags while packing. Possession of plastic bags can result in significant fines and/or imprisonment. Items purchased at airports prior to boarding any aircraft should be removed from plastic bags. Check all hand luggage before disembarking in Kenya, and leave any plastic bags aboard the plane.
Ziploc bags are acceptable for carrying toiletries, but should not be discarded in the country. We suggest using reusable TSA-approved clear storage pouches for toiletries and liquids transported in carry-on luggage.
Make sure to attach the supplied red Orbridge luggage tags (found in your welcome box sent three weeks prior to departure) to your luggage and carry-on bag so that transfer and porter staff can easily identify them.
We recommend packing so you can layer for varying temperatures. During the day, most guests wear shorts, light pants or light jeans, T-shirts or long-sleeved shirts, and sport socks that cover ankles. Consider swimwear, as some properties have swimming pools.
Recommended safari attire is functional, casual, and comfortable—and choice of color is important. During game drives, dress in subdued colors to avoid alerting animals. Earth tones (khaki, brown, beige) allow you to blend into the scenery. Avoid white and bright colors, as these can be a dangererous alert for many species. Avoid wearing dark blue or black, as these colors tend to show dust. Camouflage and military-type clothing also are not recommended.
Also consider packing:
Laundry service is available at most hotels, lodges, and tented camps. The average cost is $5 to $7 per item.
Binoculars are essential for observing wildlife, and selecting versatile binoculars is important. Small compact binoculars have a very narrow field of view, making it difficult to locate objects. Smaller binoculars also restrict light and have very limited use in low-light conditions. We recommend a pair labeled 7X35 or 8X40 (a binocular 7X or 8X power range is adequate, and an exit ocular at 35 or 40 is good).
Insects, including mosquitoes or tsetse flies, may be present during your safari. They are attracted to bright colors, very dark colors, metallic fabric, and all shades of blue.
If you are sensitive to insect bites, consider bringing long-sleeve shirts or long pants that are pre-treated with insect-repellent (available from REI, ExOfficio, and Orvis). You could also pre-treat your clothing with permethrin. Do not spray permethrin on your skin.
A packing list will be included with your Final Documents. Use this form to personalize for your own needs.
For the optional pre-tour, we recommend:
Gators (boot covers) can be rented at Volcanoes National Park for trekking.
Click here to view comprehensive wellness protocols for this tour.
The online Guest Information (GIF) does not allow you return and make updates once originally submitted. To update existing information, email the details to guestservices@orbridge.com, and your account will be updated accordingly.
To complete the GIF for the first time, access the secure online form here. It should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. The system will not save partially completed forms, so it's important to complete and submit the form in one sitting.
Access the secure passport form here to input information and upload an electronic copy.
Some domestic tours require us to collect a copy of the photo ID you plan to use while traveling in order to confirm on-tour arrangements. If you have been requested to provide a copy, upload a copy of your ID here.
To pay by check, make the check payable to Orbridge LLC and mail it to:
Orbridge
P.O. Box 1376
Poulsbo, WA 98370
To pay by credit card, click here to access our secure online credit card portal. Be sure to click “submit information” at the bottom of page one in order to be directed to the payment screen.
To pay by electronic funds transfer (EFT), click here to access our secure payment portal where you will be able to conveniently and securely provide your account and routing number.
Payments made by check or EFT may be eligible for a discount. Reference your final payment reminder or email guestservices@orbridge.com to learn more.
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