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.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Day 2: Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania
Thursday, March 19, 2026
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
Friday, March 20, 2026 - Saturday, March 21, 2026 (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
Sunday, March 22, 2026 (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
Monday, March 23, 2026 (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
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 - Wednesday, March 25, 2026 (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
Thursday, March 26, 2026 - Friday, March 27, 2026 (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.
Saturday, March 28, 2026 (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.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
(Itinerary subject to change.)
| Category | Rate* |
|---|---|
| Double: | $8,795 |
| Single: | $10,495 |
Optional Serengeti Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Sunrise Safari ($625 per person)
*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. Unless noted otherwise, airfare 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, March 14, 2026
Day +2: Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda
Sunday, March 15, 2026
After arriving meet your host for the transfer to the Kigali Serena Hotel for a restful evening.
Day +3: Kigali | Kinigi
Monday, March 16, 2026 (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, March 17, 2026 (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, March 18, 2026 (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: | $4,695 |
| Single: | $5,895 |
*Pre-tour rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Unless noted otherwise, airfare 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, March 27, 2026 (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, March 28, 2026 (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, March 29, 2026 (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, March 30, 2026
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: | $2,395 |
| Single: | $2,995 |
Optional Zanzibar Excursion: Spice Tour ($79 per person)
*Post-tour rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Unless noted otherwise, airfare not included.
Orbridge strongly recommends that you purchase travel and cancellation insurance to protect your investment in the event of unexpected or unforeseen circumstances. It is best to look into travel insurance immediately after making your deposit. Depending on the insurance provider, some coverage can be linked to timing of initial payment. Check your options carefully. If you are on an international departure, you should purchase travel insurance that—at a minimum—provides emergency medical, evacuation, and repatriation coverage. Information regarding an insurance program will be sent to you directly from your alumni association. You also may wish to visit your alumni association’s travel website at https://select.travelinsure.com/?pcode=32170 for more information.
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.
While in Tanzania, an Orbridge Expedition Leader will infuse your journey with an appreciation of its extraordinary wilderness, an uncanny ability to spot wildlife, a local’s knowledge and pride of place, and a naturalist’s ability to engage all of your senses.
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.
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