Tanzania Wildlife SafariItinerary

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, September 16, 2025

Day 2: Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
After an evening arrival to Kilimanjaro International Airport an Orbridge representative will be waiting to assist with your transfer to the hotel.
Overnight: Arusha Serena Hotel, Resort & Spa

Days 3-4: Tarangire National Park
Thursday, September 18, 2025 - Friday, September 19, 2025
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.
Overnight: Tarangire Sopa Lodge (B,L,D daily)

Day 5: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Saturday, September 20, 2025
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. 

Perched on the southwestern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater sits your stunning accommodations for the following two evenings—Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge. This elegantly appointed lodge, designed to resemble a traditional Maasai homestead, blends harmoniously with its surroundings. Stepping out onto your private balcony admire unparalleled vistas and breathtaking views of the caldera below.

This evening gather together for a spectacular dinner followed by leisure time to sit under the stars.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater
Sunday, September 21, 2025
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.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge (B,L,D)

Days 7-8: Olduvai Gorge | Serengeti National Park – Seronera Valley
Monday, September 22, 2025 - Tuesday, September 23, 2025
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.
Overnight: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge (B,L,D daily)

Days 9-10: Western Serengeti | Grumeti
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 - Thursday, September 25, 2025
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.
Overnight: Mbalageti Serengeti Tented Chalets (B,L,D daily)

Day 11: Serengeti | Flight to Arusha | Depart for U.S.
Friday, September 26, 2025
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: Arusha Serena Hotel, Resort & Spa (B,L)

Day 12: En Route | Arrive in U.S.
Saturday, September 27, 2025

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

This safari tour requires an ability to walk safely over uneven and slippery ground without assistance, transport luggage a short distance, get in and out of a 4x4 Land Cruiser, and physically tolerate vehicle motion on oftentimes bumpy Serengeti roads. 

Average elevation: 5,000 feet