For questions or to reserve:
vcu.orbridge.com
(866) 639-0079
Main Program: February 11, 2025 – February 22, 2025
Pre-Tour: February 08, 2025 – February 12, 2025
Post-Tour: February 21, 2025 – February 24, 2025

Tanzania Wildlife Safari

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.


NOTE: Tour information is current as of 12/21/2024.

Program Highlights

– 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).

What's Included

  • 9 nights deluxe accommodations carefully selected to maximize wildlife viewing and comfort
  • Access to a day room on departure day
  • 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 8 dinners including a special farewell Serengeti bush dinner
  • Expert naturalist guides throughout including an Orbridge Expedition Leader
  • Daily game drives in custom 4x4 Land Cruisers with roof hatch access and guaranteed window seating
  • Coffee and tea with meals and filtered water on game drives
  • Internal flight from the Serengeti to Arusha
  • All main program gratuities
  • All taxes, service charges and park fees
  • Temporary membership in Flying Doctors Service
  • Airport transfers for guests arriving and departing on suggested flights

Itinerary

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, February 11, 2025

Day 2: Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

After an evening arrival to Kilimanjaro International Airport an Orbridge representative will be waiting to assist with your transfer to the hotel.

Overnight: Mount Meru Game Lodge

Days 3-4: Tarangire National Park

Thursday, February 13, 2025 - Friday, February 14, 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.

Overnight: Tarangire Sopa Lodge

Day 5: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Saturday, February 15, 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.

Overnight: Ngorongoro O’ldeani Mountain Lodge

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater

Sunday, February 16, 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.

Overnight: Ngorongoro O’ldeani Mountain Lodge

Days 7-8: Olduvai Gorge | Serengeti National Park – Seronera Valley

Monday, February 17, 2025 - Tuesday, February 18, 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.

Overnight: Ole Serai Luxury Camps – Moru Kopjes

Days 9-10: Western Serengeti | Grumeti

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 - Thursday, February 20, 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.

Overnight: Mbalageti Serengeti Tented Chalets

Day 11: Serengeti | Flight to Arusha | Depart for U.S.

Friday, February 21, 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: Mount Meru Game Lodge

Day 12: En Route | Arrive in U.S.

Saturday, February 22, 2025

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Activity Level: 3

Moderate

Tour days tend to be long, flow at a consistent pace and may include long periods of travel. Guests should be prepared to walk longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or excursions, on sometimes uneven surfaces including cobblestones or unpaved pathways and trails. Some destinations may have variations in altitude and/or temperature. Daily pace and timing may vary significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited.

• Guests will need to get in and out of a 4 x 4 Land Cruiser and physically tolerate vehicle motion on oftentimes bumpy Serengeti roads.

Accommodations

Mount Meru Game Lodge

February 12

Nestled within lush, jungle-like gardens, Mount Meru Game Lodge is surrounded by towering palm and mango trees, home to playful Colobus and other monkeys. The grounds offer views of a nearby dam where water buffalo relax and yellow-billed storks gather. Take advantage of the property's tranquil surroundings and enjoy time to sit back, reflect and fully immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere.

Room Amenities: Double or twin beds, mosquito netting, writing desk and chair, fan, complimentary Wi-Fi, safe, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.

Tarangire Sopa Lodge

February 13 - February 14

Situated inside Tarangire National Park, Tarangire Sopa Lodge offers outstanding accommodations amidst the gorgeous landscape. Circular-roofed, airy guest suites surround an inviting outdoor pool and the centrally located common room, featuring marble floors, a bar and lounge, outdoor terrace and pool table.

Room Amenities: Air conditioning, two queen beds with mosquito netting, a sitting area, complimentary bottled water, minibar, coffee and tea maker, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.

Ngorongoro O’ldeani Mountain Lodge

February 15 - February 16

Relax amidst this five-star colonial lodge situated on a picturesque hill with spectacular views of Oldeani Mountain and the Ngorongoro Crater Rim. All tastefully decorated guest rooms feature infinite views of the surrounding area and deluxe amenities. The spectacular stone main house offers a comfortable lounge, grand central hallway, dining room, spa and boutique, TV room, outside fireplace and pool, billiards room and internet café.

Room Amenities: Private balcony, air conditioning, writing desk and chair, complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, coffee and tea maker, slippers, safe, and en suite bathroom with sundries. 

Ole Serai Luxury Camps – Moru Kopjes

February 17 - February 18

This luxury camp is ideally located within the Central Seronera area of Serengeti National Park nearby Moru Kopjes and Lake Magadi. All rooms and guest areas offer stunning 180º views of the surrounding landscapes.

Room Amenities: Private veranda, king or twin beds, mosquito netting, fireplace, ceiling fan, complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee and tea maker, minibar, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.

Mbalageti Serengeti Tented Chalets

February 19 - February 20

Experience real safari living within Mbalageti's semi-tented chalets. This property offers breathtaking 360º panoramic views of the Serengeti Plain as well as comfortable and well-appointed rooms and a refreshing pool—inviting you to reflect and relax after your game drive. 

Room Amenities: Double or twin beds, complimentary bottled water, bathrobes, slippers, flashlight, umbrellas, walking stick, whistle, binoculars (on request), safe, emergency light, and en suite bathroom with shower, bathtub and hair dryer.

(Accommodations subject to change.)

Optional Pre-Tour

Rwanda


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.

Itinerary

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Day +1: En Route from U.S.

Saturday, February 8, 2025

Day +2: Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda

Sunday, February 9, 2025

After arriving meet your host for the transfer to the Kigali Serena Hotel for a restful evening.

Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel

Day +3: Kigali | Kinigi

Monday, February 10, 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.

Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Day +4: Kinigi | Volcanoes National Park | Morning Gorilla Trek | Kigali

Tuesday, February 11, 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.

Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel

Day +5: Kigali | Flight to Arusha | Main Program Begins

Wednesday, February 12, 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.)

Activity Level: 5

Very Active

Tour days tend to be long, flow at a very active pace and may include lengthy periods of travel. Expect extended periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces including cobblestone and paths and/or trails that may be gravel, sand, dirt or other unpaved surface. Activities may be in remote or rugged areas that require physical effort, possibly at high altitudes with steep ascents/descents and have distinct variations in altitude and/or temperature. Leisure time may be limited due to robust itineraries. Physical activities may include hiking, kayaking, rafting or bicycling. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited.

• Guests are expected to be in very good physical condition and able 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 how long it takes to find the gorillas. It's advisable to bring an energy bar and bottled water.

Accommodations

Kigali Serena Hotel

February 9, February 11

While in Kigali, relax in style in the five-star Kigali Serena Hotel on one of the city's most charming boulevards. The hotel's pan-African style, wide sundeck overlooking a large outdoor pool and lovely tropical gardens will be a peaceful retreat while you enjoy your time in Rwanda's capital city.

Room Amenities: King or twin beds, air conditioning, flat-screen satellite TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, safe, minibar, coffee and tea maker, and en suite bathroom with sundries (shampoo, conditioner, and soap) and hair dryer.

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

February 10

On the edge of Volcanoes National Park, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge’s location is an ideal base from which to trek the Virunga Mountains and its habituated groups of Mountain Gorillas. Its friendly staff and collection of individual cottages will make you feel at home. The surrounding views will remind you of adventures in store for you. Each cottage has a fireplace (wood and charcoal or space heaters provided on request). 

Room Amenities: King or twin beds, sitting area, coffee and tea maker, bathrobes and slippers, safe, and en suite bathroom with shower, sundries, and hair dryer.

(Accommodations subject to change.)

What's Included

  • 2 nights hotel accommodations in Kigali
  • 1 night at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (or similar)
  • 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
  • Excursion transportation, all park fees and one gorilla trek permit
  • Temporary membership in the Flying Doctors Service
  • Airport transfer for guests arriving on the suggested flight
  • Internal airfare from Kigali to Arusha for the main program

Optional Post-Tour

Zanzibar


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.

Itinerary

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Day 11: Flight from Arusha to Zanzibar

Friday, February 21, 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.

Overnight: Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Day 12: Zanzibar | Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

Saturday, February 22, 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.

Overnight: Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Day 13: Zanzibar | Optional Spice Plantation Tour | Depart for U.S.

Sunday, February 23, 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, February 24, 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.)

Activity Level: 3

Moderate

Tour days tend to be long, flow at a consistent pace and may include long periods of travel. Guests should be prepared to walk longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or excursions, on sometimes uneven surfaces including cobblestones or unpaved pathways and trails. Some destinations may have variations in altitude and/or temperature. Daily pace and timing may vary significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited.

Accommodations

Zanzibar Serena Hotel

February 21 - February 23

Zanzibar Serena Hotel is in a stunning location—directly on Zanzibar's idyllic waterfront, flanked by an exotic mix of sultan's palaces, Portuguese forts, ancient harbors and bright bazaars. It's a tranquil setting just a short walk from the bustling city center. Antique clocks, crystal chandeliers, Persian rugs and brass-studded doors enhance the hotel’s gracious tropical colonial décor. 

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, mosquito nets, satellite TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, minibar, safe, 240V/3 pin (square) sockets and shaver sockets, tea and coffee maker, bathrobes and slippers, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.

(Accommodations subject to change.)

What's Included

  • Internal airfare from Arusha to Zanzibar
  • 2 nights at Zanzibar Serena Hotel (or similar) plus a day room on departure day
  • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
  • Guided panoramic city tour
  • Admission to the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum and Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
  • All excursion transportation
  • Airport transfer for guests departing at the suggested times

Terms and Conditions