Tanzania
Wildlife Safari
Tanzania is one of Africa’s top safari destinations. The wildlife viewing is out of this world and big cats are especially easy to see. All members of the Big Five can be found in various Tanzanian parks and reserves, and all five are present in the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. Almost 40% of the country is protected and set aside for conservation, which means that it’s easy to go on a Tanzania safari for full weeks and drive from park to park while rarely leaving the bush.
In this tour we propose you the Northern Safari Circuit – the most popular Tanzania safari route comprising the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park and Arusha National Park.
In addition, we offer you the opportunity to unwind with a 4-day stay at Marumbi Beach in Zanzibar, the perfect way to relax after your safari adventure.
Where are we going ?
Arusha: A Gateway to Safari
The undisputed safari capital of Tanzania, the city of Arusha is on the itinerary of virtually anyone visiting the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, as logistics often dictate an overnight layover in or around the city. Set in the shadow of Mount Meru, Arusha has its own international airport (Kilimanjaro International Airport) as well as the smaller Arusha Airport for charter flights to final destinations. If you spend some time in Arusha, you’ll have many opportunities to buy souvenirs, take in the cultural activities and visit local places of interest.
Arusha National Park
Covers Mount Meru, a prominent volcano with an elevation of 4566 m, in the Arusha Region of north eastern Tanzania. The park is small but varied with spectacular landscapes in three distinct areas. In the west, the Meru Crater funnels the Jekukumia River; the peak of Mount Meru lies on its rim. Ngurdoto Crater in the south-east is grassland. The shallow alkaline Momella Lakes in the north-east have varying algal colours and are known for their wading birds.
Mount Meru is the second highest peak in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro, which is just 60 km away and forms a backdrop to views from the park to the east. Arusha National Park lies on a 300-kilometre axis of Africa's most famous national parks, running from Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in the west to Kilimanjaro National Park in the east.
The park is just a few kilometres north east of Arusha, though the main gate is 25 km east of the city. It is also 58 km from Moshi and 35 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA).
Tarangire National Park: An Elephant Empire
Close to Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire is worth much more than the usual day visit. During the June to October dry season, animal – especially elephant – concentrations along the Tarangire River are among the highest in the country. The park’s bird count of more than 500 species means that a visit here is one of the most rewarding Tanzania safaris for twitchers, while its full range of large predators complete the appeal. Tarangire is a beautifully diverse wilderness featuring riverine forest, huge swamps and open woodlands that include Africa’s iconic baobab trees.
Serengeti National Park: A Safari Superstar
Synonymous with safari, the Serengeti is where to go in Tanzania for game viewing at its most dramatic. Hosting the lion’s share of the Wildebeest Migration (from about January to September), the Serengeti's sheer size, accessibility, top-quality lodges and camps, and year-round abundance of wildlife make it one of the best safari destinations in Africa. It's also a regular stop on the best Tanzania safari tours.
Ngorongoro Crater: Haven for the Big 5
Take about 30 000 animals and place them inside the crater of an extinct volcano. Add wetlands, forest, grasslands and some out-of-this-world cliff-top accommodation, and the result is the Ngorongoro Crater. This superb Tanzania safari destination offers excellent game viewing in an unbelievably unique setting. It’s renowned for delivering the easiest and most reliable Big 5 sightings in East Africa, and is provides what is arguably the best safari in Tanzania.
Lake Manyara National Park: Home to Tree-climbing Lions
Part of Tanzania's famed Northern Safari Circuit, Lake Manyara offers easy game viewing in a beautiful setting. The park is home to a good range of heavyweight species, including buffalo, hippo, giraffe, elephant, leopard, and its famous tree-climbing lions. Lake Manyara is an exceptional bird-watching destination. You’ll often see flocks of pelicans and flamingos in the middle of the lake, and the floodplains, woodlands and evergreen forests are equally vibrant.
National Parks :
Arusha National Park :
Click on the image for more informations about the park.
Traveling to Tanzania
-We strongly advice, that when you start to plan your Tanzania Safari Experience, you take a travel consultation with a doctor for information about vaccinations, etc. (The World Health Organisation recommends the following vaccinations for South Africa: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza)
-Malaria is common to Tanzania. The sad news is, if you stay a lengthy period of time in the country, you are most likely to suffer a bout on your stay. Malaria is certainly a killer, but it rarely claims the life of travellers. The existence of anti-malarial drugs in hospitals means you can take a tablet and suffer just a few days of bad health.
Most travelers take precautions for malaria and drugs like Malarone readily available in all Western countries.
But anti-malarial drugs have a downside, nausea, fainting and psychological side effects are common for those taking the drugs.
-Most foreigners are required to hold a VISA to enter Tanzania. Passport holders from just a few countries can visit Tanzania visa-free for up to 3 months.
Tourists who are eligible for the eVisa can also get a visa on arrival in Tanzania. However, to avoid delays at the airport, visitors are advised to apply onlinebefore departure.
Lists of the countries in each category and e-VISA'S are provided in the link on the end of this page.
-Traveling with children: At immigration, requires Unabridged Birth Certificate which shows the details of both parents.
If father travels alone, then the birth certificate needs to be certified.
All informations in the link on the end of this page.
Money and tipping
The Tanzanian Shilling is the official currency of Tanzania, 15.255.-TSh are about 5€/5CHF/4.30£/5.50$ (2025). But US dollars are also widely accepted in tourist areas. Dollar notes printed before 2009 are usually not accepted. You can exchange money at many authorised dealers, banks and bureaux de change. Get a receipt after each transaction.
Most banks in major cities have ATMs, but they are not always reliable and sometimes break down or run out of money. To minimise the risk of card cloning, only use ATMs located within the bank. Travellers cheques are not widely accepted and non-Bank of England sterling notes may be subject to less favourable exchange rates.
There is no expectation of tipping at the event or activities, of course, local people will be happy if you do it. The guideline is voluntary tipping of 10% on service fee/food/beverages.
Voltage
In Tanzania the power plugs and sockets are of type D and G. Check out the following pictures.
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Type D: mainly used in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and some African countries. This socket only works with plug D.
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Type G: this type is of British origin. This socket only works with plug G.
The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Tanzania, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 - 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa). Manufacturers take these small deviations into account. If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V - 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries), you need a voltage converter in Tanzania. You can also consider a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter.
Insurances
All participants are expected to take out comprehensive medical and travel insurances in the event of unforeseen circumstances leading to participants falling ill or having to cancel their trip in Tanzania.
Dress code
The entire event is very casual. Just one little reminder about colours, it is important the using of earth colours (greens, browns and khakis), specially for the game drives and bush walks.
Bush walks are walking safaris and we are invading the territory of the animals and possibly predators. For your safety and the safety of your group, you will be expected to dress in neutral tones (earth colours), so white, bright colours or busy patterns are not appropriate.
Dark colours, like blacks and dark blues are thought to attract flies and mosquitos. Red is also not a very good idea, predators identify red with wounded animals.
The weather in Tanzania is nothing like one would expect, most people think that this part of the world is constantly warm, if not unbearably hot. Nothing could be more farther from reality. During the early morning and evening safaris a warm jumper, cardigan or coat is highly advised as it can get quite cold on the open plan jeeps.
Wear a hat/cap, anyone who’s spent time in the African sun can attest to the power of the rays, and wearing a hat/cap for safari is the first line of defence from sun damage.
Very confortable shoes at all time is a must, specially for the bush walks is recommended high trekking shoes.
Lodges and Camps
Outpost Lodge:
The main house belonged to the renowned conservationist Bernhard Grzimek, one of the key founders of the Serengeti national park and Director of the Frankfurt Zoological Society (1945 to 1974).
Steve and Cathy Attwell bought the main house from the Grzimek family and have retained strong links with the Frankfurt Zoological Society. The Outpost has been the home away from home for many researchers and conservationists from the Society and other projects over the years.
We opened our doors in 1994 and were the first Bed and Breakfast in Arusha. Throughout the years we built up the lodge slowly to be a peaceful and lush oasis with the capacity to host groups and individuals.
We are a family run hotel and the next generation are now assisting with running the day to day operations at the lodge.
Africa Safari Rift Valley Lodge:
Africa Safari Rift Valley is located in the village of Mayoka, south of Lake Manyara, surrounded by the famous Great Rift Valley. Conveniently located between Tarangire and Lake Manyara, this is the perfect location for relaxation before or after visiting Tanzania’s northern National Parks.
Safari Luxury Glamping accommodations feature a raised tiled deck and all the desired luxuries inside, including air-conditioning and ensuite bathroom. This room category also features an outdoor shower, providing the unique opportunity to shower under the open sky surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wilderness. There are also 5 Safari Tents available, with shared toilet and shower facilities.
The swimming pool and restaurant are embedded in the surrounding landscape offering a beautiful view of the Rift Valley and Lake Manyara.
Farm of Dreams Lodge:
The Lodge is located in the tourist town of Karatu on the Western south Slopes of Ngorongoro Crater at the 1,400 feet above sea level; the Lodge sits in a garden of flowers and vegetables. The property offers spectacular sweeping views of the hills and close distant to the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Eyasi, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park.
The warm and cosy rooms overlook the reserve and tropical gardens, the large en-suite bathrooms include WC, shower and washbasins as well as luxurious toiletries. The bedrooms open up to a terrace that is furnished with a table and chairs.
Kisura Serengeti Camp:
We offer the best of both worlds: a chance to experience the wonders of the Serengeti safari from a luxury, tented campsite with five-star service. Kisura luxury tented camp gives camping a whole new meaning. Our tents are fully furnished and equipped with hot showers, separate toilets, four poster beds, sitting areas, and spectacular views. Starting your morning refreshed, following a great night’s sleep in one of our comfortable beds, will make all the difference to your daily safari experience. We truly believe that luxury and adventure can go hand in hand and our guests agree with us.
Africa Safari Arusha Lodge:
An intimate lodge set in the village of Sakina, just outside Arusha’s city centre. The property consists of 9 Standard rooms and 8 Luxury rooms, surrounded by lush green gardens, a swimming pool with sun loungers and an open-air restaurant with a fireplace for the colder evenings. The unique tree bar is a great spot to enjoy a pre or post-dinner drink.
Mount Meru is perfectly positioned as the lodge’s backdrop while views from the balconies span beyond the bright city lights of Arusha to the mountainous countryside. As you travel to Africa Safari Arusha on an unpaved road through the Ngateu Hills, there is no mistaking the sense of calm and culture.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha: You will be picked up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) and be transferred to your hotel in Arusha town for relaxing. Have your dinner and overnight at your hotel. Meal plan (dinner)
Day 2: Arusha – Arusha national park – Mayoka village: our driver guide in a 4×4 pop-up roof land cruiser, with your picnic-lunch, will pick you up from your hotel in Arusha at 8:00 AM and drive you to Arusha National Park, a drive that will take about 30 minutes from Arusha town. Drive trough the beautiful green surroundings of the park and spot the resident wildlife. All this with a stunning view of Mt. Meru on the background. Then go for walking safari with an armed park ranger for a whole new and unique perspective of the park at close range. The scents and sounds of the African bush are best experienced on foot. Walk alongside wild, freely roaming animals in their natural habitat. Apart from wildlife you will also get to see and learn about the unique flora & fauna of in this park. In your walking safari get to visit some stunning sights, like the impressive waterfall that hides in the heart of the park, the Ngurdoto Crater and Momella lakes, where you will get to see thousands of pink flamingos. You shall also see giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthog and blue monkeys. Also get to see a variety of bird species like trogons, starlings, turacos and thousands of migrating flamingos. Have your lunch at 12:30 PM, exit the park at 2:00 PM and drive to Mayoka village which is very close to Tarangire National Park for dinner which will be served at 7:30 PM and overnight at Africa Safari Rift Valley. Meal plan (breakfast + lunch + dinner)
Day 3: Mayoka village – Tarangire – Karatu: Have your breakfast at 7:00 AM, at 8:00 AM, with your picnic lunch, go for a full day game drive in Tarangire National Park. Tarangire is the home of elephants and termite mounds decorated with stunning baobab trees. One of the key attractions that have made Tarangire to become internationally popular is its large elephant population which is in fact considered to be the highest in any park in Tanzania. You shall also get to see hartebeests, wildebeests, gazelles, zebras and many predators like lions, leopards and hyenas. In the evening exit the park and drive to Karatu for dinner and overnight at Farm of Dreams. Meal plan (breakfast + lunch + dinner)
Day 4: Karatu – Serengeti: Have your breakfast at 7:00 AM, at 8:00 AM, with your picnic lunch, drive to Serengeti National Park as you transit through Ngorongoro Conservation, enjoy en-route game drive on your way. Open the roof of your vehicle and begin game viewing right from the moment you enter the park gate as you drive to Seronera. In the evening have your dinner and overnight at Kisura Serengeti Camp. Meal plan (breakfast + lunch + dinner)
Day 5: Serengeti full day: Have your breakfast at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, with picnic lunch go for a full day game drive at central Serengeti which is teaming up with active game. Get to see all feline predators and this is one place that is easy to spot a leopard resting on a tree. You shall also get to see buffaloes, hyenas, jackals, herds of elephants, cheetahs and all resident animals that call this paradise home. In the evening drive back to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Meal plan (Breakfast + lunch + dinner)
Day 6: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu: After your breakfast, at 8:00 AM with picnic lunch, exit Serengeti and drive to Ngorongoro for full day game drive and exploration of the crater floor. After check in permits at the gate, you shall descend down the crater floor 610 metres from the rim 265 sqkm area of the crater bottom. Inside the Crater expect the view of the black rhino, lions, herds of zebras, old elephant bulls and many other species that live the paradise life in the caldera. Ascend from the crater in the late afternoon and drive to Karatu for dinner and overnight Farm of Dreams. Meal plan (breakfast + lunch + dinner)
Day 7: Karatu – Lake Manyara – Arusha: Have your breakfast at 7:30 AM and at 8:00 AM you shall drive to Lake Manyara which is well known for its tree climbing lions and pink flamingos. Explore the soda ash lake which is home to an incredible array of bird life that thrives on its brackish waters. Even reluctant bird-watchers will find something to watch and marvel at within the national park. Explore its ground water forests, bush plains, baobab strewn cliffs that make beautiful landscapes. In addition to the lions, the national park is also home to the largest concentration of baboons anywhere in the world, a fact that accounts for interesting game viewing of large families of the primates. Have your lunch at 12:30 PM and continue with game drive until 3:00 PM when you will exit the park and drive to Arusha for dinner and overnight at Africa Safari Arusha. Meal plan (breakfast + lunch + dinner)
(The itinerary may be changed accordingly with your wishes, weather conditions, etc.)
Zanzibar Extension
Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha – Zanzibar: Board your flight to Zanzibar from Arusha airport which departs at 1:15 PM and lands at Zanzibar airport at 2:20 PM where you will be picked up by your waiting driver guide and be transferred to your beach hotel at Marumbi beach for relaxing and day at leisure. In the evening it’s dinner and overnight at your hotel. Meal plan (dinner)
Day 2 - 3: Zanzibar: After your breakfast, spend your day at leisure or opt for excursions. Meal plan (all inclusive)
Day 4:Zanzibar – Zanzibar airport: After your breakfast, you will be transferred to Zanzibar airport for drop off. End of tour. Meal plan (breakfast)
Zanzibar Bay Resort:
-Zanzibar Bay Resort & Spa in Uroa offers a private beach area and beachfront access. Guests can relax by the infinity swimming pool, sun terrace, or lounge in the garden.
-Comfortable Accommodations: Rooms feature air-conditioning, balconies with sea or garden views, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Family rooms and ground-floor units cater to all needs.
-Dining Experience: The family-friendly restaurant serves African, Indian, Italian, Mediterranean, and other cuisines. Breakfast includes local specialities, warm dishes, fresh pastries, and more.
-Leisure and Activities: Guests can enjoy spa facilities, sauna, fitness centre, and a kids' pool. Activities include film nights, walking tours, and themed dinner nights.
-Location and Attractions: Located 36 km from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, the resort is steps from Marumbi Beach and near attractions such as Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park (15 km) and Old Fort of Zanzibar (35 km).Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap
Prices
Pricing for the Tanzania Wildlife Safari is €3'000 for adults and €1'500 for children aged 5 to 12.
If you choose to include the Zanzibar extension, the total package price is €3'800 per person and €2'000 for children aged 5 to 12.
The event fee includes:
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Airport transfers
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Accommodation
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All meals (including tea/coffee and soft drinks)
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Safari vehicle with private driver and guide
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National park entrance fees
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Bottled water
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Emergency medical evacuation by flying doctor
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Administrative and office tax fees
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Domestic flight (with Zanzibar Extension)
The event fee does not include:
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International flights
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Gratuities
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Optional activities
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Medications and hospital treatments
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Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks at the lodges/camps
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Items of personal nature
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Zanzibar mandatory insurance, 45$ per person (with Zanzibar Extension)
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Zanzibar tourism tax, 5$ per person per night (with Zanzibar Extension)
Reservation & Payment Policy:
Registrations are confirmed only upon payment of a 30% non-refundable deposit of the total event fee.
The full balance must be paid no later than 60 days prior to the start of the event.
For registrations made 60 days or less before the event, full payment is required at the time of booking.
MaiaWildlife reserves the right to cancel any registration that does not comply with these payment terms.
Please note that spaces are limited to 6 guests. Early reservation is strongly recommended.
Don't forget to pack :
Adaptor for Tanzania wall plugs (if needed); sun cream; insects spray; hat/cap; sunglasses; swimming suit; pool towel; binoculars; photo camera; basic medication; proof of health insurance;
And the most important, an open mind and lots of fun.
