Tanzania has a way of stopping you in your tracks. From the baobab-dotted plains of Tarangire to the endless skies of the Serengeti, this seven-night private safari is crafted for those who want more than a holiday; they want an experience that stays with them.
Discover Tanzania at its most iconic on a private 10-day safari through four extraordinary landscapes — staying exclusively at the renowned Serena properties.
From the tranquil foothills of Mount Meru to the wildlife-rich shores of Lake Manyara, descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater and finish among the endless plains of the Serengeti, where July brings the drama and anticipation of the Great Migration.
This is a safari designed to unfold naturally. Each destination reveals a different side of Tanzania, while your private safari vehicle and expert guide give you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Wake to mist rising over the Rift Valley. Follow elephants through the ancient landscapes of Manyara. Look into the Ngorongoro Crater from its dramatic rim before descending into one of Africa’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries. Then spend three unforgettable nights in the Serengeti, following the rhythms of the wilderness and searching for the spectacular scenes of the Great Migration.
And for those looking to make the experience even more extraordinary, an optional hot-air balloon safari over the Serengeti offers the chance to watch the African sunrise from above, followed by a memorable bush breakfast in the wilderness.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be met by your private safari representative and transferred to Arusha Serena Hotel.nSettle into the beautifully landscaped grounds at the foothills of Mount Meru, overlooking Lake Duluti. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after your international journey.
After breakfast, meet your private safari guide and begin your journey towards Lake Manyara National Park. The drive takes you through the changing landscapes of northern Tanzania, passing through local villages and the Great Rift Valley before arriving at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge.nSet high above the park on the Mto wa Mbu escarpment, the lodge offers wonderful views across Lake Manyara and the surrounding landscape.nEnjoy lunch followed by an afternoon at leisure.nFor those who would like to explore, optional activities can include a guided nature or bird walk, cycling, archery or a Swahili cooking experience.
Rise early for your first full day of safari.nAfter breakfast, head into Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive. The park is famous for its dramatic Rift Valley setting, abundant birdlife, elephants, buffalo, giraffe and, with some luck, its legendary tree-climbing lions.nThe park is also an important habitat for hundreds of bird species, including flamingos and other waterbirds.nEnjoy a picnic lunch or return to the lodge for lunch before continuing your exploration in the afternoon.nReturn to Lake Manyara Serena in time for sundowners overlooking the escarpment.
After breakfast, depart Lake Manyara and drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.nAs you climb towards the Crater Highlands, the landscape transforms from Rift Valley plains into highland forests and open grasslands.nArrive at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, dramatically positioned on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. The lodge is designed into the Crater rim, with rooms offering views into the vast volcanic amphitheatre below.nEnjoy lunch before spending the afternoon relaxing at the lodge and taking in one of Africa's most extraordinary landscapes.
Today is one of the highlights of the safari.nAfter an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full morning of game viewing.nThe Crater is a natural sanctuary supporting an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, lions, wildebeest, zebra and, with luck, the endangered black rhino.nEnjoy a picnic lunch on the Crater floor before continuing your game drive.nLater in the afternoon, ascend the Crater walls and return to Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge.nAs evening falls, enjoy the spectacular views from the rim and the lodge's warm, atmospheric interiors.
After breakfast, begin the drive towards the Serengeti National Park.nThe journey takes you across the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and into the endless plains of the Serengeti.nA stop at Olduvai Gorge, the famous archaeological site often referred to as the Cradle of Mankind, can be included along the way.nContinue into the Serengeti, where your first wildlife encounters begin even before reaching the lodge.nArrive at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, beautifully positioned on an acacia-covered ridge overlooking the plains.nEnjoy lunch before heading out for your first afternoon game drive.
Wake to the sounds of the Serengeti.nToday is dedicated entirely to exploring the park with your private safari guide.nSet out after breakfast for a full-day game drive, following the wildlife and seasonal movements across the plains.nDepending on the time of year and wildlife activity, you may encounter large herds of wildebeest and zebra, elephants, giraffe, lions, cheetahs and other predators.nEnjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing your safari.nReturn to the lodge in the late afternoon for sundowners and dinner.
Enjoy another full day in the Serengeti.nFor a July safari, this day can be focused on the northern and western migration routes, depending on where the herds are located at the time.nThe Great Migration is a constantly moving natural phenomenon, so your private guide will adapt the day's route according to current wildlife movements rather than following a fixed itinerary.nFor guests interested in photography, this is an excellent opportunity to dedicate more time to particular sightings and wildlife encounters.nOptional experience: Hot-Air Balloon SafarinFor an unforgettable start to the day, consider an optional hot-air balloon safari over the Serengeti. This is available at an additional cost.
Your final full day is deliberately flexible.nEnjoy an early morning game drive when wildlife is most active, return to the lodge for breakfast and then spend the rest of the day exploring the Serengeti at your own pace.nAlternatively, take a packed lunch and spend the entire day in the wilderness, allowing your guide to follow whatever wildlife activity develops.nAs the sun begins to fall, enjoy a final Serengeti sundowner before returning to the lodge.nTonight, enjoy a farewell dinner surrounded by the sounds of the African night.
Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the Serengeti plains.nAfter breakfast, begin your road transfer back towards Kilimanjaro International Airport.nThis is a longer driving day, but it provides one final opportunity to experience the changing landscapes of northern Tanzania as you leave the Serengeti behind.nArrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport in time for your onward international flight.
