Monday, January 25, 2027
“I believe there is no sickness of the heart so great it cannot be cured by a dose of Africa. Families must go there to learn why they belong together on this earth, adolescents to discover humility, lovers to plumb old but untried wells of passion, honeymooners to seal marriages with a shared sense of bafflement, those shopworn with life to find a tonic for futility, the aged to recognize a symmetry to twilight. I know this all sounds a bit much but if I have ever seen magic, it has been in Africa”.
John Hemingway’s, African Journeys
Welcome to Tanzania! After clearing customs, proceed to the arrivals area where your driver will be waiting to meet you. You’ll be transferred to Villa Maua Boutique Hotel, which has been booked exclusively for our group. The drive is approximately one hour.
Arrival Transfer
- Tanzania visa
- Lunch or Dinner
Tuesday, January 26, 2027
This morning we enjoy a leisurely morning. After a long trip, sleep in, have a late brunch and get your feet under you.
In the afternoon we set out on a tour of Arusha's markets and take in the sights, sounds and smells of this bustling city. We return back to the hotel for dinner and an early evening before our adventure begins in the morning.
- Breakfast
- Lunch & Dinner
Wednesday, January 27, 2027
This morning, we set off for Tarangire National Park (approximately a 4‑hour drive).
Upon arrival, we’ll check in at Lemala Mpingo Ridge Tented Lodge, where lunch will be waiting. Enjoy some time to relax and take in the views before heading out on our afternoon game drive.
January 28 & 29, 2027
We will spend the next two days exploring Tarangire National Park, a region known for its dramatic landscapes—winding river valleys, ancient baobab trees, sweeping savannahs, and lush swamps that attract grazing wildlife and the predators that follow.
During the warmest part of the day, we’ll return to the lodge to rest and unwind.
One evening, we’ll head out on a night game drive, offering a rare opportunity to witness the fascinating nocturnal life of the African bush.
Overnight at Lemala Mpingo Ridge
- All meals
- Water, juice, and soft drinks
- Selected wines, spirits, and local beers
- Limited laundry service
- Guaranteed window seat in the 4x4 safari vehicle
- Twice‑daily game drives plus one night game drive
Saturday, January 30, 2027
This morning, we will depart for the infamous Ngorongoro Crater (approximately a 3.5‑hour drive).
Along the way, we’ll stop in Mto wa Mbu village for a chance to wander through the community, meet local artisans, visit the rice fields, see the Makonde woodcarvers and Tinga Tinga painters, and enjoy a fresh, home‑style lunch among the banana plantations.
After lunch, we continue up into the Ngorongoro Highlands, arriving at Osonjoi Lodge in time for a classic sundowner. This brand‑new lodge sits on the quieter eastern rim of the crater, giving us quick, crowd‑free access to the crater floor and making it an ideal base.
Sunday, January 31, 2027
The Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact caldera in the world , observe incredible concentration of wildlife - hippos basking in the mud pools, lions lazing in the sun, and one of the highest density of hyenas in all of Africa's parks. Early morning, we plan to descend to the floor of the crater, to watch the morning awake.
Overnight at Lemala Ngorongoro
Sundowners
Sundowners are more than just a happy hour, they are a very cherished African tradition and form an integral part of your safari experience. It is a time to relax, reminisce the day gone by, enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine in a very special and private location.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Water, juice, soft drinks
- Select wines + spirits, local beers
- Limited laundry
- Guaranteed window seat in the 4x4 safari vehicle
- Ngorongoro Crater full day game viewing
- Mto Wa Mbu Cultural Experience
Monday, February 1, 2027
Today, we’ll take a short 45‑minute drive to the Lake Manyara Airstrip for our quick flight to the Ndutu airstrip. Upon arrival, we’ll be met and transferred to our private camp in the Southern Serengeti, set right in the heart of the migration route.
Wake up to the stillness of the bush and enjoy your morning tea or coffee with vast, uninterrupted views. No crowds, no noise—just pure wilderness and complete privacy. Our private camp is set up exclusively for our group and offers a truly bespoke, luxury safari experience.
We'll be looked after by a dedicated team, including private chefs, butlers, and tent attendants, all ensuring comfort and seamless service throughout our stay in the wild.
February 2 & 3, 2027
We’ll have two full days to explore this incredible area in open‑sided vehicles, giving us unbeatable wildlife‑viewing opportunities.
February is one of the best times to be here—wildebeest are calving, new life is everywhere, and the predators are never far behind. This is peak season for seeing the big cats, and sightings of lions, cheetahs, and leopards are especially frequent in this region. You’ll have excellent chances for remarkable wildlife encounters and photography.
- All meals
- Water, juice, and soft drinks
- Selected wines, spirits, and local beers
- Guaranteed window seat in the 4x4 safari vehicle
- Twice‑daily game drives in open sided vehicle
Thursday, February 4, 2027
This morning, we leave Ndutu and make our way toward the Eastern Serengeti, an area famously known as “Cat Alley.” The drive takes about 3–4 hours, but we’ll be game‑driving the whole way—meaning incredible sightings are possible throughout the journey.
By midday, we arrive at our final camp, the beautifully located Nanyukie Lodge, set on classic Serengeti plains with sweeping views and excellent wildlife right on our doorstep.
February 5 & 6, 2027
Over the next two days, we’ll explore this classic Serengeti landscape, where endless plains stretch to the horizon and massive granite kopjes rise from the grasslands, attracting both predators and plains game. This region offers superb year‑round wildlife viewing.
During our stay, we’ll also have the opportunity to head out on a guided walking safari—an unforgettable way to experience the bush up close and learn more about the ecosystem from expert guides.
- All meals
- Water, juice, and soft drinks
- Selected wines, spirits, and local beers
- Limited laundry service
- Guaranteed window seat in the 4x4 safari vehicle
- Twice‑daily game drives
- One walking safari
Sunday, February 7, 2027
Take in the spectacular views of the Serengeti for the final time as we transfer from our camp to the airstrip for our flight to Arusha. On arrival, we will transfer to the Airport Planet Lodge. Here you can relax prior to your transfers to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight this evening.
If you choose to extend your stay we can assist with arrangements.
Shanga is a social enterprise based in Arusha Tanzania that trains and employs people with disabilities to produce high quality handmade craft items - glass blowing, beading and other activities, the interactive workshop is located on the grounds of Elewana Arusha Coffee lodge.
Breakfast, Lunch
International flights