Trip Itinerary
Arusha
On the first day, you’ll arrive in Tanzania and your adventure begins at Katambuga House – this is an elegant six-room lodge just outside Arusha. Surrounded by coffee plantations and tropical gardens, this boutique property is a quiet oasis where you can rest up before the safari action starts. The rooms are homely and comfortable, each with a private terrace perfect for a relaxed morning coffee overlooking the grounds. Time permitting, you can enjoy a swim in the pool and, on a clear day, admire views of Mount Meru in the distance. The dining here is excellent, including casual lunches on the terrace and delicious three-course dinners in the main house. With its warm hospitality and attention to detail, Katambuga House is the perfect introduction to your Tanzania safari.
Lake Manyara National Park
You’ll continue with two nights in a remote part of Lake Manyara National Park, where Wayo Manyara Green Camp overlooks the scenic Endabash River. This friendly, eco-conscious camp features eight comfortable tents on raised platforms, with retractable roofs for late-night stargazing. Land-based adventures include morning and afternoon game drives, on which you might glimpse tree-climbing lions, an optional hike to the local waterfall near camp, or a cultural visit to a nearby village. This is also one of the few camps where night drives offer a glimpse of elusive nocturnal species. To see the park from a different perspective, you can explore the forest canopy on a treetop walkway or take a canoe safari on the lake, gliding past hippos and spotting elephants on the shoreline. During the dry season, the river attracts huge herds of buffalo and elephant, offering quality wildlife viewing. It’s good to note that both the treetop walk and canoe safari are available at an extra cost.
Ngorongoro Crater
The next part of the journey takes you to Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp. Situated on the crater rim, a 25-minute drive from the descent road, the camp has a location that allows you to be among the first onto the crater floor for game drives and wildlife viewing – species here include all of the Big Five. We’d suggest a full-day drive, since you have prime access to the crater while staying here. This lets you maximise your game-drive time in this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll return to camp in time for sundowners and cosying up around the fire. The nights are chilly, so extra touches like hot water bottles in the beds and heaters are a welcome addition.
Serengeti National Park
Your last three nights offer full immersion in the Serengeti at Wayo Serengeti Green Camp. This small, eco-friendly camp is designed with a light footprint, so you’ll experience the Serengeti in a completely nature-focused way, just as an authentic safari should be. The emphasis is on authentic bush experiences, with brilliantly guided game drives and walking safaris in remote areas far from the busier areas of the park. Walking safaris are available from the camp and need to be pre-booked to be guaranteed – you can book a private vehicle and guide for full-day walking safaris led by experienced, rifle-trained guides and a park ranger (please note this will be a closed-sided private vehicle). The camp moves twice every year to follow the Great Migration, positioning you in the southern Serengeti for the calving season from December to April or the north for the intense river crossings between June and October. Besides game viewing, there’s the chance to book an optional hot air balloon flight (available at an additional cost) where you’ll glide over the plains at sunrise. You’ll also experience memorable evenings outdoors, gathered around the campfire with your fellow guests for sundowners and dinner beneath the stars.
