Tanzania: Safari, Serengeti & Maasai Heartlands (Shoulder Season)
Tanzania: Safari, Serengeti & Maasai Heartlands (Shoulder Season)
10 Days Starting and ending in Arusha, Tanzania
Visiting: Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Tarangire, Karatu, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TNZ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our "Tanzania: Safari, Serengeti & Maasai Heartlands (Shoulder Season)" tour. Experience the raw beauty of Tanzania's iconic landscapes, from the lush rainforests of Arusha to the vast Serengeti Plains. Enjoy unique encounters with Maasai hosts at Olduvai Camp, witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration, and explore the rich wildlife of Tarangire and Ngorongoro national parks. Stay in some of Tanzania's most sustainable lodges and camps, and savor the hospitality and comforts they offer. This tour promises a blend of thrilling game drives, serene canoe rides, and immersive cultural experiences, all while supporting responsible travel and community projects.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Arusha
Location: Arusha
Accommodation Name: Arumeru River Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
The tour begins at Arumeru River Lodge, our home for the next two nights. Tucked away behind an old coffee plantation, close to the centre of Arusha, the lodge provides an ideal spot to begin our journey. On a clear day the beautifully kept gardens afford views out towards the iconic heights of Kilimanjaro, whilst the solar heated pool offers a chance to unwind from the flight.
Day 2: Arusha: Rainforest Walks & Canoeing
Location: Arusha
Accommodation Name: Arumeru River Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Occupying the eastern edge of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, our lodge lies close to the Duluti Forestry Reserve affording an ideal opportunity for two very different excursions today. We will enjoy a guided walk through the nearby rainforest after breakfast today, before returning to the lodge for some downtime and lunch. The afternoon then provides us with a chance to explore something of the nearby crater lake by canoe. Surrounded by dense rainforest, Lake Duluti is home to a number of bird species, as well as impressive monitor lizards often found basking along the shores of the lake.
Day 3: Arusha - Tarangire National Park: Game Drives
Location: Tarangire National Park
Accommodation Name: Maweninga Camp or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departing Arusha this morning we take the road southwest, towards the breathtaking setting of the Tarangire National Park. Lying between the meadows of the Maasai Steppe and the lakes of the Great Rift Valley, Tarangire is home to large herds of elephants, as well as lions, hyenas and nearly 550 species of birds. After enjoying a game drive, followed by lunch at one of the park's lodges, we will continue this afternoon to our camp at Maweninga. Spectacularly located within the park itself, our overnight camp is perched on top of an imposing granite kopje overlooking Lake Manyara.
Day 4: Tarangire - Karatu: Morning Game Drive & Coffee Plantation
Location: Tarangire
Accommodation Name: Bashay Rift Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Covering an area of some 2,600 square kilometres, Tarangire is the sixth largest of Tanzania’s national parks. In spite of its vast array of wildlife though, it sits slightly apart from the more popular northern safari circuit, affording us a more authentic and less crowded experience. After an early morning game drive we continue on towards Karatu and the forested slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater, where we break our journey with lunch at the historic sanctuary of Gibb’s Farm. Continuing on to our next lodge, we'll take some time to settle in, before visiting a nearby coffee plantation for a tour this afternoon.
Day 5: Karatu: Downtime Or Optional Activities
Location: Karatu
Accommodation Name: Bashay Rift Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Located on top of a steep hill in the heart of the fertile Karatu region, our lodge sits amongst beautiful terraces which offer views out over Lake Eyasi and the surrounding Rift Valley. Today has been set aside for optional activities and personal exploration, which might include mountain biking through the nearby villages or simply relaxing and enjoying the breathtaking panoramas from the lodge’s pool. The lodge also has its own farm, which provides it with everything from tea and coffee, to honey and fresh vegetables.
Day 6: Karatu - Ngorongoro Crater: Meet The Maasai
Location: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation Name: Olduvai Camp or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our journey of superlatives continues today, as we head for the unparalleled spectacle of the Ngorongoro Crater. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this remarkable volcanic caldera is home to a staggering array of wildlife that includes over 25,000 large animals, 26 black rhinos and Africa’s densest known population of lions. After a game drive and a private picnic lunch in the crater, we then head to our Maasai camp at Olduvai this afternoon, where a sunset walk out to a nearby kopje presents us with a unique opportunity to enjoy some priceless interaction with our Maasai hosts.
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater - Serengeti National Park: The Great Migration
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Name: Togoro Plains or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The next three days sees us enjoying some truly unforgettable encounters amongst the vast and rich landscapes of the Serengeti National Park. This is wild Africa at its most majestic, where the Great Migration plays out against some 15,000 square kilometres of the Serengeti Plains. The specific day of our Great Migration experience will depend on the month of travel, but we can certainly be sure of some exceptional game drives, beginning today with a morning drive to lunch. Later we will drive on to the Togoro Plains, our tented lodge in the northern part of the Serengeti.
Day 8: Serengeti National Park - Serengeti Grumeti: Game Drives
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Name: Grumeti Hills or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
One of the first places in the world to be proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Serengeti National Park provides the ultimate African safari experience. Aside from the unforgettable spectacle of the Great Migration and the iconic sightings of the Big Five, it also boasts over 500 species of birds, some 500-600 cheetahs, giant crocodiles and riverine forests. After an early morning game drive we will drive on to our final camp, located in the Grumeti Hills. This afternoon will then be at leisure to enjoy these beautiful surroundings, or perhaps partake in an optional game drive around the camp.
Day 9: Serengeti Grumeti: Walking Safari, Bush Breakfast & Night Game Drive
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Name: Grumeti Hills or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Venturing out in the company of experienced Wildlife Department rangers we begin the day with a unique walking safari down to the banks of the Grumeti River, where a delicious bush breakfast will be served. After lunch back at the lodge, the afternoon has again been set aside for some personal time, before we set out this evening on a night game drive. An opportunity to witness the nocturnal hunters and their prey against the backdrop of the sounds of an African night, a nighttime drive provides a completely different view of the bush and its inhabitants.
Day 10: Serengeti Grumeti - Depart Arusha
Location: Arusha
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
A morning transfer to the Ikoma Airstrip for the flight back to Arusha, where we will be met on arrival and transferred to a spot for lunch. For those on the group tour flight, they will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
What's Included
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Meals
9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 9 dinners are included.
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Transport
Safari vehicles and a domestic flight are provided.
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Group Size
The maximum group size is 12.
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Carbon Contributions
Contributions to climate and community projects are included for all bookings.
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Expert Team
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate are included.
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Accommodation
8 nights in premium accommodation and 1 night in superior accommodation are included.
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Entrance Fees
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary are included.
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Fitness Rating
The tour has a low fitness rating.
What's Not Included
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Visas & Travel Insurance
Visas and travel insurance are not included and are mandatory.
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Tips
Tips are not included but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents.
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International Flights
International flights are not included.
Please ask for an obligation-free quote for flights originating in the UK. -
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included unless arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.
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Beverages & Personal Costs
Beverages and any costs of a personal nature, such as laundry and souvenirs, are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities at Bashay Rift Lodge, ranging from $15-$30 per person, are not included and should be paid for at the lodge.
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ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Mode of Transport
Travel in safari vehicles and a domestic flight, ensuring comfortable and efficient transportation throughout your Tanzanian adventure.
Accommodation
Enjoy 8 nights in premium lodges and camps, including Arumeru River Lodge, Maweninga Camp, Bashay Rift Lodge, Olduvai Camp, Togoro Plains, and Grumeti Hills, with 1 night in superior accommodation.
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, however, please note that a lot of time will be spent in safari vehicles with more than three hours of driving on most days. This itinerary is best suited for those with a keen desire and the patience for spotting wildlife in the wild.
For the stay at Bashay Rift Lodge, there are a number of optional activities that guests can take part in. These tend to range in price from around $15-$30pp and should be paid for at the lodge. *Prices subject to change.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the safari?
During the safari, you can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife including large herds of elephants, lions, hyenas, nearly 550 species of birds, and other animals such as cheetahs, giant crocodiles, and riverine forest inhabitants. The Ngorongoro Crater is home to over 25,000 large animals, including 26 black rhinos and Africa’s densest known population of lions.
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What activities are included in the tour at Lake Duluti?
At Lake Duluti, the tour includes a guided walk through the nearby rainforest and a canoe ride on the crater lake. The lake is surrounded by dense rainforest and is home to various bird species and impressive monitor lizards.
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What is the Great Migration and will I be able to see it?
The Great Migration is a spectacular event where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other animals migrate across the Serengeti Plains. The specific day of the Great Migration experience will depend on the month of travel, but you can be sure of some exceptional game drives to witness this natural phenomenon.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at various lodges and camps, such as Arumeru River Lodge, Maweninga Camp, Bashay Rift Lodge, Olduvai Camp, Togoro Plains, and Grumeti Hills. Accommodations range from premium lodges to superior camps, providing comfort and hospitality throughout the journey.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities available, especially during the stay at Bashay Rift Lodge. These activities might include mountain biking through nearby villages or simply relaxing and enjoying the views from the lodge’s pool. Optional activities tend to range in price from around $15-$30 per person.
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What kind of meals are provided during the tour?
The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 9 dinners. Meals are provided at the lodges and camps where you will be staying.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Transportation during the tour includes safari vehicles for game drives and a domestic flight for the return journey to Arusha.
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Is there a fitness requirement for this tour?
The fitness rating for this tour is low, meaning it is suitable for anyone in a reasonable state of health with an open mind and a sense of adventure. However, please note that a lot of time will be spent in safari vehicles with more than three hours of driving on most days.
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What kind of interactions can I expect with the local Maasai people?
You will have unique opportunities to interact with the local Maasai people, especially during your stay at Olduvai Camp. This includes a sunset walk to a nearby kopje and other priceless interactions with your Maasai hosts.
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What is included in the tour's carbon contributions?
The tour includes contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings, ensuring that your travel has a positive impact on the environment and local communities.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Friday
Nov 05, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 50 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.