The journey we recommend to travellers who want to understand Tanzania, not simply photograph it. It opens with a choice: the Materuni waterfall and Chagga coffee villages on Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes, or a day trek onto the mountain itself via the Umbwe or Marangu route. From there we head north to Lake Natron — flamingo breeding grounds, an active volcano on the horizon and a landscape unlike anywhere else in East Africa — before three nights in the Serengeti, a morning on the Ngorongoro Crater floor, a dawn hunt with Hadzabe bushmen at Lake Eyasi and a village walk at Mto wa Mbu, where more than a hundred Tanzanian tribes live side by side. Wildlife, walking, volcanoes and people — nine days that leave you genuinely informed.
- Highlights
What makes this journey unforgettable
- Choose Materuni waterfall and coffee tour or a Kilimanjaro day trek (Umbwe or Marangu)
- Three nights in the Serengeti with full days of game viewing
- Dawn hunt with the Hadzabe and a visit to Datoga blacksmiths at Lake Eyasi
- Two nights at Lake Natron — flamingos, waterfall gorge walk and Ol Doinyo Lengai views
- Ngorongoro Crater floor game drive with Big Five potential
- Mto wa Mbu cultural walk — banana beer, rice fields and Makonde carvers
- Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your journey, day by day
- Day 1
Arrival, Arusha — Materuni Waterfall or Kilimanjaro Day Trek
We meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Depending on your arrival time, today or tomorrow morning you choose your Kilimanjaro chapter: the Materuni waterfall walk and a hands-on Chagga coffee experience — picking, roasting and pounding your own beans in a mountain village — or a guided day trek onto the mountain itself on the Umbwe or Marangu route, walking the rainforest section to the first hut and back. Evening in Arusha with a full briefing over dinner.
- Meals: Dinner
Click to see the lodge description and photos in Arusha Giraffe Manor Lodge.
- Day 2
Arusha to Lake Natron – Ol Doinyo Lengai & Ngare Sero Waterfall
After breakfast We drive north through the Maasai Steppe and along the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment from Arusha city, where the landscape becomes drier and more open. Ahead, Ol Doinyo Lengai, the Maasai “Mountain of God,” rises above the valley. This active volcano is one of Tanzania’s most distinctive natural landmarks.
In the afternoon, set out on a guided walking adventure to Ngare Sero Waterfall. The walk follows the river into a narrow gorge, where you will walk through shallow, cool water and over rocky sections between the canyon walls. The route is refreshing and adventurous, with time to enjoy the natural pools and waterfall before walking back out of the gorge.
Later, return towards Lake Natron to watch the sunset over its shallow soda waters, where lesser flamingos gather during the breeding season.
- Meals: All meals
Click to see the lodge description and photos in Africa Safari Lake Natron or Eco Giraffe Maasai Camp.
- Day 3
Lake Natron – Flamingos, Footprints & Maasai Culture
Begin the morning with a guided walk across the salt flats with a Maasai guide. As the sun rises, flamingos gather in the shallow waters, creating a beautiful scene against the dry landscape. If conditions allow, we may also visit the nearby fossil hominin footprints, an important reminder of the ancient human history of this area.
During the hottest part of the day, return to camp to relax in the shade and enjoy time by the pool. Later in the afternoon, visit a Maasai boma for a genuine cultural experience. Spend time with a local family, learn about their traditions, meet their cattle, and see how daily life continues in this remarkable landscape.
- Meals: All meals
Click to see the lodge description and photos in Africa Safari Lake Natron or Eco Giraffe Maasai Camp.
- Day 4
Lake Natron to the Serengeti
Today is a scenic and adventurous drive from Lake Natron into the northern Serengeti. We travel west and south along the Klein’s Gate road, a quiet route through remote landscapes and one of the more unusual approaches to the Serengeti.
We stop at Klein’s Gate for lunch before entering the Serengeti National Park in the afternoon. From the gate, the journey continues as a game drive towards your camp through the northern woodlands. Keep watch for elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and other wildlife along the way. We arrive at the Lobo area in the evening, surrounded by the wild scenery of northern Serengeti.
- Meals: All meals
Click to see the lodge description and photos in Lobo Wildlife Lodge or Kimbilio Serengeti Camp
- Day 5
Lobo to Central Serengeti – Full Day Game Drive
After breakfast, we say goodbye to Lobo and begin our drive towards Central Serengeti. The journey itself becomes a game drive as we cross the open plains and rocky kopjes, with opportunities to stop whenever wildlife is spotted.
As we reach the Seronera area, we spend the day exploring the Seronera River circuits, one of the best areas in Central Serengeti for wildlife viewing. Look among the sausage trees for leopards, watch lions resting around the kopjes, and scan the open grasslands for cheetahs. Along the way, we also look for elephants, giraffes, buffalo and other wildlife.
We continue with game viewing into the late afternoon, following the wildlife until the light begins to fade, before heading to our accommodation for the evening.
- Meals: All meals
Click to see the lodge description and photos in Dove Serengeti Camp Lodge or Ang’ata Kimarishe Camp
- Day 6
Serengeti – Following the Wildlife, Hot air balloon safari optional
Enjoy a full day of game viewing in the Serengeti, with the route planned around where the wildlife is most active. During the migration months, we follow the herds and spend time near the areas where they are moving. At other times of the year, we explore the rivers, rocky kopjes, open plains, and hippo pools where resident wildlife gathers.
Your guide keeps the day flexible, allowing time to stop and watch interesting wildlife without rushing from one sighting to another. Whether it is a pride of lions resting near the kopjes or elephants moving across the plains, the focus is on enjoying each encounter at your own pace.
Optional hot-air balloon safari: A sunrise balloon flight over the Serengeti can be arranged this morning. Please request the balloon safari in advance so we can check availability and include it in your arrangements.
- Meals: All meals
Click to see the lodge description and photos in Serena Safari Lodge or Ang’ata Kimarishe Camp
- Day 7
Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, enjoy a half-day game drive through the Serengeti, giving you more time to explore the plains and spot wildlife before leaving the park around midday.
We then drive towards the Ngorongoro Highlands, with a picnic lunch along the way. As the road climbs into the highlands, the scenery changes from open Serengeti plains to green hills and forested slopes.
Arrive at your lodge in the mid-afternoon and enjoy some time to relax and rest. Later, take in the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater viewpoint, where you can look across the vast caldera from the rim before returning to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
- Meals: All meals
Click to see the lodge description and photos in Dove Serengeti Camp Lodge or Ang’ata Ngorongoro
- Day 8
Ngorongoro Crater to Lake Eyasi
Start before sunrise with a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, reaching the crater floor while the morning is cool and wildlife is active. Enjoy a morning game drive with opportunities to see black rhino, lion prides, elephant bulls, buffalo, and flamingos around Lake Magadi.
After lunch, leave the crater and continue to Lake Eyasi or Mto wa Mbu, depending on your interest option. At Lake Eyasi, settle into camp beside the lake and enjoy a quiet evening in this remote Rift Valley setting. Alternatively, continue to Mto wa Mbu, a lively cultural village near Lake Manyara, where you can enjoy the local atmosphere and stay overnight in or around the village.
- Meals: All meals
Click to see the lodge description and photos in Eyasi Safari Lodge or Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
- Day 9
Hadzabe & Datoga Experience — Mto wa Mbu & Night Game Drive Options
Hadzabe & Datoga Experience
We leave camp before sunrise to meet the Hadzabe, one of Tanzania’s last hunter-gatherer communities. Join them as they head into the bush with their traditional bows and learn about their hunting skills, daily life, and close connection with nature.
We then visit the neighbouring Datoga community, known for traditional blacksmithing. Watch local craftsmen shape and forge metal arrowheads and other tools, including items traded with the Hadzabe.
After the cultural experience, we drive to the lodge for a hot lunch before continuing to Manyara for the night.
Optional: Mto wa Mbu Cultural Experience
If you prefer a more active cultural experience, start the morning with breakfast before meeting your local guide in Mto wa Mbu. Depending on your interests, the experience can include a cycling tour, canoeing, and a guided cultural walk through banana plantations and rice fields.
Visit local banana beer producers, see Makonde artists carving wooden sculptures, and enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by a local family. This is a relaxed way to experience everyday life in Mto wa Mbu.
Optional Activity: Lake Manyara Night Game Drive
For those looking for something different after sunset, a night game drive in Lake Manyara National Park can be arranged from your lodge, on request and subject to availability. The experience may be operated as a shared or private night drive, depending on availability and your preference.
Optional activities should be requested in advance so we can check availability and arrange the appropriate vehicle, guide, and timing.
- Meals: All meals
Click to see the lodge description and photos in Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge or Manyara Best View Lodge.
- Day 10
Tarangire National Park – Final Game Drive & Departure
After breakfast, we leave the Mto wa mbu Area and drive to Tarangire National Park, where we begin a half-day game drive. The timing can be adjusted according to your onward travel plans.
Tarangire is named after the Tarangire River, the park’s main water source and an important gathering place for wildlife, especially during the dry season. During the game drive, you may see large herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, lions, and many bird species. The park is also known for its impressive baobab trees and open savannah landscapes.
After the game drive, we leave the park and drive back to Arusha. For guests catching an evening flight, we will plan the game drive and departure from the park to allow enough time for the journey and airport check-in.
We can drop you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for your onward or local flight. If you are staying longer in Arusha, we can instead drop you at your chosen hotel or lodge.
Please confirm your flight details or preferred drop-off location with us so we can arrange the timing accordingly.
End of the Tour.
- Meals: All meals
Not Available
- What's Included
- All park, conservation and concession entry fees
- All government taxes and VAT
- Private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for unobstructed game viewing
- Professional English or Multiple language speaking driver-guide with deep regional knowledge
- All accommodation as per the selected comfort tier (Mid-Range)
- All meals as indicated in the day-by-day itinerary
- Soft drinks in the vehicle on every game drive
- Airport meet-and-greet, transfers and complimentary pre-trip briefing
- Personalised welcome pack and 24/7 on-trip support
- What's Excluded
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal expenses — laundry, phone calls, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Tips and gratuities for your guide, porters and lodge staff
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary (e.g. hot-air balloon, spa, scenic flights)
- Items of a personal nature and any pre/post-tour accommodation
- Tanzania inbound travel insurance
- Tour Price per adults