Triple occupancy rates and teenager discounts available on request.
Tailormade private safaris departures available on request.
Small Group Adventure Safari (min 2 / max 6)
8 Days Arusha to Arusha
Departs: Set departures
Note: Min age: 12 years
Arusha (1) | Grumeti Reserve (2) | Serengeti National Park (1) | Olduvai Gorge (1) | Karatu (1) | Tarangire National Park (1)
In a small group, you'll discover the wilderness areas of northern Tanzania! Experience open-sided 4WD game drives and walking safaris in the Grumeti reserve, private 4WD game drives in the famous Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds. Visit Olduvai Gorge, the "Cradle of Mankind" and learn about Maasai culture.
Highlights:
- 24/7 local operator support in Tanzania
- Scenic light aircraft flight
- Open-sided 4WD game drives, night drives and walking safaris at Grumeti Hills
- Private 4WD with unlimited mileage and qualified English-Speaking Driver-Guide from pick up at Grumeti Hills until drop off at Kilimanjaro Airport
- Intimate camps and private game drives in Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks
- Full day game drive in Ngorongoro National Park
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information
Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport - Arusha
Welcome to Tanzania – the Heart of East Africa!
Touch down in the vibrant land of Tanzania, where rich, fertile soil gives life to breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed and transferred to the serene Arumeru River Lodge. Spend the rest of your day at leisure - unwind in the lush tropical gardens, enjoy a refreshing swim, or simply take in the tranquil surroundings. Keep an eye out for graceful dik-diks wandering nearby, and if the skies are clear, you may be treated to a spectacular view of Mount Kilimanjaro, rising majestically in the distance. This is East Africa at its finest - untamed, welcoming, and full of promise.
Overnight: Arumeru River Lodge or similar
Day 2: Arusha - Grumeti Hills (BLD)
Into the Wild Beauty of East Africa.
The day begins with the group gathering for breakfast, before transferring to Arusha’s domestic airport for your flight to Ikoma Airstrip - your gateway to the legendary Serengeti ecosystem.
Your lodge is set within the Grumeti Wildlife Management Area, a stunning region that borders the Serengeti National Park to the south and west, and the Grumeti Game Reserve to the north. Renowned for its dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity, this area offers some of the most captivating wildlife experiences in all of East Africa. In the afternoon, venture out on your first game drive after lunch, where the endless plains and iconic acacia-dotted savannah come alive with the sights and sounds of the wild - an unforgettable introduction to the magic of Tanzania.
Overnight: Grumeti Hills or similar
Day 3: Grumeti Hills (BLD)
A Day of Immersive Safari Adventures
Your day begins with an early morning bush walk, guided by a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide and accompanied by an armed ranger. On foot, you'll experience the wilderness from a whole new perspective - spotting hidden plants, animal tracks, and smaller creatures often missed on a traditional game drive. After about 90 minutes, you’ll be welcomed with a bush breakfast along the scenic banks of the Grumeti River - a tranquil moment surrounded by nature. Back at the lodge, enjoy a short rest before a light lunch. Your afternoon is yours to tailor: set out on another thrilling game drive in the concession, cool off in the pool, or indulge in an optional massage. As night falls, prepare for an unforgettable night safari. With your spotlight ready, search for elusive nocturnal creatures - owls, bush babies, armadillos, and, with luck, big cats on the prowl.
Your day begins with an early morning bush walk, guided by a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide and accompanied by an armed ranger. On foot, you'll experience the wilderness from a whole new perspective - spotting hidden plants, animal tracks, and smaller creatures often missed on a traditional game drive. After about 90 minutes, you’ll be welcomed with a bush breakfast along the scenic banks of the Grumeti River - a tranquil moment surrounded by nature. Back at the lodge, enjoy a short rest before a light lunch. Your afternoon is yours to tailor: set out on another thrilling game drive in the concession, cool off in the pool, or indulge in an optional massage. As night falls, prepare for an unforgettable night safari. With your spotlight ready, search for elusive nocturnal creatures - owls, bush babies, armadillos, and, with luck, big cats on the prowl.
Overnight: Grumeti Hills or similar
Day 4 Grumeti Hills - Serengeti (BLD)
Journey into the Legendary Serengeti
Today begins with an early departure as you make your way to the iconic Serengeti National Park - a wildlife haven spanning over 14,000 km², renowned for hosting the world’s highest concentration of big cats, including cheetahs, lions, and leopards. Beyond the sweeping savannahs and endless plains, the Serengeti reveals a diverse landscape of rolling hills, acacia woodlands, rocky kopjes, and dense bush - each offering its own unique wildlife encounters. Your game drive begins as soon as you enter the park, immersing you in its raw beauty. A scenic picnic lunch offers a welcome break amid the wild, recharging you for the rest of the day. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your camp, where comfort meets the wilderness. After dinner, relax by the campfire or fireplace, sharing stories under a starlit African sky.
Overnight: Ronjo Camp or similar
Today begins with an early departure as you make your way to the iconic Serengeti National Park - a wildlife haven spanning over 14,000 km², renowned for hosting the world’s highest concentration of big cats, including cheetahs, lions, and leopards. Beyond the sweeping savannahs and endless plains, the Serengeti reveals a diverse landscape of rolling hills, acacia woodlands, rocky kopjes, and dense bush - each offering its own unique wildlife encounters. Your game drive begins as soon as you enter the park, immersing you in its raw beauty. A scenic picnic lunch offers a welcome break amid the wild, recharging you for the rest of the day. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your camp, where comfort meets the wilderness. After dinner, relax by the campfire or fireplace, sharing stories under a starlit African sky.
Overnight: Ronjo Camp or similar
Day 5: Serengeti - Olduvai (BLD)
From the Wild to the Cradle of Mankind
After one last game drive through the Serengeti, you'll head south across the park’s sweeping plains - famous for their endless horizons and rich wildlife. Your journey leads to Olduvai Camp, perched near the historic Olduvai Gorge, often referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind.” Upon arrival, you’ll join Maasai warriors for a guided walk to nearby kopjes, where you’ll take in the dramatic landscape. As the sun begins to set over the southern Serengeti, prepare for a truly unforgettable sight - a golden African sunset casting its glow across the plains. A perfect ending to another extraordinary day.
Overnight: Olduvai Camp or similar
Day 6: Olduvai - Ngorongoro Crater (BLD)
Into the Heart of Ngorongoro
Today, the legendary Ngorongoro Crater awaits. You'll ascend to the crater rim, sitting at around 2,100 metres, where - weather permitting - you'll be greeted by panoramic views of this natural wonder. Descend into the caldera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife protected by the crater’s natural walls. Before your picnic lunch, expect close encounters with Africa’s most iconic animals - lions, leopards, hyenas, and possibly even the elusive black rhino. Herds of wildebeest, buffalo, elephants, and hippos also roam freely here. The landscape is just as remarkable: dense forest blankets the crater walls, while the floor opens into a rich mosaic of savannah, swamps, lakes, and grassy plains. This breathtaking mix of terrain and wildlife makes Ngorongoro one of Africa’s most unforgettable safari experiences. In the afternoon, you’ll travel onward to your lodge in Karatu, where you can relax with a drink on the terrace or in the lounge, overlooking the sweeping Rift Valley plains.
Overnight: Bashay Rift Lodge or similar
Today, the legendary Ngorongoro Crater awaits. You'll ascend to the crater rim, sitting at around 2,100 metres, where - weather permitting - you'll be greeted by panoramic views of this natural wonder. Descend into the caldera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife protected by the crater’s natural walls. Before your picnic lunch, expect close encounters with Africa’s most iconic animals - lions, leopards, hyenas, and possibly even the elusive black rhino. Herds of wildebeest, buffalo, elephants, and hippos also roam freely here. The landscape is just as remarkable: dense forest blankets the crater walls, while the floor opens into a rich mosaic of savannah, swamps, lakes, and grassy plains. This breathtaking mix of terrain and wildlife makes Ngorongoro one of Africa’s most unforgettable safari experiences. In the afternoon, you’ll travel onward to your lodge in Karatu, where you can relax with a drink on the terrace or in the lounge, overlooking the sweeping Rift Valley plains.
Overnight: Bashay Rift Lodge or similar
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater - Tarangire National Park (BLD)
Journey to Tarangire – Land of Giants
Today’s journey from Karatu takes you along a scenic route, descending from the dramatic Great Rift Valley Escarpment into the heart of Tarangire National Park. Famous for its towering baobab trees and large elephant herds, Tarangire spans over 2,600 km², making it one of Tanzania’s five largest national parks. Its rich landscapes and wildlife are especially vibrant in late summer and autumn, when animals gather in great numbers around the park’s life-giving river. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your camp, perfectly timed to witness a breathtaking sunset over the African wilderness - an unforgettable close to another spectacular day.
Overnight: Maweninga Camp or similar
Day 8: Tarangire National Park - Kilimanjaro Airport (BL)
Farewell to the Wild
After a final breakfast at camp, you'll depart Tarangire National Park and make your way back to Arusha. Around midday, you’ll arrive at Arumeru River Lodge, where a relaxing lunch awaits.
Following your meal, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward journey - taking with you unforgettable memories of East Africa’s beauty and wildlife.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 24/7 local operator support in Tanzania
- 7 nights' accommodation and Full Board throughout Safari as per programme (from Dinner on day 1 to Lunch on day 8)
- Meet & greet upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Private transfers to Arumeru River Lodge on day 1 and to Arusha Airport (ARK) on day 2
- Regular flight Arusha Airport/Ikoma Airstrip including local airport taxes
- transfer from Ikoma Airstrip to Gumeti Hills
- AM and PM game drives in Open EV-Car (English Speaking Driver-Guide), walking safari with bush breakfast, night game drive
- Private 4x4 with unlimited mileage and qualified English-Speaking Driver-Guide from pick up at Grumeti Hills until drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Equipment in 4x4's: Radio, books, 1 pair of binoculars and fridge stocked with bottled drinking water
- All Park, camping, concession & crater fees as per itinerary
- Excursion: Sunset Kopje walk with the Masai at Olduvai
- Private transfers to Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport on day 8
- Tanzania Travel Notels - issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Optional tours and excursions
- Porterage
- Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
- Personal Expenses including alcholic beverages
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Visas (unless specified)
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Accommodation based on the following (or similar):
Arusha
Arumeru River Lodge
DB
Arumeru River Lodge nestles in the heart of ten hectares of lush parkland, in a protected area
that extends into Arusha National Park. Surrounded by century–old trees, tropical gardens and a small river, the lodge offers a peaceful interlude ideal for beginning or ending a safari. The wildlife is discreetly present: dik–diks, chameleons and vervet monkeys are part of the scenery.
that extends into Arusha National Park. Surrounded by century–old trees, tropical gardens and a small river, the lodge offers a peaceful interlude ideal for beginning or ending a safari. The wildlife is discreetly present: dik–diks, chameleons and vervet monkeys are part of the scenery.
The spacious cottages are nestled in the gardens and feature large verandahs opening onto the gardens. The style blends African influences with European touches creating a warm, elegant ambience. Some suites can accommodate families.
Images Credit: Arumeru Lodge
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Serengeti - Grumeti Wildlife Management Area
Grumeti Hills
(BLD)
(BLD)
Located on the western edge of Serengeti National Park, Grumeti Hills offers a rare and exclusive immersion in one of Africa‘s most spectacular ecosystems. High up on a wooded hill, the lodge overlooks the vast plains of the Serengeti, where elephants, lions, giraffes and buffalo roam freely. There are no crowds or crowded tracks here: the stay takes place in the Grumeti Wildlife Management Area on the edge of the Serengeti National Park, allowing day and night safaris on foot or by vehicle. A wild, unspoilt and vibrant territory, where you can feel every beat of the savannah‘s heart.
The camp features a rock pool with a view, an open restaurant and a cosy lounge. Motorized (electric, open-sided 4×4) or walking safaris are organized in the conservation area, accompanied by expert guides. The tents have solar electricity (24/7), a bathroom with walk–in shower and a small sitting area. Massages are available, and there‘s a store selling local handicrafts. A yoga area facing the savannah, sunset aperitifs and moments of absolute silence make every day a precious memory, rooted in the wild. Spacious tents combine the charm of adventure with the comfort of a top-of-the-range lodge. Each tent, built on a platform, opens onto a private terrace with panoramic bush views. Inside, a king-size bed, private bathroom and elegant furnishings create a warm, functional space. Fabrics with African motifs, handcrafted objects and natural materials create a refined atmosphere without ostentation.
Images Credit: Grumeti Hills
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Serengeti National Park
Ronjo Camp
BLD
Located in the central Serengeti, Ronjo Camp is an authentic tented camp in the heart of the wilderness. Set between two lines of wooded hills, it enjoys a privileged location, away from the main roads but close to the wildlife. An old-fashioned safari camp, with only 16 tents, in the style of the great African expeditions. We come here to experience the savannah up close, in simple, unadorned comfort, but with a breathtaking view of infinity. The camp has its own restaurant and bar, where meals are served by lantern light. The camp is as close as possible to the spectacle of Tanzania’s great fauna: wild animals, large herds and scenes of wildlife. A peaceful disconnect, made possible by attentive service and a warm atmosphere. Electricity is solar-powered and designed to minimize environmental impact.
BLD
Located in the central Serengeti, Ronjo Camp is an authentic tented camp in the heart of the wilderness. Set between two lines of wooded hills, it enjoys a privileged location, away from the main roads but close to the wildlife. An old-fashioned safari camp, with only 16 tents, in the style of the great African expeditions. We come here to experience the savannah up close, in simple, unadorned comfort, but with a breathtaking view of infinity. The camp has its own restaurant and bar, where meals are served by lantern light. The camp is as close as possible to the spectacle of Tanzania’s great fauna: wild animals, large herds and scenes of wildlife. A peaceful disconnect, made possible by attentive service and a warm atmosphere. Electricity is solar-powered and designed to minimize environmental impact.
Images Credit: Ronjo Camp
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Olduvai
Olduvai Camp
BLD
In the heart of the Ngorongoro protected area in northern Tanzania, Olduvai Camp rises discreetly around a kopje – an immense granite rock that seems to rest on the horizon. Just a stone’s throw from the mythical Olduvai Gorge, between the vast plains of the Serengeti and the slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater. This singular camp welcomes you where nature still tells the story of the origins of the world and humankind. Olduvai Camp has 17 spacious tents, all arranged around the kopje and set on stone terraces overlooking the endless plain. Each thatched-roof tent blends canvas, wood and natural materials in a sober elegance, where modern comforts never betray the soul of the bush: large bedroom, dressing room, private bathroom with 24-hour solar hot water, flush toilet, private terrace. The common areas are integrated into the kopje rock, under an impressive thatched roof. A convivial bar, a central restaurant for 40 guests, a perched lounge and a small restaurant on the side of the rock for more intimate groups: every nook and cranny invites contemplation.
BLD
In the heart of the Ngorongoro protected area in northern Tanzania, Olduvai Camp rises discreetly around a kopje – an immense granite rock that seems to rest on the horizon. Just a stone’s throw from the mythical Olduvai Gorge, between the vast plains of the Serengeti and the slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater. This singular camp welcomes you where nature still tells the story of the origins of the world and humankind. Olduvai Camp has 17 spacious tents, all arranged around the kopje and set on stone terraces overlooking the endless plain. Each thatched-roof tent blends canvas, wood and natural materials in a sober elegance, where modern comforts never betray the soul of the bush: large bedroom, dressing room, private bathroom with 24-hour solar hot water, flush toilet, private terrace. The common areas are integrated into the kopje rock, under an impressive thatched roof. A convivial bar, a central restaurant for 40 guests, a perched lounge and a small restaurant on the side of the rock for more intimate groups: every nook and cranny invites contemplation.
Images Credit: Olduvai Camp
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Karatu
Bashay Rift Lodge
BLD
Perched on a hilltop in the village of Bashay (Karatu region), between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, Bashay Rift Lodge overlooks the majestic plains of the Rift Valley. This unique vantage point offers spectacular panoramic views over the emblematic landscapes of northern Tanzania. Surrounded by coffee plantations and market gardens, the lodge lies at the heart of a fertile territory, living to the rhythm of the seasons and agricultural activities. Its strategic location makes it an ideal stopover on the Northern Parks circuit, while offering a gentle, authentic immersion in local life. The lodge has 37 rooms, two restaurants, two bars, a swimming pool, an organic garden, a massage area with wellness treatments, free mountain bike hire and Wi–Fi access in common areas.
BLD
Perched on a hilltop in the village of Bashay (Karatu region), between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, Bashay Rift Lodge overlooks the majestic plains of the Rift Valley. This unique vantage point offers spectacular panoramic views over the emblematic landscapes of northern Tanzania. Surrounded by coffee plantations and market gardens, the lodge lies at the heart of a fertile territory, living to the rhythm of the seasons and agricultural activities. Its strategic location makes it an ideal stopover on the Northern Parks circuit, while offering a gentle, authentic immersion in local life. The lodge has 37 rooms, two restaurants, two bars, a swimming pool, an organic garden, a massage area with wellness treatments, free mountain bike hire and Wi–Fi access in common areas.
Images Credit: Bashay Rift Lodge
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Tarangire National Park
Maweninga Camp
BLD
Set on a rocky point in Tarangire National Park, Maweninga Camp overlooks a sea of baobabs, golden savannahs and rolling hills. Tarangire Park is renowned for its high elephant density, wide variety of wildlife, discreet predators and centuries–old baobab forests. Its position on the granite rocks offers a unique panorama at sunrise and especially at sunset. This intimate camp has 16 tents, set into the side of a rock, each with a private terrace opening onto the majestic emptiness of the savannah. The interior design is simple, warm and functional: double bed, rough–hewn wooden furniture, en–suite bathroom with shower and 24/7 solar electricity. From the tent, you can sometimes see giraffes and elephants on the horizon. A restaurant and bar, serves simple, tasty, home–cooked meals in a semi–open communal area. A campfire is lit every evening, inviting shared stories and suspended moments. Wifi is available in common areas.
BLD
Set on a rocky point in Tarangire National Park, Maweninga Camp overlooks a sea of baobabs, golden savannahs and rolling hills. Tarangire Park is renowned for its high elephant density, wide variety of wildlife, discreet predators and centuries–old baobab forests. Its position on the granite rocks offers a unique panorama at sunrise and especially at sunset. This intimate camp has 16 tents, set into the side of a rock, each with a private terrace opening onto the majestic emptiness of the savannah. The interior design is simple, warm and functional: double bed, rough–hewn wooden furniture, en–suite bathroom with shower and 24/7 solar electricity. From the tent, you can sometimes see giraffes and elephants on the horizon. A restaurant and bar, serves simple, tasty, home–cooked meals in a semi–open communal area. A campfire is lit every evening, inviting shared stories and suspended moments. Wifi is available in common areas.
Images Credit: Maweninga Camp
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National Park Regulations and Private Conservation Areas
Game drives in National Parks are restricted to closed-sided, pop-top 4WD vehicles during daytime. Walking safaris are not permitted. In many private reserves and conservation areas, open-sided vehicles are permitted as are walking safaris and night time drives.
Keeping Healthy in Tanzania
Malaria: Anti-Malarial precautions are an absolute necessity when visiting Tanzania. It is important that you check with a qualified health professional for the most current information concerning your travel itinerary and personal health history. In addition, other personal protective measures, such as the use of insect repellents (containing the active ingredient ‘DEET’), covering arms and legs after dusk, avoid the use of scented products, help to reduce malaria risk.
Yellow Fever: If you are arriving in Tanzania (or planning to re-enter) from an area that is infected with yellow fever, or arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic (check the list of countries) you are required to have a yellow fever vaccination and it must be administered at least ten (10) days before your arrival (or re-entry) into Tanzania. If your travel itinerary requires you to have a yellow fever vaccination, you must ask your doctor to provide you with an "International Certificate of Vaccination" which should be carried with you while travelling to serve as proof that you have fulfilled the vaccination requirement.
Direct arrivals from non-endemic countries in Europe and North America are not required to show the certificate/yellow fever card, but when travelling between African countries by plane or vehicle you will be asked for it.
Luggage on internal flights
Luggage on internal flights is restricted to 15kg per person (including hand luggage) and it is a requirement that bags are soft-sided. This is due to compartments in light aircraft being small and of an irregular shape, making soft-side/flexible luggage essential.
Mobility information:
This tour is generally not suitable for people with limited mobility. If you are unsure, please contact us before booking.
Entry Requirements - Tanzania
All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. There should be sufficient blank pages for entry stamps upon arrival. With a valid passport, one may obtain a visa either before arriving in Tanzania at the Tanzania Embassy/High Commission abroad, online, or at any port of entry staffed by immigration officials, such as an international airport. We strongly recommend that guests apply for the E-Visa two months prior to their arrival date to avoid any last-minute disappointments
Visa and entry requirements can change without prior notice and it is the traveller's responsibility to secure necessary visas for all countries travelling to. Prior to travel, ensure you verify the latest entry requirements for each country on your itinerary by consulting with your local embassy/consulate, or your travel agent/broker.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
