Grab your safari hat, binoculars, and don’t forget your camera — because your friends may not believe your stories from Tanzania. This is the kind of journey most people only experience through documentaries… until now.

Straight out of the pages of a National Geographic magazine, Tanzania offers ordinary people the chance to experience Africa like an explorer. This story-book journey combines thrilling game drives through iconic wildlife parks with meaningful cultural encounters among tribal communities who continue to live much as their ancestors have for centuries.

The magic of Tanzania — and the stuff of legends — is the Serengeti. Massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains in one of the largest wildlife migrations on Earth. On this itinerary, you’ll have the opportunity to witness one of the most dramatic moments of all — the Great Migration crossing the Mara River — where thousands of animals gather, surge forward, and brave the currents in a breathtaking display of survival and instinct. It’s the kind of experience that leaves many travelers quietly emotional as they take in the magnitude of what they are witnessing.

To make the most of your time, we’ve thoughtfully designed this itinerary to reduce long driving days. We fly into the central Serengeti, cutting down travel time and allowing you to spend more time where it counts — in the heart of wildlife-rich areas. We then enjoy a scenic drive back through Tanzania’s iconic landscapes, ensuring you don’t miss any of the highlights along the way. The result is a more comfortable, immersive safari with maximum wildlife viewing and less time on the road.

Equally as impressive as the game parks and conservation areas are the cultural experiences. You’ll interact with tribal communities such as the Maasai, Hadzabe, and Datoga. From pastoral nomads to traditional hunter-gatherers, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time as you learn about their traditions, participate in dancing, and gain insight into daily life that has endured for generations.

• Experience semi-luxury safari tent camping in Serengeti National Park and unique lodges near conservation areas
• Go to sleep and wake to the sounds of the wild Serengeti
• Witness the Great Migration and the dramatic Mara River crossings
• Fly into the Serengeti to reduce long drives and spend more time on safari
• See big cats including lions, leopards, and cheetahs
• Enter the Ngorongoro Crater, a 25-km wide dormant volcanic bowl with over 30,000 animals
• Dance with the Maasai, exchange stories with Datoga women, and learn to shoot bow and arrows with the Hadzabe
• Explore Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important sites in human evolution
• Opportunities to shop for indigenous crafts, Tanzanite, and local art

Optional Add On

See the Serengeti from a Hot Air Balloon! +$620 USD. This is an early morning activity that includes brunch. Those who do not want to do the balloon ride will do a game drive with the guide.

This tour is rated moderate. For those considering a safari in Tanzania, the physical requirements are quite manageable, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers. The majority of the trip involves driving in comfortable 4x4 vehicles, with plenty of opportunities to stop, stretch your legs, and take in the stunning surroundings. 

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Long Periods of Driving: Much of the safari involves being in vehicles as we traverse the Serengeti, and standing in vehicles while viewing wildlife. While the drives can be long, they are broken up by frequent stops for wildlife viewing, meals, and rest breaks. During game drives you can stand and move around in the vehicle for 360 viewing.

2. Minimal Physical Demands: Most of the walking is limited to short strolls around designated areas like viewpoints or picnic spots. You should be able to walk unassisted for up to 2 miles (easy trails, markets, big airports), and be able to step up and down from safari vehicles. 

3. Comfortable Rest Stops: You’ll have plenty of chances to stretch your legs and refresh yourself during breaks at scenic spots or lodges.

On safari in Tanzania, your four-star lodges and tented camps offer a comfortable and immersive experience in the heart of wildlife country. Expect stylish rooms with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and authentic African design, all located in prime areas near the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Many properties feature inviting lounges, fire pits, and scenic terraces — and it’s not uncommon to spot wildlife right from your lodge.

All meals are included and thoughtfully prepared, even in remote locations. Start your day with hearty breakfasts featuring eggs, fresh fruit, pastries, and hot dishes. Lunch may be served at the lodge, boxed to go, or enjoyed picnic-style during game drives. Evenings often feature three-course dinners with a mix of international cuisine and local flavors, followed by time to relax and share stories from the day.

Purified water is provided during game drives, and beverages such as additional bottled water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and alcoholic drinks are typically available at lodges for purchase. Most dietary needs — including vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free — can be accommodated with advance notice.

Tours Visa Required. Instructions on how to purchase your visa will be provided. 

Passports/Visas:

Visit the US State Department Website for the most current requirements. Most destinations require your passport to be valid 6 months beyond your planned departure date. Check your passport now to avoid last minute stress and hassle.   
State Department Website  

Vaccinations & Travel Health:

Visit the CDC website for the most current requirements for travel and other travel health related suggestions and concerns for your destination:

CDC Website

Tanzania Packing List - Google Sheets 

Here is what you can expect to wear on safari in Tanzania. In addition to binoculars here are some things you will want on safari.

• Luggage: 75-90 Liter duffel or rolling duffel bag. No hard suitcases. Rolling duffel limited to one hard side, and 27 inches tall. 

• Neutral, Lightweight Layers: Wear breathable, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige) with long sleeves and pants for sun and insect protection. Avoid bright colors (they can attract unwanted attention from wildlife) and dark blues/black (which attract tsetse flies).

• Sturdy Footwear: Comfortable hiking boots for walking in muddy, and uneven terrain.

• Sun and Bug Protection: Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent (preferably with DEET).

• Warm Layers and Rain Gear: Pack a light jacket for chilly mornings and evenings, and a rain jacket if traveling during the wet season.

Mandatory Medical Insurance

Green Edventures does not provide medical or travel insurance in the package price. Due to the remote nature of our tours, we require that all participants have, at minimum, $250,0000 medical evacuation coverage for this program. This is for the safety of all guests. A comprehensive travel insurance policy will cover medical evacuation.

Comprehensive travel insurance is available at www.greenedventures.com/travel-insurance 

Click on link to review:

Terms & Conditions

Cancellation Policy

Minimum 6 / Maximum 12

To ensure an intimate and authentic experience, the group is limited to no more than 12 participants, allowing us to connect more deeply while minimizing our impact on the pristine environment.

We need 6 participants to confirm this trip, and we truly appreciate your patience as we work toward that goal. We’re just as eager as you are to confirm this adventure! 

Once the trip is confirmed, you’ll receive an email with essential details, including flight booking guidelines, waivers, and tour-specific information. If we’re unable to fill the trip within 90 days of the start date, all participants will receive a full refund. 

Q&A Document 

Installments

For your convenience you can pay for your adventure in interest-free monthly installments using a checking account or credit card. 

ACH / Checking Account 

Pay zero transaction fees when you pay from your checking account.

Credit Card

Want to rack up points on your credit card? We get it. WeTravel will add a service fee to the total amount of your trip if you pay with a credit card. Credit Cards fees: 2.9% (Amex: 3.9%). This is a bank convenience fee not a fee added by Green Edventures. 

Alternate Between ACH & Credit Card

You can change your payment method at any time in your WeTravel Account

Schedule fights to arrive at Arusha Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) by 8 PM or before local time. 

One of our team will be at the airport to greet you. Your guide will have a briefing with you to discuss the plan for the following day at dinner.

Meals included: (D)

Overnight at Lake Duluti Lodge or River Trees, or similar. 

After an early breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport for your scenic bush flight to the Northern Serengeti. As you soar above Tanzania’s vast landscapes, enjoy aerial views of rolling savannas, winding rivers, and remote wilderness areas that few travelers ever see.

Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your safari guide and immediately begin your adventure in the Northern Serengeti—one of the most spectacular and remote regions of the park. This area is especially renowned for the dramatic Mara River crossings during the Great Migration, when thousands of wildebeest and zebra brave crocodile-filled waters in one of nature’s most unforgettable wildlife spectacles.

Enjoy a half-day game drive as you explore this wildlife-rich region, where you may encounter large herds of migrating animals, resident predators such as lions and cheetahs, and a variety of other wildlife roaming the open plains and river corridors.

Later in the afternoon, arrive at your lodge or tented camp, where you can relax and take in the peaceful surroundings of the Serengeti. Enjoy dinner and settle in for your stay, with two consecutive nights in the Northern Serengeti, giving you ample time to fully experience this extraordinary wilderness and increase your chances of witnessing the Great Migration in action.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging at Moyo tented camp or Enkutoto migration camp.

Spend the next two unforgettable days exploring the legendary Serengeti, following the movement of wildlife and checking incredible sightings off your safari wish list.

Each morning begins with an early breakfast before heading out on game drives across the vast plains, with packed lunches allowing you to stay immersed in the wilderness throughout the day. As you travel between the Northern and Central Serengeti, your guide will track wildlife movements, maximizing opportunities to witness the region’s most spectacular animal encounters.

Keep watch for golden-maned lions resting in the grasslands, elusive leopards draped across acacia branches, large herds of buffalo, and smaller groups of elephants and giraffes moving gracefully across the landscape. You may also encounter eland, topi, kongoni, impala, and Grant’s gazelle, along with countless bird species that add color and life to the savanna.

These days in the Serengeti offer an immersive safari experience filled with breathtaking scenery, incredible wildlife encounters, and the unforgettable rhythm of life on the African plains.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging at Moyo tented camp or Suenos de Africa Camp. 

After an early breakfast, set out on a morning game drive across the sweeping plains of the Central Serengeti, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife landscapes. As you travel, keep watch for lions resting in the grass, elephants moving gracefully across the savanna, and herds of wildebeest and zebra stretching to the horizon. The drive itself becomes part of the adventure, with new wildlife sightings and breathtaking scenery unfolding along the way.

Midday, you’ll stop at the legendary Olduvai Gorge, often called the “Cradle of Humankind.” Here, you’ll enjoy lunch while overlooking this remarkable archaeological site, followed by a visit to the museum and interpretive exhibits. Learn how groundbreaking discoveries made in this region helped shape our understanding of human origins and evolution, adding a powerful educational dimension to your journey.

In the afternoon, continue your scenic drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands toward either Karatu or the Lake Eyasi region, depending on accommodations. Along the way, the landscape transitions from open savanna to lush highlands, offering yet another glimpse into Tanzania’s remarkable diversity.

Arrive at your lodge in time to relax, by the pool, take in the peaceful surroundings, and reflect on the day’s discoveries before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging at Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge

Journey to the far side of Lake Eyasi for a meaningful and intimate cultural experience with two of Tanzania’s most fascinating and traditional communities — the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. Set against the dramatic landscapes of the Rift Valley, this day offers a rare opportunity to connect with cultures that have maintained their traditional ways of life for generations.

The Hadzabe are one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer societies in Africa, living much as their ancestors did thousands of years ago. With a population of fewer than 1,000 people, approximately 300–400 Hadzabe still practice traditional hunting and gathering in the bush around Lake Eyasi and the neighboring Serengeti Plateau. During your visit, you may have the opportunity to observe their daily routines, learn about their survival skills, and gain insight into a way of life deeply connected to the land and natural rhythms of nature. This respectful cultural exchange offers a powerful and eye-opening perspective on human history and resilience.

Your cultural experience continues with a visit to the Datoga tribe, skilled farmers and talented metal craftsmen known for their traditional blacksmithing techniques. The Datoga have long traded with the Hadzabe and maintain a rich cultural heritage of their own. Visit their homes and village, observe traditional craftsmanship, and learn about their customs, daily life, and traditions firsthand.

After this enriching cultural experience, return to your lodge for lunch before continuing your scenic drive to Karatu. Arrive in the late afternoon, where you’ll enjoy dinner and a relaxing overnight stay, reflecting on a day filled with meaningful cultural connections and unforgettable experiences.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Lodging at Ngorongoro Coffee lodge or Marera valley lodge.

After an early breakfast, descend into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive in one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations. Formed by the collapse of a massive volcano millions of years ago, this immense natural amphitheater is now a thriving ecosystem and one of the best places in Africa to see wildlife in a single day.

The crater floor features an incredible variety of landscapes, from lush mountain forests and acacia woodlands to open grasslands, soda lakes, and freshwater swamps. Vital water sources such as the Munge River in the west, the Lerai River in the east, and the Ngotokitok Springs help sustain the rich diversity of wildlife that calls the crater home year-round.

Large herds of grazing animals dominate the plains, including zebras, wildebeests, elands, and both Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles. These abundant prey species support a healthy population of predators, making wildlife viewing especially rewarding. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places in Tanzania to spot the famed “Big Five.” Lions and buffalo are commonly seen, elephants roam the woodlands, and the crater is one of the few places where sightings of the highly endangered black rhino are possible — and not uncommon.

You may also encounter spotted hyenas, jackals, serval cats, and caracals, along with a variety of birdlife around the lakes and wetlands. While leopards are more elusive and typically remain in the forests along the crater rim, the sheer density of wildlife on the crater floor makes for an unforgettable safari experience.

Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the stunning scenery of the crater before continuing your afternoon game drive. Later in the day, ascend the crater walls and travel to Karatu, where you’ll enjoy dinner and a relaxing overnight stay after an incredible day of wildlife viewing.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging at Ngorongoro Coffee lodge or Marera valley lodge.

After a relaxed breakfast, depart around 10:00 am for a visit to the renowned African Gallery, one of Tanzania’s premier destinations for locally crafted art and souvenirs.

Enjoy approximately an hour and a half to browse an impressive collection of handmade treasures, including Tanzanite jewelry, colorful textiles, wood carvings, paintings, and authentic crafts created by local artisans. This is a wonderful opportunity to find meaningful keepsakes while supporting local communities.

Following your shopping experience, enjoy lunch before continuing to the vibrant town of Mto wa Mbu, located at the base of the Great Rift Valley. Here, you’ll take part in an engaging Maasai cultural experience, offering insight into one of East Africa’s most iconic and enduring cultures.

During your visit, learn about traditional Maasai customs, daily life, and their deep connection to the land and livestock. You may have the opportunity to visit a Maasai village, observe traditional homes, and learn about their rich cultural heritage through storytelling and demonstrations.

This afternoon provides a meaningful cultural connection and a deeper understanding of Tanzania beyond its wildlife, before returning for dinner and overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging at lake burunge tented lodge or burunge baobab lodge.

Enjoy an early morning game drive into Tarangire National Park, followed by a return to your lodge in time for a relaxing hot lunch. This beautiful and less-crowded park offers a wonderful opportunity to experience Tanzania’s wildlife in a peaceful, scenic setting.

Tarangire is especially famous for its large elephant herds and its iconic baobab trees, some of which are hundreds of years old and create a striking landscape unlike anywhere else in Tanzania. As you explore the park, you may witness elephants moving gracefully through the savanna, often in large family groups, along with giraffes browsing among the trees and herds of zebras and wildebeests grazing across the plains.

The park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, both large and small. Common sightings include impalas, warthogs, dwarf mongoose, and ostriches, while lions and leopards may also be spotted resting in the shade or moving quietly through the grasslands. Tarangire is also known for its impressive birdlife, with more than 550 species recorded, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.

You may also encounter greater and lesser kudu, as well as oryx, adding to the diversity of wildlife found within the park. The seasonal Tarangire River attracts animals from across the region, creating excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year.

After your morning game drive, return to the lodge for a late lunch and time to relax, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging at lake burunge tented lodge or burunge baobab tented lodge.

We’ll drive to Arusha from Tarangire stopping for a souvenir’s shops for shopping if desired with packed lunch after lunch, then proceed with Drive about 1 hour to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) for our international flights home.

Schedule flights to depart after 5:30Pm local time.

 Green Edventures is proud to partner with Baraza Salaho, one of our most trusted safari guides since 2019. Participants consistently share that traveling with Baraza is one of the highlights of their Tanzania experience, thanks to his deep knowledge, warm personality, and genuine passion for sharing his country.

Baraza is Tanzanian and has more than 20 years of experience as a professional safari guide. Over the years, he has worked with travelers from around the world, developing an exceptional understanding of Tanzania’s national parks, wildlife behavior, birdlife, and diverse cultures. His ability to interpret the landscape and track animals enhances every game drive, turning each day into a meaningful and educational experience.

In addition to his guiding expertise, Baraza speaks more than five Tanzanian languages, along with English. This allows for authentic cultural interactions and deeper connections with local communities throughout the journey. His local insight helps bring Tanzania to life in ways that go far beyond wildlife viewing.

Known for his caring nature and thoughtful attention to detail, Baraza is committed to creating the best possible safari experience for every traveler. Whether sharing stories, spotting wildlife from a distance, or ensuring guests feel comfortable and supported, Baraza’s professionalism and passion make him a favorite among Green Edventures participants.

Kelly VanLaanen brings more than 30 years of experience in environmental education, outdoor recreation, and group leadership to her role as tour leader. With a degree in Environmental Education and Interpretation from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point College of Natural Resources, along with certifications including Rescue Diver, Divemaster, Wilderness First Aid, and Level 2 ACA Coastal Day Trip Leader, Kelly combines strong safety awareness with a passion for learning and discovery. Prior to departure, Kelly helps participants feel confident and prepared by hosting a pre-trip meeting and staying connected through a dedicated WhatsApp group where she answers questions and shares helpful information. During the safari, she provides supplemental education, daily briefings, and ensures smooth day-to-day logistics so participants can relax and fully enjoy the experience.

Kelly is known for her calm, supportive guiding style, paired with thoughtful education and a touch of humor that helps create a welcoming group dynamic. She finds the greatest fulfillment in watching travelers experience awe in nature — whether spotting wildlife for the first time or connecting with a new culture. Her leadership is grounded in safety, kindness, and fostering camaraderie, helping participants feel comfortable, supported, and inspired throughout the journey. Kelly also enjoys learning alongside the group, whether identifying new birds, exploring local traditions, or sharing meaningful moments in the field — creating an experience that is both enriching and memorable for everyone.