Timeless Tanzania
Explore the diversity of landscapes and vegetation of the Serengeti National Park, one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Immerse yourself in the UNESCO World Heritage site, Ngorongoro Crater, including a bespoke dining experience on the crater floor. Dive deeper into the cultural tapestry of Tanzania before continuing into the landscapes and vegetation of the Tarangire National Park, famous for the large number of elephants, baobabs and climbing lions. This luxury safari delivers a timeless Tanzania experience!
Trip Snapshot
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Departs 04 March 2027
*AUD $9950 per person
Comfort Rating: 5 star
Small Group Fully Hosted Tour
Single Room Supplement - $250
* Only 2 single rooms available
Why This Journey Works For You
Tanzania embodies the essence of adventure - it's very name synonymous with the spirit of safari. Tanzania's myriad parks offer diverse terrain and unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities, from lions on the hunt to elephants crossing the plains. The thrill of the chase, the anticipation of what lies beyond the next bend. It’s an addiction that draws travellers back time and again.
With premium four-wheel drive vehicles, luxurious accommodation in breathtaking locations and the knowledge and insight of highly professional guides, I have curated this safari specifically for mature travellers. Over nine sensational days you will experience a plethora of included game viewing activities. Additional inclusions, such as outdoor dining experiences, a safari sundowner, and authentic cultural interactions ensure that you will experience the best of Tanzania whilst enjoying the highest levels of comfort and safety.
Itinerary in Detail
March 4th 2027: Arrive in Arusha (D)
After clearing immigration and customs, step outside the arrivals hall and our personal transfer guide will be welcoming us with your name on a welcome sign. This is your first introduction to the exceptional, personalized service that defines the Africa With Confidence experience. Our guide will warmly greet you, assist with luggage, and ensure we are comfortably settled in our private vehicle. We then travel to Arusha - Located exactly halfway between Cairo and Cape Town, Arusha represents the middle of the Old British Empire marked by a monumental clock tower. Journey duration varies depending on your specific accommodation and arrival time (approximately 50 minutes).
Upon arrival at Four Points by Sheraton - The Arusha Hotel, we check in and settle into our home for the night. Take time to unwind from the flight, refresh, and relax before we meet together for dinner in the hotel's restaurant. Parachichi Restaurant, which is Swahili for 'avocado', overlooks the beautiful gardens of the hotel and is the perfect place to enjoy our first meal together. Rest well tonight - the extraordinary safari adventures begin tomorrow.
Four Points By Sheraton - The Arusha Hotel (1 night)
Established in 1894, the Four Points by Sheraton Arusha is one of the oldest hotels in East Africa. Saturated with the history of a bygone era, the traditional ambience is effortlessly combined with the style and service you wish for when travelling. The hotel features 114 stylish rooms, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour gym, Parachichi a full-service restaurant, as well as the famous Hatari Bar. Take a dip in our outdoor swimming pool and relax after a good workout in our gym with amazing views of the pool and gardens.
March 5th: Arusha - Serengeti National Park (BLD)
After breakfast we check out of our hotel and are transferred to the Arusha airstrip, where we board our flight to Seronera Airstrip. As this is a safari flight there may be two or three stops during the journey. This only adds to the experience as the light plane flight allows for a birds-eye view of the Ngorongoro Highlands and the Serengeti Plains.
Upon your arrival at Seronera Airstrip our professional wildlife guide will warmly welcome us with refreshing drinks for us to enjoy while the necessary permits are taken care of. Following that, we embark on a private game drive, with the days itinerary guided by our guides expertise and the wildlife sightings encountered. Our guide will assess the wildlife sightings to make the best decision for the day, ensuring we have the most memorable experience. Depending on the situation, the game drive could lead to our accommodation for check-in and lunch, or we may spend the full day game driving before reaching our accommodation. If the full day game driving is the option, we will enjoy a delightful picnic lunch on board with cold refreshments, allowing for a full-day game drive experience before culminating in a picturesque sundowner at our lodging.
Should lunch at our accommodation be chosen, we will enjoy a relaxing afternoon to unwind before setting out on another captivating game drive in the late afternoon. Our adventure will conclude with a return to our accommodation, where we can savour the magic of a safari sundowner. The game drives provide an unforgettable journey, and our guide will ensure each moment is filled with wonder and excitement as we explore the abundant wildlife and breathtaking landscapes of this incredible region.
Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp (3 nights)
Lemala Ewanjan is an authentic intimate tented camp set in a secluded part of the game-rich Seronera Valley in Central Serengeti. The Seronera region is an important wildlife transition zone between the southern grasslands and the northern woodlands and is renowned for its year-round game viewing due to its abundance of water in the many rivers, as well as for its large populations of resident big cats. Lemala Ewanjan is carefully positioned right at the end of a blind valley, so other vehicles will not interrupt our view across the plains during the day, and in the evening, we can enjoy uninterrupted sunsets with no electric lights in sight. All the popular game viewing areas of central, southern or western Serengeti are easily accessible from the camp but after a busy day guests are always delighted to return to the privacy and solitude that the camp offers.
The 12 en-suite tents are spacious and comfortable, and have an outside deck offering beautiful views over the area. Each tent is fitted with two queen-size beds with warm duvets, a flush toilet, large safari-style shower, plentiful running water, wooden storage cabinets and flooring, 24-hour solar lighting and outside loungers from which to enjoy early morning teas and coffees and refreshing afternoon gin and tonics. The mess tent with its separate bar, sitting and dining areas is beautifully decorated with leather sofas, side cabinets, rugs and chests. In the evening, guests can gather inside under the chandeliers or outside around the campfire under starlit skies for sunset cocktails and to share their safari stories.
March 6th: Serengeti National Park (BLD)
Imagine a day on safari in the heart of the Serengeti, in the famed Seronera area—an experience so extraordinary it feels like a dream. As the golden sun rises, painting the vast savannah in warm hues, our guide expertly steers the open-roof vehicle into the wilderness. The air is crisp, the excitement palpable, as we set off on our morning game drive, the first of two game drives today. In these early hours, the Serengeti teems with life. Lions stalk their prey in the distance, elephants roam majestically, and herds of wildebeest graze across the plains. Our guide, with a keen sense for the wildlife, positions us perfectly for intimate encounters with the Big Five and other iconic animals of the African bush. After a leisurely return to camp, where we can relax and savour a delicious lunch, we embark on another afternoon drive, when the light softens and predators become more active. Alternatively, if the migration is more in the Ndutu area then this day will be a full day game drive with picnic lunch in the Ndutu area of the Serengeti. We'll picnic in the wilderness, surrounded by breathtaking views, as we track the rhythm of the Serengeti—where life and nature intertwine in the most beautiful dance. Whether we take two game drives or a full day drive, our Serengeti experience will be one for the bucket list, a perfect blend of serenity and awe, with the wild at our fingertips.
March 7th: Serengeti National Park (BLD)
Siringet, meaning endless plains in the Maasai language, is a name that truly captures the grandeur of the Serengeti as we journey into its breathtaking expanse. The vast, timeless landscapes stretch out before us, dotted with iconic acacia trees and intersected by winding rivers framed by lush greenery. Towering kopjes—ancient rock formations—dot the plains, serving as natural shelters and water sources, making them the perfect hideouts for predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs that rule these untamed lands. The surrounding woodlands, rivers, and rolling hills are teeming with a dazzling array of wildlife, from elephants and buffalo to waterbucks, hippos, crocodiles, and graceful giraffes. Each game drive here is a tailor-made adventure, whether you prefer the early morning light or the golden hours of late afternoon, or even an all-day excursion complete with a picnic lunch in the heart of the Serengeti. Our expert guides will work with us to craft a personalized itinerary, ensuring that every moment of your safari is filled with thrilling wildlife encounters and unforgettable sights in this awe-inspiring ecosystem.
March 8th: Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Conservation Area (BLD)
A road transfer from Seronera in the heart of the Serengeti to the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater offers an exciting transition between two of Tanzania’s most spectacular landscapes. Our journey begins with the early morning glow of the Serengeti as you leave the open plains behind, setting off on an adventure that's much more than just a drive. As we traverse the Serengeti, the scenery gradually shifts from the endless grasslands that host herds of wildebeests, zebras, and predators, to more wooded areas and undulating hills. Along the way, we might spot elephants or giraffes browsing through the acacias, and we will keep our eyes peeled for leopards lounging in the trees or cheetahs surveying the terrain. Our guide, a seasoned expert in the area, will ensure we don't miss any of the action, making stops to capture the stunning wildlife and landscapes.
As we continue toward Ngorongoro, the road climbs steadily into the highlands, bringing cooler air and a noticeable change in vegetation. The dry, golden plains give way to lush greenery and fertile farmlands as we approach the conservation area. The journey takes us along the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, where we will be treated to breathtaking views of the vast, verdant caldera below—a dramatic contrast to the Serengeti’s open expanses.
Whether our guide opts for an earlier or later departure from Seronera, the timing is deliberate. If we arrive earlier, we will have time to relax and enjoy lunch at our camp. Alternatively, with a delayed departure, we could arrive in the late afternoon, just as the golden hour begins to bathe the landscape in soft light—a perfect time to absorb the beauty of Ngorongoro as we settle into our accommodation. Whichever timing our guide has planned, the road transfer from Serengeti to Ngorongoro is more than a mere journey between destinations; its an immersive experience, weaving through some of Tanzania’s most iconic environments and offering incredible sights along the way.
Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp (2 nights)
Lemala Ngorongoro is intimately set in a delightful ancient acacia forest close to the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. As it is located next to the quiet Lemala crater access road on the eastern side, a key advantage of staying at Lemala Ngorongoro is the quick and easy drive down on to the crater floor in the morning. Lemala guests usually have an hour’s head start over others descending via the far busier Seneto crater access road on the western rim. And of course we can stay later in the afternoon before returning to camp. As Africa’s game is most active in the early morning and late afternoon this means better wildlife experiences for Lemala guests. Game drives from camp may start as early as 6.15am and guests can be down among Ngorongoro’s abundant wildlife on the floor within 10-15 minutes – crucial for photographers who demand the best light conditions. Escorted walks are also available into the forest and along the crater rim with an armed ranger and Maasai guide.
Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp has 9 spacious tents that are positioned carefully to provide privacy and with minimal impact on the pristine forest environment. They accommodate two queen-size beds, and as it can get cool on the Ngorongoro Crater rim at night, little luxuries like warm winter-weight duvets, hot water bottles and gas heaters ensure a cosy night’s sleep. The roomy en-suite bathrooms contain a dressing area, flush toilet and a large safari-style shower. The mess tent is beautifully furnished with grand sofas, lamps, bookshelves and corner cabinets in old wood, chests and rugs. In the evening, guests can gather around the campfire to exchange tales of the day’s safari followed by a sumptuous hearty meal.
March 9th: Ngorongoro Crater with Exclusive Lunch on the Crater Floor (BLD)
After breakfast we embark on our early morning adventure with just a short drive to one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife destinations. Our descent into Ngorongoro Crater begins through dense highland forest where towering trees shelter countless bird species creating a natural symphony above. Reaching the crater floor an extraordinary world contained within ancient volcanic walls is revealed. This natural amphitheater stretches before us, filled with grazing herds and the predators that follow them. The shallow waters of Lake Magadi often shimmer pink with thousands of flamingos while nearby swamps provide sanctuary for hippo pods wallowing contentedly. Our specially designed safari vehicle features glass windows and pop up roof ensuring perfect wildlife viewing while protecting this delicate ecosystem through designated road usage only.
The craters enclosed nature creates a unique environment where every safari expectation comes to life within a single remarkable location. The famous Lerai Forest dominated by distinctive yellow fever trees creates dramatic backdrops for elephant herds. Lake Magadi this soda lake attracts diverse wildlife year round while offering stunning photographic opportunities. Journey east to discover Gorigor Swamp and Ngoitokitok Springs where hippos spend their days in cool waters. The northern crater areas provide excellent game viewing with open grasslands attracting resident herds throughout the year. This varied terrain ensures wildlife encounters regardless of season or weather conditions.
Ngorongoro offers incredible wildlife opportunities within a compact area. Spot the rare black rhino alongside massive tusker elephants. Lion prides patrol their territories while elusive leopards rest in acacia trees. Spotted hyena clans add their distinctive calls to the crater soundtrack. Massive herds of wildebeest buffalo and zebra create constant movement across the grasslands. Watch for graceful serval cats, cunning jackals and elegant Grants and Thompsons gazelles. Bat eared foxes hunt insects while over 400 bird species fill the skies and shorelines. Few places on earth concentrate such wildlife abundance within a single viewable area making Ngorongoro Crater a truly unforgettable centerpiece of our Timeless Tanzanian safari experience.
Today we will experience that 'Out of Africa' feeling! Nothing is as quintessentially safari as experiencing a traditional bush lunch. After enjoying our morning game drive, our guide will bring us to a secret location within the Ngorongoro Crater where the Lemala team await to serve us. Relax under the natural canopy of an acacia tree, whilst our personal butler serves up a feast. Tailored service with cold drinks and the chef preparing delicious meals surrounded by breath-taking surroundings in total privacy completes this Out of Africa experience. (This experience is on a private Lemala lunch site and may be a shared experience with other guests of Lemala). After lunch, we will enjoy a further game drive before returning to our luxurious tented accommodation.
March 10th: Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Tarangire National Park (BLD)
Departing from the breathtaking Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the journey to Tarangire National Park unfolds through scenic landscapes, passing rolling hills, lush farmland, and traditional Maasai villages. Enroute, on the border of Lake Manyara National Park, we will enjoy a cultural experience in the village of Mto wa Mbu. We meet Sunday, who is a hero to many and has a great story to tell. We will be fully guided throughout the visit, spending a few hours exploring the villages using their most favored method of transport in the area. Local tuk tuks designed to give us a birds eye view and allow us to meander around the narrow streets. We will see the rice fields and learn how it plays such a vital part in the food of Tanzanians. We meet the Makonde carvers and watch the colourful Tinga Tinga painters. We visit a local primary school (which is supported as part of this safari) before finishing up for a scrumptious Tanzanian lunch in the shade of the Banana trees. This is a truly authentic and unique way to get a glimpse of the way of life in Tanzania.
As we descend into the drier regions, the iconic baobab-dotted plains of Tarangire come into view, signaling arrival at one of Tanzania’s most diverse wildlife havens. Upon reaching Mpingo Ridge, a luxurious lodge perched on an elevated vantage point, we will enjoy a delicious lunch while taking in sweeping views of the park’s vast wilderness. The tranquil setting provides the perfect opportunity to relax and rejuvenate before the afternoon adventure begins.
After lunch, we embark on an afternoon game drive through Tarangire National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds and diverse wildlife. The park’s winding river serves as a lifeline for countless animals, attracting predators and prey alike to its banks. As we navigate through acacia woodlands and open savannas, expect to encounter giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and an array of bird species. With the golden afternoon light casting a magical glow over the landscape, the game drive offers an immersive safari experience, capturing the essence of Tarangire’s untamed beauty before heading to our lodge for the evening.
Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge (2 nights)
Lemala Mpingo Ridge sits on top of an escarpment with sweeping views across the perennial Tarangire River and valley below and matches the same outstanding standards of comfort and service as the other properties in Lemala's collection. Being the sixth largest national park in Tanzania, Tarangire remains slightly off the main safari circuit but is a terrifically scenic park featuring classic African savannah, green hills, woodlands and rivers and is especially famous for its large herds of elephants, superb birdlife and giant baobab trees. Guests at Lemala Mpingo Ridge will enjoy a real sense of wilderness and excellent game viewing, and it is both a relaxing standalone destination and a great place to conclude our Timeless Tanzania Safari.
The 15 tented suites feature en-suite bathrooms, private decks, sunken outside lounges that convert to afternoon siesta beds. A special feature is the private outside bathtub—perfect for soothing the soul and washing away the African dust after a day on safari. The elevated main lodge has a large lounge and bar, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a spa and swimming pool.
March 11th: Tarangire National Park (BLD)
After breakfast, we set off on an exhilarating game drive through the stunning landscapes of Tarangire National Park, where we will be awed by the towering baobab trees and enchanting swamps. Keep our eyes peeled for fascinating reptiles like Monitor Lizards and pythons, while the park's vibrant birdlife, featuring both endemic and migratory species, adds to the excitement. We can choose to return to the lodge for a leisurely lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon, or opt for a thrilling full-day exploration complete with a picnic lunch, fully immersing ourself in the wonders of Tarangire until late afternoon. Prepare for an unforgettable day of discovery, where every moment holds the promise of creating memories that will last a lifetime!
March 12th: Tarangire National Park - Kilimanjaro Airport (BL)
Driving from Tarangire National Park to Arusha is a scenic journey that typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. The route will take us through the beautiful landscapes of northern Tanzania, transitioning from the baobab-dotted savannahs of Tarangire to the lush, rolling hills as you approach Arusha. Along the way, we may pass through small towns and villages, offering glimpses into daily Tanzanian life and the striking contrast between rural and urban settings.
Upon arrival in Arusha, a leisurely lunch at the Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge provides a perfect way to unwind. Nestled among one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations, the lodge offers a serene setting and a delicious farm-to-table dining experience, often featuring fresh local produce and Tanzanian coffee. After lunch, there's time to relax in the lodge’s tranquil gardens or visit the Shanga cultural workshop before an early evening transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport JRO for our departure.
The drive to the airport takes about an hour, giving us time to reflect on our safari adventure. Our guide will escort us to the airport with ample time for check-in and to connect with departing flights. As we bid farewell to our guide, know that this moment will be bittersweet for both the guide and all of us. We bid our guide 'Kwaheri ya kuonana' which translates from Swahili to 'Bye - till we meet again.'
Inclusions
Transfers: All arrival and departure transfers at Kilimanjaro Airport, Arusha Airport and Seronera Airstrip
Accommodation:
* 1 night: Four Points Sheraton in King or Club room
* 3 nights: Lemala Ewanjan in a tent
* 2 nights at Lemala Ngorongoro in a tent
* 2 nights at Lemala Mpingo in a suite
Flights:
* Scheduled shared flight Arusha - Seronera
Game Drives:
* 1 day full game drive Ngorongoro Crater
* Multiple game drives in Serengeti National Park over 3 days
* Multiple game drives in Tarangire National Park over 3 days
* Land Cruiser 4 wheel drive safari vehicle with sliding windows and pop up roof
* All park entrance fees, concession fees and crater vehicle descent fee
* Qualified English speaking driver / guide
Other:
* Emergency Medical evacuation if required
* Wifi
* Limited laundry at all Lemala properties
* House drinks including alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages at Lemala Properties only
* Assorted soft drinks while on a road safari in a vehicle
* Meet and Greet services on arrival at Kilimanjaro on Day 1
* 1 picnic bush breakfast whilst on safari
* 1 hot lunch Crater Floor shared basis Lemala Private site
* 1 outside dining experience
* Private sundowner on Mkoma Hill in Serengeti
* Lunch at Arusha Coffee Lodge on last day
* Sunday Cultural Experience
Bush Dining
Ngorongoro Crater Floor BBQ Lunch
Sunday Mto Wa Mbu Cultural Experience
Sundowner On Safari
Sundowners are more than just happy hour! The sundowner is a cherished African tradition and forms an integral part of your safari experience. It is a time to relax, reminisce about your day, and enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine around the camp fire with your fellow travellers.
Game Drives
NOTE:
Luggage restrictions may apply. International flights not included. Visas, Travel and Personal accident insurance not included. Tips, gratuities, personal expenses such as telephone calls and others not included.
Safari Route
A / F - Kilimanjaro Airport
B - Four Points By Sheraton - The Arusha
C - Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp
D - Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp
E - Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge
Flight: B to C (Arusha to Seronera)