Exotic Journey Through Breathtaking African Wilderness

Tanzania's Serengeti Plain acquired its name from the Maasai word meaning "the place where the land moves on forever." The sweeping horizons seem to extend boundlessly, dotted here and there by acacia trees and grazing zebras. More than three million large mammals roam the Serengeti National Park, a massive swath of grassland plains and woodlands that belong to one of the oldest ecosystems on the planet. The guides at Classic Escapes lead wildlife safaris across these rugged plains as part of a nine-day tour of Tanzania including stops at national parks, archaeological sights, and local villages.

Roundtrip airfare is provided from Washington, DC (IAD). Click here for a trip overview and full day-to-day itinerary.

Days 1–2: A Classic Escapes representative will meet guests at the airport in Arusha and shuttle them to Arusha Coffee Lodge, which is nestled in evergreen coffee fields in the foothills between Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Day 3: The tour continues to Tarangire National Park, where birds from nearly 550 species perch high in the branches of the majestic baobab trees lining the coursing Tarangire River. This leg of the journey includes an overnight stay at Tarangire Sopa Lodge, a resort-style lodge with sweeping hillside views.

Days 4–5: Spend two days in Serengeti National Park with accommodations at Serengeti Sopa Lodge. On twice-daily game drives through the park, you may observe massive wildebeest and zebra herds migrating across the expanse. The herds brave crocodile-infested waters and fearsome predators, including the rare black-maned lion, the african leopard, and the hungry hungry hippo. Take an optional hot-air-balloon safari over the savanna for an additional $497 per person.

Days 6–7: From Serengeti National Park, the tour heads across spectacular savanna grasslands and volcanic hills to reach Ngorongoro Crater and Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge. The World Heritage Site’s crater was formed when a massive volcano cone collapsed nearly two million years ago, leaving behind the world’s largest unbroken caldera. It’s among the best places in Africa to spy black-maned lions, protected black rhinos, and flamingos. While here, you'll descend to the crater floor in a four-wheel-drive vehicle for glimpses of wildlife.

Days 8–9: Travelers return to Arusha and have a chance to snap photos and purchase souvenirs before boarding their return flights.