Tanzania
14 Days Unforgettable Tanzania Wildlife and chimpanzee trek
- Duration
- 14 Days
- Price
- From $7,960 pp
Overview
This trip pairs the two halves of Tanzania that almost never appear on the same itinerary: the northern savannah circuit, and the forested shore of Lake Tanganyika in the far west.
The first nine days are the classic run. Elephant among the baobabs in Tarangire, with a night game drive most parks do not allow. The Ngorongoro Crater, where 25,000 large animals live inside a collapsed caldera and black rhino are a real possibility. Two full days in the Serengeti. Then the groundwater forest of Lake Manyara, and its tree-climbing lions.
Then you fly west to Gombe Stream, the smallest national park in Tanzania and the forest where Jane Goodall began her work in 1960. There is no road in; you land at Kigoma and continue by boat. The chimpanzee families here have been studied for over sixty years and are relaxed around people, and trekking them on steep forest trails is a completely different day from anything in the first week.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival and transfer to Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide, who will assist with your luggage and ensure all belongings are in order. After a brief introduction, you will be offered refreshing mineral water or cold drinks before beginning your private transfer to Arusha. Enjoy a comfortable drive through the scenic landscapes en route to your hotel. Upon arrival, you may relax at leisure, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in preparation for your upcoming safari adventure.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha
- Luxury Accommodation
- Serena Hotel Arusha
- High-End Accommodation
- Arusha Coffee Lodge
- Meals:
- Dinner
- Day 2
Transfer to Tarangire for Game drive & night game drive
At 830hrs, embark to Tarangire National Park for game drives and game viewings. Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s must-visit wildlife destinations, renowned for its large elephant herds and diverse animal species. During your game drive, you can expect to encounter African elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, elands, kudus, waterbucks, impalas, gazelles, dik-diks, bushbucks, and the rare fringe-eared oryx and gerenuk. The park is also home to predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, African wild dogs (occasionally seen), black-backed jackals, and bat-eared foxes. You will explore the park thoroughly, with a packed lunch served at a scenic picnic area. After the daytime game drives, you will proceed to your lodge/camp for check-in and an early dinner, then embark on an exciting night game drive, offering a rare opportunity to spot nocturnal wildlife such as bush babies, porcupines, civets, genets, and possibly hunting predators under the African night sky. After the night game drive, return to the lodge/camp for an overnight.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Tarangire Sopa Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Tarangire Elephant Springs Lodge
- High-End Accommodation
- Sanctuary Swala Camp
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 3
Game drive & transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
In the morning, after a rewarding breakfast at your lodge/camp, you will embark on your second game drive in Tarangire National Park, focusing on areas not covered during your previous safari. This final exploration offers another opportunity to spot large elephant herds, predators such as lions and leopards, and a variety of plains game along the Tarangire River and surrounding woodlands. After enjoying your morning game viewing, you will exit the park and proceed with a scenic drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for dinner, and overnight at the lodge/camp.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp
- Luxury Accommodation
- Ngorongoro Lions Paw
- High-End Accommodation
- And beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 4
Game drive in Ngorongoro & walk the crater rim
Early in the morning and after breakfast, leave the lodge with your packed lunches ready for another exciting day. Today your expert safari guide will lead you into the Ngorongoro Crater for a wonderful game drive. The Ngorongoro crater is the 8th wonder of the Natural World, spreading over 102 sq. miles and has 2,000 ft high walls, making it virtually a Noah’s ark like, it is inhabited by almost every species of wildlife that is indigenous to East Africa including the rare and endangered black rhinos, other animals that can be revealed on your game drives are Elands, Lions, Waterbucks, Wildebeests, Hyenas, jackals, African Elephants, Buffaloes, Secretive leopards, Cheetahs, hippos and many more alongside hundreds of bird species eg. Maasai Ostrich, Kori bustard, Ibis, Starlings etc. Lunchboxes shall be served to you at the picnic point inside the crater. After lunch, exit the crater and meet the ranger for an escorted crater rim walk, offering spectacular panoramic views and a chance to explore the highland forest and surrounding landscapes on foot. Later, drive back to the lodge/camp for dinner, and overnight.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp
- Luxury Accommodation
- Ngorongoro Lions Paw
- High-End Accommodation
- And beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 5
Transfer to Serengeti, enroute Masai Village visit
Today you will drive across the Ngorongoro conservation area to Serengeti national park with a stop at the Maasai traditional Boma for cultural tour experiences with Maasai, a tribe that shares habitat with wild animals very close to hands. Here everything is surprising and extremely interesting. Their history backgrounds and the battles they had fought back in days, Culture, Traditions, Customs and taboos are incredible amazing experiences to discover. You will enter their traditional houses; see where they sleep and what they eat most. Division of labor, classification of personal classes and marriage matters are among interesting stories you will get to hear. Thereafter, you will proceed further and stop for your lunch and some rest at Serengeti Naabi Hill gate before leaving for Serengeti en route game drives to Serengeti NP.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- New Baobab Central Serengeti camp
- Luxury Accommodation
- Sametu Camp
- High-End Accommodation
- Melia Serengeti
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Days 6 & 7
Full Day Game Drives in Serengeti NP
We are completely flexible with your preferences and this day will be organized according to your wishes. Your guide will discuss with you the best timing for you, including the game drives and the wake-up time. For example, you may opt to do a morning game drive, return to the camp for lunch and relaxation and finish with an afternoon game drive, or you could do a full day game drive with picnic lunches. The Serengeti Park derived its name from Maasai Language meaning endless plain. This massive plain (14763sq km) is home to many animals including Lions, Elephants, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Zebra, Leopard, and Cheetah, baboon, warthogs, Hyena plus lots of bird life. In many cases migration is taking place around Serengeti and at that particular time millions of wildebeest and zebra are mingling together followed by predators. Our professional guide will lead you into the right path making sure you have the best time to enjoy these great phenomena. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- New Baobab Central Serengeti camp
- Luxury Accommodation
- Sametu Camp
- High-End Accommodation
- Melia Serengeti
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 8
Transfer to Lake Manyara via Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Serengeti cannot be entirely explored in a day or three days, its massive plains stretch into different distant horizons offering different incredible experiences day after day. On your en-route game drive to Lake Manyara, still, you have a good chance to enjoy the spectacular landscape and varieties of wild animals and birdlife species. As you are driving to the east of the par, a chance to spotting any other animals that you did not spot in your first days is high. Lunchboxes shall be served at the picnic point followed by a further drive to Lake Manyara via Ngorongoro and Karatu. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Moonbow Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
- High-End Accommodation
- Wellworth Lake Manyara Kilimanjaro Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 9
Game drive in Lake Manyara NP & fly to Dar Es Salaam
After a leisurely breakfast, you will depart for Lake Manyara National Park for an exciting game drive. This scenic park is renowned for its famous tree-climbing lions, as well as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and a wide variety of birdlife set against the backdrop of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Following the game drive, you will be transferred to either Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your scheduled flight to Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred directly to your booked hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you to relax after your journey. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Accommodation
- Crowne Plaza Dar Es Salaam or Serena Hotel Dar Es Salaam
- High-End Accommodation
- Sea Cliff Hotel
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 10
Fly to Kigoma, transfer to Gombe Stream National Park.
In the morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast and some leisure time at your hotel before being transferred to Julius Nyerere International Airport for your scheduled flight to Kigoma. Upon arrival in Kigoma, you will proceed with a scenic boat transfer across Lake Tanganyika to Gombe Stream National Park, a remote and pristine destination renowned for its chimpanzee population and lush forested hills descending to the lakeshore. On arrival, check in at the camp for a three-night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and absorb the tranquil surroundings. Dinner and overnight at the camp/Lodge.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- TANAPA Bandas
- Luxury Accommodation
- Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Days 11 & 12
Discover the Gombe Stream, a chimpanzee’s secluded planet
During your stay, the days will be dedicated to immersive forest experiences within Gombe Stream National Park. Accompanied by an experienced park ranger, you will hike through the lush tropical forest in search of habituated chimpanzee families, observing their behavior in their natural habitat. In addition to chimpanzee tracking, you will explore scenic trails leading to picturesque waterfalls and enjoy rewarding birdwatching opportunities, as the park is home to a rich diversity of forest bird species. After each guided hike, you will return to your camp for a freshly prepared hot lunch. Alternatively, packed lunches can be arranged upon request, allowing for extended exploration deeper into the forest.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- TANAPA Bandas
- Luxury Accommodation
- Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 13
Gombe to Kigoma-Transfer & Leisure
After breakfast, you will depart by boat from Gombe Stream National Park, crossing the crystal clear waters of Lake Tanganyika toward Kigoma. The journey offers scenic views of the surrounding hills and shoreline villages. Upon arrival at the Kigoma jetty, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel for check in. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you to relax, enjoy the hotel facilities, or unwind by the lakeside. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Accommodation
- Kigoma Hilltop Hotel
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 14
Fly to Dar es Salaam- Connect Departure Flight
After breakfast and a relaxed morning at your hotel, you will be transferred to Kigoma Airport for your scheduled flight to Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival, you will proceed to connect with your international departure flight, marking the conclusion of your memorable East African journey. Should your onward international flight depart later in the day, a comfortable day room in Dar es Salaam can be arranged at an additional cost to ensure maximum convenience before your final departure.
- Meals:
- Breakfast
What Is Included
Included
- All Airport transfers
- Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide throughout the safari
- Park entrance fees for all mentioned national parks and conservation areas
- Game drives in Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, and Lake Manyara
- Night game drive in Tarangire National Park
- Guided village and cultural visits (Maasai Village, Materuni Village, Hadzabe & Datoga tribes)
- Guided chimpanzee trekking in Gombe Stream National Park
- Ngorongoro crater rim walk with a ranger
- Local flight Arusha to Zanzibar
- Return Local flight Dar es salaam to Kigoma
- Meals and accommodation as per itinerary
- Packed lunches during game drives where mentioned
- Boat transfers between Kigoma and Gombe Stream National Park
- Flying Doctors service
- All activities specified in the program inclusive of applicable entrance fees
Not Included
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Travel insurance
- Visas
- Drinks (unless specified) and personal expenses
- Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
- Optional activities outside of itinerary
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the 14 Days Unforgettable Tanzania Wildlife and chimpanzee trek cost?
- This safari starts from $7,960 per person. The final price depends on your travel dates, lodge tier, and group size, and every quote is itemized before you commit.
- How long is this safari?
- It runs 14 days. Because every trip is private, we can lengthen, shorten, or add a Zanzibar or gorilla extension to fit your plans.
- Can I customize this itinerary?
- Yes. This itinerary is a starting point. Swap lodges, change the pace, adjust the route, or combine countries, and your planner reshapes it with you before you book.
- When is the best time for this trip?
- It depends on which part of the migration you want. The southern plains around Ndutu hold the calving season from roughly January to March. The Mara River crossings in the north usually run July to October. June through October is the reliable dry-season window for general game viewing anywhere in the park.
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Lodges and camps on this itinerary
Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha
Serena Hotel Arusha
Arusha Coffee Lodge
Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Tarangire Elephant Springs Lodge
Sanctuary Swala Camp
Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp
Ngorongoro Lions Paw
And beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
New Baobab Central Serengeti camp
Ready to make 14 Days Unforgettable Tanzania Wildlife and chimpanzee trek yours?
Tell us your dates and what you would love to see. The Enclose Africa Safaris team replies within one business day with your personal itinerary proposal, no obligation.