On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your driver guide will meet you and you will begin your safari in the northern Tanzania circuit. Starting with the Ngorongoro Conservation area, at Gibbs Farm. It’s location on the forested slopes outside of the Crater in Karatu creates a tranquil base from which to explore key destinations Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park and Lake Eyasi. You will have a private driver guide and vehicle for the duration of your stay at Gibbs. This gives you the freedom to plan your days as you please, supported by the expertise of your guide and the knowledgeable lodge staff.

One full day will be devoted to exploring the Ngorongoro Crater. This requires an early start, but the staff at Gibb’s will ensure you have what you need to kick start the day, which of course will include a steaming cup of the freshest coffee grown and roasted on Gibb’s Farm. The Ngorongoro Crater is a centuries-old volcanic caldera now supporting its own wildlife-abundant habitat. You will find the Big 5: rhino, lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo; as well as a plethora of plains game and predators such as giraffe, cheetah, African wild dog, serval and zebra.

Gibb’s Farm is one of those places where you will wish you were staying longer just to spend more time on the property itself. When not out exploring the surrounding parks, you have the entire farm to enjoy and explore. From the beautiful lounges, lush gardens, relaxing spa, or the inviting swimming pool. You’ll find yourself captivated by the farm’s rhythm and enraptured by the sense of well-being and tranquillity.

It only gets better and a quintessential Serengeti safari awaits! Savour your last morning and breakfast at the beautiful Gibb’s Farm, after which your driver will take you through to Manyara Airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Kogatende Airstrip. Here you’ll meet your guide for a quick road transfer to your Serengeti base for the next three nights, Sayari Camp.

Located in the remote northern Serengeti, Sayari provides a true safari on the great wildebeest migration route in season (approximately May – July) with access to several river crossing points. No matter the season, there is always incredible game viewing in the Serengeti. Not to be missed is an early morning hot-air balloon safari allowing you to float serenely over the Serengeti as the sun rises and the animals below use of the coolness of the morning to make their way to a water source or graze on the dewy greens.

Settle into your spacious tent and take in the panoramic views of the Serengeti plains outside. Maybe squeeze in a quick swim in the lodge pool before a delicious high tea spread and afternoon game drive. Arrive back at camp to a warm welcome and a delicious lantern-lit dinner served in the intimate dining area or outside under the stars.

After a few days spent in the breath-taking Serengeti, it’s time to head south to one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets, Ruaha National Park. It’s a true untouched wilderness far away from the crowds. The landscape changes from Serengeti’s savannah plains to Ruaha’s predominantly Miombo woodland with scattered baobab trees – always a beautiful sight. Home to large populations of elephant, leopard and lion particularly.

Prepare to be wowed by your lodge for the next three nights, as it is easily the most interesting and luxurious in the Park. Jabali Ridge is elevated on a rocky hilltop with incredible views of the Mwagusi River and the surrounding wilderness. Jabali is a stylish and architecturally exquisite lodge with superb facilities, including an infinity pool and spa.

Enjoy exciting day and night game drives and lace up the boots for some scenic walking safaris with your expert guide to share details of the environment you likely wouldn’t spot from a vehicle. Between activities, the attentive Jabali staff will ensure you’re relaxed, well fed, and have everything you need to fully enjoy the wonderful facilities available.

As your journey draws to an end, enjoy a final delicious breakfast at Jabali Ridge before the drive to the airstrip for your flight to Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar Es Salaam. Although it’s time to say goodbye for now, the incredible experiences you’ve had will leave you longing for your next African journey. We’re sure you’ll be planning your next trip the moment your plane departs.