Tanzania’s Privately Guided Bush, Photography & Stargazing Safari

Itinerary information

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred by road to Rivertrees Country Lodge. Nestled within lush gardens, indigenous forest and crystal-clear waterways on the slopes of Mount Meru, the lodge provides a peaceful retreat after your international journey.

Spend the remainder of the day settling in and unwinding at leisure. Relax beside the swimming pool, enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the estate, or take a gentle stroll along the enchanting forest pathways, where you can spot some of the area’s prolific birdlife. The lodge’s serene setting on the banks of the Usa River makes it the perfect place to rest and recharge before the start of your adventure.

The following day, enjoy a private guided hike on the lower slopes of Mount Meru in Arusha National Park. Accompanied by an experienced guide and park ranger, walk through lush montane forest draped in moss, keeping an eye out for black-and-white colobus monkeys, dik-diks and an array of birdlife. The hike typically lasts around four hours, with a picnic lunch enjoyed in the wilderness along the way. Depending on your fitness level, routes may include the famous fig arch near Miriakamba Hut or a visit to Mount Meru’s ash cone, reaching elevations of up to 2,000 metres. After the hike, return to your lodge in the late afternoon.

Itinerary information

The next part of your journey is travelling to the Tarangire National Park, with a stop at a central market in Arusha. Your next three nights will be spent at Tarangire Ndovu Lodge, a tented safari camp in this wild landscape with ancient baobab trees as its backdrop. The first afternoon is reserved for a thrilling game drive encountering safari heavy hitters including rhino, leopard, and lion. On return to the camp, your guides will facilitate an interpretive talk on the constellations of African stars.

Your next two days will be spent exploring the park with an introduction to the ‘Giants of the Tarangire’ – the baobabs and elephants, and your guides will prepare an introduction into wildlife photography. Plus, you’ll visit the Silale Swamp, one of the Tarangire ecosystem’s most important features. Huge herds of herbivores flood the park in search of this water, attracting lions, leopards, and the painted wolves of Africa, endangered wild dogs.

Itinerary information

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll begin your transfer journey to Karatu and stop en-route to visit a local Maasai market, experiencing this ancient culture with some fantastic photographic opportunities. Your last stop for the day will be at Plantation Lodge, where you will be welcomed with a wine tasting event and have an introduction to the Ngorongoro region – its people, altitude, wildlife, and the crater.

The Plantation Lodge sits at an elevation of 1,600 meters, just a short distance from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and is often called the game lodge at the top of the world. You will explore this region where endangered black rhino wander within the rim of the crater, giant tusked elephants roam through the forests and lions prowl the grasslands.

Itinerary information

You will be transferred to the central Serengeti where you will arrive at Nyikani Camp, known as the birthplace of the Great Migration. This unique camp opens is perfect for travellers wanting to ‘unplug’ from 21st century life and get back to nature. You will also have the opportunity for some phenomenal stargazing at this camp, where the sky is blanketed in the millions, and you’ll learn fascinating insights into the constellations.

Itinerary information

In the morning you will be transferred to the airstrip for a charter flight to the northern Serengeti, where you will arrive at the Olakira Tented Camp. Each year, this safari camp migrates between two spectacular locations in the Serengeti’s north and south, the north is reserved for famed river crossing sightings at the Mara River.

Thousands of wildebeest brave the waters where crocodiles and hippos lie in wait. Here you will discover the wilds of Africa and its inhabitants while enjoying luxurious tented accommodation in one of the most famous regions in the world. Plus, you will embark on a walking safari, taking you closer to the intricacies of this pristine environment.

Itinerary information

Wake up in the golden plains of the northern Serengeti and prepare for the return to Arusha. You’ll be transferred to Kogatende where your flight will take off to the Arusha airport.

Before arriving for a second overnight at the tranquil Rivertrees Country Lodge, you’ll have a stopover at a vibrant, central market. After a hearty lunch, you’ll move along to Rivertrees for your last night in Tanzania.

Itinerary information

Arusha’s Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward travel plans will begin. Recount the incredible adventure as you reflect on unforgettable memories made and friendships formed. Come again soon!