Best of Tanzania Tour with Marisa Smurthwaite
Experience the wonders and beauties of Tanzania
Escorted by Marisa Smurthwaite
Dates: May 7-18, 2028
Explore Tanzania on this small group journey through its legendary northern circuit. Begin with Tarangire, where elephants roam among ancient baobabs, and continue to Lake Manyara, alive with flamingos and tree-climbing lions. Tour Serengeti National Park, where vast plains and glowing sunsets frame unforgettable wildlife encounters. Conclude with a Ngorongoro tour, descending into the crater’s natural amphitheater to witness one of Africa’s greatest spectacles. With handpicked accommodations and the insight of local experts, this Serengeti – Ngorongoro tour is designed for comfort and discovery.
Price From: $8,795 pp/dbl
Itinerary
DAY 1: MAY 7, 2028 – ARRIVE ARUSHA, TANZANIA
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel, where your African Travel concierge will assist with check-in. Dinner will be arranged based on your arrival time. (D)
Accommodations: Gran Melia – City View Rooms
DAY 2: MAY 8, 2028 – ARUSHA / TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, meet your group and begin your journey to Tarangire. Arrive at Sopa Lodge in time for lunch. Later, join your expert safari ranger for your first game drive. Explore the grassy woodlands and iconic baobab trees of this scenic park. (BLD)
Accommodations: Tarangire Sopa Lodge – Standard Room
DAY 3: MAY 9, 2028 – TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Start the day at leisure, with an optional balloon safari available (additional cost). After lunch, head out on a game drive in Tarangire with a knowledgeable guide. The excitement of not knowing what you’ll encounter next is all part of the safari adventure! (BLD)
DAY 4: MAY 10, 2028 – TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK / LAKE MANYARA
Following breakfast, drive to Escarpment Luxury Lodge, arriving for lunch. Embark on an afternoon game drive through this picturesque park, once praised by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa.” Home to leopards, lions, elephants, giraffes, flamingos, and nearly 400 bird species, this diverse park promises remarkable wildlife sightings. (BLD)
Accommodations: Escarpment Luxury Lodge
DAY 5: MAY 11, 2028 – LAKE MANYARA
Tread lightly and make travel matter. Take part in a tree planting exercise. Can you think of a better way to leave your footprints in Africa? This evening, meet your ranger and tracker team and set off on a thrilling night game drive in search of nocturnal species. (BLD)
DAY 6: MAY 12, 2028 – LAKE MANYARA / SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, head to the vast plains of the Serengeti. Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive to explore this spectacular game sanctuary. (BLD)
Accommodations: TNS Kemarishe Serengeti Lodge
DAY 7: MAY 13, 2028 – SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Depart at dawn for an early morning game drive, with your guide taking you to prime viewing spots. Observe scenes like elephants protecting their young and wildebeest grazing alongside zebra. Relax at the lodge this afternoon, then enjoy an evening game drive as the animals become more active. You’ll also have another chance to take an optional hot air balloon ride (additional cost). (BLD)
DAY 8: MAY 14, 2028 – SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Continue exploring the Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives, guided by your expert ranger to uncover hidden gems and prime wildlife viewing spots. (BLD)
DAY 9: MAY 15, 2028 – SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK / NGORONGORO CRATER
Journey to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and renowned wildlife area. (BLD)
Accommodations: TNS Ngorongoro Rim Lodge
DAY 10: MAY 16, 2028 – NGORONGORO CRATER
Descend 2,000 feet into the crater for a day of exceptional wildlife viewing. Enjoy a unique, elaborately set bush lunch in a private area on the crater floor. Afterward, visit Irkeepusi Boma for a Masai village visit. Later, return to the lodge to relax. In the evening, gather with your group for a farewell dinner, sharing memories as the sun sets. (BLD)
DAY 11: MAY 17, 2028 – NGORONGORO CRATER TO ARUSHA
After breakfast, drive back to Arusha in time for lunch. Relax in a day room reserved especially for you before transferring to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home. (BL)
Tour Highlights:
Explore UNESCO’s Serengeti Plains, renowned for the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth – the great migration of wildebeest and zebra. The resident population of lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, and birds is also impressive.
Discover the Ngorongoro Crater, hailed as one of the Natural Wonders of the World, and home to both predator and prey.
Experience game drives among the ancient baobabs in Tarangire National Park, known for its large concentration of elephants.
Enjoy Lake Manyara, home to more than 400 bird species, including thousands of seasonal pink-hued flamingos on their perpetual migration.
Tour Includes:
- Meals as specified, breakfasts, lunches, dinners
- Accommodations as specified
- Group arrival and departure transfers from airport to hotel or airport to hotel. If any deviations from group arrival, additional costs may incur.
- Overland private safari in a 4×4 safari vehicle with an English-speaking driver/guide, 6 guests per vehicle.
- All applicable park fees
- Water on all transfers and sightseeing excursions
- Airport and hotel porterage
Tour Excludes:
- Costs of obtaining passports and/or visas
- International roundtrip air and taxes All items of personal nature, like curio shop purchases, spa treatments, laundry where applicable, etc.
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- All services not included in the itinerary
- Gratuities
- Hot air balloon
- Travel Protection (required)
Pricing Options:
- The cost per person based on double occupancy for land only is $8795.
- If you want your own room, there is an extra $795 single supplement.
Deposit & Payments:
- A $350 deposit is due when you book
- Full payment is due 100 days prior to departure and is non-refundable.
To Book This Trip
Marisa Smurthwaite at msmurthwaite@morriscolumbus.com or call 801-483-6547 to book!
About Tour Manager Marisa Smurthwaite
With over a decade of global experience and a deep passion for authentic cultural exchange, I am dedicated to curating exceptional travel experiences that go beyond the typical tourist path. My journey in the travel industry began with Continental Airlines in 2000, where I honed my expertise in reservations and customer service. Since then, I've leveraged my personal travels and professional background to craft journeys that connect you with the heart of each destination.
Having lived abroad for eight years across France, Italy, Spain, Rwanda, Vietnam, Peru, and Japan, I offer a unique perspective on international travel. Fluent in French, Italian, and conversational in Spanish, with some key phrases in several other languages, I bring a local touch to every trip, helping you navigate language barriers and truly immerse yourself in the culture.
