herd of zebra and giraffe graze on tanzania open plains
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The Classic Tanzania Circuit Safari

10 Days
9 Nights
From $10,990 Per Adult
Classic Tanzania Circuit Safari route map

TANZANIA, WITH A WILDER SIDE

A Classic Safari, with More Space to Roam

This is Tanzania at its most rewarding: the iconic landscapes you came to see, paired with the rare opportunity to experience a side of the country few travelers ever encounter. Begin among the ancient baobabs of Tarangire and descend into the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, then venture west into the Serengeti’s secluded Western Circuit. With expert guides who know this region intimately, you’ll have the freedom to slow down and experience the Serengeti on its own terms. It’s the classic Tanzania safari, with a little more wilderness to yourself.

Itinerary

Days of Adventure

pool at rivertrees country inn arusha tanzania

DAY 1

Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania

Your guide will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport via your Delta/KLM flight and escort you to tonight’s accommodations in Arusha.

As local Tanzanians, your guides know the country with unrivaled familiarity, so you’ll be in good hands from the moment you land.

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canopy bed at beautiful rivertrees country inn

OVERNIGHT

Rivertrees Country Inn

Reminiscent of its legacy as a former German colonial farm and coffee estate, Rivertrees Country Inn blends simple elegance and modern convenience. Wake up in your farmhouse-style room to the sound of the rushing Usa River, and enjoy a hearty breakfast in an open-air, thatched-roof dining area.

elephant under baobab tree in tarangire national park tanzania

DAYS 2–3

Tarangire National Park

Drive into Tarangire National Park, a landscape of rolling hills, open grasslands and ancient baobab trees. The park is known for its large elephant herds and the Tarangire River, a vital source of water that draws wildlife from across the surrounding region, particularly during the dry season.

Keep a lookout for the hundreds of bird species Tarangire is known for—and dramatic interactions between predator and prey at the park’s watering holes.

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tarangire nyumba tent under baobab

OVERNIGHT

Tarangire Nyumba

An indulgent touch awaits you at your camp in Tarangire. Conveniences like solar lighting and en suite bathrooms with hot showers add domestic comforts to your safari retreat. In the evenings, enjoy dinner prepared with local ingredients as you watch the sun set behind towering baobab trees, revealing a sky overflowing with stars.

zebras and flamingos in ngorongoro crate

DAYS 4–5

Ngorongoro Crater

Drive into the Ngorongoro highlands and descend into the 10-mile-wide Ngorongoro Crater, a vast caldera formed when a massive volcano collapsed on itself millions of years ago. Nearly 2,000 feet deep and covering more than 100 square miles, the crater is home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including lions, elephants, hippos, wildebeest, zebras and flamingos. With some luck, you may even see the Big Five in a single day.

From the crater floor, the steep walls rise dramatically around you, creating a remarkable setting for wildlife viewing and one of Tanzania’s most unforgettable safari experiences.

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tent at ngorongoro nyumba camp

OVERNIGHT

Ngorongoro Nyumba

Set on the eastern edge of the Ngorongoro Crater’s rim, this Nyumba offers the best possible access to the Crater—all within a remote, private setting. With temperatures as low as 40 degrees at this camp, you’ll want to remember to bundle up. But don’t worry: our chefs will treat you to a traditional Tanzanian meal to warm you up.

DAYS 6–9

Serengeti National Park

Head for the iconic Serengeti, where acacia trees and granite kopjes rise from seas of waving grass. This legendary landscape is home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, from lions and cheetahs to elephants, giraffes and thousands of wildebeest and zebras.

Each day brings a new reason to venture out, whether you’re tracking a pride of lions, watching elephants move across the plains or encountering enormous herds on the move. The Great Migration adds another layer of drama throughout the year, as wildebeest and zebras gather, calve, cross rivers and continue their remarkable journey across the Serengeti.

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view of bed inside nyumba tent in serengeti

OVERNIGHT

Serengeti Nyumbas

These seasonal camps are strategically located across the Serengeti to place you at the center of migrating wildlife. Relax with spacious tents, comfortable beds and en suite bathrooms, as sounds of the surrounding wildlife fill your ears. And no need to worry—with eco-friendly features like solar lighting, your stay won’t harm the landscape.

DAY 10

Depart Tanzania

Fly back to Arusha, where you’ll enjoy a farewell lunch at Arusha Coffee Lodge. Relax in a day room at Arusha Hotel before your flight home.

Add-On

Fly over the Serengeti

Prepare for Takeoff

Enjoy a bird’s eye view, a hearty breakfast and a glass of champagne during a morning hot air balloon tour. Your entire trip will be unforgettable, but this will bring it to new heights.

Call for current pricing. Advanced reservations required.

Trip Extensions

Enhance Your Safari

5 Days 4 Nights
Zanzibar

From $2,500 per person

Zanzibar invites you to turquoise waters, white sands, and vibrant culture. Explore Stone Town’s lively markets, unwind on serene beaches, and uncover the island’s rich history.

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5 Days 4 Nights

Zanzibar

Indulge in Relaxation

Snorkel or dive in the clear Indian Ocean, or sunbathe on the white-sand beaches. Explore bustling markets in Stone Town and visit historic slave and spice trade sites.

Recommended Stay: 5 days, including 3 nights on the beach and 1 night in iconic Stone Town

From: $2,500 per person

gorilla in rwanda forest
5 Days 4 Nights
Rwanda

From: $8,000 per person

Travel to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to trek through rugged terrain in search of endangered mountain gorillas. In Kigali, visit the city’s highlights, including the moving Kigali Genocide Memorial.

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gorilla in rwanda forest
5 Days 4 Nights

Rwanda

Spot Endangered Gorillas

Fly to Kigali, Rwanda and drive north to Volcanoes National Park. Journey on foot over wild, ungroomed mountain terrain in search of endangered mountain gorillas, of which only 1000 survive worldwide. After your arrival, tour Kigali, including the world-renowned Kigali Genocide Memorial.

Recommended Stay: 5 days

From: $8,000 per person

chimpanzee in tree branches in mahale mountains tanzania
5 Days 4 Nights
Mahale Mtn. National Park

From: $6,500 per person

Fly to Lake Tanganyika’s shores and take a boat to your secluded camp. Hike the Mahale Mountains to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

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chimpanzee in tree branches in mahale mountains tanzania
5 Days 4 Nights

Mahale Mtn. National Park

Encounter Playful Chimps

Fly to the shores of Lake Tanganyika, along the westernmost border of Tanzania, and take a short boat ride to your exclusive camp, a luxurious hideaway tucked along the shore. Hike the misty slopes of the Mahale Mountains in search of free-roaming chimpanzees, grooming, feeding and playing.

Recommended Stay: 4 to 5 days

From: $6,500 per person

6 Days 5 Nights
Cape Town

Call for current pricing.

With Table Mountain as its backdrop, Cape Town offers stunning vineyards, fine dining, penguin sightings at Boulders Beach, and a visit to historic Robben Island. This vibrant city is sure to inspire.

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6 Days 5 Nights

Cape Town

Vineyards, Views and Fine Dining

Table Mountain National Park provides the dramatic backdrop to this vibrant, colorful city. Explore South Africa’s best vineyards, enjoy fine dining in town, observe penguins at the famous Boulders Beach, and visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela’s — and South Africa’s — struggles echo poignantly. A visit to Cape Town is sure to inspire and delight.

hippo submerged in river at sunset
4 Days 3 Nights
Ruaha National Park

From: $4,500 per person

Journey to the remote Ruaha National Park, a hidden gem in East Africa. Track elusive wildlife by day and enjoy torch-lit dinners by the river at night.

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hippo submerged in river at sunset
4 Days 3 Nights

Ruaha National Park

Track African Wildlife

Fly to the remote wilderness of Ruaha National Park, one of the least explored parks in East Africa, where tracking is as much an art form as a practical pursuit. Explore uncharted territory by day, spotting leopard, cheetah and wild dog, and savor torch-lit dinners on the banks of the river by night. 

Recommended Stay: 4–5 days

From: $4,500 per person

4 Days 3 Nights
Nyerere National Park

From: $5,500 per person

Explore the Rufiji River’s wildlife by boat, and on foot. Spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and rare species like Greater Kudu on the plains.

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4 Days 3 Nights

Nyerere National Park

Traverse Vast Wilderness

Take a scenic flight to one of Africa’s largest national parks (formerly Selous Game Reserve), where you’ll view the Rufiji River’s wildlife. Travel by 4-wheel drive, boat and foot and spot elephants, hippos, and crocodiles in the riverine environment, while rare species like Greater Kudu can be spotted on the plains.

Recommended Stay: 4 days

From: $5,500 per person

    Design the Safari of Your Dreams

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    “This was my dream trip of a lifetime! Everything Thomson did surpassed my expectations. Our guides were amazing, they made everyday so special. I can’t say enough about this experience.”

    Lynette H.
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