The Serengeti Horizon Safari

Your East African journey begins as soon as you touch down in Tanzania, greeted at the airport by a Thomson Safaris representative who assists with your luggage and leads the way to your comfortable transfer. Arrive in town to settle into The Arusha Hotel, a legendary property first established in 1894 that offers a historic, serene sanctuary amidst the lively energy of the city. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing after your long flight. Stroll through the lush, manicured grounds, enjoy a cold drink out on the sunny terrace, or unwind in your comfortable room. Rest well tonight in these classic surroundings, leaving you completely rejuvenated and ready to board your bush flight into the wild Serengeti tomorrow morning.

Your first taste of Tanzania begins in the Eastern Serengeti Nature Refuge, where 10,000 acres of protected wilderness give you room to experience the Serengeti in a way most travelers can't experience. Step out on guided walks with Maasai naturalists to follow tracks, learn to read signs left by passing animals, and see the landscape from a completely different perspective. After dark, head out on night drives to search for the creatures that emerge once the sun goes down, from hyenas and bush babies to owls hunting overhead. Wildlife moves through the refuge throughout the day, with the camp’s active waterhole drawing animals in for close-up viewing.

The refuge also offers a chance to connect with the Maasai communities who call this region home. Spend time with local families, visit community markets, learn about daily life and traditions, and listen to stories shared around the campfire. These experiences offer a glimpse into the people and culture that are an integral part of the landscape you'll be exploring.

Travel farther north into a dramatically different environment of rolling green hills, dense woodlands, and rocky ridge lines extending toward the famous Mara River. Your expert guide tracks resident lions, leopards, and hippos as they navigate the river valleys and open clearings, offering a completely distinct safari landscape from the southern plains.

Spend unhurried hours along the steep banks of the Mara River where thousands of wildebeest and zebra gather at the water’s edge. Watch the tension build as giant Nile crocodiles wait below, with the chance to witness the jaw-dropping spectacle of a herd plunging across the river currents. Each evening, return to your comfortable seasonal Nyumba camp to relax in the tranquility of the northern wilderness.

Spend four full days navigating the vast expanse of the Serengeti, crossing golden savannas, acacia thickets, and towering granite kopjes where big cats love to sunbathe. Your guide uses decades of tracking expertise to bring you close to the action—whether that means following a cheetah on a morning hunt, watching elephant families browse in the woodlands, or observing lazy prides resting in the shade.

Journey into the park's rarely visited western reaches for an exclusive stay at the new western camp, surrounded by pristine, untouched wilderness. Having extensive time in this remote zone allows for deep exploration far from main safari routes, following resident wildlife trails and enjoying incredible solitude before gathering each evening around the campfire under a sky brilliant with stars.

Take off on a final scenic bush flight over the sweeping Serengeti plains, taking in magnificent aerial views of the landscape below before landing in Arusha. Upon arrival, bid a fond farewell to your expert guide team who shared their deep passion and knowledge of Tanzania throughout your journey.

Following your send-off, head over to the picturesque Arusha Coffee Lodge to enjoy a quiet lunch among the lush coffee trees. Afterward, check into your private day room at The Arusha Hotel to unpack, wash off the safari dust, and relax before your transfer driver meets you for the final trip to Kilimanjaro International Airport.