Wild Heart, Island Soul: 11-Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar

Previous Journeys Shaped This One. And We Made It Different.

Tanzania has a way of revealing something new at every turn. Over eleven days, this journey moves through elephant-filled savannah, the dramatic Ngorongoro Highlands, and the endless plains of the Serengeti before finishing beside the turquoise waters of Zanzibar. It is a carefully paced escape that brings together wildlife, comfort, and island relaxation in one seamless all-inclusive experience.

The adventure begins in Tarangire, where ancient baobabs frame the landscape and elephants roam freely across the plains. Continue to Ngorongoro for unforgettable wildlife encounters before spending three nights in the Serengeti. In September, the Great Migration continues through the northern Serengeti, bringing movement, anticipation, and remarkable opportunities to witness wildlife in one of Africa’s most iconic settings.

Then the landscape changes completely. Leave the savannah behind and arrive in Zanzibar, where three nights at Meliá Zanzibar invite you to slow down, breathe in the ocean air, and enjoy the island at your own pace. From thrilling game drives to peaceful days by the sea, every part of this journey has been designed to feel effortless, memorable, and distinctly Tanzanian.

Come for the Safari. Stay for the Moments.

Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti each reveal a different side of Tanzania — from elephant-filled plains and volcanic landscapes to endless horizons alive with wildlife.

September brings a fascinating chapter of the Great Migration to the Serengeti. Wildebeest and zebra continue their movement across the plains, while predators follow close behind. Three nights give you time to explore different areas, enjoy unhurried game drives, and experience the wilderness beyond a single fleeting encounter.

Luxury and comfort remain part of the journey from start to finish. Beautifully chosen accommodation, all-inclusive arrangements, and experienced local guides allow you to focus on the adventure while every important detail is taken care of.

Then comes Zanzibar, where the energy of the safari gives way to warm ocean breezes, turquoise waters, and peaceful island days. Three nights at Meliá Zanzibar offer the perfect opportunity to slow down, relax, and finish your Tanzanian adventure on an unforgettable note.

Travel alongside fellow explorers, sharing incredible wildlife encounters and unforgettable moments along the way.

Relax in carefully selected lodges and camps that combine comfort, character, and an authentic safari atmosphere.

Discover Tanzania with experienced guides who bring the wildlife, landscapes, and stories of each destination to life.

From arrival to departure, every detail is carefully arranged for a smooth and enjoyable safari.

One Journey. The Best of Tanzania.

Morning light brings a new side of Tanzania into view. Tarangire reveals elephants beneath ancient baobabs, Ngorongoro opens into dramatic volcanic scenery, and the Serengeti stretches endlessly towards the horizon.

September gives the Serengeti a special sense of movement as the Great Migration continues across the northern plains. Wildebeest and zebra travel through the grasslands while predators remain close, creating unforgettable moments along the way. Three nights allow you to explore at a relaxed pace, follow wildlife activity, and experience the changing rhythm of the wilderness.

Beyond the safari, Zanzibar brings a welcome change of pace. Three nights beside the Indian Ocean offer time for beautiful beaches, warm waters, island exploration, and peaceful moments before the journey comes to an end.

Eleven days. One seamless all-inclusive escape. From Tanzania’s wild heart to the soul of Zanzibar.

Where Every Day Tells a Story

SEPTEMBER 13 — ARRIVE IN ARUSHASEPTEMBER 13 — ARRIVE IN ARUSHA

Begin your Tanzanian adventure with a warm welcome and a relaxed evening in Arusha.

Discover golden savannah, ancient baobabs, and impressive elephant herds on your first game drive.

Spend three nights in the Serengeti, following the movement of the Great Migration across the northern plains.

Leave the safari behind and fly towards Zanzibar, where turquoise waters and tropical beauty await.

Slow down with two full days of beach relaxation, warm Indian Ocean waters, and peaceful island moments.

Enjoy your final morning in Zanzibar before your journey home, carrying unforgettable memories with you.

Sleep Where the Wild Comes Alive

Three nights at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti place you at the centre of Tanzania’s wild beauty, with the endless plains just beyond your doorstep. It is a refined retreat where the excitement of each game drive is balanced by peaceful surroundings and exceptional comfort.

September brings a fascinating rhythm to the Serengeti as the Great Migration continues through the northern plains. Spend your days exploring with your guide, then return to elegant spaces, attentive service, and the calm atmosphere of the lodge as the wilderness settles into evening.

This blend of adventure and refinement makes every night memorable — three nights where the untamed character of the Serengeti meets the comfort of an exceptional luxury retreat.

The Moments You'll Remember Forever

Some of Tanzania’s most unforgettable memories arrive unexpectedly — an elephant crossing your path at sunrise, a lion watching from the grass, or a distant herd moving slowly across the Serengeti plains.

September brings a special energy to every game drive. The Great Migration continues through the northern Serengeti, creating constantly changing scenes as wildebeest and zebra move across the landscape. Between the excitement, there are quieter moments too — golden light, endless horizons, and the peaceful rhythm of the African bush.

Then Zanzibar offers a completely different kind of memory. Warm ocean breezes, turquoise waters, and slow evenings beside the Indian Ocean create the perfect space to relax after days of adventure.

Feel the vastness
Stand beneath endless Serengeti skies and experience the freedom of open wilderness stretching beyond the horizon.
The Great Migration
Follow the movement of wildebeest and zebras across the Serengeti.
Elephant Country
Meet Tarangire’s magnificent elephants beneath ancient baobabs.
Chase the golden hour
Watch the Serengeti glow as the sun sinks across the endless grasslands.
Trade wild for waves
Feel the journey shift from safari adventure to Zanzibar’s warm Indian Ocean shores.
Slow down by the sea
Let the final days unfold with soft beaches, tropical scenery, and time to simply breathe.

Itinerary

September 13

Arrival in Arusha – Welcome to Tanzania

Your Tanzanian adventure begins in Arusha, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by the Shiri Adventures team and transferred to your hotel. Settle in, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and take time to rest after your journey.

The evening is yours to relax and prepare for the safari ahead. Tomorrow, the landscapes of northern Tanzania begin to unfold.

September 14

TARANGIRE — ELEPHANTS & BAOBABS

After breakfast, set out for Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobabs, seasonal wetlands, and impressive elephant herds. Your game drive takes you across golden landscapes where wildlife gathers around the park’s water sources.

Keep your eyes open for giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, lions, and other wildlife throughout the day. As the afternoon fades, continue towards your accommodation for a peaceful evening surrounded by the atmosphere of northern Tanzania.

September 15 – 16

NGORONGORO — CRATER & HIGHLANDS

Leave the Tarangire landscapes behind and travel towards the Ngorongoro Highlands, where cooler air and dramatic volcanic scenery mark a striking change of environment. Enjoy time around the highlands before settling into your camp for the evening.

The following day brings one of Tanzania’s most remarkable wildlife experiences: a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater. Explore the crater floor on a full-day game drive, with opportunities to encounter lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and other wildlife within its extraordinary natural setting.

September 17 – 19

SERENGETI — FOLLOW THE GREAT MIGRATION

Journey onwards to the Serengeti, where the landscape expands into vast grasslands and seemingly endless horizons. Your first game drive introduces you to the remarkable wildlife of the park as you settle into three nights in the heart of the wilderness.

September brings the Great Migration into focus across the northern Serengeti, with wildebeest and zebra moving through the plains while predators remain nearby. Three nights give you time to explore different areas, enjoy extended game drives, and experience the Serengeti at a more relaxed pace.

September 20

SERENGETI TO ZANZIBAR — WILD TO ISLAND

Enjoy your final moments in the Serengeti before your flight towards Zanzibar. The contrast is immediate as the golden plains give way to tropical landscapes and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

Arrive in Zanzibar and settle into Meliá Zanzibar, where the pace slows and the safari adventure gives way to a few days of pure island relaxation.

September 21 – 22

ZANZIBAR — THREE NIGHTS TO UNWIND

Wake to the sound of the Indian Ocean and enjoy two full days at your own pace. Spend your time relaxing on the beach, swimming in turquoise waters, exploring the island, or simply enjoying the comfort of your all-inclusive resort.

With the safari behind you, these days are all about slowing down and appreciating Zanzibar’s tropical beauty. Let the warm climate, peaceful surroundings, and ocean views provide the perfect contrast to your time in the wild.

September 23

ZANZIBAR — JOURNEY HOME

Enjoy a final breakfast and a peaceful morning at the resort before your transfer to Zanzibar International Airport. Depending on your departure time, there may be an opportunity for a final walk along the beach or a last moment beside the Indian Ocean.

Your Tanzanian adventure comes to an end, taking you home with memories of wildlife-filled plains, the Great Migration, and the tropical beauty of Zanzibar.

Free 30-minute call with our travel expert

Ready to start planning? Book a free 30-minute call and get personalized advice on safaris, Kilimanjaro treks, Zanzibar holidays, and more.

Victory Meol

Travel Expert

Exceptional Places Are Part of the Journey

Your accommodation follows the journey from the heart of Tanzania to the shores of Zanzibar — beginning with refined comfort in Arusha, peaceful safari stays around Ngorongoro, an exceptional retreat in the Serengeti, and beachfront relaxation at Meliá Zanzibar.

Each property brings its own character to the experience. Return to comfortable surroundings after game drives, enjoy quiet evenings in the wilderness, then slow down completely as the safari gives way to the warmth and beauty of the Indian Ocean.

Across ten nights, these carefully selected stays create a seamless balance between adventure and relaxation, ensuring every part of your journey feels as memorable as the destinations themselves.

Everything You Need for a Seamless Journey

What's Included

What's Excluded

Your Tanzania Adventure Awaits

Tanzania unfolds in unforgettable chapters over eleven days — from the quiet beauty of Tarangire and the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater to the wide-open plains of the Serengeti, before the journey slows beside the Indian Ocean.

Start among Tarangire’s ancient baobabs and elephant-filled landscapes, then descend into Ngorongoro for remarkable wildlife encounters. From there, three nights in the Serengeti bring you closer to the Great Migration in September, with time to explore the plains, follow wildlife activity, and enjoy the freedom of an unhurried safari.

When the safari comes to an end, Zanzibar offers a completely different atmosphere. Three nights at Meliá Zanzibar bring warm ocean breezes, turquoise waters, and all-inclusive island relaxation — the perfect contrast to your days in the wild.

Free 30-minute call with our travel expert

Ready to start planning? Book a free 30-minute call and get personalized advice on safaris, Kilimanjaro treks, Zanzibar holidays, and more.

Victory Meol

Travel Expert

Who This Trip Is For

Is This Trip For You?

You’ll love this journey if you…

  • Want to experience Tanzania’s iconic wildlife destinations before unwinding with three peaceful nights in Zanzibar.

  • Have September on your travel calendar and want to experience the Great Migration as it continues through the northern Serengeti.

  • Prefer a well-paced safari with time to enjoy Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and three nights in the Serengeti without constantly being on the move.

  • Love combining thrilling game drives with beautiful luxury accommodation and relaxed evenings after each day of adventure.

  • Want one seamless all-inclusive journey that brings together wildlife, comfort, expert guiding, and a tropical Zanzibar escape.

  • Enjoy travelling with knowledgeable local guides who can help you discover more than just the wildlife — from Tanzania’s landscapes to the stories behind them.

  • Are looking for an eleven-day escape that feels complete, ending with three nights beside the Indian Ocean before your journey home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tanzania Group Safaris

Absolutely. Our scheduled group safaris are perfect for solo travelers who want to experience Tanzania without paying for a private safari. Joining a group allows you to share the adventure with like-minded travelers from around the world while enjoying professional guiding, comfortable transportation, and carefully planned itineraries. It’s an excellent way to reduce travel costs without compromising the quality of your safari experience.

Most of our group safari packages include accommodation, transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle, professional and experienced guides, national park entrance fees, game drives, meals as specified in the itinerary, and government taxes. Each itinerary clearly lists what is included and any optional extras, giving you complete transparency before you book.

Our scheduled group safaris are designed to provide a comfortable travel experience. Group sizes vary depending on the departure, but we always aim to ensure every guest enjoys excellent wildlife viewing and enough personal space during game drives. Small groups also create a more enjoyable atmosphere and allow for a more personalized safari experience.

Tanzania offers exceptional wildlife viewing throughout the year, making every season unique. The best time depends on the experience you’re looking for, whether it’s witnessing the Great Migration, the calving season in the southern Serengeti, or excellent game viewing across the Northern Circuit during the dry season. Our scheduled departures are carefully planned to coincide with some of the best wildlife experiences available.

Our itineraries typically include some of Tanzania’s most iconic destinations, such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park. The parks included depend on the itinerary you choose, allowing you to select the adventure that best matches your interests and travel schedule.

Most of our group safaris begin and end in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s famous Northern Safari Circuit. We also provide airport transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, depending on your arrival arrangements, making it easy to begin your adventure without unnecessary stress.

A group safari offers outstanding value while allowing you to experience Tanzania’s incredible wildlife alongside fellow travelers who share your passion for adventure. It’s an excellent choice for solo travelers, couples, and friends looking for a more affordable safari without sacrificing comfort, professional guiding, or unforgettable wildlife experiences.

Yes. Airport transfers are included for most scheduled group safaris when stated in the itinerary. Our team will meet you upon arrival and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel or directly to the safari departure point, allowing you to begin your journey comfortably and with complete peace of mind.

A group safari offers outstanding value while allowing you to experience Tanzania’s incredible wildlife alongside fellow travelers who share your passion for adventure. It’s an excellent choice for solo travelers, couples, and friends looking for a more affordable safari without sacrificing comfort, professional guiding, or unforgettable wildlife experiences.

We recommend booking your group safari several months in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the Great Migration, calving season, or other peak travel periods. Early booking gives you the best chance of securing your preferred departure date, accommodation, and availability while allowing plenty of time to prepare for your journey.

Memories, Etched in Every Review

Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Alondra Newman profile picture
Alondra Newman
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Incredible Safari with the Best Guide- Goodluck Our honeymoon safari with Shiri Adventures was beyond amazing, thanks to our guide, Goodluck! He was truly the best. Knowledgeable, funny, and super chill. He helped us find all the animals we wanted to see and made the entire experience unforgettable. He’s an excellent driver, made us feel safe and comfortable, and shared so much insight about the wildlife and the parks. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Shiri Adventures and Goodluck made this the trip of a lifetime!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
milan m profile picture
milan m
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Amazing experience and personal attention Shiri Tours was a great experience we had on our trip to Tanzania . From the beginning the communication was fast and clear. The drivers were professional and knowledgeable and they cared about the safety and experience of our group of 8. The meals provided were delicious and hot. From the time we stepped off the plane until we boarded our flight out, Shiri was with us every step of the way. The Lodges chosen for our package were amazing and we did not want to leave. Our plan is to return and complete another trip with Shiri Tours
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Harriet G profile picture
Harriet G
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Fantastic experience! What an incredible adventure! Shiri adventures put together the perfect safari and Zanzibar holiday. It was so well organised, we were completely taken care of from airport pick up to drop off. Any small issue was expertly and quickly sorted by Linus and the team. The guides were all so friendly and knowledgeable and the accommodation was perfect. I was wowed by how many incredible animals we saw and so impressed by the guides ability to spot animals so far in the distance and get us closer. Couldn’t recommend Shiri more!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Kelly F profile picture
Kelly F
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Shiri Adventures Serengeti Safari + more Shiri Adventures curated an exceptional safari experience with attention to detail in every regard. The accommodations, travel, and food were phenomenal and I learned more than I imagined possible. We were exceptionally lucky and couldn’t have seen this many close encounters with nature without the wisdom and professionalism of the Shiri crew. Asante sana!!!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
David profile picture
David
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Shiri Adventures is the Best My wife and I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank Shiri Adventures for the incredible planning and care they put into our safari experience. From the very beginning, it was clear that we were in expert hands. Every detail of the trip, from the logistics to the accommodations to the daily itineraries was thoughtfully arranged and ran flawlessly, making the entire journey feel smooth, stress-free, and truly special.All of the safari guides were exceptional. Not only were they professional and friendly, but their knowledge of the wildlife, landscapes, and culture was outstanding. They answered every question with passion and depth, and their ability to spot and explain things we never would have noticed on our own added so much richness to our experience.Thanks to the fantastic team at Shiri Adventures, this trip far exceeded our expectations and has given us memories that we’ll cherish for a lifetime. Please extend our gratitude to everyone involved…we truly felt cared for every step of the way.🦒🦁🦛🐒🐆
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Paul C profile picture
Paul C
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Great adventure company-do it! I had the best time on this trip! The planning and care they take to make everything go smoothly is A+. And the guides in the Land Cruisers were friendly, informative, cooperative, and efficient. I cannot express enough how great this trip was for me.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Kendra S profile picture
Kendra S
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Unforgettable Wildlife, Stunning Hotels, and Exceptional Ca Where do I even start?! This trip was absolutely incredible—from pickup at Kilimanjaro to our final days in Zanzibar, every detail was taken care of. We truly felt looked after the entire time. I’m normally a big travel planner, but there was no need on this trip—Shiri Adventures handled everything seamlessly.I was originally scheduled to join the group safari in July 2024, but a week before departure, members of our family were diagnosed with cancer. I didn’t have travel insurance (which I highly recommend for big trips now), but Shiri Adventures graciously allowed me to use my travel credit toward another safari within the next 18 months. While they couldn’t provide a cash refund, I felt this was more than fair and incredibly kind given the circumstances.This trip was well worth the wait. Our guides were deeply knowledgeable and caring—not only toward us but also toward the wildlife we encountered. We saw more animals than I ever could have imagined, including some rare sightings: the wildebeest migration and river crossing, baby hyenas, a leopard with its kill in a tree at sunset, lion cubs, a newborn elephant just weeks old, and even a lion taking down a wildebeest. I’m still trying to process all of it!Each hotel we stayed at was beautiful, clean, and often upgraded when possible. I celebrated my 30th birthday during the trip, and Shiri Adventures made sure it was an unforgettable celebration. Since we were traveling as part of a group, Shiri also arranged for a professional photographer to accompany us every day of the safari. At the end, we were given access to all his incredible photos—a gift I’ll treasure forever.If you’re looking for a well-planned, thoughtful, and truly special trip, look no further. Thank you, Shiri Adventures—we will be back!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
aabrahams94 profile picture
aabrahams94
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Amazing Safari with Shiri Adventures! My safari with Shiri Adventures was unforgettable! The guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate, helping us spot incredible wildlife. Accommodations were comfortable, beautiful, and exceeded my expectations. Everything was perfectly organized from start to finish — highly recommend!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Departure801943 profile picture
Departure801943
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
A Bucket List Trip I am turning 60 this year and told my wife I always wanted to go on a safari to Africa. She took the lead and was lucky to find Linus with Shiri Adventures. He planned the trip and then was very open to our suggestions and wants for the Safari. He changed the package a few times based on the type of Safari we wanted. When we arrived at Mr. Kilamanjaro airport we were met by Remy and he took us to the Grand Melia, which like almost all the other places Linus arranged for us to stay was spectacular.Saluum was our Safari driver and picked us up at the hotel and was our guide for the next 6 nights. He had a young photographer join us named William who was extremely nice and helpful. Saluum is a veteran and knew his way around all the parks and importantly did his best to keep the ever present dust to a minimum. The Safari was more than we dreamed it would be. Most of the animal sightings were within 50 yards of the vehicle including 2 lions that walked right next to our vehicle and a leopard that was 20 yards from us up a tree eating a kill. The roads are extremely rough and dusty that can bounce you around. Saluum said it is a free African massage, but Shiri arranges a fantastic lunch break which includes wine, beer or any refreshments of your choice. The food for lunch Is not a box lunch, it is a meal prepared by the lodge or hotel chef where we stayed with the previous night. We noticed most of the other safari goers meet at the same place for lunch in each park and most of them had box lunches. We were one of the few that had hot meals, snacks and multiple courses. I cannot say enough about the care and thought that Shiri puts into their tours. The Lodges we stayed at on the safari were amazing, especially Lahia in the Serengeti. Linus has arranged a whole host of places to stay which are affordable and luxurious feeling at the same time. On the last day of the safari, We had a problem with the vehicle which was quickly taken care of and when we returned to Arusha Linus arranged a free city tour of Arusha for our troubles and Remy was our driver again which we were happy to see him again. Then as a surprise, Linus came to the hotel to meet us and to get our feedback on the trip. We wholeheartedly recommend Shiri if you are booking a Tanzania Safari trip. They are a fantastic small company that goes out of their way to make sure you get the safari you want.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
brandon a profile picture
brandon a
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
11 out of 10. Our safari was fantastic! 11 out of 10. Our safari was fantastic!I highly recommend Shiri Adventures. Shiri Adventures is an up and coming (yet well established) Safari company that provides a personalized, responsive touch you won’t get with a larger company. ____________________Planning the Trip - Linus, the owner, is incredibly responsive, helpful and informative. As many of the other reviews note, when you ask Linus a question - you will get a fast and complete answer. He was so very helpful in providing the various options and crafting a perfect itinerary. He provided a ton of options, depending on what you want your experience to be like. He arranged a perfect itinerary for my family of 3, including our 11 year old daughter. With Linus’s help, we decided on a mid-range 6 day safari that started and ended in Arusha, Tanzania that included Tarangire National Park, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. Linus arranged our balloon ride over the Serengeti, a personal photographer to join our trip so we could be present in the experiences and even upgraded two nights of our trip to more luxury accommodations. Also, at the end of our safari, Linus and team came to meet with my family in-person to understand how his team did, how our accommodations were and what our experience was like. It is that kind of personal touch and care for quality that I think is very rare these days and we genuinely appreciated it. ____________________The Guide and Photographer - Ibrahim, our guide, has deep experience within the various parks and he is an expert on the Serengeti. The Serengeti is like a second home to him, and this knowledge of where to go and how to view the animals, gave us an intimate and personalized front row seat to more wildlife than we could have hoped for. He was extremely educated on all of the animals, birds and ecology of the park having studied over 4 years in college and then 12 years of real life experience. We especially appreciated three things about him:1) He took us to places off the beaten path where we were often the only vehicle—and where we saw incredible scenes.2) He had a natural sense of when to educate, when to point something out, and when to let the experience speak for itself.3) He had a great touch with our daughter, teaching her about the animals and answering her many questions with patience and clarity.We’re also grateful we chose to bring a photographer. Since my wife and I are not-so-great at capturing photos, we wanted to be fully present—and this turned out to be one of our best decisions. Selestine, our photographer, was a fantastic addition to the trip. He captured beautiful, candid shots of our family, the animals, and the landscapes, and also took a significant amount of video. While he’s still editing the final set, the previews he shared blew us away. Beyond photography, Selestine added another rich perspective to our journey—teaching us about Tanzania, the culture, and our surroundings.Spending time with Ibrahim and Selestine made the experience even more meaningful.____________________Vehicles - We were in a newer (may be even brand new) Toyota Landcruiser. Very well-appointed with easy to get to storage areas for binos, waters, wipes, sunscreen. Also, very comfortable despite the many hours you spend on dirt roads getting the “African massage”. ____________________The Accommodations and Food - Though we chose the mid-range safari option, it felt like luxury. We travel often and have stayed in many top-tier places, and we feel confident saying the hotels and camps on this trip were on the higher end of "mid-range."We started at the Gran Meliá in Arusha—a true 5-star hotel by any global standard. Located at the base of Mount Meru, it offers epic views from its rooftop bar, set among lush gardens and a working coffee plantation.Next, we book-ended our trip at the Massailand Coffee Lodge in Karatu. It’s a newer property with a pool, excellent service, and a peaceful setting—perfect after long days on the road.In the Serengeti, we stayed at Embalakai Camp. This bush camp features upscale tents surrounded by wildlife—elephants, buffalo, lions, baboons. We especially loved the nightly entertainment and the presence of Maasai warriors, who safely guided us to dinner and our tents after dark. It was a highlight to walk with them and learn from them. One Maasai, Matau, even invited our daughter to visit and stay in his village to learn more about their way of life—she was thrilled.____________________Animals - What can I say? Wow. Every day brought unforgettable scenes. Each evening at dinner, we’d go around and share our favorite moments—and we each had five or six highlights, every day. Just a few:* A leopard dragging an impala up a tree* A herd of 30 elephants surrounding our truck* Thousands of zebras and wildebeest migrating across a river (and we were the only ones there!) * Lions lounging on riverside rocks* Giraffes emerging from the mist in Ngorongoro Crater* A mama elephant mock-charging our vehicle* Cheetahs sunning feet away from us* Hyenas splashing in a muddy poolAnd the list goes on and on. Overall, we can’t recommend Shiri enough. Can’t go wrong.
Verified by Trustindex
Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

OVERNIGHT

GRAN MELIA ARUSHa

Set against lush coffee plantations with views of Mount Meru, it offers serene luxury before or after safari. Spacious suites, elevated dining, and discreet five-star service define every stay. A polished sanctuary for travelers who expect comfort, calm, and distinction.

OVERNIGHT

MANYARA'S SECRET

Manyara’s Secret is an exclusive hideaway perched above Lake Manyara, offering sweeping Rift Valley views and refined privacy.
Its spacious villas, elegant design, and serene atmosphere create a sense of effortless luxury. .

OVERNIGHT

FOUR SEASONS SAFARI LODGE

If luxury, adventure and an incredible safari experience are what you desire, then the Four Seasons Serengeti is the perfect spot for you. Witness the Big Five as they roam free across the plains, or watch herds of wildebeest and zebra congregate. After endless exploration, re-hydrate yourself within the canvassed and open villas, unwind in the spa and soak up the sun by the pool.

OVERNIGHT

MELIA ZANZIBAR

Meliá Zanzibar opens its doors to unforgettable experiences based around a world of exclusive luxury. We will take care of you like you have never been taken care of before, offering you the best rooms and suites in the hotel, access to the most sophisticated private spaces, and a range of endless services. Our team will ensure that everything is taken care of down to even the tiniest detail, aiming to enhance your vacation experience at all times.