A private lodge safari in Tanzania refers to a personalized and exclusive wildlife tour through one of the country’s national parks or game reserves. This type of safari allows visitors to have a more intimate and tailored experience with the wildlife and landscapes, often with a private guide and vehicle. Some of the popular destinations for a private safari in Tanzania include Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park.
Life on Safari
After a short morning briefing, depart Arusha and head toward Tarangire National Park. Known for its classic savannah landscapes, towering baobab trees, seasonal swamps, and lagoons, the park is home to some of the largest elephant herds in Tanzania.
Wildlife gathers along the life-giving Tarangire River, offering excellent game-viewing opportunities. You may encounter giraffes, bushbucks, hartebeests, as well as unique species such as gerenuk and fringe-eared oryx. The park also hosts buffaloes, zebras, and wildebeests, often followed by predators like lions. Leopards are occasionally spotted, while cheetahs are more elusive.
Enjoy the views from your open-roof safari vehicle before arriving at your lodge in the late afternoon.
Safari Season Overview – Tarangire
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | July–November (wildlife gathers at the river) |
| High Season | June–October |
| Best Weather | June–October (dry season) |
Accommodation:
Suricata Boma Lodge – Mid-range lodge (1–2 hrs from Tarangire)
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Non-alcoholic drinks
After breakfast, depart Mto wa Mbu and drive toward Serengeti National Park (approximately 6 hours including stops), passing through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Stop briefly at a viewpoint overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater for breathtaking panoramic views. You may also opt to visit a traditional Maasai village (optional, extra cost), where you can learn about Maasai culture and traditions.
Continue to the Serengeti, arriving in the late afternoon. Enjoy a game drive in the Seronera region, known for its high concentration of wildlife, and experience a beautiful sunset across the plains. With some luck, you may witness predators in action.
Safari Season Overview – Serengeti
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | January–February and June–October |
| High Season | July–March (Seronera can be busy) |
| Best Weather | June–October (dry season) |
Accommodation:
Land of Nature Camp – Mid-range tented camp (Central Serengeti)
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Non-alcoholic drinks
Begin your day with an early morning game drive in the Serengeti, when wildlife is most active. Afterward, return to camp for lunch and packing.
Later, continue with a game drive as you exit the Serengeti and head toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (approximately 3 hours). Enjoy scenic landscapes along the way before arriving at your lodge in Karatu for relaxation and overnight.
Safari Season Overview – Serengeti
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | January–February and June–October |
| High Season | July–March |
| Best Weather | June–October |
Accommodation:
Farm of Dreams Lodge – Mid-range lodge (Karatu)
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Non-alcoholic drinks
After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. This unique ecosystem offers one of the best chances to spot the endangered black rhino, along with a wide range of other wildlife due to the crater’s enclosed nature.
You may see lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, and a variety of birdlife. After lunch, ascend the crater and begin your journey back to Arusha, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Safari Season Overview – Ngorongoro
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | June–October (excellent wildlife viewing) |
| High Season | July–March |
| Best Weather | June–October (dry season) |
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast & Lunch (Dinner not included)
Non-alcoholic drinks
All prices are per person, valid year-round. Group discounts apply — the more travellers, the lower your per-person cost. Children under 15 receive a special rate.
- All Park entrances & taxes
- Accommodation during safari
- All Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner),
- soft drinks & water (bottled water 3litres or more a day)
- Transportation in a custom safari 4×4 with a viewing roof and guaranteed window seating
- Safari vehicles have an inverter for charging batteries, communications radio, electric cooler, and filtered water
- Tips for guides
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania Visa fee
- Balloons In Serengeti ($600 per person )
Note: We have a discount for kids under 15 years old
"Our guide Emmanuel was incredible — he spotted a leopard and two lion cubs that three other vehicles completely missed. The most magical experience of our lives."
"The private setup meant we could spend 45 minutes with a cheetah and cubs without feeling rushed. The lodges were far beyond what we expected."
"As first-time safari travelers, we were nervous. From the moment we arrived, Serengeti African Tours took care of everything. The Ngorongoro Crater literally took our breath away."
"Booked through SafariBookings and couldn't be happier. Every detail was handled perfectly. Guide Abouh is extraordinary — his knowledge of wildlife is encyclopaedic."
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