Travel Closer Tanzania - Tour Operator with a Difference

The itineraries you will find in this section are proposals for tour expeditions. They will give you an idea of a typical program and are by no means exhaustive. They are, however, structured to assure a scope of varied activities.

You can “cut and paste” your visits as you wish, taking day 1 from one itinerary and mixing it with day 3 of another. Moreover, since there are so many options, we have not included all the possible activities here. If you saw something you liked whilst browsing our site then you can ask for it to be included within your schedule.

The choices are only restricted by your time, budget and stamina!

You will only find prices for camping safaris here. Of course, we also offer clients stays in hotels, lodges and permanent tented campsites scattered around the safari circuits, all at extra charges. The choice of accommodation is truly overwhelming which is why we will not include it here in detail. If camping is not for you and instead you wish to travel in simple comfort or luxury, half-board or full-board, let us know and we will offer you with a customized itinerary and give you the corresponding rates.

Click on each itinerary below to see a full daily schedule as well as all the rates. All rates are shown in USD for practical purposes; we also receive payment in Euro, Pound Sterling and Tanzanian Shillings, although these are calculated on the sell rate of the US dollar. Under “individual activities” there is also a table showing the price of activities not integrated into a tour, such as home-stays and cooking courses. Please read our important information regarding rates under our General Information section.

Experience the North

Duration: 6 days/5 nights

Parks & areas visited: Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro

Accommodation: Various campsites

Tour style: Game drive on 4X wheel drive

All North Circuit Safaris start in Arusha. Ours safaris take you around all the major National Parks in the north of Tanzania. This is a very popular trip as visitors have the opportunity of seeing all the major attractions such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro and also due to its proximity to Tanzania’s safari “base” of Arusha. It is however, one of the most expensive options because of its high entry and camping fees. As with all our itineraries you may choose not to visit certain parks or maybe add other activities in between.

You may click on the park names for more information on each park.

Day 1 – Tarangire

Morning pick-up at your hotel or home-stay family. Drive to Tarangire National Park. A whole day game drive will give you the opportunity to see impala, gazelle, elephants and baboons. Packed-lunch picnic. Free time at campsite in the evening followed by dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2 – Manyara

Morning call, breakfast and drive to Lake Manyara National Park. After lunch, an afternoon game drive on its close, winding routes will give you a very close up view of the wildlife including elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebra, and a visit to Manyara’s giant hippo pool. Free time at campsite in the evening (with swimming pool and bar) followed by dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3 – Serengeti

Morning call, breakfast and game drive towards Serengeti National Park. Packed lunch on the way. Relax and free time at the open campsite. Dinner by the campfire and overnight stay.

Day 4 – Serengeti

Short early morning game drive (approx 0530) followed by breakfast back at the campsite. Full day game drive around the vast plains and bush will give visitor a chance to see lions, leopards, hyenas, giraffe and a host of antelope. Evening dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5 – Ngorongoro Crater

Morning call, breakfast and drive to Ngorongoro, packed lunch on the way. We take you 2000ft down the crater for an afternoon game drive on the crater floor. Ascend back to the campsite for dinner and stay.

Day 6 – Ngorongoro – Arusha

After breakfast we make our way back to Arusha town, stopping at the village of Mtoa Umbu for lunch.

Due back at Arusha for mid-afternoon.

EXPERIENCE THE NORTH - RATES

Price includes: entrance to all National Parks, camping fees, guides, porters/cooks, safari vehicle hire and fees, all food (including bottled water) and camping equipment (sharing twin tents).

Discover the South

Duration: 7 days/6 nights

Parks & areas visited: Udzungwa, Ruaha, Mikumi, Selous Game Reserve

Accommodation: Various campsites

Tour style: Game drive, hiking, boat safari, walking excursions

All safaris in the south begin at Dar Es Salam. The southern circuit we provide takes you round the most important areas for game viewing and offers guests a wide range of activities. Here-in lies one of the main attractions for those visitors to the southern parks. Whereas on the northern circuit the emphasis is on game driving, here, we mix game driving with walking safaris, mountain hiking and boat rides. The south is more remote, less frequented, more varied and much more interactive than the north. The trip is popular with clients wanting something a little more distinctive and adventurous.

You may click on the park names for more information on each park.

Day 1 – Mikumi

Depart from Dar Es Salaam early in the morning and head towards Mikumi National Park. Packed lunch at the campsite and then afternoon game drive to spot buffalos, giraffes, elephants, lions, zebras and leopards. Dinner and overnight at the campsite

Day 2 – Udzungwa

Early morning call and drive to Udzungwa National Park. Walk to the Sange waterfalls, taking 3 to 4 hours through green forest. Alternatively hike to Luhombereo, the highest peak of the Udzungwa mountains. Picnic lunch during the day. Dinner and overnight at the Udzungwa campsite.

Day 3 – Ruaha

After breakfast, depart for Ruaha National Park. Afternoon game drive starts as you enter into the park. Dinner and overnight at campsite

Day 4 - Ruaha

Accompanied by an armed ranger, we start the day with a walking safari through the African bush. Later, in the afternoon we continue on a sunset game viewing drive. Dinner and overnight at campsite

Day 5 – Ruaha – Selous

Depart after breakfast and drive to Selous Game Reserve. Packed lunch en-route will be provided. Dinner and overnight at campsite.

Day 6 – Selous

Start the day with a morning boat safari on the Rufiji River, which holds the largest concentration of hippos in Africa as well as crocodiles. Late afternoon game drive and overnight at the campsite.

Day 7 – Selous – Dar Es Salam

Breakfast and game drive en-route to Dar Es Salaam. Packed lunch on the way.

DISCOVER THE SOUTH - RATES

Price includes: entrance to all National Parks, camping fees, guides, porters/cooks, safari vehicle hire and fees, all food (including bottled water) and camping equipment (sharing twin tents).

A Safari with a Difference

Duration: 4 days/3 nights

Parks & areas visited: Manyara, Lake_Duluti, Tarangire, Arusha_National_Park,

Accommodation: Various campsites

Tour style: Day and night game drive, walking safari and canoeing

This Safari starts in Arusha and is based on north circuit parks and sites. We have named it an a safari with a difference since it lets guests take part in activities not normally associated with National Parks in the area such as walking, canoeing and a rare night game drive. The pace of the safari is relaxed, with plenty of time to unwind at the tranquil and stunning Lake Duluti, a hidden gem usually missed by tourists, and have a leisurely walking safari at Tarangire.

Since all parks here are situated at relative close proximity, this is a particularly good schedule to include more days at your home-stay and hiking expeditions should you wish to make your itinerary longer.

Day 1 – Arusha National Park

Early pick from your hotel or home-stay family and drive to Arusha National Park. Morning game drive beneath the imposing Mount Meru. Stop for lunch and then 2 hour canoeing on the Momela Lakes. Drive to Lake Duluti for camping and barbecue dinner

Day 2 – Lake Duluti – Manyara

Late breakfast. Walk and relax by lake or visit the busy markets near the town of Tengeru. Drive to Manyara National Park with packed dinner en-route. Night game drive at Manyara will give you the opportunity to see the wild when it is at its most active. Overnight at the nearby Manyara campsite.

Day 3 - Tarangire

Morning call and breakfast followed by a drive to Tarangire. After setting up camp and a quick lunch we set out on a walking safari. Guided by an armed ranger you will learn about nature, wildlife behaviour and animal tracks. Dinner and overnight stay back at the campsite.

Day 4 – Tarangire - Arusha

Early morning game drive followed by the drive back to Arusha. If time allows and it is the right day of the week you can also visit the lively Masai market on the way.

Price includes: entrance to all National Parks, camping fees, guides, porters/cooks, safari vehicle hire and fees, all food (including bottled water) and camping equipment (sharing twin tents).

Get Closer

Duration: 3 days/2 nights

Parks & areas visited: Lake_Manyara, Makuyuni Plains, Monduli

Accommodation: Home-stay and various campsites

Tour style: Game drive, walking and hiking.

Our itinerary blends culture, hiking and a safari to give you a taste of all worlds. During the three days of this itinerary you will explore the beautiful wide expanses of the Makuyuni plains, stay with one of our remote Masai families, do a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park and hike around the Monduli region. This last destination will take you into places very few tourists get a chance to see, hiking and camping in areas offering truly stunning views.

The itinerary has been designed for those groups with not much time to spend in the north of Tanzania, but it is also structured to make it easy to add more activities in between or stay longer with your Masai family. If you have more time, we also recommend staying around the Monduli hills and plains where you will be able to go further into the African bush.

Day 1 – Makuyuni

Pick up from your hotel or local home-stay and drive to Makuyuni region. We take you directly to meet your Masai village family and have breakfast. We begin our day walk around the plains and lakes around the area with your guide/interpreter and a family member. Packed lunch on the way. In the evening you will have a chance to talk with your family and eat together.

Day 2 – Lake Manyara

Morning call, breakfast and drive to Lake Manyara National Park. A whole day game drive on its close, winding routes will give you a very close up view of the wildlife including elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebra, including a visit to Manyara’s giant hippo pool. Drive to Monduli campsite with spectacular views on the way. Evening time to relax, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3 – Monduli – Arusha

Hiking around Monduli hills and plains dotted with bomas, meeting Masai herders on the way and admiring beautiful scenery. After a picnic lunch hike back to camp for the evening drive to Arusha.

Price includes: entrance to Manyara National Park, camping fees, Masai home-stay, guides, porters/cooks, car hire, all food (including bottled water) and camping equipment (sharing twin tents).

The Forests of Meru

Duration: 4 days/3 nights

Parks & areas visited: Various rural villages on the foothills of Mount Meru

Accommodation: Home-stay and forest camping

Tour style: Hiking.

The forests of Meru are thick and intact in most areas, providing a real forest trekking experience. Although the itinerary always starts on the same route, at the end of day one we try to change course hiking into unchartered territory. There are no campsites on the way; meaning finding suitable places to camp are all part of the trekking experience. However, our guides are all very familiar with the entire area, some of them having lived on the foothills of Meru for many years, so you are always in safe and knowledgeable hands. This is an adventurous and very distinctive option for keen hikers.

The itinerary also includes a one-night home-stay with a local family living near the start of our route, this will be the family of your hiking guide. You may wish to extend your stay with them for as many nights as you want or, as with all of our itineraries, mix and chop activities as you wish!

Day 1 – Sanawari Juu / Arusha

After breakfast with your local family we start our hike from Sanawari Juu on the outskirts of Arusha, through a number of small villages including Olturoto, Oloirowa and Oldonyosapuk. After packed lunch we continue hiking further into the forest to find a suitable camping area. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2 – Deep into the forests

A full-day hike will take us into remote areas and deeper into the forest of Meru, encountering on the way various species of birds and primates. After setting up camp, dinner and overnight.

Day 3 – Descend to Oloigeruno

We wake up to the sounds of the forest, have breakfast and begin our journey back through a different route towards Oloigeruno village. After a short afternoon hike we set up camp near the village and overnight.

Day 4 – Sanawari Juu / Arusha

Our final descend into in the morning will take us back to your family home ready for brunch.

Price includes: village fees, local home-stay, guides, porters/cooks, all food (including bottled water) and camping equipment (sharing twin tents).

MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMBING

Duration: 6 days/5 nights

Route:
Accommodation:

Tour style: Hiking.

The forests of Meru are thick and intact in most areas, providing a real forest trekking experience. Although the itinerary always starts on the same route, at the end of day one we try to change course hiking into unchartered territory. There are no campsites on the way; meaning finding suitable places to camp are all part of the trekking experience. However, our guides are all very familiar with the entire area, some of them having lived on the foothills of Meru for many years, so you are always in safe and knowledgeable hands. This is an adventurous and very distinctive option for keen hikers.

The itinerary also includes a one-night home-stay with a local family living near the start of our route, this will be the family of your hiking guide. You may wish to extend your stay with them for as many nights as you want or, as with all of our itineraries, mix and chop activities as you wish!

Day 1 – Sanawari Juu / Arusha

After breakfast with your local family we start our hike from Sanawari Juu on the outskirts of Arusha, through a number of small villages including Olturoto, Oloirowa and Oldonyosapuk. After packed lunch we continue hiking further into the forest to find a suitable camping area. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2 – Deep into the forests

A full-day hike will take us into remote areas and deeper into the forest of Meru, encountering on the way various species of birds and primates. After setting up camp, dinner and overnight.

Day 3 – Descend to Oloigeruno

We wake up to the sounds of the forest, have breakfast and begin our journey back through a different route towards Oloigeruno village. After a short afternoon hike we set up camp near the village and overnight.

Day 4 – Sanawari Juu / Arusha

Our final descend into in the morning will take us back to your family home ready for brunch.

MOUNT MERU CLIMBING

Duration: 4 days/3 nights

ROUTE:

Accommodation:

Tour style: Hiking.

The forests of Meru are thick and intact in most areas, providing a real forest trekking experience. Although the itinerary always starts on the same route, at the end of day one we try to change course hiking into unchartered territory. There are no campsites on the way; meaning finding suitable places to camp are all part of the trekking experience. However, our guides are all very familiar with the entire area, some of them having lived on the foothills of Meru for many years, so you are always in safe and knowledgeable hands. This is an adventurous and very distinctive option for keen hikers.

The itinerary also includes a one-night home-stay with a local family living near the start of our route, this will be the family of your hiking guide. You may wish to extend your stay with them for as many nights as you want or, as with all of our itineraries, mix and chop activities as you wish!

Day 1 – Sanawari Juu / Arusha

After breakfast with your local family we start our hike from Sanawari Juu on the outskirts of Arusha, through a number of small villages including Olturoto, Oloirowa and Oldonyosapuk. After packed lunch we continue hiking further into the forest to find a suitable camping area. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2 – Deep into the forests

A full-day hike will take us into remote areas and deeper into the forest of Meru, encountering on the way various species of birds and primates. After setting up camp, dinner and overnight.

Day 3 – Descend to Oloigeruno

We wake up to the sounds of the forest, have breakfast and begin our journey back through a different route towards Oloigeruno village. After a short afternoon hike we set up camp near the village and overnight.

Day 4 – Sanawari Juu / Arusha

Our final descend into in the morning will take us back to your family home ready for brunch.