Photography by Toine IJsseldijk

TANZANIA

Tanzania Safari Trip – A Twelve Day Guided Itinerary

July 2015

Explore Tarangire, Lake Eyasi, Ngorongoro, Olduvai, Serengeti & tribes

Bucket List! In July 2015 a dream came true for me and my son Dio: a 12 day private safari to Tanzania, to some of the world’s most famous nature reserves, including Tarangire, Ngorongoro crater, Olduvai Gorge and the Serengeti, to eventually see the Great Migration and the first herds of wildebeests and zebras cross the famous Mara river and head into the planes of the Maasai Mara.

Highlights of Our Tanzania Safari Trip

A curated visual selection from across the journey — from Tarangire & Ngorongoro to the Serengeti of northern Tanzania.

Destinations on this Tanzania Safari Trip

Over twelve days, our route connected several defining landscapes of northern Tanzania. From the baobab-dotted savanna of Tarangire to the Ngorongoro Crater and the open plains of the Serengeti, each region reflects a distinct ecological system shaped by geology, wildlife movement and long-standing human presence.

Explore the locations below for detailed accounts and dedicated galleries from each stage of the journey.

Baobab trees in Tarangire National Park in Tanzania
Tarangire National Park
Lake Manyara near Lake Eyasi, in the Great Rift Valley of Tanzania
Lake Eyasi
Hadzabe, Lake Eyasi, Tanzania, Tribe
The Hadzabe Tribe
Datoga, Lake Eyasi, Tanzania, Tribe
Datoga Tribe
Ngorongoro crater in Tanzania
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Olduvai Gorge, Olduvai Tented Camp, Tanzania
Olduvai Gorge
Maasai, Tanzania
The Maasai
Animals, Elephant, Giraffe, Highlights, Serengeti National Park, Seronera, Tanzania
Serengeti National Park - Seronera
Highlights, Serengeti Mara, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, mara, migration
Serengeti National Park - Mara Region

How We Organized Our Tanzania Safari Trip

It was early 2015 and I’d just earned a decent bonus at work. I finally could afford a proper safari trip to Africa, a childhood dream that had followed me for decades. I wanted the highlight to be not only the great migration, but the actual famous Mara river crossings. As I didn’t have much time to research and plan I decided this time, completely against my usual way of traveling, engage a travel agent to help me organise a private safari trip for me and my son. I researched for an agent and ended up using   Africa Travel Resource; they were fantastic and really provided a personal approach and worked out what turned out a perfect itinerary, including some very diverse African scenery and wildlife, but also visits to different tribes and the perfect camp from where to experience the great migration. The safari trip itself was handled by Tanganyika Expeditions, one of the oldest Safari operators in Africa.

Last but not least, I had requested a really knowledgable driver-guide. We couldn’t have wished for anyone else than Michael; he used to work as guide and wildlife tracker for Hugo van Lawick, famous Dutch wildlife photographer and film maker and late husband of Jane Goodall. We cannot thank him enough for the experience!

Highlights, Serengeti Mara, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, mara
transport & guide
Mawe Ninga Camp, Tanzania, Tarangire National Park
camp
Highlights, Serengeti Mara, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, mara
evenings

Detailed 12-Day Tanzania Itinerary

Below is the complete route of our Tanzania Safari trip, including overnight stays. Distances in Tanzania are manageable — and there is plenty to see along the way.

This itinerary reflects a guided overland journey designed to balance wildlife, culture, comfort and remote wilderness experience.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha (Moivaro Lodge)
Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park (Mawe Ninga Camp)
Day 3: Tarangire National Park (Mawe Ninga Camp)
Day 4: Tarangire – Lake Eyasi (Tindiga Camp)
Day 5: Lake Eyasi – Karatu (Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge)
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater – Olduvai Gorge, South-central Serengeti (Olduvai Tented Camp)
Day 7: Olduvai Gorge – Central Serengeti (Ronjo Camp)
Day 8: Central Serengeti (Ronjo Camp)
Day 9: Central Serengeti – Serengeti Mara (Kimburu Camp)
Day 10: Serengeti Mara (Kimburu Camp)
Day 11: Serengeti Mara (Kimburu Camp)
Day 12: Serengeti Mara – flight to Arusha – Departure

Dreaming of Your Own Tanzania Safari Trip?

Tanzania is not a destination you simply tick off a list. It’s a journey into vast landscapes, wilderness, and nomadic culture — and it deserves to be experienced well.

I occasionally design and lead small, private road trips for travelers who want to experience a country in a deeper and more personal way. If that kind of journey resonates with you, I’d be glad to explore the possibility of accompanying you and shaping the adventure together.

If this resonates, feel free to reach out and we can explore the possibilities.

Let’s talk about your Tanzania safari.

This 12 day safari trip through Tanzania’s top conservation areas remains one of our most memorable journeys — combining African landscapes, traditional nomadic culture and the profound observation of wildlife.

For those seeking an authentic African safari, Tanzania delivers an experience that is both humbling and unforgettable.