Tanzania Great Migration Group Trip

Tanzania Great Migration Group Trip

August 21-30, 2024

9 nights / 10 days

All-inclusive* eco-luxe safari adventure

Group size: 12-14 adventurous humans

Price: 6750 USD per person at double occupancy — get 375 USD off when you book before March 8!

*International flights not included. See ‘Inclusions & Exclusions’ below for more details.

Come with me on the ultimate safari adventure in Tanzania to track the Great Migration — one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World!

I'll be taking you on an 9-night/10-day bucket list adventure around Tanzania, during the Great Migration season! Plus so many other once-in-a-lifetime destinations & experiences that I've uncovered in my 5 visits to Tanzania...

Think: riding horseback amongst zebra and antelope at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro; game drives in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater; immersive visits with the indigenous Hadzabe and Maasai tribes; and opportunities to learn about environmental conservation efforts & social impact initiatives in Tanzania. 

See below for complete itinerary, inclusions, and important policies.

This once-in-a-lifetime bucket list safari adventure is priced at 6750 USD per person (double occupancy), and you have the option of sharing a large bed or booking a room with two beds (the latter option is very limited in availability… book quickly if you know this is a must for you!).

The application below will help me get to know you a bit. Please fill it out & I’ll get back to you in the next 1-2 days with next steps!

The Great Migration

Each year, two million wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes follow the rains clockwise for 1,000 miles from Tanzania to Kenya and back again. Herds of hundreds of animals fill the African savannas as far as the eye can see, for what is known to be the largest animal migration in the world.

Seeing this last year was one of the most spectacular experiences of my decades of travel! I’ll never forget that feeling of watching thousands of zebra and wildebeest graze across the savannas, or waiting oh-so-patiently to see the herds make their daring race across the crocodile-infested Mara River…

I’ve arranged for us to have the very special opportunity to spend one night in a mobile tented camp (designed to track the migration, this camp completely packs up and moves to follow the herds throughout the year!) located in the norther part of the Serengeti near the Kenyan border. This camp is a bit more “rustic” than our other accommodations, but still comfortable and well appointed, and it’s as close to the action as you can get… so worth it for this bucket list experience!

ITINERARY*

*This is a sample itinerary! Dates, activities, and hotels are subject to change (for a comparable alternative) if weather or any other extenuating circumstances so require to ensure the best possible experience for travelers.

Day 1 (August 21): Arrivals IN ARUSHA

Arrive in Kilimanjaro/Arusha (Kilimanjaro International Airport code JRO) and be greeted by our friendly Tanzanian team! You’ll be driven to our luxury villa at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, where we’ll check-in for the next 2 nights and start the trip with a chef-prepared dinner, where we can all get to know each others & connect.

Day 2 (August 22): arusha/KILIMANJARO

After a healthy organic breakfast at the villa — with possible sightings of dik-di (the world’s smallest & cutest antelope!), guinea fowl, and a variety of birds from the dining table! — we’ll head into the bush where we’ll begin a half-day safari… on horseback!

Suitable even for beginners, this leisurely guided horseback ride through the lush Kilimanjaro wilderness will allow us to encounter zebra, antelope, topi, buffalo, baboons, birds, and many other creatures up close without disturbing their natural habitat.

After lunch, we will visit a nearby sustainable organic coffee farm to learn about growing and producing world-famous Tanzanian coffee, and of course a tasting of the best organic coffees they have to offer!

We’ll have time to rest and relax by the pool back at the villa for the evening, with another delicious dinner together along with a bonfire under the stars.

Day 3 (August 23): ARUSHA/KILIMANJARO — KOGATENDE

After breakfast, we’ll catch our morning flight into the Serengeti, reaching the northern part of the park near the Kenyan border. This is where the majority of the herds of zebra and wildebeest will be this time of year, as they begin crossing the Mara River into Kenya.

This is also the only part of the Serengeti through which the Mara River crosses, meaning it’s the only way to see those iconic scenes of hundreds of animals crossing the crocodile-infested waters. Of course, the animals are on their own schedule, so seeing this crossing cannot be guaranteed, but nonetheless we’ll be right in the thick of the action amongst the massive herds of the Great Migration. I can’t wait for you to see this in real life!

We’ll enjoy our first game drive straight from the airport into the afternoon, with packed picnic lunches. In the evening, we will check into our mobile tented camp (with the best location in the Serengeti for viewing the Great Migration!) for dinner and a bonfire under the stars.

Day 4 (AUgust 24): Kogatende — central serengeti

Wake up early for another game drive along the Mara River, and another chance at seeing the iconic zebra & wildebeest river crossings. We’ll then return to camp for lunch before we pack up the jeeps and make our way down toward Central Serengeti.

The entire Serengeti is alive & buzzing this time of year! Consistently voted one of the best national parks in Africa, the Serengeti covers 30,000 square kilometers (11,583 square miles) and is home to the Big 5 (elephant, leopard, black rhino, buffalo, and lion), as well as an incredible diversity of other animals like cheetah, giraffe, zebra, gazelle, impala, and 500 bird species.

We’ll see tons of wildlife as we make our way to our beautiful eco-luxe safari camp located in Central Serengeti. Glamping is, in my opinion, the best way to do safari — you’ll enjoy many of the comforts of a hotel, but in a much more relaxed, natural, authentic way… without relatively few people, and great likelihood of the animals coming right up to your tent to graze in the grass. At these safari camps, you’ll feel immersed in nature, protected by the cozy canvas walls of your spacious tent, surrounded by the sounds of wildlife, and secluded from noise & light pollution, but still WOWed by the spacious tents & attention to detail. Toilets and sinks have running water, and safari showers are prepared with hot water by your butler whenever you like. It feels like being transported back in time, and makes African safari unlike any other travel experience in the world! Embrace the simplicity — nature is the luxury we’re after.

Get settled into your cozy home for the next 3 nights, before gathering in the dining tent for a chef-prepared dinner, listening to the sounds of lions and hyenas grumbling in the distance.

Day 5 (August 25): SERENGETI MARA NORTH

Dawn is the best time for game drives (and the most gorgeous light) as it’s right when the animals are waking up for the day! After breakfast at camp, hop into your jeep for an all-day game drive to journey deep into the Serengeti, with the chance of spotting many of the Big 5! You’ll have a picnic lunch along the way, with snacks and drinks provided in your jeep.

Return to camp in the late afternoon, and enjoy a hot (or cold if you prefer) shower, afternoon tea in the lounge tent, boardgames, or soaking in the views of the Serengeti and wildlife from your cozy porch. That evening we’ll venture out in the bush for one of my favorite safari activities — sundowner! With the Serengeti cloaked in golden hour light, we’ll share our safari stories from the day over wine/cocktails/mocktails, with nothing but unspoiled nature as far as the eye can see.

Return to camp for a bonfire under the stars and a delicious dinner. Enjoy a night cap (try Tanzania’s favorite safari digestif — Amarula!), play games in the lounge tent, or sit around the fire and share stories about your day’s safari.

Day 6 (August 26): Central SERENGETI

For those joining the sunrise hot air balloon experience (this is an add-on not included in the main trip), you’ll wake up very early to begin your drive to the launch site. The balloon takes off at dawn to watch the magnificent sunrise over the Serengeti, as you drift peacefully across the savannas, rivers surrounded by lush palm trees, green hills and rocky “kopjes”. This is such a special way to watch the wildlife from above, seeing animals you’d miss from the road, and being able to soak in the vast landscapes and endless herds of animals continuing their migrational journey across the Serengeti. After landing, enjoy a champagne toast and delicious plated breakfast in the bush, before taking a leisurely game drive back to camp.

For those not joining the balloon safari, you’ll enjoy breakfast at camp and a morning game drive, and return to camp for lunch with the group. (Or option for full-day game drive with picnic lunch.) Afternoon game drives to soak in your last precious bits of the Serengeti.

For those interested, I can host a photography/editing workshop back at camp where I’ll be available to answer questions and help with editing/camera settings/anything else you’re curious about!

We’ll enjoy a very special dinner in the bush tonight, for our final night in the Serengeti!

Day 7 (August 27): SERENGETI — NGORONGORO CRATER/FOREST

After checking out from our Serengeti camp, we will make our way to another one of the best national parks in Africa: Ngorongoro Crater! This is the oldest preserved caldera in the world, and is home to the Big 5, along with a lush cool micro-climate, so it looks/feels quite different from the Serengeti. Ngorongoro is famous for its rhino population, and is your best chance of spotting a rhino on our trip! It’s one of my favorite places for a game drive, and a can’t-miss destination in Tanzania.

We’ll have a picnic lunch in the crater, and spend several hours driving through the plains, lakes, swamps, and forests to find animals, including lots of hippos and flocks of pink flamingos.

After a sunset drive to the edge of the Ngorongoro Forest, we’ll check into our beautiful eco-lodge. A farm-to-table dinner will be served at the lodge.

Day 8 (August 28): NGORONGORO — LAKE EYASI/HADZABE TRIBE — KARATU

It’s time to get our feet moving! After breakfast at the lodge, we’ll head out for a guided hike amongst the lush forest of Ngorongoro. This is a unique and rare opportunity to explore this area by foot with a trained local guide, and get some exercise in the most spectacular of settings!

We’ll then return to the lodge to shower, rest, and have lunch, before driving to Lake Eyasi, home to the indigenous Hadzabe Tribe. This tribe is known as one of the last hunter-gatherer groups in the world, dating back up to 50,000 years. They’ve retained their ancient lifestyle and customs, including maintaining a completely distinct language of clicking noises, as well as a unique spiritual belief system. After touring their homes, we’ll learn archery and fire-building from the men, while the women will show us how they gather roots and make beaded jewelry. Together around the fire, enjoy the songs of the Hadzabe under the stars as the day comes to an end.

Dinner back at the lodge & sleep!

Day 9 (August 29): KARATU — Maasai Village — ARUSHA/Kilimanjaro

Have a slow morning enjoying breakfast at the lodge, before beginning our drive back to Arusha.

Along the way we’ll stop an authentic Maasai Village where we’ll meet some of the indigenous inhabitants of East Africa. This is non-touristic village, as it is home to a dear friend and inspiring leader named Tete, whom I’ve come to know over the last year. This is a unique opportunity and privilege to be welcomed into their village as this is not something they typically do for other tourists.

This also means it won’t be as “polished” as you might find in more touristic Maasai villages elsewhere, but I hope it will feel even more special for you to truly experience what life is like for the Maasai in Tanzania. I know we will all come with utmost respect & open-mindedness! :)

Here you can also see the school that Tete has helped build bringing education to over 100 young children from the seven Maasai villages in the area, where kids sometimes must walk 15 kilometers every day to/from school.

We’ll get to see how the Maasai build their clay-and-dung homes in the “boma,” hear their beautiful traditional songs, and watch how the women do their intricate beading.

After saying goodbye to our new Maasai friends, we’ll make our way back to Arusha, stopping for lunch at the Cultural Heritage Center, which is one of the largest collections of African artifacts, and also home to one of the best fine art galleries in East Africa. You’ll also have time to shop for art, clothing, jewelry & gemstones, artifacts, spices, and other souvenirs here. It’s also a beautiful place to walk around and look at the diverse fine artwork.

Enjoy a final, amazing dinner prepared by the chef back at our Arusha villa, where we’ll relive memories and share favorite stories, share final moments together around a bonfire, and say “kwaheri” (“goodbye” in Swahili) to our new little travel family.

Day 10 (August 30): Departures & Goodbyes!

Breakfast will be provided at the villa, along with transfers to the international airport (JRO) based on flight departure times.

This won’t be “goodbye” however — just a “see you later” as I hope to connect with you again somewhere in the world, perhaps on one of my next group trips!

If you want to extend your stay in Tanzania, I am here to help. :)

ACCOMMODATIONS:

All accommodations feature chef-prepared organic meals, alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages (surcharge for premium alcohol), WiFi, en-suite bathrooms, and laundry service. I’ve chosen these accommodations for their commitment to sustainability, support to the local community, beautiful design/interiors, ideal location, and mix between luxury & relaxed safari vibes.

Arusha

3 nights in a luxury villa, located on a private wildlife reserve with views of Mount Meru & Kilimanjaro and private staff.

SERENGETI NORTH (Great migration/MARA RIVER)

1 night in a mobile (meaning: it completely packs up and moves with the herds during the Migration!!) tented safari camp, as close to the Mara River as you can get! This is the only location in the Serengeti where there is the chance of seeing the iconic river crossings… it’s a truly authentic safari experience! (Note: here we’ll have safari-style showers that are prepared with hot water when requested. Our most “rustic” night of the trip, but so worth it to be right in the action for the Migration!)

Serengeti

3 nights in an eco-luxe tented safari camp, far from the crowds & surrounded by wildlife, with en-suite bathrooms and running water throughout.

Ngorongoro

2 nights in a luxury tented lodge with breathtaking views of Ngorongoro forest, farm-to-table cuisine, and a connected children’s orphanage & school that are supported by profits from the lodge.

PAYMENT POLICY:

• 1000 USD deposit is required to secure your spot and is non-refundable

• Pay in full: Option to make full 6750 USD payment (per person) today (get 375 USD off when you book before March 8th!)

• Pay in 2 installments: Option to pay 1000 USD deposit today & remaining payment to be paid before May 15

*If second payment is not made by May 15, your spot will no longer be reserved and will be offered to those on the wait list

CANCELLATION POLICY:

• The 1000 USD deposit is non-refundable

• Cancellations made before June 15: refund for 50% of booking (minus non-refundable deposit)

• Cancellations made after June 15: non-refundable as hotels/tours have already been booked**

**Emergencies, although rare, can happen! Please book travel insurance (required for this trip) to keep you protected in case of unexpected emergencies. Because Great Migration season is in highest demand, I must make full payments 3 months in advance based on a set number of guests, which is why I cannot offer refunds.

ROOM OCCUPANCY POLICY:

All hotel rooms will be booked on a double occupancy basis (i.e. 2 people per room). Friends/couples may share a room at request; solo travelers will be thoughtfully paired with another solo traveler based on questionnaire responses/Get To Know You calls — the best way to make new friends!

There is a limited number of twin rooms available (with 2 separate beds). If you know this is a requirement for you, please book quickly! For our 3 nights in the Serengeti, all rooms have the option to convert to 2 twin beds.

In any scenario, the rooms & tents throughout the trip are luxurious and very spacious, and we’ll spend most of our time out on game drives, hanging out in the restaurants or lounges, sitting around the bonfire, or out on activities. I appreciate flexibility and willingness to roll with the punches on these group trips — I promise this attitude will make your entire Africa experience so much more enjoyable for you, and for everyone else! :)

Unless by specific request for couples/friends, I will not assign mixed-gender rooms.

Due to limited availability of rooms, if you require a room to yourself on single occupancy basis, there will be a 3k USD surcharge. Please contact me directly and I will do my best to make it work if there is availability remaining!

FLIGHTS/VISA INFORMATION

The international airport in Tanzania for our trip is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). You’ll want to arrive at JRO by August 21, 2024. We will have a welcome dinner that night & I highly recommend joining! But if you must book a flight that arrives late at night on the 22nd, we’ll still pick you up from the airport & you can meet the group in the morning.

You can book your departure flight out of JRO anytime on August 30, 2024.

Most nationalities require visas to travel to Tanzania. You can apply for an E-Visa online at www.immigration.go.tz, which typically is processed within 10 days. Americans can only apply for a Multiple Entry Visa, which is valid for 12 months and costs $100. Non-Americans should apply for an Ordinary (Single-Entry) Visa which is valid for 3 months and costs $50. To apply, you will need to submit a copy of your passport (valid for 6 months), passport photo, return ticket, declaration form, and payment.

It is also possible to obtain a Visa on Arrival in Tanzania, but queues can be long at the airport. For more information on the application process and a list of which countries require visas, visit www.visa.immigration.go.tz/guidelines.

LONGER STAYS

Want to extend your trip in Tanzania? If you’re eager to continue the safari adventure, chill on the beach in Zanzibar, hike Mount Kilimanjaro, or track chimpanzees, let me know and I will be glad to help you as best as I can with bookings and travel planning.

If you expect to arrive a day early or stay a day after the trip, and want to book at the same accommodations as the group, please let me know ASAP as rooms are extremely (and I mean extremely!) limited at the villa.

QUESTIONS?

Contact me at grouptrips@thewayfaress.com with any questions and I’ll get back to you ASAP!

Are you ready?!

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