"Rest assured that we intend to get back to Tanzania as quickly as we are able - and in the professional, caring, and knowledgeable hands of Thomson Safaris!" - Maxine Gann & Malcolm Fenton, New York, NY

Days 1-2  Depart U.S. / Arrive Arusha

Step off the plane into the fragrant night air. Take your first glimpse at a new and exotic world. Here you can actually see the Southern Cross in the night sky. The palms sway beneath a sweet breeze. Your Tanzanian guide welcomes you with a warm smile. Sleep well tonight, knowing you are in good hands.

Overnight: Mountain Village Lodge

Get to know your guide and companions over a breakfast safari briefing. Then, head out to Tarangire National Park.

The scenery changes dramatically. As soon as you enter the park, wildlife viewing begins. Search for leopard and lion. Watch in awe as zebra, wildebeest and elephant simply appear from amidst the woodlands and plains. Some are so close, they seem to strike a pose just for you.

All meals included
Overnights: Tarangire Safari Lodge

Departing the park, head up the Makuyuni Road toward the Great Rift Valley Escarpment Wall. Nestled in its shadow is the village of Mto Wa Mbu. Wander the village with your guide. Stretch your legs. Observe the rhythm and flow of modern Tanzanian life.

Continue up the escarpment, and make it to Gibbs Farm for lunch. You may enjoy another cultural visit this afternoon, or opt to stay at the peaceful coffee estate. Relax in the exquisite garden. Enjoy tea on the verandah. Admire the sprawling, gorgeous, green view.

All meals included
Overnight: Gibbs Farm

This morning, a brick-red clay road leads you to the Ngorongoro Crater Rim. What a sight: a perfect crater, ten miles wide. Its floor is 2,000 feet below, and - unbelievably - some 30,000 animals live here throughout the year.

Continue to your lodge, a marvelously camouflaged structure built right into the crater rim. Sip a glass of fresh juice, settle in, and enjoy lunch with a spectacular view. Via Land Rover, make your way down the steep descent road.

If you are lucky, discover all of the "big five": bull elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard.

Or, set your sights on hyena, gazelle, flamingo and hippo, to name only a few. So much to take in. So much to see. Return to the lodge at each day’s end, and enjoy some evening entertainment in the lounge.

All meals included
Overnights: Ngorongoro Lodge

Today, the Serengeti awaits. Along the way, stop at Olduvai Gorge. View the archeological site where a lifetime of discoveries was made by the dedicated Leakey family. Continue on, and watch as the plains open up before you.

Over 6,000 square miles of sprawling, unspoiled landscape is quite a sight. Add to that an extraordinary population of resident and migratory animals in a constant bid for survival, and you understand why this is often called, "the world as it was in the beginning."

Spend the next four days in the heart of it all. The precise location of your Classic Camp varies seasonally, but the quality, comfort and service remain constant. With your guide's unerring instincts leading the way, roam far and wide during each day.

Take an optional balloon safari. Spot an endless array of wildlife engaging in all manner of fascinating activity. Return to camp for remarkable sunsets and excellent meals. Feel an unparalleled sense of immersion into the wild plains.

All meals included
Overnights: Thomson Serengeti Nyumba

Say goodbye to the guides and staff who have cared for you so well. You will fly back to Arusha as your guide makes the journey back in his trusted Land Rover. Arrive in time for a farewell lunch with your safari companions and the opportunity to shop, swim or repack before you are escorted to the airport this evening. Arrive back home to the bustle of modern life in the afternoon tomorrow.

Breakfast, lunch
Dayroom: Arusha Lodge

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