Simba Safari A Featuring Serena Lodges

Enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel with a selection of optional activities available (payable directly). Transfer to Arusha Town Centre for a detailed safari briefing and a lunch at a local hotel (excludes drinks). Then, your journey to Tarangire National Park begins.
Leaving behind the bustle of Arusha, the road opens onto sweeping plains scattered with traditional Maasai homesteads. Along the way, you may glimpse young herders guiding cattle and goats across the open landscape — a timeless rhythm of rural Tanzanian life. As you travel further, the dramatic escarpment of the Great Rift Valley rises majestically on the horizon.

Upon entering Tarangire National Park, your safari adventure begins with game viewing en route to your lodge. Arrive in time for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the wild beauty of the African bush.

Accommodation at Tarangire Sopa Lodge on a full board basis (excludes laundry and drinks).

Tarangire National Park
Named after the life-giving Tarangire River that winds through its heart, Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s hidden gems, famed for its vast herds of elephants and strikingly diverse landscapes. Spanning 2,850 square kilometres, this enchanting wilderness is home to over 550 species of birds and an impressive array of wildlife, including lions, leopards, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and more.

Iconic baobab trees punctuate the savannah, casting dramatic silhouettes against sweeping views of the Maasai Steppe and the distant escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. With its rich biodiversity and quieter atmosphere, Tarangire offers an exceptional safari experience — ideal for those seeking both breathtaking scenery and remarkable wildlife encounters.

Whether on game drives, walking safaris, or simply enjoying the serenity of the landscape, Tarangire promises an unforgettable introduction to the wonders of the African bush.

Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Tucked discreetly among ancient granite kopjes and shaded by majestic baobab trees, Tarangire Sopa Lodge offers an inviting sanctuary within the heart of Tarangire National Park. Designed to blend seamlessly with its rugged surroundings, the lodge delivers comfort, charm, and understated elegance in one of Tanzania’s most picturesque safari settings.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a spacious, light-filled lobby featuring polished marble floors and warm wooden ceilings. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a panoramic veranda — the perfect place to unwind with a drink while gazing across the sweeping plains. Lush potted greenery and tasteful furnishings evoke a sense of calm and relaxation, a welcome retreat after a day’s journey through the bush. A large outdoor swimming pool offers a refreshing escape between game drives.

The lodge features 75 generously appointed guest rooms, each offering a private lounge area complete with a minibar. Soft carpeting, two queen-sized beds draped in mosquito nets, and ceiling fans ensure comfort, while large sliding glass doors lead onto a private balcony — ideal for soaking up the views and, with a bit of luck, spotting passing wildlife right from your room.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Following a leisurely breakfast, guests will check out of the lodge before setting off on a late morning game drive, enjoying a final chance to encounter Tarangire’s remarkable wildlife and landscapes.

Return to the lodge for a relaxing lunch before continuing the journey to Lake Manyara National Park. As the road ascends the Great Rift Valley escarpment, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your lodge, gracefully perched above the valley with panoramic views over the lake and surrounding plains. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Accommodation at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge on a full board basis (excludes laundry and drinks).

Lake Manyara National Park
Named after its shimmering alkaline lake, Lake Manyara National Park is a compact yet richly diverse haven of wildlife and scenic beauty. Spanning 330 square kilometres, the park is famed for its contrasting landscapes — from lush groundwater forests to open plains and acacia woodlands — all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Great Rift Valley escarpment.
The park is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife, including large herds of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, baboons, and several species of antelope. It is also renowned for its elusive tree-climbing lions — a rare and fascinating behaviour that adds to the park's unique appeal.
Birdwatchers are especially drawn to Lake Manyara, where more than 400 bird species have been recorded. The lake’s shores are often tinged pink with flamingos and visited by pelicans, storks, and an array of raptors.
With its rich biodiversity, picturesque terrain, and sweeping vistas, Lake Manyara offers an unforgettable introduction to Tanzania’s wilderness — ideal for both first-time safari-goers and seasoned travellers.

Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
Dramatically perched on the edge of a terracotta escarpment, Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge commands breathtaking panoramic views across the glittering alkaline waters of Lake Manyara. This enchanting retreat offers a seamless blend of serene elegance, rich birdlife, and immersive safari experiences.
Inspired by the region’s vibrant avian life and cultural heritage, the lodge’s architecture gracefully fuses Maasai traditions with sweeping, birdlike curves. Circular two-storey ‘rondavels’ are scattered across the lush grounds, each offering unobstructed views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. Interiors are adorned with colourful wall frescoes echoing the patterns of bird migration, adding a unique artistic flair.
At the heart of the lodge lies a vanishing horizon pool, seemingly suspended above the Rift Valley floor. Adjacent, guests will find a timber-framed reception built in traditional African style, leading to an inviting dining room, bar, and panoramic veranda. A poolside bar and cliff-edge observation deck provide the perfect setting for sunset cocktails and wildlife viewing.
For the adventurous, the lodge offers a range of high-adrenaline activities including mountain biking, canoeing, and guided forest walks. Cultural experiences abound, with opportunities to visit nearby villages and enjoy performances by the local Iraqw and Sukuma communities.

Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge is more than a place to stay — it is a sanctuary of style, nature, and authentic East African charm.

Meal Plan: Full Board

After breakfast, set out on a morning game drive through Lake Manyara National Park, where the park’s varied ecosystems offer excellent opportunities for wildlife and birdlife sightings against a backdrop of dramatic scenery.

Return to the lodge for lunch before continuing your journey northward to the legendary Serengeti National Park. As you pass through the iconic Naabi Hill Gate — the gateway to the Serengeti — your adventure deepens with game viewing en route to your lodge. Arrive in time for dinner and an overnight stay in the heart of the African wilderness.

Accommodation at Serengeti Serena Lodge on a full board basis (excludes laundry and drinks).

Serengeti National Park
Spanning an awe-inspiring 14,750 square kilometres, Serengeti National Park is one of the most iconic and celebrated wildlife destinations on Earth. Its endless golden plains, punctuated by acacia trees and rocky outcrops, are home to Africa’s legendary “Big Five” — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo — along with cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and a rich diversity of other species.
The Serengeti is perhaps most renowned for hosting one of the greatest natural spectacles on the planet: the annual Great Migration. Each year, over a million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and antelope, thunder across the plains in search of fresh grazing, pursued closely by predators in a timeless drama of survival.
In addition to its extraordinary wildlife, the Serengeti is steeped in cultural heritage. The Maasai people, with their vibrant customs and traditional way of life, have coexisted with this land for generations, adding a profound human dimension to the park’s natural wonders.
Whether experienced by vehicle, on foot, or from the sky aboard a hot air balloon, Serengeti National Park offers unforgettable encounters and breathtaking vistas that capture the very essence of wild Africa.

Serengeti Serena Lodge
Perched high on a tree-clad ridge with sweeping views across the vast Serengeti plains, Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is an award-winning retreat that masterfully blends traditional African architecture with refined contemporary comfort. Its elevated position offers commanding vistas that capture the essence of the wild — a perfect sanctuary from which to witness the magic of the Serengeti.
Ideally located near the famed Western Corridor and Grumeti River, the lodge is harmoniously integrated into its natural surroundings. A collection of elegantly spaced, domed ‘rondavels’ nestle amid acacia groves and meandering streams, offering privacy and immersion in nature. The lodge’s showpiece is its ‘vanishing horizon’ pool, positioned on the edge of the ridge, appearing to flow seamlessly into the boundless plains below.

Cultural richness is woven into every detail — from the intricate Makonde carvings that adorn the rooms and public spaces to the vibrant décor inspired by traditional East African artistry. The dramatic, domed dining room provides a striking setting for enjoying gourmet cuisine infused with local flavour.

Beyond the lodge, Serengeti National Park unfolds in all its glory. Guests are perfectly placed to explore the park’s legendary wildlife, including all members of the Big Five and the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Great Migration — one of the world’s most extraordinary natural events.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Early morning shared transfer in the balloon company vehicle to the balloon staging site. You meet the pilot who provides a safety briefing while the crew inflate the hot air balloon. At sunrise, your shared hot air balloon lifts off over the African plains. At times, your pilot will ascend to a higher altitude to give you an overview of the ecosystem. Then you descend to treetop level to silently observe the wildlife from above. After about 50 minutes, you land and are met by the balloon staff to transport you to your shared bush breakfast. You then return to your camp or lodge.

Please note that the cost is NOT included in the main quotation and is shown separately.

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives through the wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti, with opportunities to encounter iconic species in their natural habitat. Between drives, return to the lodge for delicious meals and moments of relaxation. Overnight in the comfort of your lodge, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.

Accommodation at Serengeti Serena Lodge on a full board basis (excludes laundry and drinks).

Meal Plan: Full Board

After breakfast, depart the lodge and enjoy game viewing en route as you journey toward the majestic Ngorongoro Conservation Area. A picnic lunch is served along the way, allowing you to dine surrounded by the scenic beauty of the African wilderness.

By afternoon, you’ll arrive at your lodge, dramatically perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Take time to relax and savour the sweeping views before enjoying a sumptuous dinner and a peaceful overnight stay in this extraordinary setting.
Accommodation at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on a full board basis (with picnic lunch box) (excludes laundry and drinks).

Ngorongoro Conservation Area
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers an extraordinary blend of wildlife, culture, and dramatic landscapes. At its heart lies the Ngorongoro Crater — the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera — which shelters an estimated 30,000 animals, making it one of the most densely populated wildlife areas on the planet. Here, you can encounter a rich diversity of species, including lions, elephants, zebras, flamingos, and the elusive black rhino.

This region is also home to the Maasai people, who have lived in harmony with the land for generations, continuing to practise their traditional pastoralist lifestyle. Their presence adds a powerful cultural dimension to the area’s natural grandeur.

Beyond the crater, the conservation area boasts other spectacular landmarks such as the Empakai Crater and the legendary Olduvai Gorge — often referred to as the "Cradle of Mankind" for its pivotal role in the study of human evolution.
Ngorongoro promises an unforgettable safari experience, where extraordinary wildlife encounters unfold amidst landscapes of staggering beauty and cultural depth.

Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Regularly acclaimed among the world’s finest safari lodges, Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is an architectural masterpiece perched on the very rim of the Ngorongoro Crater — the largest intact volcanic caldera on Earth. Built from local river stone and cloaked in indigenous vines, the lodge blends seamlessly into the landscape, rendering it virtually invisible from the crater floor some 600 metres below.
The lodge’s design draws inspiration from the nearby Olduvai Gorge — known as the “Cradle of Mankind” —, and features arched stone passageways, timbered decks, and atmospheric interiors adorned with stylised prehistoric cave paintings. At its core, a glowing hearth remains alight day and night, providing a warm and welcoming centrepiece.

Guest rooms are gracefully strung along the crater rim, each uniquely designed and featuring its own rock-enclosed balcony with uninterrupted views over the ancient volcanic amphitheatre below. From this dramatic vantage point, guests can gaze out across the UNESCO World Heritage Site often referred to as “The Eighth Wonder of the World.”

Beyond its breathtaking setting, the lodge offers direct access to one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife sanctuaries, where over 30,000 large mammals roam freely within the crater’s self-contained ecosystem. Elephants, lions, rhinos, and flamingos create a vibrant tableau of life in this timeless land — a place where nature remains virtually untouched since the dawn of time.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Set off early this morning for a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater — one of the world’s most extraordinary natural sanctuaries. Often referred to as a "natural Eden," the crater floor spans just 102 square miles but supports an astonishingly dense population of wildlife, including over 30,000 mammals. With luck, today may offer the rare opportunity to witness all members of Africa’s legendary Big Five in a single game drive.

Explore the crater’s varied landscapes, from acacia-dotted woodlands to shimmering soda lakes, all set within the steep, forested walls of the caldera. A gourmet picnic lunch is served at a scenic location within the crater, allowing time to relax and take in the surrounding beauty.

In the afternoon, ascend back to the rim and return to your lodge in time to unwind before dinner and overnight, reflecting on a truly unforgettable day in one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife havens.

Accommodation Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on a full board basis (with picnic lunch box) (excludes laundry and drinks)

Meal Plan: Full Board

For early risers, the day begins with a breathtaking sunrise over the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater — a serene and unforgettable farewell to this iconic landscape. After breakfast, depart the lodge and begin your journey back to Arusha, travelling through the highlands and vibrant countryside of northern Tanzania.

Arrive in Arusha in time for a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant (drinks excluded), followed by a transfer to either Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for your onward flight (flight arrangements made independently or through your travel agent).
End of our services — with warm wishes for a safe journey and lasting memories of your African adventure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast