Introduction

Pole Pole means “slowly, slowly” in Kiswahili — and that’s exactly how you’ll explore Tanzania: relaxed, immersive, and unforgettable. This 7-day private safari takes you through Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes, from the endless plains of the Serengeti to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. Expect stunning scenery, rich wildlife encounters, and meaningful cultural moments. Let us craft your dream safari — the Pole Pole way.

Highlights

Lake Manyara National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

Tarangire National Park

Map

Tanzania

Start Point: Arusha

Day 1 - 2

Tarangire NP Osupuko Tarangire Lodge

Day 3

Lake Manyara NP Africa Safari Karatu

Day 4 - 5

Central Serengeti NP Thorn Tree Camp

Day 6

Karatu District Bougainvillea Safari Lodge

Day 7

Ngorongoro Crater (No accommodation)

End Point: Arusha

Day 1

Tarangire National Park

Activity Day 1

Kick off your safari with a drive to Tarangire National Park, home to Tanzania’s largest elephant population. Discover a landscape dotted with ancient baobab trees, where herds of elephants roam freely and predators lurk in the tall grass. Your first game drive offers sightings of giraffes, lions, and countless antelope species. Enjoy a picnic lunch with panoramic views of the Tarangire River—a vital lifeline for wildlife during the dry season.

Accommodation Day 1

Osupuko Tarangire Lodge

Lodge

You're staying in a quiet corner of one of northern Tanzania's best wildlife areas, here on the edge of Tarangire National Park at Osupuko Tarangire Lodge. Accommodation is in handsome bungalows, there's an onsite restaurant, and the whole experience is lovely and quiet. The views from the swimming pool are some of the best anywhere in Tarangire.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 2

Tarangire's untamed beauty

Activity Day 2

Rise early for a full-day safari adventure in this lesser-known gem of the northern circuit. Tarangire is not only quieter than other parks, but also incredibly rewarding—especially for birdwatchers, with over 500 bird species recorded. Explore woodlands, wetlands, and sweeping savannahs in search of lions, leopards, and massive herds of buffalo. End the day with sundowners overlooking the wilderness.

Accommodation Day 2

Osupuko Tarangire Lodge

Lodge

You're staying in a quiet corner of one of northern Tanzania's best wildlife areas, here on the edge of Tarangire National Park at Osupuko Tarangire Lodge. Accommodation is in handsome bungalows, there's an onsite restaurant, and the whole experience is lovely and quiet. The views from the swimming pool are some of the best anywhere in Tarangire.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3

Maasai Culture & Lake Manyara National Park

Activity Day 3

After breakfast, visit a traditional Maasai boma for an authentic cultural encounter. Learn about their ancient customs, colorful dress, and proud warrior traditions. Continue to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, flamingo-filled lake, and lush groundwater forest. Enjoy an afternoon game drive through this biodiverse park before heading to your cozy hotel/lodge/tented camp in Karatu.

Accommodation Day 3

Africa Safari Karatu

Lodge

While in Karatu you'll be staying at Africa Safari Karatu. It's a delightful place, looking out over the wonderfully green highlands that border the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The brick-walled rooms have loads of personality with local handicrafts and fine views. There is also a handful of simple safari tents on site, and the restaurant uses seasonal local ingredients. Even the swimming pool has views.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4

Into the Iconic Serengeti

Activity Day 4

Today you travel to Serengeti National Park, one of the world’s most celebrated safari destinations. Along the way, witness animals roaming the open plains as you enter the heart of Africa’s wildlife kingdom. Your drive transforms into a game drive as you spot giraffes, wildebeests, and possibly big cats. Arrive at your tented safari camp and soak in the classic "Out of Africa" ambiance under a star-filled sky.

Accommodation Day 4

Thorn Tree Camp

Tented bush camp

Wildlife could pass right by your safari tent at Thorn Tree Camp here in the central Serengeti. The large tents lie surrounded by savannah and you'll be able to lie in your bed and listen to the night sounds of Africa. This is truly one of the most memorable safari experiences you can imagine. Or by day you can watch animals grazing nearby. Meals in the dining tent are just as enjoyable.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5

Full Day Game Drive in the Serengeti

Activity Day 5

This is the Serengeti at its finest. Spend a full day tracking the Big Five and countless other species in their natural habitat. Depending on the season, you may witness part of the Great Migration—a bucket-list wildlife spectacle involving over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras. Whether it’s lions lazing in the sun, a cheetah on the hunt, or elephants bathing in a river, this is a day you’ll never forget.

Accommodation Day 5

Thorn Tree Camp

Tented bush camp

Spend more time immersing yourself in the Serengeti at Thorn Tree Camp.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6

Scenic Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Activity Day 6

Enjoy a final morning in the Serengeti with a last chance to spot wildlife you haven’t yet seen. Then begin your journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel across changing landscapes—from endless plains to highland forests—until you reach your lodge near the crater rim or Karatu, offering incredible sunset views.

Accommodation Day 6

Bougainvillea Safari Lodge

Lodge

Something of an oasis in the busy town of Karatu, Bougainvillea Safari Lodge has big stone bungalows spread around a green garden with plenty of palm trees and a pool at its center. The rooms are spacious and come with mosquito nets, fireplaces and small outdoor sitting areas, and there's a gift shop, massage room and restaurant.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7

Safari in the Ngorongoro Crater

Activity Day 7

In the early morning, we make our way down the steep slopes into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Garden of Eden.” If luck is on our side, we might even spot one of the rarest members of the Big 5 — the endangered black rhino. In the late afternoon, your return journey to Arusha begins.

Drop off at your hotel in Arusha. Accommodation not included but can of course be arranged at additional costs

End of Service.

7-Day Pole Pole Experience Northern Parks

7-Day Pole Pole Experience Northern Parks

Introduction

Highlights

Tarangire National Park

Activity Day 1

Osupuko Tarangire Lodge

Tarangire's untamed beauty

Activity Day 2

Osupuko Tarangire Lodge

Maasai Culture & Lake Manyara National Park

Activity Day 3

Africa Safari Karatu

Into the Iconic Serengeti

Activity Day 4

Thorn Tree Camp

Full Day Game Drive in the Serengeti

Activity Day 5

Thorn Tree Camp

Scenic Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Activity Day 6

Bougainvillea Safari Lodge

Safari in the Ngorongoro Crater

Activity Day 7

Pricing

Detailed Price Information

Overview Tour

7 Days / 6 Nights

7-Day Pole Pole Experience Northern Parks

From Price

Included

Excluded

Ready to Share

7-Day Pole Pole Experience Northern Parks

Introduction

Highlights

Tarangire National Park

Activity Day 1

Osupuko Tarangire Lodge

Tarangire's untamed beauty

Activity Day 2

Osupuko Tarangire Lodge

Maasai Culture & Lake Manyara National Park

Activity Day 3

Africa Safari Karatu

Into the Iconic Serengeti

Activity Day 4

Thorn Tree Camp

Full Day Game Drive in the Serengeti

Activity Day 5

Thorn Tree Camp

Scenic Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Activity Day 6

Bougainvillea Safari Lodge

Safari in the Ngorongoro Crater

Activity Day 7

Pricing

Detailed Price Information

Overview Tour

7 Days / 6 Nights

7-Day Pole Pole Experience Northern Parks

From Price

Included

Excluded