The Grand Traverse

Ten days across the full breadth of northern Tanzania

From the elephant herds of Tarangire to the crocodile-lined banks of the Grumeti River in the Western Serengeti, and from the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater to a dawn walk with the Hadzabe at Lake Eyasi. This is for travellers who want to go beyond the standard circuit and see a side of Tanzania most visitors never reach.

Starting from £4,695 per person excluding International Flights.

Fly-in options and Zanzibar beach extensions available.

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A lone ostrich runs on a dirt path in a dry savannah landscape, with a large, leafless tree and scattered bushes in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Herd of wildebeests crossing a river in a savannah landscape with green trees in the background.
Dirt road running through green vegetation in a rural landscape with a distinctive flat-topped tree on the left and distant mountains under a blue sky with clouds.
African elephants grazing on a grassy field near tents in a savanna landscape with trees and distant hills.

  • Your guide meets you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. Rest, acclimatise, and prepare for an early start.

    Accommodation: The African Tulip, Arusha

    Meals: Breakfast

  • You head south to Tarangire - ancient baobabs, red dust, and some of the largest elephant herds in East Africa. A full day's game drive with a picnic lunch in the park before heading to your lodge.

    Accommodation: Korongo Luxury Camp (or Sangaiwe Tented Lodge / Safari View Luxury Camp)

    Meals: Full board

  • A driving day with game viewing from the moment you enter the park. You cross through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend onto the Serengeti plains. You arrive at camp in time for sunset.

    Accommodation: Tukaone Serengeti Camp (or Serengeti Sound of Nature / Canopy Wilderness Camp)

    Meals: Full board

  • No driving to the next destination, no schedule - just a full day in the Central Serengeti with your guide. Early morning and late afternoon drives, with a long break in between. This is where the pace of the trip slows down and the real watching begins.

    Accommodation: Tukaone Serengeti Camp (or Serengeti Sound of Nature / Canopy Wilderness Camp)

    Meals: Full board

  • You leave the central plains and head west towards the Grumeti River and the Western Corridor - a part of the Serengeti that most visitors never see. The landscape changes dramatically, from open grassland to riverine woodland and rocky kopjes. During migration season, this is where the herds face the Grumeti's crocodiles.

    Accommodation: Western Corridor lodge

    Meals: Full board

  • A full day exploring the Grumeti River area. The Western Corridor has a different character to the central plains - denser vegetation, fewer vehicles, and a rawer, more remote atmosphere. Your guide knows the river crossings and the spots where predators wait.

    Accommodation: Western Corridor lodge

    Meals: Full board

  • You head back east through the Serengeti, game viewing as you go. The return drive covers different ground and gives your guide the chance to follow up on anything spotted earlier in the trip. You arrive back at your central camp for a final Serengeti sunset.

    Accommodation: Tukaone Serengeti Camp (or Serengeti Sound of Nature / Canopy Wilderness Camp)

    Meals: Full board

  • A morning game drive before heading east. The landscape shifts from open savannah to rolling green highlands and crater rim views. You arrive at your lodge on the edge of the caldera in the late afternoon.

    Accommodation: Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge (or Kankari Lodge / Country Lodge)

    Meals: Full board

  • An early descent into the crater for a morning of game viewing - lion, elephant, buffalo, and one of Tanzania's best chances of seeing black rhino. After a picnic lunch on the crater floor, you ascend and drive south to Lake Eyasi, arriving at your lodge in time for dinner and an early night.

    Accommodation: Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge

    Meals: Full board

  • The highlight that most people don't expect. You rise before dawn and walk with the Hadzabe - one of the last hunter-gatherer communities on earth - as they begin their morning hunt. It is a quiet, humbling experience that stays with people long after the game drives fade. Afterwards, you transfer back to Arusha for your onward flight - or continue to Zanzibar.

    Meals: Breakfast

What's Included

  • Private guide and vehicle for the duration of the safari

  • All accommodation as listed

  • All meals as specified

  • All national park entry and conservation area fees

  • Ngorongoro Crater descent fee

  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure

  • Unlimited bottled water and on-board refreshments

What's Not Included

  • International flights

  • Tanzanian visa and travel insurance

  • Tips and gratuities (we provide a clear tipping guide)

  • Alcoholic and premium beverages at lodges

  • Optional activities such as a Serengeti hot air balloon safari

  • Fly-in transfers (available on request)

  • Zanzibar beach extension (available on request)

Want to extend your trip?

Learn about our Fly-In Safaris or add a Zanzibar Beach Extension

Enquire About This Trip