This 8 day Tanzania Simba Safari visits 4 of Tanzania’s top safari parks. Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire National Parks on this Tanzania northern circuit road safari.
The Simba Safari remains Tanzania’s most popular tour programs. Traveling in four-wheel-drive safari vehicles throughout with top English-speaking driver-guides, the safari visits all four of the country’s top parks. This scheduled small group trip is guaranteed for a minimum of 2 clients. It can also operate on a private basis with exclusive vehicle departing any day.
For the Tanzania Simba Safari scheduled departures there are 2 budget options. Option A primarily uses Serena lodges; while Option B is more affordable accommodation. Tanzania Simba Safari Option A departs on Fridays and Option B departs on Saturdays.
Starting Point – Kilimanjaro International Airport
Ending Point – Kilimanjaro International Airport
Arrival may be at any time on day 1. Please note that the earliest check-in time is 2 pm.
The earliest departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport on the last day of the safari should be after 5 pm.
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Tanzania Simba Safari Itinerary
Day 1
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, transfer to the hotel.
Option A: Arusha Serena Hotel on bed and breakfast basis (excludes other meals, drinks and laundry)
Option B: Forest Hill Lodge on bed and breakfast basis (excludes other meals, drinks and laundry) from 31st May 2024*
*prior to that, Ilboru Safari Lodge
Day 2
Morning at leisure with optional activities (payable direct). Safari briefing and lunch at the hotel. Then depart to Tarangire National Park. As you make your way out of Arusha, you leave the busy city behind. And the landscape gives way to vast plains dotted with grass thatched huts. It will be common to see young children tending to herds of cattle and sheep. In the distance, the imposing wall of the Great Rift rises from the horizon. Once you pass the park gate, you begin game viewing as you make your way to the lodge. Arriving for dinner and overnight.
Option A: Tarangire Sopa Lodge on full board basis (excludes laundry and drinks)
Option B: Burunge Tented Lodge in a tented room on full board basis (excludes laundry and drinks)
Tarangire National Park
The park gets it’s name from the Tarangire River which runs through it. It is known for its large herds of elephants and diverse wildlife. Tarangire covers an area of 2,850 square kilometers. It is home to over 550 bird species. As well as lions, leopards, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and many more animals. The park is also known for its baobab trees and picturesque views of the Maasai Steppe and the Rift Valley. It is a popular destination for wildlife safaris and outdoor adventure activities.
Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Hidden among the kopjes, lies Tarangire Sopa Lodge, surrounded by ancient baobab trees. Spacious and airy with marble floors, the lobby has glass sliding doors that open out to a veranda. Where one can relax and enjoy the view. The ceiling has a wooden finishing. And the décor with plants in strategic places, gives it a feeling of total relaxation. Much needed after the long and dusty drive to the lodge. There is also a swimming pool for those that want to take a refreshing dip.
The lodge boasts 75 spacious rooms, all with a private lounge on entering with a mini bar. Each room has 2 queen size beds with a mosquito net around them. Ceiling fans keep the rooms cool and glass sliding doors open out onto a balcony. With a great view of the landscape beyond, and sometimes wildlife.
Burunge Tented Lodge
Situated on the shores of Lake Burunge, Burunge Tented Lodge is only 10-minute drive away from Tarangire National Park. By road, the route takes approximately 2 hours, from Arusha. It sits in the migratory corridor of Manyara and Tarangire.
Burunge Tented Lodge consists of 30 x Luxury Tents and 10 x Lodge Rooms. Nestled in a shady bush land grove, with spectacular views onto Lake Burunge. It is just 10 minutes away from Tarangire National Park. All rooms at Burunge Tented Lodge offer large beds with mosquito netting, and en-suite bathrooms with built in showers. They also have private verandas with views of Tarangire National Park and Burunge Lake. Rooms have a bedside table and bedside light, luggage rack, dressing table and safari chairs. Electric lighting is provided through solar power.
Burunge Tented Lodge offers both refreshing outdoor and cozy indoor dining. The main building offers a central lounge and bar/dining area built on a raised wooden deck. This elevated platform is the ideal venue to watch the lakeshore. Waiting for the animals that come to drink there. Or, to relax and enjoy a sundowner whilst the sun disappears over the lake.
Day 3
Morning game drive and lunch at the lodge in Tarangire. Then depart to Lake Manyara National Park. Arriving at your lodge perched above the Rift Valley escarpment overlooking the park for dinner and overnight.
Option A: Lake Manyara Serena Lodge on full board basis (excludes laundry and drinks)
Option B: Manyara Lakeview Oasis in a Standard Tented Room or Cottage on full board basis (excludes laundry and drinks)
Lake Manyara National Park
The park is named after Lake Manyara, a shallow alkaline lake that is a prominent feature of the park. It covers an area of 330 square kilometers and is known for its diverse wildlife. Including large herds of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, baboons. And various species of antelope. Also home to tree-climbing lions, a behavior that is rarely observed in other areas of Africa. In addition to its wildlife, it is a bird watchers paradise. With over 400 bird species recorded, including flamingos, pelicans, storks, and various birds of prey. The terrain varies from dense forests to open grassy plains. And the views of the Great Rift Valley and the surrounding landscapes are breath-taking. It is a popular destination for wildlife safaris and bird watching tours.
Day 4
Morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. Return to the lodge for lunch. Depart for Serengeti National Park. Once you pass the Naabi Gate; the gateway to Serengeti National Park, you game view en route to the lodge. Arriving for dinner and overnight.
Option A: Serengeti Serena Lodge on full board basis (excludes laundry and drinks)
Option B: Serengeti Kati Kati in Standard Tents on full board basis (excludes laundry and drinks)
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park covers an area of approximately 14,750 square kilometers. It is known for its vast Savannah grasslands, iconic wildlife, and annual wildebeest migration. The park is home to the “big five” animals. Lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceros, and Cape buffaloes. As well as cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and many other species of mammals and birds. The annual wildebeest migration is where over a million wildebeest and other herbivores migrate in search of greener pastures. It is one of the most spectacular natural events in the world. The park is also home to the Maasai people. Who have lived in the area for centuries and still practice their traditional way of life. Serengeti National Park is a popular destination for wildlife safaris and hot air balloon safaris. And its stunning landscapes and wildlife attract visitors from all over the world.
Serengeti Serena Lodge
Set high on the saddle of a tree-clad ridge, commanding panoramic views across the Serengeti. This lodge is the ultimate fusion of traditional African architecture and world-class style. And winner of numerous awards from the world travel press.
It is centrally located adjacent to the famous Western Corridor and Grumeti River. The lodge blends completely into the living landscape. A series of traditional domed ‘rondavels’ are widely spaced throughout the grounds. On the very edge of the ridge is a infinity pool that looks out over the ‘endless plains’.
The lodge showcases the cultural performance, heritage, and traditional art. Best illustrated by the lavish Makonde carvings which decorate both the rooms and the stunning domed dining room.
Serengeti Kati Kati Camp
Kati Kati is a mobile camp strategically situated in central Serengeti. Ideal for exploring the extensive Serengeti plains. The camp offers comfortable accommodation. Together with the unique opportunity to enjoy a real safari experience under canvas. In its comfortable tents one will feel completely immersed in the surroundings. And can enjoy the rich animal life and vegetation of the area.
Day 5
Morning and afternoon game drives with meals and overnight at the lodge.
OPTIONAL Shared Hot Air Balloon Safari
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 enjoy your shared bush breakfast. You then return to your camp or lodge.
Please note that the cost is NOT included in the tour cost.
Option A: Serengeti Serena Lodge on full board basis (excludes laundry and drinks)
Option B: Serengeti Kati Kati in Standard Tents on full board basis (excludes laundry and drinks)
Day 6
Depart the lodge and game view as you make your way to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. A picnic lunch box is enjoyed en route. Arrive at your lodge perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater for the afternoon at leisure, dinner and overnight.
Option A: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on full board basis (with picnic lunch box) (excludes laundry and drinks)
Option B: Tloma Lodge in Standard Rooms on full board basis (with picnic lunch box) (excludes laundry and drinks)
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Crater, ‘The eighth wonder of the world’, is home to an estimated 30,000 animals. Making it one of the most densely populated wildlife areas in the world. The area is also home to the Maasai people, who have lived in the area for centuries. And still practice their traditional way of life. In addition to the wildlife, the area is known for its stunning landscapes. Including the Ngorongoro Crater, the Olduvai Gorge, and the Empakai Crater. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers a unique biosphere, which has remained virtually unchanged since the dawn of time. And is a popular destination for wildlife safaris and outdoor adventure activities.
Day 7
Early departure and descend to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. You game drive in this paradise. As it is only 102 square miles and has a resident wildlife population of more than 30,000 mammals, there is a great chance that you might see all of the big five. A picnic lunch box is provided at a scenic location within the floor of the crater. In the afternoon, you return to the rim of the crater and continue to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Option A: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on full board basis (with picnic lunch box) (excludes laundry and drinks)
Option B: Tloma Lodge on full board basis (with picnic lunch box) (excludes laundry and drinks)
Day 8
Those awake early enough will be able to enjoy the sunrise across the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Following breakfast, you depart the lodge and begin your journey back to Arusha. Arriving in the city for lunch (excludes drinks). Then transfer to Kilimanjaro International or Arusha Airport for your departure flight.
Tanzania Simba Safari Option B Tour Rates | Per Person Sharing | Single Supplement |
| 1st January to 31st March 2024 | $3250 | $530 |
| 1st April to 24th May 2024 | $2940 | $355 |
| 25th May to 31st October 2024 | $3255 | $545 |
| 1st November to 8th December 2024 | $3075 | $450 |
| 9th to 31st December 2024 | $3245 | $510 |
Child rates available on request.
Christmas and Easter supplements apply.
The single supplement rate excludes $110 for single transfers (if no-one else booked)
Tanzania Simba Safari Cost Includes
Landside meet and greet services
Transfers as specified
Transport for safari sector in 4×4 vehicles on a shared basis with maximum 6 passengers per vehicle
Guaranteed window seats
Services of experienced bilingual English-speaking driver-guides on the scheduled (seat-in-vehicle) safaris. Languages including Spanish, French, German and Italian are available on request and subject to availability
Game drives and activities as specified in the itinerary
All accommodation and meals as specified
All park fees and government taxes (except Zanzibar Infrastructure Tax where applicable)
Filtered water will be provided in safari vehicles. Please bring reusable water bottles.
Tanzania Simba Safari Cost Excludes
International and regional flights (except where specified)
Airport taxes except on tickets we issue
Passport and visa fees
Zanzibar Infrastructure Tax (where applicable)
Hot air balloon safaris
Driver-guide gratuities
Dining rooms tips and porterage
Personal travel, baggage, and medical insurance
Drinks, Laundry, Telephone bills and any items of a personal nature (except where specified)
Park, reserve, and concession fees used in these rates are based on current information. Should there be increases in these fees, the increase will be passed on to clients.
We are still working on this and have many more Tanzania safaris available if you get in touch with us.
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