We set off after breakfast and descend the Rift Valley escarpment. Our route takes us past small villages and coffee farms toward Lake Manyara National Park. It’s home to the legendary tree climbing lions. On the lakeshore we find herds of hippos next to thousands of flamingoes and other water birds. After a picnic lunch in the park, we climb toward the highlands and the grassy, ferned landscapes of Karatu; the gateway to Ngorongoro. Along the route, the climate cools and terraced farms appear, signaling our arrival at the crater rim. We settle into Endoro Lodge, unwind, and prepare for tomorrow’s big day.

Accommodation: Endoro Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Today we descend into one of the most dramatic wildlife arenas on earth. The crater opens like a green bowl — soda lakes, marshes and plains framed by steep walls. We spend the day tracking lions lazing in shade, spotting black rhino where they still roam, watching hippos in lake margins and scanning for large herds of zebra and wildebeest. We picnic beside a hippo pool, listen to the hush of the crater and return to the rim with time to reflect on the day as the sun softens the slopes.

Accommodation: Endoro Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

We leave the crater highlands behind and head northwest to Tarangire, where the landscape opens into wide plains punctuated by towering baobabs. After a leisurely lunch at the Lodge we head out for an afternoon game drive. Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds and tree-lined river corridors — the golden light across the baobabs makes for wonderful photography and relaxed wildlife encounters.

Accommodation: Tarangire Sopa Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

We take advantage of a full day to explore Tarangire’s different habitats — from riverine thickets to open savanna. Early morning drives often yield big game on the move; mid-day we slow the pace and look for birds, smaller antelope and charismatic baobabs. In the late afternoon we search the floodplain for nocturnal activity and predators preparing for the night.

Accommodation: Tarangire Sopa Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

After a morning game  drive, we say goodbye to Tarangire and journey across gently rolling agricultural country toward Babati for lunch — a market town set beside a shallow lake ringed by papyrus. From there we continue southeast toward Kondoa, watching acacia-dotted horizons and rural villages. In the late afternoon we arrive at the Kolo Hills Reserve, a peaceful wild campsite nestled among low hills where we will dine under stars and fall asleep to the sounds of the bush.

Accommodation: Fly Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

We spend the morning on a short guided walk to Kondoa’s ancient rock-painting shelters. The delicate ochre figures and natural rock chambers tell stories of people and wildlife from centuries past. After lunch back at camp, we drive to Dodoma, crossing open plains and passing charcoal kilns and acacia windbreaks. We arrive at Domiya Estate in time for dinner, ready for a restful night in this verdant winery and estate.

Accommodation: Domiya Estate

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Today is gentle and immersive: we tour Domiya’s wine plantations, learn about local irrigation systems that have transformed the valley, and visit a vinery; Alko Vintages to taste locally produced wines. The slow pace of this day lets us connect with agricultural innovation in Tanzania — vineyards against the backdrop of rounded hills, irrigation canals, and people tending the land. We enjoy full board at the estate and an evening of local cuisine.

Accommodation: Domiya Estate

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

We leave early and track south through increasingly hilly, cooler country. The road meanders through towns, market centers and terraced plots. We stop in Iringa for lunch and a short stretch; the town sits beneath the impressive granite cliffs of the Iringa plateau. From there we continue deeper into wild country, arriving at Ruaha Hilltop Lodge perched on a ridge with vast views across Ruaha National Park — an ideal spot to watch the sunset and listen for distant wildlife calls.

Accommodation: Ruaha Hilltop Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Ruaha offers big skies, sweeping red earth and large concentrations of free-roaming wildlife. We split the day into a cool morning drive, a restful midday at the lodge and an afternoon/evening drive. Expect to see buffalo herds, big elephant herds, and an active predator population against a raw, scenic backdrop of baobabs and kopjes.

Accommodation: Ruaha Hilltop Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

We leave Ruaha and travel east toward Mikumi National Park. The road takes us across remote, scenic stretches with sweeping valleys and occasional small settlements. We arrive in the Mikumi area and have lunch at Vuma Hilltop.  In the afternoon we explore the Park’ wildlife and landscape.

Accommodation: Vuma Hills Tented Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

We take an early game drive in Mikumi often likened to a smaller Serengeti for its open grass plains and approachable wildlife then begin the drive toward Nyerere National Park previously know as Selous National Park. As the landscape shifts we see riverine corridors and green hills. Sable Mountain Lodge sits in a tranquil setting; we arrive mid to late afternoon, enjoy lodge hospitality and a relaxed evening on half board.

Accommodation: Sable Mountain Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

We depart Sable Mountain and move southeast toward the Rufiji River system. The road passes through fertile valleys and small villages; as we approach the Rufiji, the vegetation becomes lusher and more riverine. We arrive at Rufiji River Camp for a riverside lunch and head out for afternoon game drives along the floodplain — a landscape rich with birdlife and large mammals drawn to seasonal waters. Dinner and overnight at Lake Manze tented Camp.

Accommodation: Lake Manze Tented Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Today is one of our most peaceful wildlife days: a morning boat trip along the Rufiji River where we glide past hippos wallowing in pools, watch kingfishers and fish eagles, and take in slow panoramas of palm-lined riverbanks. After a riverside lunch, we enjoy land-based game drives on the floodplains. Common wildlife sightings include the big five, buffalos, hippos, endangered wild dogs, wildebeest and lions, along with plenty of plains game such as zebras, giraffes and a variety of antelopes.

Accommodation: Lake Manze Tented Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

We leave the Rufiji hinterland and head toward the coast. As we descend, the air becomes warmer and the scenery shifts to coastal plains, coconut groves and small fishing villages. We arrive in Dar es Salaam and check into White Sands Hotel Dar, where ocean breezes and a sunset over the Indian Ocean make for a perfect final evening and farewell dinner.

Accommodation: White Sands Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

After a relaxed breakfast we are transferred to Julius Nyerere International Airport for our onward flight home or we can opt for a Zanzibar extension.