About This Package

The Ultimate Grand Expedition: 17 Days Across Tanzania – From Northern Icons to Ruaha’s Quiet Wilderness

Embark on an extraordinary 17-day mega-expedition traversing the most iconic, diverse, and untouched wilderness areas in Tanzania! Designed for true adventure seekers, wildlife photographers, and discerning travelers, this grand itinerary seamlessly blends the world-famous highlights of the Northern Safari Circuit with the raw, untamed beauty of the Southern Circuit.

Journey from the elephant kingdoms and ancient baobabs of Tarangire, past the flamingo-filled waters of Lake Manyara, into the breathtaking amphitheater of the Ngorongoro Crater, and across the vast golden plains of Serengeti National Park. Then, venture far south into the dramatic, rugged landscapes of Ruaha National Park—a secluded wilderness famous for huge lion prides, rare African wild dogs, and untouched riverine bush.

Why Book This 17-Day Grand Expedition?

* Complete Northern & Southern Tanzania Fusion: Experience the perfect contrast between famous northern parks and the peaceful, uncrowded southern wilderness.
* The Complete Big Five & Rare Species: Unrivaled opportunities to track Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, Elephants, Buffaloes, plus rare African Wild Dogs and Sable Antelopes.
* Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti Savanna: Explore a 600-meter volcanic caldera and spend multiple days tracking big cats and massive migratory herds.
* Ruaha’s Untamed Wilderness: Discover dramatic baobab-studded hills and vast river systems packed with giant lion prides and hippos far away from tourist crowds.
* Unmatched Comfort & Expertise: Travel in custom 4x4 Land Cruisers guided by top-tier multi-lingual safari professionals with premium wilderness lodge accommodations.

Detailed 17-Day Itinerary Overview

Day 1: VIP Arrival in Arusha & Safari Orientation
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Activity: Airport Pick-Up & Hotel Briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), enjoy VIP greetings and a private transfer to your sanctuary in Arusha. Meet your safari team for an in-depth trip orientation followed by a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park (The Baobab Kingdom)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity: Full-Day Game Drive
Set off after breakfast for Tarangire National Park, home to vast elephant families and ancient Baobab trees. Spend the day trailing big game along the Tarangire River before checking into your lodge.

Day 3: Lake Manyara Groundwater Forest & Rift Valley Escarpment
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity: Wildlife Game Drive & Bird Watching
Explore the lush groundwater forests of Lake Manyara National Park. Spot tree-climbing lions, troops of baboons, and thousands of flamingos along the soda lake before relaxing at your escarpment lodge.

Day 4: Scenic Transit to Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley)
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Activity: Highlands Transit & Afternoon Game Drive
Journey through the cool Ngorongoro Highlands into the endless plains of Central Serengeti. Enjoy an afternoon game drive tracking lions on kopjes and cheetahs on the prowl.

Days 5 & 6: In-Depth Central & Western Serengeti Exploration
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity: Full-Day Game Drives & Predator Tracking
Spend two full days exploring the rich Seronera Valley and surrounding migratory corridors. Follow big cat prides, elusive leopards resting in acacia branches, and vast herds of grazers across golden savannas.

Day 7: Sunrise Serengeti Game Drive & Transit to Ngorongoro Rim
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity: Sunrise Safari & Caldera Rim Sunset
Take an early morning game drive in the Serengeti to capture predator action. Afterward, travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for panoramic crater rim sunset views and a cozy fireside dinner.

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Floor Big Five Safari
Meals: Breakfast, Gourmet Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Activity: 600m Caldera Descent & Big Five Safari
Descend 600 meters onto the Ngorongoro Crater floor. Track Black Rhinos, lion prides, and wallowing hippos before enjoying an open-air picnic lunch inside this ancient natural amphitheater.

Day 9: Cultural Swahili Village Experience & Flight/Transit South
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity: Cultural Immersion & Transit Prep
Enjoy an enriching cultural walking tour in Mto wa Mbu village to experience local traditions, artisan crafts, and tropical fruit farms before preparing for the Southern Circuit transit.

Day 10: Journey to Ruaha National Park (Entering the Untamed South)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity: Transit & Wilderness Welcome
Travel south into the wild heart of Tanzania toward Ruaha National Park. Check into your luxury wilderness camp overlooking dramatic river landscapes as night falls over the African bush.

Days 11, 12 & 13: Deep Exploration of Ruaha’s Quiet Wilderness
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity: Full-Day Riverine Safaris & Tracking Big Prides
Spend three full days immersed in Ruaha National Park. Track massive lion prides that hunt along the Great Ruaha River, search for endangered African Wild Dogs, observe giant elephant herds among baobabs, and enjoy dramatic uncrowded wilderness views.

Day 14: Bush Walks & Sunset River Safaris in Ruaha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity: Guided Walking Safari & Sunset Game Drive
Experience the African bush on foot during an early morning guided walking safari led by armed park rangers. In the late afternoon, embark on a picturesque sunset game drive along the riverbanks.

Day 15: Leisure Day in Ruaha Wilderness Sanctuary
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity: Relaxed Wildlife Watching & Spa Comfort
Take a relaxed day at your lodge to unwind, enjoy fine dining, observe wildlife visiting nearby waterholes, and reflect on your grand Tanzanian journey in peaceful solitude.

Day 16: Farewell Ruaha Morning Drive & Scenic Return Transit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity: Final Wildlife Tracking & Travel Transit
Enjoy a final early morning game drive in Ruaha capturing lasting safari photos before taking a scenic drive or flight back toward Arusha or Dar es Salaam.

Day 17: Souvenir Shopping & Departure Transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Activity: Artisan Craft Shopping & Airport Transfer
Enjoy a relaxed morning browsing local craft markets for authentic hand-carved souvenirs and Tanzanian gemstones before taking a private transfer to the airport for your onward flight home!

Book your 17-Day Northern Icons to Ruaha Wilderness Safari today and embark on the ultimate Tanzanian expedition!