Tanzania Groups Tours

10 Days Classic Serengeti Under Canvas

10 Days Classic Serengeti Under Canvas Safari

Experience the wild heart of Tanzania on this 10-day Classic Serengeti Under Canvas safari. Explore the iconic Serengeti National Park, witness the Great Migration (seasonal), track the Big Five, and enjoy exclusive overnight stays in luxury tented camps under the stars. This adventure blends thrilling game drives, cultural encounters, and unforgettable landscapes for the ultimate African safari experience.

Kenya Wildebeest Crossing Best Spots

Safari Highlights

  • Game drives in Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara

  • Witness the Great Migration (seasonal)

  • Track the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino

  • Guided bush walks and birdwatching

  • Stay in luxury mobile tented camps under canvas

  • Cultural visits to Maasai villages

Belief Itinerary

We believe safaris should balance adventure and comfort. This 10-day safari ensures:

  • Personalized guides with expert knowledge

  • Small group sizes for exclusive experiences

  • Immersive wildlife encounters with minimal environmental impact

  • Authentic yet luxurious overnight experiences

Detailed 10-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

  • Activities: Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), meet and greet with your safari guide, then transfer to your lodge in Arusha.

  • Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge

  • Meals: Dinner

  • Highlights: Relax in the tranquil coffee estate, enjoy fresh air, and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park

  • Activities: After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park. Afternoon game drive in this scenic park.

  • Accommodation: Lake Manyara Under Canvas Camp

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  • Highlights: Famous tree-climbing lions, large flocks of flamingos, hippos, and breathtaking views of the Rift Valley escarpment.

Day. 3: Lake Manyara – Ngorongoro Crater

  • Activities: Drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a full-day game drive.

  • Accommodation: Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge Under Canvas

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  • Highlights: Dense wildlife populations including black rhinos, lions, elephants, buffalo, and flamingos on the crater lake.

Day 4: Ngorongoro – Serengeti National Park

  • Activities: Morning drive through the highlands to the Serengeti National Park, with an optional stop at Olduvai Gorge, the cradle of mankind. Afternoon game drive in the Serengeti.

  • Accommodation: Serengeti Under Canvas Camp

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  • Highlights: Stunning landscapes and first encounters with Serengeti’s diverse wildlife.

Days 5–8: Serengeti National Park (Exploration)

  • Activities: Daily morning and afternoon game drives across different regions of the Serengeti.

  • Accommodation: Serengeti Under Canvas Camp

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

  • Highlights:

    • The legendary Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino).

    • Predator tracking – cheetahs and leopards.

    • Seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration (depending on travel month).

  • Extras: Optional hot air balloon safari followed by a champagne breakfast in the wilderness.

Day 9: Serengeti – Arusha

  • Activities: Early morning game drive, then fly/drive back to Arusha. Relax at the lodge and enjoy a farewell dinner.

  • Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge

  • Meals: Breakfast, dinner

  • Highlights: Scenic aerial/road views of the Tanzanian plains.

Day. 10: Departure

  • Activities: Breakfast at the lodge, then transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure.

  • Meals: Breakfast

Travel Guidelines

Best Time to Visit

  • June – October: Dry season, great for wildlife viewing and the Great Migration river crossings.

  • December – March: Calving season in the southern Serengeti, excellent predator action.

Travel Documents

  • Valid passport (at least 6 months validity).

  • Tanzanian Visa – available online or on arrival at JRO (approx. $50 for most nationalities).

  • Yellow Fever Certificate (required if coming from/through an endemic country).

Health & Safety

  • Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended.

  • Carry insect repellent, sunscreen, and a personal first-aid kit.

  • Drink bottled or filtered water only.

Packing Essentials

  • Neutral-colored safari clothing (avoid bright colors/black/blue).

  • Warm layers for chilly mornings/evenings.

  • Binoculars, camera, extra memory cards, power bank.

  • Sturdy walking shoes, hat, sunglasses.

Safari Etiquette

  • Respect wildlife – never feed or disturb animals.

  • Keep noise levels low during game drives.

  • Always follow your guide’s instructions.

Currency & Payments

  • Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency, but USD is widely accepted.

  • Credit cards work in lodges/hotels, but carry cash for tips and small purchases.

Note: All accommodations are subject to availability at the time of booking. Substitutes of similar standard will be offered if necessary.

Safari Inclusive

  • All park fees and conservation charges

  • Guided game drives in 4×4 safari vehicles

  • Luxury under canvas accommodation

  • Meals as indicated

  • Bottled water during game drives

  • Airport transfers

Safari Exclusive

  • International flights to/from Tanzania

  • Travel insurance

  • Visa fees

  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks

  • Personal tips for guides and staff

  • Optional activities (hot air balloon ride, cultural tours)

What to Pack

  • Lightweight safari clothing in neutral colors

  • Warm layers for early mornings/evenings

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

  • Binoculars and camera with extra batteries

  • Personal medications and toiletries

  • Swimsuit (for lodge pools if available)

Travel Guidelines & Important Notes for Tanzania Safaris

We want your Tanzania safari experience to be smooth, safe, and memorable. To help with planning, please take note of the following guidelines and conditions:

1. Flexibility of the Itinerary

  • The program provided is a sample itinerary, tailored to showcase Tanzania’s highlights. It can always be adjusted according to your preferences—whether you wish to extend your stay, change activities, or upgrade accommodations.

  • While we always strive to follow the planned schedule, changes may occur due to weather, road conditions, government regulations, or operational requirements. In such cases, the route or order of activities may be adjusted for your comfort and safety.

2. Seasonal Activities & Advance Booking

  • Some experiences, such as Serengeti Great Migration crossings, depend heavily on seasonal animal movements and cannot be guaranteed.

  • Peak seasons (Christmas, Easter, and school holidays) see high demand, so early booking is strongly recommended to secure preferred lodges, flights, and activities.

3. Accommodation Options

  • For most of our itineraries, we can provide luxury, midrange, or budget accommodation depending on your preferences and budget.

  • All accommodation is carefully selected for comfort, location, and service standards. Availability may vary, but we will always offer the best alternatives.

4. Park Rules & Respect for Nature

  • Tanzania’s national parks have strict conservation guidelines. Guests are required to respect wildlife and follow their guide’s instructions at all times.

  • Feeding or disturbing animals is prohibited. Always maintain a safe distance when viewing wildlife.

  • Park opening hours and regulations must be observed for the safety of both travelers and wildlife.

5. Health & Safety Guidelines

  • A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate may be required if you are traveling from or transiting through a Yellow Fever risk country.

  • We recommend being up-to-date with routine vaccinations (such as tetanus and hepatitis A/B).

  • Malaria prevention is strongly advised—please consult your doctor for medication.

  • Carry a personal medical kit and sufficient supply of prescription medicines.

6. Travel Documents & Visa Requirements

  • A valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your date of entry into Tanzania is required.

  • Most visitors need a tourist visa, which can be obtained online (e-visa) or on arrival at the airport/entry border.

  • Ensure you also carry a copy of your travel insurance policy.

7. What to Pack

  • Light, breathable clothing in neutral colors (avoid bright colors during game drives).

  • Warm sweater/jacket for early morning and evening drives.

  • Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

  • Insect repellent.

  • Comfortable walking shoes and sandals.

  • Swimwear for lodges with pools or Zanzibar extensions.

  • Camera/binoculars for wildlife photography.

  • A reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste.

8. Money & Payments

  • The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US Dollars are widely accepted in lodges, camps, and parks.

  • Carry small denominations in clean, newer USD notes (issued after 2006).

  • Credit cards are accepted in most lodges, but surcharges may apply. ATMs are available in major towns.

9. Responsible Travel

  • We encourage sustainable tourism. Please respect local cultures and communities, ask before taking photos, and support local businesses where possible.

  • Reduce plastic use by carrying a reusable water bottle or shopping bag.

  • Tipping is customary in Tanzania, with guidelines available from your safari consultant.

10. Terms & Conditions

  • By booking a safari, clients accept Pillars of Africa Safaris’ Terms & Conditions of business. These include details on cancellations, payments, liabilities, and service provisions.