TANZANIA SERENGENTI SAFARI in 11 Days
The idea of Exploring Beyond Europe has been on my mind for the last few years. We’ve become close friends with a few folks who, like us, promote tours at Travel and Adventure Shows all over the United States. Through them, Charlotte and I have gleaned an appreciation for destinations beyond the USA and Europe. A few years ago, our friends invited us to visit the Serengeti in Tanzania. They were in the final stages of constructing a luxury safari camp. They asked us to see and experience Tanzania, go on game drives and Safari, and provide some feedback about their safari camp, which was due to open in a few weeks. We went and were blown away by the experience!
Hence, the beginning of Exploring Beyond Europe! I hope you’ll consider joining Charlotte and me we get out of Europe for a few weeks and share Africa with a special group of friends. I hope you’ll be one of them!
Our tour begins in Arusha, in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, where you’ll have a restful evening at a resort to acclimate to Tanzania. Then, we are off for a 9-day adventure beginning with the Ngorongoro Crater and the nomadic Maasai people. Enjoy a peek into their culture and homeland, and experience your first opportunity to see the wildlife. Leaving the lofty crater, we will ride down to the Serengeti Plain and set up for five nights at the Dancing Duma Luxury Safari Camp. We’ll venture out with local guides on a game drive safari in Land Rovers/Cruisers each day. Unlike other safari companies, who pack eight or more people in these vehicles, we insist on four people per vehicle, providing a roomy and pleasurable safari experience. In the evening, unwind in luxurious, eco-friendly safari camps in the middle of the wild. Then, settle into comfy-soft beds to drift to sleep to the sounds of the Serengeti. Later, we will drive to the Northern Serengeti to experience the “great migration,” where wild animals race across the Mara River while crocodiles lay in wait. After a quick flight, we will return to Arusha and our resort for an afternoon of sightseeing, shopping, and relaxation.
THIS EXCLUSIVE SAFARI EXPERIENCE IS LIMITED TO 12 PARTICIPANTS.
COMFORTABLE TOURING WITH 4 PEOPLE PER SAFARI GUIDE & VEHICLE.
| PRICE FROM | DATES | |
|---|---|---|
| $11,559 + air | 2027 Aug 24-Sep 3 |  |
The Wildlife
Tanzania, Africa, is undoubtedly one of the premier wildlife safari destinations in the world. This tour is set during the prime “Great Migration” period of the Maasai Mara river crossing when thousands of wildebeest and zebra risk everything to cross the crocodile-infested waters between Kenya and Tanzania.
Lions, Elephants, Giraffes, Zebras, Leopards, Hippopotamuses, Cape Buffaloes, Rhinos, and much more are all possibilities to not only see and photograph but also watch in action. We guarantee wild animals in action every day of the tour. Our local guides are experts at knowing where to go for the action.
Based in the heart of the Serengeti, you’ll see the best wildlife in the world. You WILL see wildlife, and you WILL have many opportunities to get up close to the action, all the while remaining safely inside your safari vehicle.
We know our safari guides; they have become our friends. You will have the best of the best in scouting and knowledge to get us right into the thick of the wildlife action. Each day, we will leave early in the morning and come back to camp near sunset. This is not a run-of-the-mill safari tour where you travel in big groups and sleep out of the wildlife areas. You are guaranteed a genuinely premier experience dedicated to getting you to the wildlife and in the best positions to see and photograph it.
The Culture
Arriving in Arusha for the first time, I was definitely in culture shock. But it did not take me long to realize and appreciate the people, their customs, and way of life. Out in the bush, you’ll have opportunities to talk with and learn from the local guides, camp workers, and their families. In the Ngorongoro Crater, you can experience cultural exchanges with members of the nomadic and pastoral Maasai tribe.
The Accommodations
The Dancing Duma, our luxury camp in the central Serengeti, is brand new and top-notch. That is why Charlotte and I traveled to Africa last year. Situated in the heart of the Serengeti, The Dancing Duma has spacious and beautiful guest tents to welcome couples or two guests in separate beds. There are also large “family” style tents with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a lounge area in the middle. It’s the perfect solution for a family or even a group traveling together.
Each tent in the Dancing Duma camp has running hot and cold water, a shower, flush toilets, electric lights, outlets, and netted windows with curtains that provide 360-degree views of the Serengeti. Of course, each tent also has comfortable beds ready for you to rest and revive for the next day. Each tent includes a desk and chair as well as a lounge area to sit and relax, read, or hang out. In addition to these amenities, guests can enjoy a private outdoor teak wood deck to unwind, breathe fresh air, and appreciate the stunning surroundings.
Additionally, you will stay at the Rivertrees Resort, in Arusha, and the Marera View Lodge, in the Ngorongoro Crater. These are purpose-built and permernent properties with resort ammenities. All offer five-star service and accommodations.
The Dining
You’ll meet amazing personal chefs at our camps who create 4-star dining experiences. Meals are served in the luxury dining tent overlooking the Serengeti. Not only is the food exceptional, but the environment and views are, as well. You’ll enjoy relaxing in the “Rafiki lounge/bar tent” at the Dancing Duma. After a full day out in the wild, enjoy some leisure time with a bar set up, beautiful sofas, and chairs, making a comfortable place to sit and gaze out at the Serengeti from a private deck. Then, after dinner, sit by the campfire and watch the sun sink below the horizon as we all talk of the day’s adventures!
The Itinerary
DAY 1—We’ll begin our adventure in Arusha this afternoon/evening. Plan to arrive at Kilimanjaro (JRO) by 19:00 local time. We will set up for the night at Rivertrees Resort near Arusha.
https://rivertrees.com/. Dinner will be on your own at Rivertrees Restaurant.
DAY 2—Sleep in a bit; we will have a leisurely morning before our departure from Rivertrees Resort en route to Karatu. Enjoy a restful evening and overnight at Marera View Lodge or equivalent.
https://mareraviewlodge.com Driving: 3.5 hours. Breakfast and Dinner included.
DAY 3 – Safari and Game Drive at the Ngorongoro Crater. This intact volcanic crater is the largest on Earth and is the natural habitat for some of the largest mammals in Africa. Safari Game Drive: 6 hours. Overnight: Marera View Lodge. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
DAY 4 – Enjoy sightseeing at several important Tanzania locations today. First, we will visit the Olduvai Gorge, a paleoanthropological site known for some of the oldest human evidence on Earth. Then, we will visit a Maasai village to learn about their nomadic and pastoral culture. Later, we will enter the Shifting Sand Conservation Area, one of the world’s most spectacular moving ash dunes. Arriving at the Dancing Duma Premium Tented Safari Camp, you’ll settle in for the next five nights and enjoy! Driving: 4 hours. Overnight: Dancing Duma https://www.dancingduma.com/. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
DAY 5 – Relax this morning and take in the Dancing Duma Camp. This afternoon, experience the wildlife of the Serengeti on a guided Safari Game Drive. You’ll ride in private safari vehicles with a maximum of four passengers. Return to camp at sunset for free time, relaxation, and dinner. Safari Game Drive: 2-3 hours. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Overnight: Dancing Duma.
DAY 6 – The next two days will be filled with adventure on the Serengeti in search of the “Big Five,” Lion, Leopard, Rhinoceros, Elephant, and African Buffalo. In addition, we will encounter countless varieties of small game, antelope, zebra, and wildebeest. Safari Game Drive: 6 Hours. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Overnight: Dancing Duma.
DAY 7 – Repeat the previous day in another area of the National Park. Safari Game Drive: 6 Hours. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Overnight: Dancing Duma.
DAY 8 – Repeat the previous day in another area of the National Park. Safari Game Drive: 6 Hours. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Overnight: Dancing Duma.
DAY 9 – We will leave the Serengeti and head north to the Masia Mara River crossing area. Enjoy a safari game drive along the way. Driving: 6 hours. Breakfast and Dinner. Overnight in the Masia Mara River Region.
DAY 10—Today is the big day! Experience close-up encounters of the “Great Migration” as zebra and wildebeest race across the Mara River while crocodiles lay in wait. Indeed, it is a sight to behold and, for most, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Safari Game Drive: 6 hours. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Overnight in the Masia Mara River Region.
DAY 11—This morning, we will say goodbye to the bush with a flight back to Arusha, where we will enjoy some final shopping and sightseeing. You will have a room for the day at Rivertrees Resort before boarding your flight home. Flight: 1.5 hours. Day room accommodations at Rivertrees Resort.
Itinerary specifics are subject to change.
The Inclusions
David and Charlotte McGuffin will be your personal tour escorts.
Top-notch professional Drivers & Guides to enhance your Safari experiences.
Land transportation in customized 4-wheeled Drive Safari vehicles.
Unlimited mileage in safari vehicles.
Guaranteed window seating in safari vehicles.
Maximum of four passengers per safari vehicle.
Flight from Mara River to Arusha.
Accommodations, as mentioned in the itinerary, are in double/twin occupancy.
Limited single rooms are available for an additional cost.
Meals as noted in the itinerary.
Tips are included for all Safari Camp restaurant staff.
Complimentary bottled drinking water throughout your Safari.
National Park admission and safari fees.
David’s extensive preparation materials include tips, packing lists, trip expectations, and tipping guidelines.
Daily Safari briefings and information.
And much more!
The Exclusions
Flights to and from Tanzania.
Comprehensive Trip insurance. We strongly recommend comprehensive insurance for tour.
Medical Evacuation insurance is require for all visitors to Tanziania. ~$50.
Airline-imposed fuel surcharges.
Airline-imposed seat assignment and checked baggage fees
Fee for passports or immunizations (immunizations not required for entry).
Tanzania Visa Fees = $100 USD
Meals and expenses en route to Tanzania.
Emergency evacuation or hospitalization.
Beer, wine, spirits, and soda during the tour.
Laundry, phone, internet, and personal items
Tips for guides, drivers, and camp staff (~$30/day for driver/guides).
Extras and optional activities (such as hot-air balloon flight).
NOTE– United States Dollars are the only currency accepted in Tanzania. CASH is king, so come with plenty of it – in your moneybelt, of course.
The Deposit & Payments
PAYMENT SCHEDULE AND PROCESSES
To reserve a seat on this tour you must agree to these Tour Conditions and provide us with a deposit of $3000 per person. We accept credit cards, personal checks, bank drafts, and money orders made payable to David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe (in US dollars). If you sign up for a tour less than 120 days before its departure, the entire tour price must be paid, and is non-refundable after 7 days.
DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS:
A $3000 deposit is required at sign-up.
This deposit is non-refundable seven (7) days after we confirm your tour enrollment via email.
Final payment is due 120-days before departure date.
CANCELLATIONS:
Your $3000 deposit is non-refundable.
119-0 days before departure – Your entire tour cost is non-refundable.
Cancellations will be effective when the written notification is received at David McGuffin›s Exploring Europe by mail, e-mail, or fax.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We cannot require you to purchase comprehensive travel insurance, but we highly encourage you to do so. Comprehensive travel insurance covers tour cancellations, emergency medical, and other unexpected events. Either Cancel For A Covered Reason or Cancel For Any Reason is acceptable. More insurance information available here: https://davidmcguffin.com/travel-insurance/
Sign Up by Email or Post
You may download a Safari Tour Application and send/mail it to us with payment information or a check.
-OR-
You may return it by:
- FAX 1-800-570-1351
- Email – info@davidmcguffin.com
- Email – take a photo of the form with your smartphone and attach it to an email
Testimonials & Reviews of our Tours
Thank you so much for such a lovely trip! I certainly enjoyed your guidance and care. The manner of care that you and Charlotte gave us was outstanding in every way. I, especially, appreciated your patience in my being so slow and tiring easily. After having fallen the week before the trip, I was so nervous that I would fall again.
The tours on our day trips to Florence and the other small towns gave such a wonderful insight into the history and culture of Italy.
My favorite place was Marcampo and meeting Claudia and her mom. The cooking class and the evening wine sharing were a highlight. Volterra had so much history I've never heard before. The views were so dramatic. Your selection of good restaurants took the worry out of finding a decent place to eat which all of my meals were excellent.
Your sharing somewhere special to you made the whole experience a lifetime event for me. I felt like family. You both are so very special in just being you!! Thanking you again for such a unique experience!
First, I would like to say that the Best of Ireland 12-day tour we took from October 12-24, 2025, was really fantastic. The itinerary was perfect for the opportunity to see all the “must see” sights in Ireland. The start of the tour in Belfast is a wise choice; it gave us the opportunity to end the trip in Dublin after seeing to country which gave a better perspective of the history of the island.
The hotels were perfect in that they were located in the cities which made it possible to explore around the towns then have dinner and drinks.
Finally, and most important, our tour guide and driver, David Grey, was absolutely wonderful.
I cannot say enough kind words and accolades about David. The tour would not have been as memorable without his sense of humor, great insights and his general caring of us as guests in his country. It was an honor and a privilege to get to know David. David took the time to get to know all his guests and would ask us what our interests and needs were.
David also stopped at a few places not on the itinerary which allowed us a better insight into the country. It was great to see the bridge from the John Wayne movie, The Quiet Man, and visiting St. Brigid’s Well in Liscannor was memorable.
I mentioned to David in passing how I would like to try some poteen after having a drink in Kilkenny. David went out of his way to obtain some local poteen for all the tour guests to have a toast after our memorable Italian dinner. It was one of the highlights of our trip.
It was our great pleasure to travel with David & Charlotte for the 3rd time. Our tour which began in Budapest, Hungary ended in Dubrovnik, Croatia. This tour was atypical as we began w a bus and boarded a yacht halfway through. Budapest was nice, but the Croatian island ports were stunning. Plitvice National Park and the tour with a ranger was a highlight as well. We absorbed a remarkable amount of history and saw vineyards, a century's old winery and midieval villages. We traveled with a group of 8 friends and family which was an added bonus! It was also wonderful to be hosted on this tour by our new Croatian friends, Kruno & Suzanna! Thanks again, David!
My husband and I toured southern Ireland and Scotland. It was a celebration of our 30th anniversary. I know many have mentioned David Grey but he was amazing His flexbility , knowledge and overall character made the trip. We also enjoyed the Scotland driver- Ian who had a wonderful personality . The group dinner selections did not disappoint. Amazing food . We felt like we saw so much of both countries and enjoyed having it all planned where to go .
This was my first tour with David, likely not my last. We traversed incredible sites in Sicily. David made it easy, with informative dialogue and guides, and an outstanding driver, Paolo.