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 | |
|---|---|---|
| $11,220 + air | SOLD OUT Aug 26-Sep 5, 2025 | SOLD OUT |
| $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
I’m quite pleased with my first experience with David McGuffin tour company. The itinerary was spot on - from sites (expected tourist highlights to less known treasures) to hotels (especially Barr Na Straide) & restaurants (Rinuccini❣️) to planned time balanced with free time. And our guide David Grey was THE BEST! David is respectful, thorough, flexible, & a wealth of knowledge and all the while just being plain fun. As my late mother would say, “he’s a keeper.”
We were a family of 5 with three adults and two children 7 and 9. In London we had great food, site seeing and special moments like tea at Harrods, seeing Wicked live and a trip to Harry Potter WB studio experience as well as a trip to Abbey Road for a photo moment. We rode The Eye, boats, busses and the subway. John and Audra guided us expertly . On to Paris via train and more wonderful sites and food. We absolutely loved the Eiffel Tower both from the top and from the river. Spectacular experience of seeing the lights coming on at dusk. Took a cooking class and it was fantastic. The macarons were delicious. Lots of walking. This hotel was convenient to transportation but room too small for a family. All the hotels had delicious breakfasts. Flew to Rome and the hotel there was very nice. Very hot here but enjoyed all the sites and food. No water in Trevi Fountain but lots of other things to enjoy. Had a wonderful memorable time. Came home exhausted but with lots of lasting memories. Thanks to David, Leslie John and Audra for a trip of a lifetime.
The trip to Ireland was just GREAT. David McGuffin Exploring Europe really provides a very nice itinerary and very comfortable everything, very nice hotels, great food, highlighted places and experiences. The part I liked best was David the personal full time tour guide, he was exceptional. The company took care of all of the details like where to go, where to stay, all attraction payments, the beautiful motorcoach. All we had to do is relax and enjoy. And what a great group of people. It couldn't have been better!
My wife and I traveled to Italy last month for David’s “Essence of Italy” tour and we had a great time. Traveling with David and Charlotte was so much easier not having to worry about our hotel, food, and transportation arrangements.
Due to the Jubilee and the Pope’s death, Rome was extremely crowded. We missed the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter’s Basilica because of the Conclave. We plan on returning to Rome with David to see these sites.
The train ride to Cinque Terre was fun with a lot to see. Once there, we were able to visit a few of the five villages using local trains. The views of the mountain villages next to the ocean were fantastic.
Our next stop was to the hilltown of Volterra in Tuscany. Now I know why David calls Volterra one of his favorite places. It’s really beautiful and has a lot of history. We would never have thought of visiting some of the locations David took us.
We finished our trip visiting Siena and Florence. The museums, Cathedrals, and famous historical sites were great to see.
Traveling with David, Charlotte and our group was very enjoyable. We have already booked our next trip with David in 2026.
Essence of Italy 10 days our first David McGuffin Tour and we were thankful to have David and Charlotte with us on this tour. Rome was quite the experience 2 full days of site seeing with the Vatican, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain to name a few all so beautiful, but a little over whelming with the crowds.
Our hotels in every location were quaint and lovely! Not having A/C is some of them was an adjustment , I definitely recommend you bring the portable fan that David mentions to bring we used it.
We really enjoyed our small group 10 people including our guides it was perfect. We had so much fun at our group dinners having a guide for the restaurants was definitely a plus, as well as what food to order.
Cinque Terre- Monterosso was my favorite village and Volterra the Tuscany area was also a favorite of ours! The tour guides in Rome (Guilai was amazing) and Volterra were informative and enjoyable as well as David and Charlottes information on each area.
We packed just like David suggested and we didn’t have any issues or problems handling our own luggage but we did do laundry once while there. David’s tour prep instructions were spot on.
We had the most enjoyable time making new friends and seeing beautiful Italy our next adventure is hopefully Greece!