TANZANIA SERENGENTI SAFARI in 11 Days

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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 in August 2025 or 2026 as I 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.

PRICE FROMDATES
$11,220 + airAug 26-Sep 5, 2025“Waitlist”
$11,220 + airAug 25-Sep 4, 2026“Waitlist”

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 (April 28, 2025).

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
  • TXT – take a photo with your smartphone and TXT to 904-612-8149

Testimonials & Reviews of our Tours

 by Emma from St. Paul MN- The Best of Greece Tour - October 2024 on David McGuffin's Tours to Greece
Unforgettable Experience

My best friend and I just returned from the Best of Greece + Santorini tour in October 2024. First, it was the perfect time to go--much less crowed and we had perfect weather! Charlotte, our guide, was so kind and fun to travel with. We loved all the historical sites (and the site licensed guides were all phenomenal! We learned so much and they told great stories), and all the beaches/towns we went to were gorgeous. Delphi was unbelievable, I never would have thought to go to Nafplio on my own but it was a gem, and Hydra was adorable. The catamaran trip at the end in Santorini had to be postponed one day due to winds but when we went the next day, it was an unforgettable experience. From the local places for dinners to cute hotels, we wouldn't have wanted to travel any other way!

 by Phil from Green Cove Springs , FL - The Best of Italy Tour- October 2024 on David McGuffin's Tours to Italy
Fantastic 15 days Italy

Best of Italy 15 days for our 50th wedding anniversary ! Our first McGuffin tour. More to plan next trip. ! We were well taken care of and teamed up with 5 folks from the Denver area, Great small group.

Our guide Ilaria was excellent, well organized and detailed. Great personality and took extra good care of us by avoiding the tourist traps, selecting great restaurants off the beaten path.

Rome was overwhelming and breathtaking, hard to comprehend the history, we were glad to get out of the city and tour the smaller towns.

The hotels were first class and close enough to transportation but off the beaten path. Group dining was fun and educational as Ilaria explained the local cuisine and customs.

The wow moment was the Vatican and Basilica and seeing The David. So much to take in.

David's tour information prepared us well and by the time we departed we felt confident and well informed. We also had many daily PDF downloads to brief us on the days activities.

It was a lot of walking but we came home in great shape, exhausted but in a good way. Did not get to hear a lot of music which we wanted , there were opportunities on our free days but i did not plan ahead well for that,. We did find a couple of laundries which helped.

All in all we would go again in a heartbeat ! The preparation, the planning, guides, hotels, were well worth the cost and a trip of a lifetime. Booking and finding the flights was a bit challenging but we minimized our hops and traveled well with Delta. Security lines and checkpoints were numerous and lengthy at times.

One night we were booked into a penthouse suite in the LIDO ! overlooking Venice ! Many thanks for a wonderful trip and making new friends along the way. Thank you David,. ! Germany is next !

 by Amber - Terrell, TX on David McGuffin's Tours to Scotland and Wales
Great Fun With David

Castles, Trefriw mill, slate mine, ferries, trains, wine & cheese bar Scotland & Wales had it all and did not disappoint, plus we made a friend - Shout out to Evelyn. We had David all to ourselves for this trip, lucky us! Lets start.......
Edinburgh is a city but small and quite in the area we stayed in, loved the atmosphere of the restaurants and shops plus how many people can say the have been to a still lived in Royal Castle - Holyrood Palace.
Seeing my husbands face as he gazed upon St Andrews golf course in all it's beauty made me so happy for him, along with the cathedral to visit St Andrews is a quaint little town with very friendly people.
This tour is not only fun and entertaining but also a history lesson for all.
The little town of Pitlochery was one of my favorites, so clean, friendly, great shopping! Culloden Battlefield is historically haunting as you walk the grounds and visit the museum you get a true sense of how loyal the Jacobites were to their cause.
I never thought a giant catapult (Urquhart Castle) would hold my attention for so long but the thought of how genius it was to have built such a massive structure the way they did back in the day truly had me in awe, not to mention the castle is still so intact for the time period.
We unfortunately didn't see Nessie while on Loch Ness either but we ate and drank some fabulous seafood.
How many people can say they have walked in an 800 yr old Abbey, as a Christian I felt honored to see where the Book of Kells was written and speak with a nun who still lives in Iona. Iona was breath taking it it's self, I could have easily retreated to this island for a couple of weeks, I feel like to have to have visited here to know what that means. So remote and removed from today's world.
Our last few nights we stayed at Groes Inn in Northern Wales, while remote it doesn't disappoint in any way. Great wine selection and beautiful rooms help make this small inn fell homey and welcoming.
My husband and I both were extremely fascinated with visiting the Trefriw woolen mill seeing how they step by step make blankets, pillow covers etc....I truly appreciate the hard work that goes into making these now.
We got to travel on a steam engine train, first time for both of us and visit a slate mine. When you think your job is hard just research working in a slate mine and you will understand the hard dangerous work men put into their jobs trying to support their families.
Our last night with David we ate at an old church that had been renovated into a restuarant but they had left the pipe organs hanging, so beautiful and the food was great too. I could continue and go on and on about more but really you need to book this trip for yourself to see exactly what Scotland and Wales have to offer you. Stop hesitating and do it.

 by Charlie from Saint Johns FL on David McGuffin's Custom & Speciality Tours
2024 St Johns Festival Band UK

Saint Johns Festival Band UK tour, 30 June - 8 July 2024.

From Glasgow to Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands to the Lake District, and onto Liverpool (and Wales!) for our performance, this was an absolute grand tour of the UK. With a group of 51 students, parents, and band leadership, this was by all means a major event. David and his team executed with flawless precision! If you are thinking about a custom event, David McGuffin's Exploring Europe is your solution!! David puts you where you want to be, coordinates movement, lodging, food, experiences, and even schedules private events; this was an absolutely amazing turnkey experience that will never be forgotten!

Thank you to David and all the Exploring Europe staff who made this happen!!

Charlie, Carly, Grant, and Reid

 by Lee Satsum on David McGuffin's Tours to Ireland
Great way to become acquainted with Ireland

Our whole family went on the trip including four of us who had never been before. We are planning another trip soon.

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