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 | Aug 26-Sep 5, 2025 -Sold Out- |  |
| $11,220 + air | Aug 25-Sep 4, 2026 -Limited Seats- |  |
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
My wife and I had travelled with David in Italy twice before doing the Budapest and Croatia Land and Sea tour in September/October 2024. This tour was so much fun because it included a mix of famous destinations (like Budapest and Dubrovnik) with less well known places. For example, if we had tried to explore Croatia independently, we would never have found the historical grain boat ride on the Kupa River. The ride was relaxing, our hosts were entertaining and hospitable, and the meat and cheese boards (served with Croatian wine) were excellent.
Spending a week on land followed by a week traveling by boat offered a pleasant variety to the trip. Also, the people of Croatia are warm and welcoming. Dinner in the countryside with David's Croatian friends was unforgettable!
David, love you man, your the best. Can't wait for the next one.
We left Thanksgiving day for what has become our annual Christmas Markets Tour Vacation with David and Charlotte and a group of friends we have met through out our many trips with EE.
We flew into Munich a couple of days early to get adjusted to the time difference, we love this city and all it has to offer from the beer gardens to the fabulous markets set up throughout the city. Transportation is a breeze using the subway.
We traveled by train to Nurnberg to visit the oldest and most famous Christmas Market, enjoying a tradition german group dinner before heading to Prague. On our way to Prague in our van we stoped at a couple of local markets and had lunch. Once in Prague we were greeted with great weather for our walking tour of the old historic town. Dinner was delicious with authentic pub food in the Jakubsky Obvod area. The next day we walked along the Vltava river bridge after visiting the ST Vitus Cathedral, The Royal Palace an ST George Basilica while the sunshine was a perfect picture day. Now on to my favorite time of our tour VIENNA AUSTRIA! This was by far my favorite place to visit. The autobahn, the city full of beautiful people, Cathedrals, Hofburg Palace, Imperial Apartments, Royal Treasury, Christmas Markets (the food and champagne to die for) cafes, shopping (I bought beautiful fabric to have curtains made) & the restaurants etc....Vienna, I will see you again. Long Live SISI
Final stop was in Budapest and the majestic Danube River. Our night time cruise down the river with its glowing city lights illuminating the Parliament Building is a must see when you visit. Saffron risotto with squid was my favorite meal we had while there too. Thank you David! They have a huge Christmas Market too with different homemade crafts and ornaments to bring home.
My advice is bring a nylon duffle to put all your goodies in to bring back home or you can purchase an extra suitcase like I did, not kidding.
I alway say this but it's true, if you can't have fun with David and Charlotte you're not trying, they are a blast!
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!
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 !