8 Days Green Season Offer – Luxury Serena Safari

This eight-day Tanzanian safari promises a blend of luxury, adventure, and jaw-dropping wildlife sightings, all at a special low-season rate. We’ve looked into this offering from Gilmag Safaris to help you decide if it fits your travel dreams.

What immediately catches the eye are the high ratings and glowing reviews—a perfect 5-star from 10 travelers who emphasize the professionalism, knowledgeable guides, and breathtaking views. The luxury Serena properties offer a comfortable base after exciting game drives, making your trip both indulgent and authentic.

One thing to consider is that this trip focuses exclusively on Tanzania’s top national parks, so if your heart is set on more remote or different destinations, you might want to explore other options. But, if wildlife, scenery, and a touch of luxury in the low season sound appealing, this safari is likely to meet your expectations.

This tour is ideal for adventure lovers who appreciate comfort, couples on honeymoon, or anyone seeking a well-organized, value-packed safari that balances iconic game viewing with cozy, high-end lodges.

Key Points

• Luxury accommodations at Serena properties ensure comfort and style throughout the trip.
• Expert guides and well-organized logistics contribute to a seamless and informative experience.
• The itinerary covers Tanzania’s most famous parks, giving a broad and iconic wildscape.
• Green season prices offer a more affordable way to experience Tanzania’s wildlife without sacrificing quality.
• Authentic wildlife encounters with elephants, lions, Big Five, and the wildebeest migration.
• The tour is private, allowing for a personalized experience, with pickup included.

A Closer Look at the 8-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arriving in Arusha

Your journey begins at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a Gilmag Safaris representative will greet you, easing you into the Tanzanian adventure. The transfer to Arusha Serena Hotel offers a taste of luxury from the start, and it’s the perfect spot for a welcome briefing about the trip ahead. Expect a full board setting, with friendly staff and a chance to settle in after your travels.

What makes this initial day valuable is its quiet, comfortable start—giving you time to acclimatize and get excited for what’s to come. Plus, the hotel’s location in Arusha makes it convenient and adds a touch of class to your arrival.

Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park

The next morning, your game drive begins with a visit to Lake Manyara, a park renowned for its birdlife and tree-climbing lions. The park is a birdwatcher’s haven, with over 400 species recorded, and it offers some of the best early wildlife sightings in Tanzania. Reviewers highlight the stunning vistas from the Lake Manyara Serena Lodge—perched on a terracotta escarpment with panoramic views of the lake and floodplain.

Expect to see elephants with impressive tusks, giraffes, and perhaps even the elusive tree-climbing lions that have become a legendary aspect of this park. The relaxed pace and scenic setting make this an ideal introduction to Tanzanian wildlife, especially for first-timers.

Day 3: Journey to Serengeti via Ngorongoro

Heading from Lake Manyara, you’ll traverse the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping at the crater rim for a spectacular view of the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. This volcanic caldera is often called the “eighth wonder of the world” and is a dense concentration of wildlife.

Driving into the Serengeti, you’ll witness the endless plains made famous by countless wildlife documentaries. Spanning 1,800 square kilometers, the Serengeti is home to millions of animals, including wildebeests and zebras. The guide will likely share interesting facts about the landscape, which is as much a part of the safari’s allure as the animals.

Days 4 & 5: Witnessing the Wildebeest Migration

Serengeti’s claim to fame is its migration of millions of wildebeests and zebras. Although the migration peaks between April-May and November, the park teems with resident game all year round.

Your guide, known for their knowledge, will point out herds of buffalo, elephants, and lions in action. The Serengeti Serena Lodge, situated near the Western Corridor and Grumeti River, offers incredible views and easy access to the migration pathways, making it easier to catch the movement of these iconic animals. Travelers mention the phenomenal game viewing possible in this area, including the chance to spot predators stalking prey during the day.

Day 6: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After your Serengeti experience, you’ll head back toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, passing through Olduvai Gorge, a site famous for fossil discoveries. The Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, built from local stone and well camouflaged with vines, provides panoramic views of the crater from its perch on the rim.

This day is about soaking in the landscape and preparing for a full day of crater exploration. The area offers a unique opportunity to see species like the endangered black rhinos and flamingos at Lake Magadi, adding variety to your wildlife encounters.

Day 7: Exploring the Ngorongoro Crater

This is the highlight for many travelers—the chance to descend into the crater itself, often described as a “miniature Africa” packed into a volcanic caldera. Expect to see lions sleeping in the shade, hippos wallowing in water, and flamingos in the soda lakes. The terrain varies from lush forests to open plains, making it a perfect setting for diverse wildlife.

Reviewers rave about the expert guides and the chance to see the Big Five here, with some noting the opportunity to spot rare species like black rhinos. The experience of spending a day wandering the crater floor is unmatched, and the picnic lunch allows you to stay out longer in search of wildlife.

Day 8: Final Game Drive in Tarangire

Your last day takes you to Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and ancient Baobab trees. The landscape’s unique feature is its iconic trees, which create a stunning backdrop for game viewing. Travelers often mention the diversity of wildlife, including leopards, lions, and cheetahs, with the possibility of spotting the endangered wild dog.

Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the Tarangire River, then head out for an afternoon game drive to soak in your last moments of wild Tanzania. The park’s slightly off-the-beaten-path location makes it less crowded, providing a more relaxed and intimate experience.

The Value of This Safari Experience

While $3,978 per person might seem steep at first glance, compare it with the inclusions: luxury Serena accommodations, all park fees, guided game drives, full board meals, and a professional guide. The reviews emphasize the impeccable organization and knowledgeable guides, which greatly enhance the experience.

Many travelers, like Meri, appreciated how the trip was as described in the itinerary with everything running smoothly. The full-day game drives and strategic lodge placements maximize wildlife viewing opportunities, especially during the migration season.

The Green Season pricing makes this safari more accessible and offers a quieter, less crowded experience. You’ll benefit from fewer travelers and more intimate encounters with wildlife, which is often a highlight for seasoned safari enthusiasts.

Who Will Love This Safari?

This tour is especially suited for first-time safari travelers wanting a comprehensive, well-organized introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife. It also attracts those seeking luxury without the sky-high costs of peak season.

Couples, honeymooners, and wildlife enthusiasts will find this itinerary rewarding, thanks to its balanced mix of classic parks and exclusive lodge experiences. If you’re keen on seeing the Big Five and witnessing the wildebeest migration, this trip delivers.

It’s ideal for those who prefer private tours and value the expertise of guides with a reputation for professionalism and insight. Plus, if you’re traveling in the low season, you’ll appreciate the quieter parks and better value.

The Sum Up

This 8-day Serena safari offers a well-rounded, luxurious exploration of Tanzania’s top parks, from the elephants and lions of Tarangire to the dramatic wildlife of Ngorongoro and Serengeti. The combination of expert guides, prime lodges, and authentic wildlife encounters provides a compelling package for any safari lover.

The special green season price makes it an excellent choice for travelers seeking quality at a more affordable rate, especially if avoiding peak crowds appeals. The tour’s focus on authentic, intimate game viewing paired with high-end accommodations means you’ll come away with memories of a lifetime.

Whether it’s your first safari or a repeat visit, this trip is crafted to deliver impactful wildlife moments, comfortable luxury, and seamless organization—all with the added value of being tailored for low-season travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in this safari package?
The tour includes full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), luxury Serena accommodations, park entrance fees, guided game drives, and pickup from Arusha.

Are tips included?
No, tips for guides and hotel staff are not included. Travelers typically tip based on their experience, so it’s good to budget for that.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than that may incur charges, but always review the policy for specific details.

Is this tour suitable for first-time safari travelers?
Absolutely. The itinerary offers a balanced mix of iconic parks and comfortable lodges, making it ideal for those new to African safaris.

Does the tour run during the low season?
Yes, the tour is offered during the Green/Low Season, which can mean fewer crowds and more intimate wildlife encounters, plus better prices.

What is the duration of the game drives?
Most days feature full-day game drives, providing ample time for wildlife viewing, especially at the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti.

Are group discounts available?
The tour is private, meaning only your group will participate, which allows for a personalized experience, but discounts are not explicitly mentioned.

What makes this safari different from others?
The combination of luxury Serena lodges, expert guides praised for their knowledge, and the scenic diversity of parks like Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro makes it stand out.

Who should I contact for more information or booking?
You can reach Gilmag Safaris at +255782926165 or via email at [email protected] for personalized assistance.

This safari is a wonderful blend of comfort, adventure, and authentic wildlife experiences, perfect for those wanting to see Tanzania’s iconic landscapes in style without breaking the bank. If you’re after a well-organized, genuinely rewarding safari with expert guides and a touch of luxury, this 8-day package deserves serious consideration.