Overview
Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour of Africa. Featuring exhilarating game drives through grasslands, woodlands, and swamplands—plus distinctive safari lodges and tented camps that blend into the living landscape, this Africa vacation was designed for those who like to take a walk—or a nap—on the wild side.
Game drives through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, read more and Serengeti National Parks—as well as the vast, volcanic Ngorongoro Crater—offer an opportunity for up-close views of the “Big 5” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo) as well as countless other majestic creatures. As you explore these mesmerizing parks, prepare to see zebra grazing, hippo bathing, elephants trumpeting and, if luck is on your side, cheetah sprinting. Marvel at Maasai Warriors jumping in celebration of life. There’s lots to fall in love with on this timeless Tanzania safari, including morning mimosas and sundowner drinks in the bush to quench your thirst for knowledge and adventure. A Small Group Discovery tour for the wild at heart!
Indulge in 5-star luxury on the white-sand beaches of the Indian Ocean with a stay at Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa—one of Zanzibar’s most prestigious beachfront resorts. The perfect retreat to relax and recharge after your safari adventure!
Itinerary
Your Small Group Discovery tour begins!
Welcome to Arusha, gateway to your dream safari. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Ancient Baobabs Await
Drive to Tarangire National Park, where baobab and acacia trees dot the landscape. The Tarangire
River provides the park a permanent water source, which makes for year-round game viewing. This is highlighted by a large population of elephants. After lunch at your lodge embark on your first exciting game drive.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT: The Tarangire River is the life blood of its namesake national park, providing life-giving refuge for the largest elephant population in North Tanzania. During the dry season, a menagerie of animals in a myriad of shapes and sizes are drawn to this only permanent water supply where thirsty elephant, wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, and gazelle file in great numbers to the riverbanks, followed by hungry hunters like lion and leopard as well.
Tantalizing Tarangire
Rise early for a morning game drive including an exclusive bush breakfast. Be sure to watch for giraffe, zebra, Cape buffalo, and much more. Free time at your lodge before an afternoon game drive.
LOCAL FAVORITE - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: As part of your morning game drive, you'll be treated to a classic safari tradition of the bush breakfast in Africa's unmatched landscapes. Reminisce about Africa's early explorers as you sip mimosas in pampered style in the heart of the wild.
Forest Foray & Views on Views
Drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a small, ecologically diverse park with groundwater forests, grassy plains, and the alkaline Lake Manyara. The park is also home to the world's largest concentration of baboon. Watch for these mischievous primates, giraffe, hippo, and more on your afternoon game drive. Sundowner drinks are served at a scenic viewpoint.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: This evening, as the sun sets, savor a memorable happy hour in the bush with your small group to enjoy spectacular views over Lake Manyara! The origin of the tradition dates to British colonialism in Africa in the 18th century and was born out of necessity rather than enjoyment. Containing quinine-infused tonic and gin, colonizers drank it to ward off malaria. As the British Empire expanded into Africa, the popularity of gin and tonic spread with it. Today, Sundowners mark the transition from day to night.
Through Farmlands to the Craters Edge
Free time this morning before a short drive to Karatu, where coffee farms dot the outer slopes of Ngorongoro Crater. Here, visit a local primary school followed by BBQ lunch at beautiful Gibb's Farm. Continue to your lodge located on the rim of the crater.
LOCAL FAVORITE - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: Today, your small group is invited for a personal visit to a local primary school to meet the children and learn about the educational system in rural Tanzania.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - SMALL GROUP EXLCUSIVE: Enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch amid the graceful landscapes of Tanzania's Gibbs Farm. Here, healthy farm cuisine is prepared fresh daily with organic farm-to-table recipes using the farm's fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are freshly picked from organic gardens, with meats sourced from local, sustainably-raised farms. Sure to satisfy the big appetites of your small group!
Into Africa's Eden
Descend into the crater for a full-day game drive. Ngorongoro Crater is technically a caldera—the world's largest unflooded one, at more than 2,000 feet deep with a floor covering over 102 square miles. Game viewing here is fantastic, as most of the animals stay in this area year round, affording the opportunity to see lion, hyena, hippo, elephant, as well as the best chance to see the rare black rhinoceros. Enjoy an exclusive bush lunch served in the crater. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Maasai dance performance.
LOCAL FAVORITE - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: Because of the time it takes to descend into and ascend out of the crater, it's common to eat lunch in the crater. While standard safari fare is typically a cold box lunch, your small group is treated to an exclusive, freshly cooked bush BBQ lunch served under a grove of Acacia trees, while not missing a moment of wildlife viewing time.
LOCAL FAVORITE - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: The Maasai people bring a history of colorful culture tied to this wilderness known as the Cradle of Life. After dinner tonight, enjoy a traditional Maasai dance performance celebrating an ancient culture amid the majestic wildlife who find sanctuary here.
On the Endless Plains
Drive to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania's largest and most famous park. The Serengeti covers an area of roughly 5,700 square miles, the name comes from the Maasai word siringit, meaning “endless plains.” Enjoy lunch at your tented camp followed by an afternoon game drive.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - A WILD AFTERNOON: Your afternoon game drive offers the chance to see the big cats—lion, leopard, and cheetah—as well as an abundance of other animals, including the Nile crocodile, giraffe, gazelle, and eland. With some luck you may even spot something much rarer, like a caracal, a beautiful cat with distinctive ears.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp provides a refined retreat within the spectacular natural landscapes of Serengeti National Park. With just 16 custom-made canvas tents, your small group enjoys all the comforts of home for a restful retreat after a day on safari. Each tent features two queen beds, free Wi-Fi to send your daily photos back home, and a private tented bathroom. Enjoy room service and sip your morning coffee or settle in at day's end on your outside private terrace to take in the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding glades.
Serengeti Serendipity
Continue your exploration during morning and afternoon game drives. Home to the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, the Serengeti is great for game viewing year round. Tonight, join a farewell dinner in the bush to celebrate your safari adventure.
Island Life Beckons
Embark on a final game drive in the Serengeti before flying to Stone Town (via Arusha), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet a Globus representative and settle into your luxurious oceanfront resort. Spend the next 3-nights enjoying the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean from your ocean-view room.
Please Note: the Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided service is as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: Check in to your deluxe oceanfront room at Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa. This luxury 5-star resort beside pristine white sands with tropical gardens beneath the shade of 1,000 palm trees is known as one of Zanzibar's most prestigious properties. Indulge in the ultimate in beach comfort: first-class accommodation; fine wining and dining; a host of sports and leisure facilities; the famous Oasis Spa; and award-winning service.
Walk on the Wild Side
Take a walking tour of winding alleys of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. See the Old Fort, Sultan's Palace, and the House of Wonders. Along the way, enjoy the sights and sounds of bustling markets filled with spices, textiles, and local crafts. After the tour, relax with a delicious lunch at Archipelago Restaurant (excludes drinks), overlooking the ocean. Savor fresh, locally inspired dishes such as seafood curries and tropical fruit smoothies in this relaxed, scenic setting.
Following lunch, embark on an immersive Spice Tour at a nearby spice plantation. Learn about Zanzibar's rich spice heritage and see, smell, and taste fresh spices like cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. This interactive tour provides a unique insight into the island's agricultural traditions and the global spice trade. Return to your resort for a leisurely evening. Enjoy dinner at the resort and unwind after a day of cultural exploration, staying overnight in comfort to prepare for more island adventures.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - SULTAN OF STONE TOWN : A walking tour of Stone Town features the historic ruins of The House of Wonders and Palace Museum as striking examples of centuries of cultural and architectural influences of Zanzibar, Britain, Portugal, and Oman. Once the most modern building in East Africa, The House of Wonders was the city's first structure to have electricity and an elevator—mixing elements of European style and Zanzibari tradition of truly unique cast iron columns, elaborate door carvings, coral elements, open courtyards, and mangrove ceilings. Just next door, the Palace Museum was built in 1883 by the second sultan of Zanzibar as an opulent palace of marble flooring, coral stone walls, and silver embellishments.
Beach Day!
Today is a full day at leisure to enjoy the resort.
Please Note: Some water sports are included with your stay while others, such as diving or snorkelling can be arranged for a cost through the onsite Recreation & Water Sports Center.
ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: to enjoy the 30 acres of tropical gardens, swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, dine at one of the many restaurants onsite, or sign up for an included water sport such as paddleboarding or kayaking.
Kwaheri, Africa!
Bid farewell to your African adventure with a flight to Dar es Salaam, where a day room has been reserved at the Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel for your convenience. Schedule departing flights after 4 pm.
Trip Inclusions
- 3 game drives in Tarangire National Park and an exclusive breakfast in the bush
- A game drive in Lake Manyara National Park with Sundowners
- Visit a local primary school
- A full day game drive in Ngorongoro Conservation Area with an exclusive bush lunch inside the crater and a traditional Maasai dance performance
- 4 game drives in Serengeti National Park with a special farewell dinner in the bush
- Guided sightseeing of Stone Town includes the Old Fort, Sultan's Palace, spice markets, and the House of Wonders
- 3-night stay at a stunning beachfront resort
- 4-wheel-drive safari vehicle, limited to just 6 guests and equipped with a pop-up roof for unfettered game viewing
- Hand selected safari lodges and tented camps plus a day room in Dar es Salaam for late flight departures
- All internal flights!
- Breakfast daily, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
- Arusha: Arusha Serena Hotel, Resort & Spa (First-Class):
Designed to echo the traditional style of the colonial coffee farm, which originally stood on this site, Arusha Serena Hotel offers a range of tastefully presented cottage-styled rooms set amid extensive landscaped grounds. Electricity is provided 24 hours a day. - Tarangire National Park Area: Tarangire Sopa Lodge (First-Class):
Hidden among the kopjes, lies Tarangire Sopa Lodge, surrounded by ancient baobab trees. It is the home of the greatest concentration of elephants in Africa, and other game including the elusive leopard. Over 400 bird species can be spotted here as well. With water constantly available in the area, the greenery is lush providing a wonderful contrast to the burnt ground. - Lake Manyara National Park: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge (First-Class):
Standing high on the edge of a towering terracotta escarpment with panoramic views over the glittering alkaline waters of Lake Manyara, Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge offers a unique blend of tranquility, wildlife discovery, and ornithological richness. - Ngorongoro Crater: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge (First-Class):
Regularly voted one of the best hotels in the world, this unique lodge clings to the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, the largest and most perfect volcanic crater on Earth. Long and low, the lodge is built from local river stone and camouflaged with indigenous vines. Designed to blend completely into the landscape, it is entirely invisible from the floor of the Crater 600 meters below. Hugging the contours of the jagged Crater rim, the lodge takes its inspiration from the so-called 'Cradle of Mankind', the prehistoric site of Olduvai Gorge, which lies close by. Linked by arched stone passages and timbered decks, its walls are decorated with stylized prehistoric cave paintings and lit by flaring torches. Electricity is provided 24 hours a day. - Serengeti National Park: Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp (Superior First-Class):
"Mbuzi Mawe Camp is nestled in a secluded acacia glade with sweeping views over the alternately lush and burning plains of Serengeti National Park. Carefully sited on one of the main annual migration corridors, the camp enjoys a ringside seat for one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth." - Zanzibar Beach: Bluebay Beach Resort (First-Class):
Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa is situated on the finest white, sandy beach on the east coast of the island of Zanzibar. Offering Swahili charm, the resort offers tropical gardens, ultimate beach comfort and excellent accommodations. Amenities include the famous Oasis Spa, fine dining and a host of sports and leisure facilities. Rooms are spacious, bright and beautifully deorated in Zanzibari style.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- The Great Migration is a natural event with herds typically in the Serengeti from late November to July. Movements and river crossings of migrating herds can be challenging to predict year to year. When possible, we'll modify game viewing when advised of reported sightings. All game viewing is done at your own risk and requires a signed liability waiver prior to travel. Due to rough driving on/off road and in/between game parks, this vacation is not recommended for guests with serious back problems or mobility issues.
- Some internal flights have a strict maximum guest weight limit of 265 lbs. / 120 kgs. Any guests weighing more than the limit may be required to purchase an additional seat. Globus Tour Operations must be advised of any guests weighing more than the limit prior to final payment to ensure space can be confirmed.
Operator
At Globus, we understand that your holiday is your treat – a gift from you to you. Let us connect you with a new world of people, places and experiences that will ignite your imagination.
Globus includes all must-see national parks and game sites, with special VIP access that lets you skip to the front of the queue. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great safari experience. Savour the flavours of Africa through its regional cuisine. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast experience in game spotting & tracking. Read more
Globus' selection of lodges & camps provide a relaxing checkpoint to your safari experience. Read more
Get the best possible safari experience with Globus' range of custom-designed 4WD safari vehicles. Read more
Experience Africa like an insider with Local Favourites that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
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Globus Small Group Discoveries (2026-27)
Enjoy front-row views of legendary sites more such as the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Tetons and Nagoya Castle. Skip the queues with VIP entry, and immerse yourself in stories that bring rich history and vibrant cultures to life. With nearly 100 years of expertise, hand-selected hotels, expert Tour Directors and worry-free travel, Globus delivers the ultimate touring experience – now with the added benefit of smaller groups for bigger discoveries. This is Touring. Beyond. Don’t just see the world. Tour it with Globus Small Group Discoveries.
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
