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Tanzania
There are journeys that ask you to move quickly, that test you, that strive to find the limit of your resolve.
This is not one of them.
The Great Pause is a small-group Tanzania Safari designed for travellers who want to slow down, look intentionally, and experience Africa at ground level.
Not rushed. Not crowded. Not Overproduced.
Just wild places, good people, thoughtful guiding, and time to be fully present.
This is not a tick-box safari!
Yes, there will be game drives, big landscapes, and extraordinary wildlife.
But the real value is in the rhythm of the journey: early light, quiet vehicles, lodge evenings, shared stories, and the rare feeling of having arrived somewhere enjoyably.
Culture: Tanzanian / East Africa
Accommodation: Standard and High Standard Lodges
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Filtered water throughout the itinerary.
Attractions: This drive in and drive out safari promises the best of East African wildlife experiences including Serengeti and Ngorogoro Crater.
Day 1
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Arusha. Tonight is about landing comfortably, a quiet dinner, a short briefing and a sense that pace has changed.
Accommodation: Arusha Serena Hotel, Resort & Spa
Day 2 & 3
Elephant Country
Our safari begins in Tarangire National Park – a landscape of Baobabs, river systems and big wildlife.
We spend two days settling into the rhythm of game drives before continuing towards Lake Manyara.
Accommodation: Tarangire Sopa Lodge | Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Day 4
Towards Ngorogoro
We travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area towards the vast plains of the Serengeti.
Along the way, we visit a Maasai Boma for cultural context and connection before continuing with game viewing en route.
Accommodation: Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp
Day 5
Full Day Serengeti Safari
A full day in the Serengeti National Park.
This is big-sky safari country — open plains, predator movement, grazing herds, and the possibility of witnessing part of the Great Migration where thousands of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle roam through this magnificent park. The day is not rushed. The Serengeti rewards patience.
Accommodation: Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp
Day 6
Balloon, Olduvai & Crater Rim
For those who choose it, the day may begin with an optional sunrise balloon safari over the Serengeti.
Later, we game drive through the Seronera Valley and continue via Olduvai Gorge — one of the great landmarks in the story of humankind — towards the Ngorongoro Crater rim.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Day 7
Ngorongoro Crater
We descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of game viewing, punctuated by a picnic lunch at the famous Hippo Pools picnic site.
A natural amphitheatre of wildlife, grassland, forest and water, the crater offers one of Africa’s most remarkable safari settings.
Accommodation: The Retreat at Ngorogoro
Day 8
Transfer and Curio shopping
The final morning begins gently with a nature walk or jog around the coffee farm.
After lunch in Arusha, there may be time for the Cultural Heritage Centre and Maasai craft market before airport transfers.
The journey closes slowly — as it began.
Package Outline
Includes
- Xplore guide – Erik Vermeulen
- A Goodie bag including branded Xplore garment, and other treats
- Tanzanian Tour Leader accompanying the group
- Meet and greet services
- EXCLUSIVE 4×4 vehicle with photo roof, guaranteed window seat
- Services of an English-speaking driver-guides
- All game drives and crater tour
- Maasai Village Tour
- Cultural Heritage Centre & Maasai Craft and Curio Market visit (time
permitting) - All accommodation on a sharing basis, and all meals as specified
- All current park fees and government taxes (an increase for 2027 is
expected) - Filtered water will be provided in our safari vehicles.
Excludes
- International and regional flights
- Visa fees, if applicable
- Driver-guide gratuities, hotel staff tips and porterage (guideline is approximately USD 160)
- Drinks, telephone bill, laundry, and any items of a personal
nature - Single accommodation supplement
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
- Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari (USD 599)
Cost
GPB 3 400
USD 4 600