Your tailor-made African safari, crafted by local experts

The herds are in Tanzania's Serengeti most of the year. July to October is river-crossing season in the north, January to March is calving season in the south with huge predator action, and our guides time your route to wherever the herds are during your dates.

June to October is the classic dry season: the best all-round game viewing, sunny days and cool nights, and the busiest months. January to March is calving season in the south, quieter and superb for predators. April and May bring the long rains, the lowest prices and lush green landscapes. November and December are a good-value shoulder season with short afternoon showers. There is no bad month, only different trips, and we build yours around the dates you have.

It is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, a 260 square kilometre bowl with walls 600 metres high, and around 25,000 large animals live on the floor year round. That concentration means lion, elephant, buffalo and the rare black rhino are often all seen in a single morning, which is why many guests call it the highlight of the whole trip. You can visit it as a day trip from Arusha from $550 per person, though most people include it as one leg of a longer northern circuit safari with the Serengeti and Tarangire.

Our all-inclusive private safaris start around $450 per person per day, covering park fees, lodges, all meals, transfers and your own guide and 4x4. Budget shared options start near $350 and luxury lodges run $800 to $2,000 plus. A typical 6-day safari is about $2,700 per person with no hidden costs.

Yes. Tanzania is one of Africa's most stable and welcoming countries, and you travel in a private vehicle with a licensed professional guide from arrival to departure. Gardenia is a licensed Tanzanian tour operator with 24/7 support throughout your trip.

US citizens need a Tanzania visa, easily obtained online in advance or on arrival for about $100. No vaccinations are mandatory when arriving from the USA, though doctors commonly recommend routine travel vaccines and malaria precautions. We send every guest a full preparation guide.

Everything on the ground: all park entry and conservation fees, accommodation, all meals, airport transfers, drinking water, a private pop-top 4x4 and your professional English-speaking guide. Not included: international flights, visa, travel insurance and gratuities.

Tell us your dates and wishes and we send a free personalized proposal within 24 hours. A 25 to 30 percent deposit secures your lodges, permits and vehicle, and the balance is due 45 to 60 days before departure. You can pay by card, bank transfer or Flywire.