Northern Tanzania
Premium 7-Day Big Cats Safari
Black rhino tracking in Moru Kopjes and the crater, with luxury tented camps throughout.
What this journey holds.
A luxury, conservation-led journey centred on tracking the critically endangered black rhino in the Ngorongoro Crater and the remote Moru Kopjes, paired with private guiding, premium tented camps and immersive cultural experiences across northern Tanzania.
- Group size
- Private departure, 2–6 guests
- Vehicle
- Custom 4×4 Land Cruiser, pop-up roof
- Guide
- Licensed English-speaking driver-guide
- Pace
- Moderate, early starts, unhurried sightings
- Fitness
- Easy; no walking required
- Start / end
- Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Arusha (ARK)
Three that we build the days around.
Nº 01
Black rhino tracking with park rangers at Moru Kopjes
Nº 02
Seronera Valley, the highest density of big cats in Africa
Nº 03
Sunrise in the crater with black-maned lions
A rhythm, not a rigid schedule.
Every day bends around the animals, the light, and how you like to travel. This is our starting shape.
- 01Arrival · Arusha
Met at Kilimanjaro by your senior guide, transfer to Mount Meru Hotel. Optional Cultural Heritage Centre and Maasai Market; welcome dinner and safari briefing.
- 02Tarangire
The elephant capital of northern Tanzania, baobab floodplains, seasonal swamps, over 500 bird species. Overnight Acacia Farm Lodge.
- 03Journey to the Serengeti
Ascent through the Ngorongoro highlands, crater viewpoint, picnic lunch, afternoon game drive. Overnight Lala Salama Serengeti Camp.
- 04Serengeti big cats
Pre-sunrise start in Seronera Valley, kopjes and riverine fig trees, leopards and lion prides. Optional balloon or walking safari.
- 05Rhino tracking · Moru Kopjes
Dawn tracking of black rhino with ranger guides, supporting the Serengeti Rhino Project.
- 06Sunrise drive & Ngorongoro
Bush breakfast, game drive until midday, then to the highlands. Overnight Masek Tented Lodge.
- 07Crater rhino focus & return
Early descent into the crater for rhino and Big Five, soda lake and Lerai Forest, then back to Arusha.
Nothing on the day of the shoot but the shoot itself.
- Private 4×4 with senior guide
- Luxury tented camps and lodges throughout
- Black rhino tracking with park rangers
- Maasai community cultural visit
- All park and conservation fees, full board
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Optional activities (balloon safari, walking safari, cultural visits)
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff
- Personal items, laundry and telephone charges
Tanzania, month by month.
This journey runs year-round. Here is how the year reads across the northern circuit.
Calving season in Ndutu
Peak calving, predator action
Green season, fewer vehicles
Long rains, lush and quiet
Rains ease, low season value
Dry season opens, herds move north
River crossings begin
Peak crossings, prime game viewing
Dry, concentrated wildlife
Excellent predator sightings
Short rains, dramatic skies
Herds return south to Ndutu
Photos from this trip.
Luxury Lodge
Private, tailor-made itineraries staying in Tanzania's finest lodges and camps, from around US$300 per person per day.
Explore this styleOur luxury safaris pair the most sought-after lodges and camps in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire with the personal attention of a family-run operator. Every departure is private and shaped entirely around you.
- Premium lodges and luxury tented camps
- Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and fridge
- Senior driver-guide chosen for your interests
- Full board, wines and soft drinks at camp
- Optional balloon safari, fly-in legs and Zanzibar extension
- All park and conservation fees, 24/7 concierge support
“Traveling to Africa for the first time felt overwhelming, but Collin made the entire planning process seamless. Ilmaasai is a family-owned business, which made the experience even more special, Christian and Loth no longer felt like tour guides, they felt like family.”
Angel S. · TripAdvisor · February 2026
From first note to first game drive.
Four steps, no pressure, and a human on the other end of every message.
01
Tell us your dates
Share travel dates, group size and what you most want to see. We reply within 24 hours.
02
We shape the route
A tailored itinerary with camp options at three price points, and honest advice on season and pacing.
03
Confirm and prepare
A 30% deposit secures camps and park permits. We send packing, camera and health notes.
04
Arrive and travel
Met at the airport, driven by your own guide, supported on the ground for the whole journey.
Before you ask.
- How many people share a vehicle?
- Every departure is private. Your party has the whole 4×4 to itself with a guaranteed window seat and pop-up roof for each guest.
- Can this itinerary be customised?
- Yes, every route here is a starting shape. We regularly extend nights, swap camps, add Zanzibar or restructure days around photography light.
- What does the price depend on?
- Season, group size and camp category. The quoted rate is a per-person guide for two travellers sharing in mid-season; we confirm exact pricing with your dates.
- What is the payment schedule?
- A 30% deposit confirms the booking, with the balance due 45 days before arrival. Bank transfer and card payments are both accepted.
- Is it suitable for children or older travellers?
- Yes. We adjust drive lengths, road transfers and lodge choices to suit families and to keep travel comfortable at any age.
- What should I pack for photography?
- A long lens (400mm+), a wide zoom, spare cards and batteries. We supply bean bags in every vehicle and can arrange charging in the field.
