Classic Safari
Experience the most magnificent wildlife spectacle on earth from your private camp
Our safaris to Africa’s première wildlife parks include Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, And Serengeti and are designed as both extensions for climbers and non-climbers looking to visit the famous conservation areas. Our safaris use comfortable four-wheel drive Land Cruisers equipped with wildlife viewing windows. At the end of each day you return to your private camp where you sit under the star studded African sky while our staff prepares a hot shower and dinner for you.
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Trip Perks
Private camps. We are one of the few companies that are allowed to have private camps in the protected areas while on safai. We take great pride in our camps and they are available to only those in your group. Our camps avoid the hustle and bustle of lodge-based safaris and offer a greater sense of solitude and connection to wild Africa; not to mention offering an environmentally sustainable approach to being on safari. It’s just you and the wilds of Africa!
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Description
While traveling to these protected areas you will learn the role each animal plays in the intricate web of life as you witness lions, hyenas, and cheetahs stalking their prey. The magic of remote Tanzania will overtake you as you marvel at the serenity of a giraffe, stand in awe of elephants, and ponder the rarity of the nearly extinct black rhino.
For some the highlight of the trip will be a visit with our Maasai friend, Olé Dorop and his family. For others, watching the migration of 2 million wildebeest and more than 200,000 zebra will provide an unimaginable experience and offer definition of the Serengeti, one of the oldest, most diverse ecosystems on earth.
As you travel to these different areas, each unique in its own way you’ll stay in two camps exclusive to Mountain Madness. After we meet you at the airport we transfer you to the Moivaro or KIA Lodge for an overnight before your safari begins. During safari you will enjoy our private luxury camps and for all, a welcome departure from the hustle-and-bustle of standard lodge-based safaris.
Staying in our Private Luxury Safari Camps is not camping in the ordinary sense and unique to Mountain Madness trips. Each A‑frame styled canvas tent is equipped with two wooden framed beds with mattresses, pillows and sheets, a dresser and nightstand, and a front porch with canopy and lounging chairs for your relaxation. We take great pride in our private camps and their ability to offer you a greater sense of solitude and connection to wild Africa; not to mention offering an environmentally sustainable approach to being on safari.
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Exclusive Private Camps
The safari portion of the trip will allow you to experience the beautiful landscape and wildlife of Tanzania with our highly knowledgeable Tanzanian guides. Rather than staying in crowded, busy lodges your safari will be in private luxury camps accessible to only our groups. Here you enjoy exquisite food and relax in the evening with a glass of wine listening to the wild Africa under a star-studded sky. And it’s not all about animals; you’ll enjoy a visit with our Masaai friend Olé Dorop and his family.
Once on safari your driver guides’ expertise will make your journey not only enjoyable, but educational as well. We travel in Land Cruisers equipped with many windows to ensure that everyone has a great view of the spectacular landscape and animals of Africa. It all starts with the diverse aquatic ecosystems found in Lake Manyara, and then the Ngorongoro Conservation Area always proves to be a wonderful location for viewing rhinoceros, zebra, elephants, lions, and wildebeests. Add a couple of days and you’ll enjoy the wildlife viewing in Serengeti.
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Safari Specific FAQs
Are we camping while on safari?
Staying in our Private Luxury Safari Camps is not camping in the ordinary sense. Each A‑frame styled canvas tent is equipped with two wooden framed beds with mattresses, pillows and sheets, a dresser and nightstand, and a front porch with canopy and lounging chairs for your relaxation.
Will there be other people with us?
No, we take great pride in our camps and they are available to only those in your group. Our camps avoid the hustle and bustle of lodge-based safaris and offer a greater sense of solitude and connection to wild Africa; not to mention offering an environmentally sustainable approach to being on safari.
Can we shower while on safari?
Each of our tents is equipped with an attached bathroom and shower facility – so morning or night, hot water is available for you. We utilize solar power whenever possible.
Will there be other activities besides game viewing?
Yes, while game viewing for many is the highlight of the safari, others find the time spent with Maasai people equally intriguing. We will visit our long-time friend Olé Dorap and his family and learn about their culture and traditional lifestyles.
What kind of vehicles do you use while on Safari?
Mountain Madness uses reliable Toyota Land Cruisers. Our vehicle arrangement allows each person a window seat to optimize game viewing. Our detachable roofs allow you to stand up and provide an excellent viewpoint for both photography and for a more natural game viewing experience.
How many hours are we out while on safari?
We begin our day by having a relaxed 8:00 a.m. breakfast. We will be on safari until lunch, which is provided in the outback during the mid-day. The safari continues after lunch until we return to camp at around 5 or 6 p.m. We take advantage of the whole day by providing ample game viewing time along with an adequate rest period during lunch.
What is the best time of year for safari?
The plains of the Serengeti are lush with greenery and animals from December through March. Wildebeest are out during this time and are calving from mid-February through the beginning of March. From June through November, the Serengeti is drier– a time during which animals tend to congregate around the Seronera River, where predator and prey live together in unique circumstances that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
What animals will I see on safari?
The real question to ask yourself is what animals won’t you see!
A sample of the animals you may view on safari:
- Zebra
- Wildebeest
- Waterbuck
- Hartebeest
- Topi
- Dik dik
- Bushbuck
- Eland
- Impala
- Gazelle
- Lion
- Elephant
- Cheetah
- Giraffe
- Baboon
- Monkey
- Hippopotamus
- Hyena
- Warthog
- Crocodile
- Ostrich
- Vulture
- Rhino
- Jackal
- Cape buffalo
- Leopard
(…not to mention countless bird species!)
When is the Great Migration?
This question often comes up when trying to plan your visit to Tanzania. To be honest, there is no bad game viewing time in Northern Tanzania! You will see vast numbers of Wildebeest nearly every month of the year.
Mountain Madness runs game viewing safaris monthly except for November/early December and April/May because these are the very wet monsoon rainy months and travel becomes difficult if not impossible through many of the game parks. We also tend to avoid late October because it is often so dry before the November rains the plains are just too dry and dusty to enjoy.
In June and July you will game drive in the Western Corridor and Musabi Plains where the Wildebeest form breeding groups with males protecting harems of females. Later in the dry season as the breeding ends, huge lines of Wildebeest, marching northward toward less eaten grass, cross the Grumeti River, only a short drive from camp, providing the annual food supply for the resident crocodiles. You need to be quick on the shutter if you want to capture the crocodile’s attack. No need for swimsuits here!
What areas do we travel to while on safari?
While on safari you will spend your time in the Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, and the Serengeti National Park.
Should I bring bug spray and be worried about malaria?
Many people think that using DEET and having their clothes washed in DEET is a must for any African Safari – but this is not the case. Most days on Safari are bug free, and a basic bug spray from your local outfitter will horde off any nuisances. Anti-malarial pills are recommended for Africa, but your chances of contracting malaria in Tanzania are considered minimal. However, we ask that you call your local county health department for extended and current information regarding malaria and your health in Tanzania.
Can I expect crowds on my safari?
Our drivers try to avoid the more popular roads by introducing you to their “secret” spots. However, a herd of elephants is easily spotted and members of other safaris may come to see these magnificent creatures. The Ngorongoro Crater is a much smaller area than the Serengeti and thus can be more difficult to avoid crowds. As an alternative to classic safaris, our walking safaris are off the beaten track and avoid crowds.
Will we be able to get out of the car and walk around while on safari?
There are strict rules and regulations about passenger vehicles on safari. However, there are designated areas where you can get out, stretch, walk around, take lunch, etc. The vehicles are designed to optimize your ability to see the surroundings and remain safe.
Can my friends and family meet me on Safari after the climb?
Definitely. They would meet you at the Lodge after you get off the mountain. The safari begins the next day.
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Video
Have a Question? Contact Us!
Price
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Classic Safari
$4,950 – 8 Days / Includes travel time
Minimum 4 participants
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Single Supplement (I want my own room) – $500
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Price Includes
- Driver guide and camp staff
- All park fees
- VAT
- All transportation during safari
- All accommodations, including one night lodge accommodation before the safari, dayroom lodge accommodation after the safari, private luxury camps while on safari
- All meals while on safari
- All group camping and cooking equipment
- All scheduled land transportation and all scheduled airport transfers
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Price Does Not Include
- International airfare
- Tanzania entry visa and airport fees
- Immunizations
- Personal equipment and clothing
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra hotel nights, extra meals, etc.)
- Travel insurance with trip cancellation, medical and evacuation policy
- All expenses associated with non-scheduled departure
- Alcoholic and bottled beverages
- Guide/Staff gratuities
- Airport transfers for independent arrival or departure
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Payment Schedule
- $700 deposit at time of registration, which includes a $300 non-refundable registration fee
- Balance due 120 days prior to departure
- The balance may be paid by check, wire transfer, ACH or credit card with a 3% convenience fee
Dates
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Classic Safari 2024
- Dec 25, 2024 — Jan 1, 2025
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Classic Safari 2025
- Jan 26, 2025
- Feb 15, 2025 — Feb 22, 2025
- Mar 9, 2025 — Mar 16, 2025
- Jun 29, 2025 — Jul 6, 2025
- Jul 27, 2025 — Aug 3, 2025
- Aug 17, 2025 — Aug 24, 2025
- Dec 21, 2024 — Sep 14, 2025
- Dec 28, 2025 — Jan 4, 2026
Safari can be arranged on a Custom Basis — Contact Us
Policies
Cancellation / Refund Policy
- MMI strongly recommends trip cancellation/interruption and evacuation insurance for all trips. Our insurance partner, Ripcord, offers comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancellation, as well as rescue/evacuation policies and can assist in answering any questions. In addition, Participant is expected to have sufficient medical insurance as prescribed by their country of origin. Participant understands that MMI does not include any type of insurance with the cost of the trip.
- If you decide to cancel your trip or change your itinerary, MMI must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date written notice is received. If proper written cancellation notice is not received, amounts paid and reservations made will be forfeited.
- Non-refundable fees may apply for certain trips in order to secure permits and other services. MMI must strictly adhere to cancellation policies outside MMI’s control.
- Due to the personalized service we offer on our trips, MMI reserves the right to waive any fees. We will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations, waiving certain fees when feasible.
- Circumstances outside the control of MMI and its partners, may require amended cancellation/refund policies. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to COVID-19, natural disasters, wildfires, terrorism and so forth.
International Trips/Courses:
- Full refund, less the non-refundable registration fee, will be provided 121 days or more before the departure date
- No refunds will be provided 120 days or less before the departure date
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation insurance to protect you from the unexpected. You aren’t likely to think of it now, but people do get ill, break a bone, have a family emergency or get assigned to a last-minute business trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emergency rescue & evacuation can be very expensive.
We also strongly urge you to consider rescue and evacuation insurance if your own policy does not provide the coverage needed. Services available may include, but are not limited to, helicopter evacuation, medical care, etc.
If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility for any expenses incurred in the event of a medical emergency and/or evacuation, as well as for trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, etc. We are not the experts and therefore ask that you please consult our travel insurance partner directly with any specific questions.
To protect against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, Mountain Madness strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance as soon as possible after making a deposit. Mountain Madness has partnered with Redpoint Resolutions as our preferred travel insurance provider. Redpoint’s Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ is designed for adventurers.
For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ or call +1 – 415-481‑0600. Pricing varies based on age, trip cost, trip length, and level of coverage.
Critical benefits of Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance include:
- A completely integrated program with a single point of contact for emergency services, travel assistance, and insurance claims
- Evacuation and rescue services from your point of injury or illness to your hospital of choice
- Comprehensive travel insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, baggage loss or delay, emergency accident and emergency sickness medical expense, emergency dental, accidental death and dismemberment, and more
- Optional security evacuation coverage in case of an unplanned natural disaster or other security events
- Waiver for pre-existing conditions (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
- Optional “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
Itinerary
Flight Information
The total number of days for your trip includes all travel to and from your destination, with some exceptions. Dates listed on the website start with a departure date from the U.S. and include the day you arrive home. For this trip you will need to arrive in Arusha, Tanzania on Day 2, which in most cases will have arrival times in the afternoon or late evening.. You will be met at the airport by a Mountain Madness representative and transferred to your hotel.
Your return flight home will be the last date listed on the dates and prices page. The trip itinerary assumes that this will be a one-day return flight home. Your return flight home will be an overnight flight departing from Arusha, Tanzania in the late evening on Day 7 of the itinerary for a night flight back to the U.S. or your final destination.
Please contact our office for any help needed with your flight schedule.
Classic Safari Day by Day
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Day 1
Travel
Depart from home for travel to Arusha, Tanzania.
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Day 2
Moivaro Lodge
Arrive in Tanzania. We will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the Moivaro lodge for the night.
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Day 3
Lake Manyara National Park & Ngorongoro Private Camp
We continue on our journey with a visit to Lake Manyara National Park, a park Ernest Hemmingway described as “the loveliest I had ever seen.” Found amid the variety of animals is an abundance of birdlife, including the pink flamingos that enjoy the water-based microcosm of the lake and its environs, all of which add to the ecological diversity of your safari. After our visit we drive to the highlands of Ngorongoro Crater. We stay for two nights at the deluxe private camp at Ngorongoro, near Olé Dorop’s, our Maasai friend and walking safari guide.
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Day 4
Ngorongoro Private Camp
The twelve-mile wide crater left by this massive volcano contains incredible wildlife viewing. This entire day is set aside to visit the crater and photograph, watch, and appreciate the extensive wildlife diversity. Depending on the interest of the group we have time to visit a traditional Maasai boma and or venture out for a short walking safari.
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Days 5-6
Serengeti Private Camp
Apart from the Selous Wildlife Reserve, the Serengeti is the largest of all the parks in Tanzania. It offers a diversity of scenery — plains, rivers, lakes, hills and rock outcrops, each with their own appeal and range of wildlife. We will explore the park according to the group’s interests and then spend the night in the Serengeti Private Camp.
Our options allow flexibility to go where we feel the game is most concentrated. As we journey out in search of the wildlife, we can visit the many rock outcrops, where it is possible to view predators who climb up the low angle rock to scan the endless plains.
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Day 7
Depart for Home or Other Adventures
Travel back to Arusha, stopping for lunch on the way. At the Moivaro Lodge you will have a dayroom where you can relax and enjoy the serene Tanzanian landscape before dinner at the Moivaro.
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Day 8
Arrive Home
Arrive home.
Note on Itinerary: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control and in the guide’s best judgement.
Equipment for Classic Safari
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Carrying Gear
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Frameless pack or duffel bag
Medium-sized pack or small duffel to carry gear while on safari
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Sleeping Gear
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Provided by Mountain Madness on safari
This includes a cot, bedroll and blankets
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Head and Face
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Shade hat or baseball cap
A visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the sun
Examples:
Mountain Madness trucker hat
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Bandanas or neck gaiter
Various uses, i.e. cleaning glasses, sun protection when tied around the neck, etc. We have our own Mountain Madness neck gaiter available for purchase!
Examples:
Mountain Madness neck gaiter
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Sunglasses
Essential eye protection whether in the tropics or by the water. Look for 100% UVA/UVB protection. Consider bringing a spare pair
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Feet
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Socks (safari)
Enough for entire trip
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Tennis or walking shoes (safari)
For side hikes and lodge wear
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Flip-Flops or rubber sandals (safari)
Comfortable while game viewing
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Upper Body
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Lightweight shirts
Two or more lightweight shirts to wear while game viewing. Lightweight, loose shirts work great. At least one long sleeve shirt is helpful to defend against the sun and insects
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Sport shirt or blouse
Two for after-safari wear and while dining at lodges
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Sweater
Polypropylene or wool; provides warmth on cool mornings and evenings at Ngorongoro
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Hard shell jacket
A good jacket made of Gortex or waterproof nylon that has been seam sealed
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Lower Body
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Undergarments
Adequate supply for the entire trip
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Hiking shorts
One pair of quick-drying shorts. Good for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain
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Trousers (safari)
Two pairs for after-safari and lodge wear
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Miscellaneous
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Toiletries
Toothbrush and paste, comb, tampons, biodegradable soap (small amount), etc. Bring enough for the entire trip
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Sunscreen
Bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 40 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for your trip!
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Lip balm
Must have SPF rating of 20 or more. Bring two just in case!
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Ear plugs
To block out snoring and other noise to ensure a good night's sleep
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Headlamp
Bring extra batteries!
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Water flavoring
Powdered additives like Gatorade or NUUN are a nice change of pace to water and help replenish much needed electrolytes.
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Water Bottles/Water System (Trekking)
Two one-liter, wide-mouthed plastic bottles. If you use a collapsible water bottle or hydration system you are welcome to bring it along for drinking water. However, bring at least one hard plastic bottle.
Examples:
Nalgene
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Pocket knife or multitool
Simple Swiss Army type with scissors. Make sure you transport in checked bag, not carry-on!
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Personal first aid and drug kit
small personal first aid kit with ample bandaids and moleskin
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Towel
For wash up in camp
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Handi-Wipes
A small pack or two anti-bacterial are great for general hygiene
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Spare contacts and glasses
Contacts can be a problem in dusty conditions, so make sure you have your back-up glasses with you. Glasses wearers should have a spare set
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Personal electronics
Phone with camera, and/or separate camera. Bring extra batteries and memory!
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Electronics charging
If you want to charge your electronics along the way, a small, lightweight solar panel to charge batteries or portable charging device may be a good addition
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Insect repellent
A must!
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Game Viewing
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Binoculars
Essential for game-viewing; 7x20 to 10x40 recommended (magnification x field of view)
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Camera
Bring extra batteries and memory!
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Book Trip
Classic Safari
$4,950
8 Days / Includes travel time
Minimum 4 participants
Difficulty
Beginner
No Experience required. Little or no walking is required.
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