Best for limited time
Serengeti and Ngorongoro
A fast-paced option when time is limited. Expect longer driving days.
Experience a Classic Safari
Classic Tanzania Safaris
Most first safaris in northern Tanzania fall somewhere between five and ten days. That normally gives us enough time to combine Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti without turning every day into a long transfer. The itineraries below are routes we know work well, but they are starting points. Our Arusha-based team will adjust the nights, camps and Serengeti area around your dates, interests and preferred pace.
Plan My Classic SafariExplore the itinerariesWhat “Classic” means
Comfortable camps, good locations and more of the budget spent where it matters
For us, “Classic” does not mean basic. It means choosing comfortable tented camps and lodges for their location, atmosphere and value rather than paying for unnecessary extras. You still travel privately, with your own vehicle and experienced guide. The main difference from our Luxury Safaris is the level of accommodation—not the quality of the guiding or the time you spend watching wildlife.
Private safari vehicle
Experienced local guide
Comfortable camps
Flexible daily plans
Seasonal routing
Current availability checked
Find your starting point
What kind of journey fits you?
Short safariThree to five focused days for limited time.
Northern circuitSeven to twelve days across Tanzania’s finest parks.
Great MigrationSeasonally routed around the strongest wildlife area.
Safari + ZanzibarPrivate wildlife journey followed by the Indian Ocean.
Eastco’s Classic Safari packages
Classic safari itineraries
Our safaris range from 3–12 days. These packages give you an idea of the places we visit and the layout of each trip; every route can be tailored to your dates and interests.
Best first safari
Big Five Safari
The shortest route we normally recommend for a first northern Tanzania safari.
Balanced northern circuit
Lion King Safari
A better balance of wildlife areas and driving time.
Migration-focused
Wildebeest Migration Safari
The Serengeti section changes according to your travel month.
Complete classic journey
Classic Tanzania Safari
A more relaxed northern circuit with time to experience each area.
Wildlife and photography
Northern Circuit Safari
Best for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and travellers who dislike rushing.
Seasonal and extended journeys
Travel for a particular wildlife moment?
River Crossing Safari
Northern Serengeti and the Mara River, normally strongest from July to October.
Explore river-crossing safariCalving Season Safari
Ndutu’s short-grass plains, newborn wildebeest and intense predator activity.
Explore calving safariSafari and Zanzibar
A privately guided northern circuit followed by a relaxed Indian Ocean stay.
Explore bush and beachChoose your travel level
Classic or Luxury?
Classic Safari
- Comfortable lodges and tented camps
- Strong wildlife locations
- Private vehicle, guide and pace
- Best balance of comfort and value
Luxury Safari
- Premium and highly exclusive camps
- Exceptional service and locations
- Private guiding and flight options
- Higher comfort and privacy
How we plan a Classic Safari
Start with the route, then choose the camps
Our planning advice
If your dates are flexible, decide the route before choosing the camps. A beautiful lodge in the wrong part of the Serengeti can cost you hours of driving every day. We first choose the wildlife area, then find the strongest accommodation available within it.
We normally begin with your travel month, number of days and the type of camps you are comfortable staying in. From there, we look at where the wildlife is likely to be and how much driving is sensible.
Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti make a very strong first safari, but the balance matters. One night in Tarangire may be enough for a shorter journey; two or three are better for travellers interested in elephants, birds or a slower pace. In the Serengeti, the right area changes with the season. Adding every park is rarely the best answer if it leaves you rushing through each one.
We are independent of the camps and lodges. If a property has declined, become poor value or is wrong for your route, we will recommend somewhere else. The accommodation may change, but the aim remains the same: good wildlife locations, dependable service and enough time to enjoy being there.
People we know, not names on a staff list
Some relationships within EASTCO go back much further than anyone’s job title. Wilson grew up on the same Arusha street as David and Charles; they played together as children and today work together at EASTCO. That long relationship is one reason we place so much trust in the people who look after our guests.
Why travel with Eastco
Local knowledge behind every route
Since 1992Three decades of regional experience
Private departuresYour vehicle, guide and daily pace
Arusha basedGround support where you travel
Independent adviceCamps selected for fit and value
Not sure which itinerary fits?
Plan your private Classic Safari
Tell us your dates, group size, preferred duration and accommodation style. We’ll recommend the strongest route and check current availability.
Plan My Private Safari