Package Summary
The Explorer by Auberge is the definitive “Slow Safari” for travelers who value depth over distance. This 10-night, 11-day journey connects four distinct ecosystems across northern Tanzania—the coffee estates of Arusha, the exclusive-use wildlife concessions of Chem Chem, the predator-rich Serengeti plains, and the private Greater Mwiba reserve—using three complimentary flights and two road transfers to eliminate the long, dusty drives that consume lesser itineraries . Every guest travels in a private safari vehicle with a dedicated guide throughout, ensuring flexibility and intimacy. The accommodation roster is drawn entirely from Auberge’s award-winning portfolio, including Legendary Lodge, Chem Chem Lodge, Mila (or Nyasi/Songa), and Mwiba Lodge . With the offer valid for bookings made until May 31, 2027, this is a premium-tier package designed for luxury travelers, honeymooners, and photographers who want exclusive-access wildlife areas without the crowds—and who understand that the best safaris are measured not by how many parks you tick off, but by how deeply you experience each one.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival – Kilimanjaro International Airport to Legendary Lodge (Arusha)
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you are met and greeted before a complimentary road transfer to Legendary Lodge. Set on a working coffee estate on the outskirts of Arusha, the lodge offers twelve garden cottages with fireplaces, deep-soaking tubs, and private verandahs overlooking Mount Meru . Settle in, unwind in the gardens, and enjoy dinner with house wines included.
Accommodation: Legendary Lodge (Breakfast, Dinner; house wines, local beers, soft drinks, and minibar included)
Day 2: Legendary Lodge – Arusha
A full day to acclimatize at the start of your Slow Safari. Legendary Lodge’s rate includes breakfast and dinner, with lunch available on request at additional cost . Optional activities include a guided tour of the Burka Coffee Estate, nature walks through the gardens, or a visit to the Maasai Market in Arusha . The lodge also offers a spa and access to a recreation centre with a gym, pool, and tennis courts . This is a deliberate pause—the calm before the wonder.
Accommodation: Legendary Lodge (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 3: Legendary Lodge to Chem Chem Lodge
After breakfast, enjoy a complimentary road transfer to Chem Chem Lodge, situated in a private concession near Lake Manyara and bordering Tarangire National Park . The lodge’s eight suites offer privacy, outdoor showers, and a pool tucked into the landscape . Afternoon game drive in the private concession—where off-road driving and night drives are permitted, allowing you to get closer to wildlife than in national parks .
Accommodation: Chem Chem Lodge (All-inclusive: all meals, drinks, laundry, private vehicle/guide)
Day 4: Chem Chem – Private Concession & Tarangire
A full day of private game drives and guided bush walks. Chem Chem’s exclusive concession allows intimate wildlife encounters without the vehicle congestion of public parks. Optional excursions include Tarangire National Park (approximately 30 minutes away) or a visit to a Maasai village . Sundowners on the shore of Lake Manyara are a signature experience. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Chem Chem Lodge (All-inclusive)
Day 5: Chem Chem to Serengeti – Mila (or Nyasi/Songa)
After breakfast, transfer to Chem Chem Airstrip for your first complimentary flight—a scenic hop to the Serengeti. Depending on availability and preference, your accommodation will be Mila, or one of Auberge’s Serengeti National Park properties, Nyasi or Songa . Each property offers a distinct character within the Serengeti ecosystem, with all-inclusive dining, laundry, and Wi-Fi included . Afternoon game drive in the Serengeti’s lion country.
Accommodation: Mila / Nyasi / Songa (All-inclusive)
Day 6: Full Day Serengeti
A full day of private game drives in the Serengeti. Your guide will track predators, interpret the landscape, and position you for the best light. If traveling during migration season, the herds may be within reach. The private vehicle ensures you can linger at sightings without another soul in view. Return to camp for dinner under the stars.
Accommodation: Mila / Nyasi / Songa (All-inclusive)
Day 7: Full Day Serengeti
Another day of unhurried exploration. The Slow Safari philosophy means no rigid schedule—your guide adapts to wildlife movements and your interests. Optional hot-air balloon safari can be arranged at additional cost (not included in package) . Cultural interactions with local communities are included in the experience, offering context beyond the wildlife.
Accommodation: Mila / Nyasi / Songa (All-inclusive)
Day 8: Serengeti to Mwiba Lodge
After a final Serengeti morning drive, transfer to the airstrip for your second complimentary flight to Mwiba Lodge . Set within the exclusive-use Greater Mwiba Protected Wildlife Area—a vast private reserve spanning approximately 600,000 acres across Auberge’s portfolio —the lodge offers seclusion impossible in the national parks. Afternoon game drive or bush walk. Mwiba’s private guide and vehicle are included throughout .
Accommodation: Mwiba Lodge (All-inclusive)
Day 9: Mwiba – Private Reserve
A full day in the Greater Mwiba reserve. Activities include day and night game drives, bush walks, and cultural excursions with the Hadzabe and Datoga communities . The private reserve allows off-road driving and night drives, revealing nocturnal species and offering a depth of experience unavailable elsewhere. Return to the lodge for dinner.
Accommodation: Mwiba Lodge (All-inclusive)
Day 10: Mwiba – Private Reserve
Your final full day on safari. Return to a favorite sighting, explore a new corner of the reserve, or simply sit quietly and let the wilderness come to you. The Slow Safari is complete only when you are ready to leave. Dinner at the lodge.
Accommodation: Mwiba Lodge (All-inclusive)
Day 11: Mwiba to Kilimanjaro International Airport – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your third and final complimentary flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), connecting to your international departure . The journey ends, but the Slow Safari stays with you.
Includes & Excludes
What’s Included
Accommodation: 10 nights luxury en-suite accommodation at Legendary Lodge (2 nights), Chem Chem Lodge (2 nights), Mila/Nyasi/Songa (3 nights), Mwiba Lodge (3 nights)
Meals & Beverages: All meals as specified per lodge; house wines, local beers, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and minibar at Legendary Lodge; all meals, bottled water, soft drinks, house wines, locally available spirits and beers at Chem Chem, Mila/Nyasi/Songa, and Mwiba
Complimentary flights: 3 flights (Chem Chem Airstrip to Mila; Mila to Mwiba Lodge; Mwiba Lodge to JRO or ARK)
Complimentary road transfers: 2 transfers (JRO to Legendary Lodge; Legendary Lodge to Chem Chem Lodge)
Private safari vehicle & guide: Throughout the safari, including all game drives
Park & conservation fees: All entry and conservation fees for the itinerary as described
Cultural interactions: Time with local communities, including Hadzabe and Datoga at Mwiba (where applicable)
Laundry: At Chem Chem, Mila/Nyasi/Songa, and Mwiba Lodge
Wi-Fi: At all properties
Medical evacuation (Medivac) cover: During the safari
Meet & greet: At Kilimanjaro International Airport on arrival
What’s Not Included
International flights: To/from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Legendary Lodge extras: Drinks (other than at dinner), lunch, laundry services, and spa treatments at Legendary Lodge are excluded
Premium beverages: Fine wines and French Champagne, cigars
Gratuities: Guides, trackers, lodge staff, and drivers
Personal items: Boutique purchases, spa treatments, telephone/internet charges beyond included Wi-Fi
Optional activities: Hot-air balloon safari; helicopter excursions; additional day trips not mentioned
Travel insurance: Comprehensive coverage strongly recommended
Tanzania visa fees: Check current requirements for your nationality
Items of a personal nature: Souvenirs, laundry at Legendary Lodge, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes The Explorer different from other luxury Tanzania safaris?
Three things: the private vehicle and guide throughout (not shared with other guests), the exclusive-use wildlife areas (Chem Chem’s private concession and the Greater Mwiba reserve) that permit off-road and night drives, and the three complimentary flights that eliminate long road transfers between camps . The “Slow Safari” philosophy means fewer camp changes and more time in each place.
Is the offer really valid until May 31, 2027?
Yes—the complimentary flights and transfers promotion is valid for bookings made until May 31, 2027. However, the offer is date-restricted and subject to availability. Book early to secure your preferred 2027 or 2028 departure dates. Rates for 2028 may be published later; confirm at the time of booking .
Can I customize the itinerary or extend my stay?
Auberge offers customized itineraries, and the Fly Free offer applies based on the number of nights booked at their camps. The order of camps may vary depending on flights and availability. You can add nights at any property (subject to availability) or combine with a Zanzibar extension (not included in this package) .
What is the luggage limit for the complimentary flights?
Light aircraft flights in Tanzania typically enforce a 15 kg (33 lbs) limit per person in soft-sided bags. Excess luggage can often be stored in Arusha. Confirm with Auberge before departure.
Why is Legendary Lodge’s meal plan different?
Legendary Lodge operates on a half-board basis (breakfast and dinner) with drinks included only at dinner. Lunch is available at additional cost. This differs from the all-inclusive structure at Chem Chem, Mila/Nyasi/Songa, and Mwiba, where all meals, local drinks, and laundry are included . Plan accordingly for Day 2’s lunch.
Is this safari suitable for families?
Chem Chem and Mwiba welcome children from age 4, though walking safaris have a minimum age of 12 at Chem Chem . Legendary Lodge welcomes children of all ages and offers family cottages . The private vehicle throughout makes family travel highly flexible. However, this is a premium-tier itinerary and may be better suited to couples and honeymooners than families with young children.
Booking Notes for 2027–2028
Offer deadline: The Fly Free promotion (3 complimentary flights + 2 road transfers) is valid for bookings made until May 31, 2027 . For 2028 travel, confirm whether the offer will be extended or replaced.
Pricing: From **USD $22,100 per person** (sharing) for the 10-night itinerary . This is a premium-tier package; comparable luxury fly-in safaris in Tanzania typically range from $15,000–$25,000+ per person for similar duration and exclusivity.
Peak season: July–October and late December are highest demand. The Serengeti properties (Mila, Nyasi, Songa) and Mwiba Lodge are the most constrained. Book 12–18 months ahead for peak dates.
Exclusive-use advantages: Chem Chem’s private concession and the Greater Mwiba reserve allow activities (night drives, off-road driving, walking safaris) that are restricted or prohibited in national parks. This is a core value of the package for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts .
Auberge’s expanding portfolio: Mwiba Plains (opening December 2026) and the refurbished Nyasi (with new gym and spa tents) are part of Auberge’s growth . Ask your booking agent whether these properties can be incorporated into The Explorer for 2027–2028 departures.
