Migration Season
Travel to the Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara during the general Great Migration period, when vast herds may be moving through the region.
A personally hosted small-group journey
The Great African Safari
Tanzania & Kenya with Dave and Donna Operach
September 21–30, 2027 | Limited to just 12 rooms
Sept. 21–302027 departure
2 CountriesTanzania and Kenya
10 Days9 hosted nights
12 RoomsSmall-group availability
The safari of a lifetime
Some journeys stay with you forever
Join Dave and Donna Operach for an extraordinary adventure through Tanzania and Kenya during one of East Africa’s most exciting wildlife seasons. From Tarangire’s great elephant herds and the wildlife-rich floor of Ngorongoro Crater to the remote Northern Serengeti and legendary Masai Mara, this carefully designed safari brings together the places many travelers dream of seeing in one remarkable journey.
Expert driver-guides, thoughtfully selected lodges and camps, multiple game drives and convenient flights between remote regions allow you to experience the wonder of Africa with comfort, confidence and a small group of fellow travelers.
A glimpse of what awaits
Imagine Yourself in Africa
If the video does not appear in your browser, watch The Great African Safari on YouTube.
Why this journey is special
East Africa at its most unforgettable
Two Iconic Countries
Experience both Tanzania and Kenya, with distinct landscapes, wildlife regions and safari traditions in one seamless itinerary.
Extraordinary Wildlife
Search for elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, hippos and countless other species.
Remarkable Locations
Explore Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, the Northern Serengeti and the Masai Mara.
More Time on Safari
Three internal flights replace lengthy overland journeys and help preserve valuable time for wildlife viewing.
Personally Hosted
Travel alongside Dave and Donna with the reassurance of experienced travel advisors accompanying the group.
Not simply another vacation
A true bucket-list experience
There is something profoundly different about seeing wildlife in its natural environment: elephants moving beneath ancient baobab trees, lions watching over the plains, hippos gathering in the water and endless landscapes stretching toward the horizon.
This is designed as a luxury safari experience, combining exceptional locations, thoughtfully selected accommodations, expert guides and the convenience of internal flights. Africa itself remains wonderfully unpredictable: every game drive is different, every sighting unfolds in its own time, and those unexpected moments often become the memories travelers treasure most.
Your journey
Ten remarkable days in Tanzania and Kenya
Day 1 · September 21
Welcome to Tanzania
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, receive a warm welcome and transfer privately to the historic Four Points by Sheraton Arusha.
Days 2–3 · September 22–23
Tarangire National Park
Travel to Tarangire for an afternoon game drive, followed by a full day of wildlife viewing among elephant herds, baobab trees and the animals drawn to the Tarangire River.
Day 4 · September 24
Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro
Explore Lake Manyara National Park in search of elephants, abundant birdlife and its famous tree-climbing lions before continuing to the Ngorongoro highlands.
Day 5 · September 25
Ngorongoro Crater
Descend to the crater floor for a full-day safari and picnic lunch in a remarkable self-contained ecosystem supporting approximately 25,000 animals and the Big Five.
Days 6–7 · September 26–27
The Northern Serengeti
Fly north to a tented camp near the Mara River for afternoon, morning and evening wildlife viewing. An optional sunrise balloon safari with bush breakfast is available.
Days 8–9 · September 28–29
Kenya’s Masai Mara
Fly into the Masai Mara for two days of game viewing across legendary savannahs known for big cats, vast herds and dramatic landscapes. The experience includes a night drive returning from sundowners.
Day 10 · September 30
Nairobi and Departure
Fly to Nairobi for lunch and use of a day room at Emara Ole Sereni before a private transfer to the airport for the journey home—or the start of an optional extension.
Where you will stay
Comfort in the heart of the experience
Your accommodations have been selected for their location, atmosphere and access to the wildlife regions you have traveled so far to experience.
Four Points by Sheraton Arusha
A historic East African hotel and a comfortable beginning to the journey.
Elephant Springs
A stylish Tarangire retreat with savannah views, private balconies and convenient access to game drives.
Ngorongoro Lions Paw
An intimate camp on the crater’s eastern rim, approximately ten minutes from the descent road.
Serengeti Mara River Camp
A tented safari experience in the Northern Serengeti, just minutes from the legendary Mara River.
Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
A traditional safari lodge overlooking the reserve from the Oloolaimutia Hills.
Emara Ole Sereni
A five-star Nairobi hotel providing lunch and a comfortable day room before departure.
An extraordinary possibility
The Great Migration
The Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara are among the world’s most celebrated wildlife regions. September generally falls within the Great Migration season, when immense herds of wildebeest and zebra may be moving through the area and crossing the Mara River.
Nature does not follow a fixed schedule. Wildlife locations and river crossings depend on rainfall and migration patterns and can never be guaranteed. What can be expected is exceptional scenery, abundant resident wildlife and outstanding game-viewing opportunities throughout these regions.
Trip investment
Reserve your place
$13,988
per person, based on double occupancy
A 10% nonrefundable deposit is required to reserve your place.
Only 12 rooms available
International airfare, optional activities, gratuities, travel protection and personal expenses are additional. Government-imposed tax or park-fee increases may be added if assessed.
Included
- Nine nights of accommodations, including a Nairobi day room
- Meals as specified, with nearly all meals during the safari
- Professional English-speaking driver-guides
- Game drives and park entrance fees shown in the itinerary
- Six-passenger 4×4 safari vehicles in Tanzania
- Internal flights: Ngorongoro to Northern Serengeti, Northern Serengeti to Masai Mara and Masai Mara to Nairobi
- Airport meet-and-greet and scheduled transfers
- Bottled water during Tanzania game drives
- Personal hosting by Dave and Donna Operach
Not included
- International airfare and departure taxes
- Visas, vaccinations or inoculations
- Optional hot-air balloon safari and other optional activities
- Drinks, gratuities, laundry and personal expenses
- Travel, medical and baggage insurance
- Optional Victoria Falls extension
Your hosts
Travel with Dave and Donna
Travel has taken us to remarkable places around the world, most recently to Antarctica—the photo here was taken during that unforgettable expedition. After experiencing our sixth continent together, Africa became the final continent we have yet to visit.
That makes this safari much more than another hosted departure for us. It will complete our seven-continent journey, and we are genuinely excited to share that milestone with a small group of fellow travelers. As the owners of Dream Vacations – The Operach Team, we will be alongside the group from arrival in Tanzania through the conclusion in Nairobi, sharing both the adventure and the reassurance that comes from traveling with experienced travel professionals.
Extend the adventure
Optional Victoria Falls extension
Continue your African journey with an optional visit to magnificent Victoria Falls. The complete extension itinerary, dates and pricing will be announced soon. Tell us you are interested when requesting information and we will make sure you receive the details first.
Questions travelers ask
Safari FAQs
What should I expect from a luxury African safari?
This is a luxury safari experience, combining exceptional wildlife locations, thoughtfully selected lodges and camps, professional guides, extensive game viewing and convenient flights between remote regions. Luxury on safari is less about a traditional resort environment and more about privileged access, attentive service, distinctive accommodations and remarkable comfort in the heart of the wilderness. Your stays range from an intimate tented camp near the Mara River to established safari lodges with full amenities—each selected to enhance the places you have traveled so far to experience.
Will we see the Great Migration or a river crossing?
The trip visits the Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara during the general migration season. The herds’ precise location and the timing of river crossings depend on rainfall and natural migration patterns, so no particular sighting can be guaranteed.
What is a tented safari camp?
A tented room provides an immersive stay close to nature while still offering real beds, a private bathroom and the comforts expected from a premium safari property. It is very different from recreational camping.
Are international flights included?
No. International airfare is not included in the published package price. The Operach Team will provide guidance on the appropriate arrival and departure arrangements.
What deposit is required?
A 10% per-person nonrefundable deposit is required to confirm a reservation. Space is limited to 24 travelers in 12 rooms.
Is travel protection recommended?
Yes. This is a significant international journey with nonrefundable costs, and appropriate travel protection is strongly recommended. Coverage options and terms should be reviewed carefully before purchase.
What about health, mobility, visas and vaccinations?
Requirements and personal circumstances vary. Travelers should be comfortable entering safari vehicles and navigating some uneven surfaces. Current entry and health requirements will be reviewed during the planning process, and travelers should consult the appropriate medical professional regarding personal health needs.
Your African adventure begins here
Would you like to join us?
With only 12 rooms available, we encourage interested travelers to contact The Operach Team for the complete itinerary, reservation details and a personal conversation about the experience.
