1 June 2027 – 9 days for £8,995 per person
Register your interest for 2028 and we will contact you when confirmed details including finalised dates and prices are available.
Embark on a journey where the wonders of the cosmos meet the majesty of African wildlife in Tanzania. This unique nine-day expedition combines world-class safari experiences including the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro crater with immersive astronomy activities under some of the clearest night skies on Earth.
This nine-day journey through Tanzania blends cutting-edge astronomy, world-class safari experiences, and cultural discovery. Beginning in Arusha with the Mount Meru Astronomical Observatory, the route continues through the Great Rift Valley to Karatu and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater before entering the iconic Serengeti National Park. Here, vast plains, the Great Migration, and immersive game drives are paired with unforgettable stargazing under some of the clearest night skies in the Southern Hemisphere. Along the way, engage with meaningful community projects in local Tanzanian villages, adding a cultural and impactful dimension to an already extraordinary adventure through one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.
Travelling in June and aligned with the new moon, the dry season delivers clear skies, minimal rain, and outstanding wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around shrinking water sources. In both the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, open landscapes and sparse vegetation make it easier to spot lions, elephants, and other iconic species. After sunset, the same dark, unpolluted skies become a natural observatory - revealing the Milky Way, constellations, and occasional meteors in breathtaking clarity.
Senior lecturer in space science at the University of South Wales, UK, Martin Griffiths will accompany you throughout this Tanzania astro safari, bringing a rare depth of expertise and enthusiasm to every stage of the journey. His presence transforms the experience into far more than a safari under the stars - through engaging lectures, guided walking seminars, and hands-on stargazing sessions, he connects the night sky directly to your surroundings in a way that is both accessible and deeply insightful.
With expert-led lectures, interactive workshops, guided stargazing and rich cultural encounters, this tour offers a rare chance to connect deeply with both Earth and the skies. Whether you are a passionate amateur astronomer or simply captivated by the stars, this is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that illuminates Tanzania from both ground and sky.
In partnership with Intrepid Travel.
Day 1: Arrive in Arusha and meet the group
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Arusha International Airport, you will be met by a local representative who will transfer you to your hotel for check in. You will have the afternoon at leisure.
As Tanzania’s largest city and commercial hub, Dar es Salaam is located along the coast of the eastern Indian Ocean. Though not the country's capital, Dar es Salaam remains the cultural and economic heart of Tanzania. It sits close to the equator, providing year-round views of both the northern and southern celestial hemispheres, ideal for stargazing.
In the evening, meet your tour leader, New ÒÁÈ˾þà expert and fellow travellers, then receive an orientation about the highlights of the days ahead. This will be followed by a group welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Mount Meru Astronomical Observatory
After breakfast, depart from your hotel and proceed to the Mount Meru Astronomical Observatory (MMAO). Nestled in the foothills of Mount Meru, a dormant stratovolcano within Arusha National Park that rises to 4562 metres, MMAO is Tanzania’s first permanent astronomical facility. Founded through the collaborative efforts of the Telescopes to Tanzania and Astronomers Without Borders projects, MMAO features a fully refurbished 12-inch Cave-Cassegrain telescope mounted in a roll‑off observatory and several portable instruments for public and school outreach. While you are here, you will get hands-on experience with astronomical instruments and engage with local educators, plus participate in interactive science education activities designed to promote STEM learning in Tanzanian schools. Return to your hotel for some time at leisure and lunch.
In the evening, head back to the observatory for a guided stargazing session using the 12″ Cave-Cassegrain telescope, offering a fascinating view of the night sky.
Day 3: Arusha to Pastoral Women’s Council community intiative and onto Karatu
After breakfast, depart from Arusha and journey towards Karatu, taking in the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley along the way. En route, visit the Pastoral Women’s Council, a community initiative that empowers local Maasai women and preserves cultural heritage. Here, you will gain deeper insight into Maasai traditions and daily life, visit a Maasai village, and engage with community members as they share stories, customs, and practices passed down through generations. Afterwards, continue your drive to Karatu, arriving in time for check-in at the lodge.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing and enjoying the lodge’s serene setting and facilities.
Day 4: Ngorongoro crater
Travel to the breathtaking Ngorongoro crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most ecologically rich areas on the planet. Here, you will embark on a game drive inside an ancient volcanic caldera that is teeming with wildlife. The animals here are less wary of humans and vehicles and as a result, it's easier to watch them from up close. Take in the spectacular views from the rim of the crater as you make your way to the bottom, where animals roam the lakes, rivers, woodlands, and hills. Keep an eye out for wildebeest, lion, zebra, cheetah, buffalo, gazelle, and the endangered black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor surrounded by breathtaking scenery before ascending back to the rim in the afternoon.
Proceed to the Serengeti for check-in at Four Seasons where you can relax and take in the stunning surroundings. In the evening, enjoy a one-hour stargazing experience using a telescope and binoculars, offering a chance to observe the clear Serengeti night sky and its constellations in a tranquil wilderness setting. Observe the Magellanic Clouds, two satellite galaxies of the Milky Way visible only from the southern hemisphere, as well as the Southern Cross.
Day 5: Serengeti National Park game drive and evening stargazing
After breakfast, embark on a full-day 4x4 game drive in Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife reserves, renowned for its vast open plains, incredible biodiversity and the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration. Home to the "Big Five" and countless other species, the park offers world-class game viewing all year round. Explore the park’s vast plains and diverse ecosystems in search of abundant wildlife including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of antelope species, with opportunities to witness predator-prey interactions and the rich birdlife that inhabits the region.
Enjoy a picnic lunch within the park, allowing you to maximize your time in the wilderness while taking in the dramatic landscapes and open savannah. Return to the lodge in the afternoon.
In the evening enjoy a relaxed one-hour stargazing experience using a telescope and binoculars, offering a chance to observe the clear Serengeti night sky and its constellations in a peaceful setting. Its remote location and minimal light pollution also make it an exceptional destination for stargazing, with crystal-clear night skies that reveal the full brilliance of the Milky Way.
Days 6: Serengeti National Park to Mto wa Mbu
After breakfast, depart from Serengeti National Park and begin your journey towards Mto wa Mbu, enjoying a scenic drive with en route game viewing as you exit the park and pass through changing landscapes.
Arrive in the afternoon and check in, followed by a guided village walk through this vibrant and culturally diverse community, home to a mix of different ethnic groups. During the walk, you will gain insight into daily life as you visit local farms, interact with residents. The experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with the community and learn about local traditions and livelihoods.
In the evening, enjoy a freshly prepared traditional dinner, featuring a variety of local dishes and flavors, providing an authentic taste of Tanzanian cuisine.
Day 7: Coffee farm and onto Arusha
After breakfast, check out and depart from Mto wa Mbu and drive to Arusha, proceeding directly to a locally owned coffee farm for a guided visit. Upon arrival, you will be taken through the coffee production process, from cultivation and harvesting to roasting and brewing, while learning about the different stages that bring coffee from bean to cup. The experience includes a guided coffee tasting session, allowing you to sample freshly prepared local coffee and appreciate its distinct flavors. A traditional lunch will be served, offering a selection of locally inspired dishes in a relaxed setting.
After the tour, continue to your hotel for check-in and leisure.
Day 8: Visit Mount Meru Astronomical Observatory rural project
Today, you will visit another education programme by the Mount Meru Astronomical Observatory (MMAO), most likely at a rural astro-science club within one of the Maasai communities they support. During the visit, you will gain insight into MMAO’s work in rural schools and engage with local teachers who are implementing practical, hands-on science education initiatives in their communities. You will also take part in a facilitated discussion with community elders, exploring traditional Maasai astronomy and star lore, and learning about the cultural significance of celestial knowledge in areas such as agriculture, timekeeping, and navigation.
Return to Arusha for a farewell dinner with the group.
Day 9: Arusha departure
After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your onwards flight.
