Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Tarangire National Park
Your adventure begins as you arrive in Arusha, where you are met and driven to Tarangire National Park. Famous for its large elephant herds and majestic baobab trees, Tarangire offers a quieter, wildlife-rich introduction to Tanzania’s natural wonders. Spend the afternoon on your first game drive, spotting giraffes, zebras, and predators in this diverse ecosystem before settling into your lodge or camp for the night.
Day 2: Explore Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, travel to the beautiful Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and abundant birdlife. Explore its scenic lakeshore, dense forest, and open plains on a full-day game drive. Keep an eye out for hippos, elephants, and colorful flocks of flamingos along the soda lake’s edge. In the evening, retreat to your lodge near Karatu to relax.
Day 3: Journey Through Ngorongoro Highlands to Serengeti
Leaving Lake Manyara, you journey through the lush Ngorongoro Highlands, passing through Maasai villages and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Continue onward to the legendary Serengeti National Park, where the vast plains teem with wildlife. Arrive in the Central Serengeti region for an afternoon game drive, followed by an overnight stay in a tented camp or lodge.
Day 4: Full-Day Game Drives in the Serengeti
Spend an entire day immersed in the iconic Serengeti, exploring endless savannahs in search of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and the great herds of wildebeest and zebra. Depending on the season, witness parts of the awe-inspiring Great Migration. Optional early morning activities include a hot air balloon safari, providing breathtaking aerial views of the park’s stunning landscapes.
Day 5: More Serengeti Wildlife Encounters
Continue your exploration of the Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives, delving into different regions of the park to maximize wildlife sightings. Spot rare species and enjoy the dynamic ecosystems that change with the seasons. As evening falls, relax at your camp or lodge, recounting the day’s adventures under the vast African sky.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Rim and Cultural Experience
Depart the Serengeti and head towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, arriving at the crater rim for spectacular views. If time allows, visit a traditional Maasai village to learn about the local culture and way of life. Spend the night at a lodge overlooking the crater, preparing for the next day’s early wildlife adventure.
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive and Return to Arusha
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive through this unique caldera, home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife including the Big Five and endangered black rhinos. After a picnic lunch on the crater floor, begin the journey back to Arusha for your departure or onward travel arrangements, concluding your unforgettable Tanzanian safari experience.
