Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport at 1300hrs on flight, you will be greeted by your driver-guide who will transfer you to Arusha City. Situated beneath Mount Meru and on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, Arusha is known for its temperate climate and proximity to some of Tanzania’s most famous safari destinations. After a brief welcome and safari briefing, you will have time to settle in and relax. Your overnight accommodation will be at Fig Tree on a bed-and-breakfast basis, allowing you to rest and prepare for your exciting adventure ahead
Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
After an early breakfast at the hotel, you will depart at 0800hrs with your naturalist guide for a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park. Tarangire, Tanzania’s third-largest national park, is renowned for its impressive elephant herds and majestic baobab trees. The park offers an incredible wildlife experience, as animals often concentrate along the Tarangire River, the only permanent water source in the area. As you explore the park, you may catch glimpses of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and various antelope species. In addition to the game drive, you will enjoy a bush walk to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings and visit a nearby semi-nomadic tribe to learn about their way of life. Afterward, you will head to your accommodation at the Sangaiwe Tented Lodge, where you can unwind and enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars.
Day 3: Tarangire National Park – Lake Manyara National Park – Karatu
On this day, you will begin with an early morning hike along the Sangaiwe hills, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. After the hike, you will depart at 0800hrs for Lake Manyara National Park, a true gem of Tanzania. The park is known for its lush greenery, scenic beauty, and diverse habitats, including groundwater forests, woodlands, grasslands, and the soda lake itself. The area is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 350 species, including flamingos, pelicans, and other waterfowl. Manyara is also famous for its tree-climbing lions and abundant wildlife, such as buffalo, giraffe, and hippo. After a day of exploration, you will continue to the Karatu area, where you will have dinner and spend the night at Country Lodge, a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Rift Valley.
Day 4: Karatu – Serengeti National Park
Following breakfast at the lodge, you will embark on a drive to Serengeti National Park, one of the most famous wildlife destinations in the world. The journey takes you through the Ngorongoro Highlands, with a stop at Naabi Gate for a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, you will begin your game drive in the central Serengeti, an area known for its dense populations of big cats, including cheetahs, lions, and leopards. The Serengeti is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, from expansive savannahs to hilly, wooded areas, making it an ideal location for spotting wildlife. In addition to the big cats, you may see elephants, buffalo, giraffes, antelope, and more. Your day will end at Angata Serengeti, where you will enjoy a well-deserved dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Full Day in Serengeti National Park
Today will be dedicated to exploring the vast plains of Serengeti. You will take part in both morning and evening game drives, when the wildlife is most active. The Serengeti is famous for its annual migration of wildebeest and zebras, which draw thousands of animals to the region. The park is also home to an impressive variety of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. In addition to the big cats, Serengeti is teeming with other wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and various antelope species. With your expert guide, you will have the opportunity to witness this incredible wildlife spectacle in its natural environment. After a full day of exploration, you will return to Angata Serengeti for another night in the Serengeti.
Day 6: Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater
After an early breakfast, you will depart Serengeti at 0730hrs for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The highlight of the day will be your descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. The crater floor, surrounded by steep volcanic walls, is home to a rich concentration of wildlife, including the “Big Five”: lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard. The area also supports a variety of herbivores such as zebras, wildebeests, and gazelles, as well as many species of birds. The Ngorongoro Crater is a haven for wildlife due to the availability of year-round water and grass. After exploring the crater, you will head to the Manyara area for a late afternoon drive before reaching your accommodation at Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge, where you can relax and enjoy dinner.
Day 7: Karatu – Arusha
On your final day, after breakfast at the lodge, you will drive to Mto wa Mbu, a small village known for its rich culture and vibrant community. Here, you will have the chance to visit local women’s farming and financing groups, learning about their activities and how they support one another. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional African lunch with the locals, offering a unique cultural experience. After the lunch, you will drive back to Arusha, where you will arrive in the afternoon, marking the end of your incredible Tanzanian safari.
