Itinerary Overview
This 7-day safari adventure takes you through some of Tanzania’s most spectacular wildlife destinations, offering a front-row seat to the breathtaking wildebeest migration and the dramatic river crossings in the northern Serengeti. You will explore the diverse landscapes of Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater, encountering a rich array of wildlife, from the Big Five to the unique bird species that call these ecosystems home. Experience game drives through lush forests, endless plains, and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, culminating in an unforgettable exploration of Africa’s untamed wilderness.
Arrival
On arrival and after border formalities, you will be welcomed by our guide, who will transfer you to your hotel in Arusha town (HB). Depending on your arrival time, it is possible to be transferred directly to Tarangire National Park. However, we highly recommend overnighting in Arusha at a lodge/hotel to save on hotel costs and avoid rushing.
On your way to Arusha town, you will be welcomed by breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro (when the sky is clear), the highest in Africa at 5,895m, and the second highest, Mount Meru, at 4,563m above sea level. You will encounter different ways of living practiced by locals, as well as lush banana and coffee farms. Your 7-day adventure is as good as started on this first day.
PROGRAM
Day 1: Tarangire National Park
YYou will be picked from your hotel at 8 a.m. and drive alongside the Great Rift Valley to the iconic Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive. Your day ends at a lodge/tented camp where you will retreat for the night.
Tarangire is a breathtaking and fascinating wildlife destination, and its true beauty is only realized once you enter. The park boasts the largest elephant population in northern Tanzania, alongside ancient baobab trees, massive herds of wildebeest and zebras, and a permanent water source in the Tarangire River. This rich ecosystem supports four out of the Big Five—lions, leopards, buffalo, and elephants. Tarangire is also one of the best places in Tanzania to witness lions lounging in trees. Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled by the high concentration of avian species in the park.
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park
You will be picked from your hotel at 8 a.m. and drive deep into the Great Rift Valley to Lake Manyara National Park for a full-day tour with packed lunch and an overnight stay at a lodge/tented camp.
As you enter Manyara, prepare to be mesmerized by its lush green landscape, fed by underground water sources that sustain an abundance of flora and fauna. The park is renowned for its treeclimbing lions, large elephant herds, impressive baboon troops, and hippos that thrive in the sodaash lake. Lake Manyara is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 350 bird species, including flocks of pink flamingos, pelicans, herons, and storks. Despite its small size, the park offers an extraordinary diversity of wildlife and a rich aquatic ecosystem.
Day 3: Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, you will start your journey up the Great Rift Valley escarpment, enjoying the scenic views as you transition from Manyara to the Serengeti.
As you approach Serengeti, the seemingly endless plains unfold before you, revealing the highest concentration of wildlife in the world. The park hosts the largest population of big cats on the planet and is the stage for the legendary Great Migration of wildebeests and zebras across the Mara River. The Serengeti’s kopjes serve as prime vantage points for predators, and with luck, you may witness dramatic hunts. The park is also home to over 480 bird species. Your game drive continues en route to central Serengeti, where you will check into a lodge/tented camp for dinner and an unforgettable sunset.
Day 4: North Serengeti National Park
After an early breakfast, you will venture into the northern reaches of the Serengeti, following the trail of the world-famous Great Migration.
The migration begins in the southern plains of Ndutu and Maswa, where wildebeests give birth before setting off on their journey. As they traverse the western corridor, they brave the crocodileinfested Grumeti River before heading north. The climax of this spectacle unfolds in the Northern Serengeti, where thousands of wildebeests and zebras gather at the banks of the Mara River. Here, you will have the chance to witness one of nature’s most dramatic events—the perilous river crossing. This awe-inspiring sight, where herds plunge into the rushing waters while predators lurk nearby, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Day 5: North Serengeti National Park
On this day, you are advised to carry a packed hot lunch to maximize your game-viewing time in this phenomenal area.
The northern Serengeti boasts an abundance of big cats, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards, drawn by the migration’s easy prey. You may be fortunate enough to witness a hunt as predators take advantage of the chaos at the river crossings. You can spend half the day tracking the migration or exploring other wildlife hotspots before heading back to central Serengeti for a rewarding evening game drive and an overnight stay at a lodge/tented camp.
Day 6: Central Serengeti National Park
Wake up early to witness the breathtaking Serengeti sunrise before setting out on a full-day game drive. Depending on your preferences, you can choose to carry a packed lunch or return to the lodge for a midday meal before continuing your exploration.
Central Serengeti is a wildlife haven with an unparalleled ecosystem. You will be taken deep into the remote areas of the park, where the game viewing is truly spectacular. This day allows for flexibility, ensuring you get the most out of your experience in the heart of Serengeti’s untamed wilderness.
Day 7: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Departure
An early wake-up is recommended, followed by breakfast before departing for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You will descend into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive, pausing at the Ngoitoktok picnic site for a hot lunch. After lunch, continue exploring before exiting the crater and heading back to Arusha.
The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact caldera on Earth, measuring 19km in diameter and 260km in circumference. It is a wildlife paradise, home to an exceptional concentration of animals year-round due to its reliable water sources. The crater features a river, swamps, a soda lake teeming with flamingos, forests, and open plains. The Gorigor and Mwanduzi swamps provide sanctuary to some of Africa’s oldest male elephants, renowned for their massive tusks, as well as resident buffalo and hippos. Ngorongoro is one of the last remaining strongholds for the endangered black rhino, offering excellent chances of spotting these elusive giants.
After your game drive, you can either fly out of Arusha or enjoy an overnight stay before departing the following day.
Accommodation options available
CAMPING
BUDGET
MID-RANGE
LUXURY
PACKAGE
Includes
Excludes
- All
- Full board accommodations
- Hotel lunch during the safari
- Service of professional English Speaking Guide (Other Language on request)
- 4 x 4 Safari Jeep with pop-up roof, charging unit, in-car fridge, large windows
- Unlimited Mileage
- Unlimited drinking water while on safari
- All park, conservation, and concession fees plus Taxes
- Detailed Itinerary
- Airport drop-off and pickup
- All
- Traveler’s insurance
- VISA
- Drinks outside safari
- Tipping (we recommend from $10 per person per day)
- Personal spending
- International flights
