Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be greeted by your private guide and transferred to your luxurious accommodations in Arusha. Relax and unwind after your journey, perhaps taking a dip in the pool or enjoying a cocktail on the rooftop terrace of the Gran Meliá Arusha, offering stunning views of Mount Meru.
(Overnight: Gran Meliá Arusha - Luxury 5 Star) (Meal: B)
Day 2: Tarangire National Park: The Elephant Paradise
After breakfast, embark on your first game drive in Tarangire National Park. Tarangire is a haven for elephants, boasting one of the highest concentrations in Tanzania. Witness these gentle giants amidst the park's iconic baobab trees, which dot the landscape like ancient, upside-down trees. Keep an eye out for other wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, warthogs, and various gazelle species. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery before continuing your game drive in the afternoon. Tarangire is also home to diverse birdlife, including the striking Kori bustard.
(Overnight: Tarangire Safari Lodge or similar) (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park: A Rift Valley Jewel
Today, after breakfast, we journey to Lake Manyara National Park, a birdwatcher's paradise nestled at the foot of the Great Rift Valley. This park's diverse habitats, ranging from lush groundwater forests to open savannas and the soda lake itself, create a unique ecosystem. Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions, a rare sight indeed. The lake attracts thousands of flamingos, often forming a pink blanket across the water. You'll also have the chance to spot elephants, giraffes, hippos, and a dazzling array of other birdlife. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the park's beauty. Optional activities include a visit to the Maji Moto hot springs or a thrilling canopy walk through the treetops, offering a different perspective on the park's flora and fauna. (Overnight: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge or similar) (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 4: Serengeti National Park – Central Serengeti: The Great Migration's Heart
Prepare for an unforgettable experience as you journey to the legendary Serengeti National Park. After breakfast, we'll drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping at the crater viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views. We'll also make a brief stop at the memorial site of Professor Bernhard Grzimek and his son Michael, renowned for their conservation work. Continue to the Serengeti, where you'll embark on a game drive en route to your lodge. The Serengeti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famed for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in search of grazing. Central Serengeti offers excellent game viewing year-round, with abundant resident wildlife and a high chance of witnessing predator-prey interactions. Enjoy a campfire under the stars and the sounds of the African bush.
(Overnight: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge or similar) (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 5: Serengeti National Park: Endless Plains and Big Cat Encounters
Spend a full day exploring the vast plains of the Serengeti. Your expert guide will lead you on thrilling game drives, searching for lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and the diverse array of herbivores that call this park home. The Serengeti's landscape is characterized by its iconic acacia trees and granite kopjes (rock formations), which provide shelter and vantage points for wildlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the Serengeti, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of this incredible ecosystem. (Optional: A hot air balloon safari is available for an unforgettable aerial view of the Serengeti. Pre-booking is highly recommended.)
(Overnight: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge or similar) (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 6: Serengeti National Park – East & West Serengeti: Following the Wildlife
Continue your Serengeti adventure with another day of game drives. Explore different areas of the park, following the movements of the animals and discovering hidden gems. Depending on the time of year, the migration may be concentrated in different areas of the Serengeti. Your guide will use their expertise to maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities. In the evening, visit the Hippo Pool for fantastic photo opportunities as hippos and crocodiles become more active. Enjoy a final Serengeti sunset.
(Overnight: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge or similar) (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 7: Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater: The Eighth Wonder of the World
After a final morning game drive in the Serengeti, we'll travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop for a packed lunch along the way. Your lodge sits on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, offering spectacular views of this natural wonder. Known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," the crater is a collapsed volcano, creating a unique ecosystem that supports a high concentration of wildlife.
(Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge) (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu: A Natural Amphitheater of Wildlife
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an incredible concentration of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino, lions, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous other animals. The crater floor is a microcosm of the Serengeti, with diverse habitats ranging from grasslands to forests and a soda lake. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery. In the late afternoon, we'll ascend from the crater and travel to Karatu, a charming town nestled in the highlands.
(Overnight: Pamoja Olea Farm Lodge) (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 9: Departure
After breakfast, we'll transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, stopping for a farewell lunch at a local restaurant in Arusha. Depart with incredible memories of your Tanzanian safari adventure.
(Meals: B, L)