Day 1: Departure from Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Your adventure begins as you depart from Arusha, the central hub for safaris in northern Tanzania. You'll embark on a scenic drive along the Arusha-Dodoma highway towards Tarangire National Park. Along the way, you have the option to stop at a supermarket for any last-minute personal shopping. The journey takes about 2 hours, passing through the picturesque Masai Steppe region, before arriving at Tarangire.
Upon arrival, your driver will handle the necessary park entry paperwork, and then you'll kick off your first game drive in Tarangire National Park. This park is renowned for its vast herds of elephants and the striking baobab trees that dot the grassy landscape. Lunch will be enjoyed at a designated picnic site, followed by afternoon game drives until sunset. Later, you'll check in at a lodge or camp for an overnight stay. Your accommodations could be at Marera Valley Lodge, Country Lodge, or a similar lodge in Karatu. Meals provided include lunch and dinner.
> Accommodation:
✓ Name: Heart and Soul Lodge
✓ Type: Lodge
✓ Level: Mid-range
Day 2: Tarangire National Park to the Serengeti National Park
After breakfast in Tarangire National Park, you'll set off early and cross the Great Rift Valley's floor, ascending the escarpment as you traverse the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This scenic drive offers breathtaking views and captivating scenery. You'll eventually arrive at the renowned Serengeti National Park in the afternoon.
Upon arrival, you'll embark on an afternoon game drive to explore the Serengeti's wildlife. Lunch will be served at one of the picnic sites, likely at the Naabi Hill Gate, providing a chance to stretch your legs while your guide handles registration and paperwork. As the day draws to a close, you'll check in at a camp or lodge for an evening campfire, dinner, and an overnight stay. Your accommodation options include Thorntree Camp or Serengeti Green Hills Camp. All meals are included.
> Accommodation:
✓ Name: Serengeti Heritage tented Camp
✓ Type: Lodge
✓ Level: Mid-range
Day 3: Full Day in the Serengeti National Park
Start your day early with a sunrise game drive, offering a chance to spot rare nocturnal and early-rising animals. It's an ideal time to observe animals up close as many gather along the road sides to escape the morning dew. After breakfast at your camp, you'll spend the entire day on game drives within the vast Serengeti National Park.
The name "Serengeti" comes from the Maasai word "Siringit," meaning endless plains, and you'll certainly explore extensive stretches of African Savannah. Besides wildebeests, you'll have opportunities to spot elephants, lions, cheetahs, elusive leopards, zebras, elands, and numerous resident and migratory bird species. You'll spend another night at Thorntree Camp or Serengeti Green Hills Camp, with all meals provided.
> Accommodation:
✓ Name: Serengeti Heritage tented Camp
✓ Type: Lodge
✓ Level: Mid-range
Day 4: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater
Enjoy breakfast at your camp or lodge and then embark on another game drive in the Serengeti. Explore the Seronera River Valley, known for its rich wildlife and birdlife. Your safari guide will stay in communication with other guides via VHF radios in the safari vehicles, ensuring you visit the best locations for wildlife viewing.
In the afternoon, you'll return to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and check in at a lodge for dinner and overnight. Your accommodations in Karatu may include Marera Valley Lodge, Country Lodge, or a similar mid-range lodge. All meals are included.
> Accommodation:
✓ Name: Rhino Lodge
✓ Type: Lodge
✓ Level: Mid-range
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Return to Arusha – End of Safari
Begin your day with breakfast at the lodge, followed by an early descent into the Ngorongoro Crater for game drives. The earlier you descend, the better your chances of spotting rare animals like black rhinos. Spend the morning exploring the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural zoo with the highest concentration of wildlife. It's possible to spot the Big Five animals in a single day, if luck is on your side.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at the hippo poolside designated picnic site. Afterward, you'll ascend the Crater rim and exit the Conservation Area. Your journey will conclude in Arusha in the late afternoon, where your unforgettable safari comes to an end. Breakfast and lunch are included.
