Begin your journey from Arusha with a ~2.5-hour drive to Tarangire. Famous for its dense elephant population, iconic baobab trees, and the life-giving Tarangire River, this park offers excellent wildlife viewing all year round. After a morning game drive and picnic lunch inside the park, continue on to Karatu for overnight. You’ll arrive in time for a relaxed evening in the highlands.

After breakfast, depart Karatu for Central Serengeti (~5.5–6 hrs), traveling through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of highland forests and vast savannahs. Enter Serengeti by mid-day and begin your first game drive en route to the lodge. Spot giraffes, buffalo, and possibly big cats as you explore the Seronera region before settling in for dinner.

Start with a sunrise game drive in Central Serengeti, when lions and leopards are often active near rivers and kopjes. Explore the Seronera Valley, known for its resident wildlife year-round. After lunch—either packed or at the lodge—begin your return journey to Karatu (~6 hrs), passing again through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with more chances for wildlife sightings along the way.

Early morning descent into Ngorongoro Crater (~2 hrs from Karatu). The crater’s unique ecosystem supports dense concentrations of wildlife including black rhinos, lions, hyenas, and large herds of zebras and wildebeest. After a picnic breakfast or lunch on the crater floor, return to Karatu in the afternoon for some rest and reflection on a day filled with game viewing.

After breakfast, head to Lake Manyara (~1 hr), a compact but diverse park known for its groundwater forest, soda lake, and possible sightings of tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a half-day game drive with views of flamingos, elephants, and hippos. By mid-afternoon, begin your drive back to Arusha (~2.5 hrs), arriving before evening.