Depart Arusha in the morning and drive ~2.5 hours to Tarangire. Spend the day exploring this park renowned for its massive baobabs, large elephant herds, and predators drawn to the perennial Tarangire River. After a picnic lunch in the park, continue to Karatu (~1.5 hrs) for an overnight stay in the highlands.

After an early breakfast, begin the ~6-hour drive from Karatu through Ngorongoro Conservation Area into Central Serengeti. Along the way, pass shifting landscapes from lush highlands to sweeping plains teeming with wildlife. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive in Central Serengeti, famous for resident big cats and year-round game.

Depart Central Serengeti after breakfast and head north toward the Kogatende region (~5–6 hrs), tracing the path of the Great Migration. This northern corridor near the Mara River is the best location for potential river crossing sightings between July and October. Arrive for a late afternoon game drive in this dramatic wilderness.

After an early morning game drive in North Serengeti, begin the return journey to Central Serengeti (~5–6 hrs). Enjoy en route sightings of elephant herds, giraffes, and predators in the open savannah. Depending on timing, squeeze in an afternoon game drive in Central Serengeti before overnighting in the heart of the park.

Depart early from Central Serengeti and journey toward Ngorongoro Crater (~5–6 hrs). Descend into the crater for a rewarding game drive in one of Africa’s most biodiverse and scenic wildlife havens. Expect black rhinos, hippos, lions, and more. After lunch, drive ~4 hrs back to Arusha, concluding your adventure in the evening.