Depart Arusha in the morning for Tarangire National Park (~2 hrs). Your first day introduces you to iconic baobab trees, elephant herds, and resident wildlife like impalas, zebras, and hartebeests. Arrive at your camp or lodge inside or near the park by lunchtime, followed by an afternoon game drive until sunset.

Enjoy a full day exploring Tarangire. Early morning and late afternoon game drives increase your chances of spotting predators like lions or leopards, while midday may be spent relaxing at camp. Tarangire's riverine ecosystem attracts large herds during the dry season. Picnic lunch or return to camp, depending on location.

After breakfast, depart Karatu (~4.5 hrs drive) and enter Central Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy game viewing en route with chances to see giraffes, elephants, and possibly cheetahs. Arrive at your Serengeti lodge in time for an afternoon game drive in the Seronera Valley.

Spend a full day in Central Serengeti, exploring its vast open plains, granite kopjes, and the Seronera River, known for big cats and seasonal migrations. Expect to see herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope, along with lions and possibly leopards. Bush picnic lunch or return to lodge for a hot meal.

After a relaxed breakfast, depart for Karatu or Crater Rim (~5–6 hrs). Drive through scenic Ngorongoro highlands, with wildlife sightings along the way. Stop for lunch en route or at your lodge. Late afternoon at leisure, enjoying the cooler highland climate and prepping for next day’s crater descent.

Descend into Ngorongoro Crater at sunrise. The caldera is home to black rhinos, massive tuskers, hippos, and abundant predators. After a 5–6 hour game drive with picnic lunch, ascend and return to Karatu (~2 hrs), where you’ll unwind and reflect on your day in one of the world’s most biodiverse safari spots.

Drive to Lake Manyara National Park (~45 min), a lush gem at the base of the Rift Valley Escarpment. Enjoy morning game drives looking for tree-climbing lions, elephants, baboons, and flamingos. After lunch, begin the 2.5–3 hr return drive to Arusha, arriving by late afternoon or early evening.