Day 1
Tarangire
Start
Arusha
End
Lake Manyara
,
Karatu
,
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
,
Tarangire
Transfer from Arusha/Moshi to Tarangire followed by game drive.
You'll start your journey from your Arusha/Moshi hotel or Kilimanjaro/Arusha Airport, embarking on a scenic 3-hour drive to Tarangire National Park. Once there, a full-day game drive awaits, accompanied by a satisfying hot lunch within the park. Later, the drive continues to your overnight accommodation for dinner and stay.
The Tarangire National Park park is a haven for wildlife, boasting herds of up to 300 elephants, scraping the river beds for elusive streams. Witness nomadic wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, and an array of antelope congregating around shrinking lagoons. It holds the highest concentration of wildlife beyond the Serengeti, a paradise for predators. Here, unique species like the elegant fringe-eared oryx and the distinctive long-necked gerenuk are commonly sighted—a rarity elsewhere in Tanzania.
Moreover, Tarangire is the exclusive park where migratory animals find refuge during the dry season, welcoming a diverse range of species back home.
Accomodations in
Lake Manyara
,
Karatu
,
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
,
Tarangire
Optional Activities
Day 2
Ngorongoro Crater
Start
Tarangire , Ngorongoro Crater , Karatu , Ngorongoro Conservation Area
End
Central Serengeti
On this day, you'll experience the breathtaking descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a journey that takes you through a lush highland forest teeming with vibrant birdlife and towering trees.
The drive from the crater's rim to its floor is an adventure in itself, as you navigate the zigzagging roads that offer a thrilling introduction to this geological marvel.
Once on the crater floor, a vast expanse of grasslands and lakes unfolds before you, home to an incredible density of wildlife.
Your morning game drive in the crater promises to be particularly rewarding, as this is when the animals are most active. You might witness big cats in pursuit of their prey, while grazers search for fresh grass still wet with dew.
The predator per capita in the crater is notably high, and you may be lucky enough to spot the elusive black rhino or observe the huge flocks of flamingos around Lake Magadi.
The unique ecosystem of the crater, often referred to as Africa's Garden of Eden, ensures that sightings of the Big Five - lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes - are a distinct possibility.
After a morning filled with wildlife encounters, you'll ascend from the crater in the early afternoon, leaving behind this natural amphitheater of wildlife to continue your journey to the Serengeti. The drive to central Serengeti will take you through changing landscapes and is an experience in itself.
Depending on your exact departure time and location, the drive can take approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Your arrival in central Serengeti will be timed perfectly to settle into your overnight accommodation, where you can relax and reflect on the day's adventures.
As the sun sets over the Serengeti, you'll be surrounded by one of the most iconic landscapes on Earth, ready to rest and anticipate the wonders that await you in the days to come.
Day 3
Central Serengeti
Start
Central Serengeti
End
North Serengeti
Today you will embark on an early morning game drive in Central Serengeti, a region renowned for its vast, open plains and abundant wildlife.
This area of the Serengeti is a prime spot for viewing predators in action, especially during the early hours when the animals are most active.
Expect to see a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, as they roam the savannah in search of their next meal.
The Central Serengeti is also home to large herds of elephants, giraffes, and buffalo, providing a spectacular display of Tanzania's diverse fauna.
After the exhilarating game drive, your journey continues northward towards the Kogatende region, located in the Northern Serengeti.
This drive offers a change in scenery as you transition from the vast open plains of the Central Serengeti to the more varied landscapes of the North, including riverine forests and hills.
The drive to Kogatende takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on the exact starting point and road conditions.
The months from July to October are known for the dramatic river crossings in north Serengeti as millions of wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, brave the crocodile-infested waters of the Mara River in their quest for greener pastures.
The Kogatende area offers one of the best vantage points to witness these breathtaking crossings, a spectacle that is considered one of the most thrilling wildlife events on the planet.
Upon arrival in Kogatende, you will settle into your accommodation. The evening can be spent relaxing and reflecting on the day's adventures, with anticipation building for the next day's exploration of the Northern Serengeti and the chance to witness more of the Great Migration's wonders.
Day 4
North Serengeti
Start
North Serengeti
End
Central Serengeti
,
North Serengeti
Full day game drive in north Serengeti where you will track Wildebeest migration.
After an early breakfast, you will head out to make the most of the day. There is a chance you may see the animals crossing the Mara River.
Hundreds of thousands of desperate wildebeest gather together on the banks of the river, gazing wistfully across the turbulent water at the green grass on the other side, but no animal will make a move.
All it takes is one brave wildebeest to take the 'literal' plunge, and then, all follow!
The animals that successfully avoid the awaiting crocodile jaws and make it over the river are rewarded with the lush green grazing grass of the Maasai Mara.
Accomodations in
Central Serengeti
,
North Serengeti
Optional Activities
Day 5
Central Serengeti
Start
North Serengeti
End
Central Serengeti
North Serengeti to Central Serengeti with game drives.
Driving back from North Serengeti to Central Serengeti is a journey through a vast and diverse landscape that showcases the incredible beauty of this region of Tanzania. As you leave the North behind, you'll be treated to a journey that's as breathtaking as it is unforgettable.
The route from North Serengeti to Central Serengeti is a scenic one, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the incredible views. Along the way, you'll pass through rugged terrain and open savannahs, with rolling hills and towering rocky outcrops providing a dramatic backdrop.
Along the way, you will spot everything from the enigmatic dik-diks to towering elephants and everything in between.
The Seronera (central Serengeti) is often known as 'big cat country,' and its kopjes and acacias provide an excellent opportunity to spot prides of lazy lions, sleek cheetahs out on the hunt, and leopards overseeing everything from their lofty perches. The region's hippo pools and wide open spaces provide ample opportunities for game viewing.
Day 6
Central Serengeti
Start
Central Serengeti
End
Moshi , Arusha
You'll wake up early for one last game drive in the Central Serengeti.
As the sun rises and bathes the plains in a soft, golden light, you'll have another chance to witness the Serengeti's diverse wildlife in action.
The morning hours are a prime time for observing predators on the hunt, and this final game drive offers a last opportunity to marvel at these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
After the morning game drive, you'll begin the journey back to Arusha or Moshi. The drive is not just a return trip, but an extension of your safari experience.
You'll continue to do game drives along the way, making the most of your time in the Serengeti. The landscapes will gradually change as you leave the endless plains behind and enter the more varied terrain of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and then the lush landscapes of the Arusha region.
The drive back to Arusha or Moshi can take approximately 5 to 7 hours, depending on the exact starting point, road conditions, and the number of stops made for game viewing.
This journey offers a chance to reflect on the incredible experiences of the past few days, from the breathtaking descent into the Ngorongoro Crater to the thrilling game drives in the Serengeti.
Upon arrival in Arusha or Moshi, you'll be dropped off at your chosen location, marking the end of your unforgettable Tanzanian adventure.