12 Days Safari Highlights

Day 1: Arrival Day

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) at TBA, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your accommodation. After check-in, you'll have time to relax and settle in. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a pre-safari briefing to prepare you for the exciting journey ahead. Overnight stay at your lodge.

Day 2: Arusha – Arusha National Park – Arusha

After an early breakfast in Arusha city, we depart around 7:30 AM for Arusha National Park, located approximately 35 km (about 1 hour) northeast of the city. Upon arrival, we begin a full-day exploration of this beautiful and diverse park, which is home to Mount Meru, Ngurdoto Crater, Momella Lakes, and an abundance of wildlife including giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and a variety of bird species. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the scenic spots within the park while taking in the breathtaking landscapes. In the late afternoon, after a full day of game drives and nature observation, we drive back to Arusha, covering the same 35 km (1 hour) journey. Arrive in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge or hotel in Arusha.

Day 3: Arusha – Lake Manyara – Karatu

We depart early in the morning from Arusha and head towards Lake Manyara National Park, covering approximately 125 kilometers in about 2 hours. Upon arrival, we embark on game drives and exploration of the park, renowned for its lush scenery, tree-climbing lions, and diverse birdlife. A packed lunch will be enjoyed amidst the beautiful surroundings of the park. In the late afternoon, after the game drive, we proceed to the nearby town of Mto wa Mbu, located just 5 minutes from the Manyara gate. Here, we immerse ourselves in cultural exploration, visiting local farms, sampling traditional cuisine, and learning about the rich cultural diversity of the town, home to over 120 different tribes. Later, we continue our journey, ascending the scenic Rift Valley escarpment wall as we make our way to the Crater Highlands. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at a lodge or camp, surrounded by the stunning highland landscapes.

Day 4: Karatu – Central Serengeti

After an early breakfast, we depart from the Crater Highlands and make our way to the central part of Serengeti National Park. The journey covers approximately 200 kilometers and takes around 5 to 6 hours, including game viewing along the way. Our route passes through the stunning Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering breathtaking landscapes and a chance to spot wildlife even before reaching Serengeti. With packed lunches provided, we continue the drive as the scenery transitions from the highlands to the endless plains of the Serengeti. Upon entering the park, we begin game drives en route, witnessing the incredible diversity of wildlife that the Serengeti is famous for, including large herds of wildebeest, zebras, predators, and a variety of bird species. By late afternoon, we arrive at your special camp or lodge in the central Serengeti, where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay under the vast African skies.

Day 5: Central Serengeti

You will spend the full day in the central Serengeti, exploring this iconic and expansive national park known for its incredible wildlife and dramatic landscapes. After breakfast, we will embark on a morning game drive, where you'll have the opportunity to witness the rich diversity of animals, including the famous "Big Five" — lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos. Depending on the time of year, you may also have the chance to see the incredible wildebeest migration if you're visiting during that season. A packed lunch will be provided, and you can enjoy it either in the park or during a stop at a scenic viewpoint, immersing yourself in the serenity of the Serengeti. In the late afternoon, we will continue with another game drive, exploring different parts of the park and spotting more wildlife. After a fulfilling day of adventure, we will return to our accommodation in the Serengeti for dinner and overnight, where you can relax and reflect on the day's experiences.

Day 6: Central Serengeti

You will spend the entire day immersed in the wildlife-rich heart of the Central Serengeti, known for its vast savannahs and high concentrations of predators and grazing animals. After an early breakfast, you'll set off for full-day game drives, exploring various regions of the Seronera Valley—home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and a wealth of other wildlife. You'll cover approximately 80 to 120 kilometers throughout the day, depending on animal sightings and routes, which translates to 6 to 8 hours of game viewing with stops. A packed lunch will be enjoyed at a scenic picnic site within the park, allowing you to relax and take in the spectacular surroundings. In the late afternoon, you'll return to your camp for dinner and an overnight stay, reflecting on the day's unforgettable safari experiences.

Day 7: Central Serengeti

Today is dedicated to further exploration of the central Serengeti, a region renowned for its rich concentration of wildlife and iconic landscapes. After an early breakfast, set out on a full day of game drives, covering the remaining areas you haven't yet explored. With your packed bush lunch, you'll venture deep into the savannah, allowing you to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature and uninterrupted views of the plains. This final exploration offers more chances to witness predators on the move, large herds grazing, and perhaps some rare sightings of elusive animals. The Serengeti's magic is in its endless plains and timeless rhythm—truly living up to the saying: "Serengeti never ends, and Serengeti never dies." As the sun begins to set, return to your lodge or camp for dinner and a restful overnight stay, reflecting on the unforgettable moments shared with the wild heart of Africa.

Day 8: Central Serengeti – Karatu

After an early breakfast and checking out of your lodge, we embark on our final game drive in the breathtaking Central Serengeti. This region is renowned for its vast plains teeming with wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, and large herds of wildebeest and zebras. We spend the entire day exploring its diverse landscapes and observing the incredible wildlife interactions. In the late afternoon, after enjoying a scenic picnic lunch, we begin our journey to Karatu in the Crater Highlands, covering approximately 200 km in about 4-5 hours. As we ascend into the lush, rolling hills, the scenery shifts from open savannah to verdant highlands. We arrive in the evening, just in time for a well-deserved dinner and an overnight stay in Karatu, preparing for the next adventure.

Day 9: Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu

After an early breakfast, we depart for an exciting exploration of the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most remarkable wildlife destinations in Africa. Covering 260 square kilometers, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, home to an incredible concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino. As we descend 600 meters into the crater, we'll witness its breathtaking landscapes, from lush grasslands to acacia forests and soda lakes teeming with flamingos. By midday, we take a break in a designated relaxation area within the crater, where we enjoy our picnic lunch while surrounded by stunning scenery and the sounds of nature. In the late afternoon, we ascend from the crater, covering approximately 25 km (about 1 hour drive) back to our lodge in Karatu. Upon arrival, we unwind with dinner and settle in for an overnight stay, reflecting on the day's incredible wildlife encounters.

Day 10: Karatu – Tarangire

After an early breakfast, we depart from Karatu and drive approximately 120 kilometers (about 2 hours) south toward Tarangire National Park, known for its majestic baobab trees and large elephant herds. Upon arrival, we begin an early morning game drive, taking advantage of the cooler hours when wildlife is most active. Keep your eyes open for lions, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, and a rich variety of birdlife as you explore the vast savannah and woodland landscapes. By midday, we head to your lodge located within the park for a hot lunch and some well-deserved relaxation. In the late afternoon, after a brief rest, we set out again to experience an evening and night game drive. Unlike daytime safaris, the night game drive offers a rare opportunity to witness nocturnal wildlife activity. With the help of a spotlight and an experienced guide, you may encounter elusive creatures such as civets, genets, bush babies, porcupines, and even predators like leopards or hyenas on the hunt. After this thrilling experience under the stars, we return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the natural sounds of the African bush.

Day 11: Tarangire National Park

Wake up early in the heart of Tarangire National Park, where the sounds of nature greet you at sunrise. Begin your day with a unique and immersive walking safari led by professional armed rangers. This one-hour guided walk allows you to explore the landscape up close, gaining a deeper appreciation for the park's ecosystem as you learn about animal tracks, plants, insects, and smaller wildlife often missed during game drives. After the walk, return to your lodge for a hearty breakfast, followed by a mid-morning game drive through Tarangire's diverse terrain. The park is famous for its elephant families, massive baobab trees, and seasonal swamps that attract a wide array of animals. At midday, head back to the lodge for a delicious lunch and some relaxation. You'll have time to enjoy the lodge amenities, such as swimming or simply unwinding while taking in the peaceful surroundings and rich flora and fauna. Later in the afternoon, you can coordinate with your guide for an optional evening game drive, giving you another chance to observe wildlife during the cooler hours as animals prepare for the night.

Day 12: Full Day Tarangire - Arusha

We wake up early in the heart of Tarangire National Park, ready to join private game drives and further exploration of this remarkable park. The early morning hours offer the best chances to witness wildlife at its most active—elephants moving through the misty savannah, predators on the hunt, and various bird species starting their day. As we traverse different parts of the park, you'll have opportunities to soak in the tranquil beauty of Tarangire unique landscapes and spot any wildlife you may have missed the day before. In the late afternoon, we check out of the park and begin our drive back to Arusha, covering approximately 120 kilometers in about 2.5 to 3 hours. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in time to catch your international flight onward, marking the end of your unforgettable safari adventure.

End of Itinerary