Day 1: Arrival in Arusha, Tanzania

Your safari begins with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport. Upon arrival, your guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel or lodge in Arusha. Arusha is a bustling town that serves as the gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Circuit parks. You can relax, rest, or take a short city tour before an overnight stay in Arusha.

Day 2: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

On day two, you will drive from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park. This park is known for its lush vegetation, diverse wildlife, and scenic beauty. Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large herds of elephants, and vibrant birdlife. Enjoy an afternoon game drive, exploring the park’s unique ecosystems, from the forested highlands to the lakeshore. After a thrilling day, you will return to your lodge or campsite for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Full Day Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park

On day three, you will enjoy a full day of game drives in Lake Manyara National Park. This park offers a mix of wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and stunning landscapes. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of bird species, including flamingos and pelicans around the lake. Take a break for lunch before continuing your game drive in the afternoon. Return to your accommodation for a well-deserved rest after a busy day of exploration.

Day 4: Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Crater

Day four will take you to Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous wildlife areas in the world. Known as the “Garden of Eden,” the Ngorongoro Crater is home to a rich concentration of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino, lions, elephants, and buffalo. After arriving, you’ll have lunch at the crater’s rim before descending into the caldera for an exciting afternoon game drive. The crater offers amazing wildlife sightings and scenic beauty, making it a highlight of your safari.

Day 5: Full Day Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater

On day five, you’ll enjoy a full-day game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater. The crater is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including predators, herbivores, and birds. The day will be spent exploring the crater floor, where you may witness the dramatic interactions between predators and prey. You may spot the Big Five, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards. You’ll also see herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, as well as the spectacular Ngorongoro landscape. Return to your accommodation in the evening for rest.

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti National Park

On day six, after breakfast, you’ll head towards Serengeti National Park, one of the world’s most famous wildlife reserves. Serengeti is renowned for its vast plains, the annual migration of millions of wildebeest, and a wealth of wildlife. After arriving, you will enjoy an afternoon game drive in Serengeti to begin your exploration of this incredible park. Keep your eyes peeled for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and more. Overnight at a lodge or campsite inside or near Serengeti.

Day 7: Full Day in Serengeti National Park

Day seven is dedicated entirely to Serengeti National Park. With its endless savannahs, Serengeti is home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. You’ll have a morning and afternoon game drive, where you might witness the Great Migration if you visit between June and October. During the migration, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the park in search of food and water, making for an unforgettable spectacle. Serengeti’s resident predators, such as lions and cheetahs, are always in action, hunting prey. After a day of adventure, return to your accommodation for rest.

Day 8: Serengeti to Arusha for Departure

On your final day, you will enjoy a morning game drive in Serengeti before heading back to Arusha for your return flight. The drive back to Arusha is scenic and offers the opportunity for one last look at Tanzania’s beautiful landscape and wildlife. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a final tour of Arusha or enjoy a meal before heading to the airport for your departure.