Day 1: Arusha – Tanzania

Your guided Tanzania Wildlife Safari begins when you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha, the gateway to the Tanzania Northern Safari Circuit. Arusha is located at the base of Mount Meru with breathtaking views of the peak and is also near Africa’s biggest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. The city is conveniently located among the major national parks and is a thriving community with vibrant marketplaces, a broad cultural heritage, and modern services.

When you arrive, our representative will meet you and arrange for your transfer to the African Tulip Hotel (or equivalent) for check-in and overnight stay. The rest of the day is spent at your leisure, either relaxing at the hotel or exploring bustling Arusha.

About African Tulip Hotel in Arusha

The African Tulip Hotel offers a blend of comfort and elegance with beautifully decorated rooms designed to provide a relaxing and luxurious stay. The rooms come with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee-making facilities. Luxuriate in the plush bedding, spacious bathrooms with rain showers, and private balconies or terraces that overlook the lush gardens or pool area.

Dining at The African Tulip is a delightful experience, with a range of options to suit various tastes. The Baobab Restaurant offers an array of delicious dishes, blending local Tanzanian flavours with international cuisine, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Relax at the Serengeti Bar with a cocktail, a glass of wine, or a refreshing drink by the pool. Additional amenities include an outdoor pool, business centre and a gift shop offering local crafts and souvenirs.

Day 2: Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Tanzania

After breakfast, meet your driver-guide and embark on your journey to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that supports both wildlife conservation and the preservation of traditional Maasai pastoralist heritage. As you head west, you’ll enter the Great Africa Rift Valley, a geological and scenic marvel characterised by vast plains, volcanic hills, and impressive escarpments. The views are expansive, often stretching as far as the eye can see. At the heart of the Conservation Area lies the Ngorongoro Crater, a vast caldera of a collapsed ancient volcano forming a giant 260 square kilometre (100 square miles) amphitheatre teeming with diverse wildlife.

Descend the crater’s steep walls and explore the crater floor on a game-viewing drive in search of the Big 5 – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes – and a host of other animals from zebras to hippos and wildebeest. Sometimes known as “Africa’s Garden of Eden,” Ngorongoro Crater is a contender for the next Seven Wonders of the Natural World. It is the world’s biggest intact crater and the crater floor boasts an incredibly high density of wildlife which makes it one of the top game-viewing locations in the world. It is home to practically every single species of animal in East Africa, including the critically endangered Black Rhino. Your driver-guide will share their expert knowledge of the African wildlife that crosses your path.

After a picnic lunch on the Ngorongoro Crater floor, climb the crater sides once more and visit a Maasai village located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Maasai people arrived in this region over 200 years ago, and around 42,000 people live there with their cattle, donkeys, goats, and sheep. This cultural visit will give you insight into their traditional way of life in harmony with their surroundings.

As the daylight begins to fade, our Tanzania Wildlife Safari heads to Ngorongoro Serena Lodge (or similar) for a leisurely evening taking in the breathtaking views over this incredible landscape.

• Included Activities: Ngorongoro Crater Safari, Maasai Village Visit
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

About Ngorongoro Serena Lodge at Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, perched on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, offers a blend of comfort and breathtaking views. Each room is designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, with private balconies providing stunning vistas of the crater floor. The rooms are well-appointed with modern amenities including cosy beds, en-suite bathrooms and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Dining at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge is a culinary delight. The lodge’s restaurant serves a variety of delectable dishes, from hearty breakfasts to gourmet dinners, all enjoyed with panoramic views of the crater. Guests can also relax in the lounge and bar area, with a cocktail or a glass of wine by the fireplace. Additional amenities include a well-stocked gift shop, a beautiful outdoor terrace, and an information centre providing insights into the local wildlife and culture, ensuring a rich and immersive experience in one of the world’s most remarkable natural settings.

Day 3 & 4: Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

On day 3 of our Tanzania Wildlife Safari we get an early start for our second 4×4 game drive in Ngorongoro Crater. We drive back down into the crater in the dawn hours when the animals are beginning to stir. Over 25,000 large animal species live within the crater walls, including herbivores like zebra, eland, Grant’s & Thompson’s gazelles in vast herds, and a high density of predators including lion, hyena, leopard, cheetah, and jackal. Buffalo abound in the region, and elephant and reedbuck may be seen higher up along the crater’s rim. Pelicans and flamingos can often be sighted in Lake Magadi at the heart of the crater.

Later, your Tanzania Wildlife Safari travels northwest, leaving behind the rich Ngorongoro Highlands with their coffee and tea plantations, for the vast plains of the Serengeti. Enjoy a packed lunch along the way. The next two days will be spent on safari in the world-famous Serengeti National Park. The name is derived from Siringet, meaning “endless plain” in the Maasai language. The Park is 14,800 square kilometres (5,700 square miles) and borders the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the east and the Masai Mara, over the border in Kenya to the north. This is a beautiful spot of diverse landscapes and plentiful wildlife.

Enjoy an afternoon game drive in Serengeti National Park en route to your safari lodge in the heart of Tanzania’s top wildlife park. There are plenty of game-watching opportunities, with all of the Big 5 animals easily found on a single game drive, with waterholes attracting animals like magnets. Lions, giraffes, and antelope walk freely over the wide savannahs, while rhinos prefer the shelter of the forest bush, and leopards and cheetahs may be seen dozing in the branches of acacia trees. More than 500 bird species have been identified, including ostriches, bustards, and secretary birds.

Day 4 of your northern Tanzania safari is set aside for a full-day safari in Serengeti National Park. Your driver-guide will expertly guide you around the Seronera region of the reserve keeping a lookout for the iconic Big 5 of Africa (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros). Additionally, the Serengeti Park is famous for its vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. During the Great Migration millions of ungulates, including wildebeests and zebras, pass through this area on their way to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, just the other side of the border (see our notes about the Great Migration below).

There is also an option to take a Hot Air Balloon Safari (additional cost) for a spectacular perspective of the Serengeti Plains and the opportunity to watch the abundant wildlife from above. There is also an option to visit a Maasai community near Serengeti to learn more about their way of life. The Maasai are noted for their beautiful beading, rich traditions, and vibrant clothing.

At the end of a thrilling day on safari in Serengeti, head back to the comfort of the lodge to enjoy a last evening under the stars in this incredible place.

• Included Activities: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive, Serengeti Game Drive, Full-Day Serengeti Safari
• Optional Activities: Hot Air Balloon Safari, Maasai Cultural Tour
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

About Serengeti Serena Lodge in Serengeti National Park

Nestled in the heart of the Serengeti National Park, Serengeti Serena Lodge offers a breathtaking safari experience amidst stunning natural beauty. The lodge and infinity pool seamlessly blend into an acacia-lined ridge, offering panoramic views across the Serengeti’s vast, limitless plains. 65 guest rooms are situated in clusters of classic stone-built and domed, thatched “rondavels” that surround the lodge’s beautiful infinity pool and look out over the plains. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with en-suite natural stone bathrooms, and a private balcony for enjoying the breathtaking vistas. They feature a fan, wireless internet, coffee/tea-making facilities and an in-room safe.

The safari lodge boasts a range of dining options, including a main dining room serving delicious international cuisine with a local twist. Guests can also enjoy al fresco dining under the African sky, with traditional barbecues and cultural performances adding to the unique dining experience. There is a poolside bar where you can enjoy refreshing drinks while taking in the stunning views and soaking up the sunshine. The Maisha Spa offers a menu of treatments to pamper both body and soul.

Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park – Tanzania

Day 5 sees our Tanzania Wildlife Safari depart the expansive Serengeti plains and head to Lake Manyara in the southeast. This beautiful lake is a shimmering expanse of alkaline water that stretches along the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, attracting a multitude of bird species, including pink-hued flamingos.

Surrounding the lake is Lake Manyara National Park, a lush green belt of acacia woodlands and grassy floodplains, home to a variety of wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, and hippos. This Tanzanian park is also known for its unique tree-climbing lions, which can often be spotted lounging in the branches of the acacia trees. It is said that the lions acquired this behaviour to avoid troublesome biting flies, but whatever the cause, it is a remarkable sight to witness and one that you will most likely see on your afternoon game drive when they take to the trees for an afternoon sleep.

As the sun dips behind the horizon, retreat to Maramboi Tented Lodge (or similar) on the lakeshore for a hearty dinner and an easy evening in this serene location. Maramboi will be your base for the next 3 nights.

• Included Activities: Lake Manyara Safari
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

About Maramboi Tented Lodge at Lake Manyara

Maramboi Tented Lodge offers a unique safari experience on the shores of Lake Manyara. The lodge features spacious and elegantly furnished luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and private verandas offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding savannah. The interiors are tastefully decorated with comfortable beds, ample storage space, and thoughtful touches such as solar-powered lighting, mosquito nets, a fan, and a tea & coffee station.

Dining at Maramboi Tented Lodge is a culinary delight, with the lodge’s restaurant serving a variety of delicious dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You may wish to dine al-fresco in the open-air dining area with stunning views of the landscape and frequent wildlife sightings. The lodge also features a bar where you can unwind with a refreshing drink after a day of safari adventures. Other amenities include a swimming pool and sun deck to cool off and relax while taking in the panoramic views. There is also a cosy lounge area. Between game drives treat yourself to a soothing and rejuvenating massage.

Day 6 & 7: Tarangire National Park – Tanzania

The next two days of your Tanzania Wildlife Safari will be spent exploring Tarangire National Park, not far from Lake Manyara.

Tarangire National Park offers unforgettable game viewing with one of the world’s greatest concentrations of elephants and enormous prides of lions. The national park spans 2,600 square kilometres (1,000 square miles) of grasslands and swamps, connecting the Maasai Steppe plains in the southeast to the Great Rift Valley lakes in the north and west. The north of the park is the most frequented, with the perennial Tarangire River meandering over the terrain, while the south is made up of enormous marshes that turn into juicy green grassy plains in the dry season. Among the densely packed elephant grass, wide sections of mixed acacia forests, and exquisite ribbons of riverine forest, you may expect to encounter wildebeest, zebra, impala, giraffe, and buffalo. Lion, leopard, and spotted hyena are all regularly spotted in Tarangire National Park, while cheetah, black rhino, the endangered gerenuk, and fringe-eared oryx are more difficult to observe.

Your guide drives you through the landscapes of Tarangire seeking out the many animals found in the park. You will enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic rest stop, before continuing the adventure seeking out creatures large and small. Enjoy the sight of gigantic baobab trees silhouetted against the setting sun as you head back to camp for more delicious food and serene evenings under the stars.

• Included Activities: Tarangire Safari
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x2

Day 8: Tarangire to Arusha – Tanzania

Get an early start today for your final morning 4×4 game drive in Tarangire National Park.

Then your guide drives you back to Arusha, on the slopes of Mount Meru, through stunning Great Africa Rift Valley scenery. In Arusha, you are transferred to the airport where our Tanzania Wildlife Safari finishes. From Arusha, you can catch your onward flight, be it your international flight home or a local flight to Zanzibar Island for a blissful beach break.

A Typical Day on Safari in Tanzania

• Before dawn: Wake up to hot coffee or tea as the cool morning air surrounds you.
• Morning game drive (sunrise to around 9 am): Bundle up and hop into the open vehicle with your camera ready. Your private guide will navigate the bush, seeking out lions, elephants, giraffes, and other animals as the sun rises and paints the landscape. Every turn promises a new discovery, perhaps a pride of lions with cubs, a majestic herd of elephants, or a cheetah on the hunt. The drive lasts about two hours but can vary depending on the sightings.
• Breakfast (around 9 am): Return to the lodge and enjoy a delicious breakfast to refuel after your exciting adventure.
• Leisure time (mid-morning): Take some time to relax after the early start. You can unwind by the pool, catch up on sleep, or participate in optional activities offered by the lodge, such as nature walks, cultural visits to nearby villages, or bike rides.
• Lunch (around 1 pm): Lunch is usually served at the lodge or camp. However, if you’re on a full-day game drive, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the wilderness.
• Afternoon game drive (late afternoon): As the day heats up, head out again on another game drive, searching for animals you might have missed earlier. Your guide’s expertise will help you spot a variety of wildlife in Tanzania.
• Sunset and return to camp (evening): As the sun dips below the horizon, creating a breathtaking spectacle, return to the camp for a refreshing shower and refreshment.
• Dinner and evening relaxation: Indulge in a delicious dinner, followed by drinks and conversation around a crackling campfire, sharing stories of your safari adventures. Retire early, well-rested and filled with anticipation of the next day’s adventures.

Throughout your Tanzania Wildlife Safari, your knowledgeable driver-guide will be your companion and resource. They’ll share their expertise on the local wildlife, traditions, and history, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable African experience.

Flexibility: While the schedule offers a general structure, your safari guide will consider your preferences and adjust the timings whenever possible. The priority remains adhering to park regulations and ensuring safe travel within the time constraints. Your private guide will provide expert recommendations but is always open to hearing your interests.

Tanzania Safari Tour Notes

All Tanzania Safari Tours are conducted on a private departure basis. A minimum of 2 clients is needed to guarantee a departure.

The accommodation listed in this itinerary is subject to availability. Should the listed establishment not be available, a similar lodge of the same standard will be booked. This will be conveyed to you at the time of booking.

The cost of any optional activities will be confirmed on request.

Customize your Tanzania Wildlife Safari

Zanzibar Beach Holiday Add-on

This Tanzania Wildlife Safari combines well with our 4-Day Zanzibar Beach Resort Package. Zanzibar Island, located off the coast of Tanzania, is renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, rich cultural heritage, and historic Stone Town, making it a paradise for both relaxation and exploration. For this tour, you decide how much or how little you wish to do in this tropical paradise. The Zanzibar beach resort caters to all tastes with watersports, land-based activities, spa treatments, three beautiful restaurants, many bars, and a variety of facilities. It is surrounded by a white-sand beach and features one of Zanzibar’s largest swimming pools, complete with a pool bar. To learn more about Zanzibar Island, arrange excursions at the beach resort, which include spice tours and a visit to Stone Town. Speak to your travel advisor to add this Zanzibar trip to your Tanzania safari package.

Flights

Note that flight costs are not included in this Tanzania safari package and must be booked separately. Our friendly travel advisors will be able to advise on your options and make bookings on your behalf through our flight partners.

Pre- and Post-Tanzania Safari Accommodation

Talk to one of our friendly travel experts if you would like us to arrange accommodation for before and/or after your Tanzania Wildlife Safari.

The Great Migration Explained

Please note that the Wildebeest Great Migration of Kenya’s Masai Mara & Tanzania’s Serengeti is seasonal. As a natural wildlife phenomenon, it is fluid and unpredictable. For this reason, it must be understood that seeing the Great Migration cannot be guaranteed.

The wildebeest and other wild herbivores migrate between Masai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania. These herds move in a massive circular route covering some 1200 miles (1931km). It is a continuous movement of wildlife that can be seen in different areas at different times of the year. During certain phases of this annual trek, the animals disperse or slow down, whilst at other times the migration picks up speed, with the herds becoming larger and denser. Not only does the Wildebeest Great Migration vary from place to place and season to season but the movement of these large wildlife herds varies from year to year.

Please talk to a travel expert from African Budget Safaris about seeing the Wildebeest Great Migration on your safari to find out more. Also, check out our detailed article about the Great Migration in Serengeti and Masai Mara.