Country: Tanzania

Duration: 11 Days

Activities: Cultural Experience, Game Drives, tree-climbing lions

Short Itinerary

Day Destination & Activities
Day 1 Arusha to Tarangire – Wildlife viewing in Tarangire National Park
Day 2 Tarangire – Full day of wildlife exploration
Day 3 Transfer to Lake Manyara for wildlife viewing
Day 4 Transfer to Lake Natron – Bird watching & Flamingo trek
Day 5 Optional hike to Ngare Sero waterfalls, then proceed to Northern Serengeti with wildlife viewing en route
Day 6 Northern Serengeti – Full day wildlife exploration
Day 7 Northern Serengeti – Full day wildlife exploration
Day 8 Morning wildlife viewing in Northern Serengeti, then transfer to Central Serengeti
Day 9 Central Serengeti – Full day wildlife exploration
Day 10 Morning wildlife viewing in Central Serengeti, then transfer to Ngorongoro/Karatu
Day 11 Ngorongoro Crater exploration (5 hours) – Transfer to Arusha

Choose Your Travel Dates

Safari tour pricing varies based on departure date, group size, and accommodation preferences.


Ensuite Accommodation Packages

Presented below are packages featuring popular ensuite options for your journey. Ensuite properties include tented camps and lodges situated either within or near national parks. Each offers private sleeping quarters with attached bathroom facilities. Meals are provided by the respective properties.

Click to learn more about safari accommodations (ensuite camps/lodges).


Option E1: Value Accommodations

Nights Accommodation Location Meal Plan
1 Night Sangaiwe Tented Lodge Tarangire (Outside the Park) Full Board
2 Nights Nsya Lodge & Camp - Standard Bungalow Lake Manyara (Outside the Park) Full Board
1 Night Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge Lake Natron Full Board
3 Nights Tanzania Bush Camps, Kogatende Northern Serengeti Full Board
2 Nights Tukaone Camps Central Serengeti Full Board
1 Night Omega View Hotel Karatu Full Board
Safari Vehicle Price Per Adult
Land Cruiser $4,392

Option E2: Signature Accommodations

Nights Accommodation Location Meal Plan
2 Nights Sanctuary Swala Camp Tarangire (Within the Park) Full Board
1 Night Manyara Best View Lodge - Diamond Luxury Lake Manyara (Outside the Park) Full Board
1 Night Lengai Safari Lodge Lake Natron Full Board
3 Nights Sayari Camp, Kogatende Northern Serengeti Full Board
2 Nights One Nature Nyaruswiga Central Serengeti Full Board
1 Night Melia Ngorongoro Lodge, NCA - Executive Suite NCA Full Board
Safari Vehicle Price Per Adult
Land Cruiser $18,770

A comprehensive list of inclusions is provided below. Additional accommodation options and add-on excursions are available upon request. Please share your specific requirements by clicking the "Request Quote" button, and our reservations team will respond promptly.


Basic Camping Packages

Presented below are budget camping options for your journey. On basic camping safaris, you will sleep in compact dome tents pitched at designated campsites with shared bathroom facilities. A dedicated cook accompanies your group and prepares all meals.

Click to learn more about how basic/budget camping safaris operate.


Option C1:

Nights Accommodation Location Meal Plan
1 Night Tarangire Campsite Tarangire (Within the Park) Full Board
2 Nights Migombani Campsite, Mto Wa Mbu Lake Manyara (Outside the Park) Full Board
1 Night Africa Safari Lake Natron Campsite Lake Natron Full Board
3 Nights Lobo Campsite Northern Serengeti Full Board
2 Nights Seronera Campsite Central Serengeti Full Board
1 Night Ngorongoro Campsite, NCA NCA Full Board
Safari Vehicle Price Per Adult
Land Cruiser $3,356

Enquire Now


Detailed Itinerary


Day 1 – Arusha to Tarangire

Your adventure begins with a morning pickup at 7:30 AM from your Arusha hotel. You'll depart for Tarangire National Park carrying a picnic lunch for a full day of wildlife viewing. Tanzania's third-largest national park is distinguished by its iconic baobab trees that punctuate the landscape, their massive trunks creating a dramatic backdrop for the wildlife that roams beneath them. The Tarangire River serves as the lifeblood of this ecosystem, drawing some of the largest elephant herds found anywhere in Africa. Beyond elephants, the park offers excellent opportunities to spot lion, leopard, cheetah, lesser kudu, buffalo, oryx, eland, giraffe, and zebra. Following your day of exploration, you'll return to your camp or lodge for a well-deserved evening meal.


Day 2 – Tarangire Full Day

After breakfast at approximately 8:00 AM, you'll set out for another full day of wildlife viewing in Tarangire National Park. This remarkable protected area is celebrated for its varied terrain and nine distinct vegetation zones. As you traverse the park, you'll be greeted by the ancient, towering baobab trees that make even giraffes appear diminutive by comparison. Covering 3,000 square kilometers, the park derives its name from the Tarangire River that meanders through its heart. This permanent water source attracts an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, and you can expect to encounter large numbers of elephants, giraffes, lions, antelopes, and zebras. Tarangire boasts the highest concentration of elephants of any park in Tanzania, offering a unique window into the social dynamics of elephant families. Keep your camera within easy reach to capture these unforgettable scenes. As evening approaches, you'll return to your accommodation for dinner and a restful night in anticipation of tomorrow's adventures.


Day 3 – Lake Manyara

Following breakfast, you'll depart at 7:30 AM for Lake Manyara National Park, carrying a picnic lunch for a complete day of wildlife exploration. As you enter the park, the dense woodlands of acacia and mahogany trees immediately set the stage for the wonders ahead. Your game drive will continue until evening, with a brief pause for a picnic lunch. Keep watch for buffalo, giraffe, impala, baboon, and the distinctive blue monkey. Lake Manyara is also renowned for its tree-climbing lions, though spotting them requires a measure of good fortune. During the appropriate season, the lake's shoreline transforms into a breathtaking sea of pink as countless flamingos gather there. After your day's exploration, you'll retire to your camp or lodge for an evening meal.


Day 4 – Lake Natron

Your day commences after breakfast around 8:00 AM. You'll depart with packed lunch boxes bound for Lake Natron. Located approximately 3.5 hours from Mto Wa Mbu/Manyara, Lake Natron presents an otherworldly destination and a remarkable natural phenomenon. Its waters are extremely alkaline and remarkably shallow, averaging only one meter in depth. Following check-in at your lodge and a brief rest, you'll lace up your walking shoes as a Maasai guide leads you on a shoreline trek to observe the area's birdlife, particularly the lesser flamingos. Lake Natron stands as the most significant and consistent breeding site for lesser flamingos in East Africa, hosting up to two million of these birds during breeding season. The majority of egg-laying and hatching occurs between September and January. After your hike, you'll return to your camp or lodge for a satisfying dinner and an evening of rest.


Day 5 – Lake Natron to Northern Serengeti

An early start awaits you today. At approximately 6:00 AM, accompanied by a Maasai guide, you'll enjoy a light trek to the nearby Ngare Sero waterfalls, where you can refresh yourself in the cool mist of water cascading over the rocks of this scenic gorge. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear! You'll return to your accommodation by 8:30 AM, and after a hearty breakfast, you'll set out toward Serengeti National Park. This overland journey takes you through a diverse array of landscapes: towns and villages, savannah and woodlands, with opportunities to spot antelope, wildebeest, and zebra along the way. You'll enter the Serengeti in the afternoon and proceed toward the northern sector. An afternoon game drive across the endless plains offers chances to witness the great herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, or perhaps a pride of lions resting in the shade. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed during the day's exploration. Your eventful day concludes with dinner and a peaceful night's rest at your accommodation.


Days 6 & 7 – Northern Serengeti

You have two options for your days in the Northern Serengeti. You may enjoy a leisurely breakfast and depart for full-day game drives around 9:00 AM with packed lunch, returning to the lodge in the late afternoon around 6:00 PM. Alternatively, you can set out at 6:00 AM for an early morning game drive, return to camp for breakfast, relax briefly, then head out for an afternoon game drive with packed lunch.

Between mid-June and September, the Great Migration is typically found in this region. During this period, the Mara River becomes the stage for one of nature's most dramatic spectacles—the river crossings. The powerful, deep, rain-fed river exacts a heavy toll on the migrating wildebeest. Observing these animals surging through the torrential currents, some succumbing to the waters while others fall prey to waiting crocodiles, creates an unforgettable experience. If fortune favors you, you'll witness this extraordinary natural event firsthand.

Following the migration may also lead you toward the Lobo Valley. This pristine area features a mosaic of woodlands, plains, hills, and famous granite kopjes, supporting abundant big cat populations including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. During the dry season, the valley's permanent water sources attract numerous resident and migratory animals, ensuring exceptional wildlife viewing. Your full-day game drive will include a stop for a picnic lunch. The day concludes with a delicious dinner and comfortable rest at your chosen accommodation.


Day 8 – Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti

You may choose between a relaxed breakfast followed by game drives starting around 9:00 AM with packed lunch, or an early departure at 6:00 AM for a morning game drive, returning for breakfast and some relaxation before continuing to Central Serengeti with packed lunch. The approximately four-hour drive to the central region offers moderate wildlife viewing along the way.

The journey south from the Mara River valley traverses hilly terrain, the Lobo region, woodlands, and eventually the Seronera landscape. The central Serengeti—known as the Seronera area—represents one of the park's richest wildlife habitats. The Seronera River provides a vital water source that attracts a representative cross-section of the Serengeti's wildlife species. As you enter the Seronera region, you'll notice the terrain transitioning from hills and broken ground to open grasslands. In Seronera, be particularly attentive for the numerous lion prides that flourish here. Their social interactions and survival strategies deliver excellent game viewing throughout the year. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed during the day's journey. Your eventful day ends with a substantial dinner and restful night at your accommodation.


Day 9 – Central Serengeti

Today, you can opt for a leisurely breakfast and full-day game drives starting around 9:00 AM with packed lunch, returning to the lodge by late afternoon around 6:00 PM. Alternatively, you may depart at 6:00 AM for an early morning game drive, return for breakfast, relax, then set out on an afternoon game drive with packed lunch.

You'll explore the central portion of Serengeti National Park today. This legendary park stands as Africa's most celebrated safari destination, renowned for its remarkable populations of lions and leopards. The Seronera area features the Seronera River, which draws wildlife representing most of the Serengeti's species. Outside the peak migration season, focus your attention on the numerous lion prides that inhabit this region—their social behaviors and survival strategies provide outstanding wildlife viewing throughout the year. A picnic lunch will be incorporated into your full-day exploration. The day's activities conclude around 5:00 PM, followed by a hearty dinner and restful evening at your accommodation.


Day 10 – Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro

After breakfast, you'll enjoy a morning game drive in Serengeti National Park before departing for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a picnic lunch. The Ngorongoro Crater represents the world's largest intact volcanic caldera—a fourteen-kilometer expanse of extraordinary natural beauty. Enclosed by a ring of extinct volcanoes, the crater floor features numerous watering holes that support approximately 30,000 animals. Your eventful day concludes with a substantial dinner and peaceful night's rest at your accommodation.


Day 11 – Ngorongoro Crater Tour to Arusha

On the final day of your safari, you'll rise early. Following a quick breakfast, you'll descend into the crater floor at approximately 6:30 AM. The Ngorongoro Crater stands as the world's largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera. Its vast floor covers approximately 260 square kilometers at a depth exceeding 2,000 feet. A five-hour game drive across the crater floor promises abundant wildlife activity—keep your camera at the ready. African elephants, buffalo, black rhinos, hippos, hyenas, cheetahs, and lions are present in significant numbers. After enjoying a picnic lunch at the scenic Hippo Pool, you'll begin your ascent to the crater rim's exit point. This marks the final leg of your safari, with a four-hour drive remaining to Arusha. You'll be dropped off at your preferred location in Arusha by 6:00 PM. With incredible experiences and countless memories to treasure, this is the moment you bid farewell to your safari team.


Weather Information

Destination August Weather Summary
Lake Manyara Dry and mild conditions. Daytime temperatures: 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Nighttime: 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). Minimal rainfall, low humidity, clear skies – excellent for wildlife viewing.
Tarangire Cool and dry weather. Daytime: 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Nighttime: 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). Minimal rainfall, ideal for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources.
NCA (Ngorongoro) Mild and dry conditions. Daytime: 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Nighttime: 10°C to 14°C (50°F to 57°F). Low rainfall, clear skies. Layered clothing recommended for cooler evenings and mornings.
Central Serengeti Dry and cooler weather. Daytime: 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 81°F). Nighttime: 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). Minimal rainfall, clear to partly cloudy skies – great for photography and wildlife viewing.
Lake Natron Warm and dry conditions. Daytime: 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). Nighttime: 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). Minimal rainfall, low humidity, plenty of sunshine.
North Serengeti Dry and cool weather. Daytime: 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). Nighttime: 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). Minimal rainfall, clear skies. Excellent wildlife viewing conditions.
Karatu Mild and dry weather. Daytime: approximately 24°C (75°F). Nighttime: approximately 13°C (55°F). Minimal rainfall, low humidity, sunny days and cool evenings.

Pre & Post Tour Hotels

Arusha serves as the base for safari tours in Northern Tanzania. If you require accommodation in Arusha before or after your safari, popular hotel options on bed and breakfast basis are listed below (Prices are per person):

Single Room

Hotel Price (USD)
Kutoka Lodge $69
Gold Crest Hotel $106
The African Tulip $167
Four Points by Sheraton, Arusha - Traditional Queen Room $229
Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge - Plantation Room $417

Double Sharing Room

Hotel Price (USD)
Kutoka Lodge $44
Gold Crest Hotel $59
The African Tulip $129
Four Points by Sheraton, Arusha - Traditional Queen Room $132
Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge - Plantation Room $282

Triple Sharing Room

Hotel Price (USD)
Kutoka Lodge $41
Gold Crest Hotel $52
The African Tulip $108
Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge - Plantation Room $214

All prices are per person per night on bed and breakfast basis. Additional hotel options are available upon request.


Transfers

This tour departs from and returns to Arusha. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the nearest international airport, while Arusha Airport serves domestic flights. Please refer to our guide on how to reach Arusha.

Airport Pickup/Drop-off

Service Price (USD)
Pickup/drop-off at Arusha Airport on safari day No extra charge
Pickup/drop-off at Kilimanjaro Airport on safari day $50 per vehicle

Airport to Hotel Transfers

Service Price (USD)
Arusha Airport ↔ Arusha Hotel $25 per vehicle
Kilimanjaro Airport ↔ Arusha Hotel $50 per vehicle

Intercity Transfers

Service Price (USD)
Moshi ↔ Arusha $100 per vehicle
Nairobi ↔ Arusha $275 per vehicle

Flights

We do not arrange international flights. Local flights can be booked based on availability. Indicative additional costs are provided below.

Intercity Flights

Route Price (USD)
Zanzibar → Arusha (Morning flight) From $100 per person
Dar es Salaam → Arusha (Morning flight) From $90 per person
Arusha → Zanzibar (Late afternoon flight) From $170 per person
Arusha → Dar es Salaam (Late afternoon flight) From $110 per person

Fly-In & Fly-Out Safari Options

This tour operates with road transfers between all locations. Northern Serengeti is the farthest destination, approximately 11 hours from Arusha each way.

Fly Into Serengeti

To reduce drive time, you may fly directly into Northern Serengeti. Your safari vehicle and guide will be waiting to begin your safari immediately. The itinerary will be rerouted to cover all parks with the same accommodations and number of nights.

Route Price (USD)
Arusha → Northern Serengeti From $320 per person
Zanzibar → Northern Serengeti From $380 per person
Dar es Salaam → Northern Serengeti From $380 per person

Fly Out of Serengeti

Alternatively, you may drive from Arusha covering all parks, ending in Northern Serengeti, and fly out from there.

Route Price (USD)
Northern Serengeti → Arusha From $300 per person
Northern Serengeti → Zanzibar From $500 per person
Northern Serengeti → Dar es Salaam From $500 per person

Notes:

  1. Rates are indicative and subject to change based on exact dates, airlines, and group size.

  2. Fly-in rates include airfare plus costs for sending the safari vehicle and guide to Serengeti in advance, and additional park fees due to itinerary changes.

  3. Flights into Serengeti land around 10:30 AM – game drives can begin shortly after. Flights out depart around 11:00 AM – game drives can continue until approximately 45 minutes before departure.


Meals

Day Meals Included
Day 1 Lunch & Dinner
Day 2 Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10 Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11 Breakfast & Lunch

Transfer Times

Day Route Duration Distance
Day 1 Arusha → Tarangire 2.5 – 3 hours 106 km
Day 2 No transfers – –
Day 3 Tarangire → Lake Manyara 1.5 – 2 hours 88 km
Day 4 Lake Manyara → Lake Natron 3 – 3.5 hours 120 km
Day 5 Lake Natron → Northern Serengeti 5 – 6 hours –
Day 6 No transfers – –
Day 7 No transfers – –
Day 8 Northern Serengeti → Central Serengeti 4.5 – 5 hours 103 km
Day 9 No transfers – –
Day 10 Central Serengeti → NCA 3 – 3.5 hours 151 km
Day 11 NCA → Arusha 4 – 4.5 hours 154 km

Note: These are estimated drive times. Actual times may vary due to traffic, accommodation location, and other factors. Distances are approximate.


Inclusions

  • ✓ Park fees (for non-residents)

  • ✓ Meals as per itinerary

  • ✓ Daily game drives while on safari

  • ✓ 4x4 Land Cruiser

  • ✓ Drinking water while on safari (2 litres per person per day)

  • ✓ Concession/camping fees

  • ✓ All taxes and VAT

  • ✓ Professional English-speaking driver/guide


Exclusions

  • ✗ Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

  • ✗ Airport transfers (unless mentioned otherwise)

  • ✗ Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary

  • ✗ Tips (see tipping guidelines)

  • ✗ Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

  • ✗ Additional accommodation before and after the tour (unless mentioned otherwise)

  • ✗ International flights


Add-On Tours

Serengeti Add-Ons

Activity Price (USD)
Hot Air Balloon Ride $540 per person
Rhino Tracking $130 per person
Short Walking Tour (up to 4 hours) $45 per person
Long Walking Tour (up to 6 hours) $60 per person

Information on Serengeti add-on tours available


Ngorongoro Add-Ons

Activity Price (USD)
Masai Village Tour $25 per person
Olduvai Gorge Museum Visit $35 per person
Ngorongoro Crater Rim Hike $35 per person

Information on Ngorongoro add-on tours available


Lake Manyara Add-Ons

Activity Price (USD)
Canoeing in Lake Manyara $74 per person
Night Game Drives in Lake Manyara NP $114 per person
Treetop Walkway $54 per person

Information on Lake Manyara add-on tours available


Tarangire Add-Ons

Activity Price (USD)
Hot Air Balloon Ride $540 per person
Short Walking Tour (up to 4 hours) $45 per person
Long Walking Tour (up to 6 hours) $60 per person
Night Game Drives (for guests staying inside the park) $100 – $200 per person (varies by lodge)

Karatu Add-Ons

Activity Price (USD)
Coffee Plantation Tour $20 per person
Iraqw Village Tour $25 per person
Endoro Falls & Elephant Caves Visit $35 per person

Information on Karatu add-on tours available

Tour Includes

  • Accommodation in luxury lodges
  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Park entrance fees
  • Professional tour guide
  • Airport transfers

Tour Excludes

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Personal expenses (Tips, Souvenirs)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance