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:
-
Rates are indicative and subject to change based on exact dates, airlines, and group size.
-
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.
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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)
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✓ Meals as per itinerary
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✓ Daily game drives while on safari
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✓ 4x4 Land Cruiser
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✓ Drinking water while on safari (2 litres per person per day)
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✓ Concession/camping fees
-
✓ All taxes and VAT
-
✓ Professional English-speaking driver/guide
Exclusions
-
✗ Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
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✗ Airport transfers (unless mentioned otherwise)
-
✗ Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary
-
✗ Tips (see tipping guidelines)
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✗ Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
-
✗ Additional accommodation before and after the tour (unless mentioned otherwise)
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✗ 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




