8-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari: A Wildlife Extravaganza
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day Tanzanian safari, exploring some of the most iconic wildlife destinations in Africa. Begin your journey in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania's northern safari circuit. Then, venture to Lake Manyara National Park, renowned for its tree-climbing lions and diverse birdlife. Next, continue to the heart of the Serengeti, witnessing the breathtaking Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal) and encountering the Big Five. Finally, descend into the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife, including the endangered black rhino, and marvel at the impressive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees in Tarangire National Park before concluding your adventure in Arusha. This tour offers a remarkable Tanzanian safari experience, showcasing the country's rich biodiversity and stunning scenery.
Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Arusha
Day 2: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park – Ngorongoro
Day 3: Ngorongoro – Central Serengeti
Day 4: Fully day at Central Serengeti
Day 5: Central Serengeti - Ngorongoro Crater - Ngorongoro
Day 6: Ngorongoro - Tarangire National Park
Day 7: Tarangire National Park – Arusha
Day 8: Departure
Activities:
* Game drives in Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park
* Explore the unique landscapes and geological formations of each park
Optional activities: Hot Air Balloon Safari in the Serengeti, Maasai Boma Village cultural tour, bird watching
Optional Travel Upgrade:
Travel Between Parks with Light Aircraft: For a seamless and time-efficient experience, consider upgrading your transportation between parks with a scenic light aircraft flight. This option offers breathtaking aerial views of the landscape and significantly reduces travel time, allowing you to maximize your time on safari.
Wildlife & Scenic Highlights:
Lake Manyara National Park: Tree-climbing lions, baboons, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, gazelles, impalas, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, warthogs, and a variety of bird species.
Central Serengeti: Lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, elephants, and buffalos.
Ngorongoro Crater: The Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), wildebeests, buffalo, zebra, eland, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle, giant tusked elephants, leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, jackals, rare wild dogs, white pelicans, and flamingos
Tarangire National Park: Biggest Elephants, old Baobab trees, leopards, lions, hyenas, cheetahs, gazelles, impalas, zebra, wildebeest, buffaloes, warthogs, and different types of bird species
Scenic Landscapes: The picturesque landscapes of the Rift Valley, acacia forests, the shimmering waters of Lake Manyara, the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater, and the baobab-studded plains of Tarangire.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Arusha (Approx. 1-hour drive)
- Morning/Afternoon (Depending on arrival time): Arrival at JRO: Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by your professional driver/guide. After a brief welcome and safari briefing, you will be transferred to Arusha.
- Afternoon: The transfer to Arusha is short, taking approximately one hour.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Upon arrival in Arusha, you will check in to your chosen hotel. You can relax, take a swim, or explore the town a bit, depending on your arrival time.
- Evening: Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Arusha.
Hotel Suggestions (Arusha): Mount Meru Hotel, Gran Melia Arusha, Arusha Coffee Lodge, Rivertrees Country Inn, Onsea House.
Day 2: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park – Ngorongoro (Approx. 4-5 hours drive including game drive)
- Morning: After breakfast, you will depart for Lake Manyara National Park.
- Mid-morning/Afternoon: You will enjoy a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, known for its diverse birdlife, especially flamingos, as well as elephants, giraffes, baboons, and other wildlife. Lake Manyara also features lush groundwater forests, a relatively rare habitat.
- Late Afternoon: After the game drive, you will continue your journey towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Evening: Upon arrival in the Ngorongoro area, you will check in to your chosen lodge/camp. Dinner and overnight stay.
Lodge/Camp Suggestions (Ngorongoro Outer Rim): Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, The Manor at Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.
Day 3: Ngorongoro – Central Serengeti (Approx. 3-4 hours drive including transit game drive)
- Morning: After breakfast, you will depart for the Central Serengeti.
- Mid-morning/Afternoon: The drive to the Serengeti involves a transit game drive, offering opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. The Serengeti is famous for the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra.
- Afternoon/Evening: Upon arrival in the Central Serengeti, you will check in to your chosen lodge/camp. You will then embark on an afternoon game drive.
- Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in the Central Serengeti.
Lodge/Camp Suggestions (Central Serengeti): Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Melia Serengeti Lodge, Serengeti Pioneer Camp.
Day 4: Full Day at Central Serengeti
- Full Day: This day is dedicated to full-day game drives in Central Serengeti with packed lunches. You can choose to do morning and afternoon game drives or a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch, maximizing your time for wildlife viewing. The Central Serengeti is excellent for spotting predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
- Evening: Return to your lodge/camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Central Serengeti - Ngorongoro Crater – Ngorongoro (Approx. 4-5 hours drive including crater tour)
- Morning: After breakfast, you will depart for the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Mid-morning/Afternoon: You will descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive. The crater is a unique ecosystem teeming with wildlife, including lions, black rhinos, elephants, hippos, and a variety of bird species.
- Late Afternoon: After the crater tour, you will ascend and return to your lodge/camp near Ngorongoro.
- Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Ngorongoro – Tarangire National Park (Approx. 3-4 hours drive)
- Morning: After breakfast, you will depart for Tarangire National Park.
- Afternoon: You will arrive at Tarangire and begin your game drive. Tarangire is known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees.
- Evening: Check in to your chosen lodge/camp in or near Tarangire. Dinner and overnight stay.
Lodge/Camp Suggestions (Tarangire): Tarangire Safari Lodge, Sanctuary Swala Camp, Oliver's Camp, Tarangire Treetops.
Day 7: Tarangire National Park – Arusha (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)
- Morning: Enjoy a final morning game drive in Tarangire.
- Late Morning: After breakfast, you will depart back to Arusha.
- Afternoon: Upon arrival in Arusha, you will check back into your hotel. You can relax or do some last-minute souvenir shopping.
- Evening: Farewell dinner and overnight stay in Arusha.
Day 8: Departure
- Morning: After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure flight.
Important Considerations:
- Transportation: Transportation will be in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing.
- Meals: Meals will be provided on full board.
- Accommodation: The suggested accommodations offer various levels of comfort, from standard to luxury. You can choose according to your budget.
- Driving Times: Driving times are estimates and can vary depending on road conditions and traffic.
- Great Migration: If you are travelling during the Great Migration (typically July - October), your guide will ensure you are in the best location to witness this spectacular event.
Preparation:
- Clothing: Pack light, neutral-coloured clothing, warm layers for early mornings and evenings, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Medications: Ensure you have any necessary medications and consult your doctor regarding recommended vaccinations.
- Other Essentials: Binoculars, a camera with extra batteries and memory cards, and a travel journal are recommended.
Recommendation:
- It is highly recommended to book your safari well in advance, especially if you are travelling during peak season (July-October and January-February).