Embark on an unforgettable 10-day Tanzanian safari, venturing into the heart of the Great Wildebeest Migration and exploring some of Africa's most iconic wildlife destinations. Begin your journey in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania's northern safari circuit. Then, discover the diverse habitats of Lake Manyara National Park, renowned for its tree-climbing lions and abundant birdlife. Journey to the Central Serengeti, and then on to the Northern Serengeti, witnessing the breathtaking spectacle of the 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: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti
Day 5: Full day in Northern Serengeti
Day 6: Northern Serengeti – Central Serengeti
Day 7: Central Serengeti - Ngorongoro Crater - Ngorongoro
Day 8: Ngorongoro - Tarangire National Park
Day 9: Tarangire National Park – Arusha
Day 10: Full-day leisure in Arusha

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 & Northern Serengeti: Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, impalas, and a wide variety of birdlife.
Ngorongoro Crater: The Big Five, 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.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Arusha (Approx. 1-hour drive)

• Morning/Afternoon (Dependent 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 your hotel in Arusha.
• Transfer to Arusha: The transfer is a short and comfortable drive, taking approximately one hour.
• Check-in and Relaxation: Upon arrival in Arusha, you will check in to your pre-booked hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax by the pool, freshen up, or explore the town of Arusha.
• 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 (8:00 AM): Departure for Lake Manyara: After breakfast, you will depart for Lake Manyara National Park.
• Mid-morning/Afternoon (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Game Drive in Lake Manyara: Upon arrival, you will begin your game drive. Lake Manyara is known for its diverse birdlife, including flamingos (seasonal), tree-climbing lions (sightings are not guaranteed), elephants, giraffes, baboons, and other wildlife.
• Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Picnic Lunch or Lodge Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch within the park or have lunch at a nearby lodge.
• Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Drive to Ngorongoro: Continue to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
• Evening (5:00 PM Onwards): Check-in and Relaxation: Check in to your lodge/camp near the Ngorongoro Crater rim.
• Evening: 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 (8:00 AM): Departure for Serengeti: After breakfast, depart for the Central Serengeti.
• Mid-morning/Afternoon (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM): Transit Game Drive: The drive to the Serengeti includes a transit game drive, offering opportunities to spot wildlife en route.
• Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Arrival and Game Drive: Arrive in the Central Serengeti, check-in, and enjoy 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: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti (Approx. 3-4 hours drive including game drive)

• Morning (8:00 AM): Morning Game Drive: Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Central Serengeti.
• Late Morning (11:00 AM - 3:00 PM): Drive to Northern Serengeti with Game Viewing: Drive to the Northern Serengeti, known for its dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration (typically July-October). This drive will also be a game drive.
• Afternoon (3:00 PM Onwards): Check-in and Relaxation: Check in to your lodge/camp in the Northern Serengeti.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Lodge/Camp Suggestions (Northern Serengeti): Serengeti Bushtops Camp, Sayari Camp, Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp.

Day 5: Full Day in Northern Serengeti

• Full Day (6:30 AM - 6:00 PM): Full-Day Game Drives: Spend the full day exploring the Northern Serengeti. If you are travelling during the migration season, your guide will focus on the Mara River crossing points.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay in the Northern Serengeti.

Day 6: Northern Serengeti – Central Serengeti (Approx. 3-4 hours drive including game drive)

• Morning (8:00 AM): Morning Game Drive: Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Northern Serengeti.
• Late Morning (11:00 AM - 3:00 PM): Drive back to Central Serengeti with Game Viewing: Drive back to Central Serengeti, enjoying game viewing along the way.
• Afternoon (3:00 PM Onwards): Check-in and Relaxation: Check back into your lodge/camp in the Central Serengeti.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: Central Serengeti - Ngorongoro Crater – Ngorongoro (Approx. 4-5 hours drive including crater tour)

• Morning (7:00 AM): Depart for Ngorongoro: After breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Crater.
• Mid-morning/Afternoon (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM): Ngorongoro Crater Tour: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive.
• Late Afternoon (4:00 PM Onwards): Return to Ngorongoro Area: Ascend from the crater and return to your lodge/camp near Ngorongoro.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: Ngorongoro – Tarangire National Park (Approx. 3-4 hours drive)

• Morning (8:00 AM): Depart for Tarangire: After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park.
• Afternoon (11:00 AM - 4:00 PM): Game Drive in Tarangire: Arrive in Tarangire and enjoy an afternoon game drive.
• Evening (4:00 PM Onwards): Check-in and Relaxation: Check in to your lodge/camp in or near Tarangire.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Lodge/Camp Suggestions (Tarangire): Tarangire Safari Lodge, Sanctuary Swala Camp, Oliver's Camp.

Day 9: Tarangire National Park – Arusha (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)

• Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Morning Game Drive: Enjoy a final morning game drive in Tarangire.
• Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Drive back to Arusha: After breakfast, drive back to Arusha.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM Onwards): Check-in and Relaxation: Check back into your hotel in Arusha.
• Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 10: Full-day leisure in Arusha

• Full Day: This day is at your leisure in Arusha. You can relax at your hotel, explore the town, visit local markets, or participate in optional activities such as a coffee plantation tour, a visit to the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre, or a day trip to Mount Meru.
• Evening: Depending on your departure schedule, you can have a final dinner in Arusha before being transferred to JRO for your flight.

Day 11: Departure from JRO (If needed)

• Morning/Afternoon: Transfer to JRO for your departure flight, depending on your flight schedule. This day is only needed if your flight is not on day 10.

Key Considerations:

• Migration Timing: The itinerary is optimized for the Great Migration, with time spent in both the Central and Northern Serengeti. However, the exact timing of the migration varies each year.
• Pace: This itinerary is well-paced, with sufficient time for game drives and relaxation.
• Transportation: Transportation will be in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.

Preparation:

• Pack for varying weather conditions, including warm layers for early mornings and evenings, especially in Ngorongoro.
• Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars.
• Consult your doctor regarding recommended vaccinations and necessary medications.

Recommendation:

• Book your safari well in advance, especially if travelling during peak season.