Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

   Distance & Drive Time:

   Arusha to Tarangire: 2.5 to 3 hours (106 km / 65 mi)

   Tarangire to Lake Manyara: 1 hour (69 km / 42 mi)

   • Pick-up at 7:00 AM.
   • Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Arusha. 
   • After a warm welcome from our team, we depart for the renowned Tarangire National Park, a journey that takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. 
   • Along the way, you'll pass through scenic landscapes, offering a taste of Tanzania's natural beauty.
   • Upon arrival at Tarangire, prepare to be mesmerized by its iconic baobab trees, which stand like sentinels across the park, casting shadows over the vast plains. 
   • These towering trees provide a breathtaking backdrop as you embark on a full-day game drive. The Tarangire River, the park's lifeblood, winds through the landscape, attracting an impressive array of wildlife.
   • Here, you'll have the chance to witness some of Africa's largest elephant herds, roaming freely across the park's stunning savannah. 
   • Keep your eyes peeled for other magnificent creatures like lions, leopards, cheetahs, lesser kudu, buffalo, oryx, and eland. The park is also home to giraffes, zebras, and a variety of bird species, making it a haven for wildlife lovers and photographers alike.
   • A picnic lunch will be provided at a scenic spot within the park, allowing you to relax and take in the surroundings before continuing your exploration. 
   • After a full day of wildlife encounters and incredible views, we'll head to your camp or lodge for the evening.
   • Once you arrive, unwind with a delicious dinner, prepared with local ingredients to delight your taste buds. 
   • Enjoy the tranquility of the African wilderness as you relax and reflect on the day's unforgettable experiences. 
   • Spend the night in comfort, surrounded by nature, ready for the adventures that lie ahead.

2. Day 2- Karatu to South Serengeti - Ndutu Area

   • After a hearty breakfast, set off towards the stunning Lake Ndutu region, nestled within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This spectacular part of the southern Serengeti ecosystem is renowned for its vast landscapes and rich wildlife. 
   • The drive, which takes about 3 hours, offers sweeping views of the Rift Valley, leading you into one of Africa's most iconic regions.
   • Lake Ndutu, an alkaline lake typical of the Rift Valley, attracts a diverse array of wildlife throughout the year. Its unique ecosystem supports a flourishing population of animals, making it an exceptional destination for wildlife enthusiasts. 
   • After a well-deserved lunch, we’ll embark on a thrilling game drive across the Ndutu region, particularly during the migration season (December to April).
   • This area is at the heart of the great wildebeest migration, where an estimated 2.5 million animals converge to give birth to their young in the safety of the open plains. The nutritious grasses in the region make it the perfect place for the animals to graze, and the birth of thousands of calves is a spectacular sight to behold. The circle of life unfolds here with dramatic scenes of predators stalking their prey, wildebeest giving birth, and young calves taking their first steps.
   • You will spend two nights in this extraordinary landscape, where off-road driving is permitted, allowing you to witness these incredible moments up close.
   • Whether it’s the pursuit of predators, the dramatic migration, or the birth of new life, this area promises to be the highlight of your safari adventure. With so much to explore, the memories of this wild and captivating region will stay with you long after you leave.

3. Day 3: South Serengeti (Ndutu area)

   • After the excitement of the previous day’s migration sightings, you have another opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning wildlife spectacle of the Ndutu region. 
   • As part of the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), this area is teeming with life and offers endless opportunities for exploration.
   • You can choose a relaxed start with a leisurely breakfast, or if you're eager for more adventure, depart at 9:00 am for a full-day game drive. 
   • With a packed lunch in hand, you’ll traverse the plains and encounter the majestic wildlife. You’ll return to the lodge by 6:00 pm, having witnessed the dynamic rhythms of nature.
   • Alternatively, for early risers, a 6:00 am departure offers a spectacular chance to catch the sunrise over the Serengeti as you embark on a morning game drive. 
   • Afterward, return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and a brief rest before heading out again for an afternoon game drive with packed lunch in tow.
   • As you follow the migration, you’ll witness the awe-inspiring calving season between December and April. The fertile plains transform into nurseries for newborn wildebeest, while predators lie in wait, keen to take advantage of vulnerable young animals. 
   • The circle of life plays out before your eyes, offering unforgettable moments that will remain etched in your memory forever. The Ndutu region, with its abundance of wildlife and dramatic scenes, guarantees an exceptional safari experience.

4. Day 4: Central Serengeti to Ndutu

   • On your final day in Ndutu, prepare for an unforgettable day of game drives, as you experience the culmination of your safari adventure. 
   • Today offers one last opportunity to witness the incredible calving season and migration in all its raw beauty. The Ndutu region, renowned for its stunning wildlife spectacle, is the perfect place to end your journey, where nature’s drama unfolds before your eyes.
   • Begin your day with an early breakfast, fueling up for another action-packed day. 
   • Depart early for a morning game drive, where the cool morning air and the soft glow of dawn make for a truly magical atmosphere. 
   • As the sun rises, the plains of Ndutu come alive with activity. You’ll have a front-row seat to the awe-inspiring sight of thousands of wildebeest and zebras dotting the landscape, many of them giving birth to their young in this nurturing environment.
   • The calving season is a highlight of the migration, with newborn wildebeest taking their first steps, a truly heartwarming and awe-inspiring sight. 
   • The predators – cheetahs, lions, and hyenas – are also out in full force, taking advantage of the vulnerable young ones. Watching this delicate balance of life and death unfold in real-time is a humbling experience that will leave a lasting impression.
   • Following your morning drive, you’ll return to the lodge for a relaxing brunch, giving you time to reflect on the incredible sights of the day. 
   • Afterward, enjoy a restful break before heading out again for a thrilling afternoon game drive. This time, you’ll be able to explore different parts of the region and follow the migration further, observing the constant movement of the herds as they make their way across the vast plains.
   • As the day draws to a close and the sun begins to dip below the horizon, you’ll have the opportunity to capture the final moments of your Ndutu adventure. The golden light of the evening casts a magical glow over the landscape, with wildlife still bustling in their natural habitat.
   • Your final night in Ndutu will be one of reflection, as you gather with your fellow travelers and share stories of the day’s encounters. 
   • With a deep sense of gratitude, you’ll head to your accommodation for a farewell dinner, savoring the memories of this extraordinary experience. 
   • The beauty of Ndutu, its wildlife, and the incredible migration will stay with you long after you leave, as you carry these unforgettable moments home.

5. Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater - Final Day

   • On your final day of the safari, you'll rise early for a memorable experience. 
   • After a quick breakfast, you’ll set off at around 6:30 am for the descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera. 
   • This natural wonder is a vast expanse, measuring about 260 square kilometers (161 square miles) in size and plunging over 2,000 feet deep, offering some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing in Africa.
   • The day begins with a thrilling 6-hour game drive across the crater floor, where you’ll encounter an impressive range of animals in their natural habitat. The crater is home to a variety of species, including the majestic African elephants, elusive black rhinos, powerful buffalo, graceful cheetahs, and the iconic lion pride. Hippos wallow in the Ngoito Hippo Pool, while hyenas and a host of other creatures roam the expansive plains. 
   • With every turn, you’ll be treated to new wildlife encounters, so be sure to keep your camera ready.
   • A picnic lunch at the picturesque Ngoito Hippo Pool will offer a perfect break, where you can relax and take in the beauty of the surroundings. 
   • Afterward, you'll begin your ascent to the top of the crater, where you'll have a chance to reflect on the unforgettable wildlife encounters and the incredible sights you've witnessed throughout your journey.
   • After a scenic drive up, you'll embark on the final leg of your safari, a 4-hour journey back to Arusha. 
   • As you make your way to the city, you'll have time to reflect on the remarkable experiences and memories that will stay with you long after you’ve left. 
   • At the end of the day, you’ll say your goodbyes to your safari crew, with your heart full of gratitude and your mind filled with extraordinary moments shared during this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.