Explore Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti & Lake Natron
Safari Overview
This 14-day safari offers a comprehensive exploration of Northern Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife and cultural destinations. From the lush, diverse landscapes of Arusha National Park to the vast plains of Serengeti and the unique alkaline waters of Lake Natron, you’ll experience the country’s rich biodiversity and dramatic scenery. Witness the majestic Great Migration, explore volcanic landscapes, and connect with Maasai culture while staying in comfortable lodges and camps.
OVERVIEW
EXEPERIENCE DETAILS
June to October (dry season, best for wildlife & road conditions)
14 days 3 nights
Trip Duration
Safari Inclusions
· Meet and greet upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
· Transfers to/from airport and between safari locations
· Expert English-speaking safari guide/driver in 4x4 safari vehicle
· Park entry fees and government taxes for all parks and reserves visited
· Accommodation on a full-board basis as indicated (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
· All game drives, walking safaris, and activities detailed in the itinerary
· Picnic lunches on game drive days
· Bottled water during safari drives
· Internal transfers and driving as per itinerary
Safari Exclusions
· International flights to/from Tanzania
· Visa fees and travel insurance
· Personal expenses, gratuities, and tips
· Drinks and beverages unless otherwise stated
· Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., balloon safaris)
· Items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, phone calls, laundry
Safari Highlights
· Walking and game drives in Arusha National Park with Mount Meru views
· Encounter large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees in Tarangire
· Tree-climbing lions and flamingos at Lake Manyara
· Full-day game drive in the wildlife-packed Ngorongoro Crater
· Extensive game drives in Serengeti’s Central and Northern regions, including Great Migration River crossings (seasonal)
· Exploration of Lake Natron’s spectacular alkaline lake and Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano
· Cultural visits and scenic hikes in Maasai and natural environments
SAFARI ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Transfer to Arusha
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your professional safari guide who will transfer you to your hotel in Arusha, the safari capital. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax and prepare for your upcoming adventure.
Overnight: Arusha Hotel
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Arusha National Park – Walking and Game Drive Safari
After breakfast, depart for Arusha National Park, a compact yet incredibly diverse park featuring Mount Meru, Momella Lakes, and lush forests. Experience a combination of walking safaris and game drives, where you may spot giraffes, buffalo, colobus monkeys, hippos, and numerous bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before returning to your lodge in Arusha.
Overnight: Arusha Hotel
Meals: Full Board
Day 3: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive along the Tarangire River, where animals gather to drink. The park is home to lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, and a rich birdlife.
Overnight: Lodge or Camp inside Tarangire
Meals: Full Board
Day 4: Full Day Game Drives in Tarangire National Park
Spend the day exploring Tarangire’s vast plains, riverine forests, and swamps. Your expert guide will help you spot wildlife and explain the unique ecosystem of the park. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before a late afternoon game drive back to your lodge.
Overnight: Tarangire
Meals: Full Board
Day 5: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a beautiful and diverse park famous for tree-climbing lions, large flocks of flamingos, hippos, and elephants. Enjoy an afternoon game drive along the lake shore and in the dense forests.
Overnight: Lodge or Camp near Lake Manyara
Meals: Full Board
Day 6: Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Highlands
After breakfast, transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check into your lodge overlooking the crater rim and enjoy the spectacular views. Spend the afternoon relaxing or opt for a cultural visit to a nearby Maasai village.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Highlands Lodge
Meals: Full Board
Day 7: Full Day Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater
Early morning descent into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. The crater is Africa’s largest intact caldera, teeming with wildlife including lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and hippos. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor surrounded by wildlife and spectacular scenery. Return to your lodge in the evening.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Highlands Lodge
Meals: Full Board
Day 8: Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti National Park
Depart early and head to the Central Serengeti, the heart of Tanzania’s most famous national park. Enjoy en route game drives spotting diverse wildlife. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive across the open plains.
Overnight: Lodge or Camp in Central Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
Day 9: Full Day Game Drives in Central Serengeti
Spend a full day in the Central Serengeti, renowned for its predator populations and large herds of herbivores. Your guide will tailor your route to the best wildlife viewing spots based on current conditions. Enjoy picnic or lodge meals throughout the day.
Overnight: Central Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
Day 10: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti
After breakfast, travel north to the Northern Serengeti, famous for the spectacular wildebeest migration river crossings (seasonal, typically July-October). Stop for game drives along the way, soaking in the changing landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Overnight: Lodge or Camp in Northern Serengeti (Kogatende area)
Meals: Full Board
Day 11: Full Day Game Drives in Northern Serengeti – Migration Tracking
Spend the day tracking the Great Migration herds and river crossings, witnessing one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles. Alongside migration, you’ll find resident wildlife including lions, leopards, elephants, and cheetahs.
Overnight: Northern Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
Day 12: Northern Serengeti to Lake Natron
Depart the Serengeti and drive to Lake Natron, a remote and stunning location known for its red-tinged alkaline waters and flamingo breeding colonies. The area is also dominated by the active volcano, Ol Doinyo Lengai. Enjoy an afternoon exploring the unique landscape or visiting nearby waterfalls.
Overnight: Lodge or Camp at Lake Natron
Meals: Full Board
Day 13: Lake Natron Exploration
Spend a full day at Lake Natron. Optional activities include guided hikes to the waterfall, birdwatching, visiting Maasai villages, or simply relaxing in this tranquil setting. The spectacular scenery provides excellent photographic opportunities.
Overnight: Lake Natron
Meals: Full Board
Day 14: Departure – Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
After breakfast, drive back to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight or onward travel arrangements. Your guide will ensure timely arrival and assist with check-in.
Meals: Breakfast
What to Pack for This Safari
Clothing
Lightweight safari wear in neutral colors (khaki, beige, olive, brown). Avoid black/blue (attract tsetse flies) and bright colors (distract wildlife).
Long-sleeved shirts & trousers – sun & insect protection.
Warm jacket/fleece – Ngorongoro Crater rim & early mornings can be very cold.
Waterproof/windbreaker – useful at Lake Natron and in rainy/green season.
Walking shoes/boots – for walking safaris, crater floor, and Natron hikes.
Sandals/flip-flops – lodge downtime.
Swimwear – some lodges and Lake Natron waterfalls allow swimming.
Hat with brim, sunglasses, scarf/buff – protection from sun & dust.
Light sleepwear – note: Natron nights are hot, Ngorongoro nights are chilly.
Health & Toiletries
Prescription medications (keep in original packaging).
Anti-malarial medication – consult your doctor.
Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from/through endemic countries).
Sunscreen SPF 30+ & lip balm with SPF.
Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin) – mosquitoes and midges.
Basic first aid kit – band-aids, painkillers, rehydration salts, antihistamines.
Hand sanitizer/wet wipes (for picnics & dusty roads).
Gear & Essentials
Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42 for best game viewing).
Camera with zoom lens (200mm+) + extra memory cards and spare batteries.
Power bank & universal travel adapter (Tanzania uses UK-style plugs).
Headlamp/torch – useful in remote camps.
Reusable water bottle – refill at lodges/vehicle to reduce plastic waste.
Daypack – for hikes and day excursions at Natron & Arusha.
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Yes Ngorongoro Crater offers one of the best chances in Africa to spot lions, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos in a single day. Leopards are best seen in Serengeti’s Seronera Valley.
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No, as the migration is seasonal and weather-dependent. In Ndutu (Dec–March), the wildebeest herds gather for calving season. In June–July, they are often moving north toward central and western Serengeti.
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Day 1 & 2: ~2–4 hours between parks, plus game drives.
Day 3 & 4: Longer transfers (~4–6 hours) but game viewing en route.
Day 5: Full day in Serengeti (mostly in the park).
Day 6: Flight reduces long drive back.
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Most safari vehicles have charging ports (12V/USB). Carry a power bank as backup.
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Mixture of lodges & tented camps – ranging from luxury to mid-range depending on your booking. All provide en-suite bathrooms, mosquito nets, and meals.