This 9-day Tanzania safari takes you on a spectacular journey through the country’s most iconic parks, beginning in Tarangire with its baobab-studded landscapes and large elephant herds. Continue to the endless plains of the Serengeti for thrilling game drives and abundant wildlife, then descend into the Ngorongoro Crater to witness its rich biodiversity within a breathtaking volcanic setting. Explore the lush forests and flamingo-lined shores of Lake Manyara before concluding your adventure in Arusha National Park, home to scenic views of Mount Meru and diverse birdlife.
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Your safari adventure begins with a scenic drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, a beautiful reserve known for its ancient baobab trees and large elephant herds. Upon arrival, enjoy your first game drive through the park’s rolling landscapes and riverine woodlands, where you may spot zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and a variety of birdlife. As the sun sets, settle into your lodge or tented camp inside or near the park for an overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
Day 2–5: Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, travel north to the world-renowned Serengeti National Park, a vast expanse of grassland, kopjes, and acacia-dotted plains that host one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth. Over the next four days, explore different regions of the park, from the central Seronera Valley to the endless plains teeming with wildebeest, gazelles, elephants, lions, and countless bird species. Each day offers new opportunities for breathtaking game drives, wildlife photography, and the chance to witness the rhythm of life in this iconic ecosystem. Enjoy relaxing evenings by the campfire and overnight stays at your Serengeti lodge or camp.
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Today, depart the Serengeti and journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, you can stop at Olduvai Gorge, a famous archaeological site often referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind.” Continue to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, where you will spend the night overlooking one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Africa. The sweeping views of the crater floor below provide a perfect prelude to tomorrow’s exploration.
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often described as a natural zoo due to its dense concentration of wildlife. The crater’s varied habitats—lakes, volcanic soils, grasslands, and forests—support a rich diversity of animals, including lions, rhinos, hippos, and flamingos. Enjoy a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch by the hippo pool before returning to your lodge for an overnight stay on the crater rim.
Day 8: Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a scenic reserve nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, pink-hued flamingos, and diverse birdlife. Explore the lush groundwater forest, open savanna, and lakeshores on your game drive. In the evening, relax at your lodge or camp within the park area and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere before your final safari day.
Day 9: Arusha National Park and Return to Arusha
On your final day, visit Arusha National Park, a small yet diverse park known for its striking scenery that ranges from lush montane forests to the peaks of Mount Meru. Spot colobus monkeys, giraffes, and an array of bird species as you explore the park’s trails and crater lakes. Later, drive back to Arusha, marking the end of your unforgettable Tanzanian safari adventure.
