While not as well- known as neighboring Kenya, Tanzania has protected almost a third of its land for wildlife viewing providing habitat for hundreds of species across 14 national parks. Visitors come to witness the annual Great Migration pass through the legendary Serengeti – a massive spectacle with wildebeest herds so large they can be seen from space. The neighboring Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to an extraordinary selection of predators and Tarangire is famous for its giant Baobab trees and vast heards of elephants in the dry season.

Days 1-2:      Tarangire National Park

From the bustling north Tanzanian town of Arusha to the little gem of Tarangire National Park, the mountain landscapes give way to the arid Acacia and baobab of the Maasai steppe: this is rich big game country and ripe for exploring.  

Game drives are offered twice daily in the cool morning when the game is most active and in the late afternoon as the sun retreats or from camp walk with your guide and armed park ranger straight into the bush in search of giraffe or zebra.  

Balloon safaris are offered in the Tarangire

SAMPLE ACCOMODATIONS
Kuro Tarangire, Oliver’s, Little Oliver’s, Little Chem Chem, Swala

Days 3-4:     Ngorongoro Crater

From Tarangire, drive up to the lush Ngorongoro Highlands where forests, monkeys, coffee farms and lush gardens are the norm. You might stop off for a picnic and game drive in Manyara National Park en route or visit a Maasai village. Arrive at the rim and enjoy the spectacular views over the Crater and surrounding Highlands.

Depart early to make the most of the day in the Ngorongoro Crater. One of Tanzania’s most famous landmarks, the crater is known for both it’s wonderful scenery and also the varied wildlife that thrives inside.  Spend the morning game driving with your guide, and enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor. Return for a relaxed afternoon or perhaps a walk into the Highlands.

SAMPLE ACCOMODATIONS
Entanumu, The Highlands, Lemala, Crater Lodge (not tented)

Days 5-7:     Central/Northern Serengeti

Fly from Manyara to the central/northern Serengeti. Meet the camps car and guide and head on a game drive towards camp.  Settle into camp for a siesta after lunch and venture out for a game drive in the late afternoon returning to camp for drinks around the fire and dinner.

Discuss the day’s activities with your guide over a camp breakfast; they will know the whereabouts of the migration and all the other creatures of interest. Sometimes the herds are spread throughout the plains and sometimes they are frantically crossing the Mara River.

Or, you may prefer an early departure with a picnic breakfast or lunch in search of the great herds.  It’s not all about the wildebeest and you’ll be on the lookout for elephant, buffalo, big cats and even rhino.  Linger when you find something of interest, as so much of the pleasure of the safari is the freedom you feel being in the middle of nowhere.

Balloon safaris are available from camps located in the central Serengeti

SAMPLE ACCOMODATIONS
Nomad Serengeti Tented, Serengeti Under Canvas, Kichakani, Bushtops, Dunia, Sayari, Lamai Serengeti, Serian Serengeti, Singita Mara River, Sabora Tented, Migration Camp, Namiri Plains, Olakira, Ubuntu

Day 8:     Serengeti-Arusha

There will be plenty of time today to wake up with the African sunrise for a leisurely breakfast and a final game drive to the airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Arusha and home.