Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – The Land of Giants
After a hearty breakfast at your lodge, begin your journey southwest to Tarangire National Park, a hidden gem among Tanzania’s wildlife destinations. The scenic drive takes approximately 2.5 hours and offers glimpses of local villages, open countryside, and the distant silhouette of the Great Rift Valley.
Upon entering the park, you’ll immediately be greeted by its iconic landscape—massive baobab trees, rolling savannahs, and the life-giving Tarangire River, a vital water source that draws animals year-round.
Spend the day on an exciting full-day game drive, where you’ll have the chance to encounter Tanzania’s largest population of elephants, as well as lions lounging in the shade, graceful giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and over 500 bird species, including the colorful lilac-breasted roller and endemic yellow-collared lovebird.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in a designated spot inside the park, surrounded by nature and wildlife sounds. After an enriching day of exploration, head to your lodge or tented camp near the park for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation
Day 2: Tarangire – Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, depart for an early morning drive to the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most wildlife-dense areas on Earth. The drive offers spectacular views of the Ngorongoro Highlands and local Maasai settlements. Once at the crater, descend over 600 meters into the caldera for a half-day game drive.
Marvel at the stunning concentration of animals, including black rhinos, buffaloes, elephants, lions, and hippos. The crater’s natural enclosure creates a self-sustaining environment and offers an excellent chance to spot the Big Five.
After a picnic lunch by a hippo pool, begin your journey toward the Serengeti National Park, driving through lush highlands and into the vast savannahs of Central Serengeti, where wildlife roams freely across an endless horizon.
Accommodation
Day 3: Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti – Migration Trail
Enjoy breakfast in the heart of the Serengeti before setting out on a scenic drive northward toward the Mara River in Northern Serengeti, the prime location for witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration river crossings.
Along the way, you’ll traverse a variety of ecosystems—from wide-open plains to woodlands and rocky kopjes—encountering countless wildlife such as cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, and migrating herds of zebra and wildebeest.
Enjoy a packed lunch en route or stop at a designated site depending on wildlife activity. As you approach the northern region, your guide will begin scanning for migration herds near the riverbanks, where crocodiles await their chance in this raw display of survival.
Accommodation
Day 4: Full Day at Northern Serengeti – River Crossing Adventure
After breakfast, set out on a full-day game drive dedicated to witnessing one of the most dramatic moments in nature – the Mara River crossing. This is where thousands of wildebeests and zebras face their greatest challenge, leaping into the crocodile-infested waters in their instinctive pursuit of greener pastures.
Patience is key, and your expert guide will position you at likely crossing points to maximize your chances of seeing the action unfold. Apart from the migration spectacle, the northern Serengeti is also home to big cats, elephants, topis, and giraffes.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at a safe, scenic spot in the bush. In the afternoon, continue exploring lesser-known corners of the park or return to a crossing area where action may erupt again.
Accommodation
Day 5: Another Full Day at Northern Serengeti – Follow the Herds
Wake up early and set out on another full-day safari in Northern Serengeti, where the rhythm of the Great Migration continues to dominate the ecosystem. Depending on herd movement, you may follow them east or west along the Mara River, or explore new crossing points in search of that unforgettable moment.
Today you’ll also have chances to see:
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Crocodiles ambushing at riverbanks
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Lions and cheetahs trailing migrating herds
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Baboons, hyenas, and rare species like caracals and bat-eared foxes
Optional: Embark on a Hot Air Balloon Safari at sunrise for a breathtaking aerial view of the migration (advance booking required). After a rewarding day in the wild, return to your camp for your final night in the Serengeti.
Accommodation
Day 6: Fly Back to Arusha – Departure
Enjoy your final breakfast in the bush, soaking in the last sounds of the wild. You’ll then be transferred to Kogatende Airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Arusha, offering beautiful views of the Serengeti from above.
Upon arrival, a representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for day use (optional) or directly to the international airport for your onward journey.
If your schedule allows, you may wish to extend your adventure with a relaxing beach escape in Zanzibar.
