Tarangire National Park

Morning:

• Early Start: Begin your adventure with an early morning pick-up from Arusha. Your guide will brief you on the day’s itinerary as you embark on a 2-3 hour drive to Tarangire National Park.
• Arrival at Tarangire: Arrive at the park’s entrance gate, where you’ll get your first glimpse of the breathtaking landscape. Tarangire is known for its stunning baobab trees, large elephant herds, and diverse wildlife.
• Game Drive: Start your morning game drive. Tarangire is home to a wide variety of animals including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and over 500 bird species. The Tarangire River, the park’s lifeline, attracts a multitude of animals during the dry season.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated picnic sites in the park. Relish the serene environment and maybe spot some wildlife as you dine.
• Continue Game Drive: After lunch, continue with your game drive. This time, explore different areas of the park. Keep an eye out for the elusive tree-climbing lions and the iconic baobab trees which are particularly impressive during the golden hours of the afternoon.
• Elephant Viewing: Tarangire is famous for its large elephant population. Observe these majestic creatures as they congregate around the riverbanks, socializing, and playing in the mud.

Evening:

• Head to Lodge: As the sun sets, drive to your lodge or campsite within the park. Freshen up and enjoy a delicious dinner.
• Overnight Stay: Spend the night at your chosen accommodation, such as Tarangire Safari Lodge or similar, and prepare for the next day’s journey.

Central Serengeti

Morning:

• Breakfast: Have an early breakfast at your lodge.
• Scenic Drive: Depart for Central Serengeti. The drive will take approximately 4-5 hours, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
• Ngorongoro Crater Rim: Make a brief stop at the Ngorongoro Crater rim for a spectacular view of the crater floor. It’s a perfect spot for some photos and a quick break.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch en route to Serengeti National Park.
• Entering Serengeti: Arrive at the Serengeti National Park’s entrance gate, Naabi Hill, where you’ll complete the park entry formalities. While waiting, take in the panoramic views of the vast plains stretching out before you.

Game Drive:

• Initial Exploration: Begin your game drive in Central Serengeti, known for its abundant wildlife and vast, open plains. Spotting the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo) is a thrilling experience.
• Wildlife Viewing: Keep your cameras ready as you might encounter herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, alongside predators like lions and hyenas.

Evening:

• Lodge Check-In: Arrive at your lodge or campsite in Central Serengeti, such as Serengeti Serena Lodge or similar.
• Dinner: Enjoy a hearty dinner, sharing stories of the day’s sightings with fellow travelers.
• Overnight Stay: Rest and recharge for another day of adventure in the Serengeti.

Full Day in Central Serengeti

Morning:

• Sunrise Game Drive: Wake up before dawn for an early morning game drive. The early hours are the best time to spot predators returning from their nightly hunts and to witness the stunning Serengeti sunrise.
• Balloon Safari (Optional): For an unforgettable experience, consider a hot air balloon safari. Glide over the Serengeti plains at sunrise and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the wildlife below, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.

Afternoon:

• Breakfast: Return to your lodge for a leisurely breakfast after the morning drive.
• Continue Exploring: Spend the rest of the morning exploring different areas of Central Serengeti. Your guide will take you to the best spots for wildlife viewing, based on recent sightings.

Lunch:

• Bush Lunch: Enjoy a packed lunch in the heart of the Serengeti, surrounded by nature.

Afternoon:

• Game Drive: Continue with an afternoon game drive. Visit the Seronera Valley, known for its high density of leopards and large lion prides. Witness the dramatic interactions between predator and prey.

Evening:

• Return to Lodge: As the day ends, return to your lodge or campsite. Reflect on the day’s adventures over dinner.
• Overnight Stay: Sleep soundly, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

Central Serengeti to Karatu

Morning:

• Early Breakfast: Start your day with an early breakfast.
• Final Game Drive: Embark on a final morning game drive in Central Serengeti. This is your last chance to capture any missed sightings and soak in the beauty of the Serengeti.

Mid-Morning:

• Departure: Begin your journey towards Karatu. The drive will take you back through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Stop for a picnic lunch en route.
• Arrival in Karatu: Arrive in Karatu by mid-afternoon. Karatu is a picturesque town located on the outskirts of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It offers a relaxing atmosphere and a chance to rest before the next day’s adventure.

Evening:

• Check-In: Check into your lodge in Karatu, such as the Ngorongoro Farm House or similar.
• Farm Tour (Optional): If time permits, take a guided tour of a local coffee plantation or farm to learn about the agricultural practices of the region.
• Dinner: Enjoy a farm-fresh dinner, often made with ingredients grown on the property.
• Overnight Stay: Spend a peaceful night at your lodge.

Ngorongoro Crater and Transfer to Arusha

Morning:

• Early Breakfast: Have an early breakfast at your lodge.
• Drive to Ngorongoro Crater: Depart for the Ngorongoro Crater, a short drive from Karatu. Arrive at the crater rim early to maximize your time in this natural wonder.
• Descent into the Crater: Begin your descent into the crater. The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five. The crater floor is teeming with wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, lions, buffalo, and leopards.

Mid-Morning:

• Game Drive: Enjoy a game drive on the crater floor. Your guide will navigate the various habitats, from forests and grasslands to swamps and lakes, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and observation.

Afternoon:

• Picnic Lunch: Stop at a designated picnic site in the crater for lunch. Enjoy your meal surrounded by the stunning scenery of the crater walls and abundant wildlife.
• Continue Exploration: After lunch, continue exploring the crater floor. Visit Lake Magadi, a shallow soda lake, often frequented by flamingos and other water birds.

Early Afternoon:

• Ascent from the Crater: Begin your ascent from the crater and start your journey back to Arusha.

Late Afternoon:

• Drive to Arusha: The drive back to Arusha takes approximately 3-4 hours. Reflect on your incredible safari experiences during the journey.

Evening:

• Arrival in Arusha: Arrive in Arusha by late afternoon or early evening. Depending on your onward travel plans, you may be dropped off at your hotel or directly at the airport for your departure.