Safari Overview
This meticulously crafted dream itinerary is designed to trace the path of the great migration, leading us to the core of this magnificent earthly phenomenon. Spending four nights in The Serengeti allows us to appreciate the expansive Serengeti plains and to observe the great migration, which occurs in the northern region of the Serengeti from August to October.
Safari Highlights
- Hot Air Balloon Safari
- Witness hundreds of thousand of wildebeest in Serengeti
- Spotting the Big Five (Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo)
- Canoeing in Lake Manyara
- Birdwatching
- Tree Climbing Lions In Lake Manyara
Itinerary
You will be picked up from the airport by our representative and driven to your accommodation where you will overnight, relax, and prepare for your safari.
Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge or Equivalent
Meals & Drinks: at own expense
In the morning you will be picked from your lodgings in Arusha by your private safari guide. You will drive to Tarangire National Park on a good tarmac road across gently rolling Masai plains with scattered acacia trees. On the way, you will pass many Masai in their colourful dress walking on the roadside, riding bicycles, herding cattle and driving donkey carts. Tarangire National Park, well known for its large elephant herds, is also host to a multitude of other animals. From the open roof of your safari jeep you will see seasonal swamps, savanna and the life giving Tarangire River. You will see zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, elephant and giraffe, to name but a few. It is possible you will see lion stalking prey or leopards watching, relaxing in the trees above.
After your extensive game drive, you will drive to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Embalakai Serengeti Camp or Equivalent
Meals & Drink: All meals included, Drinks not included
After breakfast, you will continue towards the fertile highlands where wheat and corn are grown by the Iraqw people. Along the way we’ll pass through the mist-shrouded rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you might be lucky enough to see baboons, or even leopards and elephants in the dense undergrowth. Passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you will be able to see the breath-taking Ngorongoro Crater before traveling onwards to the Serengeti National Park, which you will reach by midday. The Serengeti National Park is the largest park in Tanzania with diverse landscapes and habitats, such as grassy plains, swamps, lakes, savannah and mountains. After an extensive game drive, you will drive to your accommodation where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Embalakai Serengeti Camp or Equivalent
Meals & Drink: All meals included, Drinks not included
In the morning, we undertake our en route game drive to the Northern region of the Serengeti. Stretching from Seronera for about 100km, the Northern Serengeti is a gentle rolling countryside broken by small rivers, occasional hills, and kopjes. Here resides a multitudinous permanent population of wildlife, with also very striking geological occurrences such as the beautiful Lobo Kopje. The Northern Serengeti is an interesting and varied country that is far from the park’s main entry point in the south hence receiving fewer visitors.
The migration is found in this area during August and we may with luck witness the most spectacular of river crossings as the herd attempt to cross the Mara River and avoid the strong currents and hungry crocodiles.
After a full day, we head for our accommodation where we enjoy dinner and our night of sleep under the magnificent African sky out upon the ‘Endless Plain’
Accommodation: Mara Heritage Camp or Equivalent
Meals & Drink: All meals included, Drinks not included
After an early breakfast, you will head out to make the most of the day. There is a chance you may see the animals crossing the Mara River. Hundreds of thousands of desperate wildebeest gather together on the banks of the river, gazing wistfully across the turbulent water at the green grass on the other side but no animal will make a move. All it takes is one brave wildebeest to take the literal plunge and, then, all follow! The animals that do successfully avoid the awaiting crocodile jaws and make it over the river are rewarded with the lush green grazing grass of the Masai Mara.
Accommodation: Mara Heritage Camp or Equivalnet
Meals & Drink: All meals included, Drinks not included
After breakfast, you will return to Seronera with further opportunities to experience the incredible wildlife and natural beauty of the Serengeti..
Apart from the migrating herds, we may have the opportunity to see the resident predators, leopard, cheetah, and lion, fulfilling their role in the circle of life.
After an extensive game drive we head for our Accommodation for a hearty dinner and another night by the fire of relaxation and conversation under the sweeping majesty of the star bright African night out upon the ‘Endless Plain’.
Accommodation: Embalakai Serengeti Camp or Equivalent
Meals & Drink: All meals included, Drinks not included
After breakfast, you will embark upon another incredible game drive in The Serengeti before travelling to the Ngorongoro Crater. Arriving at the edge of the crater in the afternoon, you will have your first glimpse of what awaits you the following day – glistening streams, open grassland and an infinite number of animals. You will spend the night at a nearby lodge on the rim of the crater.
Accommodation: Rhino Lodge or Equivalent
Meals & Drink: All meals included, Drinks not included
Very early in the morning after an early breakfast, we descend down onto the crater floor for a day of wildlife viewing in one of the most incredible places on Earth where the animals roam freely through the unfenced reserves offering us an uninterrupted game viewing experience. The Caldera was formed about three million years ago with the massive explosion of a volcano that rivalled Kilimanjaro in height. It is 610 m deep and covers roughly 260 square kilometres. It is an enclosed ecosystem. The word Ngorongoro represents the sound of the bells that the Maasai cows wear around their necks. It is one of the best places in Africa to view the big five, as well as wildebeest, gazelle, reedbuck, and many others, along with about 500 bird species. You will stop for a picnic lunch near the hippo lake and in the afternoon, you will ascendup the steep road out of the crater. You will overnight in the nearby town of Karatu.
Accommodation: Eileen’s Tree Inn
Meals & Drink: All meals included, Drinks not included
After breakfast, you will drive to our final destination on this epic safari – Lake Manyara National Park. This is a relatively small but diverse park, 120km west of Arusha. It is so named for the shallow salt lake that covers about seventy percent of the surface area, flooding and drying with the seasons and home to thousands of flamingo and in the extraordinary region of 500 other bird species. On your exploration of the park you will see monkey, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, elephant and, with some luck, lions lounging in the trees. The park is known for its diverse landscapes; not only open grassy plains, but also primate-filled woodlands and baobab dotted cliffs. After lunch, we head back to Arusha where we will arrive in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge
Meals & Drink: Breakfast & Lunch, Drinks not included
You will be picked from your accommodation by our representative and driven to the Airport.
What's Included
- Park fees(For non-residents)
- All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks(As specified in the day-by-day section)
What's Not Included
- International flights(From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips(Tipping guideline US$15.00 pp per day)
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Most Asked Safari Questions
Many travelers ask us when the best time is to visit Tanzania. The answer is … there is not one right answer. It depends on what you want to see, where you want to go, your budget and interests. Please find a comprehensive guide on when is the best time to visit Tanzania here.
Dry Season (June to October & December to February): These months are ideal for safaris and beach visits due to the pleasant weather and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. However, expect higher hotel rates and more crowded parks and attractions.
Mid Season (March & November): This period offers a balance of moderate hotel rates and fewer tourists. The weather can be variable, and some attractions might have limited availability (due to rains), but you still get great wildlife sightings and a more relaxed safari experience.
Wet Season (April & May): Perfect for budget-conscious travelers, the low season features the lowest hotel rates and the least crowded parks. The heavy rains make the scenery vibrant and lush, but travel plans can be affected by the weather.
Our safaris in Tanzania offer an opportunity to explore the country’s incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes. We specialize in private safaris, which means you have a 4×4 Landcruiser or jeep all to yourselves. You have the flexibility to decide when the safari starts and ends, and our experienced guides can help you make that decision on the day of your adventure. Whether you want to witness the animals at their most active during sunrise and sunset when temperatures are pleasant, or if you fancy ending the day by the pool, it’s entirely up to you. Tanzania’s diverse wildlife is active at various times of the day, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot the animals in action.
At Tanzania Specialist, we’re all about co-creating your perfect journey. When you plan your Tanzania adventure with us, you’re not just booking a trip; you’re embarking on a personalized experience. We start by understanding your wishes and preferences, and we won’t stop until every aspect of your journey aligns perfectly with your vision. Our team works closely with you to ensure that your entire trip is tailor-made to your satisfaction. And for added convenience, we offer a selection of our most popular Tanzania trips and safaris as a starting point for your consideration.
Absolutely, Tanzania is renowned as one of the prime destinations to encounter the Big Five. These magnificent creatures—lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo—can be observed in their natural habitats, making Tanzania a preferred choice for wildlife enthusiasts.
Absolutely, Tanzania is a safe and welcoming destination for travelers. The country offers a hospitable environment, especially in tourist areas like Arusha, and you can explore its beautiful landscapes and wildlife with confidence. Local people are friendly, and safety measures, such as keeping an eye on your belongings, are always advisable, just as you would in any other part of the world. Tanzania’s natural beauty and the warmth of its people make it a fantastic place to visit.
