Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Great! It sounds like you have arrived in Tanzania and are ready to start your adventure. Arusha is a bustling city located at the foot of Mount Meru and is often considered the gateway to Tanzania’s famous national parks. After being picked up from Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be driven to your hotel in Arusha. The drive will take approximately one hour depending on traffic and your hotel’s location. Once you arrive at your hotel, you can take some time to relax and settle in.

Arusha has many great restaurants and cafes, so you may want to explore the local cuisine or take a stroll around the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also book a tour to explore nearby attractions such as Arusha National Park or visit local Maasai villages. Otherwise, just take some time to rest and prepare for the exciting days ahead. Enjoy your stay in Arusha!

Short Brief about Arusha

Arusha is a city in northern Tanzania and serves as the gateway to many of the country’s national parks and wildlife reserves. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including Mount Meru and Arusha National Park. Arusha is a bustling city with a lively local market, where you can find everything from fresh produce to traditional crafts. It is also known for its delicious coffee, with many local cafes offering a variety of blends.

Day 2: Full Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up from your hotel in Arusha and head to Lake Manyara National Park. You will have a packed lunch with you to enjoy a picnic inside the park and maximize your game viewing time. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and a wide range of birds. Keep an eye out for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions.

After a full day of game viewing, you will drive to Karatu, a town near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Dinner and overnight will be at your lodge or hotel. Karatu offers a peaceful, rural atmosphere with rolling hills and farmlands, and serves as an excellent resting point before continuing your journey.

Short Brief about Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara, located in northern Tanzania, is a stunning destination known for its diverse wildlife and picturesque landscapes. Surrounded by lush vegetation and escarpments, it is home to thousands of flamingos and other bird species. The park is also known for its tree-climbing lions and abundant elephants, making it a favorite among birdwatchers and safari lovers alike.

Day 3 & 4: Full Game Drive in Serengeti National Park

Day 3: After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park. En route, visit a Maasai village to learn about their culture and traditions. Once in the Serengeti, embark on a game drive through its expansive savannahs, looking out for the Big Five and other iconic wildlife. Overnight at a lodge or tented camp inside the park.

Day 4: Enjoy a full-day game drive in Serengeti, observing lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, and possibly the Great Migration (seasonal). With your expert guide, explore different regions of the park. Picnic lunch in the wild, then continue your adventure before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Short Brief about Serengeti

The Serengeti is one of the most iconic wildlife destinations in the world, located in northern Tanzania. It is home to the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the plains. With diverse ecosystems, from open savannahs to woodlands, it offers outstanding opportunities to see the Big Five and other wildlife species in their natural habitat.

Day 5: Transfer Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, depart Serengeti and head towards Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy scenic landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area en route, passing wildlife and stunning views. Descend into the crater for a short game drive if time allows, then head to Karatu for dinner and overnight.

Karatu serves as a convenient base for exploring the crater and is known for its beautiful surroundings and charming atmosphere.

Day 6 & 7: Fly to Zanzibar – Relax & Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, you’ll have two days to explore and enjoy the island. Choose from snorkeling, diving, spice tours, Jozani Forest walks, or simply relaxing on the beach.

On Day 7, enjoy your final morning in Zanzibar before transferring to the airport for your international flight home. This itinerary provides a perfect balance between a thrilling safari and a relaxing beach escape.