Day 1: Arrival – Game Drive in Tarangire National Park

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your driver who will transfer you directly to Tarangire National Park. The park is approximately a 2-hour drive away, giving you time to rest and enjoy the journey. Upon arrival, begin your game drive with stops for lunch and refreshments. Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and rich wildlife including lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests, and more. The game drive continues until sunset, after which you’ll transfer to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Short Brief About Tarangire National Park

Located in northern Tanzania, Tarangire National Park spans about 2,600 square kilometers and is named after the Tarangire River. It is known for its dense wildlife population during the dry season and its iconic baobab trees. The park provides a quieter, more intimate safari experience compared to more crowded parks.

Day 2: Transfer to Serengeti National Park via Olduvai Gorge

After breakfast, enjoy a short morning game drive in Tarangire. You’ll then proceed through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area on your way to the Serengeti. Along the route, stop at Olduvai Gorge, an archaeological site often referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind.” Learn about ancient human history before continuing to Serengeti National Park. Arrive in the late afternoon, check into your lodge or camp, and enjoy a relaxing evening in the heart of the Serengeti.

Short Brief About Olduvai Gorge and Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Olduvai Gorge is one of the world’s most important paleoanthropological sites, offering valuable insight into early human evolution. It’s located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also encompasses diverse landscapes and the famous Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 3: Full Game Drive in Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, head out for a full-day game drive in the Serengeti. Explore the vast savannahs, acacia woodlands, and rocky kopjes while searching for the Big Five and other wildlife. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and continue exploring until evening. Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.

Optional: Hot Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti

Start your day early with a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti. Watch the sunrise while floating above the plains, spotting wildlife from the air. After landing, enjoy a champagne breakfast in the wild. Then continue with a full-day game drive as planned.

Short Brief About Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park covers approximately 14,750 square kilometers and is globally celebrated for its wildlife and annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeests and zebras. It’s a prime location to spot lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, and countless other species. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an essential stop on any Tanzanian safari.

Short Brief About Hot Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti

Hot air balloon safaris typically begin at dawn when winds are calm and animals are active. You’ll float over the Serengeti’s open plains and spot animals from above. After your flight, enjoy a champagne or bush breakfast surrounded by the wilderness. Operated by licensed, professional teams, these safaris offer an unforgettable experience in total comfort and safety.

Day 4: Transfer Game Drive to Ngorongoro Crater – Full Game Drive

After breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. This massive caldera is home to lions, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, and many more species. Stop for a picnic lunch near Lake Magadi, where flamingos and hippos are often seen. In the afternoon, ascend and head to your lodge on the crater rim or nearby for dinner and overnight.

Short Brief About Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera at about 610 meters deep and 260 square kilometers in size. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers one of the highest densities of wildlife in Africa, including the rare black rhino. The crater’s mix of forest, grassland, and lakes supports a thriving and self-contained ecosystem.

Day 5: Lake Manyara Game Drive – Transfer to Airport

After breakfast, head to Lake Manyara National Park for a half-day game drive. Located at the base of the Great Rift Valley, this park is known for tree-climbing lions, large baboon troops, and diverse birdlife including flamingos, pelicans, and storks. After your game drive and picnic lunch, continue to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home or onward travel.

Short Brief About Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park spans 330 square kilometers and is centered around a shallow alkaline lake. Known for its dramatic Rift Valley scenery and abundant birdlife, the park is a popular stop on the northern circuit. It’s also home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and the unique tree-climbing lions.