Safari Overview:
This 7-day safari is designed for those wanting to experience the wildebeest migration in Tanzania’s world-renowned national parks. The journey will take you to Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park, where you’ll witness extraordinary wildlife and the famous Mara River wildebeest crossings. It’s an exciting group camping safari that combines iconic wildlife experiences with a chance to explore the Great Migration.
Detailed Itinerary:
DAY 1: ARUSHA TO TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
- Pick-Up: 07:30 am from your hotel in Arusha.
- Drive to Tarangire: A 3-hour drive (115 km) to Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and the famous baobab trees.
- Game Drive: Spend the day inside the park with a picnic lunch, spotting wildlife such as elephants, leopards, lions, and tree-climbing pythons.
- Accommodation: Dinner and overnight at Fanaka Lodge (or similar).
DAY 2: TARANGIRE TO SERENGETI (CENTRAL SERENGETI)
- Breakfast & Packing: After breakfast, pack your luggage and start the journey to Serengeti.
- Scenic Drive: Enjoy the view of the Rift Valley and Ngorongoro Crater as you pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Lunch: Picnic lunch on the way to Serengeti.
- Evening Game Drive: Arrive in Seronera in central Serengeti, with an evening game drive to see wildlife across the endless plains.
- Accommodation: Dinner and overnight at Seronera Campsite.
DAY 3: CENTRAL SERENGETI TO NORTHERN SERENGETI (KOGATENDE)
- Early Morning Drive: After breakfast, head to the northern Serengeti in search of the wildebeest migration.
- Wildebeest Migration: During this time (July to October), the migration is at its peak, with river crossings at Kogatende.
- Game Drive: Follow the great herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, along with predators such as lions and cheetahs.
- Accommodation: Dinner and overnight at Kogatende Campsite (or similar).
DAY 4: FULL DAY GAME DRIVE IN NORTHERN SERENGETI
- Early Morning Game Drive: Start your day early, following the wildebeest migration as it moves across the plains.
- Wildebeest River Crossings: You have the chance to witness the dramatic crossing of the Mara River, where thousands of wildebeest face dangers from crocodiles and predators.
- Full Day of Exploration: Continue your game drive in search of more wildlife, including predators, birds of prey, and the spectacular river crossings.
- Accommodation: Return to the campsite for dinner and overnight.
DAY 5: SERENGETI TO NGORONGORO
- Sunrise Game Drive: Wake up early to witness a beautiful sunrise in the Serengeti, followed by a morning game drive.
- Drive to Ngorongoro: After the game drive, enjoy breakfast, pack your bags, and head towards Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Check-In: After approximately 3 hours, arrive at Simba Campsite in Ngorongoro.
- Accommodation: Dinner and overnight at Simba Campsite.
DAY 6: NGORONGORO CRATER TOUR
- Early Morning Crater Tour: After breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive.
- Big Five: The Crater is home to a high concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five (lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards).
- Lunch in the Crater: Enjoy a picnic lunch near a natural pool while watching hippos and birds.
- Late Afternoon Departure: After 6-7 hours of game viewing, ascend from the Crater and drive to Mto wa Mbu.
- Accommodation: Dinner and overnight at Fanaka Lodge or similar in Mto wa Mbu.
DAY 7: LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
- Morning Game Drive: After breakfast, head to Lake Manyara National Park for a full-day game drive.
- Tree-Climbing Lions: The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos along the lake.
- Hot Springs: Visit the park’s natural hot springs before continuing your game drive.
- Maasai Village Visit: On the way back to Arusha, stop at a Maasai Boma to learn about the Maasai people’s culture and traditions.
- Return to Arusha: Drive back to Arusha for dinner and overnight stay.
Included:
- Accommodations: As per the itinerary (camping or tented camps).
- Airport Transfer: Pick-up and drop-off from the airport.
- Activities: All game drives, cultural visits, and park activities as specified.
- National Park Fees: All park entrance fees are included.
- Meals: All meals as per the itinerary (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Mineral Water: Provided during the safari.
- Professional Safari Guide: Knowledgeable and experienced guide for the tour.
- Transport: 4×4 safari vehicle with guaranteed window seats.
Excluded:
- Flights: Both international and local flights.
- Meals/Drinks: Any meals or drinks not included in the itinerary.
- Visas: Visa fees (if applicable).
- Optional Activities: Any additional activities not listed.
- Tips: Gratuities for guides, drivers, and staff.
- Personal Expenses: Any personal costs or purchases during the safari.
- Travel Insurance: Private travel insurance is recommended for your safety.
Summary:
This 7-day Tanzania safari offers an incredible experience to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration while exploring some of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife areas: Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire. With opportunities to see the Big Five, the Mara River crossings, and local Maasai culture, this safari provides a perfect blend of wildlife and cultural immersion.
