Safari Overview:
This 8-day wildebeest migration tour takes you through the iconic national parks of Tanzania, including Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Arusha National Park. You’ll have the chance to witness the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration, see the Mara River crossings, and explore Tanzania’s diverse wildlife and landscapes. This group camping safari is a perfect way to experience the beauty of Tanzania’s wildlife up close.
Detailed Itinerary:
DAY 1: ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
- Pick-Up: Depart from your hotel in Arusha at 8:00 am.
- Arusha National Park: A 1-hour drive to the park, known for its unique combination of wildlife and diverse landscapes.
- Explore the Ngurdoto Crater, home to buffaloes and warthogs.
- Visit the Momela Lakes, where you’ll see flamingos and waterbucks.
- Observe giraffes, zebras, and various bird species.
- Return to Hotel: After a full day of game viewing, return to your hotel in Arusha for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 2: 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 ancient baobab trees.
- Game Drive: Enjoy a full day of game viewing with a picnic lunch, looking for elephants, lions, leopards, and the famous tree-climbing pythons.
- Accommodation: Dinner and overnight at Fanaka Lodge (or similar).
DAY 3: TARANGIRE TO SERENGETI (CENTRAL SERENGETI)
- Breakfast & Packing: After breakfast, pack your bags and start the journey to Serengeti.
- Scenic Drive: Enjoy stunning views of the Rift Valley and Ngorongoro Crater as you pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch on the way to Serengeti.
- Evening Game Drive: Arrive at Seronera in central Serengeti and go on a game drive to see wildlife across the vast plains.
- Accommodation: Dinner and overnight at Seronera Campsite.
DAY 4: CENTRAL SERENGETI TO NORTHERN SERENGETI (KOGATENDE)
- Morning Game Drive: After breakfast, head towards the northern Serengeti, where the wildebeest migration is in full swing.
- River Crossings: Between July and October, this is the best time to witness the dramatic river crossings at Kogatende.
- See large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other ungulates migrating in search of fresh grazing.
- Accommodation: Dinner and overnight at Kogatende Campsite (or similar).
DAY 5: FULL DAY GAME DRIVE IN NORTHERN SERENGETI
- Full Day Exploration: Start your day early and follow the migration through northern Serengeti.
- Watch the wildebeest cross the Mara River in a dramatic spectacle.
- Enjoy game viewing throughout the day, with opportunities to see predators like lions and cheetahs.
- Accommodation: Return to the campsite for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 6: SERENGETI TO NGORONGORO
- Early Morning: Rise early for a beautiful Serengeti sunrise followed by a game drive.
- Journey to Ngorongoro: After breakfast, drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping for game viewing along the way.
- Accommodation: Check in at Simba Campsite in Ngorongoro for dinner and overnight.
DAY 7: NGORONGORO CRATER TOUR
- Descend into the Crater: After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the Big Five.
- Enjoy a full-day game drive in the Crater floor, with a picnic lunch by a natural pool, watching hippos and other wildlife.
- Return to Mto wa Mbu: After a full day of exploration, ascend from the Crater and head to Mto wa Mbu for a cultural experience.
- Accommodation: Dinner and overnight at Fanaka Lodge or similar.
DAY 8: LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
- Lake Manyara: After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a full day of game viewing.
- Look out for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions, large groups of baboons, flamingos, and other bird species.
- Visit the park’s natural hot springs.
- Maasai Boma Visit: On the way back to Arusha, stop by a Maasai village to explore the local culture and traditions.
- Return to Arusha: After a full day of activities, drive back to Arusha for dinner and overnight stay.
Included:
- Accommodation: As per the itinerary (camping or tented camps).
- Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off from the airport.
- Activities: All mentioned game drives, cultural visits, and park activities.
- National Park Fees: All park entrance and activity fees.
- Meals: All meals as per the itinerary.
- Mineral Water: Provided during the safari.
- Safari Guide: Professional and knowledgeable safari guide throughout the tour.
- Transport: 4×4 safari vehicle with guaranteed window seats.
Excluded:
- Flights: International and domestic flights.
- Meals/Drinks: Any meals or drinks not included in the itinerary.
- Visas: Visa fees (if applicable).
- Optional Activities: Additional activities not listed in the itinerary.
- Tips: Gratuities for guides, drivers, and staff.
- Personal Expenses: Personal purchases during the safari.
- Travel Insurance: Private travel insurance is recommended.
Summary:
This 8-day safari offers an incredible opportunity to explore Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife areas, including Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Arusha National Park. With a focus on the Great Wildebeest Migration, this safari is perfect for those who want to experience one of nature’s greatest spectacles while also exploring the rich culture and diverse landscapes of Tanzania.
