13 Day Ultimate Tanzania Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

1. Arusha Region
   1h
   Your adventure begins as you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). You will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your lodge in Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. Use this day to relax, acclimatize, and soak in the anticipation of the journey ahead.

Day 2: Arusha National Park to Tarangire

1. Arusha National Park
   8h
   A hidden gem! This compact park offers a beautiful introduction to Tanzania's landscapes. Enjoy a game drive with views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro (on a clear day). You'll see herds of buffalo, giraffes, zebras and colobus monkeys in the montane forest. A unique feature here is the possibility of a guided walking safari or a canoeing safari on Momella Lakes.
   Afternoon: After your morning exploration, you'll drive towards Tarangire National Park.

Day 3: Full Day Tarangire National Park

1. Tarangire National Park
   7h
   Today is dedicated to the wonders of Tarangire National Park. Famous for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and the year-round water source of the Tarangire River, the park is a wildlife photographer's dream. You can expect to see large numbers of elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and a vast variety of birds, including the endemic ashy starling.

Day 4: Tarangire to Lake Natron

1. Lake Natron
   5h
   You leave the classic safari route and journey towards the wild and remote Lake Natron. This alkaline lake is the primary breeding ground for millions of lesser flamingos. In the afternoon, you'll embark on a hike to the Engare Sero Waterfalls, a stunning series of cascades flowing through a dramatic gorge. It's a refreshing and scenic adventure.

Day 5: Flamingos, Walking Activity & Maasai Village Visit

1. Lake Natron
   6h
   Visit the shoreline of Lake Natron to witness the spectacular sight of thousands of flamingos. You can take a guided walk on the baked mud flats to get closer to the flocks (viewing is highly dependent on water levels and season). You may also hike to see the striking Olmoti Crater or explore the area's unique landscapes.
   · Afternoon - Cultural Immersion: Visit an authentic Maasai village to learn about the culture, traditions, and way of life of one of Africa's most famous tribes. It's a humbling and enriching experience.

Day 6: Lake Natron to Northern Serengeti (Mara River Region)

1. Serengeti National Park
   5h
   A scenic drive takes you into the world-renowned Serengeti National Park, specifically the Northern Serengeti. This region is famous for the dramatic Great Wildebeest Migration river crossings that typically occur at the Mara River between July and October. Even outside migration season, the area is beautiful and rich with resident game.

Day 7: Full-day Game Drives in Mara River Region

1. Serengeti National Park
   6h
   A full day exploring the wild northern reaches of the Serengeti. Your game drives will focus on the Mara River, where you'll scout for crocodiles, hippos, and predators lying in wait. You'll also explore the rolling hills and valleys, searching for elephants, giraffes, and big cats.

Day 8: Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti (Seronera)

1. Serengeti National Park
   8h
   After a morning game drive in the north, you'll journey south to the Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley). This is the heart of the park, known for its high density of year-round wildlife. The landscape of kopjes (rocky outcrops) and vast plains is classic Serengeti. The drive itself is a fantastic game viewing opportunity.

Day 9: Full-day Game Drives in Central Serengeti

1. Serengeti National Park
   7h
   Another full day to explore the endless plains. The Seronera River Valley attracts a concentration of wildlife, including lions, leopards (often seen resting on the kopjes), cheetahs, and hyenas. You'll also see vast herds of zebra, antelope, and buffalo.

Day 10: Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

1. Ngorongoro Conservation Area
   8h
   You enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti before beginning your journey east. You'll drive up into the highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The views from the crater rim are absolutely breathtaking.

Day 11: Ngorongoro Crater Tour

1. Ngorongoro Crater
   8h · Admission ticket included
   The day is dedicated to the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World." This massive, unflooded volcanic caldera is a natural enclosure for an estimated 25,000 large animals. It's one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo), including the highly endangered black rhino. You'll descend 600 meters into the crater for a spectacular full-day game drive with a picnic lunch by a hippo pool.

Day 12: Karatu to Lake Eyasi

1. Lake Eyasi
   8h · Admission ticket included
   Today offers a profound cultural shift. You'll visit the shores of Lake Eyasi, a seasonal salt lake. Here, you'll have the rare opportunity to meet and interact with two of Tanzania's last hunter-gatherer tribes: the Hadzabe and the Datoga. You'll join the Hadzabe on a morning hunt or foraging trip, an incredible glimpse into an ancient way of life. Visiting the Datoga blacksmiths provides insight into their metalworking skills.

Day 13: Karatu to Lake Manyara to Arusha / Departure

1. Lake Manyara National Park
   8h
   On your final day, you'll visit Lake Manyara National Park, a scenic gem at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment. Famous for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, and breathtaking flocks of flamingos, it's a perfect finale. Enjoy a game drive through the groundwater forest and along the lakeshore.
   · Afternoon: After the game drive, you will be driven back to Arusha. You can be dropped off at a hotel in Arusha or directly at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable 12-day safari.

Pickup details

You will be picked up from your specified Hotel or upon arrival at Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport. After landing proceed directly to the arrivals hall, where our representative will be waiting with a sign with your name(s) for easy identification, don't hesitate to ask at any point.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels