Embark on a 6-day camping adventure through four of Tanzania's renowned northern nature reserves. From the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park to the wonders of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, your journey also includes visits to the Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks. Immerse yourself in diverse landscapes, witness massive elephant herds, and the abundance of wildlife in the crater.
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
In the morning, your safari commences with a journey to the Tarangire National Park, an expansive wilderness spanning approximately 2,600km², roughly the size of Luxembourg. This remarkable park features a diverse landscape, blending savannah, seasonal swamps, and the iconic presence of colossal baobab trees. Amid this natural canvas, you'll encounter a remarkable array of wildlife, including Masai giraffes, buffalo herds, hartebeest, eland, fringe-eared oryx, the unique long-necked gerenuk, and an impressive 550+ bird species.
However, it's the awe-inspiring elephants that Tarangire is renowned for. This park is home to herds that can reach up to 300 individuals, making it one of East Africa's premier destinations for witnessing these majestic creatures up close. Following an extensive game drive, your journey leads you to a campsite nestled within the park, where you'll spend the night in comfortable tents, enveloped by the enchanting wilderness.
Day 2: Tarangire National Park to Lake Manyara National Park
Following your breakfast, your journey continues to the charming Lake Manyara National Park. This compact gem is renowned for its impressive birdlife, enchanting primate-inhabited forests, and sweeping grassy plains. A significant portion of the park is adorned by the alkaline Lake Manyara, a haven for vibrant flamingo colonies and an array of aquatic avian species.
As you explore, expect to encounter a tapestry of wildlife, from graceful giraffes and submerging hippos to spirited wildebeests, elegant impalas, and boisterous troops of monkeys and baboons in the woodland enclaves along the lakeshore.
In the afternoon, following an extensive game drive, your adventure leads you to the culturally diverse village of Mto wa Mbu, nestled on the fringes of Lake Manyara National Park. Here, you'll set up camp at a comfortable campsite, offering
opportunities to unwind by the pool or enjoy a refreshing drink at
the bar.
Day 3: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park
Day 3, your journey leads you to the vibrant highlands adorned with flourishing crops, including wheat, corn, and coffee. Enroute, as you traverse the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you'll have the chance to pause and marvel at the awe-inspiring vista overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater before pressing on to the renowned Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti, a name that resonates with the Maasai, translates to "endless plains," and as you traverse this boundless grassland savannah, you'll witness it extending to the very horizon. The landscape is punctuated by enigmatic rock formations known as kopjes, often serving as vantage points for predators.
Depending on the season of your visit, you'll be treated to the extraordinary sight of the wildebeest migration, a phenomenon for which this park is celebrated worldwide. As the day draws to a close, you'll reach your campsite in the heart of the Seronera Valley, situated in the central Serengeti. Here, after a satisfying supper, you'll drift into slumber serenaded by the harmonious sounds of the African bush, a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
Day 4: Serengeti National Park
The entire day will be dedicated to an exhilarating game drive in the heart of the Serengeti. The specific regions you explore will be influenced by the movements of the migrating herds, often closely shadowed by the ever-watchful predators.
During the brief rainy season in November and December, the herds embark on their southward journey from the northern hills to the southern plains. Conversely, in the extended rainy season from April to June, they make their return journey northward. The annual trek of these magnificent creatures is dictated by the ebb and flow of rainfall, and the precise locations they frequent may vary from year to year.
However, rest assured that your experienced guide will be well-versed in tracking down these remarkable animals and optimizing your viewing opportunities. In addition to the iconic wildebeests and zebras, be on the lookout for formidable predators, including the regal lions, elusive leopards, and lightning-fast cheetahs. As the day unfolds, you'll conclude with another night spent at a campsite in the Seronera area, ensuring you remain in the heart of the action.
Day 5: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Following a satisfying breakfast, you'll embark on another thrilling game drive within the vast Serengeti National Park. This morning presents the opportunity to encounter a diverse array of animals you may not have seen
yet.
The Serengeti is renowned as the dwelling place of the revered Big Five lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards – and today, you might be fortunate enough to witness all members of this illustrious group.
After a delightful lunch at a scenic picnic site, your journey will carry you toward the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. As you approach the rim of the crater, a breathtaking vista unfurls before you.
The caldera, spanning approximately 20 kilometers in width, is home to an impressive population of over 25,000 animals. Your night will be spent at a campsite perched right on the rim of the crater, affording you splendid views overlooking this natural wonder.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Arusha
Good morning! As the sun graces the horizon, you'll indulge in a hearty breakfast before embarking on an extraordinary adventure. At daybreak, your journey leads you into the depths of the colossal crater, a geological wonder and the world's largest caldera.
Inside the world’s largest caldera, you'll be greeted by a spectacular tapestry of wildlife from the majestic black rhinos to the graceful Grant's and Thomson's gazelles, from the regal lions and elusive leopards to the gentle giants of the elephant herds and the mountain reedbucks dwelling in the lush slopes' forests, your senses will be awoken by the sheer diversity of life in this ecosystem.
Keep your eyes peeled, as you might also encounter buffalo, cunning spotted hyenas, the rare wild dogs, and a mesmerizing array of over 500 bird species gracing the skies.
After an immersive game drive and a delightful picnic lunch, the time will come to bid farewell to this natural wonder. In the afternoon, you'll commence your journey back to Arusha, arriving in the early evening, enriched by the memories of this extraordinary day.
Included in the Safari Package
- Overnight stays in safari tents
- Ground transportation in a robust 4×4 safari Jeep.
- Knowledgeable and fluent English-speaking guide.
- Professional, English-speaking safari cook.
- All Meals Included (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Complimentary Mineral water.
- Participation in all listed activities.
- Full coverage of national park fees.
- Flying Doctors insurance (AMREF) throughout the safari.
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables etc.)
Not Included in the Safari Package
- International Airfare: Flights to and from your home
- country are typically not included.
- Optional excursions and activities e.g Hot Air Balloon
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Visa expenses
- Gratuities (tips)
- Personal funds for souvenirs and additional purchases
- Travel insurance
- Sleeping bags