**Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport**
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed by our representative. After completing your customs and immigration formalities, you'll be transferred to your comfortable lodge in Arusha. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing and acclimating to your new surroundings. If time permits, enjoy a leisurely evening exploring the local area or simply unwind at your lodge, preparing for the exciting safari adventure ahead.
**Day 2: Tarangire National Park**
After an early breakfast, you’ll set off from your accommodation for a scenic 2-hour drive to Tarangire National Park. En route, your driver will have the option to make a stop at a traditional Maasai Boma, where you can explore and learn about the Maasai way of life and their distinctive homes.
Upon arrival at the park, you’ll check in and begin your thrilling game drive. Tarangire is renowned for its impressive herds of elephants and the iconic baobab trees that dot the landscape. As you traverse the park, keep an eye out for a diverse array of wildlife including lions, giraffes, and various antelope species.
Around lunchtime, you’ll head to a designated picnic spot within the park to enjoy a delicious packed lunch amidst the natural beauty of Tarangire. Following lunch, continue your game drive, taking in the park’s breathtaking scenery and wildlife. In the late afternoon, you’ll exit the park and drive to your accommodation, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.
**Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park**
Early in the morning, you'll depart for Lake Manyara National Park, arriving at the main entrance gate in the northern part of the park. After your driver completes the registration process, you’ll enter the park to embark on a fascinating game drive.
Lake Manyara National Park is celebrated for its lush landscapes and vibrant flora, which remain verdant throughout the year. The park is a haven for birdwatchers, boasting over 400 bird species, including flamingos and raptors. It is also renowned for its tree-climbing lions, and with a bit of luck, you might catch a glimpse of these elusive predators perched among the branches.
Around midday, your driver will take you to a scenic picnic spot within the park where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch surrounded by nature. Following lunch, continue your game drive, exploring the park’s diverse habitats and spotting more wildlife. In the late afternoon, you’ll exit the park and drive to your accommodation, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences.
**Day 4: Serengeti National Park**
Today, your journey takes you to Serengeti National Park, traveling through the stunning Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, you'll make a stop at the Crater Viewpoint, where you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Ngorongoro Crater—a spectacular panorama of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Following your scenic stop, continue your drive to Serengeti National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll enter the park and embark on a brief game drive, offering an initial glimpse into the Serengeti's remarkable wildlife. A lunch break will follow, allowing you to relax and enjoy a meal in the midst of the park’s serene surroundings.
After lunch, dive deeper into the heart of the Serengeti with an extensive game drive in the Central Serengeti, renowned for its abundant wildlife and sweeping plains. In the late afternoon, you'll make your way to your accommodation, where you can unwind and reflect on the day's experiences amidst the stunning landscapes of the Serengeti.
**Day 5: Serengeti National Park**
Today, you'll embark on a full-day game drive heading towards the northern region of Serengeti National Park. The Northern Serengeti is characterized by its open woodlands and rolling landscapes, with the Mara River marking its northern boundary and the southern part featuring the well-known Seronera area.
As you journey north, you’ll follow in the footsteps of the Great Migration. This region is famed for the dramatic and awe-inspiring spectacle of the migration, where vast herds of zebra and wildebeest prepare to cross the Mara River into Kenya. Witnessing these herds as they navigate the treacherous waters is one of nature's most extraordinary sights, offering a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the cycle of life, with scenes of animals on the move, hunting, and being hunted.
Each day in the Northern Serengeti holds the promise of new surprises, but nothing compares to the grandeur of the Great Migration. Beyond the migrating herds, the Northern Serengeti also provides opportunities to encounter giraffes, elephants, and a variety of other wildlife. Your day will be filled with spectacular wildlife encounters and unforgettable moments in this iconic region of the Serengeti.
**Day 6: Serengeti National Park**
Today, you’ll continue your exploration of the Northern Serengeti, dedicating the entire day to witnessing the Great Migration in one of its most dramatic settings: the Mara River. This iconic river, which flows through both Kenya and Tanzania, serves as a critical crossing point for the migrating herds.
As you spend the day along the Mara River, keep your eyes peeled for the breathtaking spectacle of wildebeests and zebras as they attempt the perilous river crossing. The sight of these massive herds braving the river’s dangerous waters is a highlight of the migration experience.
In addition to the migrating animals, the river is also home to a range of other wildlife. Watch for formidable crocodiles lurking in the water, as well as large groups of hippos lounging in the shallows. The Mara River is a focal point for both predators and prey, offering a fascinating glimpse into the circle of life in this region.
This full day by the river provides ample opportunities to observe and photograph the drama and beauty of the Great Migration, making for an unforgettable safari experience.
**Day 7: Ngorongoro Highlands**
After an early breakfast, you’ll depart from the Maasai Mara region, making your way toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy a scenic drive with a picnic lunch en route, taking in the picturesque landscapes as you travel.
Upon arrival at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, check in to your accommodation at Rhino Lodge, which offers comfortable lodgings and stunning views of the surrounding highlands.
The Ngorongoro area is renowned for its expansive volcanic caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater, and its remarkable wildlife. Known as the "Garden of Eden," this area is one of the best places to encounter the "Big Five"—elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos. As you settle in for the night, you’ll be eagerly anticipating the extraordinary wildlife experiences that await you in this unique and breathtaking environment.
**Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater**
Today, you’ll embark on an unforgettable guided game drive into and around the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the premier safari experiences in East Africa. The crater floor is teeming with wildlife, offering you the opportunity to encounter a diverse array of animals in a truly unique setting.
As you explore the crater's vast, fertile landscape, keep a lookout for the iconic "Big Five," including lions, hyenas, and the elusive black rhinos. The rich wildlife and varied habitats within the crater create exceptional viewing opportunities throughout the day.
For lunch, you’ll enjoy a picnic at one of the designated sites within the crater, allowing you to savor your meal amidst the stunning natural beauty of the environment. The rest of the day will be spent traversing the crater's floor, immersing yourself in one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife experiences.
**Day 9: Transfer to the Airport**
After enjoying your final breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to your driver-guide and be transferred to the airport. Your departure will be timed to align with your flight schedule, ensuring a smooth and timely journey. Reflect on your incredible safari adventure as you head to the airport, carrying with you unforgettable memories of Tanzania’s stunning landscapes and wildlife.
**Important Information**
- **Solo Travelers:** This tour is not available for solo travelers.
- **Rates and Exclusions:** All rates are quoted per person and do not include international flights to and from your home country.
- **Children:** This tour is open to children aged 8 years and older. Children under 15 years receive a discount on the tour rates.
- **Rates:**
- **January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024:** $3,916 per person (sharing rooms)
- **January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025:** $3,916 per person (sharing rooms)
*Please note: Rates are subject to change based on availability and travel dates. Solo travel is not permitted for this tour.*
**Included:**
- **Park Fees:** All park fees for non-residents.
- **Activities:** All scheduled activities unless specifically marked as optional.
- **Accommodation:** All lodging as detailed in the itinerary, except where upgrades are listed.
- **Guide:** Services of a professional driver/guide.
- **Transportation:** All transportation within the tour, unless marked as optional.
- **Taxes/VAT:** All applicable taxes and VAT.
- **Airport Transfers:** Roundtrip airport transfers.
- **Meals:** All meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary.
- **Drinking Water:** Provision of drinking water on all days of the tour.
**Excluded:**
- **International Flights:** Flights to and from your home country.
- **Additional Accommodation:** Any extra nights before or after the tour.
- **Tips:** Suggested gratuity of US$10.00 per person per day.
- **Personal Items:** Expenses such as souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.
- **Government Increases:** Any changes in taxes or park fees imposed by the government.