The Northern Wildlife Classic Safari

Drive Time: 2 hours | Activities: Afternoon game drive

Depart Arusha after breakfast for Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobab trees and massive elephant concentrations. During dry season, over 3,000 elephants gather along the Tarangire River, creating one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife shows. Enjoy lunch at your lodge before heading out for afternoon game drives across the park’s diverse landscapes. Look for lions, leopards, giraffes, and over 550 bird species.

Accommodation: Tarangire Safari Lodge Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Drive Time: 1 hour | Activities: Full day game drive

After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos. The park’s diverse habitats include groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, and the alkaline lake itself. Spot troops of baboons, elephants, hippos wallowing in the lake, and if you’re lucky, the famous tree-climbing lions resting in acacia branches. The park is also excellent for bird watching with over 400 species recorded.

Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive Time: 4 hours | Activities: Game drive en route, afternoon Serengeti game drive

Journey to the legendary Serengeti National Park through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying wildlife sightings along the scenic route. Arrive in central Serengeti for lunch at your camp, then head out for afternoon game drives across the endless plains. The Serengeti hosts the world’s largest terrestrial mammal migration and offers excellent year-round wildlife viewing with large prides of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and massive herds of herbivores.

Accommodation: Serengeti Heritage Luxury Tented Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities: Morning & afternoon game drives

Spend the entire day exploring Serengeti’s vast ecosystem, covering different areas depending on wildlife movements and seasonal patterns. During migration season (varies by month), witness massive herds of wildebeest and zebras moving across the plains followed by predators. Visit the famous Simba Kopjes where lions often rest on granite outcrops, and explore the Seronera Valley known for excellent predator viewing year-round.

Accommodation: Serengeti Heritage Luxury Tented Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive Time: 3 hours | Activities: Morning game drive, cultural visit option

Enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti before departing for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive takes you through the highlands with spectacular views of the crater rim. Optional visit to a Maasai village to learn about traditional culture and customs. Arrive at your lodge perched on the crater rim with stunning views into this natural wonder. Rest and prepare for tomorrow’s crater adventure.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive Time: 3 hours | Activities: Morning crater game drive

Start early with a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” This massive volcanic caldera shelters over 25,000 animals in just 260 square kilometers, creating one of Africa’s highest wildlife densities. Spot all Big Five including the rare black rhino, plus large flocks of flamingos, hippos, and wildebeest. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor before ascending and driving back to Arusha.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch