Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Welcome to Tanzania on your Kenya Safari Trip
As your plane descends into Kilimanjaro International Airport, the vastness of Northern Tanzania spreads below like a painting—rolling hills, scattered villages, distant mountains, and endless greenery. The excitement of starting your Kenya Safari Trip in one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations begins here.
Upon landing, you’re warmly greeted by a professional representative from Magic of Wild, holding a welcome sign and offering a friendly smile. After assisting with luggage and customs, your guide escorts you to your private transfer vehicle. From the airport, it’s roughly a 45-minute scenic drive to Arusha, the safari capital of Northern Tanzania and the starting point of your incredible Kenya Safari Trip.
You’ll check in at Mount Meru Hotel, a serene and elegant retreat on the edge of the city, surrounded by lush gardens. The hotel offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and African charm—a restful haven to begin your Kenya Safari Trip in style. Spacious rooms, warm hospitality, and tranquil views create an ideal setting to unwind after your international journey.
Depending on your arrival time, relax by the pool, stroll the gardens, or enjoy your first taste of Tanzanian cuisine at the on-site restaurant, savoring dishes that will fuel you for the rest of your Kenya Safari Trip.
In the evening, your guide may offer a briefing about the upcoming adventure, answer questions, and confirm pick-up details for Day 2. Rest well—your Kenya Safari Trip truly begins tomorrow.
Overnight: Mount Meru Hotel, Arusha
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Elephants, Baobabs & Big Game
After breakfast, you’ll meet your guide at the hotel—your trusted companion for the next week of exploration on your Kenya Safari Trip. Today’s destination is Tarangire National Park, located about 120 kilometers southwest of Arusha, a journey that takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by road. As you leave the urban center behind, the landscape quickly changes into sprawling farmland, colorful roadside markets, and Maasai settlements, setting the tone for your immersive Kenya Safari Trip.
Around mid-morning, you’ll arrive at the Tarangire gate, and the game drive begins almost immediately. This vast and underrated park is often overshadowed by the Serengeti, but many safari veterans will tell you—Tarangire is a hidden treasure. It is one of the highlights of your Kenya Safari Trip, with its rolling savannah, towering baobab trees, and meandering Tarangire River adding to the distinctive beauty of your journey.
What makes Tarangire truly special, and a must-see on your Kenya Safari Trip, is its large population of elephants, considered one of the biggest concentrations in East Africa. You may see family herds gathered under shade trees or young calves playing near waterholes. The ancient baobab trees add to the surreal atmosphere as you dive deeper into this unforgettable section of your Kenya Safari Trip.
During the day’s game drive, your guide will help track a wide variety of animals. Expect to see:
• Zebras grazing alongside wildebeests
• Giraffes browsing on acacia trees
• Baboons and vervet monkeys near the river
• Buffalo, warthogs, and perhaps even the elusive leopard or lion resting in the shade
At around noon, you’ll stop at a scenic picnic site overlooking the river. Here, a hot lunch is served—usually grilled chicken, rice, fresh salads, and fruits. As you eat, you might watch elephants approach the river or hear the distinct calls of hornbills and francolins, moments that define your Kenya Safari Trip experience.
The afternoon continues with more wildlife exploration. Your guide may take you deeper into less-traveled tracks, increasing your chances of spotting unique species like the fringed-eared oryx, dik-dik, or greater kudu — adding exciting chapters to your Kenya Safari Trip story.
By late afternoon, you’ll head to Ang’ata Camps Tarangire, a comfortable and eco-friendly tented camp located inside the park boundaries. After check-in, enjoy a refreshing drink and watch the sunset cast golden light over the African bush—the perfect close to a day on your Kenya Safari Trip. Dinner is served in a cozy open-air dining tent, often followed by fireside conversations under the stars.
Tonight, fall asleep to the gentle night sounds of the wild—crickets chirping, distant hyenas calling, and the occasional rustle of animals moving near camp, completing your authentic Kenya Safari Trip immersion.
Overnight: Ang’ata Camps, Tarangire
Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Tarangire National Park – Deep Dive into the Wild
Wake up early to the sounds of the bush stirring to life on your Kenya Safari Trip. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll set off for a full-day game drive in Tarangire, giving you time and space to explore deeper areas of the park that many travelers don’t reach, a highlight of your Kenya Safari Trip adventure.
The early morning hours are prime time for predator activity, so keep your eyes peeled for lions on the hunt or cheetahs scanning the plains. Birds are especially active at this hour too, and with over 500 species, Tarangire is a paradise for birdwatchers, enriching your Kenya Safari Trip experience. Look for:
• Lilac-breasted rollers
• Yellow-collared lovebirds
• Ostriches
• Secretary birds
• Bateleurs and martial eagles soaring overhead
You may visit famous waterholes like Silale Swamp, a magnet for animals during the dry season. Here, huge herds of elephants gather to drink, bathe, and socialize. Watching a baby elephant splash in the mud or cling to its mother’s leg is a heartwarming highlight of your Kenya Safari Trip.
Your professional guide shares fascinating facts and stories about animal behavior, the ecosystem, and conservation efforts in the park. Tarangire isn’t just about elephants and big cats—it’s also home to rare species like the African wild dog, caracal, and gerenuk. Sightings depend on luck and patience, adding an exciting unpredictable element to your Kenya Safari Trip.
At midday, enjoy another bush picnic in a scenic, safe area. You’ll rest in the shade, sip cold drinks, and reflect on the morning’s sightings before continuing your Kenya Safari Trip adventure.
In the afternoon, you’ll follow animal trails near the river, often crowded with animals during the heat of the day. Buffaloes wallow in mud, giraffes stretch to nibble acacia leaves, and impalas cautiously approach waterholes. Along the way, marvel at termite mounds, old baobabs riddled with weaver nests, and perhaps recent lion or leopard tracks—each sighting a memorable part of your Kenya Safari Trip.
By late afternoon, you’ll return to Ang’ata Camps where warm hospitality and a delicious dinner await. Relax by the campfire, listen to the savannah sounds, and share stories with your guide or fellow travelers, savoring the final moments of your Tarangire experience on this unforgettable Kenya Safari Trip.
Tonight is your last night in Tarangire, offering a special chance to soak in the magic of this often-overlooked park before continuing tomorrow to the vast Serengeti plains, another iconic highlight of your Kenya Safari Trip.
Overnight: Ang’ata Camps, Tarangire
Day 4: Tarangire to Serengeti – Journey to the Endless Plains
After a peaceful night at Ang’ata Camps Tarangire and a nourishing breakfast, your journey through East Africa’s finest wilderness continues. Today marks a major milestone in your Kenya Safari Trip, as you depart the baobab-dotted landscapes of Tarangire National Park and make your way toward the legendary Serengeti National Park—a name that evokes the pure essence of African safari adventure.
The drive itself is part of the experience, revealing a cross-section of Tanzania’s remarkable geography. As you leave Tarangire behind, the scenery gradually shifts from rolling grasslands to lush highlands. Your route passes through rural communities, coffee farms, and small roadside markets, offering glimpses of daily life in the countryside. Keep your camera nearby—you never know when wildlife or local color will present a perfect photo opportunity.
One of the day’s highlights is a stop at the iconic Ngorongoro Crater viewpoint, perched on the rim of this enormous volcanic caldera. The view is nothing short of breathtaking. Stretching nearly 20 kilometers in diameter and plunging over 600 meters deep, the crater floor is a microcosm of East Africa’s biodiversity, home to thousands of animals including lions, elephants, zebras, flamingos, and the rare black rhino. Standing at the edge, taking in this ancient natural wonder, you’ll have the chance to capture one of the most unforgettable images of your Kenya Safari Trip. It’s a moment of stillness and awe that offers a profound connection to the land.
From here, your adventure continues into the vast and wild Serengeti. As you descend into the park’s southern plains, the landscape opens into golden savannahs that roll endlessly toward the horizon. This is the heartland of the Maasai, whose presence and traditions add cultural depth to the region. The word Serengeti comes from the Maasai language, meaning “endless plains,” and it couldn’t be more fitting.
Upon entering the park, the game drive begins almost immediately. Keep your eyes peeled as giraffes stretch to browse acacia trees, elephants trudge across open plains, and gazelles bound effortlessly over the grasslands. Predators like lions and cheetahs may also be seen resting in the shade or silently stalking prey in the distance. It’s a thrilling preview of what lies ahead in the coming days, and yet another reason why this Kenya Safari Trip
Overnight: Moyo Tented Camp
Day 5–6: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti
The adventure intensifies as you dedicate two full days to exploring the world-famous Serengeti National Park—one of the most iconic landscapes in Africa and a cornerstone of any Kenya Safari Trip that includes the Northern Tanzania safari circuit. These two days offer you the rare opportunity to witness wildlife in its purest and most natural form, untouched by modern development and thriving within the vast expanse of untamed savannah.
Your days begin early, just as the first rays of sunlight touch the horizon and illuminate the grasslands with a golden glow. After a warm breakfast at Moyo Tented Camp, you’ll head out in your private 4×4 vehicle, designed for both comfort and prime game viewing. Early mornings are ideal for spotting predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, which are often still on the move after a night of hunting.
As you journey through the endless plains, your expert guide will interpret tracks in the dirt, follow alarm calls, and read the behavior of birds and prey to locate wildlife. The Serengeti is home to the legendary “Big Five”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—as well as a staggering diversity of other animals. Expect to encounter graceful giraffes, massive herds of wildebeest and zebras, agile impalas, playful warthogs, and perhaps even the elusive serval or caracal. For bird lovers, the Serengeti is a haven, with more than 500 species, from majestic eagles and vultures to vibrantly colored lilac-breasted rollers.
Depending on the season, you might have the rare privilege of witnessing part of the Great Migration—an awe-inspiring natural event that sees over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing lands. This annual migration is often referred to as the greatest wildlife spectacle on Earth, and experiencing it during your Kenya Safari Trip adds an unforgettable layer to your journey.
Lunches are enjoyed picnic-style out in the bush, under the shade of acacia trees or near scenic watering holes. With the sounds of the wild all around you—chirping birds, distant trumpets of elephants, and the rustle of grass—you’ll truly feel immersed in nature. These moments, quiet and reflective, offer a deep connection to the land and its rhythms.
In the afternoon, continue your game drive through different sections of the park—perhaps toward the Seronera Valley, known for high concentrations of big cats, or to the remote central plains where fewer vehicles allow for a more intimate wildlife experience. Your guide will tailor each day’s route based on real-time animal movements and your interests.
As the light begins to fade and the Serengeti is bathed in the soft hues of sunset, you’ll return to Moyo Tented Camp. Nestled in a secluded area within the park, the camp combines rustic charm with comfortable amenities. After a refreshing shower, relax on your verandah with a cool drink in hand, watching as the night takes over the savannah and the stars emerge one by one in the unpolluted sky.
Dinner is served in the open-air dining area or beneath a canopy of stars. Meals are hearty, flavorful, and prepared using fresh local ingredients. The evenings are peaceful, punctuated only by the sounds of the African night—perhaps a lion roaring in the distance or hyenas calling under the moonlight.
These two days in the Serengeti are more than just sightseeing—they are a deep dive into one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring ecosystems. Every moment offers a chance to witness raw nature in action, creating memories that will define your Kenya Safari Trip for years to come.
Accommodation:
Moyo Tented Camp
Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater – A Dramatic Transition from Open Plains to Crater Walls
After a hearty breakfast at Moyo Tented Camp, you begin your departure from the unforgettable Serengeti and set your sights on another of Africa’s most iconic landmarks—Ngorongoro Crater. The journey from the central Serengeti to Ngorongoro takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, with scenic landscapes rolling past your window: acacia-studded plains, Maasai villages, and undulating hills that slowly rise toward the volcanic highlands.
En route, you’ll stop once again at the Ngorongoro Crater Viewpoint, offering one of the most dramatic vistas in all of East Africa. From this elevated perch on the crater rim, you can gaze down upon the world’s largest intact caldera, where a self-contained ecosystem teems with life. It’s the perfect spot to snap memorable photographs and reflect on the epic wildlife encounters of your Kenya Safari Trip so far.
From the viewpoint, your descent into the crater begins. The narrow road winds down nearly 600 meters to the crater floor, a verdant world unto itself spanning over 260 square kilometers. This unique, bowl-shaped landscape is often called Africa’s “Garden of Eden,” where animals and predators coexist in unusually close proximity due to the crater’s natural enclosure.
Inside the crater, your game drive begins in earnest. The day’s wildlife sightings are nothing short of extraordinary. You’ll have a high chance of encountering all of the famed Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and the highly endangered black rhino, which finds refuge in this protected habitat. Other common residents include warthogs, hyenas, wildebeests, zebras, hartebeests, and Thomson’s gazelles.
The birdlife is just as captivating, with hundreds of species inhabiting the crater’s varied micro-environments. You might witness pink-hued flamingos dancing across the surface of Lake Magadi, or see martial eagles circling above in search of prey. Small mammals like jackals, mongooses, and vervet monkeys dart through the grasslands and woodlands, providing a non-stop display of wildlife behavior.
At midday, enjoy a picnic lunch near the Hippo Pool—a tranquil spot where these massive animals wallow lazily in the water, often flanked by watchful birds and the occasional croc. As you dine in the shade, the sounds of the crater—birdcalls, the grunts of hippos, the wind through the grass—create a peaceful and immersive bush experience.
Following your game drive, you’ll ascend the inner wall of the crater and make your way to Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge, nestled among the coffee farms and highland forest near the conservation area. This charming and eco-conscious lodge blends rustic elegance with African design and modern comfort, offering the perfect setting to relax after a day of intense wildlife exploration.
Enjoy a warm shower, unwind with a cup of locally grown coffee, and perhaps take a walk among the gardens before dinner is served. The meal is hearty and flavorful, featuring fresh, local ingredients—often accompanied by the soft crackle of a nearby fireplace and conversation among fellow travelers sharing highlights of their own Kenya Safari Trip adventures.
As you settle into bed, the night air cool and crisp, the sounds of the African highlands drift around you—a peaceful end to a spectacular day.
Day 8: Departure – Farewell to Tanzania’s Wild Heart
Your final morning begins with soft light filtering through the trees and the comforting aroma of Tanzanian coffee brewing. After breakfast at Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge, you begin preparing for departure. Your bags are packed, but your heart is full—with memories of elephants roaming beneath Kilimanjaro, lions roaring in the Serengeti, and rhinos grazing peacefully within Ngorongoro’s prehistoric walls.
Your professional guide assists with your transfer, beginning the drive back to Arusha, which takes about 3 to 4 hours. The road winds through highlands and fertile farmland, dotted with banana groves, maize fields, and village life unfolding on the roadside. You may find yourself waving back to cheerful children or stopping to stretch your legs in a bustling local market.
If your schedule allows, you may make a short visit to a cultural shop or handicraft center in Arusha, where you can purchase unique souvenirs—handwoven baskets, Maasai beadwork, wooden sculptures, or rich Tanzanian textiles—to take a piece of Africa home with you.
From Arusha, your guide will escort you to Julius Nyerere International Airport (or Kilimanjaro International Airport, depending on your departure), ensuring you arrive in good time for your onward flight. If you’re extending your journey to Zanzibar, your guide can assist with checking in for your domestic flight to the island—a perfect way to transition from wild safari landscapes to serene white-sand beaches and turquoise Indian Ocean waters.
As you board your flight and take off, looking down on the land you’ve come to know intimately over the past week, you carry with you more than photographs. You bring home the echo of lion roars, the sight of giraffes silhouetted at sunset, the quiet power of an elephant herd, and the spirit of a land that speaks to the soul.
Your Kenya Safari Trip may now be complete, but the connection to East Africa’s wilderness—its landscapes, its people, and its wildlife—will remain with you long after the plane lands.
