Day 1: Arrival in Arusha & Meru Forest Exploration
Your Tanzania safari trip begins in Arusha, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. After lunch, set off for an afternoon excursion into the Meru Forest, a lush sanctuary at the base of Mount Meru. Take a guided nature walk to discover smaller wildlife such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and an incredible variety of forest birds. This first day eases you into Tanzania’s biodiversity, offering both relaxation and gentle exploration. In the evening, return to Kibo Palace Hotel for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, drive 2–3 hours to Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and majestic baobab trees. This park is one of the highlights of a Tanzania safari trip because of its authentic wilderness feel and fewer crowds compared to other reserves. Spend the afternoon on game drives, spotting elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Tarangire’s seasonal swamps and the Tarangire River provide a year-round lifeline for wildlife, making it a photographer’s dream. Dinner and overnight at Africa Safari Lodge.
Accommodation: Africa Safari Lodge
Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park
This morning, continue your Tanzania safari trip with a short drive to Lake Manyara National Park. This diverse park is set against the dramatic backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment and is famous for its tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos. Explore its unique ecosystems, from dense groundwater forests to the alkaline lake teeming with hippos, elephants, buffalo, and countless bird species. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive followed by dinner and overnight at Africa Safari Lodge near Lake Manyara.
Accommodation: Africa Safari Lodge
Day 4: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, journey towards the world-renowned Serengeti National Park, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This drive offers breathtaking views of the Crater Highlands before descending onto the endless Serengeti plains. Your game drive begins as soon as you enter the park, with opportunities to spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, and large herds of wildebeest and zebras. The Serengeti is the crown jewel of any Tanzania safari trip, and tonight you’ll sleep in the heart of the wilderness at Tukaone Camps.
Accommodation: Tukaone Camps
Day 5: Full Day Serengeti Exploration
Day five is dedicated to exploring the Serengeti in depth. Depending on the season, your guide may take you to areas where the Great Wildebeest Migration is unfolding, offering thrilling encounters with thousands of animals on the move. Game drives will take you across grasslands, river valleys, and kopjes (rock outcrops) that are home to prides of lions and leopards. This full-day adventure ensures maximum wildlife viewing and immersion in the Serengeti’s unique landscapes. Return to Tukaone Camps for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Tukaone Camps
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After a final morning game drive in the Serengeti, enjoy lunch and then transfer towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As you ascend to the crater rim, the panoramic views of this massive caldera will take your breath away. The Ngorongoro region combines dramatic scenery with a high density of wildlife, making it a must-see on any Tanzania safari trip. Dinner and overnight at Africa Safari Lodge, perched near the crater rim.
Accommodation: Africa Safari Lodge
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Today you’ll descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of game drives. Known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” this UNESCO site is one of the most concentrated wildlife areas on Earth. Within a few hours, you may see the entire Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and the rare black rhino. Other sightings include hyenas, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, and flamingos shimmering on Lake Magadi. This is the climax of your Tanzania safari trip, offering unrivaled game viewing in a spectacular setting. Return to Africa Safari Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Africa Safari Lodge
Day 8: Ngorongoro to Arusha & Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive back to Arusha (approx. 3–4 hours). Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop at local craft shops to purchase souvenirs before being dropped off at Kilimanjaro International Airport or your hotel. This marks the end of your unforgettable Tanzania safari trip, filled with incredible memories of wildlife, landscapes, and cultural encounters.
