Experience the essence of exotic journeys on this 8-day signature Tanzania safari. From the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater to the iconic Serengeti plains, and the lush, bird-rich landscapes of Lake Manyara and Tarangire, this itinerary delivers unforgettable encounters with Africa’s legendary wildlife — including the Big Five and, depending on the season, the Great Migration. Expect expert guiding, and immersive experiences that go beyond the game drive.
Your journey begins with a warm welcome in Arusha. After your pick-up from Arusha Town or Arusha Airport, drive to your lodge. This lush, elevated region borders the renowned Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to volcanic landscapes and rich Maasai culture. After lunch, enjoy your first Big 5 safari with an afternoon game drive inside the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders.
Today you descend once more into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of exploration. The Crater’s unique ecosystem supports around 25,000 animals, and you’re likely to spot herds of zebra and wildebeest, large tusker elephants, flamingos on Lake Magadi, and perhaps even elusive leopards in the forested rim.
Your guide will find a peaceful spot to enjoy your packed lunch surrounded by nature before continuing the adventure. This is one of the only places in Africa where you can see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo) in a single day.
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area into the world-famous Serengeti National Park — Tanzania’s most iconic safari destination.
Named after the Maasai word “Siringet”, meaning “endless plains,” the Serengeti is known for its vast grasslands, granite kopjes, and dramatic predator-prey interactions. Depending on the season, you may witness part of the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles move across the plains in search of fresh grazing.
After lunch at your bush camp, enjoy your first game drive in the Serengeti, searching for lions lounging under acacias, cheetahs on the hunt, and elephants moving in family herds.
Spend two full days exploring different parts of the Serengeti, tailored to your interests and wildlife sightings. Whether you’re tracking a pride of lions, watching giraffes browse on umbrella trees, or quietly observing a leopard in the golden morning light, every moment feels like a scene from a nature documentary.
Early mornings offer the best chances to spot predators on the move, while evenings are perfect for sundowners overlooking the savannah. You can also opt for a sunrise hot air balloon safari (extra cost) — a truly magical way to see the plains from above.
After breakfast, journey out of the Serengeti and make your way to Lake Manyara National Park, a smaller but stunningly diverse reserve nestled at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment.
Enjoy lunch at the lodge, followed by an afternoon game drive through the park’s varied habitats — groundwater forest, open grasslands, and the alkaline lake itself. This park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and incredible birdlife, with over 400 species recorded. Flamingos, pelicans, and storks often cover the lake in a pink haze.
After breakfast, drive to the Tarangire National Park, often overlooked but a favorite for seasoned safari-goers. Tarangire is known for its majestic baobab trees, vast elephant herds, and peaceful atmosphere.
You’ll enjoy a full-day game drive in the park with a packed lunch. Along the Tarangire River, you might spot lion prides resting in the shade, wildebeest and zebra at the water’s edge, and over 500 bird species flitting between ancient trees.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before beginning the drive back to Arusha. Depending on your flight schedule, you may be dropped at Arusha Town or Arusha Airport.
