Countries: Tanzania
Destinations: Arusha , Tarangire National Park , Karatu (outskirts of Ngorongoro Crater) , Serengeti National Park
Group Size: 2
Duration (days): 9
Number of Adults: 2
Number of Children: 0
Prepare for the ultimate safari adventure in northern Tanzania, where you will encounter thrilling wildlife, diverse cultures, and breathtaking scenery in iconic locations.
From the vibrant town of Arusha, you will journey through the ancient baobab forests of Tarangire National Park, home to elephant, tree-climbing lion, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest, leopard and giraffe. Next, you will descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural wonder boasting Africa’s highest animal concentration. Finally, you will explore the vast Serengeti, the legendary land of the spectacular Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle roam the sweeping savannah plains, following their ancient migratory instincts in search of water and fresh grazing.
Itinerary Outline
Day 1 : Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your driver will transfer you to the Arusha Villa, which will take approximately 90 minutes.
If you arrive early, you can spend your afternoon birdwatching in the hotel gardens, take a coffee-tasting tour in a nearby estate, visit a market in town, or relax by the pool. After a delicious dinner at the hotel, you can unwind and prepare for your exciting safari adventure the following day.
A land full of icons, with the names Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro and Zanzibar immediately evoking images of exotic locations and abundant wildlife. A Tanzanian safari is an experience for all of the senses, and caters for every kind of traveller.
Tanzania is a country which was seemingly designed with the word "safari" in mind. There are enough national parks and different safari activities to keep travellers coming back year on year, with the added benefit of easily combining beautiful tropical beaches with the wildlife rich plains.
A Tanzanian safari is a journey in the true sense of the word, with each itinerary feeling like an exploration out into the wilderness. Moving from park to park, either by road or air, the countryside offers something new at each stop.
The plains of the Serengeti have become synonomous with an African safari, and by visiting the right areas and camps, you will be able to see the legendary wildebeest migration as it moves across the grasslands in constant search of fresh grazing and water.
To the south of the country are the remote reserves of Selous and Ruaha, while in the west you can trek into the mountains to witness chimpanzees along the shores of the mystical Lake Tanganyika.
Situated below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley, the city is the country’s safari capital located close to some of Africa's most famous landscapes and national parks, which are Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire, Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) as well as Mt Kilimanjaro - Africa’s highest mountain.
In the centre of a coffee plantation, surrounded by monumental trees, Arusha Villa is a great place to start (or end) your safari. Hike through the coffee plantation and meet the local people in the nearby villages.
Arusha Villa consists of two buildings. The Villa contains six large double rooms and two family rooms with a maximum of five beds. Those family rooms can also be changed into luxurious suites. All rooms have beautiful views, a private balcony or terrace and, a large bathroom.
Our Farmhouse has four rooms, two double and two twin, each with a large, private bathroom. Every room has a veranda. All rooms can be interconnected. It is therefore also suitable for a large family or large groups. The farmhouse is surrounded by an abundant amount of large trees where you will find monkeys playing around. Staying at the farmhouse offers a great quantity of privacy and the use of the facilities of the villa.
An extensive breakfast is always included in the price. Throughout the day complimentary coffee, tea and water is provided.
Day 2 - 3 : Tarangire National Park
After a delicious breakfast, prepare for an unforgettable adventure to the Tarangire National Park.
You will be greeted by your friendly and knowledgeable Asilia driver and guide, who will accompany you throughout your safari. Enjoy a scenic drive through the rural countryside until you reach the park entrance. From there, you will enjoy a game drive to Mbali Mbali Tarangire Lodge, where you will relax and unwind. For the next two days, you will explore the park’s unique landscapes, from the majestic baobab trees to the winding Tarangire River, and encounter a variety of animals such as elephant, lion, zebra, and giraffe.
In the past, Tarangire National Park was often overlooked by visitors to Tanzania, however it is now holding its own as one of the best dry season parks in the region.
During the dry months of July through to October, an enormous amount of wildlife is drawn inside Tarangire to access the water from the Tarangire River and the Silale Swamps, allowing for very rewarding game viewing experiences.
The park is home to some of the largest elephant herds of East Africa, and the scenery is particularly popular for the wide open, Serengeti-like plains, decorated with enormous and commanding Baobab trees.
Being only an hour and a half's drive from Arusha, Tarangire is easily accessible, and a great option to start or finish a road safari.
Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp
If you are looking for an authentic safari experience under traditional canvas showcasing spacious views and enriching culture, Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp is the perfect choice. Set within a 25,000-hectare concession area, Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp is located 3.5 km from the main entrance of the Tarangire National Park, overlooking a branch of the Tarangire River itself.
Day 4 : Karatu (outskirts of Ngorongoro Crater)
Depart early in the morning for a game drive through Tarangire National Park. You will head north until you reach the park gate and then drive west towards Ngorongoro, stopping off at the picturesque Lake Manyara National Park. Here, you can spot some of its unique wildlife, enjoying a picnic lunch overlooking the alkaline lake while admiring the flamboyance of flamingo, searching for zebra, buffalo, elephant, and maybe even tree-climbing lion. In the afternoon, you will head back out of the park towards Acacia Farm Lodge on the outskirts of Karatu, where you will spend the next two nights.
Karatu (outskirts of Ngorongoro Crater)
Karatu provides a number of accommodation options with easy access to the Ngorongoro Crater.
There is no way that an extinct volcanic crater, housing thousands of animals, with lodges built right on the crater rim cannot be enticing! The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most fascinating and unique game viewing destinations in Africa.
There is a year round concentration of general wildlife, which offers regular sightings of lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, serval, zebra, wildebeest, and most excitingly, black rhino.
The Ngorongoro Crater provides you with a wonderful couple of days on your safari itinerary.
Acacia Farm Lodge is a romantic Country Lodge nestled in an active mixed farm located high on the spectacular Great Rift’s escarpment area with a commanding panoramic views of the amazing Karatu farmlands and the nearby Ngorongoro forest area. Unrivaled area’s natural beauty is finely complemented by the elegant lodge. A timeless tranquility emanates from the exuberance of birdsong, mature trees and the lovely coffee plants.
Acacia Farm Lodge is strategically located between the Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks on one side and Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park on the other, this is a perfect base from which to explore these world-famous reserves as well as enjoy many other adventurous activities and impressive cultural experiences found in the local area.
Day 5 : Karatu (outskirts of Ngorongoro Crater)
It’s recommended to start your day early to make the most out of your visit to the crater floor. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and observe the active wildlife while it’s still cool. You’ll have a chance to savour coffee before embarking on an unforgettable game drive in search of lion, rhino, elephant and more. A delightful picnic lunch awaits you, perhaps beside a hippo pool, and you will continue your exciting adventure in search of the Big Five, including the rare black rhino. When it’s time to head back, your guide will take you back up the steep walls of the caldera to the rim and onward to your lodge. You’ll then have some time to freshen up and enjoy a delicious drink at the bar before relaxing and sharing your day’s sightings with fellow guests over dinner.
Day 6 - 8 : Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, you will begin your journey towards the vast wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti. You will travel by road from Karatu through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to finally reach the Serengeti. During the journey, you will witness abundant wildlife, such as gazelle, zebra, wildebeest, and more. You will arrive at Nyikani Camp in time for lunch, which you can relish while admiring the expansive grassy plains.
You will have the next couple of days to uncover the world-renowned wildlife of the Serengeti. Typically, you will go out twice a day, once early morning and late afternoon, returning to camp in the heat of the day for time to unwind, and have a siesta and lunch. Each evening, gather around the campfire before enjoying a delicious dinner, recounting the day’s adventures and sightings.
The word "Siringit" means "endless plains," and this is understandably from where the Serengeti National Park takes its name. The iconic, endless, golden plains of Africa are nowhere more evident than within this national park, as they stretch off into eternity, dotted throughout with thousands of animals.
Located in the north-west corner of Tanzania, alongside Lake Victoria, the Serengeti has earned its place as one of the world's most famous wildlife areas. While best known for the enormous herds of the wildebeest migration, there is far more to the Serengeti than this, and the national park can be enjoyed even when you are not in the vicinity of this spectacle.
The national park itself is roughly 14 500 square kilometres, but it forms part of the greater Serengeti eco-system, which comprises the neighbouring Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the bordering Masai Mara, in Kenya, with the country boundary between Kenya and Tanzania seperating the two.
The Serengeti can be accessed on a road safari, usually in combination with the Ngorongoro Crater, or there are regular daily flights into the park from Arusha.
Day 9 - Day of Departure
After a final breakfast in camp, our team will assist in transferring you to the local airstrip for your flight to Kilimanjaro Airport. The plane will likely make a few stops as it picks up and drops off fellow passengers at selected airstrips, eventually arriving around midday. Upon arrival, collect your bags and check in for your onward journey home.