East African Wilderness

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Arusha, such as Charity Hotel or Raha Wildlife Lodge. After checking in, you can relax and settle into your accommodations before your afternoon visit to Serval Park.

This small wildlife reserve is dedicated to the conservation of local species, especially small carnivores like the serval cat, and offers a great introduction to East African wildlife. You will also have the chance to observe various bird species in the park.

For lunch, enjoy a variety of local Tanzanian dishes as well as international options at your hotel. Afterward, spend some time at leisure before returning to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. The weather in Arusha is typically mild with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C, and the vegetation is a mix of savannah grasslands and forested areas with a variety of acacia trees.

After a hearty breakfast, you will depart for Tarangire National Park, one of the largest national parks in Tanzania, covering 2,600 square kilometers. The park is renowned for its giant baobab trees and large herds of elephants. As you explore, you'll encounter an array of animals, including lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, wildebeests, and several species of antelope. Bird enthusiasts will be particularly delighted, as the park is home to a wide variety of birds such as the African grey hornbill, ostriches, and vultures.

Lunch will be served at a picnic site within the park, allowing you to enjoy your meal surrounded by the natural beauty of Tarangire. After the game drive, you will head to either Manyara Wildlife Lodge, Heart and Soul Hotel, Martina Retreat, or Baghayo Suites in Manyara or Karatu for dinner and overnight accommodation. The climate in Tarangire is generally warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C, and the vegetation consists of open woodlands, savannahs, and riverine forests.

After breakfast, you will travel to the famous Serengeti National Park, one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world. Covering an area of 14,750 square kilometers, the Serengeti is famous for its vast savannah plains and high concentration of wildlife. Your first game drive will take place in the Seronera region, a prime area in the park known for its abundance of predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as large herds of elephants, zebras, gazelles, and wildebeests.

Lunch will be at a picnic site in the Serengeti, where you can enjoy a packed meal while taking in the breathtaking views. In the evening, you will return to your accommodation, such as Serenity Lodge, Seronera Wildlife Lodge, or Tamba Luxury Tented Lodge, for dinner and an overnight stay. The Serengeti’s vegetation includes grasslands, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests, and the climate is typically hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, especially during the dry season.

After breakfast, you will head out for a game drive in the Eastern Serengeti, known for its stunning landscapes and abundance of wildlife. The area is home to large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and elephants, as well as predators like cheetahs and lions. Birdlife is also rich, with a variety of raptors and migratory species. The Eastern Serengeti offers some of the most scenic views in the park, making it a photographer's paradise.

Lunch will be at a picnic site, allowing you to enjoy a meal while taking in the spectacular scenery. In the evening, you will return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. Depending on availability, accommodations will be at Serenity Lodge, Seronera Wildlife Lodge, or Tamba Luxury Tented Lodge. The climate in the Eastern Serengeti is typically warm, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C, and the vegetation is more arid compared to the central Serengeti, with savannah grasslands and shrubland.

After breakfast, you will travel to Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. This geological marvel is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including endangered black rhinos, buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, and lions. The crater floor features a mix of grasslands, forests, and wetlands, providing a diverse habitat for numerous species.

A game drive within the crater will allow you to experience its rich wildlife and dramatic landscapes. During the day, you will stop for a picnic lunch at a designated spot within the crater, offering beautiful views of the surrounding area. In the evening, you will head back to Manyara or Karatu for dinner and overnight accommodation. Options include Manyara Wildlife Lodge, Heart and Soul Hotel, Martina Retreat, or Baghayo Suites. The climate in Ngorongoro Crater is cooler than the surrounding areas, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C, thanks to the higher elevation.

If your flight schedule permits, you will have the opportunity to visit a local Maasai village. The Maasai are an indigenous semi-nomadic group known for their distinctive clothing, beadwork, and culture. During your visit, you will have the chance to learn about their traditions and way of life, interact with the villagers, and explore their unique community.

After the Maasai village visit, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back home, marking the end of your safari adventure. Breakfast will be served at your lodge, followed by a light lunch at the Maasai village (if applicable), and then the transfer to the airport for your departure.