Timeless Wild Safari

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), you will be warmly welcomed by your private safari guide. After a brief introduction and safari briefing, your journey begins as you head directly to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s hidden gems.

Tarangire is renowned for its ancient baobab trees, sweeping savannahs, and the Tarangire River, which attracts large herds of elephants and other wildlife, especially during the dry season. This park is home to a remarkable variety of animals including lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, and over 550 species of birds.

Lunch will be served at a scenic picnic site inside the park at around 13:00 hours. After lunch, enjoy a leisurely game drive through the golden plains, marveling at the diversity of wildlife and the unique landscape.

At around 16:45, you’ll exit the park and proceed to Karatu, arriving in the early evening. Check in at Martina Retreat Lodge, a serene haven known for its tranquil gardens and warm hospitality. After a short rest, enjoy dinner prepared by the in-house kitchen and relax for the night surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the Ngorongoro region.

After an early breakfast, your adventure continues as you depart from Karatu and travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area en route to Serengeti National Park. Along the way, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the highlands, crater rims, and scattered Maasai villages. You will descend onto the vast plains of Serengeti through Naabi Hill Gate, the main entry point into the park.

Serengeti National Park, established in 1951, covers approximately 14,763 square kilometers and is Tanzania’s oldest and most iconic national park. It is globally recognized for the annual Great Migration, during which over 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebras, and thousands of gazelles cross the plains in search of fresh grazing, pursued by predators.

The Serengeti ecosystem is dominated by endless grasslands, acacia-dotted savannahs, rocky kopjes (granite outcrops), and seasonal river systems. The park is home to Africa’s famed “Big Five” – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo – along with cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and a stunning array of antelope species.

Bird lovers will delight in spotting over 500 bird species, including the secretary bird, Kori bustard, lilac-breasted roller, ostrich, vultures, hornbills, and crowned cranes. August is a dry season month, which means great visibility for wildlife viewing and golden sunsets over the plains. Daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 28°C, with cooler mornings and nights.

Lunch will be served at a scenic picnic site at around 13:00 hours. After lunch, enjoy a game drive across central Serengeti’s Seronera Valley, one of the richest areas in terms of wildlife density. By evening, head to your lodge for dinner and overnight at either Punda Maria Camp or Serenity Tented Lodge, both located within the park for an authentic bush experience under the stars.

After an early breakfast, embark on a final game drive in the Serengeti as you make your way back east through Naabi Hill toward the Ngorongoro Crater. Lunch will be served at a designated picnic site near the crater rim.

Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was formed about 2 to 3 million years ago when a massive volcano erupted and collapsed. The crater is the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world, spanning approximately 260 square kilometers and reaching depths of up to 610 meters.

It hosts a remarkable concentration of wildlife within its naturally enclosed ecosystem. Visitors often see large herds of buffalo, wildebeest, and zebra, along with elephants, hippos, and gazelles. It’s also one of the few places in Tanzania where you have a good chance of spotting the endangered black rhino. Lions are abundant in the crater, and you might also encounter leopards in the forested rim areas.

The crater is also a birding paradise, home to flamingos along Lake Magadi, grey crowned cranes, herons, and more than 400 recorded bird species.

After a full afternoon exploring this natural marvel, you will ascend the crater rim and return to Karatu for dinner and overnight at Martina Retreat Lodge. Relax in the peaceful surroundings as you reflect on the incredible sights of the day.

Depending on your international flight schedule, you will be transferred back to Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in time for your departure. Your driver-guide will ensure timely arrival and assist with any final arrangements or check-in procedures.