Lake Manyara, Olduvai Gorge, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire
Day 1 – Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, pick up and get transferred to the Lodge in Arusha. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2 – Drive to Arusha National Park for Game drive, Nature Walk and Canoe at Momela lakes. Dinner and overnight in Arusha
Day 3 – Drive to Tarangire National Park for Game drive with Possible Night Game drive in the park. Dinner and Overnight in the Park
Day 4 – Morning Game drive in the Tarangire, Leave the Park and drive to Mto wa Mbu Village for Traditional Lunch following by Cultural Tour. Dinner and Overnight in Karatu
Day 5 – Depart the Lodge for Nature walks to the Ngorongoro Highland Forest to see the Elephant Caves and waterfall then Drive to the Ngorongoro Crater for Game drive and overnight at the crater rim
Day 6 – Breakfast, Drive to Olduvai Gorge with picnic lunch. Proceed to Central Serengeti. Dinner and overnight.
Day 7 – Game drive in the Central Serengeti with Picnic Lunch. After Lunch, drive to the Mara River with Game drive on route. Dinner and overnight.
Day 8 – Full Day Game drive along the Mara River looking for migration Breakfast, Picnic Lunch. Dinner and overnight.
Day 9 – Drive to Kogatende Airstrip for flying out to Zanzibar. Dinner and overnight.
Day 10 –Activities in Zanzibar. Dinner and overnight.
Day 11 – Activities in Zanzibar. Dinner and overnight.
Day 12 – Fly Out from Zanzibar or Dare Salam Airport
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport: You will be welcomed upon arrival and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. This vibrant town, located at the foot of Mount Meru, serves as the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.
Dinner and overnight: Relax and enjoy your first evening with dinner at the lodge, preparing for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Arusha National Park
Drive to Arusha National Park: After breakfast, you will head to Arusha National Park, known for its varied ecosystems, including lush forests, clear lakes, and volcanic landscapes.
Activities:
Game Drive: Spot diverse wildlife, such as giraffes, zebras, buffalos, and a variety of bird species.
Nature Walk: Experience a guided walk, where you might see colobus monkeys and other smaller animals up close.
Canoeing at Momela Lakes: Enjoy a peaceful canoe ride, where you can observe flamingos and hippos.
Dinner and overnight in Arusha: Return to Arusha for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Tarangire National Park
Drive to Tarangire National Park: Known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, Tarangire offers a unique safari experience.
Game Drive: Explore the park’s landscapes, looking for elephants, lions, giraffes, and migratory birds.
Possible Night Game Drive: Option to join a night game drive to see nocturnal wildlife in action.
Dinner and overnight in the park: Enjoy the sounds of the African bush as you dine and rest in the park’s accommodation.
Day 4: Tarangire to Mto wa Mbu Village and Karatu
Morning Game Drive in Tarangire: Another chance to see wildlife in the early morning light.
Drive to Mto wa Mbu Village: After leaving the park, head to this multicultural village.
Traditional Lunch and Cultural Tour: Enjoy a local meal and explore the village, learning about the lifestyles and traditions of different Tanzanian ethnic groups.
Dinner and overnight in Karatu: Continue to Karatu, a town located near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, for dinner and rest.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Highlands and Crater
Nature Walk in Ngorongoro Highland Forest: Discover the lush highland forest, visiting the Elephant Caves and a scenic waterfall.
Drive to Ngorongoro Crater: One of the natural wonders of the world, the crater is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Game Drive in the Crater: Descend into the crater floor, home to a high density of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard).
Dinner and overnight at the crater rim: Stay at a lodge with stunning views of the crater.
Day 6: Olduvai Gorge and Central Serengeti
Drive to Olduvai Gorge: Visit this significant archaeological site, where some of the earliest human remains were discovered. Enjoy a picnic lunch.
Proceed to Central Serengeti: Continue to the Serengeti, famed for its vast plains and abundant wildlife.
Dinner and overnight in Central Serengeti: Settle into your accommodation for dinner and a night in the heart of the Serengeti.
Day 7: Serengeti to Mara River
Game Drive in Central Serengeti: Explore the area’s rich biodiversity, looking for predators like lions and cheetahs, as well as herbivores like wildebeest and zebras.
Drive to Mara River: After lunch, head towards the northern part of the Serengeti, known for the Mara River, famous for its dramatic wildebeest crossings.
Game Drive en route: Enjoy wildlife sightings along the way.
Dinner and overnight near the Mara River: Overnight stay in the northern Serengeti.
Day 8: Mara River
Full-Day Game Drive along Mara River: Spend the day near the Mara River, witnessing the Great Migration (seasonal), where wildebeest and zebras cross the river, braving crocodiles and other predators.
Picnic Lunch: Lunch served in the bush, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Serengeti.
Dinner and overnight: Stay another night in the northern Serengeti, enjoying the wilderness experience.
Day 9: Serengeti to Zanzibar
Drive to Kogatende Airstrip: Travel to the airstrip for a scenic flight to Zanzibar.
Flight to Zanzibar: Depart the savannah for the tropical paradise of Zanzibar.
Dinner and overnight in Zanzibar: Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Relax and enjoy dinner.
Day 10: Zanzibar Exploration
Activities in Zanzibar: Spend the day exploring the island. Options include:
Stone Town Tour: Discover the rich history and architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Beach Relaxation: Unwind on the pristine beaches, swimming and sunbathing.
Dinner and overnight: Enjoy dinner and stay overnight at your hotel.
Day 11: Zanzibar Activities
More Activities: Continue exploring Zanzibar with activities such as:
Spice Tour: Visit a spice plantation to learn about the island’s famous spices.
Snorkelling or Diving: Discover the vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
Dinner and overnight: Another evening to enjoy dinner and rest.
Day 12: Departure
Fly Out: Transfer to the airport for your flight home from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam. Safe travels!
This itinerary offers a comprehensive mix of wildlife adventure, cultural experiences, and relaxation, showcasing the best of Tanzania’s northern circuit and the beautiful island of Zanzibar.