$4,114 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrival – Arusha City
Arrival – Arusha City
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a Big Time Adventures representative will welcome you and assist with formalities before your private transfer to Arusha (1–1.5 hours). The drive offers a gentle introduction to Tanzania’s landscapes, from open plains to lush highlands. Settle into your luxury hotel and take time to unwind after your journey. Whether you choose to rest, refresh, or enjoy the property’s amenities, the evening is designed for recovery and ease.
Later, enjoy a carefully prepared dinner featuring a blend of local and international cuisine. This is also an opportunity to review your itinerary with your safari guide, ensuring clarity and readiness for the days ahead. Overnight in Arusha.
- Main Destination:
- Arusha (City)
- Accommodation:
- Airport Planet Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park
Following breakfast, depart for Arusha National Park, a compact yet ecologically diverse reserve located 45–60 minutes from the city. Framed by Mount Meru, the park features a mix of forest, savannah, and wetland habitats. Begin with a morning game drive (2–3 hours), where sightings may include giraffes, buffalo, zebras, colobus monkeys, and an array of birdlife. Your guide will interpret wildlife behavior and ecological dynamics throughout the drive.
At midday, enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic setting within the park. The experience continues with a guided walking safari (1–2 hours), offering a ground-level perspective on tracks, flora, and smaller species often missed on drives. Return to Arusha in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.
- Main Destination:
- Arusha National Park
- Accommodation:
- Arusha Planet Lodge
Wildlife in Arusha NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Arusha – Lake Manyara – Karatu
Arusha – Lake Manyara – Karatu
An early departure takes you to Lake Manyara National Park (2–3 hours), a compact ecosystem known for its biodiversity and striking scenery. Game drives here reveal a mix of habitats from groundwater forests to open plains supporting elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and diverse bird species. The park is also noted for its occasional tree-climbing lions, a rare behavioral adaptation. Around midday, continue to Mto wa Mbu village for a locally hosted lunch and cultural interaction. This experience provides insight into regional food systems and community life. In the afternoon, proceed to Karatu for check-in at your lodge, where you can relax and prepare for the next stage of your safari.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Accommodation:
- Acacia Farm Lodge
Wildlife in Lake Manyara NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Karatu – Central Serengeti
Karatu – Central Serengeti
Departing after breakfast, journey through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area en route to the Central Serengeti (5–6 hours). The drive transitions from highland forests to expansive plains, with multiple scenic and wildlife stops. Upon entering Serengeti National Park, begin your game drive across the central plains, an area known for consistent wildlife density. Expect opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffalo, and a wide range of plains game. A picnic lunch is served within the park, allowing uninterrupted immersion in the landscape. The afternoon continues with extended game viewing across varied terrain. Arrive at your luxury tented lodge by late afternoon for dinner and overnight in the heart of the Serengeti.
- Main Destination:
- Central Serengeti National Park
- Accommodation:
- Serengeti Sametu Camp
Wildlife in Serengeti NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Central Serengeti Immersion
Central Serengeti Immersion
Dedicate the day to an in-depth exploration of the Central Serengeti, widely regarded as a core wildlife zone with year-round activity. Your game drive (6–8 hours) focuses on tracking predators and observing large herbivore herds across the open plains. The region’s ecological balance supports one of the highest predator concentrations in Africa, offering strong chances for dynamic sightings. Midday includes a picnic lunch in the field, maintaining continuity of the experience. The afternoon drive expands coverage into different habitats, maximizing photographic and observational opportunities. Return to camp in the late afternoon for dinner and relaxation after a full day in the field.
- Main Destination:
- Central Serengeti National Park
- Accommodation:
- Serengeti Sametu Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Central Serengeti – Ngorongoro (NCAA)
Central Serengeti – Ngorongoro (NCAA)
Start with a morning game drive, capitalizing on peak wildlife activity when predators are most active and temperatures are moderate. Afterward, begin your transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (5–6 hours), with en-route wildlife viewing and landscape transitions from open plains to highland terrain. A picnic lunch is taken along the route, allowing for a continuous safari experience. As you approach Ngorongoro, the terrain becomes more elevated and forested, offering striking visual contrast. Arrive at your lodge on the crater rim by late afternoon. Enjoy dinner with panoramic views over the caldera.
- Main Destination:
- Ngorongoro Highlands
- Accommodation:
- Ngorongoro Lion's Paw Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu
Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive (4–5 hours) within one of Africa’s most concentrated wildlife habitats. The crater floor supports a dense population of species, including lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and large herds of grazers. The enclosed ecosystem allows for consistent and high-quality wildlife viewing. A picnic lunch is served within the crater, surrounded by dramatic scenery. Your guide will provide detailed insights into the crater’s geology and ecological structure. In the afternoon, visit a Maasai village for a structured cultural experience, offering perspective on traditional pastoralist lifestyles. Return to Karatu for dinner and overnight.
- Main Destination:
- Karatu District
- Accommodation:
- Acacia Farm Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Tarangire – Departure
Tarangire – Departure
Conclude your safari with a morning game drive in Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant populations and iconic baobab landscapes. The park’s river system attracts a high density of wildlife, particularly during the dry season. Expect sightings of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and predators within a relatively short game drive (3–4 hours). After a picnic lunch, begin your return journey to Arusha (3–4 hours), passing through rural landscapes and local communities. Upon arrival, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or your hotel, marking the end of your safari experience.
- Main Destination:
- Tarangire National Park
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
Wildlife in Tarangire NP
- Meals & Drinks:
