Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, meet your driver/guide, and transfer to a campsite or budget lodge in Arusha. Briefing and gear check. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Begin your safari with a drive to Tarangire National Park, known for large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Enjoy a full-day game drive. Dinner and overnight at a public campsite inside or near the park.
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park
Drive to Lake Manyara National Park, where you’ll explore forested areas, lake shores, and open plains in search of hippos, tree-climbing lions, and colorful birdlife. Overnight at a campsite in Mto wa Mbu or nearby.
Day 4: Cultural Visit at Lake Eyasi
Travel to Lake Eyasi for a unique cultural day with the Hadzabe (hunter-gatherers) and Datoga (blacksmiths). Participate in traditional activities. Camp under the stars near the lake.
Day 5: Transfer to Serengeti National Park
Depart for Serengeti National Park, with game viewing en route. Enter through Naabi Hill Gate and enjoy an afternoon game drive in the endless plains. Dinner and overnight at a public campsite in central Serengeti.
Day 6: Full-Day Safari in Serengeti
Spend the day exploring the central Serengeti, famous for big cats and year-round wildlife action. Morning and afternoon game drives. Overnight at the same campsite.
Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Start the day with a sunrise game drive. After breakfast, drive toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area, visiting Maasai villages or Olduvai Gorge on the way. Dinner and overnight at a campsite on the crater rim.
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, home to the Big Five and an incredible range of animals in a compact area. Picnic lunch by the hippo pool. After the game drive, return to camp in Karatu.
Day 9: Lake Natron (Optional Add-On or Cultural Day)
Drive to the remote and dramatic Lake Natron, known for flamingos and volcanic scenery. Visit waterfalls, Maasai communities, and enjoy a raw wilderness feel. Camp near the lake.
(Alternative: Spend the day relaxing or doing a cultural walking tour in Mto wa Mbu.)
Day 10: Return to Arusha & Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Arusha with lunch en route. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for departure.
