8 Days Fly in Drive-out Budget Cultural Safari
Tour Overview
Venture out on this ultimate Tanzania safari, poised to craft unforgettable memories like no other. Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Great Migration in Serengeti. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with an abundance of wildlife, including the Big Five and an array of bird species, and close the last chapter of your adventure in Tanzania in Lake Eyasi, as you soak in for a cultural experience.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro INT'L Airport (JRO)
As you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our safari representative eagerly awaits to greet you. He will seamlessly transfer you and your luggage to your prearranged hotel, where he will assist with check-in formalities, ensuring you can unwind and recharge comfortably.
Meals: B/B/L
Day 2: Fly to Northern Serengeti
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel, setting the stage for an unparalleled adventure ahead. Following breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport and board a flight to the northern part of Serengeti National Park.
Upon arrival, be warmly greeted by your dedicated driver-guide, who will escort you to a luxurious lodge awaiting your arrival. After settling into your accommodation, embark on an exhilarating game-viewing drive across the northern Serengeti. This hidden gem off the beaten path serves as an ideal base, particularly from August to October, during the migration season. Even outside of migration months, the area maintains its allure with a rich permanent wildlife presence, notably featuring magnificent elephants. Amidst the untamed African wilderness, discover comfort, tranquility, and the promise of an extraordinary safari experience.
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3: Northern Serengetii -- Full Day
Rise under the vast Serengeti canopy, greeted by the enchanting melodies and fragrances of this iconic landscape. Today unfolds with eager anticipation as you awaken, hoping to bear witness to one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena – the Great Migration. This extraordinary event, featured in National Geographic Television documentaries, showcases Earth’s largest gatherings of various animal species. Prepare for a spellbinding spectacle, as over 1 million wildebeests, 200,000 Thomson’s gazelles, 200,000 zebras, 70,000 impalas, and 30,000 Grant’s gazelles embark on their journey, accompanied by a formidable array of predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas.
As you immerse yourself in this wildlife extravaganza, be entranced by the breathtaking landscapes unfolding before you. Bird enthusiasts will revel in the diverse avian life, with over 520 species of birds, including 57 species of raptors. Witness the mesmerizing movement of the wildebeests as they embark on their timeless clockwise journey around the Serengeti, heading towards the lush grazing grounds of the Masai Mara, a ritual that unfolds every January.
As the sun begins to set, journey to your reserved lodge in Central Serengeti for a tranquil overnight, allowing the memories of this extraordinary day to linger in your mind.
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4 & 5: Central Serengeti
Nestled in the heart of Serengeti lies its central region, a sanctuary teeming with an extraordinary concentration of wildlife amidst sprawling plains. Here, amidst the boundless expanse, a diverse array of species roam freely, creating an unparalleled spectacle of nature. Predators dominate this landscape, their regal pursuits unfolding amidst a vast array of prey.
Behold the majestic sight of nearly eight thousand spotted hyenas, united in formidable clans, alongside three thousand awe-inspiring lions adorned with their distinctive black manes. In addition to these apex predators, cheetahs, leopards, and bat-eared foxes grace the terrain, contributing to the rich tapestry of the Serengeti’s ecosystem. Scavengers, including golden and side-striped jackals, as well as various vulture species, play their vital roles in this intricate web of life.
Embrace the tranquility of the wilderness, marveling at the interconnectedness of all living things, and cherishing the privilege of witnessing nature’s wonders firsthand.
Meals: B / L / D
Days 6: Ngorongoro Crater
Following a delightful morning meal, set out on a journey towards Ngorongoro Crater while enjoying a final game drive en route. Perhaps you may choose to pause at Olduvai Gorge, the Cradle of Mankind—a site steeped in archaeological significance.
Upon arrival at Ngorongoro, descend nearly 2,000 feet into the depths of the world’s largest unbroken crater for a full day of thrilling game drives. This wildlife sanctuary boasts one of Africa’s most densely populated animal concentrations, including the elusive black rhino. Guided by your expert driver, immerse yourself in every facet of Ngorongoro’s splendor, experiencing the landscape like a seasoned explorer.
As evening casts its gentle glow, ascend the crater walls and journey to your lodge in Karatu, a charming town nestled adjacent to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy the evening at your leisure, relishing the culmination of an extraordinary day amidst unparalleled natural beauty.
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7: Lake Manyara National Park
Set out on yet another captivating adventure to Lake Manyara immediately after indulging in an early morning breakfast. While Lake Manyara may not boast the dramatic landscapes or vast wildlife populations found in other destinations across the northern safari circuit, its hidden corners reveal a distinctive treasure trove of natural marvels. What sets Lake Manyara apart and earns it a place among our favorites is its abundant avian population, elusive tree-climbing lions, and the alkaline lake, which, during certain seasons, becomes a sanctuary for tens of thousands of flamingos. Furthermore, the park harbors a diverse array of wildlife and offers excellent opportunities to observe hippos up close.
For the most part of the year, nearly two-thirds of the park’s total area is submerged by the lake, contributing to its unique charm and allure. Despite its compact size, Lake Manyara boasts a variety of vegetation zones, ranging from savanna to marshes and acacia woodlands. This diverse landscape supports a wide range of habitats, providing a rare glimpse into wildlife thriving in its natural environment. In the afternoon, savor a delightful picnic lunch at one of the designated spots and continue your game-viewing adventures before returning to your luxurious lodge in the early evening.
Day 8: Tarangire National Park then Back to Arusha
Depart for Tarangire National Park after enjoying breakfast at the lodge for a full day of game-viewing drive. This concluding day of your Tanzania safari presents yet another ultimate opportunity to revel in the African wildlife heritage with style, ensuring enduring memories.
Dotted with towering ancient baobab trees, Tarangire is a mesmerizing wildlife reserve that forms part of an extensive ecosystem where animals roam freely. It stretches southeast of the beautiful Lake Manyara National Park along the Tarangire River, offering an excellent opportunity for an authentic and stylish game-viewing experience.
During the dry season, particularly between July and October, Tarangire boasts one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the country’s northern safari circuit. Referred to as the elephant playground, it is renowned for hosting the highest recorded number of elephants, which are easily observable until late October when the short-wet season prompts their migration to new grasslands. Moreover, Tarangire offers sightings of other renowned fauna, including hartebeests, wildebeests, zebras, elands, lesser kudus, gazelles, waterbucks, giraffes, impalas, and occasionally leopards or rhinos.
Early in the afternoon, journey back to Arusha and transfer to the airport for your homeward flight or to other destinations.
Meals: B
