9 Days Drive-in Drive-out Budget Wildlife Safari
Tour Overview
Immerse yourself in a bespoke 9-day Tanzania safari, meticulously designed to carve indelible memories. Experience the breathtaking spectacle of the Great Migration, a phenomenon where millions of wildebeests and zebras journey across the plains in search of nourishing landscapes. Delve into the depths of the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site pulsating with life, housing the iconic Big Five and a myriad of avian species.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro INT'L Airport (JRO)
Leave for Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania, where a warm welcome awaits. Our dedicated safari representative will greet you upon arrival and ensure your smooth transfer to your pre-booked hotel in Arusha. Let our representative assist you with the hotel check-in process, allowing you to unwind and rejuvenate after what may have been a lengthy flight.
Meals: D
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
After savoring a delightful breakfast, your seasoned driver-guide eagerly awaits to lead you into the captivating realm of Tarangire National Park.
Situated southeast of Lake Manyara National Park along the Tarangire River, Tarangire National Park forms an integral part of a sprawling ecosystem. Renowned for its authentic and sophisticated game-viewing experience, it emerges as a quintessential dry-season sanctuary, particularly from July to October, boasting one of Tanzania’s highest wildlife concentrations. Affectionately dubbed the “elephant playground,” it hosts an impressive number of these majestic creatures until late October, when the onset of the short-wet season signals their migration. Throughout the year, the park offers sightings of hartebeests, wildebeests, zebras, elands, lesser kudus, gazelles, waterbucks, giraffes, impalas, and occasionally leopards or rhinos, rendering Tarangire a wildlife haven for every season. This region epitomizes the authentic allure of an African safari.
As the day concludes, a scenic drive takes you to your lodge, where comfort and a delightful dinner await.
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park
This morning, you leave for Lake Manyara immediately after enjoying 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 secluded areas reveal a unique treasure trove of natural wonders. What sets Lake Manyara apart and earns it a place among our favorites is its rich avian population, elusive tree-climbing lions (though sightings are rare), and the alkaline lake, which, during certain seasons, becomes a sanctuary for tens of thousands of flamingos. Additionally, the park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, offering excellent opportunities to observe hippos at close range.
During the rainy seasons of the year, nearly two-thirds of the park’s total area is submerged by the lake. Despite its compact size, Lake Manyara boasts diverse vegetation zones, ranging from savanna to marshes and acacia woodlands. This diversity supports a wide range of habitats, providing a unique glimpse into wildlife thriving in its natural environment. Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch at one of the designated spots in the afternoon and resume your game-viewing activities before retiring to your well-appointed lodge in Mto wa Mbu for a restful overnight stay, allowing the day’s extraordinary encounters to linger in your memory.
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4 & 5: Central Serengeti
Begin your day with a sumptuous breakfast before embarking on a journey to central Serengeti, passing through the breathtaking landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Central Serengeti is renowned for its remarkable diversity of wildlife, with hundreds of thousands of animals freely roaming the plains. Here, the predators reign supreme, engaging in their regal pursuits amidst plentiful prey. Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of nearly eight thousand spotted hyenas, organized into formidable clans, alongside three thousand majestic lions, distinguished by their characteristic black manes.
In addition to these apex predators, cheetahs, leopards, and bat-eared foxes also grace the landscape, 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.
As you traverse the vast horizons and open plains, the sight of wildebeests, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, and playful bat-eared foxes basking in the morning sun is truly unforgettable. Experience the tranquility of the wilderness, appreciating the interconnectedness of all living things, and cherishing the privilege of witnessing nature’s wonders firsthand.
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6 & 7: South Serengeti
Following a delicious breakfast, embark on an exhilarating day of game-viewing as you explore the southern Serengeti plains near Ndutu. These short-grass expanses seamlessly extend the ecological tapestry of the southern Serengeti, offering a quintessential Serengeti experience with vast open plains and sizable wildebeest herds, especially prevalent from December to April.
Prepare to encounter a diverse array of wildlife, from the regal lions to graceful ostriches, majestic secretary birds, and elegant eland antelopes, among others. Ndutu is famed for its cheetah sightings, with ample opportunities for off-road exploration, ensuring a photographer’s delight.
Lake Ndutu serves as a focal point during the wildebeest dispersal, promising dramatic game viewing during and after the calving season. On the 7th day, embark on full-day game-viewing drives to Moru Koppies, further delving into the rich wildlife of the region. Return to your lodge in the early evening, savoring the culmination of yet another extraordinary day amidst the Serengeti’s wonders.
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater
Start your day with an early morning breakfast, preparing for an extraordinary game-viewing drive led by your driver guide within the captivating embrace of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Renowned for hosting the largest permanent concentration of wildlife in Africa, the Ngorongoro Crater encompasses only a fraction of the expansive Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Home to the famed Big Five—elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard—the crater’s permanent source of fresh water eliminates the need for extensive wildlife migration, presenting a unique contrast to the Serengeti and making it a top choice for game viewing among tourists.
Amidst the Lerai Forest, a prime picnic spot within the crater, nature unfolds its splendors, offering glimpses of elephants, waterbucks, and, if luck is on your side, elusive leopards, amidst breathtaking scenery. After an incredible day exploring the crater, return to your well-appointed lodge for a delightful evening.
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9: Karatu to Arusha
As your Tanzanian safari gracefully approaches its conclusion, savor the serenity of your final morning at the lodge in Karatu while indulging in a delightful breakfast.
Depending on your flight schedule, a private transfer will seamlessly connect you from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport, ensuring a smooth transition for your return flight home or to other destinations.
Meals:
