Day 1
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Depart Arusha after breakfast and drive to Tarangire National Park. Afternoon game drive among ancient baobabs and large elephant herds. Tarangire is famous for its massive elephant populations — during the dry season, up to 300 elephants congregate along the Tarangire River. The park is also home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and over 550 species of birds. The iconic baobab trees create a dramatic backdrop for wildlife photography. Return to your lodge as the sun sets behind the baobabs.
Day 2
Tarangire to Lake Manyara
Morning game drive in Tarangire for one last chance to see the elephants. After lunch, transfer to Lake Manyara National Park. Afternoon game drive in this compact but diverse park. Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions and thousands of flamingos along the alkaline lake. The groundwater forest is home to blue monkeys, baboons, and giant forest hornbills. The park also hosts elephants, giraffes, hippos, and over 400 species of birds.
Day 3
Ngorongoro Crater
Early morning departure for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater — the world largest intact volcanic caldera. The crater floor is home to approximately 30,000 animals including the Big Five. The concentration of wildlife is extraordinary — herds of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, elephants, and hippos in the soda lake. Picnic lunch on the crater floor with stunning views.
Day 4
Ngorongoro to Ndutu Plains
Depart after breakfast and descend the crater rim, driving south to the Ndutu plains. This is the heart of the calving season. Afternoon game drive among the herds — watch as hundreds of calves take their first steps while predators lurk nearby. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards all take advantage of the vulnerable newborns.
Day 5
Full Day Ndutu Calving
Full day on the Ndutu plains witnessing the calving season. Depart at dawn with packed bush lunch. Watch as females give birth, with calves standing within minutes and running within an hour. The predators are constantly on the move — lions stalk the herds, cheetahs sprint across the open plains, and hyenas patrol at night.
Day 6
Full Day Ndutu to Southern Serengeti
Follow the migration herds as they move across the southern Serengeti plains. Game drive through the short-grass plains — the herds are constantly on the move, following the rains and fresh grazing. Afternoon game drive in a different section of the Serengeti, exploring the woodlands and kopjes. The Serengeti is home to large populations of resident lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Day 7
Central Serengeti to Arusha
Wake before dawn for one last game drive in the Serengeti. The early morning light is magical for photography and the animals are most active at dawn. Return to camp for breakfast and check-out. The scenic drive back to Arusha takes approximately 5 hours through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with final views of the crater rim. Arrive in Arusha by evening.
Day 8
Arusha — Departure
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight. Safari ends. Alternatively, extend your stay in Moshi or Arusha for cultural tours and beach relaxation in Zanzibar.
