Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro – Arusha

Upon arrival this evening at the Kilimanjaro airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and accompanied to your hotel in Arusha.

The evening is yours at leisure to explore the grounds of your lodge or just relax and prepare for your safari through northern Tanzania.

Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park

Breakfast at 07:00am, followed by drive on tarmac road 60km with lunch box to Lake Manyara National Park (330 sq km or 127 sq mile’s) on the base of the Great Rift Valley, for the Afternoon game drives. The park is home to Lion, Hippo, Elephant, Zebra, Buffalo, Giraffe, Baboon, Blue and Vervet monkey, Warthog and more…About 350 species of birds have been recorded. This small park contains also five distinct vegetation zones. Thus supporting a large variety of birds and animals. The Manyara National park is also famous for its large flocks of flamingos. In this park canoeing has recently been added to the tourist activities in this park at extra cost. This is a great way to see the park from a new perspective. Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation.

Day 3: Tarangire National Park

Enjoy a day of game viewing in the park. On guided drives, spot a great variety of big game, including lion, elephant, black rhino and buffalo, as well as a large and varied population of lesser game. Wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, and gazelle congregate around each shrinking water hole along with rarer species such as eland and oryx. The swamps of the park are home to more than 500 varieties of birds, the largest number of breeding species in a single habitat anywhere in the world. Even from the comforts of your lodge, you can admire the sweeping views of acacias and baobabs, as well as the Tarangire River and the wildlife that throng its banks, especially in the dry season.

Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation.

Day 4: Tarangire to Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, depart by road for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon arrival, check in to your safari lodge, which sits directly on the rim of the massive Crater. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon to explore the grounds of your lodge and take in the exceptional views.

Option: If you’re looking for something a little more removed, ask us about the wonderful accommodation alternatives in the southern highlands.

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon to explore the grounds of your lodge and take in the exceptional views.

Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater

The world-famous Ngorongoro Crater spans 100 square miles and contains one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. The “Big Five” (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant) can be found, along with most other species that call East Africa home. Away from the crater itself lie several superb spots for hiking and trekking, or simply relaxing and taking in the views.

Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation.

Day 6: Serengeti National Park

Continue by road or air on to the world-famous Serengeti National Park. The Serengeti is the iconic game park of legends and dreams. With no fences or manmade barriers, the park plays host to one of the last great wildlife migrations on Earth. During your time here, attune yourself to the natural rhythms of the plain, which have remained the same for millennia.

Option: Follow the footsteps of the Great Migration! Depending on your dates of travel, stay in another area of the park to mirror the typical path of the vast herds roaming the plains throughout the year.

Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation.

Day 7 – 8: Serengeti National Park

Option: Soar above the Serengeti on a spectacular sunrise hot air balloon ride followed by a sumptuous champagne brunch.

Embark on half- or full-day game drives. Watch the majestic lion stalk its prey, the sleek cheetah fly across the plains and families of giraffe munching contentedly on acacia leaves. Back at your lodge, relax over a sundowner, sketch the wildlife you’ve encountered in a safari journal and chat about your adventures with fellow guests before enjoying a final dinner in the bush.

Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation.

Day 9: Departure

After a final game drive this morning, bid farewell to the plains of East Africa as you depart on your flight to Arusha. Continue to your day room and enjoy lunch at the lodge. Later, you are transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward flight. (B, L)