Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Start the morning with a scenic drive from Arusha to Tarangire, a park known for its sweeping savannah and towering baobab trees. Spend the day tracking large elephant herds, lions resting under acacia trees, and zebras grazing along the Tarangire River. Enjoy an afternoon game drive before heading to your lodge or camp to relax.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Tarangire Campsite / Roika Tented Lodge
- Mid-range: Tarangire Safari Lodge / Sangaiwe Tented Lodge
- Luxury: Tarangire Sopa Lodge / Tarangire Treetops
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Tarangire – Serengeti National Park (Central)
Leave Tarangire after breakfast and drive through the stunning highlands toward Serengeti. Arrive in the central Serengeti where plains stretch endlessly and wildlife thrives. Enjoy your first game drive in the Serengeti, tracking cheetahs, lions, and giraffes. Settle into camp as the sun sets over the golden savannah.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Nyani Public Campsite
- Mid-range: Serengeti Tortilis Camp / Serengeti Heritage Camp
- Luxury: Serengeti Serena Lodge / Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti National Park
Spend the full day exploring the heart of the Serengeti. Follow predator tracks, watch elephants roam freely, and witness herds of wildebeest and antelope moving across the plains. Your guide will help you explore wildlife-rich areas like Seronera Valley, known for its big cats and year-round water sources.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Nyani Public Campsite
- Mid-range: Serengeti Tortilis Camp / Serengeti Heritage Camp
- Luxury: Serengeti Serena Lodge / Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Enjoy a sunrise game drive to catch predators returning from the night hunt. After breakfast, drive toward Ngorongoro, stopping to take in breathtaking views of the endless plains. Arrive at your lodge near the crater rim with sweeping views of the highlands.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Simba Public Campsite
- Mid-range: Country Lodge Karatu / Marera Valley Lodge
- Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge / Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive – Karatu
Start early for a full day inside Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife sanctuaries. Descend to the crater floor and watch black rhinos, lions, buffalo, hippos, hyenas, and large herds of zebras grazing on the fertile grasslands. In the afternoon, drive back to Karatu for a relaxing evening.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Simba Public Campsite
- Mid-range: Country Lodge Karatu / Marera Valley Lodge
- Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge / Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Karatu – Arusha
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed drive back to Arusha. Stop for souvenir shopping, cultural experiences, or simply enjoy the changing landscapes. Arrive in Arusha in the afternoon, ending your classic Northern Tanzania adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
ESTIMATED COST PER PERSON (Based on 6 People Sharing)
Budget Option:
USD 1,650 – 1,950 per person
Includes standard tents/campsites, park fees, transportation, and meals as stated.
Mid-range Option:
USD 2,350 – 2,850 per person
Includes comfortable lodges/tented camps, private facilities, park fees, transport, and meals as stated.
Luxury Option:
USD 3,500 – 4,500 per person
Includes premium luxury lodges/tented camps, high-end services, park fees, transport, and meals as stated.
Best Time to Travel
- Best overall months: June to October (dry season, excellent wildlife visibility)
- Great for migration in Serengeti: December to July
- Avoid heavy rains: Late March to May