tour overview
This Tanzania safari will take us to some of the world's most iconic places, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. The safari will primarily focus on the iconic “river crossings,” where vast herds of wildebeest (and occasionally zebra) bravely navigate the Mara River, often in dramatic and heart-stopping fashion. In the Ngorongoro crater we’ll experience some of the most unique and awe-inspiring wildlife encounters in the world. Nestled in northern Tanzania, Ngorongoro Crater is referred to as the "Garden of Eden" due to its stunning beauty and incredible concentration of wildlife. The crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera, measuring around 12 miles (20 kilometers) in diameter.
Day to day itinerary details
We’ll fly from Arusha and head to the Serengeti(depending on the season), where we will then be driven to the lodge for lunch. In the evening, we’ll embark on our first game drive, which will take us through the plains in search of big game. We’ll return to our lodge in the heart of the Serengeti for a comfy night in the wilderness.
We’ll start the day after a leisurely breakfast. We’ll head to the river crossings. During larger crossings, thick dust clouds billow into the air as the herds gather on the riverbank, hesitating before plunging into the river. As the animals crash through the murky Mara River, water sprays high, creating a spectacular scene. The atmosphere is filled with the sounds of braying and grunting wildebeest, making the event both a visual and auditory spectacle. With a bit of luck, we may even witness the excitement of a predator in action, as massive Nile Crocodiles strike at unsuspecting animals as they swim through the river’s muddy depths. We’ll also explore other parts of the grasslands in search of more wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and predators like leopards and lions.
Arise early and set off into the grasslands once again in search of the migrating herds. The sight of massive, stampeding herds is truly awe-inspiring, and equally remarkable are the abundant predators that call this place home: over 4,000 lions, 225 cheetahs, 1,000 leopards, 3,500 hyenas, and hundreds of wild dogs! And of course, there are countless other stunning animals that your guide will eagerly help you search for, making every moment of the safari unforgettable. Thereafter we will take the road to Ngorongoro where we will arrive in the evening hours and settle in for the night's stay.
After an early breakfast, we’ll descend into the UNESCO World Heritage site. As we make our way down the steep, winding road, we'll be greeted with breathtaking views of the vast, flat crater floor, where grassy plains, lakes, and acacia woodlands stretch out beneath the towering crater walls of Ngorongoro. Ngorongoro Crater is renowned for its rich concentration of animals. During the game drive, expect the chance to spot the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos, often in close proximity to one another. The crater's abundant wildlife makes it one of the best places in Africa for game viewing. Expect to see wildebeest, buffalo, lions, and other big game in an area that is known for its dense concentration of wildlife. We will enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool during the day before exploring more of the area in what will be an action-packed day.
After breakfast, we will drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands enjoying the sweeping views of verdant valleys and forested hillsides, with occasional vistas of distant mountains as we make our way to Arusha. Along the way, we will make stopovers at the curio shops and art gallery where Africa’s finest crafts and art await. The safari day concludes with the arrival at your hotel or lodge in Arusha, where you can unwind and reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters and natural beauty you’ve witnessed throughout your journey. Proceed to Arusha, where the safari ends.
