Day 1: Welcome to Arusha, the Gateway to Safari Adventure

Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your guide will warmly welcome you with a cheerful “Jambo na Karibu Tanzania” – “Hello and welcome to Tanzania.” You’ll then be transferred to your hotel in Arusha, which is set in a peaceful location surrounded by natural beauty and serene landscapes.

Take the time to relax and unwind, enjoying the tranquillity of your surroundings as you prepare for the exciting adventure ahead. Rested and refreshed, you’ll be ready to begin your private safari the next day with your vehicle and guide. This will allow you to explore Tanzania’s wilderness and capture unforgettable wildlife experiences.

Day 2: Discover Tarangire National Park

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Arusha before embarking on an exciting journey to Tarangire National Park. Your guide will provide a quick briefing on the day’s activities. Upon arrival at your lodge, settle into your room and enjoy lunch. Head out for a game drive in the afternoon to explore the park’s diverse wildlife. As the sun sets, return for dinner with views of the nearby waterhole, where animals gather. Afterwards, relax in your accommodation, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of nature, and enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.

Day 3: Tarangire National Park – Walking Safari & Game Drive

Begin your day with an immersive walking safari in Tarangire, guided by a knowledgeable park ranger and your experienced driver-guide. As you venture through the wilderness on foot, you’ll sharpen your senses to the sounds, scents, and sights of the bush, learning to identify animal tracks, droppings, and termite mounds. This close-up encounter with nature offers an enriching experience, allowing you to connect with the environment.

Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive. Explore Tarangire’s diverse landscapes, including riverine woodlands, grasslands, and the iconic acacia and baobab trees that provide essential refuge for wildlife during the dry season. As you traverse the park, expect to encounter large mammals such as elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and lions, along with various bird species like the white-bellied go-away bird and the vibrant Madagascar bee-eater. Return to your lodge in the evening, where you can unwind over dinner and reflect on the day’s adventures before settling in for the night.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, embark on a scenic journey from Tarangire to the iconic Serengeti National Park, passing through the breathtaking Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive, about 145 kilometres, offers a glimpse of Tanzania’s diverse landscapes before arriving at the Serengeti, where the adventure truly begins.

Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing lunch and head out for your first game drive across the vast, wildlife-rich plains. The Serengeti’s endless horizons and thriving wildlife evoke a sense of awe as herds of grazers move across the savannah and predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards lie in wait. Each game drive presents new surprises, from the sight of a lone cheetah scanning the horizon to the intensity of a lion pride in action.

As the sun sets, return to your camp in the heart of the Serengeti wilderness, where you’ll enjoy dinner and fall asleep to the captivating sounds of nature, surrounded by the raw beauty of this incredible park.

Day 5: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti

Wake to the breathtaking sunrise over the Serengeti and embark on a full-day safari adventure. Your guide will take you through different park regions, offering unique wildlife experiences. Witness the great migration (seasonal) or explore the diverse wildlife, from towering giraffes to herds of wildebeest. Break for a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing your journey in the afternoon. For an unforgettable experience, you can opt for a sunrise hot air balloon safari for a bird’s-eye view of the Serengeti plains.

Day 6: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti

Begin your day with a sunrise breakfast before embarking on another exciting game drive through the Serengeti. The early morning hours offer excellent chances to spot big cats like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as herds of elephants, buffalo, and giraffes moving across the plains.

Enjoy a picnic lunch amid the park’s breathtaking scenery, then continue your afternoon safari, where the cooler temperatures often bring out more wildlife activity. Keep your eyes open for predators on the prowl or large herds through the savannah. As the sun dips below the horizon, return to camp for dinner and a peaceful evening surrounded by the natural sounds of the Serengeti.

Day 7: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti

Your final day in the Serengeti begins with the sights and sounds of the African wilderness as you enjoy an early breakfast. Set out on a half-day game drive or a full-day adventure with a picnic lunch. You might witness thrilling moments like a leopard stalking its prey, a cheetah sprinting across the plains, or a lion pride lazing after a successful hunt.

In the evening, celebrate your last night with a memorable bush dinner under the stars, reflecting on your unforgettable safari adventure. The Serengeti’s vast horizons and raw beauty will leave you with memories to treasure forever.

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Safari Tour

Start your day with an early breakfast at the camp before heading out with your guide to the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, carrying a packed lunch for the adventure ahead.

Explore the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich biodiversity and home to the Big Five. This natural wonder is one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders, offering extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities. Enjoy a game drive through the crater and a picnic lunch near a hippo pool while marvelling at the abundant wildlife. You can conclude your day at the lodge, where you can savour a delicious dinner overnight.

Day 9: Departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have a free day to relax or explore the surroundings. Your driver will escort you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your return journey.

If nine days in Tanzania felt too short, why not extend your adventure with a relaxing beach escape? Tanzania offers pristine beach destinations like Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia, ideal for unwinding after your safari. Reach out to our travel experts to customise your perfect Tanzanian safari extension.