Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire Safari

Explore Tanzania’s diverse flora and fauna in this magical experience taking you to some of Africa’s top national parks renowned for their safari game viewing; ideal for you to catch a glimpse of the elusive Big 5!

Start your African safari journey in the beautiful town of Arusha before making your way to the Tarangire National Park to gaze in amazement at its diverse fauna and flora. Next visit the iconic Serengeti National Park, one of Tanzania’s crown jewels where you’ll have the chance to encounter the Big 5. Then, stop the vast Ngorongoro Crater before returning to Arusha.

Itinerary 

1st Day: Canada - Night on board

Arrive at your departure airport, ready for a flight to Kilimanjaro *. Night on board.

2nd Day: Kilimanjaro - Arusha

Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will transfer to your hotel in Arusha for check-in (Approx. 55 km/1 hour drive). Arusha is a charmingly beautiful town known for being the safari capital of Tanzania offering a plethora of attractions and adventures. 

If time permits, after check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure. Use this time to start exploring your new surroundings. Later, enjoy dinner as you are briefed by your tour guide on what to expect of your African safari adventure. Overnight stay in Arusha. 

3rd Day: Arusha - Materuni Waterfalls - Arusha

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will take part in a fascinating full-day tour of Materuni Waterfalls, located at the foot of Kilimanjaro, which includes a visit to a local coffee plantation (Approx. 83 km/2.5 hour drive). Upon arriving at Materuni, home to the authentic tribal village of the Chagga people, your first stop will be to visit the famous waterfall which takes about 40 minutes by foot to get to.

En route, your guide will give you some insights into the everyday life and culture of the Chagga people and the fauna and flora found in this region. Once you have reached the waterfall, take in the beauty of the scenery with majestic views from 80 meters high. You will later be able to enjoy the pool at the bottom of the waterfall for a refreshing swim. After this, make your way to Mama Agnes’ home, where you will experience a traditional Chagga lunch and even get to taste local banana beer!

Finally, head to the coffee plantation where you will learn about the cultivation, drying and roasting processes. You will also be invited to help with the grinding of the coffee, which is traditionally accompanied by Chagga songs and dances, a fun way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Before saying goodbye, you can savor the coffee you made and appreciate the views of the surrounding montane rainforest. At this moment you have the opportunity to live a recommended Optional Maasai Experience at Osiligilai Maasai Lodge*. If you do not do the optional activity, return to the lodge in Arusha and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Arusha.

*Optional Maasai experience at Osiligilai Maasai Lodge: transfer by road to the impressive Osiligilai eco-lodge. Once here, we take a game drive to take in the scenery and enjoy the views of the mountains and savannah. We also visit the Maasai Boma village to discover the culture and way of life of the Maasai people and the nature and endemic species of the area. Afterwards we enjoy the sunset overlooking Kilimanjaro and return to the lodge for dinner. Overnight stay in Osiligilai Lodge.

Included activity

• Materuni Waterfalls Visit
  A good level of fitness is required. You will be required to walk on difficult terrain and/or for long periods of time.
  Visit the impressive 80 meter high waterfalls where the views are magical and take a dive in the pool found at the very bottom. Later, visit a coffee plantation to learn about the village’s coffee-making process.

4th Day: Arusha - Tarangire National Park

Breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, say goodbye to Arusha as you head to the Tarangire National Park. Prepare to hop on a 4x4 Safari Jeep to cruise for a full-day safari experience. Tarangire rivals the Serengeti in the great number and diversity of its wildlife. It is a good choice for those looking to encounter more animals, particularly elephants, as this location is  renowned for their frequent sightings.

The Tarangire river is the only source of water in the area, attracting the reserves' abundance of exotic wildlife and making it a perfect spot for wildlife viewing. The landscape is a photographer's dream too, due to the high number of scenic baobab trees and its extensive marshlands. A picnic lunch is included.

In the evening, enjoy free time to relax. Check-in to your lodge, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Tarangire.

Included activity

• Game Drive in Tarangire National Park
  Even though you will be seated most of the time, you may be required to walk short distances or climb some steps.
  Take part in an unforgettable 4x4 safari experience as you explore the diversity of this locations flora and fauna

5th Day: Tarangire National Park - Serengeti National Park

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet the rest of the group and set off from Tarangire towards the Serengeti National Park, among the most emblematic destinations in all of Africa. At 190 km long, the drive should take about 3 and a half hours. On arrival, you’ll have the chance to check-in at your accommodation and decompress after the journey. Rest and prepare for a full day on safari tomorrow! Overnight stay in the Serengeti National Park.

Included activity

• Game Drive En Route to the Serengeti
  Even though you will be seated most of the time, you may be required to walk short distances or climb some steps.nEnjoy an exciting game drive as you make your way to the Serengeti and feast your eyes on an array of beautiful fauna.

6th Day: Serengeti National Park

Enjoy the morning taking in the beauty of the Serengeti National Park; listen to the enchanting sounds, smell the wilderness and gaze at the breathtaking sunrise view of the endless plains of this location. Take some time to enjoy breakfast before starting today's adventure. Alternatively, take part in our optional morning hot air balloon* over the Serengeti plains.

Later, embark on yet another chance to explore the Serengeti by getting to know its wildlife. Spend the entire day enjoying a vehicle safari experience. Depending on what the majority of the group decides, lunch will either be had back at the lodge or brought with you as a picnic to enjoy during the game drive. The rest of the day is free to enjoy at your leisure. Return to your camp for dinner and overnight stay in the Serengeti National Park.

*Optional Hot Air Balloon Over Serengeti Plains: Get a spectacular bird’s eye view of the great migration and the unique landscapes of this location in an aerial experience you will not be forgetting any time soon!

Important note: The optional hot air balloon activity is contingent on weather conditions at the destination and will be confirmed the day before. If it cannot go ahead, a full refund will be issued. This activity is not wheelchair accessible nor is it allowed for children under 5 years of age.

Included activity

• Full Day Serengeti Game Drive
  Even though you will be seated most of the time, you may be required to walk short distances or climb some steps.  Take in the beauty of the wildlife found in the Serengeti as you enjoy a spectacular vehicle game viewing experience.

7th Day: Serengeti - Ngorongoro Crater - Karatu

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will be making your way to the Ngorongoro Crater to experience the vastness of its landscapes and wildlife (approx. 145 km/3.5 hour drive).

Upon arrival, descend to the crater floor for a spectacular game viewing. You will be going down a lush highland forest, with magnificent birdlife to be spotted among the different species of flora. You will also have the chance to observe a large variety of herbivore species, as well as the predators that are attracted by this abundant supply of prey.

Its 260 sq km floor is very diverse; boasting a permanent lake, open savannah and areas of mature woodland. Surrounded by steep, densely forested walls rising over 600 m high, the effect is that of a huge natural Amphitheater.

You will then enjoy a picnic lunch. Later, ascend and make your way to your hotel in Karatu (approx. 45 km/1.5 hour drive). Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in Karatu.

Included activity

• Ngorongoro Crater Tour
  Even though you will be seated most of the time, you may be required to walk short distances or climb some steps.
  Make your way to the crater floor for an unforgettable game viewing experience including an array of bird and herbivore species.

8th Day: Karatu - Mto Wa Mbu - Arusha

Breakfast at the hotel. Make your way to Mto Wa Mbu village, near Lake Manyara National Park for a walk along nature and cultural experience like no other (approx. 28 km/35 minute drive). This tour includes a visit to local farms, food markets, paddy fields, and a banana beer bar. Lunch is included.

After lunch, make your way back to Arusha for your overnight stay (about 113 km, just under two hours drive).

Included activity

• Mto Wa Mbu Village Visit, Nature Walk & Cultural Experience
  You will be required to walk for a few hours on comfortable terrain.nVisit local farms, food markets, paddy fields and a banana beer bar to acquaint yourself with the culture and everyday life of Mto Wa Mbu villagers and take part in a nature walk to appreciate the beauty of this location.

9th Day: Arusha - Night on board

Breakfast* at the lodge. At the indicated time**, transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport (55km/Approx.1hr drive out) to catch your flight back to Canada. Night on board.

10th Day: Canada

Touch down back in Canada and end your adventure. 

Book the adventure of a lifetime! Call now to secure your unforgettable wildlife safari, where you’ll get up close with nature’s most amazing creatures. Don’t miss out—your wild journey awaits!