Day 1: Serengeti National Park
Your journey begins when the driver meets you in Serengeti or at Isebania Gate. Today, you’ll explore the central part of Serengeti National Park before heading towards the northern region. As you embark on the game drive toward the Kogatende area, you’ll enjoy mild action from resident wildlife, offering a glimpse of Serengeti’s diverse ecosystems.
As you approach the northern Serengeti, the terrain shifts from the vast, open grasslands to a more hilly and rugged landscape. This area is rich in wildlife, with opportunities to spot a variety of species, including zebras, topi, gazelles, buffaloes, as well as elusive leopards and lions.
A picnic lunch will be enjoyed during the day-long drive, allowing you to relax in the heart of the park. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll have the chance to spend some time by the Mara River, where you may witness wildlife congregating for a drink or observe the famous crocodiles and hippos that call the river home.
As the day winds down, you’ll make your way to your accommodation, where a delicious dinner awaits. Reflect on the exciting experiences of the day and unwind before a restful night’s sleep, ready for another day of adventure in the Serengeti.
Accommodation | Day 1
Tanzania Bush Camp
Day 2: Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, you'll depart the lodge with lunch boxes and begin your drive to Central Serengeti, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. On the way, make a stop at the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular view. From here, you’ll see the vast, sprawling plains of the Serengeti stretching as far as the eye can see. The word “Serengeti” means "endless plains," and this iconic landscape covers an area of 6,900 square miles (18,000 square kilometers)—a true wilderness wonder.
As you drive deeper into the Serengeti, you’ll witness its incredible biodiversity. The park is home to over 2 million wildebeests and 800,000 zebras, which can often be seen grazing in the vast savanna. In Central Serengeti, the chances of spotting wildlife are high, including elephants, giraffes, hippos, warthogs, gazelles, impalas, and the Big Cats—lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
This area provides an ideal setting for a game drive, offering thrilling opportunities for animal sightings and photography. After a day of exploration, you’ll return to your accommodation to relax, enjoy a hearty dinner, and unwind in the midst of the Serengeti’s beauty.
Accommodation | Day 2
Tanzania Bush Camp
Day 3: Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater
Today promises an unforgettable experience as you embark on a full-day game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife destinations. This natural wonder, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, is often referred to as the "Garden of Eden" due to its stunning beauty and rich biodiversity. With its lush floor and abundant wildlife, the crater offers an exceptional opportunity to spot the Big Five, along with numerous other species like hyenas, zebras, wildebeest, and flamingos in the crater's soda lakes.
As you explore this ancient volcanic caldera, you’ll be captivated by the diverse landscapes that range from grasslands to forested areas, making it one of the best places in Africa for a game drive. The Ngorongoro Crater is home to an extraordinary concentration of animals, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards—all of which can often be found here in large numbers, making it a wildlife photographer’s paradise.
In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a Maasai Village in the Ngorongoro Highlands (optional), where you’ll immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Maasai people. Meet the Elders, Warriors, women, and children as they welcome you into their community. Learn about their unique culture, beliefs, and traditions, as well as their close relationship with the land and wildlife. The Maasai are one of Tanzania’s last nomadic tribes, and their fascinating way of life is intricately tied to the rhythms of nature, providing a remarkable contrast to the wildlife-rich environment you’ll explore.
After a day of wildlife viewing and cultural immersion, you’ll return to your accommodation to unwind, enjoy a delicious dinner, and reflect on the incredible experiences of the day.
Accommodation | Day 3
Foresight Eco-Lodge
Day 4: Lake Eyasi and the Bushmen
Lake Eyasi is a hidden gem located at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment, offering a stark contrast to Tanzania’s more famous safari destinations. This remote and tranquil area is a haven for culture, nature, and history. The lake itself is a shallow, alkaline body of water that attracts a wide variety of birdlife, including flamingos, pelicans, and storks—a paradise for birdwatchers. The surrounding landscapes are equally stunning, with baobab trees, acacia woodlands, and vast stretches of dry savannah that create a picturesque backdrop to your cultural exploration.
To get a deeper understanding of the region, we head out early in the morning to meet the Bushmen, or Hadza people. Known for their resilience and traditional ways of life, the Hadza are one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer communities in the world. They speak the distinctive click language and have no written history, relying instead on oral traditions passed down through generations. Their lifestyle revolves around hunting with bows and arrows and foraging for wild fruits and tubers, maintaining a connection to the land that has lasted for thousands of years.
Visiting the Bushmen in their natural environment is a unique and profound experience. You'll observe their hunting techniques, including the use of traditional tools, and learn about their deep knowledge of the land, animals, and plants around them. The simplicity of their lifestyle, living in caves, simple leaf huts, or hollowed-out Baobab trees, offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient practices that have sustained them for centuries.
In addition to the Bushmen, you'll also have the opportunity to visit the Datoga tribe, who reside near Lake Eyasi. The Datoga people are known for their metalworking skills and craftsmanship. They make intricate jewelry, tools, and weapons, often using copper, iron, and bronze. The Datoga also grow crops like millet and maize, but they are also skilled cattle herders. Visiting their simple mud homes, where they grind grain and live in close-knit family groups, is another chance to witness a traditional lifestyle that has remained largely unchanged for generations.
Beyond the cultural immersion, Lake Eyasi offers a peaceful escape from the crowds of other tourist areas in Tanzania. It’s a place where time seems to stand still, offering a glimpse into a way of life that’s increasingly rare in the modern world. Whether you’re engaging with the Bushmen, exploring the rugged landscapes, or simply observing the wildlife and birds around the lake, the experience will leave you with a deeper appreciation of Tanzania’s cultural and ecological diversity.
Accommodation | Day 4
Foresight Eco-Lodge
Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park
After a restful night’s sleep, today is set to be an exciting “Day of the Lions”. You’ll start your day with an early breakfast before checking out of your accommodation.
Following breakfast, you’ll be driven to Lake Manyara National Park, which covers approximately 330 square kilometers. When water levels are at their peak, about 200 square kilometers of the park is taken up by the lake itself. The park is famous for its rich birdlife, including flamingos that gather in massive flocks, creating a breathtaking scene of vibrant pink hues across the lake. As you drive through the park, you’ll also have the opportunity to get close-up views of herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and more.
Lake Manyara is especially famous for its tree-climbing lions, an unusual behavior that has become one of the park’s signature sights. These lions are often found lounging in the branches of acacia trees, providing a rare and incredible photo opportunity.
The park is also home to lush groundwater forests, offering a stark contrast to the open savanna and making for a diverse safari experience. You’ll spend the day exploring these unique landscapes, spotting wildlife and enjoying the natural beauty.
In the afternoon, you’ll begin your drive back to Arusha, where you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. Reflect on your extraordinary adventure through some of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations as your tour comes to a close.