Arusha, known as the safari capital of Tanzania, is a bustling city driven by tourism. Your adventure begins when your driver-guide meets you in Arusha or at Arusha Airport, and together, you’ll head to Tarangire National Park to kick off your private safari game drive. The park's name comes from the Tarangire River, which runs through it and serves as the primary water source for wildlife. Tarangire is renowned for its elephant migration, abundant birdlife, and authentic safari atmosphere, offering a peaceful retreat into nature.

You will enjoy a packed lunch during the midday break, and in the late afternoon, you'll continue your game drive before heading to Africa Safari Rift Valley. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to freshen up and unwind before enjoying dinner under the stars and a restful night’s sleep in one of the luxurious glamping accommodations.

After a refreshing breakfast, you only need to step outside to enjoy the expansive views of Lake Manyara. Your driver-guide will then take you to the entry gates of Lake Manyara National Park, a hidden gem among Tanzania's game parks. Despite its smaller size, the park boasts a rich ecological variety. The famous tree-climbing lions are often seen lounging on branches of the mahogany and acacia trees, and if you're fortunate, you may spot them in their unique resting positions. As you leave the dense bushland and approach the lake's open grassy shores, you'll encounter abundant wildlife, including wildebeest, giraffes, zebras, and large buffalo herds grazing peacefully.

The lake itself is a haven for birds, with over 400 species recorded, and one of the highlights is witnessing thousands of flamingos strolling along the shoreline, creating a stunning pink hue. You will enjoy lunch at the picnic site, surrounded by nature. In the afternoon, you will drive to Africa Safari Karatu for dinner and a restful night’s sleep.

Today, you will embark on a long but rewarding drive as you travel from the Karatu Region, through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and into Serengeti National Park. The route will take you through the Masai homeland, where the only people allowed to reside in the conservation area are the Masai. These traditionally nomadic people are deeply rooted in culture and can often be seen herding cattle in their vibrant, traditional robes. The Masai live in harmony with nature, using their extensive family knowledge of plants for survival. As you drive, you may spot giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife along the way.

When you finally catch your first glimpse of the endless plains of the Serengeti, prepare to be awe-struck by the vastness of this iconic landscape. Upon arriving at Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma, you will have already experienced a taste of game drives in Serengeti National Park’s 14,000 square kilometers (5,700 square miles), a true wildlife wonderland.

Today, you will simply cross the road from Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma to uncover a well-kept secret. The Ikona Wildlife Management Area, established in 2003, was designed to distribute the economic benefits of tourism to the five villages that make up this community. It also acts as a buffer zone, helping to protect the nearby Serengeti National Park. This area spans 242 square kilometers (93 square miles) of untouched wilderness and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including herds of elephants, waterbucks, black and white colobus monkeys, elusive leopards, and both greater and lesser kudu.

A lesser-known yet impressive fact about this area is that it serves as the assembly point for the wildebeest during their annual migration. Here, the vast herds gather before making their way to the northern Serengeti for the famous river crossings.

Today is a great day for an early start as you head north from Ikoma, crossing into Serengeti National Park for an action-packed day. The highlight of the day will be witnessing the great migration. You will make your way to the Mara River, a three-hour drive from the camp, which is renowned for the wildebeest crossings. With a bit of luck, you will get to experience this awe-inspiring spectacle firsthand. Each year, around 2 million animals gather at the river in search of fresh grazing grounds, and the sight and sound of this migration are unforgettable.

Continuing southeast, you will reach the Bologonja Springs, a great spot to see elephants, as they are often found here due to the presence of water sources. After a day full of exciting wildlife encounters, you will end the day at Africa Safari Maasai Boma, where you’ll enjoy a restful night in a comfortable canvas lodge, complete with an en-suite bathroom and king-size bed.

After a hearty breakfast at Africa Safari Maasai Boma, you will begin your journey back towards Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma. Your driver-guide will lead you through an exploration, tracking the movement of the resident wildlife as you head toward your accommodation in Ikoma. A stop will be made along the way for a pleasant picnic lunch. In the afternoon, you will reach the park's exit gate, and just 2 kilometers further, you will be warmly welcomed back by the staff of Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma. Here, you will have the opportunity to unwind and relax in a beautiful canvas home, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.

Enjoy a relaxing sleep-in and a leisurely morning around the campgrounds. You can read a book on the patio or simply savor some downtime. In the afternoon, you will embark on a walking safari, a unique experience where you can explore new territory and follow wildlife on foot, guided by your own armed ranger. The walking safari lasts approximately 2 hours and concludes with a sundowner, offering a stunning view of the Serengeti. Afterward, you'll return to your accommodation for a quick dinner before heading out on a thrilling night game drive. A spotlight will be mounted on the vehicle, and soon, you’ll catch the first reflections of animal eyes. The night reveals a different world, with the fascinating behaviors of nocturnal animals, shifting shadows, and mysterious sounds. Typical night dwellers include bushbabies, civets, genet cats, and possibly a rare aardvark or porcupine. Upon your return, enjoy a nightcap to warm up before retiring to your room for a peaceful rest.

Today, you will embark on an exciting journey across Serengeti National Park, traveling from Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma. The drive, lasting a few hours, will offer you an impressive overview of the Serengeti, providing ample opportunities for game viewing along the way. As you travel, you will experience a diverse array of landscapes, from open plains and bushlands to rugged mountains, all teeming with wildlife. Keep an eye out for the Masai tribespeople herding their cattle, an iconic image of this region.

This road trip will truly showcase the beauty of Tanzania, with each turn bringing you closer to nature's wonders. The vast, ever-changing landscapes will unfold before you, from the open savannah to the distant mountains, all while the wind flows through the air and the dust kicks up behind your safari jeep. It’s a deeply immersive experience that will allow you to connect with the raw beauty and culture of Africa.

By the end of the day, you will check in at Africa Safari South Serengeti, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Be sure to wake up early today so there’s no delay on your descent into the iconic Ngorongoro Crater. Once you arrive in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, prepare to be amazed by the stunning beauty surrounding you. The real marvel, however, comes when you reach the edge of the crater and take in the breathtaking view over this natural wonder of the world.

The Ngorongoro Crater, formed by an ancient, inactive volcano, is approximately 3 million years old and spans 20 square kilometers (8 square miles), making it the largest unbroken volcanic caldera in the world. Because of its natural borders, the wildlife inside the crater is exceptional. Home to Africa’s Big Five, you will have a fantastic opportunity to spot lions, elephants, buffalo, and even the rare black rhino. Additionally, hyenas, zebras, and other animals make this area a perfect safari haven.

After an exciting day of wildlife exploration, you will head back to Africa Safari Lake Manyara for a well-deserved rest and a peaceful night’s sleep, reflecting on the wonders you’ve experienced in this magnificent caldera.

All good things must come to an end! After enjoying your last meal at Africa Safari Lake Manyara, it’s time to check out and prepare for your journey back to Arusha. Your driver-guide will meet you at the reception, and together you will embark on a relaxing two-hour drive back to Arusha. As you travel, reflect on the incredible memories you’ve made, from the thrill of witnessing the Big Five to the serene landscapes of Tanzania. By the time you reach Arusha, your heart and camera will be full of unforgettable moments from your African safari adventure.