7-Day Tanzania Safari: Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro - Pita Safaris
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha - Gateway to Safari Wonders
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, the excitement and anticipation for your Tanzanian safari will be palpable. A representative of Pita Safaris will warmly welcome you and provide a swift transfer to your accommodation in Arusha. Nestled beneath the towering peaks of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro, Arusha is the beating heart of Tanzania's safari industry. After checking in, take the evening to rest and acclimate to the serene surroundings of this bustling town. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at your lodge and relax under the starlit African sky, as tomorrow marks the beginning of your epic safari journey.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Arusha Planet Lodge, Lower Mid-Range: Kibo Palace Hotel, Mid-Range: The African Tulip Hotel, Semi-Luxury: Arusha Serena Hotel, Luxury: The Glan Melia Hotel
Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park - A Biosphere Reserve
Awake refreshed and ready for your first safari adventure. After breakfast, we set out for Lake Manyara National Park, a gem within the Great Rift Valley known for its diverse ecosystems and famous tree-climbing lions. The drive from Arusha introduces you to the Tanzanian countryside, dotted with Maasai villages and vibrant markets. Upon arrival at the park, indulge in a picnic lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive. The park's compact size means wildlife encounters are plentiful, with elephants, giraffes, hippos, and a plethora of bird species, including the pink-hued flamingos, adorning the alkaline lake. As dusk falls, we journey to our accommodation where the sounds of the African night lull you into a peaceful slumber.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Manyara Safari Lodge, Lower Mid-Range: Lake Manyara Tortilis Camp, Mid-Range: Kirurumu Manyara Lodge, Semi-Luxury: Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, Luxury: Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge
Day 3: Serengeti National Park - The Endless Plains
The third day heralds an early start as we venture towards the iconic Serengeti National Park. The name 'Serengeti' derives from the Maasai language, meaning 'endless plains', and as you enter these vast grasslands, you'll understand why. The drive to the park itself is part of the adventure; you'll pass through changing landscapes and may even spot wildlife along the way. Lunch will be enjoyed en route, maximizing our time for exploration. Upon entering the Serengeti, you'll be greeted by an expanse that seems to stretch into eternity, teeming with wildlife. Your afternoon game drive provides a chance to spot herds of wildebeest, zebra, and an abundance of predators in their natural habitat. As the sun sets with a fiery glow, retreat to the comfort of your chosen camp or lodge for a night of storytelling and stargazing.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Serengeti Heritage Luxury Camp, Lower Mid-Range: Serengeti Tortilis Camp, Mid-Range: Serengeti Wilderness Camp, Semi-Luxury: Serengeti Serena Lodge, Luxury: Melia Serengeti Lodge
Day 4: Serengeti National Park - A Full Day of Discovery
With a full day in the Serengeti, the opportunities for wildlife sightings are exceptional. We begin with a morning game drive, where the savanna's early light offers some of the best photography conditions and animal activity. After a refreshing breakfast in the bush, we continue our game viewing, seeking out the park's famous residents, including leopards, cheetahs, and lions. Your guide, with an expert eye and understanding of animal behaviors, will ensure a rich safari experience. After a leisurely lunch and some rest back at your accommodation, the late afternoon game drive awaits. This time is perfect for catching the movement of animals as the day cools. The symphony of the wild will accompany your dinner, rounding off another day in the heart of Africa's wilderness.
Following an exciting day of game drives, your driver will drop you off safely at your Serengeti accommodation for another restful night (see above). Enjoy a drink, unwind, eat, and sleep while in the Serengeti wildness. How could it get any better?
Day 5: Serengeti Sunrise and Voyage to Ngorongoro Crater
As the golden rays of dawn break over the Serengeti, your fifth day with Pita Safaris begins with an invigorating morning game drive. In the cool, early hours, you're in a prime position to witness the Serengeti come to life. The roars of lions punctuate the still air while elephants roam majestically across the plains. After capturing these magical moments and a hearty breakfast amidst the wild, we'll embark on a scenic journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive itself is a spectacle, with the African landscape sprawling endlessly. Upon arrival at the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, prepare to be awed by the panoramic views before settling in for a restful night, serenaded by the nocturnal symphony of the African bush.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge, Lower Mid-Range: Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp, Mid-Range: Ngorongoro Angata Camp, Semi-Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Luxury: Ngorongoro Lions Paw Camp
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater – A Wildlife Haven
The sixth day is one of discovery within the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater. After breakfast with a view, we descend 600 meters into this magnificent crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site that serves as a haven for wildlife. Here, amidst the vast expanses of the crater floor, you'll encounter a dense concentration of wildlife including the Big Five. The unique ecosystem thrives with lions, elephants, rhinos, and an array of birdlife against the backdrop of the crater walls. A picnic lunch by the hippo-filled pond gives you a chance to reflect on the morning's sightings before continuing the afternoon drive. Later, as the sun dips below the horizon, we retreat to the comfort of our accommodation in the nearby town of Karatu, a peaceful oasis on the crater's edge.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Country Lodge Karatu, Lower Mid-Range: Ngorongoro Farm House, Mid-Range: Acacia Farm House, Semi-Luxury: Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge, Luxury: The Manor at Ngorongoro
Day 7: Karatu to Arusha – Farewell to Tanzania
On your final day with Pita Safaris, we gently transition from the wild serenity of Karatu to the bustling energy of Arusha. After a leisurely breakfast and perhaps some last-minute souvenir shopping at a local craft market, our journey back to Arusha begins. The drive back is filled with reflections of the unforgettable memories created over the past week. Arriving in Arusha, we'll share a farewell lunch, commemorating the end of our Tanzanian adventure. Finally, with hearts full of Africa, we transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) for your flight back home, where you'll carry the spirit of Tanzania with you forever.
Inclusions:
- All accommodation as detailed in a double occupancy room, with private facilities.
- All meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, prepared by expert chefs.
- Park fees and conservation charges for all national parks and reserves visited.
- Expert safari drivers/guides who will accompany you throughout your journey.
- Game drives in 4x4 safari vehicles, offering optimal wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Bottled water during game drives
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
- All government taxes and levies
Exclusions:
- International flights and visas.
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended).
- Optional activities or experiences not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti with a bush breakfast experience.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, laundry, items of a personal nature.
- Tips and gratuities for safari guide and camp/lodge staff.
Important to Know:
- Children aged between 0-2 years are free of charge.
- Children aged 3-12 years pay 50% of the adult rate when sharing the same room with adults
- Children between 3-12 years pay 75% of the adult rate when staying in their separate room from adults
- Children 13 years and above are recognized as adults
