9-Day Tanzania Safari: Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
"The Gateway to Tanzanian Wonders"
Upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, your Pita Safaris experience begins. A representative will greet you with the warm hospitality Tanzania is known for and escort you to your accommodation in Arusha. As you settle into the vibrant city at the foot of Mount Meru, take the evening to rest and anticipate the wild beauty that awaits you.
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: Tarangire National Park
"The Splendor of Baobabs and Wildlife"
Your safari kicks off with a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobab trees and large elephant herds. Spend the day on a game drive, marveling at the diverse wildlife, including lions, giraffes, and zebras, against the backdrop of the Tarangire River.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge, Lower Mid-Range: Tarangire Tortilis Camp, Mid-Range: Tarangire Safari Lodge, Semi-Luxury: Tarangire Sopa Lodge, Luxury: Lemala Mpingo Ridge Tented Lodge
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park
"A Flamingo-Fringed Lake Amidst Forests"
Depart to the picturesque Lake Manyara National Park, nestled at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment. Explore the lush groundwater forests, grassy plains, and alkaline lake teeming with flamingos and over 400 bird species. Keep an eye out for the park's famous tree-climbing lions during your game drive.
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 4: Serengeti National Park
"Into the Vastness of the Serengeti"
Prepare for an awe-inspiring journey to the Serengeti National Park. With a packed lunch in hand, traverse the changing landscapes en route to the endless plains that are home to the Great Migration and an abundance of iconic African wildlife. Your first game drive in the Serengeti sets the stage for the incredible days to follow.
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 5: Serengeti National Park
"A Full Day in the Wild Heart of Africa"
Dedicate your day to exploring the Serengeti, a sanctuary of wildlife and natural wonders. From dawn to dusk, you'll have ample opportunities to witness predators in action, gentle giraffes grazing, and the harmonious rhythm of life on the savannah during your full-day game drive.
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 6: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
"A Morning with the Serengeti and Descending into the Crater"
Enjoy a morning game drive in the Serengeti before venturing to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend 600 meters to the crater floor for an afternoon game drive among the dense concentration of wildlife in this natural amphitheater, before retiring to your lodge perched on the crater's rim.
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 7: Lake Eyasi
"Cultural Encounters with the Datoga Tribe"
Leave the highlands behind as you travel to the shores of Lake Eyasi. Here, you'll visit the Datoga tribe, known for their skilled blacksmithing. Immerse yourself in their culture and learn about their traditional way of life, providing a poignant contrast to the wildlife-focused days prior.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Tindinga Tented Camp, Lower Mid-Range: Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge, Mid-Range: Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge, Semi-Luxury: Ziwani Lodge, Luxury: Kisima Ngeda Camp
Day 8: Lake Eyasi to Karatu
"The Hadzabe Hunter-Gatherers and Local Craftsmanship"
The day begins with a visit to the Hadzabe community, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes. Participate in their morning routines and visit a local blacksmith to witness the crafting of tools. Later, depart to Karatu for a restful evening amidst the tranquil Tanzanian highlands.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Country Lodge Karatu, Lower Mid-Range: Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge, Mid-Range: Ngorongoro Farm House, Semi-Luxury: Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge, Luxury: The Manor at Ngorongoro
Day 9: Karatu to Arusha - Departure
"Authentic Tanzanian Farewell"
Your final day starts with the vibrant colors and sounds of Karatu's local markets. Engage with the Maasai community, savor Tanzanian cuisine, and collect souvenirs. After these rich cultural exchanges, you'll return to Arusha, where a comfortable transfer will escort you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your journey home.
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
