6-Day Nyota Safari – Star Paths of the Wild

Distance: ~55 km | Drive Time: ~1 hour

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a professional Pita Safaris driver-guide will greet you with a warm smile and a personalized welcome sign. After a short briefing, enjoy a comfortable transfer to Arusha, the bustling gateway to Tanzania's northern safari circuit. Along the way, soak in the views of Mount Meru and the surrounding lush coffee plantations.

Tonight, you will unwind at the elegant Kibo Palace Hotel, a midrange property offering spacious rooms, a serene garden, and a refreshing swimming pool. After settling in, take time to relax from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a leisurely walk in town or sip a cocktail by the pool.

Your first Tanzanian dinner is served at the hotel restaurant, which blends local flavors with international cuisine. This peaceful evening prepares you for the thrilling Tanzania wildlife safari ahead.

Distance: ~130 km | Drive Time: ~2.5–3 hours

After a delicious breakfast, depart Arusha and journey through the picturesque countryside to Lake Manyara National Park. As you descend the Rift Valley escarpment, you'll be greeted by panoramic views of the lake's shimmering waters. Upon arrival, begin your game drive through the park’s diverse landscapes, which include groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, and open lake shores.

Lake Manyara is home to rich wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and the rare tree-climbing lions. Bird enthusiasts will be amazed by the spectacle of pink flamingos, pelicans, and hundreds of other avian species along the lake's edge. Enjoy a bush picnic lunch in a shaded area, taking in the peaceful sounds of nature.

In the afternoon, exit the park and ascend the escarpment to reach Kirurumu Manyara Lodge. This charming midrange lodge is perched above the valley and offers stunning sunset views and cozy ensuite cottages. After freshening up, gather for dinner in the open-air dining area and reflect on your first full day of midrange safari Tanzania.

Distance: ~250 km | Drive Time: ~5–6 hours

Today you head toward one of Africa's most legendary destinations: Serengeti National Park. After breakfast, drive through the scenic highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, spotting Maasai bomas and grazing cattle as you climb into the rolling hills.

After a stop at the Naabi Hill Gate for registration and panoramic views, enter the Serengeti and enjoy a thrilling game drive en route to your camp. This region, known as Seronera, is famed for its rich concentration of wildlife and predators. Keep your camera ready for elephants, giraffes, lions, and possibly leopards resting in acacia trees.

Arrive in the afternoon at Serengeti Heritage Camp, a midrange tented camp set in a wildlife-rich area of Central Serengeti. The camp features ensuite tents with cozy beds and solar lighting. After a warm shower and some rest, join fellow travelers around the campfire for stories and dinner beneath the African stars.

Rise early for a sunrise game drive across the golden plains of Central Serengeti. This is prime time for predator activity, and you might witness lions on the hunt, cheetahs sprinting after gazelles, or hyenas scavenging near fresh kills.

Spend the day exploring the Seronera Valley, an area with year-round water sources that attract vast herds of herbivores and their predators. Depending on the season, you might also witness part of the Great Migration—a natural phenomenon involving over a million wildebeest and zebras on the move.

Enjoy a picnic lunch under a shady acacia tree while elephants graze in the distance. In the afternoon, visit hippo pools, lookout points, and granite kopjes where lions often rest. Return to Serengeti Heritage Camp in the evening for a hearty dinner and time to relax under the star-filled Serengeti sky.

Distance: ~150 km | Drive Time: ~4–5 hours

After a final game drive in the Serengeti at sunrise, enjoy breakfast back at camp and then begin your journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive offers a last look at the Serengeti's expansive plains before ascending into the forested highlands.

Arrive in the late afternoon at Ang’ata Ngorongoro Camp, located near the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. This comfortable midrange tented camp offers ensuite bathrooms, cozy bedding, and sweeping views of the surrounding forests. Wildlife often roams close to the camp, including zebras and buffaloes.

Take the afternoon to rest, enjoy the cool mountain air, or go on a short nature walk with a guide. Dinner is served in the dining tent, and the crisp evening is perfect for early sleep ahead of your early morning Ngorongoro Crater safari.

Drive Time: ~5–6 hours to JRO

Wake before sunrise for a thrilling descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most wildlife-dense areas on earth. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the Big Five, including elusive black rhinos, lions, buffaloes, elephants, and leopards.

Explore the crater floor’s unique ecosystems, from acacia woodlands to soda lakes filled with flamingos. Your guide will take you to prime spots for viewing hippos, jackals, and large prides of lions. Around midday, enjoy a scenic picnic lunch near a hippo pool while taking in the sounds of nature.

After lunch, begin your ascent out of the crater and journey back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward flight. Depending on timing and preferences, you can also pre-arrange a day room or extra night in Arusha.