7-Day Zawadi Safari – Treasures of the Savannah

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll be greeted by your Pita Safaris driver-guide with a warm smile and a cheerful “Karibu sana!”—Swahili for you’re most welcome.
Enjoy a scenic 1-hour transfer to Arusha, the safari hub of Northern Tanzania, passing by Mount Meru, rolling hills, and bustling local markets.

Check in at Kibo Palace Hotel, a midrange oasis with ensuite rooms, lush gardens, and a sparkling pool—perfect for unwinding after your flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore Arusha’s craft markets or simply relax with a refreshing drink by the pool. Dinner at the hotel features both Swahili and international cuisine, your first taste of Tanzanian hospitality.

Travel Tip: Arriving early? Ask your guide about visiting a Maasai cultural center or sampling world-renowned Tanzanian coffee.

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

After breakfast, set off for Lake Manyara National Park (~2.5 hours), passing banana plantations, coffee farms, and colorful villages.

Arrive at Kirurumu Manyara Lodge, perched dramatically on the Great Rift Valley escarpment. After lunch with panoramic views, head out on your first game drive. Explore Manyara’s soda lake fringed with flamingos, lush acacia forests, and grassy plains where elephants, giraffes, and hippos roam. Keep your eyes peeled for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions—a rare and magical sight.

Return to the lodge for dinner with sunset views over the valley.

Safari Highlight: Photograph lions lounging in fig trees—a wildlife encounter unique to Lake Manyara.

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

After breakfast, travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area en route to the legendary Serengeti National Park (~6 hours with stops). Pause at the Ngorongoro Crater rim for sweeping views before continuing into the endless plains.

The Seronera region offers some of Africa’s best year-round wildlife sightings—expect to encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and vast herds of wildebeest and zebra.

Arrive at Serengeti Heritage Camp, a classic tented camp that blends comfort with the raw beauty of the wild. Settle into your ensuite tent, then gather around the campfire for a delicious dinner under the glittering Serengeti night sky.

Safari Moment: Watch the sun sink over golden plains, painting the horizon in unforgettable hues.

Distance: ~250 km | Drive Time: ~6 hours (with stops)

Rise early for a sunrise game drive, the best time to spot predators on the move. Watch lion prides with playful cubs, cheetahs scanning the horizon, and elephants grazing in the soft morning light.

Return for a hearty breakfast (or enjoy a bush breakfast) before continuing your exploration of Seronera’s rivers, kopjes, and vast savannahs. Pause for a picnic lunch beneath shady acacias while wildlife roams nearby.

In the evening, unwind back at Serengeti Heritage Camp with a hot shower, a hearty dinner, and the sounds of the African night surrounding you.

Photography Tip: Early morning and golden-hour light create stunning wildlife portraits.

Another thrilling day in the Serengeti! Depending on the season, follow the Great Migration herds or focus on resident big cats with your expert guide.

Start with an early morning drive, returning for brunch, or enjoy a bush breakfast in the wild. In the afternoon, explore hidden valleys and predator-rich areas before heading back to camp.

This evening, celebrate your Serengeti adventure with a special bush dinner beneath the stars.

Optional Experience: Sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti plains (pre-booking required).

After breakfast, depart the Serengeti and journey toward the Ngorongoro Highlands (~4 hours). The scenery transforms from wide savannahs to lush, forested slopes with dramatic viewpoints.

Arrive at Ang’ata Ngorongoro Camp, set near the crater rim. Relax with a cup of chai, explore nearby walking trails, or engage with your guide about Maasai culture and traditions. Dinner is served in the cozy mess tent, with the cool highland air adding to the atmosphere.

Did You Know? The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, home to around 25,000 animals—including the endangered black rhino.

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

Today marks the grand finale of your safari. Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, often called Africa’s Eden, for one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife experiences. Encounter the Big Five, hippos wallowing in pools, flamingos on shimmering lakes, and—if lucky—black rhinos grazing in the distance.

Pause for a scenic picnic lunch before ascending the crater wall and beginning the return journey to Kilimanjaro International Airport (~6–7 hours). Guests extending their trip may overnight in Arusha.

Safari Reflection: From Lake Manyara’s flamingos to the Serengeti’s predators and Ngorongoro’s wildlife wonder, this journey captures the very soul of Northern Tanzania.

Distance: ~290 km | Drive Time: ~6–7 hours (including crater game drive)