10 Days Best of African Tanzania Safari: A Journey Through Tanzania’s Wildlife and Landscapes

Embape on a thrilling 10-day safari across Tanzania’s most iconic national parks, where you will experience the best of Africa’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultures. This safari will take you from the lush highlands of the Ngorongoro Crater to the vast plains of the Serengeti and the stunning landscapes of Tarangire, offering a diverse range of safari experiences and unforgettable encounters with Africa’s incredible wildlife.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha, Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha, Tanzania’s safari hub. Arusha is a bustling city with a vibrant culture and offers a great starting point for your safari adventure. Spend the evening relaxing at your hotel and preparing for the exciting days ahead.

Highlights:

• Arrival in Arusha and transfer to your hotel.
• Evening at leisure to relax and acclimate.

Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge, Mount Meru Hotel, or similar.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its large herds of elephants and iconic baobab trees. Tarangire’s diverse landscapes include savannahs, swamps, and riverine forests, making it a prime destination for wildlife viewing. Enjoy an afternoon game drive where you can spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, and an array of bird species.

Highlights:

• Scenic drive to Tarangire National Park.
• Afternoon game drive to observe Tarangire’s wildlife and landscapes.

Accommodation: Tarangire Treetops, Tarangire Safari Lodge, or similar.

Day 3: Full Day in Tarangire National Park

Spend a full day exploring Tarangire National Park. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, discovering the park’s varied habitats and abundant wildlife. The park is especially renowned for its large elephant herds and impressive baobab trees, as well as its seasonal migration of wildebeest and zebra.

In the late afternoon, visit a local Maasai village to learn about their traditional lifestyle and customs.

Highlights:

• Full day of game drives in Tarangire National Park.
• Visit to a Maasai village for cultural insights.

Accommodation: Continue your stay at Tarangire Treetops, Tarangire Safari Lodge, or similar.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife destinations. The crater, formed by a collapsed volcano, is a natural haven for wildlife, with a diverse range of species inhabiting its floor. Enjoy an afternoon game drive within the crater, where you can spot lions, elephants, rhinos, hippos, and a variety of bird species.

Highlights:

• Scenic drive to the Ngorongoro Crater.
• Afternoon game drive inside the crater.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Rhino Lodge, or similar.

Day 5: Full Day in Ngorongoro Crater

Enjoy a full day exploring the Ngorongoro Crater with morning and afternoon game drives. The crater’s diverse habitats, including grasslands, forests, and wetlands, provide excellent opportunities to view a wide variety of wildlife. You may also visit a Maasai village near the crater for an immersive cultural experience.

Highlights:

• Full day of game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater.
• Optional visit to a Maasai village.

Accommodation: Continue your stay at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Rhino Lodge, or similar.

Day 6: Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, drive to the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s most famous wildlife reserve. The Serengeti is renowned for its expansive plains and high density of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). Enjoy an afternoon game drive as you enter the park and start exploring its diverse landscapes.

Highlights:

• Scenic drive to Serengeti National Park.
• Afternoon game drive to begin your exploration of the Serengeti.

Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Four Seasons Safari Lodge, or similar.

Day 7-8: Full Days in Serengeti National Park

Spend two full days in the Serengeti, enjoying morning and afternoon game drives to explore the park’s vast savannahs, kopjes (rock outcrops), and riverine woodlands. Depending on the time of year, you may witness the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing grounds. Even outside migration season, the Serengeti offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.

Highlights:

• Full days of game drives in the Serengeti, with opportunities to see the Great Migration (seasonal) and other wildlife.
• Optional hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti plains (available at an additional cost).

Accommodation: Continue your stay at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Four Seasons Safari Lodge, or similar.

Day 9: Drive to Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a diverse park known for its alkaline lake, lush forest, and abundant wildlife. Enjoy an afternoon game drive around the lake, where you can spot flamingos, hippos, elephants, and other wildlife. Lake Manyara is also famous for its tree-climbing lions and rich birdlife.

Highlights:

• Scenic drive to Lake Manyara National Park.
• Afternoon game drive with opportunities to see flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and other wildlife.

Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, Manyara Tree Lodge, or similar.

Day 10: Return to Arusha and Departure

After a final morning game drive in Lake Manyara, drive back to Arusha. Depending on your departure time, you may have the opportunity to visit the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre for some last-minute shopping and souvenirs. You will then be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your 10-day Best of African Tanzania Safari.

Highlights:

• Final game drive in Lake Manyara National Park.
• Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure.

Safari Experience Highlights

• Tarangire National Park: Known for its large elephant herds, baobab trees, and diverse wildlife.
• Ngorongoro Crater: A natural wonder with a high density of wildlife in a unique volcanic caldera.
• Serengeti National Park: Famous for its expansive plains, diverse wildlife, and the Great Migration.
• Lake Manyara National Park: A diverse park with a high concentration of birdlife and unique tree-climbing lions.
• Luxury Accommodations: Stay in some of Tanzania’s finest lodges and camps, offering comfort and stunning views of the wilderness.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides will enhance your safari experience with their expertise in wildlife and ecosystems.

Best Time to Visit

• Tarangire and Lake Manyara: Best visited during the dry season from June to October for optimal wildlife sightings.
• Ngorongoro Crater: Offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round, but the dry season provides easier game viewing.
• Serengeti National Park: The Great Migration typically occurs from July to October, but the Serengeti offers exceptional wildlife viewing year-round.

Conclusion

This 10-day Best of African Tanzania Safari offers an exceptional journey through Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations. From the lush landscapes of Tarangire and Ngorongoro to the vast plains of the Serengeti and the unique features of Lake Manyara, this safari promises an unforgettable African adventure filled with wildlife encounters, stunning scenery, and luxurious accommodations.