12 Days Best of Tanzania Safari Experience

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly received by a professional driver-guide from Gorilla Quest Africa and transferred to Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s safari circuit. After check-in, relax in the comfort of your luxury lodge, surrounded by lush gardens and views of Mount Meru. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a guided nature walk or a soothing spa treatment to unwind after your journey. Arusha offers a tranquil atmosphere with an introduction to Tanzanian hospitality and culture before your adventure begins.

Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge, Gran Meliá Arusha, Mount Meru Hotel
Meals: (Dinner)

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After a leisurely breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, famous for its vast elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. The park is less crowded, making it ideal for an exclusive game viewing experience. You will enjoy a full-day game drive, spotting lions, leopards, giraffes, and a rich variety of birdlife. A gourmet bush picnic will be served in the heart of the park, offering spectacular views and a sense of connection with the wild. In the evening, check in to your luxury tented camp overlooking the Tarangire River for an elegant dinner under the stars.

Accommodation: Tarangire Treetops Lodge, Oliver’s Camp, Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Tarangire National Park – Full Day Game Drive

Spend a full day exploring the rich ecosystem of Tarangire, where seasonal swamps, savannahs, and ancient baobabs create a striking backdrop for wildlife photography. Early morning and late afternoon drives offer the best chances to spot predators on the move, while the park’s wetlands attract large numbers of elephants and buffalo. Between game drives, you may relax at your lodge or indulge in spa treatments and poolside luxury. The day concludes with a sundowner, where you can toast to the beauty of the African wilderness.

Accommodation: Tarangire Treetops Lodge, Oliver’s Camp, Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Lake Manyara National Park

This morning, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, renowned for its tree-climbing lions and vast flocks of flamingos. The park’s lush groundwater forest, open plains, and shimmering lake provide a stunning contrast to the drier Tarangire landscapes. You will enjoy a game drive with sightings of elephants, hippos, zebras, and giraffes, as well as a variety of primates. Afterward, relax at your lodge perched on the Rift Valley escarpment, offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.

Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, Escarpment Luxury Lodge, Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Drive to Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the world’s largest intact caldera and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Descend into the crater for a half-day game drive, where you can spot the Big Five including the endangered black rhino. The crater floor is teeming with wildlife, from wildebeest herds to prides of lions and large flocks of flamingos. Later, ascend to the crater rim for an overnight stay at a luxury lodge offering dramatic views of this natural wonder.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater – Full Exploration

Spend the entire day in Ngorongoro, often referred to as the “Garden of Eden” for its breathtaking scenery and dense wildlife populations. Morning drives may reveal lions on the hunt, while hippos wallow in the pools and elephants roam gracefully across the plains. The crater also offers unique opportunities to spot rare species like the serval cat and golden jackal. Enjoy a bush lunch within the crater before continuing your exploration. Return to your lodge in the evening to relax by the fireplace and enjoy fine dining.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Journey to Serengeti National Park

Today, drive to the world-famous Serengeti National Park, a vast wilderness that epitomizes the African safari dream. Along the way, you will pass through the Olduvai Gorge, a significant archaeological site where the earliest human remains were discovered. Once in the Serengeti, embark on an afternoon game drive across the endless plains, known for their predator populations and abundant wildlife. Your luxury lodge or tented camp offers sweeping views of the savannah, where wildlife roams freely near your doorstep.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp, Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Serengeti National Park – Full Day Safari

Enjoy a full day in the Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives. Depending on the season, you may witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the plains in search of fresh pastures. Even outside of migration season, the Serengeti teems with predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards. A bush lunch in the heart of the park adds to the thrill of the day. In the evening, relax at your camp with sundowners by the fire.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp, Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Serengeti National Park – Central to Northern Serengeti

After breakfast, continue your safari through the Serengeti as you move north, a region well known for dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration. The Mara River is a hotspot where predators like crocodiles and big cats lie in wait. Spend the day tracking wildlife across this dynamic ecosystem, with opportunities to spot elephants, giraffes, and migratory herds. Your luxury accommodation will immerse you in the sights and sounds of the Serengeti, with candlelit dinners under the African sky.

Accommodation: Sayari Camp, Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge, Mara River Tented Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10: Northern Serengeti – Full Day Game Drives

Dedicate this day to exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Northern Serengeti. The area is known for rolling hills, open woodlands, and abundant wildlife year-round. If visiting during migration, you may witness wildebeest herds attempting perilous river crossings. Predators are never far behind, and the region offers some of the best chances to see cheetahs in action. After a rewarding day of adventure, return to your luxury camp to enjoy gourmet cuisine and stargazing in the clear Serengeti night.

Accommodation: Sayari Camp, Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge, Mara River Tented Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11: Flight Back to Arusha

After a morning game drive, you will take a scenic flight back to Arusha, allowing you to appreciate Tanzania’s vast landscapes from above. Upon arrival, transfer to your luxury lodge for a day of leisure. You may choose to unwind by the pool, explore Arusha’s cultural attractions, or shop for high-quality Tanzanian handicrafts and souvenirs. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner as you reflect on the incredible memories made during your safari journey.

Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge, Gran Meliá Arusha, Mount Meru Hotel
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 12: Departure

On your final day, enjoy a relaxed breakfast before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a short excursion or a relaxing spa treatment at your lodge. Your driver-guide will ensure a smooth transfer, concluding your unforgettable 12 Days Best of Tanzania Safari Experience with Gorilla Quest Africa.

Meals: (Breakfast)

End of the 12 Days Best of Tanzania Safari Experience.