This itinerary includes Tarangire National Park(1N), known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees; Lake Natron(1N), where you’ll enjoy scenic hikes, waterfalls, and flocks of flamingos; Central Serengeti(2N), a haven for big cats and varied wildlife; and Ngorongoro Crater(1N), renowned for its breathtaking views and high wildlife density, before returning back to Arusha.
This itinerary includes Arusha to Zanzibar(3N), a post-safari beach haven with spice tours, marine life, and cultural excursions, before dropping-off at Zanzibar Airport.
Short itinerary
- Day 1 - Arusha to Tarangire. Game drives at Tarangire
- Day 2 - Transfer to Lake Natron (Bird Watching/ Flamingo Walk)
- Day 3 - Optional short hike to Ngare sero waterfalls and proceed to Central Serengeti with short enroute game drives in Serengeti
- Day 4 - Central Serengeti full day game drives
- Day 5 - Morning game drives in Central Serengeti and transfer to Ngorongoro/Karatu
- Day 6 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 hours) and transfer to Arusha. Arusha to Zanzibar (Flight : Flightlink - Departs from Arusha at 18:30 hrs and arrives in Zanzibar at 19:45 hrs approx.) - Stay at beach hotel
- Day 7 - Zanzibar - Stay at beach hotel
- Day 8 - Zanzibar - Stay at beach hotel
- Day 9 - Zanzibar to Zanzibar airport Drop off
Note
- If Flightlink flights are not available for your travel dates, we will suggest alternative flight options with change in price.
Full itinerary
Day 1 - Arusha to Tarangire
Pick up at 7:30 AM from your hotel in Arusha and depart for Tarangire National Park with a picnic lunch for a full day game drive. Tanzania’s third largest National park is known for its majestic baobab trees that dot the landscape, dwarfing the animals that feed beneath them. The Tarangire River is the centerpiece of this park which is famous for some of the largest herds of elephants in Africa. Here you may see lion, leopard, cheetah, lesser kudu, buffalo, Oryx, eland, giraffe and zebra. Post the game drive, you will head back to your camp/lodge where a delicious dinner awaits you.
Day 2 - Lake Natron
Your day will begin after breakfast by about 8:00 AM. We depart with packed lunch boxes towards Lake Natron. Located about 3.5 hours drive away from Mto Wa Mbu/Manyara, Lake Natron is a surreal destination and unique natural spectacle. Its waters are highly alkaline and are unusually shallow, averaging just one meter in depth. After checking into your lodge and a short break, put your walking shoes on as a Maasai tribesman takes you on a walk around the shores of Lake Natron on the lookout for birds, especially the lesser flamingos. Lake Natron is the most important and regular breeding site for lesser flamingos in East Africa hosting up to 2 million of them during the breeding season. The majority of egg-laying and hatching takes place from September to January. After the hike, you will head back to your camp/lodge for a well deserved dinner and rest.
Day 3 - Lake Natron to Central Serengeti
Your day starts early. Around 6:00 AM, accompanied by a Maasai guide, enjoy some light hiking to the nearby Ngare Sero waterfalls and relax in the cool spray of water cascading down the rocks of this scenic ravine. Make sure to bring your shoes! We return to accommodation by 8:30 AM and finishing up a good breakfast, will head out towards the Serengeti National Park. This road trip takes through variety of sites: towns and villages, savannah and forest, and you’ll be able to spot animals like antelope, wildebeest and zebra. We enter Serengeti in the afternoon. The Serengeti is arguably the most impressive wildlife sanctuary in the world. You will have an afternoon game drive in the endless plains of the Serengeti for a chance to see the great herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles or a pride of lions lounging in the shade. A picnic lunch will be done during the day long game drive itself. The eventful day comes to an end with dinner and a good night’s rest in your accommodation.
Day 4 - Central Serengeti
You can either have a relaxed breakfast and depart for full day game drives around 9:00 AM with packed lunch and return back to lodge late afternoon around 6:00 PM. Or you can depart at 6:00 AM on an early morning game drive. Later return to accommodation for breakfast and relax for a bit and depart on an afternoon game drive with packed lunch. You will explore the central portion of the Serengeti National Park today. The legendary Serengeti National Park is the most renowned safari destination for its incredible population of lions and leopards. The central portion of the Serengeti - known as Seronera area is one of the richest wildlife habitats in the park. It features the Seronera River, which provides a valuable water source to this area and therefore attracts wildlife well representative of most of the Serengeti’s species. During the off season of the migration, one must really look out for the many lion pride that thrive in this region. The interactions and survival of these lion pride provide an excellent game viewing experience all year round. Along with a picnic lunch during the full day game drive, the day will come to a close by around 5PM. The long day comes to an end with a good dinner and a good night’s rest in your accommodation.
Day 5 - Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro
After breakfast around 6:30 AM, you will depart with a packed lunch from the camp and have a morning game drive in Serengeti National Park till lunch time. There are several game drive circuits in Central Serengeti and depending on what you have already seen on your safari and your interests, your guide will take you to game drives at one or more of these circuits. You are very likely to see a good number of big cats, especially lions, along with a diverse array of other wildlife. In the afternoon depart for Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Depending on your choice of accommodation, you will be either staying inside Ngorongoro conservation area or exiting from Ngorongoro and staying at a lodge in Karatu. The day comes to an end with a good dinner and a good night’s rest in your accommodation.
Day 6 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 hours) to Arusha
On the last day of your safari, you will have an early start. Finishing up with a quick breakfast you will make an early descent at around 6:30 AM into the crater floor. The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest inactive, intact and unfilled volcanic caldera. It has a massive floor of about 260 sq kms with a depth of over 2000 feet. The 5-hour game drive on the crater floor will show you a lot of animal action. Keeping the camera ready is definitely recommended. The African elephant, buffalo, Black rhino, Hippos, Hyenas, Cheetahs and Lions are found in plenty. Post the picnic lunch at the beautiful Hippo pool, you will begin a steep ascend to the top exit of the crater. This is the last leg of your safari, with a 4hr drive left to Arusha. You will be dropped off to your preferred location in Arusha by 6:00 PM in the evening. With an incredible experience and loads of memories to cherish, this is the time you bid goodbye to your team.
Maps
Day 7-8 - Zanzibar - Stay at beach hotel
Zanzibar beach hotels offer a mix of relaxation and adventure. Guests can enjoy beach volleyball, water aerobics, snorkeling, diving, or surf lessons, while those seeking calm can relax at the spa, lounge by the pool, or take island excursions. It’s best to check tide times and book activities through the hotel for safety. Whether you want fun or peace, Zanzibar’s resorts have something for everyone.
Inclusions
- Daily game drives while on Safari.4×4 Land Cruiser.Park Fees (for Non-Residents).
- A professional English speaking driver/ guide.
- Concession/ Camping Fees.
- Drinking water while on safari (2 litres per person per day).
- Arusha to Zanzibar flight.
- Airport transfers.
- All Taxes and VAT.
- Meals as per itinerary.
Exclusions
Personal Items (Souvenirs, Travel Insurance, Visa Fees, etc.).
Government imposed increase of Taxes and or Park Fees.
Airport Transfers (Unless mentioned otherwise).
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour (Unless mentioned otherwise).
Tips
International flights.
Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Weather Information
Tarangire
In October, Tarangire, Tanzania typically experiences warm and dry weather. Average daytime temperatures usually range from 27°C to 32°C (81°F to 90°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). Rainfall is generally low, with occasional short rains beginning towards the end of the month. The landscape remains mostly dry but is often starting to show signs of the upcoming rainy season, leading to lush greenery as October progresses. This time of year is popular for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources.
Lake Manyara
In October, Lake Manyara, Tanzania typically experiences warm and dry weather. The average daytime temperatures range from about 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F).
Rainfall is generally low during this month, as it is towards the end of the dry season, and you can expect clear skies with plenty of sunshine. Humidity levels may start to rise as the region approaches the short rainy season, which usually begins in November. Overall, October is considered a good time for wildlife viewing in the area, as animals are often concentrated around water sources.
North Serengeti
In October, the North Serengeti region of Tanzania typically experiences warm weather as it enters the dry season. Historical averages indicate daytime temperatures often range from about 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).
Rainfall during this month is generally low, making it a popular time for wildlife viewing, as animals tend to congregate around available water sources. The skies are usually clear, providing excellent conditions for outdoor activities and photography. Overall, October is considered a pleasant time to visit the North Serengeti.
Lake Natron
In October, Lake Natron, Tanzania typically experiences warm to hot weather. The average temperatures usually range from about 25°C (77°F) during the night to around 35°C (95°F) during the day. This period is part of the dry season, so rainfall is minimal, and the humidity levels are generally lower. The region can have sunny skies with very limited cloud cover. Overall, October tends to be characterized by dry heat, making it a good time for outdoor activities in the area.
NCA
In October, the typical weather for NCA (Ngorongoro Conservation Area) in Tanzania is characterized by warm temperatures and the onset of the short rainy season. Historical averages indicate daytime temperatures generally range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F).
October often sees an increase in humidity and occasional rain showers, particularly towards the end of the month, as the region transitions into the rainy season. Overall, it’s a time when wildlife is quite active, making it a popular month for visitors.
Karatu
In October, Karatu, Tanzania typically experiences a warm climate as it transitions from the dry season to the rainy season. Historical averages indicate temperatures generally range from around 15°C (59°F) at night to about 28°C (82°F) during the day.
Rainfall in October is usually limited but can increase as the month progresses, with average precipitation around 30-50 mm. Humidity levels begin to rise, and occasional afternoon showers may occur towards the end of the month as the region approaches the short rainy season. Overall, the weather is generally sunny with a mix of warm days and cool nights.
Central Serengeti
In October, the typical weather in Central Serengeti, Tanzania features warm temperatures and relatively dry conditions as the region transitions from the dry season towards the short rainy season. Average daytime temperatures usually range from around 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to about 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).
Rainfall during this month is generally limited, with averages typically around 20-30 mm, and it’s common to have a few short, afternoon showers as the month progresses. October is also characterized by lower humidity levels, making it a pleasant time for wildlife viewing, with many animals still easily visible as they gather around water sources.
Addons
Add-on tours in Serengeti
Hot Air Balloon Ride: USD 540 per person
Rhino Tracking: USD 130 per person
Short Walking Tour (upto 4 hours): USD 45 per person
Long Walking Tour (upto 6 hours): USD 60 per person
Add-on tours in Ngorongoro
Masai Village Tour: USD 25 per person
Olduvai Gorge museum visit: USD 35 per person
Ngorongoro Crater Rim Hike: USD 35 per person
Add-on tours in Tarangire
Hot Air Balloon Ride: USD 540 per person
Short Walking Tour (upto 4 hours): USD 45 per person
Long Walking Tour (upto 6 hours): USD 60 per person
Night Game Drives (for clients staying inside): USD 100-200 per person depending on lodge
Add-on tours in Karatu
Coffee Plantation Tour: USD 20 per person
Iraqw Village Tour: USD 25 per person
Endoro Falls & Elephant Caves visit: USD 35 per person