Day 1: Tarangire National Park
WEDNESDAY: ARUSHA – TARANGIRE
At 14:00 hrs, collected from your Arusha Hotel and depart for Tarangire National Park famous for its large population of elephants.
On entrance to Tarangire National Park commence game viewing to culminate in TARANGIRE SOPA LODGE for dinner and overnight.
Arusha
Arusha is a vibrant and scenic city in northern Tanzania, often referred to as the “Safari Capital of East Africa.” Nestled at the foot of Mount Meru, Arusha enjoys a cool, pleasant climate and lush green surroundings.
The city serves as the main gateway to Tanzania’s world-famous safari circuit, including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire National Park.
Culturally, Arusha reflects a blend of Maasai, Meru, and other Tanzanian communities, with lively local markets, craft centers and coffee plantations in the surrounding highlands. Visitors can explore attractions such as the Arusha National Park, Cultural Heritage Centre, Arusha Clock Tower, and local coffee tours.
Overall, Arusha combines natural beauty, cultural richness and strategic importance, making it both a key starting point for safaris and a charming destination in its own right.
Tarangire National Park
Situated in northern Tanzania, Tarangire National Park is a breathtaking safari destination famed for its dramatic landscapes and exceptional wildlife. Dominated by ancient baobab trees and the life-giving Tarangire River, the park provides sanctuary for vast herds of elephants, zebra, and wildebeest, alongside smaller groups of giraffe and impala, especially during the dry season when animals gather in extraordinary numbers. Travellers can look forward to thrilling game drives that reveal lion, leopard, and even cheetah, together with more than 500 bird species that make the skies shimmer with colour and sound. Unlike busier safari parks, Tarangire offers a more tranquil, intimate atmosphere, allowing visitors to truly connect with nature. Its sweeping vistas, rich biodiversity, and sense of untamed wilderness make it an unmissable highlight of any Tanzanian adventure.
Day 2: Serengeti National Park
THURSDAY: TARANGIRE - SERENGETI
After an early breakfast at the Lodge, head out for further game viewing drive to capture the breadth and width of Tarangire National Park.
Thereafter, exit Tarangire National Park and depart for Serengeti National Park.
Lunch will be a picnic so as to commence game viewing immediately upon entering the Park.
Arrive at ENKIRARI WILDERNESS CAMP / ZAWADI CAMPs located in central Serengeti in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti, together with Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Park, constitute Africa's most famous wildlife park, spread over the enthralling landscapes of northern Tanzania. This is a precious ecosystem, supporting the annual wildebeest migration through the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. The largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet involves more than a million animals following the rains, including more than 1.5 million white-bearded wildebeest and 250 000 zebras. Prides of lions, as well as groups of elephants, giraffes, gazelles, and eland, roam among the photogenic vast grass plains between weird-and-wonderful-looking acacia trees. Aside from traditional vehicle safaris, hot-air ballooning over the Serengeti plains and horse riding safaris are on offer.
Day 3: Serengeti National Park
FRIDAY: SERENGETI
Full day of game viewing at Serengeti National Park.
This day you have 02 choices:
Full day game viewing with picnic lunch boxes
OR
Sunrise and sunset game drives returning to the Lodge for lunch.
In Serengeti you will have the opportunity to sight the big five: the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino.
All meals and overnight at ENKIRARI WILDERNESS CAMP / ZAWADI CAMPs.
Day 4: Karatu
SATURDAY: SERENGETI – NGORONGORO - KARATU
Early Breakfast at the Lodge.
Depart for Ngorongoro Conservation area to arrive at 10:30 hrs, on arrival descend to the bottom of the crater for a crater tour.
A truly unique wildlife experience.
Lunch will be picnic.
In the afternoon, ascend and exit the crater and drive to the nearby Karatu Highlands for dinner and overnight at KARATU SIMBA LODGE / MARERA VALLEY / COUNTRY LODGE.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Situated in the Crater Highlands in Northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is best known for its archaeological and geological significance, rich wildlife, and beautiful scenery. The conservation area encompasses the famous Crater, the renowned Olduvai Gorge and vast plains of grasslands, forests and mountains extending to the Serengeti. This 8000-square-kilometre protected area is recognised for its natural beauty and has been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visitors flock here to soak up the spectacular views of the Ngorongoro Crater, voted as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, it is famed for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Popular activities include: mountain biking, hiking, game drives, bush walks, and visiting a local Maasai village.
Karatu
Travellers heading for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater will pass through the town of Karatu in the green hills of Tanzania’s northern highlands. Presided over by the towering Ol Deani Volcano, this small, colourful town serves as a popular overnight stop for visitors exploring the area’s many game parks. The town offers a variety of activities including browsing the bustling marketplace, sampling beer at a local brewery, visiting a traditional homestead, or taking a guided walk through the Ngorongoro Forest in search of waterfalls and caves. Whether you are looking for cultural tours, hiking and biking opportunities, a chance to enjoy an authentic rural Tanzania experience, or simply a break between safari game drives, this underrated town has plenty to offer.
Day 5: Karatu
SUNDAY: KARATU /LAKE MANYARA
Breakfast at the Lodge.
Thereafter, head to Lake Manyara National Park for a game viewing drive.
Lunch will be a picnic.
In the afternoon return to KARATU SIMBA LODGE / MARERA VALLEY / COUNTRY LODGE for dinner and overnight.
Lake Manyara National Park
Situated in Tanzania’s central-northern region with the Lake Manyara to its east and the Manyara Escarpment to its west, the Lake Manyara National Park offers breathtaking views and a large variety of habitats supporting an array of wildlife. This small park is home to surprising biodiversity and features a magnificent landscape of acacia woodlands, forests, baobab strewn cliffs, algae-streaked hot springs, swamps and the lake itself. The park supports over 400 species of bird and the largest concentration of baboons anywhere in the world. Other species to spot include giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, warthog, the Cape clawless otter, and the Egyptian mongoose. Don’t miss the opportunity to see thousands of flamingos on the lake, the renowned tree-climbing lions, and large families of elephants strolling through the forest.
Day 6: Nairobi
MONDAY: KARATU – NAMANGA - NAIROBI
Breakfast at the Lodge.
Commence your return drive to Arusha, arriving in time for lunch at a hotel in Arusha.
At 14:00 hours, pick up by a regular shuttle bus and depart for Nairobi via Namanga border post where you will make a stop for customs and immigration formalities before proceeding to Nairobi in the same bus.
(Please note that this is based on use of a public shuttle bus and in case this is not available clients will be given an option of a flight or Private Road transfer at a supplementary cost)
Drop off will be at EKA HOTEL for overnight. (Meals not included)
Nairobi
Situated along the Nairobi River in beautiful Kenya, the capital of Nairobi is East Africa's most cosmopolitan city. It serves as an excellent starting point for African safari trips around Kenya. Nairobi is Africa’s 4th largest city and is a vibrant and exciting place to be. There are some fascinating attractions: its cafe culture, unbridled nightlife, the National Museum, the Karen Blixen Museum and most notably, just 20 minutes from the city centre, wild lions and buffalo roam in the world’s only urban game reserve. Make sure you pay a visit to the elephant orphanage operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for a once in a lifetime experience.
Day 7: Lake Nakuru
TUESDAY: NAIROBI – LAKE NAKURU
At 08:00hrs commence your safari, driving due west out of Nairobi, ascending to the edge of the Great Rift Valley, for a dramatic and panoramic descent, down the Great Rift Valley escarpment, to the floor below.
Continue along the Rift Valley Floor to Lake Nakuru National Park.
On entrance to the Park, brief game viewing drive enroute to the Lodge for lunch.
Further game viewing drive late afternoon, in this most popular bird viewing area, with guaranteed rhino sighting!
Thereafter return to LAKE NAKURU SOPA LODGE for dinner and overnight.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Located in the Great Rift Valley surrounded by yellow acacia woodlands and bushy shrublands, the Lake Nakuru National Park was created to protect the Lake and its large flocks of Lesser Flamingo, which are drawn to the algae that flourish in the saline waters of this soda lake. The national park is inhabited by over 50 mammal species including hippo, black and white rhino, Rothschild giraffe, buffalo and eland. Known as a bird watcher’s paradise, the park is home to over 450 bird species. Visitors can look forward to hiking through the scenic landscape, picnicking next to this magnificent lake, and spotting an array of wildlife on a game drive. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the beautiful Makalia Waterfall.
Day 8: Maasai Mara National Reserve
WEDNESDAY: NAKURU – MAASAI MARA
After breakfast, depart (at 07:30 hrs.) for the world famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, driving along the Rift Valley floor, via Mai Mahiu Town, where you turn left towards the Maasai Mara – going past Narok Town (the Maasai Capital).
Arrive at the Lodge in time for lunch.
Afternoon game viewing drive (at 16:00 hrs.) in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, generally acclaimed as the finest game viewing area in the world!
Dinner and overnight at MARA SOPA LODGE.
Maasai Mara
Situated in southwestern Kenya, the Masai Mara encompasses the celebrated national reserve and its surrounding community conservancies, forming part of the Greater Serengeti–Mara ecosystem. Rolling savannahs, dotted with acacia trees and crossed by the Mara River, create a rich and varied landscape. Vast herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope graze across the plains, while elephants, giraffes, and buffalo roam freely. The river’s lush banks support hippos and crocodiles and sustain wildlife throughout the dry season. Predators are abundant, with lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas regularly seen in action. Each year, the spectacular Great Migration transforms the region, as millions of wildebeest and zebra traverse the plains. Visitors can soak up the breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and Maasai cultural heritage in one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations.
Day 9: Maasai Mara National Reserve
THURSDAY: MAASAI MARA
Morning and afternoon game viewing drives in the extensive Maasai Mara Game Reserve, if lucky, opportunity to see the big five in one day!
In consultation with your drivers / guides, there is an option of a full day game viewing drive with packed lunches, this allows you time to explore greater areas of the reserve without need to return to the Lodge for lunch.
All meals and overnight at MARA SOPA LODGE.
Day 10: Lake Naivasha
FRIDAY: MAASAI MARA - NAIVASHA
Breakfast at the Lodge.
Depart and drive towards the shores of Lake Naivasha to arrive just in time for lunch at the Resort.
In the afternoon head out for a 01 Hour boat ride on the Lake.
Dinner and overnight at LAKE NAIVASHA SOPA RESORT.
Lake Naivasha
Situated in Kenya's Nakuru County, Lake Naivasha is the highest of the Great Rift Valley Lakes and one of only two freshwater lakes in the Rift Valley. Fringed by papyrus and acacia trees, this stunning setting is a unique geologic landscape that supports over 450 bird species. The lake provides a vital drinking spot for wildlife such as zebra, eland, hippo, waterbuck, buffalo, and many more, offering excellent opportunities for game viewing. Visitors can enjoy night safaris, boating excursions around the lake, and trips to beautiful Crescent Island for spectacular bird watching. Other popular activities include horse riding, visiting local villages, and exploring several impressive neighbouring national parks. With its combination of natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and outdoor adventures, Lake Naivasha is a must-visit destination in Kenya.
Day 11:
SATURDAY: NAIVASHA – NAIROBI - DEPART
Breakfast at the Lodge.
At 07: O0hrs depart for Nairobi.
Arrive in Nairobi at 09:00 hours and transferred to a hotel near the Airport where you can make use of public facilities and café while waiting for your departure flight.
(Use of room and meals NOT included).
Alternatively transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight.
(Transfer 03/04 hours before your flight.)
Nairobi
Situated along the Nairobi River in beautiful Kenya, the capital of Nairobi is East Africa's most cosmopolitan city. It serves as an excellent starting point for African safari trips around Kenya. Nairobi is Africa’s 4th largest city and is a vibrant and exciting place to be. There are some fascinating attractions: its cafe culture, unbridled nightlife, the National Museum, the Karen Blixen Museum and most notably, just 20 minutes from the city centre, wild lions and buffalo roam in the world’s only urban game reserve. Make sure you pay a visit to the elephant orphanage operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for a once in a lifetime experience.
