Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Your safari adventure begins in Arusha, a bustling city known as the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. After arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your budget-friendly hotel or lodge in Arusha to relax before the excitement begins.

Activities:

• Airport pickup and hotel transfer – You will be welcomed by a safari representative at the airport.
• Relaxation and orientation – Settle in at your hotel or lodge, and receive a short briefing about the upcoming days.
• Optional activity: Depending on your arrival time, you may explore Arusha city or visit the Arusha National Natural History Museum.

Accommodation:
Budget hotel or lodge in Arusha

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, you’ll head out to Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and stunning landscapes. It’s also home to a variety of animals including lions, leopards, and giraffes.

Activities:

• Morning departure to Tarangire National Park (2-3 hours drive from Arusha).
• Game drive in Tarangire:
  Enjoy a full-day game drive exploring Tarangire’s diverse habitats. You will see elephants, zebras, wildebeests, and an array of bird species. Look out for predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, which may be hiding in the acacia trees or grasslands.
• Picnic lunch inside the park while enjoying the views and wildlife around you.

Accommodation:
Budget tented camp or lodge near Tarangire

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park

On day three, you will visit the smaller yet beautiful Lake Manyara National Park, located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. This park is known for its breathtaking landscapes, tree-climbing lions, and flamingo-filled lake.

Activities:

• Early morning drive to Lake Manyara (1-2 hours from Tarangire).
• Game drive in Lake Manyara National Park:
  The park’s varied ecosystems—ranging from dense rainforests to soda lakes—make it an ideal place to spot elephants, giraffes, hippos, baboons, and the famous tree-climbing lions.
• Birdwatching:
  Lake Manyara is home to thousands of flamingos, pelicans, and other water birds.
• Lunch break at a scenic spot inside the park.
• Optional visit to a Maasai village: Learn about Maasai culture and their traditional way of life.

Accommodation:
Budget lodge or camp near Lake Manyara

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater – Full-Day Safari

Start early to visit the famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) all in one place. The crater’s unique ecosystem, teeming with wildlife, is often referred to as “Africa’s Garden of Eden.”

Activities:

• Early morning drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area (1 hour from Manyara).
• Descend into Ngorongoro Crater:
  You will begin your descent into the world’s largest unbroken caldera. The crater floor is home to diverse wildlife, including over 25,000 large animals. You can expect to see lions, zebras, wildebeests, and possibly black rhinos.
• Picnic lunch by a hippo pool – Enjoy a meal surrounded by stunning landscapes and wildlife.
• Afternoon game drive: Continue exploring the crater floor before heading back to your lodge.

Accommodation:
Budget camp or lodge near Ngorongoro

Day 5: Departure via Arusha

On the final day, after breakfast, you’ll begin your drive back to Arusha for your onward journey. Depending on your flight time, you may stop at local markets or craft centers to buy souvenirs and experience a bit more of Tanzanian culture before heading to the airport.

Activities:

• Drive back to Arusha (2-3 hours from Ngorongoro).
• Optional shopping stop in Arusha: Visit a local market or Maasai craft shop to pick up souvenirs like traditional jewelry or artwork.
• Lunch in Arusha before heading to the airport for your departure.

Departure:
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.