This 12-day Tanzania Classic Wildlife Safari is a perfectly paced adventure designed for travellers seeking an in-depth African safari experience. Beginning at Kilimanjaro International Airport, the journey gradually unfolds through Tanzania’s most celebrated national parks, each offering a unique ecosystem and extraordinary wildlife encounters.
Tarangire National Park sets the tone with its iconic baobab trees and some of Africa’s largest elephant populations. Multiple full-day game drives ensure ample time to observe predators, herbivores, and diverse bird species without rush. The journey then continues to Lake Manyara National Park, famed for its tree-climbing lions, flamingo-lined shores, and lush groundwater forests.
A scenic drive via Olduvai Gorge and Maasai villages introduces you to both human history and living traditions before reaching the vast plains of Serengeti National Park. With multiple full-day game drives, you’ll explore different regions of the Serengeti, maximising chances to witness lions, cheetahs, leopards, and, seasonally, the Great Migration.
The safari culminates at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater reveals one of the world’s densest concentrations of wildlife within a collapsed volcanic caldera. The journey concludes with a relaxed drive back to Arusha, leaving you with lifelong memories of Africa’s raw beauty, dramatic landscapes, and extraordinary wildlife.
This itinerary covers the best of Wildlife Adventure in the grasslands of Tanzania. From Tarangire National Park game drives and Lake Manyara wildlife safari to exploration of Serengeti National Park, and a visit to wonderful Olduvai Gorge.
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, known for its dramatic landscapes and ancient baobab trees. Upon arrival, begin your first game drive, spotting elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and various bird species. The Tarangire River attracts abundant wildlife, making this an excellent introduction to Tanzania’s safari experience.
Spend the entire day exploring Tarangire’s diverse habitats. Morning and afternoon game drives allow you to observe wildlife behaviour at different times of the day. Expect close encounters with elephant herds, lions resting in the shade, and countless plains animals. A picnic lunch inside the park enhances the immersive safari experience.
This additional full day offers deeper exploration of Tarangire’s lesser-visited areas. Your guide will focus on tracking predators and birdlife while sharing insights into the park’s ecology. With fewer vehicles compared to other parks, enjoy peaceful wildlife viewing and uninterrupted photography opportunities.
After breakfast, travel to Lake Manyara National Park, a compact yet incredibly diverse reserve. Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxed game drive through groundwater forests, open grasslands, and lakeside areas. Spot baboons, elephants, hippos, and, if lucky, the famous tree-climbing lions.
Enjoy a full day discovering Lake Manyara’s varied ecosystems. The alkaline lake attracts flamingos and other waterbirds, while forested areas are alive with primates. The park’s scenic beauty, combined with excellent wildlife density, makes this a rewarding and visually stunning safari day.
Depart for Serengeti National Park, travelling through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Visit Olduvai Gorge, one of the world’s most important archaeological sites, followed by a cultural interaction with Maasai communities. Continue to Serengeti, where endless plains and abundant wildlife signal the heart of Africa’s safari country.
Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti’s vast plains. Morning and afternoon game drives increase chances of spotting lions, cheetahs, leopards, and large herbivore herds. Your guide will navigate different regions based on wildlife movement, ensuring optimal sightings throughout the day.
Another full day allows deeper exploration of Serengeti’s ecosystems. Focus on tracking predators, observing wildlife interactions, and capturing iconic safari photographs. The changing light throughout the day offers spectacular viewing conditions across the endless savannah.
After breakfast, depart Serengeti for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy scenic landscapes en route before reaching the crater rim. The afternoon is spent relaxing and enjoying panoramic views of the crater floor below, preparing for the next day’s descent.
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including black rhinos, lions, elephants, hippos, and flamingos. A picnic lunch inside the crater completes this unforgettable safari experience.
After breakfast, drive back to Arusha through scenic highland landscapes. Depending on your departure schedule, enjoy some free time before being transferred to the airport or your onward destination, marking the end of an exceptional Tanzanian safari adventure.