10-Day Tanzania Northern Circuit Adventure

Arusha is the safari capital of the country and a bustling, tourism-driven city. Your driver-guide will meet you in Arusha or at Arusha Airport, and together, you will begin the transfer to Tarangire National Park to start your private safari game drive. The park's name originates from the Tarangire River, which crosses the park and is the primary water source for wildlife. This quiet park is famous for its elephant migration, birdlife and authentic safari atmosphere. You will enjoy a packed lunch at midday, and at the end of the afternoon's game drive, you will make your way to Africa Safari Rift Valley. On arrival, you will have time to freshen up before finishing the day with dinner under the stars and a good night's sleep in one of the luxury glamping accommodations.

You only need to open your eyes and walk to the restaurant to enjoy the expansive views of Lake Manyara. After breakfast, your driver-guide will take you to the entry gates of Lake Manyara, an underestimated gem as far as game parks are concerned. The park offers an extensive ecological variety in a more condensed area. The famous tree-climbing lions inhabit the mahogany and acacia trees, and if you are lucky, you might spot them lazing on a tree branch. As you make your way out of the dense bushland onto the lake's open grassy banks, you will see wildebeest, giraffes, zebras and large buffalos in abundance grazing away. The lake itself is home to a large number of birds thriving by the water's edge. Over 400 species have been identified, and one of the highlights is the sight of thousands of strolling flamingos that create a pink hue. Lunch will be served at the picnic site. At the end of the afternoon, you will drive to Africa Safari Karatu for dinner and a night of peaceful sleep.

Today, you will have a long and rewarding drive ahead as you make your way from the Karatu Region through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and into Serengeti National Park. The road will take you through the Masai homeland, the only tribespeople permitted to live in the conservation area. Traditionally nomadic, the Masai people are rich in culture and can often be seen herding their cattle in brightly coloured traditional Masai robes. They live in complete harmony with the earth, using their long-ingrained family knowledge of plant life as a means of survival. You can spot giraffes, zebras, and other animals along the drive. Prepare to be amazed when you catch your first glimpse of the endless plains of the Serengeti. When you arrive at Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma, you will have already had your first taste of game drives in the more than 14,000 square kilometres (5,700 square miles) that make up the wonder of Serengeti National Park.

Today, you only need to cross the road from Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma to discover this well-kept secret. Ikona Wildlife Management Area was established in 2003 to spread economic benefits derived from tourism to the five villages that form part of this community. It also creates a buffer zone for the protection of the national park. This area supports a variety of wildlife across 242 square kilometres (93 square miles) of pristine wilderness, including herds of elephants, waterbuck, black and white colobus monkeys, shy leopards, and the greater and lesser kudu. A little-known but very impressive fact is that this is the assembly point of the wildebeest during their annual migration when the vast herds move in the direction of the northern Serengeti for the famous river crossings.

Today is a good day for an early rise because you will head north from Ikoma before crossing into the Serengeti National Park. It is going to be an action-packed day, with the sighting of the great migration as the ultimate reward. You will head to the Mara River, approximately a 3-hour drive from the camp. The Mara River is well known for the wildebeest crossing, and with a bit of luck, you will witness this spectacle! Around 2 million animals gather in search of fresh grazing pastures, and the sights and sounds are sure to leave a lasting impression. Moving slightly southeast, you will come to the Bologonja Springs, where it is easy to spot elephants that are always present thanks to the water sources available. You will spend the night at Africa Safari Maasai Boma in a comfortable canvas lodge with your en-suite bathroom and king-size bed.

After a good breakfast at Africa Safari Maasai Boma, you will depart on your adventure back towards Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma. Your driver-guide will take you exploring, following the movement of resident wildlife, while heading towards your accommodation in Ikoma. There will be a stop for a nice picnic lunch along the way. In the afternoon, you will reach the park exit gate, and just 2km further, you will find the staff of Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma welcoming you back. Here is your place to relax in a beautiful canvas home, ensuring a good night's sleep.

Enjoy a sleep-in and a leisurely morning around the campgrounds. Read a book on the patio, or make the most of having some downtime. This afternoon, you will have a walking safari. It is a unique experience where you can explore new territory and follow the animals on foot, accompanied by your very own armed ranger. The walking safari takes approximately 2 hours and ends with a sundowner overlooking the Serengeti. Get back to the accommodation for a quick dinner as you join in on a thrilling adventure—a night game drive! A spotlight is fitted to the vehicle, and before you know it, you catch the first reflections of animal eyes. The night is another world with interesting actions of the nocturnal animals, different shades, shadows, and unknown sounds. Typical animals of the night are bushbabies, civets, genet cats, a rare aardvark or porcupine, and others. On your return, have a nightcap to warm up before retiring to your room for a good rest.

Today, you will traverse from Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma across the national park. The journey of a few hours is an impressive car drive, allowing extensive coverage of the Serengeti and a chance for game viewing en route. Covering an array of terrain along the way, this road trip displays the true colours of Tanzania. Cruising dirt tracks while passing open plains, bushlands, mountains, and an abundance of wildlife, the Masai tribespeople herding their cattle, this journey brings the sights, sounds, beauty, and culture of Africa together. Tanzania boasts stunning countryside, and you will experience it in its entirety while reflecting on your experiences in the wilderness. Look out for the ever-changing landscapes, wind in the air, leaving dust in your wake from the safari jeep. It is impossible not to be present with nature and all the beauty offered in this beautiful world we live in. At the end of the day, you will check in at Africa Safari South Serengeti.

Be sure to wake up early today so there is no delay on your descent into the famous Ngorongoro Crater. As soon as you arrive in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you will be amazed by the beauty around you. Even more so when you arrive at the edge of the crater and take in the fantastic view over one of the Natural Wonders of the World. The crater of this inactive volcano is approximately 3 million years old, 20 square kilometres (8 square miles) in size and the largest unbroken volcanic caldera in the world. Due to its natural borders, the wildlife in the crater is amazing. The crater is home to the Big Five and offers an excellent chance to spot the rare black rhino. Throw hyenas, zebras, buffalo, and elephants into the mix, and you have the perfect canvas for a pretty awesome safari experience. At the end of the afternoon, you will head back to the lodge, Africa Safari Lake Manyara, for a well-deserved night’s sleep.

Accomodation: Africa Safari Lake Manyara (Safari Comfort)

All good things have to come to an end! Enjoy your last meal at Africa Safari Lake Manyara before checking out, ready for your journey to Arusha. After meeting your driver guide at the reception, you will head off on an easy two-hour drive back to where it all started with a heart and camera filled with memories of your African safari adventure.