13 Days Tanzania Wildlife Safari.
A 13-day safari provides the best time to truly experience yourself in the magnificent landscapes and then diverse wildlife of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit without feeling rushed. This itinerary is designed to offer a complete experience, starting with the best parks of the north and extending into the vast wilderness of Serengeti, ensuring ample time for tracking the ‘’Big five,’’ witnessing the Great Migration (depending on the season) and then enjoying the unique geology and culture of the region.
Tour Highlights.
Day 1&2: Arrival and transfer to Tarangire national park.
Day 3&4: Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 5,6,7: Transfer to Serengeti’s central (Seronera).
Days 8,9 and 10: Following the migration (north/West/South Serengeti).
Days 11, 12 and 13: Coastal relaxation and Departure.
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1&2: Arrival and transfer to Tarangire national park.
On the first day of the safari, your grand Tanzania safe begins with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) where you will be meet by your safari guide from African Vacation Safaris, he will welcome you and then brief you about the safari. After the briefing you will be transferred to your accommodation in Arusha or the surrounding areas. The following morning (Day 2) marks the official start of the safari as you drive to Tarangire National Park, that is famous for its massive herds of African elephants and then beautiful ancient Baobab trees.
Day 2 is spent entirely on game drives within Tarangire National Park. The park’s permanent river acts as a magnet for wildlife, particularly during the dry season, offering spectacular sightings. You will search for the elephants in large numbers as well as unique species like the Oryx and long-necked Gerenuk. The dramatic, undulating landscape in the thick trunks of baobabs, provides a beautiful setting for photography. Later in the evening you will be transferred to your lodge near the park or within Karatu area for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 3&4: Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater.
On the 3rd day of the safari, your safari begins with a short drive to Lake Manyara National Park that is located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Though the park is small it offers incredible biodiversity with ground forests, acacia woodlands and expansive soda lake. You will spend the morning on game drives and spot the park’s famous tree climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and then thousands of flamingos that seasonally flock to the lake. The high density of elephants here makes for excellent close-range viewing.
In the afternoon of Day 3 you will be transferred to the lodge near Ngorongoro crater rim in the cool, scenic highlands. Day 4 is the highlight with an early morning descent into the Ngorongoro crater, UNESCO World Heritage Site and unbroken volcanic caldera. You will spend a full, thrilling morning exploring the crater floor, which hosts the world’s highest density of the wildlife. This is arguably the best location in Africa to reliably spot the entire ‘’Big five’’ in a single day, with a dedicated focus on tracking the critically endangered black rhino. After a picnic lunch on the crater floor, you will ascend the crater and then head to your lodge for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 5,6,7: Transfer to Serengeti’s central (Seronera).
Days 5,6,7 are dedicated to the world-famous Serengeti National Park, this is a vast expanse known for its predator populations and wonderful endless plains. On Day 5, you will drive across the Ngorongoro plains entering Serengeti and making your way to the Seronera valley (central Serengeti) with game viewing en-route.
The Seronera region is the heart of the park, known for its permanent river system which sustains a massive resident wildlife population year-around. This is considered as the best area in Africa for spotting the entire range of the big cats. You will dedicate two full days (Days 6 and 7) to extensive game drives, tracking the large lions’ prides resting on the granite kopjes looking for the elusive leopard draped over acacia tree branches, and watching cheetahs. These days offer continuous, high-octane wildlife action, capturing the perfect pictures of the African savanna.
Days 8,9 and 10: Following the migration (north/West/South Serengeti).
Having experience the resident wildlife of the centre, Days ,9 and 10 will be spent tracking the Great Wildebeest Migration, moving your base camp to a different sector of Serengeti based on the time of the year (like Ndutu for calving season, Grumeti/Western corridor for the river crossings or the Mara River in the North). This ensures you have the best possible chance of witnessing this magnificent natural experience.
These days involve traversing immense distances, with the continuous game drives as you move. You will be checking into mobile or specialized tented camps that relocate seasonally to stay close to the herds. Whether you witness the mass gathering during the calving season on the southern plains or the dramatic, chaotic river crossings up northern, this segment of the safari provides the powerful spectacle of millions of the wildebeest and zebras moving that offers you unforgettable Serengeti exploration. Later you will be transferred to your accommodation for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Days 11, 12 and 13: Coastal relaxation and Departure.
Day 11 starts with the final enroute game drive in Serengeti before you are transferred to the local airstrip (such as Seronera or Kogatende). You will board a domestic light aircraft flight back to Arusha. This flight saves extensive driving time and allows you to transition smoothly to the final part of your trip.
For the final two nights (Days 11 and 12) you have the option of either relaxing in a beautiful lodge near Arusha, perhaps visiting a coffee plantation or local market or taking a short, connecting flight to the tropical paradise of Zanzibar for the beach relaxation. Day 13 involves your final airport transfer, either from Arusha or from Zanzibar, connecting you with your international flight and then concluding your grand 13-day Tanzanian safari adventure.
End of 13 Days Tanzania Wildlife Safari
Safari inclusions.
Park and conservation fees.
Accommodation and meals.
Transportation and guiding.
Internal flights.
Bottled drinking water.
Safari exclusions.
Flights (International airfare to and from Tanzania).
Visa fees.
Gratuities (tips).
Optional Activities (hot air balloon safari over Serengeti, cultural visits, or the flight/accommodation costs for any Zanzibar extension).
Drinks (Alcoholic beverages, sodas, and juices at the lodges/camps).
Personal items (travel insurance and souvenirs).