Serengeti Migration Amazing Experience
12 Days / 11 Nights
Embark on an unforgettable 12-day safari adventure with Aardvark African Safari, designed to immerse you in the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Tanzania. This meticulously crafted itinerary takes you through some of the most iconic national parks, including Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater. From the moment you arrive in Arusha, you will be greeted with warm hospitality and expert guidance, ensuring a seamless and enriching travel experience. Witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration, encounter majestic elephants, elusive predators, and vibrant birdlife, all while exploring the natural wonders of East Africa. This journey promises to create lasting memories as you delve deep into the heart of Tanzania’s wilderness.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by our friendly safari guide who will brief you on the upcoming adventure. You will be driven to Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania, where you can relax and acclimate to the local environment. Take this time to explore the vibrant town, visit local markets, and enjoy the stunning views of Mount Meru in the background.
In the afternoon, you will have an opportunity to visit the Arusha National Park, a hidden gem that offers a variety of landscapes and wildlife. Here, you can spot giraffes, zebras, and a plethora of bird species. This visit will provide a gentle introduction to the diverse wildlife and scenic beauty that Tanzania has to offer.
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Your safari adventure officially begins as you depart Arusha and head towards Tarangire National Park, known for its vast elephant herds and towering baobab trees. The drive offers a picturesque view of the African landscape, dotted with Maasai villages and expansive plains.
Upon entering the park, you will embark on an afternoon game drive. Tarangire is renowned for its large concentration of elephants, and you may also spot lions, leopards, and an array of bird species. The Tarangire River, which meanders through the park, attracts wildlife throughout the year, providing excellent game-viewing opportunities.
Day 3: Full Day in Tarangire National Park
Spend the entire day exploring the wonders of Tarangire National Park. Start with a morning game drive, when the wildlife is most active. The park’s unique vegetation, dominated by ancient baobab trees, offers a stunning backdrop for wildlife photography.
In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely picnic by the riverbank, watching elephants and other animals quench their thirst. Continue with another game drive, delving deeper into the park’s diverse ecosystems. Keep an eye out for the park’s elusive predators and marvel at the sheer number of birds that inhabit the area.
Day 4: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park
Depart Tarangire and journey towards Lake Manyara National Park, a small but ecologically diverse park that offers a variety of habitats including a soda lake, dense woodlands, and open plains. The drive takes you through the scenic Great Rift Valley escarpment.
Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon game drive. Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos that paint the lake pink. The park also hosts a large population of baboons, hippos, and a variety of other animals, making it a perfect spot for diverse wildlife viewing.
Day 5: Full Day in Lake Manyara National Park
Spend the day immersed in the beauty of Lake Manyara National Park. Begin with a morning game drive along the shores of the lake, where you can observe a multitude of water birds, including pelicans and storks.
After a relaxing lunch, continue exploring the park’s groundwater forest, which is home to troops of baboons and blue monkeys. The afternoon light provides excellent photography opportunities as you capture the vibrant colors and varied wildlife of this unique park.
Day 6: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park
Today, you will leave Lake Manyara behind and travel to the world-famous Serengeti National Park. The drive takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you might catch a glimpse of Maasai herders and their livestock.
Entering the Serengeti, you will embark on a game drive en route to the central Seronera area. The Serengeti is renowned for its annual migration of over a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles. This journey offers your first taste of the vast plains and incredible wildlife that define the Serengeti experience.
Day 7: Full Day in Serengeti National Park
Spend the entire day exploring the Serengeti, with morning and afternoon game drives. The park’s endless plains are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and elephants. During the migration season, the spectacle of thousands of animals moving across the landscape is truly awe-inspiring.
In between game drives, enjoy a picnic in the wild, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African savannah. The Serengeti’s varied landscapes, from riverine forests to open grasslands, provide a dynamic backdrop for your safari adventure.
Day 8: Another Day in Serengeti National Park
Another full day in the Serengeti allows you to delve deeper into this incredible ecosystem. Take advantage of early morning game drives to witness predators in action as they hunt for prey. The early light also offers excellent photography opportunities.
In the afternoon, explore different areas of the park, perhaps visiting the Grumeti River or the remote northern regions. Each area of the Serengeti has its unique attractions and wildlife, ensuring that no two days are the same.
Day 9: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast, embark on a final morning game drive in the Serengeti before heading towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive offers stunning views as you ascend the crater highlands.
Upon arrival, take some time to visit a Maasai village and learn about the traditional lifestyle of this iconic tribe. The Maasai are known for their distinctive customs and dress, and a visit to their village provides a cultural complement to your wildlife safari.
Day 10: Full Day in Ngorongoro Crater
Today, you will descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most spectacular wildlife destinations in the world. The crater’s unique geography supports a dense population of animals, offering some of the best game viewing in Africa.
Spend the day exploring the crater floor, where you can spot the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. The lush landscape and permanent water sources attract a variety of wildlife, making this a photographer’s paradise. Enjoy a picnic lunch by a hippo pool, taking in the breathtaking surroundings.
Day 11: Ngorongoro to Arusha
After a final morning game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, begin your journey back to Arusha. The drive takes you through the scenic highlands and offers a chance to reflect on the incredible experiences of your safari.
Upon arrival in Arusha, you can spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs or relaxing at a local café. This is a great opportunity to purchase handcrafted items and support local artisans before heading home.
Day 12: Departure
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some free time to explore Arusha before your departure. Your guide will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.
Reflect on the memories and experiences of your 12-day safari as you bid farewell to Tanzania. Whether it’s the sight of a lion stalking its prey, the grace of a giraffe browsing in the treetops, or the vibrant culture of the Maasai, your journey with Aardvark African Safari will leave you with unforgettable moments and a deep appreciation for the natural wonders of East Africa.