Unique Safaris
9 Days / 8 Nights
Embark on an extraordinary 8-day safari adventure with Aardvark Tanzania Safaris, where you’ll experience the diverse landscapes and incredible wildlife of Tanzania. This meticulously crafted itinerary takes you through some of the country’s most iconic national parks, including Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the legendary Serengeti, and the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater. Each day is filled with thrilling game drives, breathtaking scenery, and enriching cultural encounters, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the heart of East Africa. From the vast elephant herds of Tarangire to the awe-inspiring Great Migration in the Serengeti and the dense wildlife populations of Ngorongoro, this journey promises unforgettable moments and a deep connection with nature.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Your adventure begins as you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be warmly welcomed by an Aardvark Tanzania Safaris representative and transferred to Arusha. Nestled at the foot of Mount Meru, Arusha is a bustling town that serves as the gateway to Tanzania’s renowned national parks. Take this opportunity to relax, recover from your journey, and prepare for the exciting days ahead.
In the afternoon, explore Arusha at your leisure. Visit the local markets to get a taste of the vibrant culture and perhaps purchase some handmade souvenirs. Alternatively, take a guided tour of Arusha National Park for a sneak peek at Tanzania’s wildlife, including buffaloes, giraffes, and the stunning colobus monkeys.
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, set off towards Tarangire National Park, a gem known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. The journey takes you through scenic landscapes, dotted with Maasai villages and expansive savannahs.
Upon arrival, enjoy a picnic lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, lions, leopards, and a variety of antelopes. The Tarangire River, a lifeline for the park, attracts a diverse range of wildlife, providing excellent viewing opportunities as animals congregate around the water source.
Day 3: Full Day in Tarangire National Park
Spend a full day exploring the rich biodiversity of Tarangire National Park. Begin with a morning game drive when the wildlife is most active. Tarangire is home to over 550 bird species, making it a bird watcher’s paradise. Look out for the vibrant yellow-collared lovebirds and the impressive kori bustards.
After a leisurely lunch, continue with an afternoon game drive, venturing deeper into the park’s varied ecosystems. Visit Silale Swamp, a magnet for wildlife, and capture stunning photos against the backdrop of the park’s distinctive baobab trees.
Day 4: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park
Leave Tarangire behind and travel to Lake Manyara National Park, renowned for its breathtaking views and diverse habitats. The journey offers picturesque vistas of the 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 turn the lake’s shores pink. Explore the groundwater forest, home to troops of baboons, blue monkeys, and a rich array of birdlife.
Day 5: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park
Depart Lake Manyara and journey towards the legendary Serengeti National Park. The drive takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you might spot Maasai herders and their livestock grazing on the highlands.
As you enter the Serengeti, the vast plains and endless horizons unfold before you. Enjoy a game drive en route to the central Seronera area, spotting herds of wildebeest, zebras, and a variety of predators. The Serengeti is renowned for its annual migration and abundant wildlife, offering some of the best game-viewing opportunities in Africa.
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Day 6: Full Day in 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: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After a morning game drive in the Serengeti, head towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey offers dramatic views as you ascend the crater highlands. En route, you can visit Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world, where early human fossils were discovered.
Upon arrival, take some time to visit a Maasai village. Engage with the Maasai people, learn about their traditional lifestyle, and witness their vibrant culture firsthand. This cultural experience provides a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage and traditions.
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Tour and Departure
Conclude your safari with a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most spectacular wildlife destinations on earth. Descend into the crater for a full day of exploration. The crater’s unique geography supports a dense population of animals, offering some of the best game viewing in Africa.
Spot the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos—as well as hippos, zebras, and a variety of antelope species. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool, surrounded by the crater’s breathtaking scenery. In the late afternoon, ascend the crater and begin your journey back to Arusha, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of your safari.
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, carrying with you the memories of a lifetime from your unique 8-day safari with Aardvark Tanzania Safaris.