Transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your Arusha lodge. Evening briefing with your guide covers the five-day program and any last-minute personalization. Rest and prepare for an early start the following morning.

Approximate driving time: 1-2 hours to lodge
Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge 
Meals included: Dinner.

Departure at 7:00am towards Lake Manyara. The 2.5 hour drive passes through Mto wa Mbu village — home to 120 Tanzanian tribes — before entering the park gate at the forest edge. A full day of game driving covers the groundwater forest (colobus monkeys, baboons, and the possibility of leopard in the fig trees), the lakeshore floodplains (flamingos, pelicans, and hippos), and the open woodland to the south (buffalo herds and large elephant groups). Late afternoon search for the tree-climbing lions in their favored acacia groves. After a full day of exploration in Manyara, you'll enjoy a short drive to Karatu, where you'll have a delicious dinner and spend the night at the charming Bougainvillea Safari Lodge.

Approximate driving time: 2.5 hours to Lake Manyara National Park
Accommodation: Bougainvillea Safari Lodge 
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

After an early breakfast, you'll embark on a journey to Serengeti National Park, with an en route game drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Southern Serengeti. Each turn will reveal new wonders of the natural world, as you explore the iconic savannah landscapes and encounter a wide range of wildlife in their native habitats—from majestic lions to graceful giraffes. As the sun sets, you’ll make your way to the mesmerizing rim of Ngorongoro Crater for a peaceful overnight stay in Serengeti National Park. Here, the day's thrilling adventures blend seamlessly with the tranquility of the African night, promising an unforgettable safari experience.

Approximate driving time: 4.5 hours to Central Serengeti
Accommodation: Thorn Tree camp
Meals included: Breakfast, bush lunch, dinner

After a delicious breakfast, you’ll set out on a full-day game drive through the heart of the Serengeti, maximizing your chances of spotting the iconic Big Five. Today’s drive will be more relaxed, focusing on key areas known for abundant wildlife, offering excellent opportunities to observe animals in their natural habitat.

Approximate driving time: 0 hours to Central Serengeti 
Accommodation: Thorn Tree Lodge. 
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, Dinner.

Early in the morning, you'll begin a short journey to Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive. As you descend into the crater, you'll enjoy stunning views and the chance to see a variety of wildlife in this remarkable landscape. In the evening, you'll head to Karatu, where you'll have a delicious dinner and spend the night at the tranquil Bougainvillea Safari Lodge.

Approximate driving time: 3 hours to Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: Bougainvillea Safari lodge Karatu
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch.

After breakfast, you'll enjoy a short drive to Mto wa Mbu for a fascinating cultural tour. In Karatu, you’ll visit a Maasai boma, where you’ll have the chance to experience their traditional songs, stories, dances, and learn about their cultural taboos. Following this immersive cultural experience, you’ll savor a delicious hot lunch before continuing your journey to Arusha Town or Kilimanjaro International Airport. 

Approximate driving time: 0.5 hours to Mto wa mbu and 2.5 hours drive to Arusha
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner