8 DAYS SAFARIS ARUSHA / LAKE MANYARA / NGORONGORO / SERENGETI / TARANGIRE

A safari encompassing Arusha, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Tarangire offers an extensive and diverse exploration of Northern Tanzania’s premier wildlife destinations. Here’s an overview of what each location brings to this comprehensive itinerary:

Arusha: The Gateway City

• Starting Point: Arusha serves as the usual starting and ending point for safaris in this region. It’s a vibrant city nestled at the foot of Mount Meru.
• Preparation Hub: It’s where you’ll likely arrive (via Kilimanjaro International Airport – JRO), meet your safari team, and prepare for your adventure.
• Potential Activities: Depending on your arrival time, you might have the opportunity to explore Arusha National Park (known for its black and white colobus monkeys and birdlife), visit local markets, or relax before your safari begins.

Lake Manyara National Park:

• Scenic Introduction: Often the first park on the circuit, Lake Manyara is a beautiful and relatively compact park situated at the base of the Great Rift Valley Escarpment.
• Key Features:
  • Soda Lake & Flamingos: The alkaline lake is famous for its large flocks of pink flamingos and other waterbirds.
  • Tree-Climbing Lions: While not always guaranteed, it’s known for lions that occasionally lounge in the branches of acacia trees.
  • Elephant Herds: Healthy populations of elephants are frequently seen.
  • Diverse Habitats: Offers a mix of groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, grassy plains, and hot springs, supporting a variety of wildlife.
  • Birdwatching Paradise: Over 400 bird species have been recorded here.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) & the Crater:

• Unique Ecosystem: The NCA is a multiple land-use area where wildlife coexists with the Maasai people. Its centerpiece is the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest unbroken, unflooded volcanic caldera.
• Wildlife Haven: The crater floor is a self-contained ecosystem with an incredibly high density of diverse wildlife, including the “Big Five.” Black rhinos are particularly well-protected here.
• Stunning Scenery: The panoramic views from the crater rim are breathtaking.
• Beyond the Crater: The NCA also includes the important archaeological site of Olduvai Gorge and other volcanic highlands.

Serengeti National Park:

• Iconic Endless Plains: The Serengeti is Tanzania’s largest and most famous park, renowned for its vast, seemingly endless savannah plains.
• The Great Migration: It’s the stage for the spectacular annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles.
• Abundant Predators: Supports a high density of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas.
• “Big Five” Encounters: Offers excellent opportunities to see all members of the “Big Five.”
• Diverse Ecosystems: Includes grasslands, woodlands, riverine forests, and rocky outcrops (kopjes).

Tarangire National Park:

• Elephant Kingdom: Tarangire is famous for its large herds of elephants, particularly during the dry season (June to October) when they congregate along the Tarangire River.
• Baobab Trees: The landscape is dotted with majestic baobab trees, creating a unique and picturesque environment.
• Dry Season Wildlife Spectacle: The Tarangire River acts as a vital water source, attracting a high concentration of wildlife during the drier months.
• Diverse Wildlife: Supports a variety of other animals, including giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, various antelope species, and a rich birdlife.
• Less Crowded: Often offers a more tranquil safari experience compared to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, especially outside the peak season.

The Complete Safari Experience:

Combining these five destinations provides an incredibly diverse and rewarding safari:

• You’ll witness the scenic beauty and unique adaptations of wildlife in Lake Manyara.
• Experience the awe-inspiring concentration of animals within the natural enclosure of the Ngorongoro Crater.
• Explore the vast plains and potentially the Great Migration in the iconic Serengeti.
• Marvel at the massive elephant herds and the unique landscape of Tarangire.
• Use Arusha as your comfortable base to begin and end your adventure.

This itinerary typically involves driving between the parks, allowing you to appreciate the changing landscapes and maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities in each distinct environment. The order of visiting these parks can be adjusted based on the time of year and specific interests.