Each park on this safari looks different. Lake Manyara has groundwater forest beside a soda lake, the Ngorongoro Crater is a volcanic bowl full of game, and the Serengeti has open plains and big cats. The trip ends on foot, with a guided walk through Endoro Forest to a waterfall and the caves elephants have dug for salt.
Birds and wildlife to look for
- Lake Manyara’s groundwater forest and tree-climbing lions
- A full game drive on the Ngorongoro Crater floor
- A full day in the Serengeti, plus two half days
- A chance of the Great Migration, depending on season
- A guided walk to the Endoro waterfall and elephant caves
Day-by-day itinerary
Times and drives are approximate. Your guide adjusts each day to the weather, the wildlife and you.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
This day is set aside for your arrival. At Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, your driver meets you with a sign reading Charles Tours and takes you on the short drive to Arusha for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast we drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a day of wildlife viewing and birding. We explore the park’s groundwater forest, open woodland and lakeshore, looking for elephants, giraffes, baboons and the famous tree-climbing lions. Birders can enjoy a variety of forest and savanna species, including the striking Silvery-cheeked Hornbill. After a picnic lunch in the park we continue with afternoon game drives along the lake and through the forest, then leave the park in the late afternoon and drive to Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast we drive into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a memorable game drive. The crater floor has open grassland, swamps, woodland and a soda lake, supporting an exceptional concentration of wildlife. Look out for lions, spotted hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, hippos and, with luck, the endangered black rhino. Birders can enjoy many species around the wetlands and lake, including flamingos when conditions are right. After a rewarding day we climb out of the crater and return to your lodge in Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Karatu to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast we drive through the forested highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping at the crater viewpoint before descending onto the vast short-grass plains. After a picnic lunch at Naabi Hill Gate we enter the Serengeti for an afternoon game drive towards Seronera, watching for lions, leopards resting in sausage trees, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and other plains game, along with a wide variety of savanna birds. We reach your lodge in the late afternoon to relax before dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Full day in the Serengeti
We set out early to enjoy the Serengeti at its most active, when predators are often on the move and the morning light is perfect for photography. Depending on the season and recent sightings, we search the plains for cheetahs, lions, leopards, elephants and other wildlife, and follow the Great Migration herds if they are in the area. Birders can enjoy the Serengeti’s rich savanna birdlife throughout the day. We stop for a picnic lunch under an acacia, continue the game drive into the afternoon and return to the lodge at dusk for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Serengeti to Karatu via Ngorongoro
After breakfast we enjoy a final morning in the Serengeti, then drive back through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping at the crater viewpoint to take in the view. We reach Karatu in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Endoro Forest walk and departure
After days in a vehicle, this morning is on foot. A local armed ranger and your guide lead you through Endoro Forest to a waterfall, and along the way you may see the caves elephants have dug into the hillside with their tusks in search of salt. It is a gentle walk of two to three hours, with plenty of birds and butterflies. After lunch we drive to the airport for your evening flight.
Depending on your flight schedule, an extra night in Arusha may be needed. We confirm this when you book.
What’s included
Included
- Private 4x4 with pop-up roof, just for your group
- Professional guide (a specialist bird guide on birding trips)
- All park, conservation and crater fees
- Accommodation and meals as listed
- Drinking water in the vehicle
- Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or your Arusha hotel
Not included
- International flights and visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff
- Drinks at lodges
- Optional extras such as a balloon flight
Price
We quote per person, based on your group size, season and accommodation level. Send an enquiry and you’ll have a full price within 24 hours.
Good to know before you book
- Getting here: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), about an hour from Arusha. We meet you at arrivals. Read arriving in Arusha.
- Visa: Most visitors need one. Apply online only through the Tanzania Immigration official e-Visa portal. However, you can still get your visa on arrival.
- Health: See a travel clinic about vaccines and malaria prevention at least a month before you go. The CDC Travelers’ Health: Tanzania page is a useful starting point.
- Park fees: Included in our price. They’re set by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority.
- What to pack: See our packing list, and tipping and etiquette.
- Everything else: Our travel information page covers money, weather, plugs and more.
Questions about this trip
What is the daily routine on safari?
Most days start between 6:00 and 6:30, because the first hours after sunrise have the best light and the most active animals and birds. We usually take a picnic lunch in the park or return to camp for a midday rest, then head out again in the late afternoon. Parks close at sunset, so evenings are at the lodge.
Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes. Every trip is private, so we can add days, swap parks, change the accommodation level or slow the pace. Tell us what you’d like, and we’ll send a revised plan and price.
What vehicle will we use?
A 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for viewing and photography, charging points and a window seat for everyone. The vehicle and guide are yours alone for the whole trip.
How do I book and pay?
Send an enquiry and we’ll reply within 24 hours with a tailored itinerary and a full quote. Once you’re happy, we take a deposit to confirm, with the balance due before you travel. We’ll give you the exact terms in writing.
What if I have dietary needs?
Just tell us. Lodges and our camp cooks regularly cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal and other diets.
