The 9 days Tanzania Serengeti Safari Itinerary
This is the 9-day Tanzania Serengeti Safari Itinerary, a professionally crafted itinerary that takes you to the center of Tanzania's best wildlife and scenic landscapes. Beginning in Arusha, your experienced safari guide will lead you through iconic national parks, including Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, offering opportunities to witness the "Big Five" and the famous Serengeti Great Migration. Each day brings new adventures, from exhilarating game drives to serene moments in the wilderness.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Your incredible 9-day Serengeti safari adventure begins with your arrival in Arusha, typically in the morning or early afternoon. Upon landing, you'll be warmly welcomed by your experienced safari guide, who will provide a comprehensive briefing about the exciting journey ahead. After this introduction, you'll have time to relax and settle into your chosen accommodation in Arusha, ensuring you're fully prepared for the remarkable experiences that await.
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Day two commences early, around 7:00 AM, as you depart from Arusha on your way to Tarangire National Park, covering a distance of approximately 130 kilometers (81 miles). After arriving in Tarangire, your afternoon is dedicated to captivating game drives, where you'll encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including iconic elephants and striking baobab trees. You'll rest for the night at a comfortable safari lodge or camp within the park.
Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park
Following breakfast, around 9:00 AM, it's time to leave Tarangire behind and journey to Lake Manyara National Park, a route spanning about 100 kilometers (62 miles). Lake Manyara is renowned for its abundant birdlife, tree-climbing lions, and the serene beauty of the lake. The afternoon offers a chance to explore these wonders, followed by a relaxing evening at your chosen accommodation in Manyara.
Day 4: Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Your day begins with a drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, commencing around 9:00 AM and covering approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) to the park gate. In the afternoon, you'll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a remarkable wildlife haven, for a full day of extraordinary wildlife viewing. Your night will be spent in a comfortable lodge or camp on the crater's rim.
Day 5: Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park (Central Serengeti)
An early start, at approximately 6:00 AM, leads you to the Serengeti. The journey covers about 150 kilometers (93 miles) to the Naabi Hill gate, offering opportunities for en-route game viewing. Once in the central Serengeti, you'll embark on a thrilling game drive. This region is known for its "Big Five" sightings and expansive plains. Your accommodation for the night will be in a comfortable camp or lodge within the park.
Day 6: Serengeti National Park (Central Serengeti)
Spend a full day exploring the central Serengeti, commencing with an early morning game drive. This area is a hotspot for diverse wildlife, and you'll have a chance to witness the Great Migration (if in season). A picnic lunch amidst the wilderness enhances the adventure before you return to your camp or lodge as the day comes to an end.
Day 7: Serengeti to Serengeti (North Serengeti)
Your journey continues as you make your way to the northern part of the Serengeti, a distance of approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles). This area is famous for dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration. Your day will be filled with exhilarating game drives, offering breathtaking views of the Serengeti's diverse and captivating wildlife. You'll spend the night at a camp or lodge in the northern Serengeti.
Day 8: Serengeti (North Serengeti)
Another full day in the northern Serengeti, starting with an early morning game drive to witness the remarkable wildlife that populates this area. You'll have the opportunity to witness the Great Migration in action and experience the incredible natural spectacle of wildebeest and zebras crossing crocodile-infested waters. Return to your camp or lodge for a tranquil evening in the wilderness.
Day 9: Serengeti to Arusha
After breakfast, around 8:00 AM, you'll begin your journey back to Arusha, covering approximately 335 kilometers (208 miles). Along the way, you can make stops at significant sites like the Olduvai Gorge and the Maasai market for memorable souvenirs. Your 9-day Serengeti safari concludes in Arusha in the late afternoon or early evening, marking the end of an extraordinary adventure that has taken you through some of Tanzania's most remarkable natural wonders.