Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arusha - Tarangire National Park

   • You'll depart from Arusha after breakfast for the approximately two-hour drive to Tarangire National Park. Along the way, you'll pass bustling Maasai villages and the vast, open plains that have become synonymous with images of Africa.
     Once you've entered Tarangire, you'll begin your game drive across a rich vista of endless golden savannah that surrounds the Tarangire River. The river itself runs throughout the year and is a vital source of water for the animals of the region during the dry season. Lined with acacia and baobab trees, the river is regularly visited by the park's large elephant population as well as other herbivores such as zebras and antelopes.
     A picnic lunch with a view of the river is a great way to take it all in, but you'll have to keep on your toes as the local monkey population does its best to separate you from your lunch. After your day's drive is done, you'll return to your accommodation at Karatu.

   Budget camping

   Outside Tarangire NP

2. Day 2: Karatu - Ngorongoro Crater

   • After breakfast, you'll depart for the Ngorongoro Crater - considered by some as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Home to over one hundred and twenty species of mammals including the fabled Big Five, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most sought-after safari destinations in the world. It's a particularly good place to see the endangered black rhinoceros enjoying a lonely meal out on the grass plains, as well as a place to see large numbers of hippopotamus enjoying the cool water.
     From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, you'll be able to observe and photograph some of Africa's most recognisable faces. The crater is home to a large number of predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, as well as a large population of wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, Cape buffalos, and more. It is truly one of Africa's premier safari destinations.

   Budget camping

   Outside Ngorongoro Crater

3. Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park - Arusha

   • After breakfast, you'll depart from your hotel and head to Lake Manyara National Park. The park is truly a photographer's playground and offers some of the best game viewing in the world. You can expect to see many of Africa's most well-known animals, with the tree-climbing lions a particular treat. These proud predators lounge in acacia trees, practically begging to be photographed.
     Bird watchers will find Lake Manyara an absolute delight, with a huge variety of birds on display in the park. Even the novice can expect to be amazed by large flamingo flocks, circling birds of prey, and the brightly coloured lilac-breasted roller.
     In the afternoon, you'll head back to Arusha.