Itinerary

1. Day 1- Arusha/Moshi to Arusha National Park – A Scenic Wildlife Encounter

   • After an early breakfast at your hotel in Arusha or Moshi, set off on a thrilling journey to Arusha National Park, a hidden paradise offering diverse landscapes and rich wildlife. 
   • Upon entering the park, embark on a game drive through lush forests, open savannas, and volcanic terrain, encountering a variety of animals such as giraffes, buffalos, zebras, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
   • Explore the stunning Momella Lakes, where flamingos gracefully wade in the shallow waters, and keep an eye out for hippos basking nearby. Visit the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater, often referred to as the "Little Ngorongoro," for breathtaking views of the crater floor, where buffaloes and warthogs roam freely.
   • A highlight of the day is passing beneath the massive Fig Tree Arch (Ficus thonningii)—a natural wonder where a safari jeep can drive through, creating an excellent photo opportunity. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot, surrounded by nature’s tranquility.
   • By late afternoon, return to Arusha for a comfortable overnight stay, preparing for the next day's adventure.

2. Day 2- Arusha to Tarangire National Park – The Land of Giants

   Accommodation: Lodge, tented camp, or public campsite near Lake Manyara

   • After breakfast, set out towards Tarangire National Park, a wildlife-rich haven famed for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. The Tarangire River, the park's lifeline, attracts large numbers of animals, making it one of Tanzania’s most rewarding safari destinations.
   • Enjoy a morning game drive, encountering a variety of species, including lions, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, and impalas.
   • Watch as elephants gather at the riverbanks, using their trunks to drink and spray water over their backs. Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled by the sight of over 550 bird species, including the colorful yellow-collared lovebird and the impressive kori bustard.
   • At midday, head to a scenic picnic spot with a breathtaking view of the Tarangire River, where herds of animals quench their thirst.
   • After lunch, continue your journey towards Lake Manyara, enjoying an evening drive through the diverse landscapes before arriving at your accommodation for dinner and a restful night.

3. Day 3- Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park – Enter the Heart of the Wild

   Accommodation: Lodge, tented camp, or public campsite in Serengeti

   • After a delightful breakfast near Lake Manyara, set off towards Serengeti National Park, passing through the legendary Ngorongoro Conservation Area. 
   • As you enter the Serengeti, the landscape transforms into an endless expanse of golden grasslands, dotted with acacia trees and rocky outcrops.
   • Arriving in Seronera, the heart of the Serengeti, you’ll find yourself in one of the most wildlife-rich areas in Africa. The Seronera River attracts a high concentration of big cats, making it a prime location for spotting lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
   • After a delicious lunch, embark on an exciting afternoon game drive, witnessing the beauty of the Serengeti unfold before your eyes. Herds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains, while predators patiently stalk their prey.
   • As the sun sets over the savanna, head to your lodge or camp for dinner and a night under the African stars, listening to the distant roars of lions.

4. Day 4- Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Following the Great Migration

   Accommodation: Lodge, tented camp, or public campsite in Ngorongoro

   • Wake up to the magical sounds of the Serengeti and enjoy an early game drive, maximizing your chances of witnessing the incredible Great Migration (seasonal). 
   • Follow the vast herds of wildebeests and zebras, observing their interactions with predators such as hyenas, jackals, and crocodiles lurking near water sources.
   • Throughout the drive, admire the Serengeti’s stunning landscapes, from open plains to rugged kopjes where lions and leopards find shade during the heat of the day. Birdwatchers can spot secretary birds, ostriches, and vultures soaring above.
   • After a picnic lunch, continue towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying wildlife sightings along the way. By evening, arrive at your accommodation near the Ngorongoro Crater, where you’ll enjoy dinner and a peaceful overnight stay before the next day’s adventure.

5. Day 5- Ngorongoro Crater – The Ultimate Safari Experience

   Return to Arusha/Moshi

   • Rise early and enjoy breakfast before descending into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of the most densely populated wildlife habitats on Earth.
   • As you enter the crater, be prepared for an extraordinary game drive. The crater floor supports over 25,000 animals, including large herds of wildebeests, zebras, buffalos, and elands. 
   • This is one of the few places where you can spot all of the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and the critically endangered black rhino—in a single day.
   • The Ngorongoro Crater’s diverse ecosystem also hosts hippos basking in the pools, cheetahs sprinting across the plains, and flocks of pink flamingos adorning the crater’s central Lake Magadi.
   • Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot, taking in the stunning surroundings. By the afternoon, ascend back to the rim of the crater and begin your journey back to Arusha or Moshi, concluding your unforgettable 5-day Tanzania safari with Origin Ventures and Safaris.