Day 0: Arrival in Arusha – Gateway to Your Safari

Distance: 30/50 km

Your incredible journey begins as we welcome you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) and whisk you away to the tranquil Planet Lodge. Settle in, relax, and prepare for adventure! Our expert safari manager will provide a detailed briefing, ensuring you’re ready for the wonders ahead. Spend the afternoon enjoying the lodge’s inviting amenities and anticipate the magic to come.

Dinner & breakfast included

Overnight: Planet Lodge, Arusha

Day 1: Lake Manyara National Park – A Lush Oasis at the Rift Valley’s Edge

After a hearty breakfast, your safari driver guide will lead you to Lake Manyara National Park, a stunning gem nestled at the foot of the Great Rift Valley. Witness a breathtaking landscape of diverse habitats: dense forests, open woodlands, expansive grasslands, and shimmering lakes. This park teems with wildlife! Keep your eyes peeled for the famous tree-climbing lions, playful baboons, graceful giraffes, herds of elephants, zebras, wildebeest, and a dazzling array of birdlife.

In the afternoon, we journey to the serene Lake Eyasi for a captivating cultural experience. Travel through the dramatic scenery of the Rift Valley and immerse yourself in the traditions of the Datoga tribe. Interact with these fascinating people, learn about their customs, and visit a local blacksmith. As the sun begins to set, enjoy a peaceful walk along the lakeshore before heading to our campsite for a delicious dinner under the African sky.

All meals included – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Bushman Campsite, Lake Eyasi

Day 2: Lake Eyasi – Serengeti National Park: From Ancient Cultures to Endless Plains

Rise early for an unforgettable experience: hunting with the Hadzabe bushmen! Learn their ancient survival skills as they track game with bows and arrows. The Hadzabe, Tindiga, and Datoga tribes of Lake Eyasi offer a glimpse into a way of life unchanged for millennia, living in harmony with nature as hunter-gatherers.

After a fulfilling breakfast at the campsite, we embark on a scenic drive to the legendary Serengeti National Park, traversing the picturesque farmlands of Karatu and ascending to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Pause for breathtaking panoramic views and a visit to a traditional Maasai village. Engage with the proud Maasai warriors, witness their vibrant dances, and learn about their rich cultural heritage.

Finally, we descend into the heart of the “wild Africa,” the Serengeti! Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the endless rolling plains before an afternoon game drive. Explore the Seronera region, a wildlife paradise nourished by the Seronera River. Search for the majestic big cats and, depending on the season, witness the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration. As the sun sets, we’ll settle into our campsite for dinner and the sounds of the African night.

All meals included – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Seronera Public Campsite, Central Serengeti

Day 3: Serengeti National Park: A Full Day of Wildlife Encounters

Prepare for a thrilling full-day exploration of the Serengeti! An early morning game drive, with a packed breakfast and lunch, offers the chance to witness predators in action. Perhaps you’ll spot a lion pride on the hunt, a leopard slinking through the grass, or hyenas returning from their nocturnal adventures. Follow the Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal) and marvel at the sheer scale of this natural phenomenon. The Serengeti is also home to vast herds of buffalo, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and countless antelope species.

We’ll break for breakfast in the bush, maximizing our time in this wildlife wonderland. As the day draws to a close, we’ll return to our campsite for dinner and another night under the stars.

All meals included – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Seronera Public Campsite, Central Serengeti

Day 4: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area: A Journey to the Crater Rim

Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti, soaking in the last moments of this incredible landscape. After an early lunch, we begin our journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive in time to witness a spectacular sunset over the Ngorongoro Crater rim, a truly unforgettable sight. Dinner and overnight await you with breathtaking views.

All meals included – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Ngorongoro Simba Public Campsite, Crater Rim

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha: Descending into Paradise

The grand finale! After an early breakfast, we descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural wonder teeming with wildlife. This “Garden of Eden” boasts a remarkable concentration of animals, including the “Big Five”: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and the rare black rhino. Enjoy a thrilling game drive on the crater floor, with a picnic lunch amidst this breathtaking scenery.

Explore Lake Magadi, a shimmering salt lake frequented by flamingos and other aquatic birds. Keep an eye out for hippos and other animals that gather near the water’s edge.

In the late afternoon, we ascend from the crater and begin our journey back to Arusha, where we’ll drop you off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward travels or arrange for overnight accommodation in Arusha (upon request, at extra cost).

This incredible 5-day Tanzania camping safari offers an unforgettable adventure through some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife destinations!