Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Welcome to Tanzania
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where your guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Relax after your flight or take a short city tour if time allows. Enjoy a welcome dinner and safari briefing. Overnight stay in Arusha.
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Elephants & Savannah Landscapes
Depart after breakfast for Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal wildlife migrations. Enjoy a full-day game drive with picnic lunch, spotting giraffes, zebras, lions, and numerous bird species. In the afternoon, head to your lodge or tented camp near the park for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara – Tree-Climbing Lions & Great Views
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a scenic park nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Explore the lush groundwater forest and open plains in search of tree-climbing lions, flamingos, hippos, and monkeys. After your game drive, head to the Karatu area for overnight at a lodge.
Day 4: Lake Manyara to Serengeti (Central or Ndutu/North based on season)
Set out after breakfast for the Serengeti, Tanzania’s most famous park and home to the Great Migration. The drive takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with scenic views and wildlife along the way. Arrive in the Serengeti in the afternoon and enjoy a game drive en route to your lodge or camp. Depending on the season, you’ll stay in the Central Serengeti, Southern Serengeti (Ndutu), or Northern Serengeti (Kogatende/Lamai) to be close to the migration herds.
Day 5: Full Day in Serengeti – Migration Tracking Begins
Spend the day tracking the Great Wildebeest Migration, along with the predators that follow it. Watch massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles on the move, often shadowed by lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Depending on timing, you might witness river crossings, calving, or dramatic predator-prey interactions. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Another Full Day in Serengeti – Deeper Into the Wild
Enjoy another full day of migration-focused game drives, exploring new areas based on the herd’s location. Your guide will tailor the day to maximize sightings — whether it’s following the herds across the plains or staking out strategic locations near waterholes or crossing points. Optionally, begin the day with a hot air balloon safari at sunrise (extra cost). Dinner and overnight at your migration-based camp or lodge.
Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Scenic Drive & Cultural Option
After a morning game drive and breakfast, begin your journey toward Ngorongoro, with game viewing en route. Optionally, stop at a Maasai village for a cultural visit. Arrive at your lodge on the crater rim by late afternoon and relax with stunning views over the Ngorongoro Crater. Dinner and overnight on the rim.
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Big Five in One Day
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best places to spot the Big Five in one day. Look out for lions, rhinos, elephants, hippos, and much more in this unique, enclosed ecosystem. Enjoy a picnic lunch by a hippo pool. In the afternoon, ascend the crater and return to your lodge in Karatu for overnight.
Day 9: Return to Arusha – Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Arusha. Depending on your flight time, you can stop at local craft markets or enjoy lunch in town. You’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable migration safari.
End of Safari
At Ikola Safari, we believe a safari is more than just a trip — it’s an experience you’ll cherish for a lifetime. With thoughtfully chosen accommodations, knowledgeable guides, and service tailored to you, we make sure every detail is unforgettable. Explore with peace of mind. Explore with Ikola Safari.
bookings@ikolasafaris.com
Phone: +255 754 287 212
Address: Arusha – Tanzania