Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Welcome to Tanzania
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by your Ikola Safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Settle in and relax after your flight, enjoying your first taste of Tanzanian hospitality. If time permits, you may explore the town or unwind at your lodge. Your guide will give you a safari briefing in the evening. Dinner and overnight in Arusha.
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Elephants & Baobabs
After breakfast, depart Arusha and head to Tarangire National Park, known for its vast herds of elephants, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal river system. Enjoy a full-day game drive in the park, spotting a wide range of animals such as lions, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, and over 500 bird species. Stop for a picnic lunch inside the park, then continue exploring in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at a lodge or tented camp near Tarangire.
Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park – Tree-Climbing Lions & Flamingos
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a small but ecologically diverse park nestled between the Great Rift Valley escarpment and the lake itself. Embark on a game drive through forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Look out for tree-climbing lions, hippos, flamingos, and monkeys. Enjoy a picnic lunch and continue exploring the park before heading to your lodge in the Karatu area for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Manyara to Serengeti – Into the Wild
Today, set off toward the legendary Serengeti National Park. Drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying scenic views and wildlife along the way. Arrive in the Serengeti by early afternoon and begin your first game drive across the endless plains. Keep your eyes peeled for cheetahs, lions, elephants, and possibly the Great Migration, depending on the season. Dinner and overnight at your lodge or tented camp in central Serengeti.
Day 5: Full Day in Serengeti – Wildlife Spectacle
Enjoy a full day of game drives in the Serengeti, either with a full-day safari and picnic lunch or split into morning and afternoon drives. Explore different regions of the park as you track big cats, elephants, giraffes, and perhaps even a river crossing if you’re visiting during migration season. Optional: Start the day with a hot air balloon safari (pre-booking required). Return to your camp or lodge for dinner and a night under the stars.
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro – Scenic Drive & Maasai Culture
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti before beginning your journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, you may stop at a traditional Maasai village (optional) to learn about their customs and lifestyle. Arrive at your lodge on the crater rim in time to relax and take in the breathtaking view. Dinner and overnight with panoramic views of the crater below.
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Return to Arusha
Today, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive in one of the most unique wildlife habitats in Africa. This collapsed caldera is home to the Big Five, as well as flamingos, hyenas, hippos, and more. Enjoy a picnic lunch beside a hippo pool and continue your safari into the early afternoon. Afterward, begin your drive back to Arusha. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or the airport, marking the end of an incredible 7-day adventure.
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.