8-Day Tanzania Safari: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Olduvai Gorge

Overview: This itinerary offers an immersive safari experience across Tanzania’s prime parks with a unique visit to the archaeological site of Olduvai Gorge. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and those interested in learning about human history and evolution.

Itinerary

Day 1: Tarangire National Park

• Begin your adventure with a drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park.
• Spend the day exploring the park’s vast landscapes, renowned for its large elephant herds, iconic baobab trees, and diverse birdlife.
• Distance: 118 km, 2.5 hours from Arusha to Tarangire.
• Main Attractions: Elephants, baobab trees, birdwatching.

Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park

• Continue to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and the Great Rift Valley views.
• Spend the day spotting flamingos and other wildlife as you drive through the park’s varied ecosystems.
• Distance: 80 km, 1.5 hours from Tarangire to Lake Manyara.
• Main Attractions: Tree-climbing lions, flamingos, panoramic views.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater

• Travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater.
• Spend the day exploring this natural wonder, where you can spot the Big Five and other incredible wildlife.
• Distance: 60 km, 1.5 hours from Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro.
• Main Attractions: The Big Five, crater wildlife, unique landscapes.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park

• Drive to Serengeti National Park, one of the world’s most famous safari destinations.
• Spend the day witnessing the abundance of wildlife, including predators, grazers, and if in season, the Great Migration.
• Distance: 145 km, 3.5 hours from Ngorongoro to Serengeti.
• Main Attractions: Great Migration (seasonal), lions, cheetahs, vast plains.

Day 5: Serengeti National Park

• Enjoy a second day of game drives in the Serengeti.
• Visit different regions of the park, including Seronera Valley, known for its resident predator populations.
• Distance: Local movement within Serengeti.
• Main Attractions: Leopards, cheetahs, predator-prey interactions.

Day 6: Olduvai Gorge and Serengeti

• Visit the famous Olduvai Gorge, where significant fossil discoveries were made, shedding light on human evolution.
• Return to Serengeti for a relaxed afternoon game drive.
• Distance: 60 km, 1 hour from Serengeti to Olduvai Gorge.
• Main Attractions: Olduvai Gorge, human evolution history, prehistoric findings.

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater (Optional Visit)

• Return to Ngorongoro for another day of exploration or rest at your lodge.
• This optional visit provides more opportunities to explore the crater floor and spot wildlife that may have been missed on the first visit.
• Distance: 145 km, 3.5 hours from Serengeti to Ngorongoro.
• Main Attractions: Wildlife viewing, crater landscapes.

Day 8: Return to Arusha

• After your wildlife-filled safari, return to Arusha.
• Visit local markets or relax before heading to the airport for your departure flight.
• Distance: 190 km, 4-5 hours from Ngorongoro to Arusha.
• Main Attractions: Arusha city, souvenir shopping.

Package Inclusions:

• Park fees for Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Olduvai Gorge.
• Private safari vehicle and guide.
• Accommodation (7 nights) and meals as specified.
• Drinking water during game drives.
• Transfers to and from Arusha.

Exclusions:

• International flights.
• Travel insurance.
• Tips, souvenirs, and personal expenses.
• Optional activities such as cultural visits, balloon safaris, or additional meals outside of the itinerary.