Day 1 – Arrival in Vibrant Arusha
Our guide will warmly welcome you upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, ready to kickstart this 8 day safari. But first we’ll explore lively Arusha, visiting the markets and museums, indulging in a tasty lunch, and picking up any last supplies needed for the trip ahead. Then it’s off to our comfortable lodge nestled in the surrounding hills.
Day 2 – Tarangire National Park
Today we’ll make our way to underrated Tarangire National Park. Renowned for its massive baobab trees and the river that draws incredible concentrations of wildlife in the dry season, Tarangire dazzles. Herds of elephants plus lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, and over 550 bird species await us on game drives! After a rewarding first day of safari, we’ll overnight at our lodge.
Day 3 – Ngorongoro Highlands
After breakfast, we’ll take a scenic drive into the lush Ngorongoro Highlands, breathtakingly perched on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater. Stop at a viewpoint for incredible panoramas before descending 600m into what is considered Africa’s Garden of Eden. Abundant wildlife, including the Big 5, roam the crater floor. After a magical day of game viewing, we’ll retire to our lodge overlooking the highlands.
Days 4 & 5 – Endless Wildlife Watching in the Serengeti
Two full days to explore incredible Serengeti National Park! Morning and evening game drives on the endless plains allow us to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, migrating wildebeests stretching to the horizon, and over 500 bird species. There’s a good chance we’ll see all members of the Big 5 during our time in Serengeti, the most iconic safari destination in Africa!
Day 6 – Journey to Mahale Mountains National Park
Today we depart the Serengeti for remote Mahale Mountains on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. After taking a boat to our exclusive safari camp, we’ll spend the afternoon settling in and enjoying the beach. The main attraction here is tracking wild chimpanzees in the dense forest – a thrilling privilege as our genetic cousins only number about 1,000 in Tanzania.
Day 7 – Mahale Mountains Chimp Trekking
An early start to meet the chimp trackers who will lead us into Mahale Mountains forest in search of chimps. The hike can be challenging but observing them interact and vocalize up close is life-changing! Later, snorkel Lake Tanganyika or relax on the beach before our final dinner beneath the stars.
Day 8 – Return to Arusha
On our last morning, take in the sunrise over Lake Tanganyika before the boat ride back to Uvinza. From there, we’ll drive back to Arusha, stopping at Lake Manyara for lunch and more wildlife viewing along the way if time allows. In Arusha, we’ll reminisce on the most spectacular 8 days before your departure home!
