8-Day Tanzania Luxury Big Cats Safari Tour
This 8-Day Tanzania Luxury safari to famous Northern Tanzania parks, to spot the “Big 5” – Elephants, Lions, Buffalo, rhinos, Leopards, and much more. Your safari exploration begins at Lake Manyara, one of the Rift Valley, Then, the magical plains of the Serengeti, one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. Then visit the garden of God – the renowned Ngorongoro Crater. You will end the tour in Tarangire National Park, famous for its most significant concentrations of elephants in East Africa.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is another captivating wildlife conservation area in Tanzania, known for its unique landscapes, diverse wildlife, and impressive baobab trees. Situated in the northern part of the country, it’s a popular destination for safari enthusiasts and offers a different experience compared to other parks in the region. Here’s some key information about Tarangire National Park:
Landscape and Baobab Trees:
Tarangire is characterized by its diverse landscapes, which include open grasslands, acacia woodlands, swamps, and the iconic baobab trees. These massive trees create striking silhouettes against the horizon and provide shade for wildlife.
Wildlife:
While Tarangire may not have the same volume of large predators as some other parks, it is known for its high density of elephants. During the dry season (June to October), large herds of elephants gather around the Tarangire River, making it a great place to see these majestic creatures up close. Other animals commonly seen in the park include giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, buffaloes, and various antelope species.
Birdlife:
Tarangire National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 550 bird species recorded. You can spot various birds of prey, vibrant bee-eaters, and other avian species in different habitats throughout the park.
Lesser-Known Wildlife:
While predators like lions and leopards are present, Tarangire is also home to less common species like fringe-eared oryx and greater kudu. These unique animals add to the park’s biodiversity.
Tarangire River:
The Tarangire River is a lifeline for the park’s wildlife, especially during the dry season when water sources are scarce. Animals congregate around the river to drink and cool off, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Scenic Views:
The landscapes in Tarangire National Park are picturesque, with rolling hills, expansive grasslands, and the distinct baobab trees creating a backdrop for memorable safari experiences.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is a compact yet ecologically diverse national park located in northern Tanzania. It’s a relatively small park but offers a wide range of landscapes, wildlife, and birdlife. Here’s an overview of what you can expect to experience in Lake Manyara National Park:
Lake Manyara:
The park is named after Lake Manyara, a shallow soda lake that stretches along its eastern border. The lake is known for its vibrant pink flamingos, which flock to its shores in large numbers. The lake’s alkaline waters support a variety of bird species and provide a scenic backdrop for wildlife viewing.
Wildlife:
Despite its size, Lake Manyara National Park is home to diverse wildlife. The park is known for its tree-climbing lions, which are a unique sight as they lounge in acacia trees. Other animals that can be spotted in the park include elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, hippos, impalas, and various monkey species.
Birdlife:
Lake Manyara is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 400 bird species recorded. Along with the flamingos, you can see pelicans, storks, herons, and a wide range of other waterbirds. The park’s varied habitats also attract numerous other bird species, including raptors, forest birds, and more.
Ecological Diversity:
The park’s landscapes range from open savannah to acacia woodlands and groundwater forests. The diversity of habitats supports a variety of animal species, making it possible to encounter different wildlife as you explore the park.
Hot Springs:
Lake Manyara National Park is also known for its hot springs, which are found in a section of the park known as Maji Moto. These springs are a result of the volcanic activity in the region.
The Ngorongoro Crater
A natural wonder and one of the most iconic and unique features of the African continent. It is located in northern Tanzania, within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ngorongoro Crater is often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. Due to its stunning beauty and incredible biodiversity. Here’s some key information about the Ngorongoro Crater:
Geological Formation:
The Ngorongoro Crater is actually a large volcanic caldera, formed millions of years ago. By the collapse of a massive volcano. The caldera floor covers an area of about 260 square kilometers (100 square miles), and its walls rise steeply to heights of up to 600 meters (2,000 feet).
Wildlife:
The Ngorongoro Crater is a natural haven for wildlife. Often referred to as a “natural zoo.” The diverse ecosystems within the crater support a wide range of animals. Including lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, hippos, and various antelope species. The concentration of animals in the relatively small area of the crater. Makes it a prime location for wildlife viewing and photography.
Big Five:
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the few places in Africa. Where you can find all members of the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) within a relatively small area.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional and personal driver guide. Then transferred to your hotel in Arusha for overnight relaxation and preparation in keenness of the coming safari adventure.
Arusha is the pounding heart of the wild – the last port of civilisation before heading out into dense jungles and rich savannah plains. It is specifically located below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the east branch of the Great Rift Valley. The town’s temperate and calm climate is exciting. It is close to the infamous Tanzania National Park, which surely lures visitors to explore the fantastic Maasai culture and unique flora and fauna.
However, today you can relax in Arusha, enjoy a quick briefing about your upcoming safari, recover from your journey, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Africa.
Main Destination: Arusha (City)
Accommodation: Arusha Serena Hotel, Resort & Spa
Luxury hotel located in or near Arusha
Meals & Drinks:
Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, your driver-guide will straightaway pick you up and starts your adventure drive towards the Lake Manyara National Park, one of the Rift Valley’s most renowned lakes and home to impressive concentrations of birds and large mammals. You will have a picnic lunch during noontime, proceed with more game viewing later in the evening, and drive to your accommodation for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Even though the park is small in size, 325 sq. kilometers, it has awe-inspiring scenery and is well-known for its growing population of baboons, tree-climbing lions, and elephants. The game drives along the lake provide spectacular photo chances of giraffes and buffaloes in the foreground and the lake and its flamingos in the background. Moreover, the park is a bird watcher’s paradise where over 350 species of birds, including the lively flamingo, pelican, sacred ibis, grebe, and stork, can be spotted. A short visit to this tranquil park will diversify your African safari experience.
Main Destination: Lake Manyara National Park
Best Time To Visit: June to September (easier to spot animals)
High Season: July to March (Northern section gets crowded)
Best Weather: June to October (few showers of rain)
Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Luxury lodge located just outside Lake Manyara NP
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, your exploration journey continues heading to the renowned Serengeti National Park. Furthermore a home of the Great Migration, driving through the beautiful high-lying farmland of Karatu and spectacular views of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Then have multiple stops to enjoy the beautiful scenery, including stopping at the great Ngorongoro Crater rim.
You will enjoy a picnic lunch, continue with an afternoon game watching in Central Serengeti, and later in the evening, drive to your accommodation for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Best Time To Visit: June to February (Areas are best at different times)
High Season: July to March (The Seronera area is crowded)
Best Weather: June to October (Little to no rainfall)
Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Luxury lodge located inside Serengeti NP
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4: On Safari – Central Serengeti
Waking up in the Serengeti is something extraordinary. Africa’s sights, sounds, and smells are all around you, and a full day of adventure in the world’s most famous national park is ahead.
You will enjoy full days in the Serengeti National Park, precisely we are entirely flexible with your preferences, and this day will be prearranged according to your desires. Your guide will discuss the best timings on every safari day, including the game drives and the wake-up time. For instance, on this day, you could do a morning game drive, return for lunch and relaxation and finish with an afternoon game drive. Alternatively, you could do a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch, and after sunset drives back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Luxury lodge located inside Serengeti NP
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5: On Safari – Central Serengeti
Firstly after breakfast, depart for a full-day game drive in Serengeti, the home of the big five and wildebeest migration. Later you will have a picnic lunch, and more game viewing in the afternoon after the African sunset and finally drive back to your accommodation for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Luxury lodge located inside Serengeti NP
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Wake up early in the morning for breakfast, followed by departure for a morning game drive, spot the animals when they are more active, and have a fantastic sunrise. In addition, the sun-up in the African Savannah is one of the most excellent stunning, unforgettable experiences.
After lunch, it’s time to drive eastwards to visit another spectacular setting for Tanzania’s wildlife, the famous Ngorongoro Crater. In fact upon arrival late in the afternoon, settle for dinner and overnight.
Furthermore, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a pioneering experiment where people (the Maasai), livestock, and wildlife co-exist and share the same protected habitat. Moreover the stunning spectacle of the Ngorongoro Crater, its steep walls falling some 610 meters to the floor. Besides the crater floor is home to thousands of everyday animals. For instance the rare black rhinos, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, hippos, elands, elephants, and a large predator population of lions, hyenas, and jackals.
Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Best Time To Visit: June to September (General wildlife viewing is best)
High Season: Most of the year – July to March (Expect crowds)
Best Weather: June to October (Rainfall is little to none)
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Luxury lodge located on the crater rim of Ngorongoro Crater
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater to Tarangire National Park
Today there will be plenty of time to enjoy another actual show – Ngorongoro Crater is often referred to as a wonder of the world. Furthermore, after breakfast, descend into the crater floor for an incredible morning of wildlife viewing in one of the most splendid places exploring Africa’s Garden of Eden, the Ngorongoro Crater.
However, the crater is the grasslands, forests, and freshwater lake that inspire the migration of animals and makes for the perfect chance to catch a glimpse of Africa’s notorious Big Five (buffalo, elephants, leopards, black-maned lions, and the rare black rhinoceros).
After some exploring, enjoy a lunch picnic in the crater’s heart before we take in some more sights and drive up the steep road out of the crater, heading to Tarangire National Park for dinner and overnight.
Main Destination:
Tarangire National Park
Best Time To Visit: June to October (Animals come to the river)
High Season: June to October (The park is full of tourists)
Best Weather: June to October (Little rainfall)
Accommodation: Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Mid-range lodge located inside Tarangire NP
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8: Tarangire to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Firstly, after breakfast, head for early morning game viewing through the famed Tarangire National Park, home of Tanzania’s largest concentration of elephants. Furthermore, Tarangire is excellent and has a diverse ecosystem, boasting one of the largest concentrations of elephants in East Africa.
During noontime, you will have a stop for a picnic lunch; the picnic area is fascinating, boasting an observatory with amazing views of the Tarangire river and wildlife (with good chances of seeing a hunt while having your picnic). Lastly after the game viewing, your guide will drive to Arusha or the airport for drop-off. Thus the end of 8-Day Tanzania Luxury Big Cats Safari Tour.
Main Destination: Kilimanjaro Airport
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
End of tour (See Getting There for more details)
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
You’ll be dropped off at the airport.
