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12-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari -Great Migration Safari Experience
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12-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari -Great Migration Safari Experience

12-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari -Great

12 days / 11 nights
Tanzania
Min 1 people

Overview

12-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari

A remarkable adventure with the 12-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari, a carefully curated expedition through some of Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. This comprehensive safari journey commences in the bustling city of Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania, and takes you across diverse ecosystems—from the lush woodlands of Lake Manyara to the vast savannahs of the Serengeti National Park and the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater.

12-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions:

  • Entrance and park fees for all visited national parks and reserves (for non-residents)
  • All scheduled safari activities unless marked optional
  • Accommodation as specified (luxury and comfort lodges, safari camps, and cultural boma)
  • Services of a professional, licensed 12-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari driver-guide
  • All transportation during the safari, including airport transfers and internal flights
  • Roundtrip transfers from/to airports as per itinerary
  • All meals as indicated in the day-by-day itinerary
  • Drinking water provided on safari days
  • All applicable government taxes and VAT

Safari Exclusions:

  • International flights to and from Tanzania
  • Pre- and post-safari accommodations not included in the itinerary
  • Optional activities and excursions (e.g., cultural tours, balloon safaris unless specified)
  • Personal expenses such as travel insurance, visas, tips, souvenirs, and phone calls
  • Meals and drinks not included in the day-to-day itinerary
  • Tipping guideline: US$10 per person per day recommended
  • Any government-imposed increase in park fees or taxes after booking

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Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Day 1

Pick Up from Arusha and Transfer to Africa Safari Rift Valley

Arusha is the 12-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari capital of the country and a bustling tourism-driven city. You will be met by your 12-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari driver-guide guide in Arusha and together, you will begin the transfer to Africa Safari Rift Valley. Without stops, the drive will take approximately 2 hours. On arrival, you will have time to refresh and explore the expansive surroundings of the accommodation before finishing the day with dinner under the stars and a good night’s sleep in one of our comfy accommodations.

Accommodation: Africa Safari Rift Valley (Safari Luxury Accommodation)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
2

Day 2

Full-day Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park

Full-day Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park You only need to open your eyes and walk to the restaurant to enjoy the expansive views of Lake Manyara. After breakfast, your 12-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari driver-guide will take you to the entry gates of Lake Manyara National Park which offers a big ecological variety in a more condensed area. From the entrance of the park, the road winds through a groundwater forest area where baboons can be seen lounging in the trees. The mahogany and acacia trees are inhabited by the famous tree-climbing lions, if you’re lucky you might spot them lazing on a tree branch.

  • Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park
  • wildebeest, giraffes, zebras viewing
Accommodation: Africa Safari Rift Valley (Safari Luxury Accommodation)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3

Day 3

Full-day Game Drive in Tarangire National Park

After a good night's sleep, today is the ‘day of the elephants. Tarangire is an hour's drive from the lodge and presents quite a different landscape to Lake Manyara. The hilly savannah together with the Tarangire River makes this the favourite park for large herds of elephants. During the dry season (June – October), the Tarangire River is the only source of water available, making it a popular spot not just for the elephants but a variety of small hoofed animals and an abundance of birdlife. Lions, warthogs, giraffes, zebras, and monkeys all roam the park, waiting for the ‘perfect picture’ opportunity! The night is spent at Africa Safari Lake Manyara.

  • Breakfast at the lodge.
  • Drive to Tarangire National Park.
  • Morning game drive in Tarangire National Park.
  • Wildlife viewing (elephants, lions, warthogs, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, antelopes, and birds).
  • Visit the Tarangire River.
  • Wildlife photography and sightseeing.
  • Return and overnight stay at Africa Safari Lake Manyara.
Accommodation: Africa Safari Lake Manyara (Safari Comfort)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4

Day 4

Visit a Maasai Boma at Mto Wa Mbu

Time to take it easy—African style! One of the favorite Swahili expressions is polepole (slow slow) and that’s exactly how today will go! You may wish to sleep in following several busy days filled with activities and travel or perhaps enjoy a second easy coffee while watching the animals graze near the restaurant. After breakfast, you will visit the traditional home of the Maasai, the Maasai Boma—which consists of a variety of small huts made of mud, sticks, and cow dung. The boma is surrounded by a circular “fence” of thorny bushes to protect the tribe and their cattle from predators. During your visit, you can practice a traditional dance, engage in a conversation about daily life, traditions and customs, and admire the beautiful beadworks of the Maasai women.

  • Relax and enjoy a leisurely morning.
  • Breakfast at the lodge.
  • Wildlife viewing from the lodge.
  • Visit a traditional Maasai Boma.
  • Learn about Maasai culture, traditions, and daily life.
  • Participate in a traditional Maasai dance.
  • Interact with the Maasai community.
  • View and admire traditional Maasai beadwork.
Accommodation: Africa Safari Lake Manyara (Safari Comfort)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5

Day 5

Relaxing with Optional Activities

A day of rest and relaxation or an extra excursion (not included). You can take a stroll through the camp, enjoy the view, read a book, or have an afternoon snooze while taking time to process recent impressions. Meals will be served in the restaurant while enjoying the view of the birds and animals as they pass by. After lunch, make yourself ready for your transfer to Karatu. Your overnight stay will be at Africa Safari Karatu.

  • Relax and enjoy free time at the camp.
  • Take a nature walk around the camp.
  • Enjoy scenic views and wildlife watching.
  • Read a book or rest.
  • Lunch at the camp restaurant.
  • Transfer to Karatu.
  • Check in and overnight stay at Africa Safari Karatu.
Accommodation: Africa Safari Karatu (Safari Comfort Bungalow)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6

Day 6

Ngorongoro Crater

Be sure to wake up early today, so there is no delay on your descent into the famous Ngorongoro Crater. As soon as you arrive in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you will be amazed by the beauty around you. Even more so when you arrive at the edge of the crater and take in the amazing view over one of the Natural Wonders of the World. The crater of this inactive volcano is approximately 3 million years old, 20 sq km in size and the largest unbroken volcanic caldera in the world. Due to its natural borders, the wildlife in the crater is amazing. The crater is home to the Big Five and offers a good chance to spot the rare black rhinos. Throw hyenas, zebras, buffaloes, and elephants into the mix, and you have the perfect canvas for a pretty awesome safari experience. At the end of the afternoon, you will head back to the lodge, Africa Safari Lake Manyara, for a well-deserved night’s sleep.

  • Early morning departure to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
  • Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the crater.
  • Game drive inside Ngorongoro Crater.
  • Wildlife viewing (Big Five, black rhinos, hyenas, zebras, buffaloes, elephants, and other wildlife).
  • Wildlife photography and sightseeing.
  • Return to Africa Safari Lake Manyara for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Africa Safari South Serengeti (Safari Comfort)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7

Day 7

Full-day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park

Today you have a long and rewarding drive ahead of you to central Serengeti. Along the drive, you will be able to spot giraffes, zebras, and other animals. Prepare to be amazed when you catch your first glimpse of the endless plains of the Serengeti. When you arrive at our Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma Lodge, you will have already had your first glimpse of the 14,000+ sq km that make up the wonder that is Serengeti National Park.

  • Scenic drive to Serengeti National Park.
  • Wildlife viewing along the journey (giraffes, zebras, and other animals).
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Serengeti plains.
  • Sightseeing and photography.
  • Check in at Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma Lodge.
  • Relax and overnight stay at the lodge.
Accommodation: Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma (Safari Comfort)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8

Day 8

Afternoon Walking Safari, Sundowner and Night Game Drive in Serengeti National Park

You will enjoy a bit of a sleep-in and an easy morning around the campgrounds, read a book on the patio, or simply make the most of having some downtime. This afternoon, you will be making a walking safari. A truly unique experience, where you will have the opportunity to explore new territory and follow the animals on foot, accompanied by your very own armed ranger. The walking safari takes approximately 2 hours and ends with a sundowner while overlooking the Serengeti. Then back to the accommodation for a quick dinner and join in on a thrilling 12-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari adventure; a night game drive. A spotlight is fitted to the vehicle and before you know it you catch the first reflections of the animal’s eyes. The night is another world altogether out there; interesting action of the nocturnal animals, different shades and shadows, and unknown sounds. Typical animals of the night are bushbabies, civets and genet cats, a rare aardvark or porcupine, and others.

  • Relax and enjoy a slow morning at the camp.
  • Spend leisure time around the campground.
  • Read a book or relax on the patio.
  • Afternoon walking safari in Serengeti National Park.
  • Guided wildlife tracking on foot with an armed ranger.
  • Enjoy a sundowner while overlooking the Serengeti.
  • Dinner at the accommodation.
  • Night game drive with spotlight viewing.
  • Search for nocturnal wildlife (bushbabies, civets, genet cats, aardvarks, porcupines, and other night animals).
Accommodation: Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma (Safari Comfort)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9

Day 9

Game Drive to Northern Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, you will begin your 12-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari for the day, heading north. The journey begins cruising along dirt tracks lined by shrubby savannah, the habitat of impala and giraffe. After a while, you will reach the Lobo area where the landscape opens up to a mix of grasslands, rivers, hills, and forests. Depending on the movement of the migration, you might even make your way further north to forests of acacia trees and dense bush. The area is permanently inhabited by many animals, both herbivores and carnivores. This northern section is less frequented than the southern and central parts of the Serengeti, allowing for fewer cars on the road and a more ‘exclusive’ safari experience. At the end of the day, you will leave the park through Klein’s gate. After a few kilometres, find another surprise; Maasai culture in its full glory.

  • Breakfast at the lodge.
  • Scenic drive through northern Serengeti National Park.
  • Wildlife viewing along dirt tracks (impalas, giraffes, and other animals).
  • Explore the Lobo Area landscape (grasslands, rivers, hills, and forests).
  • Search for herbivores and predators in the northern Serengeti.
  • Enjoy a less crowded, exclusive safari experience.
  • Exit the park through Klein's Gate.
  • Experience Maasai culture and traditions.
Accommodation: Africa Safari Maasai Boma (Safari Comfort Bungalow)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10

Day 10

Game Drive in Pololeti Game Reserve

After a good breakfast at Africa Safari Maasai Boma, you will depart on your game drive in Pololeti Game Reserve. Your 12-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari driver-guide will take you exploring, following the movement of resident wildlife. There will be a stop for a nice picnic lunch along the way.

  • Breakfast at Africa Safari Maasai Boma.
  • Depart for a game drive in Pololeti Game Reserve.
  • Wildlife viewing and tracking with a driver-guide.
  • Explore the reserve while following the movement of resident wildlife.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch during the game drive.
  • Continue wildlife exploration and sightseeing.
Accommodation: Africa Safari Maasai Boma (Safari Comfort Bungalow)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11

Day 11

Full-day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park

Today, you will enjoy another full-day game drive in Serengeti National Park. Throughout the day, you will explore the surroundings of a well-known phenomenon; the yearly crossing of the migration. Depending on the rainfall and your travel dates, you may have the opportunity to witness this spectacle of nature. In this expansive landscape, watered by several rivers, the game is there for viewing in large numbers. You are highly likely to cross paths with giraffes, hippos, elands, and elephants.

  • Full-day game drive in Serengeti National Park.
  • Explore the Serengeti landscapes and wildlife areas.
  • Experience the Great Migration (depending on season and rainfall).
  • Wildlife viewing (giraffes, hippos, elands, elephants, and other animals).
  • Scenic sightseeing and wildlife photography.
  • Observe large concentrations of game around rivers and plains.
Accommodation: Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma (Safari Comfort)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
12

Day 12

Safari Transfer to Seronera Airstrip - Flight to Arusha

After a good night’s sleep, this morning it is departure time. After the last game drive, your vehicle will be taking you to the Seronera Airstrip for your flight back to Arusha Airport. After boarding the aircraft, your 12-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari trip nears the end, but you can still peer out over the wings of the plane and enjoy the magnificent views while flying over Serengeti National Park. Admire the changing scenery of the Great Rift Valley. You will land at Arusha Airport with a camera full of pictures to share with friends and family and look back on the amazing memories created by your African endeavour!

  • Final game drive in Serengeti National Park.
  • Transfer to Seronera Airstrip.
  • Flight from Serengeti to Arusha Airport.
  • Enjoy aerial views of the Serengeti landscape.
  • View the Great Rift Valley scenery from the plane.
  • Take photographs and capture final safari memories.
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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