Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Welcome to Tanzania

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your guide will greet you and transfer you to your lodge in Arusha. Relax and prepare for the adventure ahead amid views of Mount Meru and the bustling atmosphere of this safari hub.

• Overnight: Lodge or boutique hotel in Arusha
• Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park – Forests, Birds & Tree-Climbing Lions

Depart after breakfast for Lake Manyara National Park, a lush ecosystem tucked beneath the Rift Valley escarpment. Explore its groundwater forests and expansive lake shore, home to elephants, hippos, giraffes, and thousands of flamingos. Keep an eye out for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions.

• Overnight: Lodge or camp in Karatu
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Lake Manyara to Ndutu Region – Into the Calving Grounds

After breakfast, head into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend toward Ndutu, the seasonal migration hub between the Ngorongoro highlands and southern Serengeti. As you arrive, the plains stretch endlessly and are often covered in grazing wildebeest and zebra. Expect newborn calves, and be on alert for stalking predators.

• Overnight: Mobile tented camp or lodge in the Ndutu area
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Full Day in Ndutu – Calving Season in Full Swing

Spend the entire day exploring the Ndutu woodlands and open plains, where hundreds of thousands of wildebeest gather to give birth. This area offers one of the best chances to witness wildebeest calves taking their first steps and predator interactions with cheetahs, lions, and hyenas. Game drives can be flexible, including picnic lunches to maximize your time in the field.

• Overnight: Mobile tented camp or lodge in the Ndutu area
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Another Full Day in Ndutu – Predator Paradise

Enjoy another day of game drives across Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek surroundings. The sheer number of wildebeest calves attracts intense predator activity. You may witness hunting scenes or see big cats caring for their own young. The diverse terrain also includes marshes and woodlands, offering opportunities to spot leopards and rare birds.

• Overnight: Mobile tented camp or lodge in the Ndutu area
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6: Ndutu to Ngorongoro Crater – UNESCO World Heritage Safari

After breakfast, head toward the Ngorongoro Crater, passing Maasai villages and highland landscapes. In the afternoon, descend into the crater for a game drive in one of Africa’s most densely populated wildlife areas. Spot black rhinos, large lion prides, herds of buffaloes, elephants, and abundant birdlife around the crater floor lakes.

• Overnight: Lodge on the Ngorongoro crater rim or in Karatu
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7: Return to Arusha – Farewell Tanzania

After a relaxed breakfast, begin your drive back to Arusha, enjoying views of the highlands and villages along the way. Depending on your departure time, stop for local shopping or lunch. Arrive in Arusha by early afternoon for your onward flight or evening departure.

• Meals: Breakfast and Lunch