9-Day Tanzania Safari: Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Northern Serengeti

After breakfast, the drive south takes around two and a half hours to Tarangire National Park. A full game drive runs through the day, with lunch served in the field. The Tarangire River is the principal wildlife draw, particularly during the dry season when large elephant herds and concentrations of other species move to the water. The park's baobab-studded terrain is one of the most distinctive landscapes on the northern circuit.

After breakfast, the drive continues into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and down to the crater floor. The 260km² floor holds high densities of lion, elephant, buffalo, hippo, hyena, flamingo, and the rare black rhino: it is one of the best single-location game drives in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A picnic lunch is served inside the crater. The afternoon drive returns to the rim lodge.

After breakfast, the drive heads through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area highlands and descends into the Serengeti's southern plains. An afternoon game drive in the central Seronera area follows arrival. The central Serengeti is well-documented for its year-round lion and cheetah concentrations. The Seronera River woodland is among the more reliable areas for leopard in the park.

A full day in the central Serengeti. Morning and afternoon game drives cover different areas of the Seronera region. The flat, open grasslands to the south offer good sightlines for cheetah; the rocky kopjes are favored by lion prides. Lunch in the field or at the lodge is confirmed each morning based on plans.

A third day in the central Serengeti allows deeper exploration of areas not yet covered, or extended time in consistently productive zones. Your guide adjusts the route based on recent wildlife activity. Optional early morning or sunset drives can extend the viewing window beyond the standard schedule.

After breakfast, the drive north from the central Serengeti to the Kogatende and Lamai Wedge area takes around three hours, with wildlife viewed en route. The northern Serengeti is notably quieter than the central region and sees significantly fewer vehicles. The Mara River cuts through this section of the park and is the primary crossing point for wildebeest and zebra moving between the Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara during July and August. An afternoon game drive follows arrival.

A full day along the Mara River and surrounding terrain. Game drives focus on the river crossing points and the woodland and grassland bordering the Mara. Large resident herds of elephant and plains game are present year-round. Crossing activity, if migration herds are present, is not predictable on any given day: extended time on the river is the most effective approach.

An early breakfast is followed by a final game drive through the northern Serengeti en route to Kogatende Airstrip. The scheduled flight to Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport marks the transition from bush to coast. Arrival times and onward plans are confirmed in advance.