Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Starting Point: Arusha town (lodge/hotel where guest stayed at their own cost) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO, ~46 km from Arusha)

End Point: Peak Hotel Karatu

06:00 AM – Pick-Up from Arusha or Airport
Pick-up from your lodge/hotel in Arusha town or Kilimanjaro International Airport (if arriving early morning).

Meet your guide, receive a brief on the day’s plan, and load luggage into the 4x4 safari vehicle.

Drive to Tarangire National Park (~120 km, ~2–2.5 hours from Arusha). The route passes through rural landscapes with views of Mt. Meru and local Maasai villages.

Brief restroom stop en route if needed.

08:30 AM – Arrival at Tarangire National Park Gate
Arrive at the main entrance gate of Tarangire National Park.

Your guide handles park entry permits.

Brief stop for registration, restrooms, and a quick look at the park’s information board or small museum.

09:00 AM – Morning Game Drive in Tarangire
Begin the game drive in Tarangire, focusing on the park’s northern and central areas near the Tarangire River, a lifeline for wildlife during the dry season.

Activities:

• Search for Tarangire’s famous elephant herds (up to 300 in a single group), often seen bathing or dusting near the river.
• Spot other wildlife: giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, waterbucks, and predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
• Look for unique species like the gerenuk (standing antelope) and fringe-eared oryx.Admire the park’s iconic baobab trees and diverse birdlife (over 550 species, e.g., yellow-collared lovebirds, hornbills).
• Stop frequently for photography and guide-led explanations of animal behavior and the park’s ecosystem.

Expect 2–3 hours of driving along varied loops (e.g., Silale Swamp, Lemiyon Triangle).

11:30 AM – Mid-Morning Break
Pause at a scenic lookout or safe open area (e.g., near the Tarangire River or a designated viewpoint).

Activities:
Stretch legs, use binoculars to scan for wildlife, and enjoy a light snack (optional).

Discuss morning sightings with your guide and learn about Tarangire’s role in elephant migration.

12:00 PM – Continue Game Drive
Resume the game drive, exploring different areas of the park (e.g., southern loops or Matete woodlands).

Activities:

• Visit Silale Swamp for water-dependent species like buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles.
• Track predators resting under acacia trees or stalking prey.
• Spot rarer animals like African wild dogs (if lucky) or pythons coiled in baobabs.
• Enjoy the park’s open savannah and riverine landscapes for dramatic photo opportunities.

01:30 PM – Lunch Break
Stop at a designated picnic site (e.g., overlooking the Tarangire River or near Matete). These sites have basic facilities like toilets and shaded tables.

Activities:

• Enjoy a packed lunch (provided by the tour operator).
• Relax and observe nearby wildlife (e.g., birds or monkeys) from a safe distance.
• Brief rest (30–45 minutes) to recharge for the afternoon.

02:15 PM – Afternoon Game Drive
Continue the game drive, focusing on areas not covered earlier or revisiting hotspots for new sightings.

Activities:

• Explore the park’s quieter southern sections for a chance at leopard sightings in dense woodlands.
• Visit seasonal wetlands (if accessible) for waterbirds like herons or storks.
• Look for late-afternoon predator activity as animals move toward water sources.
• Your guide adjusts the route based on wildlife movements and group preferences.

04:30 PM – Departure from Tarangire National Park
Exit the park via the main gate, concluding the game drive.

Begin the drive to the Lodge/ Hotel (~90 km, ~2-hour drive), located near Karatu, en route to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Enjoy scenic views of the Great Rift Valley and local villages during the drive.

06:30 PM – Arrival at Lodge/Hotel
Check into Peak Hotel in Karatu.

Enjoy dinner

Rest early to prepare for Day 2’s early start to Ngorongoro Crater.

Key Notes
Total Duration: ~12.5 hours (06:00 AM – 06:30 PM), including ~6–7 hours in Tarangire.

Distance: Arusha to Tarangire (120 km, 2–2.5 hours); Tarangire to Lodge/Hotel (90 km, 2 hours).

What to Bring: Binoculars, camera, sunscreen, hat, light jacket (mornings can be cool), comfortable shoes, water bottle, and insect repellent (Tarangire has tsetse flies in some areas).

Wildlife Expectations: Tarangire’s high elephant population and predator density ensure excellent sightings, though specific animals (e.g., leopards, wild dogs) depend on luck.

Rules: Stay inside the vehicle except at designated areas, follow TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks) guidelines, and avoid littering.

• Main Destination; Tarangire National Park
• Accommodation; Peak Hotel Karatu
• Meals Plan; Lunch & Dinner (All Drinks except Alcohol & Liquor)

Starting Point: Karatu (approx. 30–45 min drive to Loduare Gate)

06:00 AM – Departure from Accommodation
After breakfast, depart Peak in Karatu. Early departure maximizes morning game viewing when animals are most active.
Travel to Loduare Gate (entry to NCA). Your guide handles permits (pre-arranged).
Brief stop at the gate for registration and restrooms.

07:00 AM – Arrival at Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Reach the crater rim (approx. 2,300m altitude). Stop at the viewpoint for a breathtaking panorama of the crater floor. Your guide provides a brief overview of the crater’s geology, wildlife, and history.
Take photos and prepare for the descent (warm clothing advised due to morning chill).

07:30 AM – Descend into the Crater & Morning Game Drive
Begin the descent via the winding access road into the crater (600m below the rim).
Activities:
- Game drive across the crater floor, targeting key wildlife areas (e.g., Lerai Forest, Lake Magadi, Mandusi Swamp).
- Spot the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino—black rhinos are a highlight, with ~30 in the crater).
- Observe other wildlife like cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, hippos, zebras, wildebeests, and diverse birdlife (e.g., flamingos, crowned cranes).
- Your guide shares insights on animal behavior and tracks wildlife using local knowledge and radio communication.
- Expect 2–3 hours of driving with frequent stops for photography and observation.

10:30 AM – Mid-Morning Break
Pause at a scenic spot for a short break.

Activities:
- Stretch legs, use binoculars to scan for distant wildlife, and enjoy a light snack (optional).
- Discuss sightings with your guide and learn about the crater’s ecosystem.

11:00 AM – Continue Game Drive
Resume the game drive, exploring different sections of the crater.

Activities:
- Visit the hippo pool (Ngoitokitok Spring) to see hippos wallowing and possibly crocodiles.
- Search for rare species like serval cats or bat-eared foxes.
- Stop at key vantage points for photos of the crater’s dramatic walls and herds grazing on the plains.

1:00 PM – Lunch Break
Stop at the designated picnic site.

Activities:
- Enjoy a packed lunch (provided by the lodge).
- Relax and observe nearby wildlife (e.g., hippos or birds) from a safe distance.
- Brief rest (30–45 minutes) to recharge for the afternoon.

01:45 PM – Afternoon Game Drive
Continue exploring the crater, focusing on areas not covered in the morning.

Activities:
- Track predators during their post-lunch activity (e.g., lions hunting or resting).
- Visit the alkaline Lake Magadi (if not seen earlier) to see flamingos and other waterbirds.
- Look for unique sightings, such as mating behaviors or rare antelopes like the oribi.
- Your guide adjusts the route based on wildlife activity and group interests.

04:00 PM – Ascent from the Crater
Begin the ascent via the exit road to the crater rim. NCAA rules limit crater visits to 6 hours to reduce environmental impact, so departure from the floor is necessary.
Brief stop at the rim for final photos or to reflect on the day’s sightings.

04:30 PM – Departure from Ngorongoro Crater
Exit the crater rim area and drive back toward Loduare Gate. If time permits, stop at the Olduvai Gorge Museum (optional at an additional fee, ~30–45 min detour) for a brief cultural/history experience.

Return to your accommodation in Karatu.

Key Notes
Total Duration: ~12 hours (06:00 AM – 06:00 PM), including ~6 hours inside the crater.

What to Bring:

Binoculars, camera, sunscreen, hat, layered clothing (mornings are cool, afternoons warm), water bottle, and comfortable shoes.

Wildlife Expectations:

The crater’s high animal density (over 25,000 large mammals) ensures excellent sightings, though specific animals (e.g., leopards) depend on luck.

Rules:

Stay inside the vehicle except at designated areas, follow NCAA guidelines, and avoid littering.

• Main Destination; Ngorongoro Crater
• Accommodation: lodge/hotel
• Meals Plan; All Meals Included (All Drinks except Alcohol & Liquor)

Starting Point: Peak Hotel in Karatu

06:00 AM – Breakfast at Peak Hotel
Enjoy breakfast at lodge/hotel.

07:00 AM – Arrival at Lake Manyara National Park Gate
Arrive at the main entrance gate of Lake Manyara National Park.
Your guide handles park entry permits (pre-arranged).
Brief stop for registration, restrooms, and a quick look at the park map or information center.

07:30 AM – Morning Game Drive in Lake Manyara
Begin the game drive in the park’s northern section, known for its lush groundwater forest and proximity to Lake Manyara, an alkaline soda lake.

Activities:

• Search for Lake Manyara’s famous tree-climbing lions, often seen lounging in acacia trees (a rare behavior).
• Spot large troops of olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and other primates in the forest.
• Observe herbivores like elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas, and buffalo grazing near the lake or in open grasslands.
• Look for predators like leopards (elusive but present) and hyenas.
• Visit the lake shore to see flocks of flamingos, pelicans, storks, and over 400 bird species (e.g., African fish eagles, hornbills).
• Stop frequently for photography and guide-led insights into the park’s diverse ecosystems (forest, savannah, wetland).
• Expect 2–3 hours of driving along loops like the northern circuit and Msasa River area.

10:30 AM – Mid-Morning Break

Pause at a scenic viewpoint or safe area (e.g., near the lake or a forest clearing).

Activities:

• Stretch legs, use binoculars to scan for birds or distant wildlife, and enjoy a light snack (optional).
• Discuss morning sightings with your guide and learn about Lake Manyara’s role in bird migration or lion behavior.

11:00 AM – Continue Game Drive

Resume the game drive, exploring the park’s southern or central areas, including the hippo pool and hot springs.

Activities:

• Visit the hippo pool to see hippos wallowing and possibly crocodiles or monitor lizards.
• Explore the Majimoto hot springs (if accessible), a geothermal feature with warm, clear water (no bathing allowed).
• Search for rarer species like blue monkeys, bushbucks, or the shy Kirk’s dik-dik.
• Continue birdwatching, especially for waterbirds like herons, egrets, and kingfishers near the lake.
• Capture photos of the park’s dramatic backdrop, with the Rift Valley escarpment rising to 600m.

01:00 PM – Lunch Break

Stop at a designated picnic site (e.g., near the lake or Endabash River, with shaded tables and basic toilets).

Activities:

• Enjoy a packed lunch provided by Peak Hotel.
• Relax and observe nearby wildlife (e.g., birds, monkeys, or grazing antelopes) from a safe distance.
• Brief rest (30–45 minutes) to recharge for the final drive and transfer.

01:45 PM – Final Game Drive

Continue the game drive, focusing on areas not yet covered or revisiting hotspots for missed sightings (e.g., tree-climbing lions).

Activities:

• Explore the southern loops for quieter trails and potential leopard sightings in dense vegetation.
• Visit open grasslands for herds of wildebeests or warthogs.
• Enjoy final photo opportunities of the lake, forest, or escarpment.
• Your guide adjusts the route based on wildlife activity and time constraints for the return journey.

03:00 PM – Departure from Lake Manyara National Park

• Exit the park via the main gate, concluding the game drive.
• Begin the drive back to your accomodation.
• Brief restroom stop en route if needed.

Key Notes

• Total Duration: ~11.5–12.5 hours (06:00 AM – 05:30/06:30 PM), including ~6–7 hours in Lake Manyara.
• Distance: Ngorongoro Farm House to Lake Manyara (40 km, 45–60 minutes); Lake Manyara to Arusha (130 km, 2–2.5 hours); Lake Manyara to JRO (~170 km, 3–3.5 hours).
• What to Bring: Binoculars, camera, sunscreen, hat, light jacket (mornings can be cool), comfortable shoes, water bottle, and insect repellent (mosquitoes near the lake).
• Wildlife Expectations: Lake Manyara’s compact size (325 sq km, 230 sq km land) offers dense wildlife, with good chances for tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and primates, though specific sightings depend on luck.
• Rules: Stay inside the vehicle except at designated areas, follow TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks) guidelines, and avoid littering.
• Luggage: Store securely in the safari vehicle during game drives; bring a small daypack for essentials.
• Main Destination; Lake Manyara National Park
• Accommodation; No Accommodation
• Meals Plan; Breakfast & Lunch (All Drinks except Alcohol & Liquor)

7:00AM-Breakfast at Peak Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your accomodation before driving back to Arusha for an amazing view of one of the biggest art gallery in Africa.

Check out of the lodge, load luggage into the 4x4 safari vehicle, and meet your guide for a brief on the day’s plan.

12:30PM- A Complimentary Spa Treatment At Lotus Spa Safaris

After a long and tidious 4 days of an amazing and unforgettable experience you will get a spa treatment as a compliment for booking your safari with us,and that will mark the end of out trip