📍 Tanzania

TANZANIA ADVENTURE: NGORONGORO HIGHLANDS TO SERENGETI PLAINS

Volcanic craters cradling Edenic wildlife, flamingos massing on soda lakes, wildebeest thundering across plains. Safari in Tanzania, wildlife defined.

≈ 8
Days
815
Km
6
Stops
📖 4 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Enter Ngorongoro and watch life unfold beneath acacias, then climb toward Empakai, a more secret and misty crater. Reach Lake Natron, mineral landscapes and flamingos, before finding the Serengeti's expanse again. When migration crosses the savanna, the ground vibrates, and every eye seeks movement in the distance.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Arusha

safari capital launches northern circuit adventures

Arusha - Photo 1Arusha - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the Maasai market and Shanga craft workshops
2
Visit to the Arusha Natural History Museum
3
Excursion to Chemka hot springs to relax in the turquoise waters
🎯

Activities

→
Traditional Tanzanian cooking class with a local association
→
Hike on a section of Mount Kilimanjaro
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 180 km
Travel time: 3h
2
Day

Mto Wa Mbu

rift valley village markets burst with color

Mto Wa Mbu - Photo 1Mto Wa Mbu - Photo 2Mto Wa Mbu - Photo 3Mto Wa Mbu - Photo 4Mto Wa Mbu - Photo 5Mto Wa Mbu - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Safari in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Big Five observation
2
Stop at the panoramic viewpoint over the crater
3
Hike in the Empakai crater accompanied by a Maasai guard and guide
🎯

Activities

→
Observation of flamingos and bushbucks at Lake Empakai
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 240 km
Travel time: 6h
3
Day

Empakai Crater

mist-shrouded rim overlooks flamingo-dotted waters

Empakai Crater - Photo 1Empakai Crater - Photo 2Empakai Crater - Photo 3Empakai Crater - Photo 4Empakai Crater - Photo 5Empakai Crater - Photo 6Empakai Crater - Photo 7Empakai Crater - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Walk along the rim of Empakai crater and crossing through Maasai villages
2
Lunch break at Nayobi village and transfer of equipment on donkeys
3
Hike in the yellow acacia forest of the Ngorongoro area
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset walk to a viewpoint over Ol Doinyo Lengai
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 25 km
Travel time: 1h
4
Day

Acacia Forest Camp

tented luxury beneath fever tree canopy

Acacia Forest Camp - Photo 1Acacia Forest Camp - Photo 2Acacia Forest Camp - Photo 3Acacia Forest Camp - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Hike toward Lake Natron through volcanic landscapes
2
Crossing of the Ngare Sero river and descent into the gorges
3
Morning walk to observe birds at sunrise around Lake Natron
🎯

Activities

→
Observation of flamingos and discovery of lava formations
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 30 km
Travel time: 1h30
5
Day

Lake Natron

alkaline waters host flamingo breeding colonies

Lake Natron - Photo 1Lake Natron - Photo 2Lake Natron - Photo 3Lake Natron - Photo 4Lake Natron - Photo 5Lake Natron - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Hiking in the Ngare Sero gorges and swimming in the waterfalls
2
Scenic route from Lake Natron to Mto Wa Mbu with stops in Maasai villages
3
Visit to a Maasai boma to discover local traditions
4
Sunset walk on the hill with view of Lake Manyara
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming in the natural pool of the property
→
Observation of prehistoric human footprints
→
Relaxation at the camp by the lake
+1 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 90 km
Travel time: 2h30
6
Day

Serengeti

endless plains witness great migration thunder

Serengeti - Photo 1Serengeti - Photo 2Serengeti - Photo 3Serengeti - Photo 4Serengeti - Photo 5Serengeti - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Journey to Serengeti National Park and safari to observe large mammals
2
Stop at the Serengeti interpretation center
3
Full day safari in the endless plains of the Serengeti
🎯

Activities

→
Observation of lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras and giraffes
→
Observation of wildebeest migration and sunsets over the savanna
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 250 km
Travel time: 6h

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

SAFARI AND DREAM BEACHES: 2 WEEKS BETWEEN SAVANNA AND ZANZIBAR

📅 16 days 🛣️ 1170 Km

EAST AFRICA ROAD TRIP: NAIROBI → ARUSHA VIA LAKES, VOLCANOES AND SAFARIS

📅 36 days 🛣️ 4556.9 Km

TANZANIA OFF THE BEATEN PATH: FROM CENTER TO INDIAN OCEAN

📅 9 days 🛣️ 1700 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - Tanzania

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Dry Season (June-October): Perfect safari weather with excellent wildlife viewing, minimal rainfall, and comfortable temperatures (15-25°C). Peak season with highest prices but optimal conditions for Serengeti and climbing Kilimanjaro.

Calving Season (January-March): Spectacular time for Serengeti wildlife with wildebeest births and predator action. Excellent photography opportunities, fewer crowds, moderate prices.

Wet Season (November-December, April-May): Heavy rains with challenging road conditions but lush landscapes and lower prices. Bird watching excellent, some lodges closed, authentic experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 6 and 10 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Tanzania?

East African paradise with Serengeti wildlife, Mount Kilimanjaro, and pristine beaches. Experience safari adventures, traditional cultures, and incredible natural beauty. The country offers wildlife experiences with cultural authenticity and natural preservation. Tanzania provides life-changing African experiences with natural wonders and cultural richness. ⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: Generally safe for tourists but exercise caution due to petty crime in cities, armed robbery in remote areas, and wildlife dangers. Avoid displaying valuables, use reputable safari operators, stay in tourist areas after dark, and be aware that some border regions may have security concerns.