7 DAYS MIDRANGE WESTERN SERENGETI MIGRATION SAFARI (TARANGIRE, NGORONGORO & SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK)

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at the airport (Kilimanjaro or Arusha), you will be met by a representative from Wild Candle African Safaris and driven to your accommodation in Arusha for an overnight stay as you prepare to begin your adventures the following day.

• Destination: Arusha

• Accommodation: Ilboru Safari Lodge

• Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After an early breakfast at your accommodation, your private driver guide will pick you up and transfer you to Tarangire National Park, approximately a 2-hour drive. Tarangire is among Tanzania’s largest parks, spanning 2,600 square kilometers, and is renowned for its vast elephant herds and iconic baobab trees.

The park experiences a mini-wildlife migration during the dry season, with around 250,000 animals moving into the area. You can expect sightings of over 300 elephants, large buffalo herds, healthy populations of lions and leopards, wild dogs, rare antelopes like gerenuk, and over 550 bird species year-round. You’ll enjoy your picnic lunch inside the park before continuing with more game viewing. In the evening, drive to Karatu for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

• Destination: Tarangire National Park

• Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge

• Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3 & 4: Western Serengeti Corridor Migration

After breakfast, depart for the Western Serengeti. Between late April and June, massive herds of wildebeests, accompanied by zebras, elands, and gazelles, gather in the Western Corridor near the Grumeti River. Pursued by predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, and facing the peril of Nile crocodiles in the river, many animals perish during the dramatic crossing—one of nature’s most powerful spectacles.

Spend these two days exploring this incredible region, absorbing the beauty of the endless plains and rich wildlife action. After lunch and an extensive game drive each day, head to your tented lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

• Destination: Western Serengeti National Park (Grumeti)

• Accommodation: Mbalageti Serengeti

• Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Western Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After breakfast, depart from the Western Serengeti and drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a scenic en-route game drive. You will arrive at your lodge located on the crater rim in the late afternoon for relaxation, dinner, and overnight in preparation for tomorrow’s crater exploration.

• Destination: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• Accommodation: Rhino Lodge

• Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater to Karatu

After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater—the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, covering 265 square kilometers with sides up to 600 meters deep. Home to approximately 30,000 mammals, the crater supports diverse habitats, including grasslands, swamps, forests, and lakes replenished by the Munge River.

You’ll have the chance to see the Big Five (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and—rarely—leopard), along with exceptional birdlife (500+ species). Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot in the crater. In the afternoon, ascend and proceed to Karatu for dinner and overnight.

• Destination: Ngorongoro Crater

• Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge

• Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 7: Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha

After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and vibrant birdlife. The park is home to over 500 bird species, with even first-time visitors likely to spot 100 in one day. The acacia woodlands host tree-climbing lions and large elephants, while the floodplains attract giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffalo, hippos, and hyenas.

Lunch will be served inside the park. After a final game drive, return to Arusha. For those continuing to Zanzibar, a transfer to either Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport can be arranged.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch