9 Day Fly-In Northern Tanzanian Safari: A Time-Efficient Adventure

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) and Transfer to Arusha

Your adventure begins the moment you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA). You will be greeted by our representative, who will assist you with immigration and customs procedures. After a warm welcome, you’ll be transferred to a luxurious lodge in Arusha, a vibrant city nestled at the foot of Mount Meru. This provides a comfortable setting to unwind after your long journey and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

The afternoon is yours to relax and acclimatize. You might choose to take a dip in the pool, wander through the lodge’s beautiful gardens, or simply enjoy the peaceful ambiance. In the evening, enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at the lodge, where you can savor the flavors of Tanzania and meet with your safari guide, who will provide a briefing on the itinerary and answer any questions you may have. This lays the groundwork for a seamless and unforgettable safari experience.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – A Haven for Elephants

After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Arusha Airport for your scenic flight to Tarangire National Park. This flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the Tanzanian landscape, providing a unique perspective on the vastness of the country.

Upon arrival at the Tarangire airstrip, you’ll be met by your experienced safari guide and embark on your first game drive. Tarangire is renowned for its large elephant herds, and you’ll likely encounter these majestic creatures in abundance, especially during the dry season when they congregate around the Tarangire River. The park also boasts a diverse range of other wildlife, including lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and a plethora of bird species.

You’ll spend the afternoon exploring the park’s diverse habitats, from its iconic baobab trees to its rolling grasslands, in search of wildlife. As the sun begins to set, you’ll retire to your luxurious tented camp or lodge, nestled within the heart of the park. Enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars, accompanied by the sounds of the African bush, a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

Day 3: Exploring Tarangire – Immersive Wildlife Encounters

Today is dedicated to further exploring the wonders of Tarangire National Park. After an early breakfast, you’ll embark on a full-day game drive, venturing deeper into the park’s untouched wilderness. Your experienced guide will share their extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna, providing insights into the behavior and ecology of the animals you encounter.

You’ll have the opportunity to witness the diverse wildlife of Tarangire in action, from thrilling predator-prey interactions to the peaceful grazing of herbivores. You might even be lucky enough to spot rare species such as the fringe-eared oryx or the greater kudu.

Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery of the park, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you. As the day draws to a close, you’ll return to your camp or lodge, where you can relax and reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters you’ve experienced.

Day 4: Tarangire to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Ascending to the Crater Rim

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a final morning game drive in Tarangire before transferring to the airstrip for your flight to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This flight offers spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley and the iconic Ngorongoro Crater.

Upon arrival at the Ngorongoro airstrip, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your luxurious lodge, perched on the rim of the crater. Settle in and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the crater floor, a vast caldera teeming with wildlife.

The afternoon is at your leisure. You can relax at the lodge, take a guided walk along the crater rim, or simply soak in the stunning scenery. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner with breathtaking views and anticipate the next day’s descent into the crater.

Day 5: Descending into the Ngorongoro Crater – A World Within a World

Today is dedicated to exploring the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth. After an early breakfast, you’ll descend into the crater floor in a specialized 4×4 vehicle.

The Ngorongoro Crater is home to an astonishing concentration of wildlife, including the “Big Five” and a vast array of other species. You’ll spend the day exploring the crater’s diverse habitats, from its shimmering soda lake to its lush forests, in search of wildlife.

Keep your eyes peeled for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos, and leopards, as well as zebras, wildebeest, flamingos, and a variety of bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the crater lake, surrounded by the incredible sights and sounds of this natural wonder. As the afternoon progresses, you’ll ascend back to the crater rim and return to your lodge, filled with unforgettable memories.

Day 6: Ngorongoro to the Serengeti National Park – The Endless Plains

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airstrip for your flight to the Serengeti National Park, the jewel of Tanzania’s national parks. This flight offers stunning views of the vast Serengeti plains, stretching as far as the eye can see.

Upon arrival at the Serengeti airstrip, you’ll be met by your guide and embark on your first game drive in this iconic wilderness. The Serengeti is renowned for its vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, as well as its impressive population of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas.

You’ll spend the afternoon exploring the central Serengeti, known for its abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes. As the sun begins to set, you’ll retire to your luxurious tented camp or lodge, nestled within the heart of the Serengeti. Enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African night, a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

Day 7: Exploring the Serengeti – Witnessing the Great Migration (Seasonal)

Today is dedicated to exploring the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park. After an early breakfast, you’ll embark on a full-day game drive, venturing deeper into the park’s untouched wilderness. Depending on the time of year, you may have the opportunity to witness the Great Migration, a spectacular annual event where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate across the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing.

Your experienced guide will share their extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna, providing insights into the behavior and ecology of the animals you encounter. You’ll have the opportunity to witness thrilling predator-prey interactions and observe the diverse wildlife of the Serengeti in its natural habitat.

Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery of the park, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you. As the day draws to a close, you’ll return to your camp or lodge, where you can relax and reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters you’ve experienced.

Day 8: Serengeti – Hot Air Balloon Safari (Optional) and Farewell Dinner

This morning, you have the option of taking a breathtaking hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti plains (additional cost). This is a truly unforgettable experience, offering a unique perspective on the vastness of the Serengeti and its abundant wildlife.

After the balloon safari (or a leisurely morning game drive), you’ll return to your camp or lodge for breakfast and relaxation. Spend the afternoon enjoying the amenities of your accommodation or taking a final game drive in the surrounding area.

In the evening, you’ll enjoy a special farewell dinner, celebrating the incredible experiences you’ve shared during your safari. Share stories and memories with your fellow travelers and reflect on the magic of the Tanzanian wilderness.

Day 9: Serengeti to Arusha and Departure from KIA

After a final breakfast in the Serengeti, you’ll be transferred to the airstrip for your flight back to Arusha. Upon arrival in Arusha, you’ll have the option to do some last-minute souvenir shopping or relax at a day room before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) for your departure flight home.

As you depart, you’ll carry with you unforgettable memories of your exclusive and time-efficient 9-day fly-in safari in Northern Tanzania. The landscapes, wildlife, and cultural encounters will leave a lasting impression, inspiring you to return and explore even more of this incredible continent.

This itinerary is a suggestion and can be customized to suit your individual preferences and interests. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time adventurer, this 9-day fly-in safari promises an unforgettable experience, allowing you to witness the best of Northern Tanzania in comfort and style.

Other Extra paying Activities:

Visit a Maasai village (50 USD per person)
Balloon Safari (USD 500 per person)
Walking activity in Arusha National Park ( USD 360 per person), (includes Park Fees , Transportation, Game viewing & Lunch Boxes)..
Alduvai Gorge and museum visit ( USD 50 per person)
Local Market (USD 50 per person)

Inclusion:

Parking fees (for non-residents)
All activities mentioned (unless labeled as optional)
All accommodations mentioned (unless labeled as optional upgrades)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer.
Meals ( as specified in the day by day section).
Drinks ( as specified in the day by day section).

Exclusion:

International flights (from/to the client’s home country)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
per person per day for the guide and crew
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees and other personal items)
Government imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
International Flights ( from/ to home).
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour.
Tips ( Tipping) guideline USD 15.OO pp per day
Personal items ( souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc).