Day 1: Arrival in Arusha & Cultural City Tour
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your professional driver-guide will meet and greet you. Transfer to your lodge for check-in, followed by a relaxed city tour exploring Arusha’s vibrant craft markets and the Arusha National Museum. Take this time to recover from your journey, learn about Tanzania’s rich culture, and enjoy a warm welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Planet Lodge Arusha
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Tarangire National Park – The Land of Giants
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, a scenic drive that offers glimpses of rural Tanzanian life. Enter the park through its southern gate, and immediately encounter herds of elephants, giraffes, impalas, and possibly lions lounging under the iconic baobab trees. After a check-in and lunch at your lodge, set out for a rewarding afternoon game drive before returning for a hearty dinner.
Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Tarangire Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Wildlife Exploration in Lake Manyara National Park
Enjoy breakfast, then head to Lake Manyara National Park. Check into your lodge and relax before heading out for an afternoon game drive. The park’s unique terrain offers sightings of baboons, hippos, flamingos, giraffes, and the elusive tree-climbing lions. The backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment adds drama to your photographic moments.
Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Scenic Drive to Serengeti National Park
Fuel up with an early breakfast and set out toward the Serengeti, enjoying a picturesque drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands. As you descend onto the endless plains, the wildlife density increases. Keep your eyes peeled for wildebeests, zebras, hyenas, and ostriches. Arrive at your tented camp in time for dinner and an overnight stay under the starlit Serengeti sky.
Accommodation: Into the Wild Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 5 & 6: Full Exploration of Serengeti – Game Drives & Balloon Safari
Spend two full days exploring the vast Serengeti. Begin each morning with a sunrise game drive to spot predators before they retreat from the hunt. Marvel at lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and the Great Migration herds. On one of the days, you may opt for an unforgettable hot air balloon safari — soaring silently above the plains as herds thunder below.
Optional Activity: Hot Air Balloon Safari (extra cost)
Accommodation: Into the Wild Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive as you make your way toward the Ngorongoro Highlands. The road winds through Maasai lands, giving you insight into traditional lifestyles. Check into your lodge overlooking the Crater rim and unwind for the evening.
Accommodation: Rhino Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater
Rise early for breakfast and descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. With over 30,000 animals enclosed in the caldera, you’ll have the chance to see all members of the Big Five. Keep a lookout for the rare black rhino and large prides of lions, along with hippos, flamingos, jackals, and hyenas. Return to the lodge in the afternoon for rest and reflection.
Accommodation: Rhino Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Discover Arusha National Park
After breakfast, travel to Arusha National Park. Enjoy a unique walking safari with an armed ranger or a scenic drive through lush forests and open glades. This park is teeming with giraffes, buffaloes, monkeys, and numerous birds, making it perfect for those seeking a more relaxed final day in the wild.
Accommodation: Planet Lodge Kilimanjaro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore Arusha or relax at the lodge. Your driver-guide will then transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back home, marking the end of your unforgettable Tanzanian safari.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – City Tour & Transfer to Masai Mara
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or pick-up from your hotel, your adventure begins with an optional Nairobi city tour. You may visit the Nairobi National Museum and the Giraffe Centre to get a glimpse of Kenya’s natural and cultural heritage. Later, drive through the scenic Great Rift Valley to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. En route, enjoy dramatic landscapes and spot wildlife along the way. In the evening, relax at your lodge or optionally visit a local Masai Boma for cultural interaction and traditional dances.
Meals & Accommodation: Jambo Mara Lodge or similar
Day 2–3: Full Days of Wildebeest Migration Safari in Masai Mara
Spend two full days immersed in the heart of the Masai Mara ecosystem. Rise early and head out on extended game drives along the Mara River, the main stage for the famed wildebeest migration. Watch in awe as herds of wildebeest and zebra attempt to cross the crocodile-infested waters, closely followed by predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The plains are alive with elephants, giraffes, hyenas, and a myriad of birdlife that makes for spectacular photography and storytelling.
Meals & Accommodation: Jambo Mara Lodge or similar
Day 4: Cross Border into Tanzania – Transfer to Mugumu
Start your day early with a scenic drive through the Mara Triangle, exiting via Ololoolo Gate. Journey toward the Isebania border, stopping briefly at Migori for lunch. After clearing immigration, continue your drive through rural Tanzania to Mugumu town for overnight stay and a chance to rest before entering the Serengeti.
Meals & Accommodation: La’tonna Safari Hotel or similar
Day 5–6: Serengeti National Park – Big Cats & Wildlife Encounters
Depart Mugumu and head into the Serengeti via Ikoma Gate. This journey itself offers fantastic wildlife viewing and birding opportunities. Spend the next two days exploring the central Serengeti’s vast savannahs in search of lions, elephants, cheetahs, buffaloes, and more. Enjoy both morning and afternoon game drives and embrace the serenity and magnificence of the African wilderness.
Meals & Accommodation: Into the Wild Tented Lodge or similar
Day 7: Descend into Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, depart the Serengeti with picnic meals and stop at the iconic Naabi Hill Gate. Later, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater—a true Eden of wildlife. The crater is a haven for black rhinos, hippos, zebras, flamingos, and predators. Spend the day inside the caldera with game drives and a packed lunch near a scenic picnic site before ascending by evening to the crater rim.
Meals & Accommodation: Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge or similar
Day 8: Community Tour & Wildlife in Tarangire National Park
Drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobab trees and dense elephant population. En route, stop at Mto wa Mbu village for a rewarding cultural tour. Participate in traditional cooking, local art, dance, and storytelling with community members. Proceed to Tarangire for an optional evening game drive or relaxation at your lodge.
Meals & Accommodation: Simba Lodge Tarangire or Burunge Tented Lodge
Day 9: Morning Safari & Transfer to Arusha
Begin your day with a final game drive in Tarangire National Park, taking in early morning wildlife activity. Spot birds, monkeys, and predators in action before heading to Arusha. Here, unwind and prepare for the Kilimanjaro trekking adventure ahead.
Meals & Accommodation: Green Mountain Lodge – Arusha or similar
Day 10–16: Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Expedition
Your Kilimanjaro trek begins! A separate detailed itinerary will be shared based on your chosen route (e.g., Machame, Marangu, Lemosho). Over seven days, trek through different ecological zones—from rainforest to alpine desert—culminating at the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Professional guides, porters, and support staff will accompany you every step of the way. This is both a physical and spiritual journey that will leave lasting memories.
Day 17: Departure / Optional Zanzibar Extension
Depending on your post-hike plans, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight. Alternatively, continue your journey to Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches and turquoise waters for a luxurious extension to your East African adventure.
Note:
Day 16 may be reserved as a rest day post-hike or used to transfer to the airport for your flight. Optionally, you can extend your trip to Zanzibar for beach relaxation.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Gateway to the Wild
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your Wild Compass Africa representative will greet you and transfer you to your lodge in Arusha. Nestled at the foothills of Mount Meru, Arusha is the gateway to Tanzania’s famous northern safari circuit.
Depending on your arrival time, explore a local market, visit the Cultural Heritage Centre, or relax in the lush gardens of your lodge as you prepare for the days ahead.
Overnight: Arusha Planet Lodge (or similar)
Optional: Coffee estate visit or local village walk
Day 2–3: Tarangire National Park – Giants of the Savannah
Your adventure begins as you drive to Tarangire National Park, a hidden gem often called “the park of elephants and baobabs.” Spend two days exploring this magnificent reserve where enormous herds of elephants roam the grasslands and ancient baobab trees dominate the horizon.
Watch lions lounging under acacias, graceful giraffes wandering the plains, and colorful birdlife gathering along the Tarangire River — the park’s life source during the dry season.
Evenings are spent enjoying campfire stories under the African sky.
Meals & Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge (or similar)
Day 4: Lake Manyara National Park – Tree-Climbing Lions & Rift Valley Views
Continue your journey toward Lake Manyara National Park, a small yet incredibly diverse park at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Explore lush groundwater forests, open savannahs, and a shimmering soda lake often pink with flamingos.
Keep an eye out for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and flocks of pelicans and storks. The drive passes through lively villages and colorful roadside markets — a glimpse into daily Tanzanian life.
Meals & Accommodation: Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge (or similar)
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Africa’s Natural Wildlife Sanctuary
After breakfast, descend 600 meters into the legendary Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most extraordinary natural wonders.
The crater’s lush grasslands and shimmering lakes host nearly every species found on the East African savannah — from endangered black rhinos and massive buffalo herds to lions, hyenas, elephants, and thousands of grazing zebra and wildebeest.
Enjoy a picnic lunch beside a hippo pool before continuing your game drive across this awe-inspiring caldera.
Meals & Accommodation: Into Wild Tented Lodge (or similar)
Day 6–8: Serengeti National Park – Endless Plains & The Great Migration
Journey onward to the world-famous Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s crown jewel and home to the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Spend three unforgettable days exploring its vast plains where the drama of survival unfolds daily — predators on the hunt, wildebeest on the move, and golden sunsets over acacia-dotted horizons.
Depending on the season, track the migration herds through the central, northern, or southern Serengeti.
Evenings bring the sounds of the wild as you relax in your tented camp under a star-filled African sky.
Meals & Accommodation: Into Wild Tented Lodge (or similar)
Day 9–10: West Kilimanjaro – Tranquility Beneath the Peaks
Venture off the beaten path to West Kilimanjaro, a remote wilderness wedged between Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. This is Maasai country — a place of wide open spaces, acacia woodlands, and quiet beauty.
Here, you can enjoy guided walking safaris, visit local Maasai communities, or take scenic game drives with Mount Kilimanjaro’s snowy peak in view.
It’s the perfect place to unwind after the intensity of the Serengeti while still surrounded by wildlife and culture.
Meals & Accommodation: To be confirmed (eco-lodge or tented camp)
Day 11: Departure – Farewell to Tanzania
After a leisurely breakfast, drive back to Arusha for your outbound flight or onward journey. Depending on your schedule, you may opt for a city tour, a visit to a local art gallery, or a relaxing day room before your transfer to the airport.
Optional Extensions:
- Fly to Zanzibar for a beach holiday on the Indian Ocean
- Add gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda
- Combine with Amboseli or Masai Mara in neighboring Kenya
Day 1–2: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to East Africa
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where a Wild Compass Africa representative will meet you and transfer you to your lodge. Relax and soak in the sounds of Africa.
Depending on arrival time, visit the Giraffe Centre, hand-feed endangered Rothschild giraffes, the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, or the Karen Blixen Museum.
Overnight: Nairobi Lodge or Boutique Hotel | Dinner included
Day 3–4: Amboseli National Park – Elephants & Kilimanjaro Views
Drive south to Amboseli National Park, famous for its elephant herds and iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Explore wetlands, acacia woodlands, and salt pans, spotting lions, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and cheetahs.
Optional visits: a local Maasai village to learn about traditional customs and beadwork.
Overnight: AA Lodge Amboseli | All meals included
Day 5: Transfer to Ngorongoro – Scenic Views from Amboseli
After breakfast in Amboseli, you’ll cross into Tanzania via the Namanga border, where your Tanzanian guide will welcome you. The drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is scenic, passing rolling highlands, small villages, and picturesque farmland. Along the way, stop at viewpoints to admire the stunning landscapes, including distant volcanoes and acacia-dotted plains.
Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon. Spend the evening settling in, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and soaking up panoramic views of the highlands. This is a perfect time to unwind, savor a hearty dinner, and rest for the adventure ahead.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge | All meals included
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater – Full-Day Game Drive & Transfer to Serengeti
Wake up early for a full-day exploration of the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife sanctuaries. Descend 600 meters into the crater floor, where a mosaic of grasslands, acacia woodlands, and soda lakes shelters a dense concentration of wildlife, including lions, hyenas, elephants, hippos, black rhinos, and herds of wildebeest and zebra.
Enjoy a picnic lunch beside a hippo pool, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wild. After your game drive, begin your transfer to the Seronera area of the Serengeti, arriving in the late afternoon. Take in the endless plains stretching to the horizon as you settle into your lodge for the evening.
Overnight: Tented Camp or Safari Lodge in Central Serengeti | All meals included
Day 7–8: Serengeti National Park – Extensive Migration & Predator Search
Spend two full days immersed in the Serengeti’s legendary wilderness. Morning and evening game drives take you across the vast plains in search of Great Migration herds, dramatic predator-prey encounters, and iconic wildlife including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and wildebeest.
Depending on the season, witness river crossings or the calving season, providing amazing photographic and safari opportunities. Optional experiences include a sunrise hot air balloon safari, offering a bird’s-eye view of the migration, followed by a champagne breakfast on the plains.
Your evenings are spent relaxing at your lodge or tented camp, enjoying the Serengeti’s sounds and night sky.
Overnight: Tented Camp or Safari Lodge in Serengeti | All meals included
Day 9: Transfer to Masai Mara via Isebania Border
After breakfast, cross back into Kenya through the Isebania border, entering the Masai Mara National Reserve, an extension of the Serengeti ecosystem. Upon arrival, embark on an evening game drive or take time to relax at your lodge. The Mara offers abundant wildlife, scenic riverine forests, and rolling savannahs — the perfect introduction to your next safari destination.
Overnight: Luxury Camp or Lodge in Masai Mara | All meals included
Day 10–11: Masai Mara – Migration, Big Five & Cultural Encounters
Spend the next two days exploring the Mara with morning and evening game drives, following the rhythm of wildlife across the plains. Observe Big Five species, including lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos, along with cheetahs and vast herds of wildebeest.
Optional activities enhance your experience: a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the plains with a bush breakfast, or a visit to a Maasai village to learn about the warrior culture, beadwork, and traditional dances. These cultural encounters add depth to your safari, connecting you with Kenya’s people as well as its wildlife.
Overnight: Luxury Camp or Lodge in Masai Mara | All meals included
Day 12: Lake Nakuru National Park – Evening Game Viewing & Relaxation
Depart Masai Mara after breakfast and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its large flamingo populations, rhinos, and lush lakeside scenery. Spend the afternoon on a game drive along the lake and surrounding woodlands, spotting waterbuck, giraffes, zebras, and a rich diversity of birds.
Evening at your lodge is peaceful and relaxing, with opportunities for photography, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the serenity of the park.
Overnight: Nakuru Safari Lodge or similar | All meals included
Day 13: Nakuru Morning Bush Picnic & Transfer to Samburu
Start the day with an early morning bush picnic, weather permitting, exploring the park’s wildlife and enjoying a unique outdoor breakfast surrounded by nature. Afterward, begin your drive north to Samburu National Reserve, arriving in the afternoon. On the way, enjoy scenic stops and wildlife sightings in the highlands.
Evening at leisure at your lodge, taking in the tranquil Samburu landscapes along the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
Overnight: Sarova Shaba Samburu | All meals included
Day 14: Samburu – Full-Day Wildlife & Cultural Safari
Spend a full day in Samburu National Reserve, a semi-arid wilderness with unique wildlife found only in northern Kenya. Track the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk.
Optional activities include riverbank sundowners, guided bush walks, and cultural visits to local Samburu communities, experiencing their traditions, dances, and crafts. This day offers an intimate encounter with both wildlife and culture in a remote, off-the-beaten-path setting.
Overnight: Sarova Shaba Samburu | All meals included
Day 15: Samburu Morning Game Viewing & Return to Nairobi
Enjoy a final morning game drive to catch any last wildlife sightings. After breakfast, transfer back to Nairobi, approximately a 5–6 hour drive, or opt for a domestic flight to the capital.
Depending on your departure time, relax at a city lodge or enjoy a farewell lunch before heading to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight home.
All lodges and camps in the Serengeti and Masai Mara are allocated based on seasonal migration movements and availability, ensuring the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Lake Nakuru National Park
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide before setting off on a scenic drive through Kenya’s dramatic Great Rift Valley. A stop along the escarpment allows time to admire and photograph the sweeping landscapes before continuing toward Lake Nakuru National Park.
After lunch, enjoy your first game drive in this compact yet wildlife-rich park, famous for its successful rhino conservation program. You will search for both black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, buffalo, and plains game, while the soda lake often attracts flamingos and other waterbirds. As the afternoon light softens, the park offers excellent photography opportunities. You will spend the night at a lodge inside or near the park, surrounded by nature.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge or similar
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and journey westward across the rolling highlands and fertile farmlands of rural Kenya. The drive to the Masai Mara is scenic and culturally rich, offering glimpses of local villages and everyday life along the way.
Arriving in the Masai Mara around lunchtime, you will settle into your lodge before heading out for an afternoon game drive across the reserve’s vast golden plains. This iconic landscape is home to abundant wildlife, including zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, and large herds of elephants grazing beneath classic acacia trees. Predators are often spotted resting or hunting, with lions lounging in the grass, cheetahs scanning the plains, and leopards hiding in tree branches. As the sun sets, the Mara transforms into a painter’s canvas of warm light and long shadows, creating a magical safari atmosphere.
Accommodation: PrideInn Mara or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Days 3 & 4: Full Safari Experience in the Masai Mara
Spend two full days immersed in the extraordinary wildlife of the Masai Mara, one of Africa’s greatest safari destinations. Morning and afternoon game drives maximize wildlife viewing, bringing you close to the Big Five and countless other species. Lions are frequently encountered, elephants roam in family groups, buffalo graze across the plains, and elusive leopards may be spotted resting in trees.
Between July and October, the Masai Mara becomes the stage for the Great Migration, as vast herds of wildebeests and zebras cross the Mara River in dramatic scenes filled with tension and predator action. Cheetahs sprint across the open savannah, hyenas patrol their territories, and hippos and crocodiles dominate the rivers. The reserve is also a paradise for birdlife, with more than 450 species including ostriches, secretary birds, vultures, and the colorful lilac-breasted roller.
For those seeking something extra special, an optional hot-air balloon safari at sunrise offers a breathtaking aerial perspective of the plains, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. Evenings may include bush picnics or sundowners as the African sky glows with sunset colors and the sounds of the wild surround you.
Accommodation: PrideInn Mara or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Masai Mara – Serengeti National Park (via Isebania Border)
After an early breakfast and a final game drive in the Masai Mara, you will travel south toward the Isebania border to cross into Tanzania. After completing immigration formalities, continue into the northern reaches of the Serengeti National Park.
This scenic journey offers opportunities for game viewing en route, as wildlife moves freely across the open plains. Upon arrival at your tented lodge, settle in and enjoy the remote wilderness atmosphere of the Serengeti.
Accommodation: Into Wild Tented Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Days 6 & 7: Full Safari Days in Serengeti National Park
Over the next two days, explore the endless plains of the Serengeti, one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife ecosystems. Morning and afternoon game drives reveal extraordinary predator activity, with lions stalking prey, cheetahs racing across open grasslands, and leopards draped over acacia branches.
Depending on the season, you may encounter vast herds of wildebeests and zebras moving across the plains during the Great Migration, accompanied by dramatic river crossings and newborn calves that attract predators. Elephants, giraffes, gazelles, bat-eared foxes, and hyenas are frequently seen, while hippos and crocodiles dominate the rivers and pools.
Birdlife is abundant and diverse, featuring kori bustards, secretary birds, bee-eaters, and vibrant rollers. Each evening concludes with a peaceful sundowner as the Serengeti sky glows in shades of red and gold, followed by the distant calls of wildlife echoing through the night.
Accommodation: Into Wild Tented Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu
After a morning game drive in the Serengeti, continue toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, ascending into cooler highland scenery. An optional visit to Olduvai Gorge, often referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind,” provides fascinating insight into early human history.
Later in the day, descend approximately 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife arenas. The crater floor supports a remarkable concentration of animals, including black rhinos, lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and large flocks of flamingos around the soda lake. After your crater safari, ascend to the lush farmlands of Karatu for overnight rest.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Mountain View Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 9: Karatu – Mto wa Mbu – Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart Karatu for a cultural visit to Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant town known for its ethnic diversity. A guided walk introduces you to local farms, banana plantations, markets, and traditional lifestyles, offering meaningful interaction with the communities of the area.
Continue onward to Tarangire National Park, a landscape defined by ancient baobab trees, open savannahs, and the life-giving Tarangire River. During your afternoon game drive, you will search for the park’s famous large elephant herds, along with lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and a wide variety of antelope species. Tarangire is also one of Tanzania’s top birding destinations, boasting more than 550 bird species, making it a delight for bird enthusiasts.
Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 10: Tarangire – Arusha – Departure from Kilimanjaro
Enjoy a final morning game drive in Tarangire National Park, soaking in the last moments of your safari among elephants, baobabs, and open plains. Afterward, return to Arusha with time for souvenir shopping before transferring to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward departure, bringing your unforgettable East African safari adventure to a close.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your professional safari guide will meet and transfer you to your lodge. After settling in, enjoy a safari briefing outlining your journey across Northern Tanzania. Relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Main Destination: Arusha
Overnight: Greenside Hotel – Half Board
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and abundant birdlife. Spend the day on game drives spotting elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, and a variety of bird species including yellow-collared lovebirds, red-and-yellow barbets, pygmy falcons, kori bustards, and marabou storks.
Return to your lodge near the park for dinner and overnight.
Main Destination: Karatu
Overnight: Africa Safari Lodge – Full Board
Day 3: Transfer to Ndutu Area
Journey to Ndutu, part of the southern Serengeti ecosystem. Afternoon game drive in this wildlife-rich area, famous for the wildebeest migration (December–April). Spot zebras, elephants, antelopes, and an array of predators drawn to the migrating herds.
Main Destination: Serengeti (Ndutu)
Overnight: Olmorijo Tented Camp – Full Board
Day 4: Ndutu Area – Game Drives
Enjoy a full day game drive across the Ndutu plains, exploring diverse habitats including swamps, woodlands, soda lakes, and short-grass plains. If visiting during the calving season (Feb–Mar), witness newborn wildebeest calves and predators in action. This immersive experience offers excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.
Main Destination: Serengeti (Ndutu)
Overnight: Olmorijo Tented Camp – Full Board
Day 5: Ndutu to Central Serengeti
After breakfast, transfer to Central Serengeti. Enjoy game drives along the way, spotting large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and Thomson’s gazelles, alongside lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Experience the Serengeti’s iconic predator-prey dynamics and rivers where crocodiles lie in wait.
Main Destination: Central Serengeti
Overnight: Serengeti Heritage Camp – Full Board
Day 6: Serengeti National Park – Seronera Area
A full-day game drive in Central Serengeti (Seronera region), known for its high density of lions and leopards. Explore habitats around the Seronera River, enjoying sightings of elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and plains game. Lunch is served as a picnic in the park. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Main Destination: Central Serengeti
Overnight: Serengeti Heritage Camp – Full Board
Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Depart Serengeti with a packed lunch and drive to Ngorongoro. Descend into the crater (600m), home to the Big Five — elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and black rhinoceros — along with flamingos, hippos, and hyenas. Enjoy a picnic lunch in this UNESCO World Heritage site. Return to Ngorongoro Safari Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Main Destination: Ngorongoro
Overnight: Ngorongoro Safari Lodge – Full Board
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Full Day Tour
Spend a full day exploring Ngorongoro Crater and its surrounding area. Spot abundant wildlife, including black rhinos, elephants, lions, and a rich variety of birds such as ostriches, kori bustards, and Egyptian vultures. Visit iconic sites like Olduvai Gorge, Laetoli footprints, shifting sands, and Maasai villages to learn about local culture. Return to your lodge for overnight.
Main Destination: Karatu
Overnight: Africa Safari Lodge – Full Board
Day 9: Karatu to Maasai Manyara & Departure
Begin your morning with a Maasai cultural visit, exploring traditional homesteads and witnessing the famous jumping dance performed by warriors. Observe daily pastoral activities like cattle herding and milking, and participate in a guided bush walk learning local survival skills and wildlife tracking. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer back to Arusha for your departure.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha & City Tour
Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly received by your professional driver-guide who will brief you on the adventure ahead. You’ll then be transferred to your lodge in Arusha. After check-in and a brief rest, embark on a light city tour where you’ll visit the Arusha Museum for a deeper understanding of Tanzania’s cultural and historical tapestry. Cap off the experience with a stop at a local craft market to shop for authentic souvenirs before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight rest.
Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Scenic Drive to Lake Natron & Waterfall Hike
After an early breakfast, depart Arusha for Lake Natron, a remote and ethereal destination known for its crimson-hued waters and resident flamingos. Upon arrival, take a scenic drive along the lake’s shoreline to enjoy the spectacular views and unique birdlife. After lunch at your lodge, hike to the stunning Ngare Sero Waterfalls, nestled in a rocky gorge. The hike offers rewarding vistas and opportunities to spot exotic bird species like African darters and hornbills. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Africa Safari Lake Natron
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Nature Walk at Lake Natron
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting out on a guided nature walk around Lake Natron. Your guide will interpret the fragile ecosystem and introduce you to the flora and fauna that survive in this harsh yet beautiful landscape. The remainder of the day is at leisure to soak in the peaceful environment, photograph the vivid landscapes, or relax at your lodge.
Accommodation: Africa Safari Lake Natron
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Journey to Northeast Serengeti & Wildebeest Migration
After breakfast, embark on an overland transfer to the northeastern reaches of Serengeti National Park. As you arrive, immerse yourself in the sweeping savannah landscapes during a game drive en route to your lodge. In the afternoon, witness one of nature’s grandest spectacles—the wildebeest migration. Thousands of wildebeests accompanied by zebras, gazelles, and predators move across the plains in search of fresh grazing. Your guide will help position you for the best photographic opportunities before returning to the lodge.
Accommodation: Serengeti Heritage Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 5 & 6: Full-Day Game Drives in Central Serengeti
Spend two full days exploring the central Serengeti, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife habitats. With packed breakfasts or early morning meals at the lodge, head out for extended game drives to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, and countless bird species. Your guide will help track wildlife based on animal movement, ensuring prime viewing opportunities. Return to your lodge in the evening for a relaxing sundowner and hearty dinner.
Accommodation: Into Wild Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Ndutu Region (Southern Serengeti)
After breakfast, journey southwards to the Ndutu area in the southern Serengeti ecosystem. Renowned for its calving season and excellent predator sightings, the area offers rich photographic opportunities. Enjoy an afternoon game drive where you’ll encounter large herds of wildebeests and zebras, as well as the Big Five in their natural habitat. Settle into your lodge and enjoy a peaceful evening.
Accommodation: Ndutu Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Visit Olduvai Gorge & Explore Ngorongoro Crater
Depart Ndutu after an early breakfast and drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. En route, stop at Olduvai Gorge—a world-famous paleoanthropological site where early human fossils were discovered. Continue to the crater and descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for an awe-inspiring wildlife drive. Marvel at the rich biodiversity, including rare black rhinos, lions, hippos, and flamingoes. Spend the evening at a charming lodge near the crater rim.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Cultural Encounter with Hadzabe Bushmen at Lake Eyasi
Wake up early and drive to Lake Eyasi, where you’ll meet the Hadzabe Bushmen—one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa. Spend the day learning about their traditional lifestyle, hunting techniques, and cultural rituals. Participate in storytelling sessions and observe their daily activities. It’s a deeply moving and educational experience. Return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Village Tour in Mto wa Mbu & Transfer to Tarangire
After breakfast, head to the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu, where over 120 tribes coexist. Engage in a guided village tour to visit bustling local markets, taste traditional Tanzanian dishes, and interact with local artisans. After lunch, proceed to Tarangire National Park. Check into your lodge and spend the evening at leisure with views over the baobab-studded landscape.
Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Explore Tarangire National Park – Home of Giants
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading into Tarangire National Park for a comprehensive game drive. The park is famed for its high concentration of elephants and massive baobab trees. Look out for lions lounging under acacias, leopards resting in trees, giraffes grazing on thorny bushes, and vibrant birdlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush and resume your game drive before retiring to your lodge for the final dinner of your adventure.
Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Return to Arusha & Departure
After breakfast, bid farewell to the wild and begin your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha. Reflect on the extraordinary memories you’ve gathered over the past 12 days as you prepare for your departure flight back home.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Transfer to Lake Manyara
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or in Arusha city, where your Wild Compass Africa guide will welcome you. Depending on arrival time, transfer to Lake Manyara, a scenic drive that offers spontaneous photo opportunities of rolling highlands, Maasai villages, and acacia-dotted landscapes.
Upon arrival at your lodge or tented camp, enjoy a pre-trip briefing with your guide, including photography tips, wildlife behavior insights, and optimal lighting techniques. Capture the lake’s birdlife, flamingo flocks, and golden-hour reflections before settling in for your first night on this immersive photography adventure.
Days 2–3: Lake Manyara → Serengeti National Park (Central Seronera Section)
Wake early to photograph sunrise over Lake Manyara’s lush landscapes before departing for Serengeti National Park, entering the Central Seronera region, famed for its high predator density and abundant plains game.
Enjoy afternoon and evening game drives, capturing dramatic wildlife interactions against the Serengeti’s iconic sunsets. Your guide, with years of experience in wildlife photography, will help position you for optimal angles, using natural light and landscape features to enhance your shots. Opportunities for nocturnal photography may arise if conditions allow.
Overnight at a lodge or tented camp in Central Serengeti, keeping you close to the action.
Days 4–5: Ndutu – The Wildebeest Calving Grounds
Transfer to Ndutu, the epicenter of the wildebeest calving season. From January to March, thousands of wildebeest give birth across the short grass plains, attracting predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. This makes Ndutu a prime location for action-packed wildlife photography, from newborn calves to predator-prey interactions.
Spend your days on full-day game drives with packed lunches, using specially equipped 4×4 vehicles for off-road access to the most photogenic locations. Early mornings and late afternoons produce golden light, perfect for capturing the rich colors of the African landscape.
Overnight at the Ndutu tented camp, placing you in the heart of the action for sunrise and sunset photography.
Day 6: Ndutu → Ngorongoro Crater
After a morning game drive in Ndutu, transfer to Ngorongoro Crater. Descend into the crater for a half-day photography safari, seeking black rhinos, elephants, zebras, and flamingos in the soda ash lake areas. Capture the crater’s dramatic scenery and wildlife in their natural habitat.
Overnight at a lodge on the crater rim or nearby Karatu, offering panoramic views and comfortable accommodations.
Day 7: Maasai Cultural Experience & Departure
After breakfast, visit a local Maasai boma in Mto wa Mbu to photograph traditional homesteads, colorful attire, daily life, and cultural dances. Capture authentic moments that showcase the Maasai heritage while engaging respectfully with the community.
Following this immersive cultural experience, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, concluding your Wild Compass Africa photography safari with an unforgettable collection of images and memories.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly received by your Wild Compass Africa guide and transferred to Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a gentle excursion to Lake Duluti, a small volcanic crater lake nestled beneath Mount Meru. Here, a short nature walk introduces you to Tanzania’s vibrant birdlife — including Silvery-cheeked hornbills and African fish eagles — and offers the first opportunity to photograph the lush forests and lake reflections.
In the evening, unwind at Greenside Hotel, enjoying a briefing with your guide about the days ahead and photography tips. The tranquil ambiance prepares you for the adventure to come.
Overnight: Greenside Hotel, Arusha | Meal Plan: HB
Day 2: Arusha National Park – Game Drive & Canoeing
Wake early for a full day in Arusha National Park, a hidden gem of Northern Tanzania. Start with a game drive through acacia-studded savannahs, observing giraffes, zebras, warthogs, and colobus monkeys. Transition to a serene canoe ride on Momella Lakes, ideal for photographing waterbirds and reflections, including Narina trogon, Hartlaub’s turaco, crowned eagle, and flamingos.
Your guide will highlight photography techniques to capture birds in flight and wildlife interactions, ensuring your camera is ready for dramatic landscapes and animal behavior. The day concludes with a return to your lodge for a relaxing dinner and preparation for the next park adventure.
Overnight: Greenside Hotel, Arusha | Meal Plan: FB
Day 3: Tarangire National Park – Elephants & Baobabs
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Spend the day on a full game drive, exploring open plains and riverine forests. Witness elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, zebras, and numerous antelope species.
Birdwatchers will delight in the diversity: yellow-collared lovebirds, kori bustards, red-and-yellow barbets, pygmy falcons, and marabou storks. Photography opportunities abound, especially with the golden afternoon light casting shadows over the ancient baobabs.
The day ends at Africa Safari Lodge in Karatu, where you can enjoy fine dining and panoramic views of the surrounding highlands.
Overnight: Africa Safari Lodge, Karatu | Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Lake Manyara National Park – Birding & Groundwater Forests
Travel to Lake Manyara National Park, a birdwatcher’s paradise and home to the world-famous tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a full-day game drive exploring the park’s groundwater forests, marshes, and alkaline lake shores.
Photograph flamingos, African spoonbills, and silvery-cheeked hornbills, while lions, elephants, and buffalo roam the plains. Your guide provides insights into bird identification and tips to capture wildlife behaviors without disturbance. Return to Africa Safari Lodge for a comfortable evening amid the lush Ngorongoro highlands.
Overnight: Africa Safari Lodge, Karatu | Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5: Lake Manyara → Lake Eyasi – Cultural Immersion
Drive to Lake Eyasi to engage with the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers and Datoga pastoralists, experiencing their traditional lifestyles and daily routines. Accompanied by your guide, capture intimate cultural moments — from hunting demonstrations to intricate beadwork — while respecting community customs.
Explore the lake shores for birds such as African jacana, black crake, hornbills, and sunbirds, and spot wildlife including lesser kudu, klipspringer, generuk, and warthogs. Overnight at a comfortable camp near Lake Eyasi, where you can enjoy stargazing under the clear African skies.
Overnight: Lake Eyasi Camp | Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6: Lake Eyasi → Ngorongoro Highlands
After breakfast, drive through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands, stopping at Gibb’s Farm for birdwatching in a verdant landscape. Species such as Schalow’s turaco, golden-winged sunbird, and African paradise flycatcher are abundant here.
Arrive at your lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, offering breathtaking views of the crater below. Take the afternoon to relax and photograph the landscape at sunset, capturing the dramatic contrasts between crater walls, forests, and grasslands.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Wild Camp / Crater Rim Lodge | Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater – Full Day Exploration
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the day on a photography-focused safari, spotting the Big Five — lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and black rhinos — alongside abundant plains game.
Bird enthusiasts will be captivated by species such as ostrich, kori bustard, Egyptian vulture, and augur buzzard. Your guide will highlight natural behavior and help frame shots for dramatic, memorable images. Afternoon visits include Olduvai Gorge, Maasai villages, and Empakai Crater, providing both cultural and geological perspectives.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Wild Camp / Crater Rim Lodge | Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 8: Ngorongoro → Ndutu (Southern Serengeti Calving Grounds)
After an early breakfast, depart for the Ndutu region of the Southern Serengeti, one of the most iconic wildlife photography destinations in Africa. The plains here are famous for the wildebeest calving season, which occurs from December to March, attracting a concentration of predators.
Along the way, keep your camera ready for zebras, impalas, and elephants, as well as a variety of bird species including Secretary birds, lilac-breasted rollers, and rufous-tailed weavers. Arrive at your luxury tented camp in Ndutu in time for lunch, then embark on your first sunset game drive, capturing the plains in golden light.
Overnight: Sero Tented Camp, Ndutu | Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 9: Ndutu – Wildebeest Calving & Migration Photography
Spend a full day exploring Ndutu’s calving plains, a photographer’s dream. Witness newborn wildebeests taking their first steps, predators in action, and dramatic interactions between lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
Birders can focus on Verreaux’s eagle, tawny eagle, Fischer’s lovebird, helmeted guineafowl, and numerous migratory species. Your guide will assist in framing shots for action photography, ensuring you capture both the scale of the herds and intimate wildlife moments.
This area also demonstrates seasonal changes in the Great Migration:
Dec–Mar: Calving in Southern Serengeti/Ndutu
Apr–May: Migration moves northwest toward the Western Corridor
Jun–Jul: Grumeti River crossings
Jul–Sep: Mara River crossings, peak dramatic encounters
Oct–Nov: Herds return south
Overnight: Sero Tented Camp, Ndutu | Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 10: Serengeti – Central Seronera Game Drives
Depart for the Central Serengeti (Seronera), a region renowned for lion and leopard populations and diverse wildlife. Spend the day on full-day game drives, photographing predators stalking prey, elephants roaming the plains, and the iconic Serengeti landscape.
Golden-hour photography is optimal along the Seronera River, where herds congregate and dramatic light enhances wildlife shots. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, keeping you immersed in nature throughout the day.
Overnight: Serengeti Safari Lodge | Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 11: Serengeti – Extended Photography Safari
Today, you continue in the Seronera and northern Serengeti areas, focusing on capturing the nuances of wildlife behavior and the ever-changing landscape. Early morning and late afternoon drives provide the best lighting for photography.
Birdwatchers can observe ground hornbills, kori bustards, and lilac-breasted rollers, while mammals such as cheetahs, hyenas, and impalas offer action shots. Sunset over the endless plains provides a dramatic backdrop for evening photography.
Overnight: Serengeti Safari Lodge | Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 12: Serengeti → Lake Natron – Remote Alkaline Landscapes
After breakfast, travel to Lake Natron, a remote and lesser-visited area in northern Tanzania. The lake’s highly alkaline waters and red hues, caused by salt-loving microorganisms, create one of Africa’s most unique landscapes.
Birders can witness massive flamingo colonies, avocets, chestnut-banded plovers, and sandpipers, while the stark landscape offers dramatic photographic opportunities. Your lodge sits within stunning views of volcanic cliffs and the Shompole Hills, providing serene sunset scenes.
Overnight: Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge, Lake Natron | Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 13: Lake Natron – Birding, Waterfalls & Maasai Culture
Spend the day exploring the lake shore and nearby waterfalls. The area is a haven for bird photography, featuring flamingo colonies, pratincoles, and other waterbirds.
Optionally, visit local Maasai communities, capturing traditional attire, rituals, and daily life respectfully. The evening is free to relax at the lodge, reflecting on the unique landscapes and vibrant wildlife encounters of the day.
Overnight: Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge, Lake Natron | Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 14: Lake Natron → Arusha – Scenic Drive & City Tour
After breakfast, depart for Arusha via scenic routes with birding and wildlife stops along the way. Arrive in Arusha in the afternoon for an optional city tour, museum visit, or shopping.
Evening at leisure at Greenside Hotel, enjoying your final dinner in Tanzania and reviewing the extraordinary wildlife, birding, and cultural experiences of your safari.
Overnight: Greenside Hotel, Arusha | Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 15: Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey. Depart with a portfolio of unforgettable wildlife photographs, birding memories, and cultural experiences.