This concise 3-day Tanzania safari offers participants a quick yet rich exploration of two of Tanzania’s most renowned national parks, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and cultural insights.
Duration: 3 Days
Places to Visit: Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Distance: 120km/2-3hrs drive
Begin the day in Arusha, a city of approximately 400,000 people and the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Arusha is known for its proximity to Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth-highest mountain at 4,566 meters.
Depart for Tarangire National Park, Tanzania’s sixth-largest national park covering 2,850 square kilometers. The park is named after the Tarangire River that flows through it, providing a vital water source for wildlife during the dry season.
En route, pass through Maasai villages, observing traditional bomas (homesteads) and herding practices. The Maasai in this region have maintained many of their customs while adapting to modern influences.
Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive in Tarangire. The park is renowned for its large elephant population and impressive baobab trees, some of which are believed to be over 1,000 years old.
In the evening, learn about the Datoga people, a pastoralist tribe inhabiting areas near Tarangire. The Datoga are known for their skilled blacksmithing and distinctive facial tattoos.
Accommodation: Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Day 2: Tarangire – Serengeti National Park
Distance: 280km/5-6hrs drive
After a morning game drive in Tarangire, depart for Serengeti National Park. The journey takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stop at Olduvai Gorge, often called the “Cradle of Mankind.” This archaeological site has yielded some of the oldest hominid fossils ever found, dating back 1.9 million years. The on-site museum provides insights into human evolution and the Leakeys’ groundbreaking work.
Enter Serengeti National Park in the late afternoon. The Serengeti ecosystem covers 30,000 square kilometers and hosts the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world.
Enjoy an evening game drive, focusing on the park’s rich biodiversity. The Serengeti is home to over 500 bird species and 70 large mammal species.
Learn about the Maasai people’s traditional relationship with the Serengeti ecosystem. The name “Serengeti” comes from the Maasai word “siringet,” meaning “endless plains.”
Accommodation: Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Day 3: Serengeti National Park – Arusha
Distance: 335km/6-7hrs drive (or 1-hour flight, optional)
Start the day with an early morning game drive in the Serengeti. This is an optimal time to observe predators and witness the park coming to life as the sun rises.
Visit the Serengeti Visitor Center to learn about the park’s ecology, wildlife, and conservation efforts. The center provides information on the Serengeti ecosystem’s delicate balance and the challenges of preserving it.
If time allows, stop at a local school supported by tourism to understand educational initiatives in rural Tanzania. These visits offer insights into the positive impact of responsible tourism on local communities.
Depart for Arusha in the late morning. The return journey offers final views of the Tanzanian landscape and rural life.
Alternatively, participants may opt for a scenic flight from Serengeti to Arusha (at additional cost), reducing travel time and providing an aerial perspective of the landscape.
Upon arrival in Arusha, visit the Maasai Market for last-minute souvenir shopping. This market showcases a variety of traditional crafts, including beadwork, wood carvings, and textiles.
End the safari with a visit to the Cultural Heritage Centre, which houses a vast collection of African art and provides insights into Tanzania’s diverse cultural heritage.
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha accommodations, concluding the safari.