Tanzania · Route map
Tanzania's Wild Rivers and Great Plains
This balanced luxury journey pairs the quiet, local secret of Tarangire with the iconic, high-stakes drama of the Great Migration in the northern Serengeti.
- 1
Arusha
1 night
A lush estate to shake off jet lag
- 2
Tarangire National Park
2 nights
Giant baobabs, massive elephant herds, quiet tracks
- 3
Ngorongoro Crater
2 nights
An ancient caldera teeming with dense wildlife
- 4
Kogatende
4 nights
Northern Serengeti Mara River crossing points
- ✦4 stops · 9 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Arrival in the Safari Capital
Arrive into Kilimanjaro International Airport
Flight · Morning · Kilimanjaro
Land at JRO airport.
Private transfer to Arusha
Transfer · Afternoon · Arusha
One-hour drive through coffee plantations to your lodge.
Keep an eye out for clear afternoon views of Mount Meru.
Overnight in Arusha
Accommodation · Evening · Arusha
Legendary Lodge offers ultimate privacy amidst lush colonial-style coffee gardens.
Through the Rift Valley
Private drive to Tarangire National Park
Transfer · Morning · Tarangire
A scenic three-hour drive south into elephant country.
Afternoon game drive among giant baobabs
Excursion · Afternoon · Tarangire
Head towards the Tarangire River where herds gather to drink in the dry August heat.
Overnight in Tarangire
Accommodation · Evening · Tarangire
Oliver's Camp places you deep in the park's quiet southeast sector away from crowds.
Giant Herds and Walking Safaris
Morning walking safari with armed ranger
Excursion · Morning · Tarangire
August is peak dry season, ideal for tracking wildlife on foot along dry riverbeds.
Late afternoon drive to Silale Swamp
Excursion · Afternoon · Tarangire
Silale acts as a giant green sponge, attracting hundreds of elephants at sunset.
Overnight in Tarangire
Accommodation · Evening · Tarangire
Ascending the Ngorongoro Highlands
Private road transfer to Ngorongoro crater rim
Transfer · Morning · Ngorongoro Highlands
A three-hour drive climbing out of the Rift Valley.
Empakaai Crater hike with Maasai guide
Excursion · Afternoon · Ngorongoro Highlands
This emerald volcanic lake is home to thousands of pink flamingos and feels blissfully wild.
Overnight in Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Accommodation · Evening · Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Entamanu Ngorongoro offers wild, wind-swept views of both the Crater and the Serengeti plains.
The Cradle of Wildlife
Early morning Ngorongoro Crater floor game drive
Excursion · Morning · Ngorongoro Crater
Descend at 6:00 AM sharp to catch black rhinos moving before the midday heat.
Quiet afternoon at the highland lodge
At leisure · Afternoon · Ngorongoro Highlands
Sip hot spiced tea by the fireplace as the evening mist rolls over the crater.
Overnight in Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Accommodation · Evening · Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Flight to Migration Ground Zero
Drive to Manyara Airstrip
Transfer · Morning · Lake Manyara
A scenic one-hour drive down the highland slopes.
Bush flight from Manyara to Kogatende
Flight · Morning · Northern Serengeti
Fly over the Serengeti plains directly to the north.
Welcome game drive along the Mara River
Excursion · Afternoon · Kogatende
Keep your eyes on the riverbanks to scout the massive crocodile population.
Overnight in Kogatende
Accommodation · Evening · Kogatende
Sayari Camp puts you minutes from the river crossings in total luxury.
Chasing the Mara River Crossings
Full-day tracking the Great Migration herds
Excursion · Morning · Kogatende
Patience is key; wait quietly under a acacia tree for the wildebeest to gather courage.
Bush sundowners overlooking the Serengeti plains
At leisure · Afternoon · Kogatende
Ask your guide for a local safari gin and tonic as the sun dips low.
Overnight in Kogatende
Accommodation · Evening · Kogatende
The Quiet Northern Kopjes
Morning exploration of the Kogakuria Kopjes
Excursion · Morning · Kogatende
These colossal granite boulders are prime territory for spotting elusive leopards.
Afternoon walking safari in the northern wilderness
Excursion · Afternoon · Kogatende
Only a few camps have walking rights here; it is incredibly remote and peaceful.
Overnight in Kogatende
Accommodation · Evening · Kogatende
Serengeti from Above
Dawn hot air balloon safari over the river
Excursion · Morning · Kogatende
Drifting silently over thousands of migrating animals is worth the early wake-up call.
Final evening game drive along the border
Excursion · Afternoon · Kogatende
Drive near the Kenya border where the plains open up into the Masai Mara.
Overnight in Kogatende
Accommodation · Evening · Kogatende
Farewell to the Bush
Fly from Kogatende to Kilimanjaro
Flight · Morning · Kilimanjaro
Direct scenic bush flight back to the international airport.
Depart Kilimanjaro International Airport
Flight · Afternoon · Kilimanjaro
Connect to your international departure flight.
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