Itinerary summary
- Day 1: Arrival at JRO – Welcome to Tanzania
- Day 2: Napuru water Falls Tour & Drive to Tarangire NP
- Day 3: Tarangire National Park – Deeper into the Wilderness
- Day 4: Lake Manyara National Park – Beauty and Tree-Climbing Lions
- Day 5: En Route to Serengeti – Into the Heart of the Wilderness
- Day 6: Christmas in the Serengeti – Full-Day Game Drive & Champagne Celebration
- Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater – Into the Heart of an Ancient Caldera
- Day 8: Farewell to the Wild – Cultural Encounters & Zanzibar Extension
Explore the Safari Route
The Price Includes
- All Park Fees
- Domestic Flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
- All meals and accommodations during the entire tour
- A high-quality Safari land cruiser with pop up roof
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Highly experienced Safari guide (who speaks good English & Spanish)
- Unlimited mineral water on Safari
- All government taxes
- AMREF Flying doctor’s emergency rescue
The Price Excludes
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Visa
- Gratuities
- Drinks at the lodges
- Any other things not mentioned in the itinerary
Day by day Description
(22nd December 2025) Day 1: Arrival at JRO – Welcome to Tanzania
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by your personal guide and transferred to your lodge in Arusha, nestled at the foot of Mount Meru. If skies are clear, you may even catch a glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro rising in the distance. Along the way, feel free to stop and take in the vibrant scenery—your adventure has already begun. Once at the lodge, unwind in the tranquil surroundings or explore the gardens. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the journey ahead, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the days to come.
(23rd December 2025) Day 2: Napuru water Falls Tour & Drive to Tarangire NP
After breakfast, begin your day with a refreshing walk to the Napuru Waterfalls, located just outside Arusha. Surrounded by lush greenery and views of Mount Meru, this gentle hike offers a peaceful start to your adventure. After the excursion, set off on a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its giant baobab trees, open savannahs, and the highest density of elephants in northern Tanzania. Wildlife thrives here, especially around the Tarangire River, drawing herds of zebra, buffalo, giraffe, and predators like lions and leopards. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive before heading to your lodge, where you’ll unwind with dinner and the sounds of the wild.
(24th December 2025) Day 3: Tarangire National Park – Deeper into the Wilderness
After breakfast, continue your exploration of Tarangire with another full-day game drive. Today, you’ll venture into less-traveled areas of the park to seek out more wildlife and enjoy the peacefulness of the bush. The park is also home to over 500 bird species, making it a birder’s paradise. Your guide will share insights about the park’s ecology, traditional uses of native plants, and animal behavior. As the sun sets, return to the lodge for dinner and enjoy a quiet evening by the campfire, listening to the distant calls of nocturnal animals.
(25th December 2025) Day 4: Lake Manyara National Park – Beauty and Tree-Climbing Lions
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a lush sanctuary nestled beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Explore its varied landscapes, from dense forest to open plains and a shimmering lake often fringed with flamingos. Watch for elephants, baboons, hippos, and the rare tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees. Enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch surrounded by nature, followed by a unique treetop walk on the Canopy Walkway. Later, continue to Karatu for dinner and a restful night at your lodge.
Overnight: Maasailand Coffee Lodge
(26th December 2025) Day 5: En Route to Serengeti – Into the Heart of the Wilderness
After breakfast, begin your scenic drive toward the Serengeti, passing through the misty Ngorongoro highlands where wildlife sightings—like elephants and buffalo—can surprise you at every turn. This enroute game drive is more than a transfer—it’s an unfolding safari as you descend into the legendary Serengeti plains. Along the way, keep an eye out for zebra, wildebeest, and perhaps even the first signs of big cats on the move. You’ll arrive at camp in time to settle in and enjoy a delicious dinner under canvas. Later, gather by the fire for storytelling and stargazing—a tranquil evening ahead of tomorrow’s Christmas adventure.
(27th December 2025) Day 6: Christmas in the Serengeti – Full-Day Game Drive & Champagne Celebration
After breakfast, set off for a full-day safari adventure across the iconic plains of Serengeti National Park, where December brings vibrant wildlife activity and predator action at its peak. From early morning, you’ll track lions, leopards, elephants, and cheetahs in their natural rhythm—exploring riverbanks, rocky kopjes, and sweeping savannahs. At midday, pause for a special Christmas celebration: a champagne bush party surrounded by the sounds and sights of the wild—a safari memory to last a lifetime. The magic continues into the evening as you return to camp for dinner, followed by stargazing and storytelling by the campfire. Spending Christmas under the Serengeti sky is an unforgettable way to celebrate life, nature, and the spirit of adventure.
(28th December 2025) Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater – Into the Heart of an Ancient Caldera
After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most astonishing wildlife havens. This vast volcanic bowl is home to an incredible diversity of animals—from endangered black rhinos and lions to elephants, zebras, and flocks of flamingos on the lake’s edge. With luck, you may even spot all of the Big Five in a single day. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch beside a hippo pool before ascending the crater walls. Return to your lodge in Karatu for a warm dinner and a relaxed evening reflecting on this natural wonder.
Overnight: Maasailand Coffee Lodge
(29th December 2025) Day 8: Farewell to the Wild – Cultural Encounters & Zanzibar Extension
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Arusha, soaking in the last views of Northern Tanzania. On the way, visit a local school and the inspiring Shanga social enterprise—an uplifting experience that connects you with Tanzania’s people and spirit. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Arusha Coffee Lodge before your transfer to the airport. Depending on your plans, you’ll fly home or continue the adventure with a Zanzibar beach escape. As your safari ends, carry with your memories of wild wonders, warm hearts, and a Christmas unlike any other.
