My recent 9-day Tanzania Wildlife Safari was the adventure of a lifetime,There’s something magical about Tanzania—the vast savannas, the golden sunsets, and the thrill of spotting a lion on the prowl. Last year, I embarked on a 9-day wildlife safari that took me through Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. Here’s how my adventure unfolded.

Safari Highlights

• Game drives in four top national parks in Tanzania
  
• Visit to a traditional Maasai village
  
• Chance to see the Big Five and Great Migration (seasonal)
  
• Scenic landscapes including crater floors, baobab forests, and open plains

 Itinerary

• Day 1: Transfer from Arusha to Lake Manyara
• Day 2: Full-day game viewing in Lake Manyara
• Day 3: Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
• Day 4: Full-day game viewing in Ngorongoro
• Day 5: Transfer to Serengeti National Park
• Day 6 & 7: Full-day game viewing in Serengeti
• Day 8: Transfer to Tarangire National Park
• Day 9: Transfer back to Arusha

Day 1: Arrival & First Game Drive in Lake Manyara

After a quick breakfast in Arusha, my guide, Musa, greeted me with a warm smile and a well-packed Land Cruiser.Start your Tanzania wildlife safari with a scenic drive from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park was scenic, with small villages and rolling hills passing by.By midday, we arrived at the park.

What amazed me most:

• The pink flamingos covering the lake’s edge like a living carpet
• Giraffes moving gracefully through the acacia trees
• A family of hippos grunting in a muddy pool

That night at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, I fell asleep to the sounds of the bush – my first magical night in the wild.

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Lake Manyara

Enjoy a full-day Lake Manyara safari,Waking up to the chatter of birds, I knew this day would be special. We spent hours watching elephants splashing in the marshes and baboons playfully grooming each other. The highlight? A leopard lounging on a tree branch, barely noticing our awestruck gazes.At lunch, we parked near the lake, where thousands of flamingos created a surreal pink haze. John, my guide, shared stories of his encounters with lions here—some so close he could hear them breathing.

Day 3: Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over 25,000 large animals. After lunch, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a short afternoon game drive.
We descended into the crater, and within minutes, we spotted a pride of lions napping under an acacia tree. Then, the rarest sight—a black rhino, one of only a few left in the wild. That

evening, at Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge, I sipped coffee on the balcony, watching the sunset paint the crater in golden hues.

• Lions napping after a meal
• My first ever black rhino sighting (so rare!)

Hyenas playfully wrestling near our vehicle

Day 4: The Ultimate Wildlife Spectacle

We woke before dawn for a full-day game drive Ngorongoro Crater safari. The crater floor was alive—hyenas scavenging, wildebeests migrating, and cheetahs stalking their prey.

At a picnic site near a hippo pool, I watched a massive bull elephant cross just meters away—my heart pounding in excitement. By dusk, we had seen all of the Big Five, a rare and thrilling achievement.

Day 5: Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, visit a Maasai village for a cultural experience including traditional songs, dances, and local foods. Then drive to Serengeti National Park, arriving in the evening. This marks the start of your Serengeti safari tour.

That night, at Safari Lodge, I sat by the fire, listening to the distant roar of a lion—pure magic.

Day 6 & 7: Full-Day Game Viewing in Serengeti

Spend two days exploring the iconic Serengeti. Start with early morning game drives to spot nocturnal predators like leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs. Afternoon drives offer sightings of elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and more. Bird lovers can spot species like kori bustards, secretary birds, and crowned cranes.

Two full days in the Serengeti brought unforgettable moments:

• Witnessed a cheetah hunt (heart-pounding!)
• Saw a leopard drag its kill up a tree
• Marveled at the Great Migration – Thousands of wildebeests marching in columns endless columns of wildebeest
• Heard a male lion’s roar echo across the plains at sunset

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, a male lion’s roar echoed across the plains—a sound I’ll never forget.

Day 8: Serengeti to Tarangire National Park (Giants & Baobabs)

Driving to Tarangire National Park,Tarangire was a surprise favorite. The landscape, filled with ancient baobabs, felt prehistoric. We saw hundreds of elephants, some so close I could hear them rumbling.

At sunset, a tree-climbing lion lounged lazily on a branch, indifferent to our cameras.

• Hundreds of elephants (some so close I could hear them breathe)
• Ancient baobab trees looking like something from a storybook
• Tree-climbing lions lounging in acacias

Day 9: Farewell to the Wild

On the final morning, we took one last game drive before heading back to Arusha. As we drove away, I realized how deeply this journey had touched me—the rawness of nature, the thrill of the unknown, and the kindness of the people.

Next to Zanzibar,

Final Thoughts

This 9-day Tanzania safari wasn’t just a trip—it was a soul-stirring adventure. If you’re dreaming of the wild, go. The lions, the landscapes, and the lifelong memories are waiting.

Have you been on a safari? Share your favorite moment in the comments!

Safari Details

• Best Time to Go: June-October (Great Migration)
• Accommodation: Mix of luxury lodges & cozy camps
• Must-Pack: Binoculars, a good camera, and a sense of wonder!

Ready to book your own adventure? Let’s make it happen!