Day 1: Airport – Arusha
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Soon after clearing all the immigration procedures at the airport, meet the Brown Parrot Safaris driver-guide and transfer to the hotel in Arusha town, about a 50-minute drive. Stay overnight at Green Mountain Lodge.
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
Just after breakfast, leave Arusha for Tarangire National Park. Tarangire National Park is famous for its marvelous baobab trees, rolling savannah, and acacia woodland. See the Tarangire River which crosses the park and is essential to the flora and fauna of the park. Have lunch at the picnic site inside the park, then continue with the game drive until sundown. Stay overnight at Osupuko Tarangire Lodge.
Day 3: Tarangire National Park
Another beautiful day in Tarangire National Park. As most of this part of the country is dry, the Tarangire River remains the only source of water and consequently attracts large numbers of wildebeests, elephants, gazelles, zebras, hartebeests, buffaloes, and various predators like lions that come to drink and graze along the riverbanks.
Day 4: Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, Brown Parrot Safaris will take you to the central area of Serengeti National Park known as Seronera. Due to its unique ecosystem, Seronera supports a greater diversity of wildlife than anywhere else in the Serengeti. The large number of prey also attracts the highest population of predators. This is certainly one of the best places in Africa to spot large predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. You can see elephants, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and many other species on any given day. In the afternoon, drive to your accommodation at Thorn Tree Tented Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Serengeti National Park
Another beautiful day in the park. Brown Parrot Safaris will take you to explore more of the wide central region of the park. This is one of the richest wildlife spots in the park, where you may see big cats such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards, and herds of elephants. Also, the Great Wildebeest Migration passes through this area twice each year — in July/August and September/October. Listen to the rumble of millions of mammals across the plains in search of fresh grass and water. Later in the afternoon, arrive at the selected lodge for dinner and overnight stay at Thorn Tree Tented Camp.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater
Early in the morning, with a packed lunch, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater floor for a crater tour where you will have a chance to see all the Big Five land mammals and other wildlife. Enjoy a late breakfast by the hippo pool in the crater floor, then continue with the game drive until noon. Have lunch at a picnic site in the crater floor, then continue exploring until later in the afternoon when Brown Parrot Safaris will drive you up to Eyasi Safari Lodge in the Lake Eyasi area.
Day 7: Lake Eyasi
Spend time with the Hadzabe tribe and go for a hunt and a gathering. These are the Bushmen who live here by hunting with bows and arrows and collecting wild berries and fruits. They are the last heirs of the ancestors who took their first steps here along the Rift Valley about two hundred thousand years ago.
You can also visit the Datoga tribe. This tribe forges copper and aluminum into bracelets, knives, and other tools. They also trade these products with the Hadzabe. Stay overnight at Eileens Trees Inn Lodge.
Day 8: Lake Manyara National Park
On the floor of the Great Rift Valley lies Lake Manyara National Park. The rift valley escarpment wall gives the park a spectacular view. Famous for its tree-climbing lions, the park's underground water forest supports many forms of life, especially primates. Hot water springs are one of the rare geological features here, giving visitors the opportunity to explore. The springs are seventy degrees — warm enough to boil an egg!
For birdwatchers, the park is a paradise with more than three hundred fifty species of birds identified. More than two million flamingoes have been counted in the lake at the same time. An opportunity to walk on the canopy is also available, offering a bird’s-eye view of the groundwater forest. Stay at Eileens Trees Inn Lodge.
Day 9: Mto wa Mbu – Local activities
Village walks: Get an inside look at the homes and exquisite craft of Mto wa Mbu’s many tribes. Visitors will get a chance to meet locals and learn about banana beer, Makonde woodcarvings, and tribal painting techniques. The village provides a great introduction to everyday life in Africa.
Farm tour: See the innovative farming practices of Mto wa Mbu villagers and learn about the irrigation system that sustains local crops, including the thirty-two varieties of bananas.
Lunch at Mama’s: Enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal in a local mom’s home. Over lunch, your guide will provide a history of the region and stories about the local tribes. Stay at Green Mountain Hotel.
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, or at any other time depending on your flight schedule, Brown Parrot Safaris will drop you off at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back home.
It is a great time to view Mount Kilimanjaro on the way to the airport if the sky is clear. Brown Parrot Safaris wishes you all the best on your flight back home. Please don’t hesitate to let Brown Parrot Safaris know once you have arrived safely. Brown Parrot Safaris looks forward to seeing you again with your family and friends.
End of safari in Tanzania!