10-Day Tanzania Self-Drive Safari Itinerary
From your arrival in Tanzania to the final return to Arusha, experience a carefully planned journey through Northern Tanzania.
01
Arrival in Tanzania → Airport to Arusha
Arrive in Tanzania and meet your transfer representative at the airport. You will be transferred to your hotel in Arusha where you can relax after your international journey. If your arrival time allows, you can receive a briefing about your self-drive safari and prepare for the adventure ahead. The first day is intentionally relaxed so you can start the safari refreshed the following morning.
02
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, collect your 4x4 safari vehicle and begin your Tanzania self-drive adventure. Drive from Arusha toward Tarangire National Park and enter the park for your first game drive. Tarangire is famous for its large elephant populations, ancient baobab trees and beautiful wildlife landscapes. Enjoy an afternoon of game viewing before heading to your campsite or accommodation for the night.
03
Tarangire to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast, leave Tarangire and continue toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy the changing scenery as you travel through the highlands and rural landscapes of Northern Tanzania. Arrive around the Ngorongoro Highlands and settle into your accommodation or campsite. Prepare for the following day's spectacular crater experience.
04
Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti
Today you experience one of Tanzania's most spectacular wildlife destinations. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive and enjoy the opportunity to see wildlife within this incredible natural environment. After the crater experience, continue through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area toward Serengeti National Park. Enter the Serengeti and settle into your accommodation or campsite for the night.
05
Full Day in Serengeti National Park
Wake up in the Serengeti and enjoy your first full day of self-drive game viewing. With no major transfer planned today, you have the freedom to explore the park at your own pace. Spend the day searching for lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and other wildlife while enjoying the vast landscapes of the Serengeti.
06
Second Full Day in Serengeti
Enjoy another full day exploring the Serengeti. Having two complete days in the park gives you more flexibility to explore different areas, follow wildlife activity and spend more time enjoying the safari experience. Your route can be adjusted according to the season, wildlife movements and your interests. Enjoy another night surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
07
Serengeti to Lake Natron
Enjoy a morning game drive before beginning your journey toward Lake Natron. As you leave the Serengeti, the scenery changes dramatically as you travel toward the Great Rift Valley and the volcanic landscapes surrounding Lake Natron. This is one of the more adventurous parts of the itinerary, taking you beyond the classic Northern Tanzania safari circuit. Arrive at Lake Natron and settle into your accommodation or campsite.
08
Full Day Exploring Lake Natron
Today is dedicated entirely to discovering the unique Lake Natron area. Explore the spectacular volcanic landscapes surrounding the lake and experience a completely different side of Tanzania beyond the traditional wildlife safari route. Depending on local conditions and your chosen activities, you may explore the lake surroundings, visit waterfalls, take part in a guided walking experience or enjoy views of the surrounding volcanic landscape. Lake Natron is also well known for its importance as a breeding area for lesser flamingos.
09
Lake Natron to Mto wa Mbu
After breakfast, enjoy some final time around Lake Natron before beginning your journey toward Mto wa Mbu. The route takes you back toward the main Northern Tanzania safari circuit. Once you arrive in Mto wa Mbu, settle into your accommodation or campsite and relax after the journey. Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy an optional cultural experience or simply rest before the final drive to Arusha.
10
Mto wa Mbu to Arusha
After breakfast, begin your final journey back to Arusha. Because you spent the previous night in Mto wa Mbu, the final drive is more relaxed than traveling directly from Lake Natron or the Serengeti to Arusha. Depending on your departure schedule, you may have time for a relaxed morning before returning your 4x4 safari vehicle. Arrive in Arusha and continue with your onward journey, airport transfer or additional accommodation.
